Trip reports

Fieldtrip - Holy Island

Saturday, 18 October 2008

Graham gave a brief introduction to the fieldtrip shortly before we set off for Holy Island, at 8:45. At this time of the day, it was dark and overcast. Whilst on the journey, we noticed that there were westerly winds, which told us that we would be unlikely to see many flocks of passing migrants. From the coach some members had good views of Pheasant, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw and Magpie along with four Roe Deer which were spotted shortly before we reached the island.
On arrival at the island at 10am, we had the pleasure of being joined by Ian Kerr, who had given an interesting talk to the group, relating to the birds of Holy Island, at our most recent Indoor Meeting. Ian possibly knows more about the flora and fauna of the island than anyone else and it was good to see that many people joined him, for the guided walk he led over the first half of the day.
The first part of the walk was along the Straight Lonnen where we had hopes of seeing Short-eared Owls as Brian and I had seen these on a visit to the island two weeks earlier. These were not to be seen on this particular morning and it did not help that there was quite a strong wind and rain showers. However, a few of us had the rare treat of seeing fleeting views of a Merlin flying nearby. In this same area sights of migratory Fieldfare and Redwing were seen flying overhead. The Fieldfare were seen at various times of the day and greatly outnumbered the Redwing, (which were also seen throughout the day, but less frequently and in smaller numbers). Shortly after this, Blackcap and Goldcrest were spotted by members of the group.
We then proceeded onto the 'Rocket Field' next to the Lonnen. The rain was thankfully beginning to ease by now and the clouds were starting to break, which gave us improved light. At the pool area, birds seen included: Curlew, Oystercatcher, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Teal, Mallard and Stock Doves. At the time of leaving the Rocket Field the group began to split. Some of us walked to the harbour and found the first Red-throated Divers of the day, Gannets flying, Grey and Ringed Plover and Dunlin. As we moved along the harbour there were magnificent views of Bamburgh Castle and along with this we also saw both Meadow and Rock Pipits. This made the strong gusts of wind we had to endure worthwhile, and there were further rewards of Pale-bellied Brent Geese along with a number of Grey Seals which were basking on the sands.
The group which was still being led by Ian had walked to the beach area overlooking St. Cuthbert's Island, and caught sight of a number of migrating Wheatears.
Along at the nearby Heugh, some members were lucky enough to have very good sightings of a Slavonian Grebe, which swam on the sunlit sea. Shags were seen mixed in with a flock of Cormorants in this area too. However, there was a lack of waders on this occasion, as only the Redshank and Oystercatcher made an appearance.
After a short break for lunch, we made again for the Lonnen, with the hope of having better luck in locating the Short-eared Owls and along the way Goldfinch and Greenfinch flew overhead, but unfortunately the Owls were not intending to show themselves today, (although a couple of members did see a brief glimpse of one flying in the Dune area). Following on from this, a few of us walked up to the Lough and en route saw more Meadow Pipits and a lone male Stonechat. The Lough offered a few new birds for our list. These included: Little Grebe, Coot and a Grey Heron which flew overhead. One or two members who had chosen to sea watch had the pleasure of seeing a Sooty Shearwater (at Beacon Point) and a Puffin. At some point in the afternoon a Peregrine Falcon was seen by a few lucky members. Thankfully the rain kept off in the afternoon and the light was good. This was a stroke of luck, as in the surrounding areas, dark clouds were seen along with heavy rain. We quickened our pace at this point and began moving away from the Lough, so as not to be left on the island, with the tide swiftly approaching, but not so quickly as to stop us from seeing another Red-throated Diver and a group of Turnstones on the rocks.
The walk was enhanced by a double rainbow, which appeared to encircle the island. The coach left at 3pm, crossing the causeway in time to avoid the approaching incoming tide. It was noticed that the same young Grey Seal which had been seen on arrival, was still lying in a leisurely manner on the sands. Again there were splendid views offered by the causeway and bay.
We soon reached Budle Bay and our arrival was timed to perfection, as the tide was slowly approaching. In the distance there were thousands of Pink-footed Geese with Barnacle Geese mixed in amongst them. There were new birds as well, which included large numbers of Shelduck spread out across the bay. In addition to this we saw a Ruff and two Mute Swans. Other waders which were present were: Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Curlew, Dunlin and a Black-tailed Godwit.
There were large flocks of various gulls in the foreground, these consisted of the Black-headed, Common, Herring, Lesser and Great Black-backed varieties. Behind us in the trees there was a Mistle Thrush perched in the trees. After this the spectacle of the day took place; as the tide began to cover the bay, small skeins of Pink-footed Geese, which were joined once again by Barnacle Geese, began to fly over head in a 'V' formation. As light faded slightly these numbers increased and the Pink-foots were joined once again by the Barnacles. Flocks of waders began to take off in small numbers, but by the time we set off to return home, the bay was mainly covered by the sea water and all birds had vanished.
The time spent at Budle Bay appeared to be a highlight of the day for many members and we were all sad to leave. The bird list done on the drive back to Newcastle came to a total of 75 species, which is certainly one of the highest species lists we've had on any trip.
As we continued on the way home, another group of Roe Deer were seen feeding in the fields.

Mark Smith

Bird List. Holy Island and Budle Bay
Red Throated Diver
Little Grebe
Slavonian Grebe
Sooty Shearwater
Gannet
Cormorant
Shag
Grey Heron
Mute Swan
Pink Foot Geese (1,000s)
Greylag Geese
Barnacle Geese
Brent Geese (100s)
Shelduck
Mallard
Wigeon
Teal
Tufted Duck
Eider Duck
Velvet Scoter
Red Breasted Merganser
Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Pheasant
Coot
Moorhen
Oystercatcher
Ringed Plover
Grey Plover
Golden Plover
Lapwing
Turnstone
Dunlin
Redshank
Black-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Curlew
Snipe
Ruff
Black Headed Gull
Great Black Backed Gull
Lesser Black Backed Gull
Herring Gull
Common Gull
Puffin
Feral Pigeon
Stock Dove
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Short Eared Owl
Meadow Pipit
Rock Pipit
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Wheatear
Stonechat
Redwing
Mistle Thrush
Fieldfare
Blackbird
Blackcap
Goldcrest
Blue Tit
Long Tailed Tit
Magpie
Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Greenfinch Group Total = 75 species

Also seen during day

Grey Seal
Roe Deer