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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 јануари 2023

Description

Not the most visually attractive of sites, Blyth South Harbour does however have birding interest. The large gull roost often attracts Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull in winter, while a 'scope view across the river to the (inaccessible) North Mole sees a good high tide roost of морски корморан and Purple Sandpiper. The river itself usually has a few Common Eider, and less regularly, среден северен нуркач and Common Scoter, while auks like Common Guillemot and Little Auk 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, Snow Bunting tend to gather at this end, as do the occasional ушеста чучулига and Lapland Bunting. The barrier of the North Mole prevents the South Harbour being a good seawatching site, but birds migrating higher overhead along the coast like Pink-footed Goose and жолтоклун лебед can be seen. Rarities have included a wintering White-billed Diver and a црвеноврат нуркач 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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