Teesmouth Bird Club Newsletter

April 2013 (No. 54) Reg. Charity 508850

CONTENTS MONTHLY SUMMARIES Monthly Summaries 1 Chris Sharp reviews the main highlights of the late autumn and winter periods of 2012-2013, which, in addition to the TBC Annual Report 6 more common species, produced some scarce birds for our Conservation Sub-committee news 9 area. Sale of Mike Corner’s books 10 NOVEMBER 2012 Appointment of Club Publicity Officer 10 Feeding Stations 10 Club Woodcock Survey 2013 11 N. Tynedale Hen Harriers: RSPB request 13 TBC training courses 13 TBC day trip to North Northumberland 14 Local Outings, May to September 15 TBC Outing to Tophill Low 16 Site Guide: Old Cemetery & North Sands 16 Blast from the Past 19 New York, New York 20 Profile – Gary Sharples 22 Wetland Bird Survey – Summary 24 TBC Publications 26 TBC clothing order form 27 TBC Woodcock Survey form 28

The TBC Newsletter is published three times a year. Production : Editor Ted Parker, layout Eric James, distribution Chris Sharp, web download Jamie Duffie

Buzzard and Carrion Crow, Greenabella Renton Charman

A Great Grey Shrike on Greenabella Marsh lingered until 12th and was the only scarce passerine of note in late autumn. A Little Auk, Great Northern Diver and two Long-tailed Ducks flew past Skinningrove on 2nd, while next day 13 Whooper Swans passed Hartlepool, with a further seven on 5th. The latter date also saw a good Mick & Sylvia Brennan southerly movement of Pink-footed Geese, with How many? (See page 11...) over 800 at Hartlepool.

The long-staying Common Buzzard remained on

Greenabella Marsh and stayed into 2013. One or

two Marsh Harriers were also present on the

1

Short-eared Owl, Greenabella Renton Charman

Cormorant, Headland Ray Scott

Rock Pipit, Headland Ray Scott

Goldeneye, Saltholme Ray Scott

North Tees Marshes at this time. A late Swallow was at Cowbar on 9th and the same site held an impressive two Richard’s Pipits the following day.

Multiple sightings of the latter species are rare in

Cleveland.

A Black-necked Grebe was on Greenabella Marsh on 13th before relocating to Saltholme Pools, where it remained until the month’s end. Mid- month saw several herds of Whooper Swans Starlings, Saltholme Ian Forrest passing through the area, with a maximum count of 24 on 18th. Up to three Long-eared Owls Caspian and a second-winter Glaucous Gull late in roosted at RSPB Saltholme and there were still 20 the month. Little Egrets roosting by the Tidal Pool at this time. DECEMBER 2012 Another late Swallow was at South Gare on 21st and 22nd, while sea-watching off Skinningrove Two Great Northern Divers flew past Huntcliff on next day produced two Great Northern Divers and 1st and another was found in Jackson’s Landing a Puffin. A strong northerly wind off Hartlepool on the same day, where it remained until 7th. A on 27th produced five Pomarine Skuas, four Black-throated Diver appeared at Jackson’s Bonxies and four Long-tailed Ducks. The Landing on the latter date and began a three- following day, a Black-throated Diver, 10 Brent month stay, much to the appreciation of the local Geese and a Little Auk flew past Seaton Carew. photographers.

A Black Redstart was on the sea defences at The month ended with a Bittern being regularly Skinningrove early in the month and nearby there reported from RSPB Saltholme. Large numbers of were 45 Snow Buntings at Cowbar. A redhead gulls began to gather at the local landfill sites and Smew was at Crookfoot Reservoir early in the the avid gull enthusiasts picked out a first-winter

2

Great Northern Diver, Marina ‘Soloman’ Black-throated Diver, Marina Martyn Sidwell flew past Hartlepool on 13th. A Great Northern Diver did likewise off Saltburn on 16th. A fine drake Smew was at RSPB Saltholme on 21st and 22nd and the same locality held a Long-tailed Duck on 29th. Two Jack Snipes were on Portrack Marsh on 29th. Seaton Snook was particularly attractive to Snow Buntings at the turn of the year, with up to 47 being recorded. Small numbers of Twite were also here at this time.

JANUARY 2013

As usual, many year lists were started early on Red-breasted Mergansers, Marina Ian Forrest 1st. Both Spotted Redshank and Greenshank were wintering on Greenabella Marsh and this is the first time for a number of years that either of these species had done so. Nearby, a Whimbrel was also wintering on Seal Sands, presumably being last year’s returning bird. A Marsh Harrier remained around the North Tees Marshes but the colder weather from mid-month meant it didn’t stay the whole winter. Also early on, a Little Gull was on the beach at Saltburn, four Jack Snipes were on Portrack Marsh and several Goosanders were in Ward Jackson Park. The roosting flock of Ring-necked Parakeets nearby also reached a new

peak of 38 birds. Bar-tailed Godwit, Seaton Golf Course Ray Scott A drake Green-winged Teal was at Saltholme from 2nd, before finding Dormans Pool more to its liking later in the month, where it remained into March. A Red-necked Grebe was off Hartlepool early in the month. Seaton Common and the nearby Seaton Meadows Landfill attracted huge numbers of the larger gulls and the keen gull watchers were rewarded with several Caspian Gulls during the first two months of the year, together with up to three immature Glaucous Gulls and the occasional Iceland Gull. Nearby, Seaton Snook proved attractive to both Snow Buntings and Twite. The food supplied by the Tree Sparrow, Cowpen Bewley WP Martyn Sidwell local ringers may have had a part to play! month and another was in Jackson’s Landing on The regular Green Sandpiper again frequented 15th. Three Eurasian White-fronted Geese were the tidal Billingham Beck near Portrack at Scaling Dam on 12th and 51 Barnacle Geese roundabout and a wintering bird has now been

3 present here for the past 10 winters. Two Velvet Scoters were off Redcar on 18th but it was a poor winter for this species with none recorded on the north side of the estuary. A Slavonian Grebe joined the long-staying Black-throated Diver in Jacksons Landing from 16th and a Jack Snipe was at Bowesfield Marsh on 23rd. A pair of Smew on Greatham Saline Lagoon on 23rd were seen briefly but reappeared a few days later along with another redhead at Saltholme before finally moving to Dormans Pool, where the stayed into March.

Mistle Thrush, Ward Jackson Park Ray Scott

Spotted Redshank, Greenabella Ian Forrest

Fieldfare, Seaton Common Tim Robinson

Slavonian Grebe, Marina Mick and Sylvia Brennan

Yellowhammer, Cowpen Bewley WP Ian Forrest

Waxwings were still putting on a good show, with

63 in Thornaby late in the month. Long-eared Brambling, Billingham Ian Forrest Owls peaked at four in the RSPB Saltholme roost.

4 FEBRUARY 2013

Barn Owl, Long Drag Tim Robinson

Tundra Bean Goose, Cowpen Marsh Ray Scott A Tundra Bean Goose was found amongst the Greylags on Cowpen Marsh on 1st, where it stayed for the rest of the month. It was very much a case of “as you were“ during February with the settled and fairly cool weather resulting in little in the way of change amongst Cleveland’s birds. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Seaton Carew on 4th and unusually high numbers of Red- breasted Mergansers were present on the North Tees Marshes during the month, with up to 38 Greenshank, Greatham Creek Ian Forrest present on various waters. A male Common Scoter was in the Greatham Creek area. Perhaps the most intriguing report of the winter was of a “white” Gyr Falcon, which flew over Hutton Lowcross Woods towards Sleddale on 9th. The bird was only observed through binoculars but apparently was not wearing jesses. The one that got away? Up to three Slavonian Grebes were on Seal Sands, often giving very close views. A pair of Long-tailed Ducks was also here and a Great Northern Diver was present on 7th. Waxwings peaked at 115 in Norton on 11th and a Water Pipit was over Dormans Pool on 15th. A Scaup and Black-headed Gull, East Saltholme Ian Forrest fine drake Scaup, now a scarce bird in Cleveland, was on Saltholme Pools from 16th. A Dark-bellied Brent Goose joined the Tundra Bean Goose on Cowpen Marsh from 17th and a lone Avocet was at Seal Sands on 19th. A Jack Snipe was at Portrack Marsh on 23rd. The highlight of the winter for many was the Bitterns at Dormans Pool, with up to four birds reported during February and they were often to be seen feeding out in the open. Many observers had their best ever views of this species from the upper car park, with the more usual fleeting flight views being replaced by lasting views on the ground. It remains to be seen whether any of these birds linger into the spring and possibly add to Cleveland’s breeding avifauna. Glaucous Gull, Headland Ray Scott

