Beschrijving
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 Zwartkopmeeuw 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 Dougalls Sterns. 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 Koningseider, Kokardezaagbek, Geelsnavelduiker, Canadese Kraanvogel, Woestijnplevier, Franklins Meeuw, Bengaalse Stern, Vale Gierzwaluw, Siberische Sprinkhaanzanger, Balkanbergfluiter, Humes Bladkoning, Raddes Boszanger, Bruine Boszanger, Blauwstaart, Aziatische Roodborsttapuit, Woestijntapuit, Bonte Tapuit, Bergheggenmus, Siberische Boompieper, Maskergors, and many others. Time your visit in late spring, or late autumn, and who knows what else new you might find?
Details
Toegang
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.
Terrein en leefgebied
Wetland , Strand , Verspreide bomen en struiken , Grasland/weide , Duinen , Stad/dorp , Zee , Meer , LandbouwOmstandigheden
Vlak , Zanderig , Geen schaduw , Nat , Droog , Open landschapRondlopende wandeling mogelijk?
JaTelescoop meenemen?
Kan handig zijnWanneer hier vogels kijken?
Lente , Herfst , ZomerToptijd voor dit gebied
Voorjaarstrek , NajaarstrekRoute
Verharde weg , Breed pad , Onverharde weg , Smal padZwaarte wandeling
GemiddeldToegankelijk via
Te voet , Fiets , RolstoelVogelkijkhut aanwezig?
NeeExtra 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.


