Targeted Surveys
@lymnocryptes.bsky.social
TTBSG: Only just scratching the surface
Tree Spug tally for Oct / Nov gives 889 birds in NZ34 alone from the 80 out of 100 monads visited
This equates to c11 birds per occupied 1km square or 44 birds per occupied Tetrad
There are around 820 of these Tetrad squares in the County & the TS range covers around two thirds of this area
1/4
This equates to c11 birds per occupied 1km square or 44 birds per occupied Tetrad
There are around 820 of these Tetrad squares in the County & the TS range covers around two thirds of this area
1/4
November 24, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Tree Spug tally for Oct / Nov gives 889 birds in NZ34 alone from the 80 out of 100 monads visited
This equates to c11 birds per occupied 1km square or 44 birds per occupied Tetrad
There are around 820 of these Tetrad squares in the County & the TS range covers around two thirds of this area
1/4
This equates to c11 birds per occupied 1km square or 44 birds per occupied Tetrad
There are around 820 of these Tetrad squares in the County & the TS range covers around two thirds of this area
1/4
The cold snap provides an ideal opportunity for picking out Jack Snipe.
This one, a Snipe & a Woodcock all sharing the same pathside ditch this morning.
#NEBirding
This one, a Snipe & a Woodcock all sharing the same pathside ditch this morning.
#NEBirding
November 22, 2025 at 12:30 AM
The cold snap provides an ideal opportunity for picking out Jack Snipe.
This one, a Snipe & a Woodcock all sharing the same pathside ditch this morning.
#NEBirding
This one, a Snipe & a Woodcock all sharing the same pathside ditch this morning.
#NEBirding
It’s Looking VERY Positive for Tree Spugs in Durham atm
*These are our current winter registrations*
Nice flock of 120 in NZ34 wild bird cover yday (c90 in pic) where at least 70% of monads have registrations
142 Durham Tetrads is already close to the Atlas total
#NEBirding
*These are our current winter registrations*
Nice flock of 120 in NZ34 wild bird cover yday (c90 in pic) where at least 70% of monads have registrations
142 Durham Tetrads is already close to the Atlas total
#NEBirding
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 AM
It’s Looking VERY Positive for Tree Spugs in Durham atm
*These are our current winter registrations*
Nice flock of 120 in NZ34 wild bird cover yday (c90 in pic) where at least 70% of monads have registrations
142 Durham Tetrads is already close to the Atlas total
#NEBirding
*These are our current winter registrations*
Nice flock of 120 in NZ34 wild bird cover yday (c90 in pic) where at least 70% of monads have registrations
142 Durham Tetrads is already close to the Atlas total
#NEBirding
Oops deleted the Tree Spugs post
Update as at 16/11/2025
x207 1km registrations
In x121 Tetrads from x24 10km squares
Only 5 months to go to map our Winter populations
Update as at 16/11/2025
x207 1km registrations
In x121 Tetrads from x24 10km squares
Only 5 months to go to map our Winter populations
November 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Oops deleted the Tree Spugs post
Update as at 16/11/2025
x207 1km registrations
In x121 Tetrads from x24 10km squares
Only 5 months to go to map our Winter populations
Update as at 16/11/2025
x207 1km registrations
In x121 Tetrads from x24 10km squares
Only 5 months to go to map our Winter populations
Called in at Budle Bay on our journey home, just as the tide was just receding
Superb selection of wildfowl & waders & great views
Pictured are Greenshank, Brents & both Godwits
Superb selection of wildfowl & waders & great views
Pictured are Greenshank, Brents & both Godwits
November 16, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Called in at Budle Bay on our journey home, just as the tide was just receding
Superb selection of wildfowl & waders & great views
Pictured are Greenshank, Brents & both Godwits
Superb selection of wildfowl & waders & great views
Pictured are Greenshank, Brents & both Godwits
Angry William
It’s been a productive few months for Crossbill passage.
Away from breeding sites I’ve had 111 Crossbill moving on 28 dates since June (That’s a 158 day period = so a record around every 5.5 days).
🧵1/3
It’s been a productive few months for Crossbill passage.
Away from breeding sites I’ve had 111 Crossbill moving on 28 dates since June (That’s a 158 day period = so a record around every 5.5 days).
🧵1/3
November 8, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Angry William
It’s been a productive few months for Crossbill passage.
Away from breeding sites I’ve had 111 Crossbill moving on 28 dates since June (That’s a 158 day period = so a record around every 5.5 days).
🧵1/3
It’s been a productive few months for Crossbill passage.
Away from breeding sites I’ve had 111 Crossbill moving on 28 dates since June (That’s a 158 day period = so a record around every 5.5 days).
🧵1/3
Surprise Ringtail HH hunting at Garmondsway Nr Kelloe during our Tree Spug recce
#BirdingNE
#BirdingNE
October 30, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Surprise Ringtail HH hunting at Garmondsway Nr Kelloe during our Tree Spug recce
#BirdingNE
#BirdingNE
After a rather uninspiring start despite a few late Sept birds, Jacks have picked up this week.