5 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Regular activities Once again our eight evening meetings have been THE CLUB COMMITTEE very well attended, with 86 at the February Dave Nelson Chairman meeting, even the one with a change of day and Alistair Mclee Vice Chairman date, which caused all sort of confusion. If we get Chris Sharp Hon.Secretary many more attending we will need a bigger room. Mark Askew Hon.Treasurer Two coach trips were made, to Amble and Coquet John Crussell Ordinary Member appointed 2009 Island and then to North Northumberland. The Sylvia Brennan Ordinary Member appointed twelve outings around the area were all well 2009 attended, except for poor Bert Mitchell’s South Neil Lay Ordinary Member appointed 2010 Gare trip when the weather was so bad only he Colin Walker Ordinary Member appointed 2011 turned up. Three excellent newsletters were Mike McGrory Ordinary Member appointed 2012 produced over the period and for me they just get better every time. Our annual Bird Report, RECORDS SUB-COMMITTEE although a little later this year was up to its usual very high standard. Tom Francis Chairman Chris Brown Projects Stewart Hinley Graeme Joynt Sadly our plans for a sea watching observatory Graham Megson next to the lighthouse were scuppered by the Mark Rowbottom Coast Guard selling the land on which we were to Ian Foster put it, but we still hope something will turn up to Chris Sharp allow us to go ahead with this project. Chris Bell We have started a feeding station and hope to Richard Taylor extend this idea (see article on page 10).

MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP SUB- In August RSPB completed their purchase of COMMITTEE Dorman’s Pool and land adjacent to the Petro Plus tanks and this prompted us, after talks with them, Chris Sharp Chairman to move our hide to a better position nearer the John Fletcher car park. It is planned that this hide will be open Eric James during RSPB working hours but we will still have Julie Mason access 24/7 via our keys. RSPB hope to start Russell McAndrew conservation work and fencing shortly. Ted Parker Dave Nelson Sales Pat Brunt Sales of Club publications continue to go well. CONSERVATION SUB-COMMITTEE With the sad demise of Michael Corner, who left his books to the club, John Fletcher has had these Ted Parker Chairman books for sale on top his usual stock. Alistair McLee Graham Megson Thank you to Mike and his parents Vic Fairbrother This is the end of my first year as chairman and Alan Snape at this point I will be losing Alistair as my vice- Sue Antrobus chairman. I would just like to thank him for all the Toby Collett help he has given me over the past three years, Ken Smith and I hope to do as good a job as he has done. Thanks also to all the committee members, who CHAIRMAN’S REPORT FOR 2012 do sterling work and without whom the Club Here we are again, could not function. another AGM. One of the wettest years on record, Dave Nelson that’s what you get for making me chairman, the TBC Chairman angels have never stopped March 2013 crying.

6 CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Total Full Family Junior S.C. Life Hon 2001 231 120 67 - 24 14 6 2002 254 130 79 - 25 14 6 2003 259 135 77 - 27 14 6 2004 270 132 78 - 40 14 6 2005 287 134 95 - 39 14 5 2006 317 157 89 - 52 14 5 2007 346 156 119 - 51 14 6 2008 421 176 170 - 55 14 6 2009 487 203 190 1 73 14 6 2010 521 209 209 2 78 13 5 2011 538 225 214 2 79 13 5 2012 548 312 217 1 13 5

For the umpteenth year in succession the total continues to complete the club’s annual Gift Aid membership of the club has continued to applications. As can be seen from the income and increase. 2012 saw the cessation of discounted expenditure account this represents a significant membership for senior citizens but at £12 it still proportion of the club’s income. remains excellent value. Hence the table above Many other members contribute to the smooth does not split the number of senior citizens but it running of the club. We are always on the look is safe to assume the number of members in this out for other members to join the various sub age group continues to increase. committees. If you wish to get involved do not As a club we have managed to keep the hesitate to speak to me or another committee subscriptions at a relatively low level for a number member. of years and I am certain that in these austere Chris Sharp Hon Secretary times this is one of the reasons behind the club’s success. The presence of RSPB Saltholme has no TREASURER’S REPORT 2012 doubt also been an influence. A relatively routine year, with no major projects As in previous years the many hours of free time involving financial transactions, the surplus given by certain members is also a factor. Both income of £5555 arose primarily from a welcome Dave Nelson and John Fletcher have shown many VAT rebate from the Phil Stead Hide project. new members the main bird watching sites in Subscriptions and associated gift aid remain at a Cleveland and I am sure their efforts are much healthy level, more than covering the regular appreciated. Eric James and Ted Parker continue outgoings such as postage, printing and the to do a great job with the newsletter and the annual bird report. Nevertheless, postage and website manager Jamie Duffie has also overseen printing costs remain relatively high so we would a website that gains praise from everyone who encourage electronic access of newsletters logs on. wherever possible. With regard to the bird report, The annual bird report is also a publication the all involved should be commended for continuing club can be rightly proud of. I know the amount to provide a great quality publication while of time that is spent collating the records and holding the cost for several years. writing and checking the report runs into many The donations this year were mostly following the hundreds of hours. The recorder Tom Francis, the sad death of our long-time member and friend to editor Graeme Joynt and the rest of the compilers many, Mike Corner. We are very grateful to his and records sub committee must be thanked for family for suggesting donations were made to the their efforts. club. Ted Parker also continues tirelessly on the club’s The clothing sales organised and coach trips, behalf. As chairman of the conservation sub capably administered by Julie Mason, continue to committee he spends many hours reviewing more than break even and thus we can continue planning applications for possible detrimental to provide them for members as they remain effects to local bird populations and habitats. popular. Although Don Page retired as treasurer in 2000 he

7 In conclusion, we can safely hold subscription rates for another year, which we believe to be good value and hope members agree.

Mark Askew Honorary Treasurer

TEESMOUTH BIRD CLUB

Statement of Income and Expenditure for 2012

(with 2011 for comparison)

2012 2011 Income Payment Income Payment

Subscriptions 5033.00 5315.00

Gift Aid 1011.25 1017.15

Interest 285.29 152.13 Meetings 444.83 323.26

Lecture Fees 30.00 108.50 TBC Gen.Publications 683.25 931.68

Bird Report 1900.00 1900.00 Printing & Stationery 1103.49 782.97 Postage 789.10 744.98

Subs to other Societies 47.00 46.50 Data Provision 75.00 191.00

Phil Stead Hide 3904.60 180.00 20000.00 33267.29 BB Atlas sales 50.00 30.00

Insurance 463.59 443.90 Sundries 0.00 0.00 Website 161.07 97.79

Computerising records 0.00 59.99 TBC Clothing 298.90 233.07 9.00 15.99

Outings 818.00 737.80 681.00 580.00

Hartlepool New Obs 636.40 660.00

TBC Workshop 0.00 42.00 Ringing kit donation 0.00 300.00 Donations 381.27

Dorman’s Pool 0.00 0.00 Feeding Stations 100.00

Recorder’s Expenses 143.42

Bank Charges 16.00

12540.56 6985.77 28368.96 39331.17 Excess Income 5554.79 -10962.21 12540.56 12540.56 28368.96 28368.96

Balance B/F 2011 50235.73 Balance B/F 2010 61197.94

Excess Income 5554.79 -10962.21

Balance 31.12.2012 55790.52 50235.73

Cash in hand 0.00 0.00 Bank Current Account 1030.95 761.45

Phil Stead Mem Fund 0.02 0.02 NSB Investment Acc 54759.55 49474.26 55790.52 50235.73

8 CONSERVATION SUB-COMMITTEE  Scoping option request for proposed extension of time to Cowpen Bewley landfill Ted Parker reviews the work of this very busy sub-committee of the Club which comments on significant Planning site (Impetus Waste Management Limited) Applications (particularly those affecting key bird sites), provides bird data for Environmental Impact Assessments,  Installation of floodlighting, fencing and 2 organises surveys and is involved in county-wide projects that pitch shelters to senior football pitch, Seaton affect Cleveland. Carew – resubmitted application (Seaton The Conservation Sub-Committee is routinely Carew Sports and Social Club) consulted by Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool  Erection of flood wall, flood gates and Borough Councils on Planning Applications that pedestrian access ramp to Town Wall, affect sites in and around the Tees Estuary. It Hartlepool (Hartlepool Borough Council) also comments on other proposed developments at local and strategic levels, including coastal and  Residential Development for 780 river flood defence, housing, commercial and dwellings, a Retirement Village of 220 industrial developments and wind farms. dwellings, infrastructure and Since the last Newsletter in December, the sub- landscaping on land north of A689, committee has commented on the following Wynyard Business Park – reserved Planning Applications: matters (except access) – Wynyard Park Limited and Mauve Limited

