Hartlepool Headland

Please click the link below for a map.

 The Headland, Hartlepool

Where do we start? The Headland can be a magnet for rare birds, there are often 'Falls', where migrants are blown off course by bad weather, and end up on Hartlepool Headland to stop and recuperate for a day or so.

There are a few main areas here:

Croft Gardens

This tends to get some good birds, migrants that hide in the low bushes. It is over the road from Verrills fish shop.

There are some trees near to the fish shop, which are used as landmarks for birders.

The Borough Hall Gardens and Putting Green are also a magnet for migrants. Huge numbers of Goldcrests can be seen in these trees at times, October 2005 was a good example.

Croft Gardens.       The 'Chip Shop' Trees.    Croft Gardens,

                                                                 Looking towards St. Hilda's Church 

Borough Hall Gardens.      'Putting Green'

Town Moor

This is a 5 acre site just north of the Heugh Battery. It normally has birds feeding on there (Except in early August, when the carnival is taking place on the moor). Birds such as Linnets, Starlings, Turnstone can be seen regularly. Shorelark are also seen here.

Fish Quay

Behind the Golden Anchor pub, you will find the Fish Quay. Guillemot can be found on the water, along with Grebes, Divers, etc. There is a Yellow-Legged Gull that can be often seen sitting on one of the large warehouses in the area.

Out To Sea

Looking out to sea, from anywhere on the Headland can yield good birds. Groups of Eider, Common and Velvet Scoter can be seen from the top end of Marine Drive. On the rocks near the breakwater, large numbers of gulls, starlings and cormorants are nearly always present. Rare gulls often pay a visit. Mediterranean gull, being one such example.

Steetley pier from Marine Drive.       Rocks off Marine Drive.

There is an article about the Headland in the January 2006 newsletter. Please click here to view it.