By 22/10, a total of x37 birds from a doz sites, with several locs still blank.
20 birds from x9 sites in core study area in NZ35/34
The regions max is 9 at Rspb Saltholme
Pics MH & pair by TM
#Birding
By 22/10, a total of x37 birds from a doz sites, with several locs still blank.
20 birds from x9 sites in core study area in NZ35/34
The regions max is 9 at Rspb Saltholme
Pics MH & pair by TM
#Birding
October 25, 2025 at 10:31 AM
After a rather uninspiring start despite a few late Sept birds, Jacks have picked up this week.
By 22/10, a total of x37 birds from a doz sites, with several locs still blank.
20 birds from x9 sites in core study area in NZ35/34
The regions max is 9 at Rspb Saltholme
Pics MH & pair by TM
#Birding
By 22/10, a total of x37 birds from a doz sites, with several locs still blank.
20 birds from x9 sites in core study area in NZ35/34
The regions max is 9 at Rspb Saltholme
Pics MH & pair by TM
#Birding
Tree Spugs after 3 weeks
Registrations from just over 100 locations
We’ve got out randomly from our core to find birds on the edge of Gateshead (looking down onto the Angel) & in rural East Durham at Trimdon where birds seem plentiful.
#Birds #TreeSpugs
Registrations from just over 100 locations
We’ve got out randomly from our core to find birds on the edge of Gateshead (looking down onto the Angel) & in rural East Durham at Trimdon where birds seem plentiful.
#Birds #TreeSpugs
October 22, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Tree Spugs after 3 weeks
Registrations from just over 100 locations
We’ve got out randomly from our core to find birds on the edge of Gateshead (looking down onto the Angel) & in rural East Durham at Trimdon where birds seem plentiful.
#Birds #TreeSpugs
Registrations from just over 100 locations
We’ve got out randomly from our core to find birds on the edge of Gateshead (looking down onto the Angel) & in rural East Durham at Trimdon where birds seem plentiful.
#Birds #TreeSpugs
Tree Spug registrations after a fortnight
Tricky to count accurately with lots of leaves on
Still a good provisional indication of presence, however several known colonies yet to be visited
We have several nest box schemes & thankfully the population is interlinked
#NEBirding
Tricky to count accurately with lots of leaves on
Still a good provisional indication of presence, however several known colonies yet to be visited
We have several nest box schemes & thankfully the population is interlinked
#NEBirding
October 14, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Tree Spug registrations after a fortnight
Tricky to count accurately with lots of leaves on
Still a good provisional indication of presence, however several known colonies yet to be visited
We have several nest box schemes & thankfully the population is interlinked
#NEBirding
Tricky to count accurately with lots of leaves on
Still a good provisional indication of presence, however several known colonies yet to be visited
We have several nest box schemes & thankfully the population is interlinked
#NEBirding
Eventually!
First morning of steady Winter Thrushes passing
Flocks of up to 80 each of Redwing & Fieldfare heading SWest
#NEBirding
Smaller nos of GWag Crossbill Redpoll Lark Mipit.
Obvious increase in grounded Robin Blackbird SongThrush etc
First morning of steady Winter Thrushes passing
Flocks of up to 80 each of Redwing & Fieldfare heading SWest
#NEBirding
Smaller nos of GWag Crossbill Redpoll Lark Mipit.
Obvious increase in grounded Robin Blackbird SongThrush etc
October 13, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Eventually!
First morning of steady Winter Thrushes passing
Flocks of up to 80 each of Redwing & Fieldfare heading SWest
#NEBirding
Smaller nos of GWag Crossbill Redpoll Lark Mipit.
Obvious increase in grounded Robin Blackbird SongThrush etc
First morning of steady Winter Thrushes passing
Flocks of up to 80 each of Redwing & Fieldfare heading SWest
#NEBirding
Smaller nos of GWag Crossbill Redpoll Lark Mipit.
Obvious increase in grounded Robin Blackbird SongThrush etc
A new record Day Tally of *x303* Black Grouse counted in west Durham on 23rd September 2025.
Coincides with news that translocated Pennine birds have bred successfully over on the NYMoors for the first time in 200 years. #NEBirding
Coincides with news that translocated Pennine birds have bred successfully over on the NYMoors for the first time in 200 years. #NEBirding
A key species for us as we approach the Autumn is the Black Grouse.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
September 26, 2025 at 8:24 AM
A new record Day Tally of *x303* Black Grouse counted in west Durham on 23rd September 2025.
Coincides with news that translocated Pennine birds have bred successfully over on the NYMoors for the first time in 200 years. #NEBirding
Coincides with news that translocated Pennine birds have bred successfully over on the NYMoors for the first time in 200 years. #NEBirding
Looking closely this season has revealed a few secrets
This is one example of interesting behaviour on our local Beck.
This is one example of interesting behaviour on our local Beck.