 Provision of bird data to support an EIA for a  Outline Application for 603 dwellings, a proposed energy facility at Seal Sands Primary School, a Village Hall, 5 No. (WASTE2RESOURCE) shops and Professional Services Units on land north of A689, Wynyard Business  Provision of bird data for EIA for Bank Field Park (Wynyard Park Limited and Redco Wind Farm, Guisborough (URS Corporation Limited) Limited)  Application to vary Condition Nos. 2,4 and 5  Northern Gateway Container Terminal : from Planning Approval for materials recovery reserved matters for discharge of centre, Reclamation Pond (Impetus Waste Condition No.1 (Landscaping) (PD Ports Management Limited) Limited)  Full application for re-surfacing of an existing  Core Strategy (Local Plan) Examination access track to materials recycling facility, in public (Planning Inspectorate) Reclamation Pond (Impetus Waste Management Limited)  Request for a scoping opinion for the development of a renewable energy (REF2)  Outline application for 370 dwellings, facility on the Reclamation Pond, Huntsman infrastructure, open space and Drive, Seal Sands (Air Products Limited) landscaping – land south of Green Lane, Yarm (Theakston Estates Limited)  Hart Warren to Newburn Bridge Strategic Environmental Assessment for Coastal  Erection of 24MW energy facility, offices and Defence (Hartlepool Borough Council) car parking, Seal Sands, Billingham (Seneca Global Energy Limited)  Utilities Infrastructure for REF, Reclamation Pond – revised planning application (Air  Lamb’s Hill Wind Farm, Stillington – Products Limited) application to remove Condition No.45 (amplitude modulation) from Planning  York Potash Project – pipeline route public Approval 10/2549/EIS (Banks Group) consultation (Request by Planning Inspectorate)  Draft list of local validation requirements for planning applications (Stockton-on-Tees  CHP Plant, Seal Sands – request for a scoping Borough Council) opinion for a Habitat Regulations Assessment (Conoco Phillips) Of these, the ones for which objections were lodged are shown in bold. The Conservation Sub-  York Potash Project – pipeline route public Committee always confines its comments to consultation: TBC asked by NYMNP for impacts on birds and their habitats and leave opinion (Sirius Minerals) specialist issues such as visual, social, transport,

9 economic, noise, dust, hydrological and APPOINTMENT OF NEW PUBLICITY geological, archaeological impacts to other OFFICER organisations with the necessary knowledge and skills. We can only realistically lodge objections The Club is delighted to announce the when there are sound and convincing reasons or appointment of Chris Brayshay as its new doing so that will stand up to scrutiny under the Publicity Officer. Chris’s long professional Planning process, e.g. : background in the media and his obvious Damage to or loss of scarce bird habitat. enthusiasm make him ideal for this post. As so much important work at strategic and local levels Loss of or major disturbance to Schedule 1 and/or goes on unnoticed ‘behind the scenes’ in the Club, Red and Amber Listed bird species Chris’s remit is to promote this in the local media Contravention with National and Local Planning to let people know what we are doing and to raise Policies relating to nature conservation and the our profile as a hard-working and progressive environment. nature conservation charity in North East England. The Sub-Committee is opposed to the This is the first such appointment in the Club for development of large green field sites for housing many years and we wish Chris every success. and commercial and industrial development, such as those at Wynyard and Yarm. We also oppose ill-sited wind farms where these may have an adverse impact on the flight paths of birds, particularly and will continue to make our voice felt.

Ted Parker Chairman of Conservation Sub-Committee

Picture by courtesy of The Northern Echo

FEEDING STATIONS For some years we have had a small feeding station outside the Scaling Dam hide and the food for this has been provided by Northumbrian Water and visitors who brought bird food with them. It was decided that we should be doing more. I put an item on the Club Forum asking for ideas and help which, although read by many, only led to two offers, one at Coatham Stob and one at North Gare Car Park. Coatham Stob

Extent of proposed development at Green Lane, Yarm

SALE OF MIKE CORNER’S BOOKS We are grateful to the late Mike Corner and his parents, Denis and Irene, for donating Mike’s excellent collection of bird books to the Teesmouth Bird Club. Many of these have now been sold in his memory and have raised an impressive £145.00 for future conservation work. Ted Parker

10 JOIN THE BIRD CLUB WOODCOCK SURVEY IN 2013 A REQUEST FROM THE CONSERVATION SUB-COMMITTEE A significant part of the Club’s Constitution is to “institute research on the birds of the former County of Cleveland” to ensure that, as the leading ornithological group in our region with 548 members in 2012, we keep abreast of what is happening to our local breeding birds so that Coatham Stob is owned by the Forestry appropriate planning and action can be taken to Commission and permission was sought from try and reverse any population declines, where them to feed birds here and this was granted. In possible. Without the results of bird surveys, we early November, a feeding station was set up and will lose vital knowledge on the birds of Cleveland details posted on the Forum. This proved highly forever and be unable to make population popular with both the birds and birdwatchers. comparisons to see which species are under However, in early January, Colin went to fill up threat and which are doing well. the feeders and found that they had all been All surveys rely completely on our dedicated stolen. How low can some people get? This has members giving up some of their time to not put us off and new feeders have been put up. undertake fieldwork and recording the results of To find the site, leave the car park in the south- this. TBC has already undertaken the following in east corner, signposted ‘Coatham Wood’, go recent years: two autumn/winter water body through the hedge on your right hand side at the surveys in Cleveland (2007-08 and 2008-09), a first break (quite muddy here); now, with the Rookery census (2010) and a breeding House other side of the hedge on your right hand side, Martin survey (2012) and these have provided head towards the main road. Follow the track vital information which we have used locally and around the 90-degree left hand bend and just shared nationally with bodies such as the British past the second Ash tree on your right hand side, Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Wildfowl and look left and you will see a small clearing - the Wetlands Trust. feeding station is set up in the clearing. We are With the BTO Woodcock Survey planned for 2013, grateful to Colin Walker, Mick and Sylvia Brennan the Conservation Sub-Committee thought this and other volunteers who help to provide seed would be an excellent opportunity to re-survey and keep the feeders topped up. the tetrads in which Woodcocks were found North Gare during the Cleveland Breeding Birds Survey North Gare car park is owned by Hartlepool (CBBS) undertaken during 1999-2006. As with Borough Council and is part of Seaton Common the 2010 Rookery census, this will allow us to SSSI so permission to do anything needs to be make a current, direct population comparison with sought from Natural England; we are still awaiting a historic set of data to see if there have been this permission. any changes. It is so important that we continue to use the CBBS to make population comparisons Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park so that our book is not merely a ‘dust-gatherer’ Bird feeding has also been taking place at on a shelf but is being used to inform active Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park and Billingham conservation work. Bottoms and we have supplemented this by giving We have found that the take-up for survey work extra seed and fat balls to the warden. Given the is often low and usually by the same people. To success with this, we would like to add another ensure reasonable coverage, we find we have to feeding station somewhere in East Cleveland but ask people directly for help, which increases our cannot do this without finding a suitable site and organisational time. We fully understand that someone to look after and fill the feeders. If many members lead busy lives and find anyone has an idea please contact me. Given that themselves unable to allocate any time, are it is now nearly Spring, this will probably be a physically unable or feel that a survey might be project for next winter. too ’technical’ for them and that they need to be an ‘expert’. This is not the case and TBC selects Dave Nelson its surveys to involve an ‘across-the-board’ Tel: 01642 824755 involvement by people of all birding abilities. [email protected] Survey work can be interesting, rewarding and

