Trip reports
Coquet Valley
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Members met at a car park just outside of Rothbury, overlooking the River Coquet. Whilst waiting for everyone to arrive members saw a Mute Swan gliding gracefully on the river. In contrast to this graceful bird was the hectic activity of the smaller birds such as Great Tits, Pied Wagtails, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Robin. Jackdaw and Mistle Thrush were also seen at this location, as were Orange Tip butterflies. Once everyone had assembled, off we set in convoy toward Harbottle.
Harbottle woods are Forestry Commission managed but a path leads up onto open land above the wood and this land is managed by Northumberland Wildlife Trust. The path was a gradual climb through the woods and some members preferred to stay in the wood on more level ground. Those of us who climbed the path kept a sharp eye open hoping to see Crossbills as this was ideal habitat. Alas this was not to be. None were seen. There's always another day. The path leaves the wood and comes out into open moorland. The path climbs steadily up the Harbottle hills to our ultimate goal of Drake Stone, which is really an outcrop of rocks. Whilst climbing this route we got a good view of a Willow Warbler calling from a perch high in a tree. A Wren was also heard calling. Drake Stone is sandstone and of interest are the patterns which are carved into the rocks left as the ice retreated from this area. From this vantage point we had splendid views right down the Coquet Valley, made all the better by the beautiful weather. But time stands still for no man and all too soon we had to move back down the hill. What a treat though! On the way down we had a very good view of a Whitethroat posing in a Rowan tree just for us. We also saw Meadow Pipit, Wood Pigeon and heard a Chiffchaff calling.
The members who stayed on the level were rewarded with sightings of Pied Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tits, Wren and Chiffchaff. All this makes a body hungry. Time for lunch.
Now hold tight dear readers because I am taking you on a roller coaster ride which was an afternoon of excellent birding. At the car park in Alwinton and in the village itself we saw a number of birds: Linnet, Starling, House Sparrow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Black-headed Gull, Reed Bunting, Pied Wagtail, Great Black-backed Gull, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Song Thrush and Swallow.
Most members chose to go as a group on a walk of about 7 miles which went out onto the higher moors, crossed the moors and returned by way of the valley bottom, following the course of the river Alwin. We set out on a track known as Clennel Street. This has existed for hundreds if not thousands of years as a means of getting from Scotland to England. It has been used as a drove road, for smuggling and by the notorious Border Reivers. Part way up this track we stopped to check the route and whilst waiting a small Tortoiseshell butterfly was seen sunning itself on a rock. (Yes the sun is STILL shining folks) The sun must have been warm because we also saw a Peacock butterfly. The route started off rather steeply but once we got the hard bit over we left Clennel Street and headed across the moors to see Crows and Rooks flying overhead. We could hear a Skylark singing overhead, but were unable to see it. A Curlew was also heard but again could not be seen. Quite suddenly, whilst most people were looking the other way, a shout went up of "Heron". There below us in the valley, flying over the Alwin was a magnificent Grey Heron. Not satisfied with that but at this point the Skylark rose giving us a good view and a symphony of sound as well. As we continued over the moors, the path began to descend gradually and rabbits were seen hopping about the moors. Then a Buzzard appeared being harried by a Kestrel who made it plain he wanted the Buzzard out of his territory. Great stuff this and the sun is STILL shining.
Once down in the valley bottom we were faced with Kidling Forest. Here in the trees we saw two Song Thrushes, Goldfinches and a Blackcap. After all this excitement it was time for a sit down by the river when a Common Sandpiper shot past us flying downstream. We followed downstream to a bridge where we saw Whinchat, Pied Wagtail and distant sight of Wheatear. Only a few yards further on we were in for a treat. Male and female Wheatear in view together, close up for some time. I don't think we will get a better view of this bird than we had there. Onward to the next bridge where we had a very good view of a Dipper and Common Sandpiper flying up river. We also had views of the Buzzard again. As we continued down the valley we had very good close views of male and female Stonechats perched on some electricity wires. We also saw an Oystercatcher flying high and calling. On the way back down the lane into Alwinton we saw Blue Tits and Collared Dove.
Upon speaking to members who had not done the walk they had also seen Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail and House Martin.
On the journey home we saw Red-legged Partridge and Lapwing and yes the sun was STILL shining. A good day's birding was had by all.
Malcolm Drummond
Bird List:
Grey Heron
Mute Swan
Mallard
Common Buzzard
Kestrel
Pheasant
Red Legged Partridge
Oystercatcher
Lapwing
Common Sandpiper
Curlew
B H Gull
G B B Gull
Wood Pigeon
Feral Pigeon
Collared Dove
Swift
Skylark
Sand Martin
House Martin
Swallow
Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Wren
Dipper
Dunnock
Robin
Wheatear
Whinchat
Stonechat
Song Thrush
Mistle Thrush
Blackbird
Blackcap
Whitethroat
Willow Warbler
Chiffchaff
Pied Flycatcher
Great Tit
Blue tit
Long Tailed Tit
Magpie
Rook
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Linnet
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Reed Bunting
53 in total