Descrizione
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 Gabbiano corallino 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 Sterna di Dougalls. 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 Re degli edredoni, Smergo dal cappuccio, Strolaga beccogiallo, Gru canadese, Corriere di Leschenault, Gabbiano di Franklin, Sterna di Rüppell, Rondone pallido, Locustella di Pallas, Luì bianco orientale, Luì di Hume, Luì di Radde, Luì scuro, Codazzurro, Saltimpalo siberiano, Monachella del deserto, Monachella dorsonero, Passera scopaiola asiatica, Prispolone indiano, Zigolo mascherato, and many others. Time your visit in late spring, or late autumn, and who knows what else new you might find?
Dettagli
Accesso
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.
Terreno e habitat
Zona umida , Spiaggia , Alberi e cespugli sparsi , Prateria/pascolo , Dune , Città/paese , Mare , Lago , Terreni coltivatiCaratteristiche dell’area
Terreno piano , Sabbioso , Non ombreggiato , Paludoso , Asciutto , Paesaggio apertoPercorso ad anello
SiÈ utile un cannocchiale?
Può essere utileBuona stagione per il BW
Primavera , Autunno , EstateMiglior periodo per visitare
Migrazione primaverile , Migrazione autunnalePercorso
Strada asfaltata , Sentiero ampio , Strada sterrata , Sentiero strettoGrado di difficoltà del percorso a piedi
Difficoltà mediaModalità di accesso
A piedi , Bicicletta , Sedia a rotelleCapanno/torretta di osservazione
NoInformazioni aggiuntive
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.