11 exciting through exploring new or under-watched sites. The full details of this are available at areas or learning more about the birds of a site www.bto.org/woodcock-survey. Alistair McLee known well already. Any member who feels that and Mark Askew have volunteered to check the they lack the skills could accompany a surveyor BTO’s two randomly selected priority squares in ‘buddy’ to give them an idea of what is required – Cleveland, so the National survey is covered in I’m sure they will be surprised at how simple the our area. process is. It will be in line with the CBBS method The TBC Conservation Sub-Committee has and the only information required is the suggested that this is a good opportunity to observer’s name and contact details, date and update the breeding Woodcock results published time, location (with an OS grid reference, if in ‘The Breeding Birds of Cleveland’ and do its possible), name of the site (this will almost own, separate survey. Members are invited to certainly be a woodland or copse), the number of submit all records of Woodcock assumed to be birds involved and a few notes on how they were breeding in Cleveland during 2013. As few nests recorded (e.g. roding, flushed from suitable are found, most records will involve roding birds breeding habitat, etc). or those flushed from suitable breeding habitat. We appeal to members to come forward and help In addition to reporting casual records, if you are with this important survey. Please contact Vic willing to check a square for breeding/roding Fairbrother, as requested, and take up a square. Woodcock then please contact Vic who is coordinating the survey. His email address is : PLEASE DO HELP [email protected], Tel. 01287 633744. Ted Parker He will let you know what is required. Chairman of Conservation Sub-Committee Members located an estimated 95 pairs of Woodcock in the following 42 tetrads during TBC WOODCOCK SURVEY 2013 fieldwork for ‘The Breeding Birds of Cleveland’. This fieldwork was spread over the With a singing Nightingale present in Cleveland in period 1999-2006 so members are not expected 2011 and 2012 and increasing numbers of to visit all or any of their original squares again in Nightjars being reported, a dusk visit to look for 2013 but if anyone would like to visit one or more roding Woodcock may produce not only some of these squares then please register with Vic, as interesting owls but other surprises as well. above. For a survey sheet, see page 28. The BTO, in cooperation with the Game and Some of these sites may no longer contain Wildlife Conservation Trust, is organising a survey Woodcock and offers to visit other sites known or of breeding Woodcock in 2013 based on squares thought to contain breeding Woodcock are most selected at random from the results of the last welcome, as are ‘roving records’, i.e. those you national survey in 2003, together with some new come across ‘by accident’.

TETRADS ORIGINAL SURVEYOR 51W, 61H, 71B, 71C, 71H, 71M. Mark Askew 32Y, 42D. Brian Clasper 61R, 71G. (Michael Corner) 62 F, 62K, 71U, 71T. Ian Edgar 61G, 61M, 61V, 71D. Vic Fairbrother 61W. John Fletcher 51Q, 51R, 61B. 61I, 61J. Brian & Ann Hague 42E. Paul Hinley 51M, 51N. 51U. Eric James 42P. Russell McAndrew 40P. Alistair McLee 43T, 61P, 61S, 62Q, 71E. Graham Megson 61N. Herbert Mitchell 51G. Ted Parker 51S, 51T. 51X, 51Y, 62A. John Sharp Note : Tetrads with 5-7 pairs are in bold, with 3-4 pairs underlined, the remainder had 1-2 pairs

12 HEN HARRIERS IN NORTH TYNEDALE - HEN HARRIERS IN THE CLEVELAND AREA A REQUEST FROM THE RSPB Please note that Ted Parker is a volunteer with The Club has received a letter from Dr Stephen Natural England for the National Harrier Recovery Temperley, RSPB Species Protection Coordinator Project. Would members please report all for Northumberland regarding the sightings of Hen Harriers in Cleveland and North Northumberland Hen Harrier Project 2013. Yorkshire (north of the Esk Valley and Bilsdale area) to him. This is particularly important in Dr Temperley is to concentrate his efforts on Hen spring of the year when birds may be prospecting Harriers in breeding locations in North Tynedale in or on potential breeding sites. a project funded through a partnership with the RSPB and Forestry Commission, as part of a much Tel: 01642 275369 larger HLF funded Hen Harrier project called Email: [email protected] ‘Skydancer’. Over the last four years, Hen Harriers have been declining in England, with only a single successful breeding pair in 2012. In support of the North Tyneside project, Dr Temperley is asking for our help by refraining from visiting the North Tynedale site during the earlier, sensitive stages of the harrier’s breeding cycle in order to minimise disturbance and reduce the risk of abandonment. For their part, the RSPB is to instigate a programme of 24/7 monitoring after the nest-building stage and if any member wishes to provide volunteer support for this please contact Dr Temperley (details below). Once a breeding pair is well established, non- volunteers will be welcomed as single visitors or Hen Harrier Ian Forrest in small groups. Dr Temperley requests that anyone wishing to make a visit should contact him TBC TRAINING COURSES in advance so that RSPB is aware of all personnel on or near the site at all times. He will be able to As part of the Club’s programme for helping suggest alternative times if the one you have beginners, two identification courses have been chosen is not appropriate. proposed. As Dr Temperley states in his letter: On Sunday 19th May, Alistair McLee is to cover “…….. this project is extremely sensitive and bird song by leading a walk through Flatts Lane extremely important in helping to assure a future Woods. This site has a wide range of species, for hen harriers in England. Therefore we must including many of the warblers that can be a ensure that our interest in, and enthusiasm for headache for beginners. Returning to the car, these magnificent birds will have no unintended Alistair will play CD recordings of the species that adverse consequences.” have been heard, and after that there will be a small quiz - with prize (also small!). The Dr Temperley is to keep people informed of the emphasis will be on having fun. Please assemble Hen Harrier activity on site via the RSPB at the Flatts Lane Centre car park at 9 a.m., but ‘Skydancer’ blog but if anyone has questions then get in touch with Alistair in advance (tel. 01642 they can contact him as follows: 787305) and leave a phone number so you can be contacted in case of cancellation because of the Dr Stephen Temperley, Species Protection weather. Coordinator, Northumberland Forestry Commission, Eals Burn, Bellingham, Later in the year, Eric James will be repeating the Northumberland, NE48 2HP course introducing waders and their identification. It will be held at the Teesmouth Field Centre and Mobile: 07703 045395 the provisional date is Sunday 1st September. Email: [email protected] Details will be circulated later.

13 TEESMOUTH BIRD CLUB DAY TRIP TO We left Lindisfarne at lunchtime and got a very NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND close view of a Long-tailed Duck feeding close by the crossing. Next stop for the coach was Harper’s Heugh for partial views of approximately 200 Barnacle Geese through a row of trees. During our stop at Budle Bay, the horizon was filled with hundreds of geese, both Pink-footed and Greylag. The mudflats were covered with Wigeon, Shelduck and Knot but as the wind increased we could not find the wintering Greenshank. We moved on to Stag Rocks, near Bamburgh and were rewarded with close views of Harbour Porpoise and drake Long-tailed Ducks. On the rocks, Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone were seen Lindisfarne Castle Martin Kitching feeding. The last stop of the trip was a roadside pool near Seahouses, where the group saw Common Snipe, Goldeneye and Linnet (one of the few passerines seen during the windy conditions). Many thanks to Graham and Rosemary Bell for sharing their local knowledge and guiding our group throughout the day. A total of 60 species was seen by the group. Julie Mason

Lindisfarne Julie Mason On 3rd February 2013, twenty-three members visited Lindisfarne and the surrounding area. As we approached the Holy Island causeway we met Graham and Rosemary Bell who guided us for the day. We parked in the coach park and as members got off the coach a Barn Owl flew past hunting around the edge of the village. First stop for the group was the Rocket Field, which had plenty of Stag Rocks ducks and waders feeding within the flooded vegetation. Prior to our visit a Cattle Egret had been seen regularly in a field along the Crooked Lonnen; however, despite a good search, the bird was not seen. Whilst searching for the Cattle Egret members were rewarded with sightings of Barn and Short-eared Owl. As we walked around the island heading for the Heugh a few flocks of Brent Geese were seen and heard. In the Long-tailed Duck at Stag Rocks Eric James harbour Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Bar-tailed Godwit were feeding on the exposed mud. Offshore, members saw Red-throated Diver, Shag, Eider, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Guillemot, Kittiwake and Long-tailed Duck. At a very windy Heugh Red-breasted Mergansers were present and also the resident Grey Seals could be seen resting on the mudflats. Brent Geese Mark Mowbray

