Description
Not the most visually attractive of sites, Blyth South Harbour does however have birding interest. The large gull roost often attracts Мартин полярний and Мартин гренландський in winter, while a 'scope view across the river to the (inaccessible) North Mole sees a good high tide roost of Баклан чубатий and Побережник морський. The river itself usually has a few Пухівка зеленошия, and less regularly, Крех середній and Синьга, while auks like Кайра тонкодзьоба and Люрик 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, Пуночка снігова tend to gather at this end, as do the occasional Жайворонок рогатий and Подорожник лапландський. The barrier of the North Mole prevents the South Harbour being a good seawatching site, but birds migrating higher overhead along the coast like Гуменник короткодзьобий and Лебідь-кликун can be seen. Rarities have included a wintering Гагара білодзьоба and a Пірникоза сірощока 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!).


