Stephen M.'s photos with the keyword: newcastle

The Bluethroat is a scarce visitor to north east England with one or two records most years. In the last decade, the majority of sightings have been on Holy Island and the Farnes so when a bird was reported from the much more accessible location of Tynemouth, it was always going to be popular with local birdwatchers. The Bluethroat favoured the gardens around the Spanish Battery, showing well at times while looking for insects on the lawns. Present until the evening, it was not seen the following day having likely departed for the breeding grounds in Scandinavia overnight.

The frozen main lake of Exhibition Park with the Wylam brewery in the background. The park dates back to the Jubilee Exhibition of 1887 and is part of the larger Town Moor on the edge of central Newcastle. PIP#1: Another view of the lake.

St Mary's is a small island at the north end of Whitley Bay which is connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway. There is a small visitor centre on the island which offers guided tours of the lighthouse. A particular highlight is watching the seals around the island. Just be sure to check the tides before visiting!

A male Winter Moth found in an underpass by Exhibition Park in Newcastle. One of the few moth species active during the winter months in Britain, only the males are able to fly with the females only having vestigial wings.

The illuminated Civic Centre in Newcastle city centre as seen from the Great North Museum.

The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle. Built in 1884, the museum hosts a variety of natural history and archaeological exhibits and is free to visit. The exterior of the building has very recently undergone major restoration work. The name commemorates the Victorian-era naturalist brothers John and Albany Hancock. Some of their works can still be seen in the museum, including John Hancock's most famous work, 'The Struggle with the Quarry'.