14 LOCAL OUTINGS winter of 2010-11 a Great Grey Shrike wintered. Meet at 8.30 am in the car park of Long Newton We are grateful for the time volunteers give up to lead local Lane between Longnewton and Urlay Nook. outings for the benefit of our members. We are always looking Leader: Ali McLee (Tel: 01642 787305) for new leaders, so if you have an area you particularly like and feel inclined to show this to others, please contact Julie Mason. Please be assured that you don’t need to be an expert SEAWATCHING AT HARTLEPOOL HEADLAND to lead an outing! Saturday 24th August 2013 ERRINGTON WOODS Join Don Page, Ted Parker, Chris Sharp for a Friday 12th May 2013 morning’s seawatching session at Hartlepool Headland, when it is hoped, with the right Join Mike Tucker for a walk in this prime weather conditions, a good range of seabirds will woodland habitat, where it is hoped that a good be seen. Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, Bonxie, range of woodland birds will be seen, including Arctic and Pomarine Skuas, divers, auks and recently arrived summer visitors. This site is also grebes are all possible, along with more common very good for Marsh Tit, a scarce species in species, such as Gannet, Kittiwake, various auks Cleveland. Meet at the picnic area at the top of (including Puffin) and terns (there is always a Grewgrass Lane (grid ref. NZ 618201) at 10.00 chance of a Roseate). Meet at 9.30 am at the am. Heugh Lighthouse on Hartlepool Headland. Leader: Mike Tucker

COD BECK RESERVOIR Sunday 30th June 2013 Join Mick and Sylvia Brennan for a walk around this scenic reservoir and its surrounding woodland and heather moor. Woodland and moorland birds will be well in evidence and there is always a chance of a fly-over raptor. Meet at 9.30 am in the car park at Sheepwash. Leaders: Mick and Sylvia Brennan

COATHAM STOB AND BURN WOOD Roseate tern Tom Horne Sunday 7th July 2013 Leaders: Don Page, Ted Parker, Chris Sharp (Tel: Ted on 01642 275369)

GREATHAM CREEK AND SEAL SANDS Saturday 21st September 2013 Join Julie Mason for a walk along Greatham Creek to Seal Sands, where a wide range of waders should be seen, including migrants. At this time, there is always the possibility of something more unusual, as Teesmouth has a tremendous track record in turning up rare waders, which in recent years have included Sharp-tailed, White-rumped, Meadow Pipit, Coatham Stob Terek, Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers. Regular waders that should be seen should Meet Ali McLee for a walk around this excellent include Grey Plover, Dunlin, Ruff, Redshank, site which, with its good range of habitats, is Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed and developing into an extremely interesting area for Bar-tailed Godwits and Curlew Sandpiper. Meet birds. Species recently recorded here include at the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve car Short-eared Owl, Green and Great Spotted park at Greatham Creek at 10.00 am. Woodpeckers, Nightjar, Tree Pipit, Lesser Whitethroat, Siskin and Bullfinch, and during the Leader: Julie Mason (Tel: 01642 614583)

15 CLUB DAY OUTING TO TOPHILL LOW NATURE RESERVE

Sunday 6th October 2013

Tophill Low Reserve Paul Sexton Tophill Low was formally designated a Nature Reserve in 1993 and is owned by Yorkshire Water. There are 12 hides spread across a 330- acre site that flanks the River Hull. The reserve includes two reservoirs, lagoons, marshes, scrub SITE GUIDE – OLD CEMETERY , JEWISH and woodland so there is potential for birds on CEMETERY AND NORTH SANDS, passage. Hopefully, members will see a good HARTLEPOOL selection of ducks, waders, birds of prey and possibly Otter. Ted Parker describes this historic area on the northern edge of Hartlepool, which has turned up a remarkable range of migrant birds in recent years, including a good number of rare The 33-seater coach will collect members at the species. following pickup points: BACKGROUND Hartlepool (M&S Car Park) 08:00 Hartlepool Old Cemetery, now known as ‘Spion Stockton High Street (ex-Swallow Hotel) 08:15 Kop’, was formed from a combination of sand Middlesbrough (Dorman Museum) 08:35 dunes and ship ballast. It supports a species-rich dune grassland of such quality that it is unique in The cost will be £14.00 plus an entrance fee of Hartlepool and rare within the Tees Valley. The £3.30 for adults and £1.50 for concessions (16 site has many unusual plants, including pyramidal and under/65 and over). A packed lunch will be orchid and bloody crane's bill, and because of this required. Facilities are on site. has been designated a Local Nature Reserve. TO BOOK A PLACE, PLEASE CONTACT JOHN The cemetery dates back to 1856 and was TODD AND SEND A £5 NON-REFUNDABLE established to replace St. Hilda's churchyard and DEPOSIT: has nearly 4,000 burials. It was widely used until 1869. ‘Spion Kop’ was the name given by local Email: [email protected] people to the general area after the Boer War Tel: 07810 347333 battle of the same name and is now the name of the site as a Local Nature Reserve. For the Address: 1 Henry Street, Seaham, Co Durham purpose of this feature, its old name has been retained. Please make cheques payable to ‘Teesmouth Bird Club’. Old Cemetery is adjoined by a much smaller cemetery at its eastern end, which is dedicated to Julie Mason Jewish burials and is consequently known as the Jewish Cemetery. Apart from a couple of

elderberry bushes protected from the onshore Aerial view of Reserve shown above winds behind the perimeter wall, it has scant

16

Aerial view of Cemetery area Cemetery entrance Peter Robinson

View northwest (chimney since demolished) View of North Sands vegetation. On the south side of Old Cemetery Road is a long, linear belt of developing planting, composed of young trees and shrubs, and this is well worth exploring at peak migration times, especially after a ‘fall’. North Sands comprises an expansive area of sandy foreshore and there are good views towards the redundant Steetley pier and out over the sea. This beach is heavily used by dog walkers, joggers and walkers and an early morning visit is advisable for shorebirds.

ACCESS, LOCATION AND STRATEGY View southeast Mick Garratt The whole area is very easy to find and access by such as Wheatear, pipits and buntings often car and on foot. On approaching Hartlepool perch. Headland from the town centre along Cleveland Road or from the A19 via West View Road, North Sands is viewable from the gap in the wall on the seaward side of Old Cemetery directly continue along the latter to the old Throston Engine House on your left and take a sharp left opposite the main entrance. Here, you get turn here. Then turn immediately left again and expansive views over the beach and sea, this will bring you on to Old Cemetery Road. including the former Steetley pipeline pier – an Drive down this for about a kilometre to the area that can be good for sea duck, divers, entrance of Old Cemetery, marked by gateposts, grebes, waders and gulls. A telescope is needed and park here. You can then explore the whole here for the best results. graveyard on foot, not forgetting to check the Next, either walk or drive down to the end of Old area immediately behind the peripheral wall on Cemetery Road to the Jewish Cemetery and check the seaward side. It is worth spending some time the couple bushes in its northeast corner, which checking the grass areas, where small birds can have, surprisingly, produced some good birds lurk, and the gravestones and walls where birds over the years.

