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Amble and the Coquet Estuary

Northumberland  >  United Kingdom

Fishing village on the Coquet estuary, with sand and mud flats, river and open vistas. Boat trips around offshore Coquet Island (important for breeding terns).

Added* by Rob Fox
Most recent update 18 Mart 2023

Description

Amble and the Coquet Estuary has sand and mud flats that attract resident, passage and wintering waders, gulls, and wildfowl. Passage migrants, including passerines, are regular. Coquet Island is the main UK breeding site for Pembe Sumru, and also supports breeding Karagagalı Sumru, Kutup sumrusu, Pufla, and deniz papağanı. There are several car parks in Amble village (the fish quay is a good starting point) and lay-bys on the A1068 as it follows the River Coquet between Amble and Warkworth.

Ötücü kuğu are often in the fields around the River Coquet, while the upper tidal part of the river has regular Küçük ak balýkçýl and wintering Büyük tarakdiş, Tarakdiş, and Altıngöz. The mudflats have good numbers of waders, including Büyük kumkuşu, Karakarınlı kumkuşu, Kızıl kumkuşu, Sürmeli kervançulluğu, and Kızılbacak. A colour-ringed Gümüş martı, with yellow 'PKCS' ring, has been present in late summer for several years. Offshore, between the river mouth and Coquet Island, Kara ördek, Kýzýlgerdanlý dalgýç, and Buz Dalgýcý can be present. Rarer visitors have included küçük alk, Mavigerdan, Boz Ebabil and Kulaklı toygar (in dunes to north).

Details

Access

Two car parks central in Amble, another off A1068 near the yacht club. Click on a P in the map for directions. Amble is in the England Coastal Footpath and N1 Cycle route. Bus services X18 and X20 operate between Newcastle and Alnwick, both passing through Amble and calling at Alnmouth rail station (8km north).

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Sea , Dunes , Beach , Plain , Mud flats , Agriculture , City/village

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , Dry , Open landscape , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn , Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Boat , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Coquet Island is operated as a bird reserve by the RSPB and landing is prohibited. Boat trips around the island operate from Amble harbour and are recommended during the breeding season. See the link below.

Note that the harbour breakwater paths are dangerous during east winds, with large waves breaking over them; do not attempt to walk on these in rough weather!

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

birdingplace
bird
hide/platform
lookout tower
parking
point of interest
restaurant/café
viewpoint
visitor centre
Route
500 m

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