New Bird Survey

Gibside Community Farm Bird Survey – Sept 2018

My sixth visit to the site during 2018 took place in the early hours of 29th September 7 – 9 a.m. A total of 18 species were recorded during the visit including 2 species not previously recorded, Pied Wagtail and Stock Dove. This means the total number of species now recorded – and logged on the BTO’s Bird Track site – has risen to 42. Particularly interesting apart from the 2 previously unrecorded species, was the flock of c 50 linnets feeding in the centre of the site, both kestrel and sparrowhawk hunting on the site (the latter possibly attracted by the linnets as well as a few meadow pipits on the site) and a covey of 14 grey partridges, always a good sign seeing this Red Data species in national decline. Particularly in evidence on, around and over the site were numerous Wood Pigeons, c 50 on the site and up to 200 in adjacent fields, both Herring and Common Gulls and three crow species in Magpies, Jackdaws and Crows. I will aim to do at least one more survey during 2018 once winter has set in and hope to continue recording during the breeding season next year.

Chris Cox

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Yes, photos from Paul Gertig show the birds were definitely here. After laying biomulch for over wintering onions we returned to find we had missed some bird visitors who left their mark!!