17 Finally, ensure you have time to walk along the planted belt provides the most expansive cover in planted belt on the south side of Old Cemetery the area, it is worth starting here first and, again, Road, as this provides vital cover and food for an early morning visit is advised. The prime time newly arrived migrants and has turned up some for autumn migrants is mid-August to early excellent birds in recent years, including Greenish, November, with September to mid-October Yellow-browed and Dusky Warblers and Red- probably being the most productive. Birds that backed Shrike. At peak times, it shouldn’t be should be encountered during favourable omitted from a visit to this site. conditions are flocks of passage Skylarks and Meadow Pipits, Wheatear, Whitethroat, Blackcap, BIRDS Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, finches, which should include Redpoll, Chaffinch, The best times to visit Old Cemetery are during Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Brambling and Siskin. In the spring and autumn migrations, especially after October, when there are big ‘falls’ of thrushes ‘fall’ conditions, whereas North Sands can be good along the east coast, Old Cemetery can be at all times of the year, especially in winter when impressive, and covered with tired Blackbirds, divers, grebes and sea duck are often present. Song Thrushes, Fieldfares and Redwings. Mixed Old Cemetery, Jewish Cemetery and Planted Belt in with these could be smaller numbers of Ring on Old Cemetery Road Ouzels, hordes of exhausted Goldcrests, which lift up at your feet, and occasional Black Redstarts An early morning visit on a spring or autumn and Snow and Lapland Buntings. Woodcock, morning is well worth the effort, particularly Redstart, Wheatear, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher following poor overnight visibility, rain and winds and Lesser Whitethroat are also possible. Scarce with an easterly component. Start at Old and rare birds in the recent past here include Cemetery and thoroughly check the whole Hobby, Long-eared Owl (two on 21st September graveyard for migrants (including the Jewish 2009), Wryneck, Red-breasted Flycatcher (7th Cemetery) and the linear planted area on the September 2010), Siberian Chiffchaff (23rd south side of Old Cemetery Road for migrants. October 2009), Yellow-browed Warbler (several Don’t forget the residual dunes and short on 13th October 2011), Booted Warbler, Dusky grassland on the seaward side of the cemetery Warbler (10th October 2010), Pallas’s wall. The planted area is quite difficult to work Grasshopper Warbler (the first Cleveland record due to the density of planting and rank grass on 26th September 2012), Icterine Warbler (6th cover but walking along the edge and September 2008) and Rustic Bunting. concentrating on the ‘clearings’, particularly at footpath junctions, should produce results. The birds you see will depend on the time of year, with spring being noted for passage wagtails (including White), pipits (including Tree and sizeable flocks of Meadow Pipits), Stonechat, Whinchat, Redstart, Black Redstart, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Sylvia warblers (Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat. Blackcap and Garden Warbler), Phylloscopus warblers (Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff), flycatchers (Pied and Spotted) and Reed Bunting. Among these more common species, there is always the chance of something more interesting and in recent years, spring rarities have included fly-over Purple Heron, Gull- Yellow-browed Warbler Jamie Duffie billed Tern and Alpine Swift, and Red-backed Shrike and Bluethroat. On clear, fine days keep North Sands your eye on the sky for a fly-through From the seaward side of Old Cemetery there are Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Peregrine or, if you are elevated, panoramic views over the sea and lucky, Hobby. Late spring, particularly June, is former Steetley pier. This length of coast is often peak time for arriving Honey Buzzards and productive for a range of divers, grebes, sea passage birds have become more regular in duck, shorebirds, gulls and terns and is recent years. particularly productive during autumn and winter. Autumn is undoubtedly more productive, both in It is at its quietest during the summer but it is still terms of the variety and number of birds and worth making a brief check of the beach and sea there is more chance of a ‘goodie’ turning up, You never know! particularly during ‘fall’ conditions. Because the

18 Birds that should be regularly encountered on the BLAST FROM THE PAST – TED PARKER beach during peak periods are Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Knot, Dunlin, Sanderling, Redshank, Ted Parker continues his reminiscences from years gone by, Ringed Plover and Curlew. In autumn and winter, remembering a twitch to a South Yorkshire reserve for a UK these may be supplemented with Whimbrel and ‘first’ and a ‘lifer’. It was a bird for which he had a long wait! Bar-tailed Godwit. Carefully scan the sea for Wednesday 27th June 1984 found me travelling Great Northern and Black-throated Divers among alone to South Yorkshire to try and see a ‘lifer’ at the scattered Red-throateds. Great Crested, Red- the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s (YWT) Potteric Carr necked and Slavonian Grebes are also possible, Reserve near Doncaster. The bird in question had though the former is the most likely. Eider, been seen almost daily for at least the previous Common Scoter, Goldeneye and Red-breasted two weeks from the Childers Hide, which Merganser are usually present offshore and, if you overlooks an area of the reserve known as Low are lucky, a Long-tailed Duck or Velvet Scoter or Ellers. two. In August and September, check the many Potteric Carr was formed by subsidence resulting passing gulls and terns, as these could include Little and Roseate Terns, Sabine’s and Little Gulls, from mining activity and over the years has developed a diverse range of habitats, including and skuas, including Arctic, Pomarine and Great, all of which are regular in autumn during the right extensive areas of open water, reed fen, weather conditions (a good northerly blow over alder/willow carr and scrub and is backed by mature woodland. The development of the area several days usually pays dividends). In winter, Glaucous and Iceland Gulls should be checked for as a reserve began in 1968 with the tenancy of 13 hectares of marsh at Low Ellers from British Rail among the roosting Herring and Black-headed Gulls on the beach and a late skua is sometimes and a Management Committee was established by possible (a sub-adult Pomarine was present on YWT to oversee its development. Projects have included the development of new marshland at 1st December 2010). Piper Marsh, excavation of drainage ditches, Whilst this all sounds very exciting, don’t expect wetland creation, footpaths, hide construction and the site to deliver on every visit and there are water control measures. The reserve became a occasions, even during ideal ‘fall’ conditions, when SSSI in 1977. Development still continues to the few birds are encountered. As with all sites, present day and Potteric Carr is a superb example however, persistence and regular watching should of what can be achieved through good build up an impressive site list over time. I am organisation, a clear management plan and an still waiting for my first Cleveland Surf Scoter army of keen volunteers willing to keep the (preferably a drake!) or fly-past Caspian Tern! momentum going. I arrived at my destination and walked out to the Childers Hide, where I started my watch at 10.00am and waited for the bird to appear. I naively thought that it would show quite quickly but how wrong I was! An hour past, during which time I was entertained by families of Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck. An adult Little Ringed Plover fed on an exposed area of mud and was presumably breeding here and the raucous antics of a sizeable Black-headed Gull colony

helped to pass the time. A Cuckoo flew across Velvet Scoter Ray Scott the woodland canopy and Reed Warblers blurted out their jerky songs from the phragmites. A second hour past, then a third and I was now starting to get a little restless to say the least and with no new birds to look at I found myself counting the local Coot population! I also spent some time watching a family group of Kestrels hovering and ‘playing’ over the adjacent rough grassland. Hour four came and went and I was now seriously concerned that my ‘twitch’ would be in vain. I knew that, being as secretive as this bird is, I would probably only get one chance to Red-necked Grebe Ian Forrest see it, so I couldn’t avert my eyes from the view

19 into the reed bed and did not reappear, despite a further 45-minute wait. This whole event lasted no more that 20 seconds but the wait was worth it. Not only was this a ‘lifer’ for me but I had also witnessed a historic event: in the following July, a female Little Bittern was seen regularly with young birds and this constituted the first proven breeding record for Britain. This episode taught me a salutary lesson: when birding: patience is a virtue and is (usually) rewarded.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Map of part of Potteric Carr showing Low Ellers Keith Robson takes a light-hearted look at a visit he made to Central Park while on a visit to New York. For one brought up in the 50’s, the only source of popular music was the BBC Light Programme. The highlight of that waveband was ‘Two-Way Family Favourites’, and one grew to know that there were repetitive themes of which the songs were subject – places, love and … birds. Vera Lynn sang of blue birds over the White Cliffs of Dover; Al Jolson sang of red, red robin bobbin’ along (American Robin presumably); Fats Domino hurried to his blue heaven when wipperwills (I know, that is not how you spell it) call; Debbie Reynolds also invokes wipperwills in “Tammy”; and Tom Lehrer delighted in poisoning pigeons in Male Little Bittern (not Ted’s!) Jeff Hazel the park. You will see the point of this peroration later. out of the hide for more than a few seconds and, consequently, my constant level of concentration 17th September 2012 was the fourth day of my induced a dull headache! holiday in New York. My son had visited four years previously and witnessed the Autumn Eventually, well into hour four, my heart raced as migration passing through Central Park. He a bird appeared out of the reeds to my right and advised me to visit the park. I was reluctant. My flew low over the water from the south east wife is not a birder and I was afraid that I would corner of Low Ellers towards the central north not be able to identify (m)any birds. However, bank, which is fringed with tall Phragmites. It when my wife felt compelled to visit Macy’s and was only 100m away but was quickly identified as Bloomingdale’s, Central Park won me over. my target bird – a stunning male Little Bittern. Its small size, distinctive shape and buff and black Travelling around New York I had seen sparrows, plumage rendered it unmistakeable. The starlings, feral pigeons and American Robins. diagnostic buffish-white upper wing coverts Entering the park from 7th Avenue, I immediately contrasted markedly with the otherwise black saw a large pale-bellied bird with a long rufous wings. The rest of the plumage was creamy buff, tail. Consulting my guide (National Geographic’s except for the crown, back and tail, which were ‘Birds of North America’) I ascertained Brown black. The pale, yellow-green feet extended a Thrasher. The next two birds I recognised from little way beyond the tail and the rather long, previous trips to USA: Northern Cardinal and Blue dagger-shaped bill was pale yellow in colour. Jay, both very common but both very exotic Flight was low, direct and with quite rapid, deep looking to English eyes. The sightings were all wing beats. The wings were quite long and broad within 50 yards of the road bordering the park, and had rounded tips. The neck was fully one of the busiest thoroughfares in the world. retracted in flight but there was no obvious Identifying these species gave me heart. But the 'pouching' as in the larger heron and egret next two birds, little yellow jobs reinstated my species. The Little Bittern flew low over the doubt. Also, I was feeling very conspicuous with water, rose up and then dropped straight down my binoculars, peering into trees and bushes,

