Trip reports

Fieldtrip - Berwick 12th December 2009

A dramatic view looking south from the cliff top - photo Brian Moorhead

Saturday, 12 December 2009

It is a truth generally acknowledged that where two or more British people are gathered together the topic of conversation will invariably turn to the weather. However, opinion was divided in the queue for the coach as to whether the key question was whether the fog would lift or whether Graham would remember the mince pies. Whilst the answer to the 2nd was positive the answer to the 1st concern was somewhat less so. Consequently in case nothing else stirred an early start was made on the list and Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Robin and Wren quickly added.
The trip up to Berwick through drifting fog included plentiful sightings of Pheasant, an occasional Buzzard and two roe deer. The first 'birding' stop of the day was at Berwick Harbour. As well as the usual suspects in respect of the gull family and numerous Cormorants there were good sightings of Red-throated Diver with the fog adding a 'now you see them, now you don't' element to proceedings. One specimen had thoughtfully retained the vestiges of its summer markings which made identification somewhat easier. We also aroused the curiosity of one of the locals who seemed totally perplexed when I told him we were not looking - as he had assumed - for some rarity but just 'enjoying' the birding. Whilst it is well known that one man's meat is another man's poison, perhaps it is also true to say that one man (or woman's) hobby is another man's eccentric or perhaps even aberrant behaviour.
Our next point of call was the cliff tops to the north of the town. Whilst where to have lunch is normally a split decision, today it was unanimously agreed that the coach was the best option. Having fortified ourselves, particular thanks to Graham for the mince pies and Marie for the delicious biscuits (see below - ed.), we felt strong enough to brave the elements and ventured along the cliff top. A short walk brought good views of a range of waders including Redshank, Grey Plover, Oystercatchers, a solitary Sanderling and Purple Sandpipers. A Fulmar was also spotted.
In the afternoon we marched/strode/ strolled/slid/skittered* (*select the word of your choice) down what in more clement conditions was undoubtedly a very attractive path to the River Tweed. The fog had descended still further and the atmosphere was almost ethereal. Sadly the birdwatching was somewhat less so as, while very attractive views were to be had of the railway bridge, any views of birds were greeted with excitement owing to their rarity value. A large flock of small birds was heard rather than seen. Whilst their somewhat asthmatic call could easily have been attributed to the climatic conditions it is apparently the normal sound made by Siskins.
Despite the poor weather it was agreed that it had been an enjoyable trip and that it might be worthwhile visiting the area again. The range of environments within a comparatively small area was impressive and the area to the north of the town stunning and the walk along the cliffs comparatively easy with a well marked path without steep gradients. In summary it was a fitting end to the year and many thanks to Graham for organising such a good day out.
Jane Gray

Bird List:
Red Throated Diver
Great Crested Grebe
Fulmar
Cormorant
Shag
Grey Heron
Mute Swan
Greylag Geese
Canada Geese
Mallard
Goldeneye
Eider Duck
Red-breasted Merganser
Common Buzzard
Kestrel
Pheasant
Oystercatcher
Grey Plover
Sanderling
Purple Sandpiper
Turnstone
Redshank
Curlew
Black Headed Gull
Herring Gull
Common Gull
Great Black Backed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Rock Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Dunnock
Robin
Wren
Song Thrush
Redwing
Mistle thrush
Blackbird
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Blue Tit
Magpie
Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Reed Bunting 52 species

Roe Deer
Grey(?) Seal