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Blyth South Harbour

Northumberland  >  United Kingdom

Blyth Harbour leapt to fame on 2 January 2023 when 'Thor' the Walrus visited. It has though long been known to birders for seaduck, gulls, and dune birds.

Added* by Nutcracker
Most recent update 17 ledna 2023

Description

Not the most visually attractive of sites, Blyth South Harbour does however have birding interest. The large gull roost often attracts racek šedý and racek polární in winter, while a 'scope view across the river to the (inaccessible) North Mole sees a good high tide roost of kormorán chocholatý and jespák mořský. The river itself usually has a few kajka mořská, and less regularly, morčák prostřední and turpan černý, while auks like alkoun úzkozobý and alkoun malý can be seen on the sea to the south. A line of sand dunes extends south from the harbour for about 4 km, and as the harbour end of the dunes is often the quietest stretch with fewer dog walkers, sněhule severní tend to gather at this end, as do the occasional skřivan ouškatý and strnad severní. The barrier of the North Mole prevents the South Harbour being a good seawatching site, but birds migrating higher overhead along the coast like husa krátkozobá and labuť zpěvná can be seen. Rarities have included a wintering potáplice žlutozobá and a potápka rudokrká or two.

Details

Access

Busses 308 and 309 between Newcastle upon Tyne and Blyth run past the entrance, and there is a small car park (often busy with fishermen so space can be limited). The harbour road beyond the car park is closed to cars (except for local boat owners), but is open to cyclists and pedestrians. Walk along the dunes and back along the harbour road, or vice-versa; scan the harbour pontoons and staiths for gulls (and the occasional Walrus!).

Terrain and Habitat

Beach , City/village , Sea , Dunes

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , No shadow , Open landscape , Dusty , Dry

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Winter

Best time to visit

Winter , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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