20 among the joggers, yoga practitioners, football activity and there was certainly a steady passage throwers, etc, etc. A park worker was able to of birders through this space. Some bare direct me to the Boathouse Café where he branches protruded from the top of a very tall thought there was a board or log of some kind tree. “Is that a flycatcher up there?” I asked the recording sightings and he was also sure that I nearest birder. “No, it’s a Phoebe or a Pewee: you would see other birders in the Rambles, a wooded can only tell the difference if you hear the call”, area, north of the café. He was right. Outside the was the reply. “Is this another real café was an elderly lady with binoculars. She Chiffchaff/Willow Warbler situation (or Swainson’s showed me where the sightings record book was Thrush situation), or is this guy (like me) not very kept, inside the café. Yesterday’s sightings were good?” I thought. A Northern Flicker joined immaculately listed in one hand. So presumably American Robins eating seeds or berries or ants someone, in this case a D. Allen, adopts the role from the ground before flying up on to the of Recorder. The previous day had been nearest tree adopting its wood-pecking pose. The exceptional with many migrants seen, including lady I had first seen at the café reappeared and Ruby-throated Humming Bird and Cedar asked how I had been doing and had I seen the Waxwing. The lady confirmed that 6.00 a.m. was Whip-poor-will (correct spelling). No, but I had the best time to catch the best birds and already, seen a flycatcher. She looked up and said “No, earlier that morning another Ruby-throated that is a phoebe or a pewee”. So that guy was Humming Bird had passed by. I set off along the good. Suddenly she said “Keep looking there, maze of footpaths winding through the conserved there’s a chat in those bushes”. How I envy woodland of the Rambles. There were plenty of birders who recognise bird-call. After lots of birders, with a preponderance of females of the skulking movement, a Yellow Breasted Chat species. One such was photographing birds in a emerged: a “cracking” bird. It had a completely fruit tree. There were two, as I thought, Song yellow undercarriage with a thick beak and white Thrushes; but no, she explained they were most spectacles. likely Swainson’s Thrush, with the remote Among the many fruit and berry trees and possibility that they were one of two other much bushes, Catbirds, Mourning Doves and Grackles rarer species. She had in fact been trying to gave false hope of something rarer. A Downy photograph a warbler which I had missed. I told Woodpecker put in an appearance. By now I was her about the two yellow birds I had seen earlier in conversation with a man and two younger and between her suggestions and my guide I women who had been trying to find the chat, found that I had seen Magnolia Warbler and which they duly did. “We’re off now” he said. probably Yellow-Rumped Warbler. “Are you expecting to see birds elsewhere in the I returned to a clearing where the surrounding park?” I asked, hoping to tag along. “No, we’re woods and shrubberies seemed to contain bird going back to work”, he answered. They offered

21 PROFILE – GARY SHARPLES Ted Parker talked to Gary Sharples about his birding life and what drove him to take such a leading interest in Portrack Marsh on which he has built up such a unique and intimate knowledge.

Gary was born in Glasgow in 1965. He is married to Liz and has three sons, the youngest of whom Whip-poor-will is 10. He spent 15 years in Nottingham before moving as a family to Yarm in the summer of to point me in the direction of the Whip-poor-will, 2001 where he found “the north-east is a great an offer which I gladly accepted. We were place to live!” He is a lecturer at Durham walking along through the maze, chatting, when University where he teaches medical microbiology he suddenly said: “There it is”, pointing up the and study mechanisms of bacterial virus gene slender trunk of a sapling. And there, about rearrangements that contribute to pathogen fifteen feet up on a thin branch was the Whip- evolution. poor-will, apparently dead to the world. Now this is a much easier way to see a member of the Gary has been interested in birds since being a Nightjar family than tramping across heather child but didn’t take it up seriously until 1987, moor, or through conifer plantations, at dusk, when a friend took him on a day trip to Norfolk being bitten to death by midges; BUT it denies and he’s been hooked ever since. “Give or take a one the magic of the bird’s eerie call as it twists few debatable wildfowl”, he has seen 287 species and turns catching moths or other insects, as you in Cleveland, which he considers “not bad for 12 marvel at the ability of your binoculars to pick years endeavour”. He didn’t quite make it to 200 out the object from the gloom. in Nottinghamshire. As many will already know from the Club’s Website, Gary’s favourite local So the Whip-poor-will was the star of that day’s patch is Portrack Marsh because it was handy for migration through Central Park; and it suddenly lunchtime visits when he worked at Durham dawned on me that I do not think that, before University’s Queen’s Campus: “It is a little oasis that day, I knew that Whip-poor-will was a bird. surrounded retail parks, railway sidings and a As you will have gathered I did not know how to sewage works”. Unfortunately, most of Gary’s spell it. I knew the name from the work has now moved to Durham and so he aforementioned songs but probably thought it doesn’t visit the marsh as much as he used to. was a will-of-the-wisp sort of natural marsh gas Whilst he acknowledges that the site doesn’t turn phenomenon. Nor does the name allude to the up much in the way of scarce birds, it is always abuse of some poor Southern slave. The bird is enjoyable watching the habitat evolve, named after its call, like the Cuckoo or Chiffchaff. anticipating summer arrival dates and finding I will not go into whether Tom Lehrer used to something you’ve not seen there before. His frequent Central Park but as another song says favourite alternative birding site is South Gare “New York, New York……..”. You surely know the after a fall of migrants. “Blue water and beautiful rest. white sands, with a backdrop of steelworks, oil

22 thousands. Last time I went, I managed to see Coyote too, along with the more easily observed Greater Roadrunner”. Gary finds it hard to pick out a best birding day in Cleveland because “there have been many as the County is akin to birding paradise, although usually have to be quick off the mark!” He remembers well his first Radde’s Warbler at South Gare and Wilson’s Phalarope at the nearby Portrack Marsh Coatham Marsh. Regarding his best personal find, Gary is still awaiting his first BB rarity: “The best I could hope to claim second-hand was a Long-eared Owl at Portrack Marsh that encouraged others to visit the site and discover the two Penduline Tits – so near yet so far!” His biggest birding disappointment is missing the Sandhill Crane in 2011: “It crossed Hartlepool Bay while I was waiting for it at Dormans Pool. However, it was the only blemish in a superb Bosque del Apache year”. The most memorable bird Gary has seen is a Cedar Waxwing in Nottingham. After missing it four times, he finally caught up with it just five minutes’ walk from his house. He’s also seen them in summer in Canada and feels that “they possess a subtle, understated beauty”. When asked about his ambition bird, Gary stated that there are many but Wallcreeper is high on his list “as long as I don’t have to climb too high”.

Gary has had a few embarrassing moments in his Wallcreeper over-enthusiastic youth. He confused a Dunlin for refineries and power stations – the genuine a Pectoral Sandpiper, a melanistic House Sparrow Teesside birding experience”. for a Black Wheatear and a juvenile Moorhen for a Spotted Crake. “Fortunately, none of these Gary’s optics are Opticron 10 x 40 binoculars and went any further than myself – oh no, it’s all out HR60 ED telescope: “I can’t afford or justify to my in the open now!” wife the expense of certain other manufacturers”. He doesn’t indulge in photography during his When asked about what changes he would like to birding but thinks he might do one day. He see concerning birds or bird watching in the UK cannot cite his favourite bird book but in terms of Gary stated that this would be more protection for identification he particularly likes the format of key sites and habitats both here and abroad but the old ‘Macmillan Field Guide to Bird he is realistic: “Unfortunately, I don’t foresee Identification’ by Harris, Tucker and Vinicombe much change since human concerns and jobs will allowing comparison of tricky similar species. always take priority over nature”. Gary thinks the Gary acknowledges, however, “of course, this is Teesmouth Bird Club is “a fantastic club” and he largely superseded by the ‘Collins Bird Guide’”. I joined mainly for information on the best birds would also include the Sibley North American Bird and where to find them, “as well as the excellent Guide for its simplicity and clarity. In terms of Newsletters and annual report.” He has always non-ID books, I would go for Kenn Kaufman’s found people helpful in sharing information on ‘Kingbird Highway’ as a fantastic adventure story, seeing birds in the area and he thinks the club which captures well the excitement of our hobby”. “maintains an excellent balance of friendliness and expertise”. Changes Gary would like to see in The most impressive birding site Gary has visited the local environment largely concern “preserving is the Bosque del Apache in New Mexico, which what we have, perhaps by preventing planning he’s visited several times through conferences authorities giving priority to commerce over the with work. As Gary describes: “It has extensive welfare of precious wildlife habitats”. wetland and desert habitat and teams with birds in winter. I’ve seen Whooping Crane there a long Gary’s aspirations for the future are to take his time ago. It is wonderful to see a lake turn white Cleveland List over 300 and to finally see a as Snow and Ross’s Geese come in to land in Caspian Gull.

