I've never liked the competetive feeling this type of thing brings about so I've never bothered. Lately though I've been discussing it. The thing I do like is patch birding, or patch watching and recording what a patch can turn up.
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| Oystercatchers |
I've decided to keep a list this year, (like many, if not all, years previously) of birds for a start, on 'my' patch. I think the fact I'm keeping a list will mean that I will make a point of thinking about the area each month and therefore visiting and recording.
Thats the plan anyway, hardly a new concept for proper birders and recorders but lets see if I can keep this up for 12 months.
Rutters Way this year will be The Coquet Estuary, from The Harbour north to Birling Carrs with the main A1068 the western boundary.
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| Looking north from Warkworth Picnic Site to Birling |
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| Old Water Pools |
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| Track of the Day, between shore and dunes walking north |
I've had two decent visits this month and 43 species were recored on the 1st, today I have been out and my total for the year is now 58. Kingfisher and Little Egret the highlights although I did punch the air when I got my eye on my first Dunnock and quickly looked around to see if anyone was looking.
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| Really sad sight, dead Whooper Swan |
I've always thought that patch had loads of potential John, I've tried nagging AG to take it up, but he never has. I bet you'll turn up some good birds, those trees and bushes around the picnic site look good for the autumn. Does your patch include the rushy field down the bridleway from the A1068? We've had jack snipe and SEO's in there.
ReplyDeleteYeah Iain, it is a great patch and I hope I can do it justice. Already frustrated though, not been out since this post, working, short days etc etc. The boundary to the north is Birling Carrs, just south of that area you mention, that is a great spot, you are right, as is the strip north to the Aln.. lots to go at..
ReplyDeleteI always start out with a patch list but by mid February I've lost interest. I have got a Stobswood plant list though.
ReplyDeleteThats the usual way of it Nigel... I'm going to attempt some of the plants on my patch too so keep an eye on me and feel free to wade in with corrections..
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ReplyDeleteHi John,
ReplyDeleteIt's Keith of C2C fame.
Not sure what you're knowledge of bees is, but I have a question.
Have you ever heard of bees and wasps sharing the same home?
I have a blue tit type nestbox in my garden which I noticed that bees were going in and out. I inspected it today, and to my surprise there is a fully active wasps nest attached to the roof, with a bees nest in the base.
I've never heard of this before, and thought bees and wasps were sworn enemies!
Hope you've recovered from the C2C, I wish I lived in a bungalow, the stairs are hell!
Cheers
Keith
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteIt's Keith of C2C fame.
Not sure what you're knowledge of bees is, but I have a question.
Have you ever heard of bees and wasps sharing the same home?
I have a blue tit type nestbox in my garden which I noticed that bees were going in and out. I inspected it today, and to my surprise there is a fully active wasps nest attached to the roof, with a bees nest in the base.
I've never heard of this before, and thought bees and wasps were sworn enemies!
Hope you've recovered from the C2C, I wish I lived in a bungalow, the stairs are hell!
Cheers
Keith