Trip reports

Fieldtrip - Teesdale

Redstart courtesy of RSPB resources

Saturday, 16 May 2009

This was my second field trip with the Local Group. I am not a bird expert but enjoy and appreciate all aspects of nature. Signing up to rising at 7am on a Saturday morning after a long week's work was not something I normally agree to do but I enjoyed the Allenheads day so much I was easily persuaded. Getting out of bed, packing my lunch and getting to the bus on time was still a demanding task! The first set of wings we saw was Anthony Gormley's striking Angel of the North which I never fail to be in awe at. We arrived at the attractive village of Romaldkirk in Teesdale at 10am to begin our walk. Sightings of birds were vigorous throughout the day. Seeing a Redstart was new for me.
I would not have seen or identified it if I had been out on my own. This is the benefit of walking with a group of people that includes experienced birders keen to share their knowledge. The highlight for me was watching a Wren darting in and out of the nest it had built in the hole of a tree on the river bank. But birds were not the only species we spotted that day. I witnessed a very athletic Hare jumping over a relatively high wall. A Roe Deer was also spotted. As well as identifying birds we took note of the wild flowers we saw along the way. The wild flower list was as long as the bird list. Again I am not an expert but was lucky to walk alongside someone whose mission was to be able to name every wild flower she saw in a two years time. She was well on her way to achieving this from what I could see. At the end of the day I think we named most of what we saw.
The Angel flapped his wings for us as we approached Gateshead on our way home. For me, spending time with nature is the most elevating and relaxing thing I could do. Getting to know the flora and fauna that make up the environment adds to the experience. The Local Group field trips are a great way to do just that. Thanks to Graham for organising them and I look forward to more
Carmel McGrath

BIRD LIST
Chiffchaff
Goldfinch
Willow Warbler
Blackbird
Swallow
House Martin
Sand Martin
Swift
Robin
Dipper
Rook
Jackdaw
Goosander
Starling
Grey Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Buzzard
Common Sandpiper
Redstart
Pied Flycatcher
Nuthatch
Sparrow
Song Thrush
Siskin
Curlew
Black-headed Gull
Green Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Goldcrest
Chaffinch
Woodpigeon
Carrion Crow
Collared dove
Coal Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Tree Creeper
Kestrel
Pheasant
Black Cap
Kingfisher
Cormorant
Wren
Meadow Pipit

And...
Roe Deer, Hare, Rabbit and Frogs were also seen.