Last of the butterflies and the Redwings are here

Yesterday, 10th October
Greenside - 13 Redwing over and small numbers of Song Thrushes flying over.

1-2 Redwing were also noted at other sites in the borough today


9th October
Derwent Walk Country Park -1  House Martin over Nine Arches Viaduct

8th October
Dunston -2 Red Admiral and 2 Small Tortoiseshells. Given the weather forecast perhaps the last butterflies for the year

Small Tortoiseshell at Dunston [Rev. David Atkinson]

Shibdon Pond - 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruf, 1 Greenshank, Redshank, 13 Dunlin, 10 Golden Plover, 400+ Lapwing,  30+ Common Snipe and a Water Rail in front of hide. Still a few Migrant Hawkers on the wing

7th October
Dunston - Red Admiral in the Vicarage garden

Red Admiral at Dunston [Rev. David Atkinson]

5th October
East Bradley Fell - 6 Redwing over this morning plus light passage of Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails. Also Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and singing Chiffchaff.  House Martin and 2 Swallow over the village.


4th October
East Bradley Fell-  2 possible Ring Ouzel heard but elusive in thick hedgerow before flying off high out of view.
Shibdon Pond - 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 12 Dunlin, c35 Common Snipe, c60 Redshank, c100 Lapwing.


2014 will mark the 10th Anniversary of the release of the first Red Kite chick in Gateshead's Lower Derwent Valley and the 5th Anniversary of the formation of the Friends of Red Kites. There are plans to celebrate. One of which is a Photographic competition, which is open to Members, non-Members and Young Persons. Details are on our website at: http://www.friendsofredkites.org.uk/page14.htm