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Description
Located on a headland that sticks further out into the sea than the rest of the Northumberland coastline, migrating seabirds are closer inshore at Newbiggin than elsewhere, sometimes even overhead. The tidal sand and rocks attract a good range of waders and gulls. The bay is the best spot for Sorthovedet Måge in northern England (over 200 counted in August 2021), while Beacon Point at the northern end of the site is an important roost for terns in summer including flocks of up to 55 Rosenternes. On land, the golf course (open access, but please respect golfers playing!) has areas of rough grass and shrubs that attract birds, while on the western edge, the banks of the power station ash lagoons (no access, view from outside of fence only!) also have shrubs that attract birds.
Resident breeding birds are few in number, but the coastal location makes it the first landfall for many migrating birds. Over the years, an astonishing selection of rarities have been found here, including Kongeederfugl, Hjelmskallesluger, Hvidnæbbet Lom, Prærietrane, Ørkenpræstekrave, Præriemåge, Bengalsk Terne, Gråsejler, Pallas´ Græshoppesanger, Balkan-løvsanger, Himalaya-sanger, Schwarz´ Løvsanger, Brun Løvsanger, Nordlig Spottedrossel, Blåstjert, Sibirisk bynkefugl, Ørkenstenpikker, Nonnestenpikker, Sibirisk Jernspurv, Tajga-piber, Gråhovedet Værling, and many others. Time your visit in late spring, or late autumn, and who knows what else new you might find?
Details
Access
Access by bus 35 from Morpeth or bus X21 from Newcastle upon Tyne; both stop in the centre of Newbiggin, just 3 minutes walk from the seawatching site on Church Point. All publicly accessible areas are easily covered on foot; Beacon Point is about 20 minutes walk north from Church Point. The two pools on the west side of Newbiggin are best watched from beside the A189-A197 roads.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Beach , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Dunes , City/village , Sea , Lake , AgricultureConditions
Flat , Sandy , No shadow , Wet , Dry , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Shelter at Church Point for seawatching is very limited: wear warm clothes even in summer! North to northeast winds provide the best chances for unusual seabirds.