23 WETLAND BIRD SURVEY TEESMOUTH - choose to feed in inter-tidal habitats during the WINTER 2012/2013 SUMMARY winter months. Following this winter’s series of counts, and Coverage was virtually complete with all but one measuring our five-year means of annual winter of the scheduled 135 sector counts undertaken peaks against the criteria for international and over the five months. national importance, the Tees and Hartlepool Bay For great crested grebe (19, February) this was WeBS site remains of national importance for the worst winter showing for a decade. sanderling. Disappointing wildfowl maxima included shoveler (61, December) and goldeneye (54, March). Mike Leakey Shelduck (325, February) improved on last WeBS Local Organizer winter’s peak by the slenderest of margins, but this is still our second worst winter on record for March 2013 the species. As for coot (751, December), while numbers are still barely half of what they were prior to the loss of most of Reclamation Pond, they do at least appear to be heading in the right direction. Wigeon returned the second highest WeBS total ever recorded on the Tees (2501, March) and the best for eighteen years. A wigeon maximum in March is very unusual, and was no doubt a reflection of the extended wintry weather conditions. Tufted duck (268, November) scored well in early winter, this being equal to the 2009/2010 seasonal record. The 60 eider counted in January constitute our best winter figure for over a decade, though it must be remembered that most of our eider occur just outside the Tees core count area, off Redcar and Hartlepool Headland. Among the waders, the knot (419, February) and turnstone (130, January) maxima were our worst ever, while that of golden plover (647, November) was the lowest since 2002/2003. It was also a Curlew at all-time record numbers poor winter for both dunlin (149, January) and sanderling (187, January), though purple sandpiper (74, December) showed some improvement. Both godwit peaks were something of a disappointment, that of black-tailed (13, November) being the worst for a decade, and that of bar-tailed (56, January) not a great deal better. Black-tailed godwits were apparently absent from the estuary in midwinter, while no bar-tails at all were counted in March, which is often a good month for them. On the positive side, oystercatcher (1654, January) provided its best winter total for six years. Redshank (838, November) saw a slight increase following an abysmal autumn showing, though we have not achieved a four-figure winter total for this species since March 2010. While the January curlew count was excellent, that of Wigeon – reluctant to leave in the cold conditions February (1689) was truly spectacular, and constitutes a new all-time Tees record. Interestingly, only around 10-15% of these curlew Table on next page

24 WETLAND BIRD SURVEY TEESMOUTH - WINTER 2012/2013 SUMMARY

Species November December January February March 11 9 13 10 10 Little Grebe 33 12 26 15 10 Great Crested Grebe 3 0 3 19 13 Cormorant 122 111 160 28 46 Mute Swan 58 52 48 44 29 Greylag Goose 169 221 211 274 152 Shelduck 129 201 248 325* 298 Wigeon 1399 1764 2018 2342* 2501* Gadwall 153* 136* 106 82 137* Teal 507 865 801 732 355 Mallard 153 226 324 214 146 Pintail 30 22 22 23 25 Shoveler 41 61 39 49 52 Pochard 90 93 88 45 63 Tufted Duck 268 207 162 152 172 Eider 9 21 60 4 34 Goldeneye 24 45 31 41 54 Red-br. Merganser 51* 55* 41 61* 61* Coot 641 751 578 432 266 Oystercatcher 1390 618 1654* 842 490 Ringed Plover 64 0 0 18 7 Golden Plover 647 49 22 280 0 Grey Plover 109 89 95 110 69 Lapwing 3227* 2282 2381 2462 558 Knot 173 96 79 419 120 Sanderling 84* 123* 187** 10 28 Purple Sandpiper 59 74* 68* 24 62 Dunlin 86 48 149 104 21 Ruff 1 0 0 2 0 Snipe 29 6 12 7 13 Black-tailed Godwit 13 2 0 1 4 Bar-tailed Godwit 22 47 56 50 0 Curlew 557 1077* 1271* 1689** 829* Redshank 838* 648* 795* 598 628* Turnstone 117 105 130 45 40 * Indicates a count of >50% of national importance ** Indicates a count of national importance N.B. ‘Teesmouth’ includes Hartlepool Bay.

All WeBS data are collected on behalf of the WeBS Partnership, which retains exclusive rights to the sale or supply of these data for commercial purposes

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TEESMOUTH BIRD CLUB – PUBLICATIONS

The current prices of all TBC publications are provided here by our Sales and Archives Officer, John Fletcher.

‘Birdwatchers of Teesmouth 1600 to 1960’ £2.50 (plus £1.00 p & p) ‘Teesmouth Bird Reports 1958-1973’ on CD £5.00 (plus £1.00 p & p) ‘Birds of Tees-side 1962-67’ by Phil Stead £5.00 (plus £1.00 p & p) ‘Birds of Tees-side 1968-1973’ by Martin Blick £5.00 (plus £1.00 p & p)

‘Cleveland Bird Reports’ prices as follows:

1974 to 2004: £3.00 each where available (plus £1.00 p & p per copy) (1974, 1976, 1978 to 1987 are out of print but are on a CD) 2005: Special Offer £1.00 each (plus £1.00 p & p) 2006 to 2010: £5.00 each (plus £1.00 p & p per copy) 2011: £7.50 each (plus £1.00 p & p per copy)

‘Barn Owl at RSPB Saltholme’ A3-sized Limited Edition Print: £2 each

Please note that the Club has no copies left of ‘The Breeding Birds of Cleveland – A Tetrad Atlas 1999- 2006’.

Please pass on unwanted copies of Club publications to John, particularly those that are out of print, so that they can be resold to other members.

There is a BIG DISCOUNT on orders over £20.00

Cheques should be made payable to “Teesmouth Bird Club” with orders and sent to: John Fletcher, 43 Glaisdale Avenue, Middlesbrough, TS5 7PF.

John Fletcher Email: [email protected] Tel: 01642 818825

26 TBC EMBROIDERED CLOTHING FORM

Unit Item Description Size Quantity Price S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL KII Crew Neck Sweatshirt Navy Blue £22.50 KII Crew Neck Sweatshirt Bottle Green £22.50 KII Crew Neck Sweatshirt Black £22.50

S, M, L, XL, XXL Trojan Men’s Polo Shirt Navy Blue £18.00 Trojan Men’s Polo Shirt Bottle Green £18.00 Trojan Men’s Polo Shirt Black £18.00

Sizes 8 to 26 Trojan Ladies’ Polo Shirt Navy Blue £18.00 Trojan Ladies’ Polo Shirt Bottle Green £18.00 Trojan Ladies’ Polo Shirt Black £18.00

S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL EII Glacier Fleece Unisex Navy Blue £45.00 EII Glacier Fleece Unisex Bottle Green £45.00 EII Glacier Fleece Unisex Black £45.00

One Size Fits All Acrylic Watch Cap Navy Blue £7.70 Acrylic Watch Cap Black £7.70 One Size Fits All Baseball Cap Navy Blue £9.50

Baseball Cap Black £9.50 Baseball Cap Green £9.50

Member’s name ...... SIZING GUIDE Size Chest Contact telephone ......

S 34-36" Delivery address ...... M 38-40"

L 42-44" ......

XL 46-48" ...... XXL 50-52"

XXXL 54-56" ......

Post Code ......

Return to Julie Mason, 11 Redmire Road, Grangefield, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 4JR

27 TEESMOUTH BIRD CLUB: WOODCOCK SURVEY 2013

OBSERVER NAME & ADDRESS EMAIL OR TELEPHONE NUMBER

GRID NOTES: E.G. RODING, DATE NUMBER LOCATION REFERENCE FLUSHED FROM SUITABLE HABITAT, NEST ETC.

Number of visits/approximate time spent:

Dates, times and details of any nil returns are also useful.

Please return form by 31st July to [email protected] J.V.Fairbrother, 8 Whitby Avenue, Guisborough, TS14 7AP.

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