September 26, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Looking closely this season has revealed a few secrets
This is one example of interesting behaviour on our local Beck.
This is one example of interesting behaviour on our local Beck.
We have a 60 pack counted in Teesdale 11th September 2025. 🎯👍🏻
A key species for us as we approach the Autumn is the Black Grouse.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
September 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
We have a 60 pack counted in Teesdale 11th September 2025. 🎯👍🏻
250 counted on random roadside route through parts of Durham Pennines 5/9/25.
No big single sex packs yet, still some family parties with young not yet fully grown
No concerted national count since 2014, when English total 🟰 1437 males.
2022 ‘23 & this year have been productive seasons 🎯
No big single sex packs yet, still some family parties with young not yet fully grown
No concerted national count since 2014, when English total 🟰 1437 males.
2022 ‘23 & this year have been productive seasons 🎯
A key species for us as we approach the Autumn is the Black Grouse.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
September 7, 2025 at 12:32 PM
250 counted on random roadside route through parts of Durham Pennines 5/9/25.
No big single sex packs yet, still some family parties with young not yet fully grown
No concerted national count since 2014, when English total 🟰 1437 males.
2022 ‘23 & this year have been productive seasons 🎯
No big single sex packs yet, still some family parties with young not yet fully grown
No concerted national count since 2014, when English total 🟰 1437 males.
2022 ‘23 & this year have been productive seasons 🎯
A key species for us as we approach the Autumn is the Black Grouse.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
August 30, 2025 at 9:42 PM
A key species for us as we approach the Autumn is the Black Grouse.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
Early indications are that birds have done well, lots of good broods seen & a loose pack of x31 yesterday in Upper Weardale all bode well.
*Our Max day count in a 5km radius is 223 birds in Teesdale 22nd September 2023.
End of August & our final Flycatcher family of fledged young being fed
2025 has been an excellent one
x240 locations, many places having multiple pairs
x90 nests found
x25 broods BTO rung
Here’s the sun setting on at moorland edge bird as it yawns
A fitting way to sign off our #SpotFly25 survey
2025 has been an excellent one
x240 locations, many places having multiple pairs
x90 nests found
x25 broods BTO rung
Here’s the sun setting on at moorland edge bird as it yawns
A fitting way to sign off our #SpotFly25 survey
August 30, 2025 at 9:00 PM
End of August & our final Flycatcher family of fledged young being fed
2025 has been an excellent one
x240 locations, many places having multiple pairs
x90 nests found
x25 broods BTO rung
Here’s the sun setting on at moorland edge bird as it yawns
A fitting way to sign off our #SpotFly25 survey
2025 has been an excellent one
x240 locations, many places having multiple pairs
x90 nests found
x25 broods BTO rung
Here’s the sun setting on at moorland edge bird as it yawns
A fitting way to sign off our #SpotFly25 survey
A bank holiday drive out to cast an unseasonal eye over the Northumberland Goldeneye breeding area, following this years success in the Wear Valley in Durham.
There doesn’t appear to be anything special with either…
How many more disused gravel workings will they take to ? 🧐
💛👁️
There doesn’t appear to be anything special with either…
How many more disused gravel workings will they take to ? 🧐
💛👁️
August 26, 2025 at 7:21 AM
A bank holiday drive out to cast an unseasonal eye over the Northumberland Goldeneye breeding area, following this years success in the Wear Valley in Durham.
There doesn’t appear to be anything special with either…
How many more disused gravel workings will they take to ? 🧐
💛👁️
There doesn’t appear to be anything special with either…
How many more disused gravel workings will they take to ? 🧐
💛👁️
We are seeing population growth & range expansion in TyneTees area each year
NB: Looking at nests we see *emerging evidence* of competition with other cavity nesters including TawnyOwl being physically usurped !
Also brood parasitism in Goosander Stock Dove & Jackdaw nests @teesbirds.bsky.social
NB: Looking at nests we see *emerging evidence* of competition with other cavity nesters including TawnyOwl being physically usurped !
Also brood parasitism in Goosander Stock Dove & Jackdaw nests @teesbirds.bsky.social
Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata): This species is native to east Asia, but has been introduced to parts of Europe including GB. A close relative of the Wood Duck found in N.America, it feeds mainly on plants & seeds but will occasionally eat snails & insects.
August 20, 2025 at 11:06 AM
We are seeing population growth & range expansion in TyneTees area each year
NB: Looking at nests we see *emerging evidence* of competition with other cavity nesters including TawnyOwl being physically usurped !
Also brood parasitism in Goosander Stock Dove & Jackdaw nests @teesbirds.bsky.social
NB: Looking at nests we see *emerging evidence* of competition with other cavity nesters including TawnyOwl being physically usurped !
Also brood parasitism in Goosander Stock Dove & Jackdaw nests @teesbirds.bsky.social
SpotFly25 Breeding Season just about done.
x240 locations, many places having multiple pairs
x90 nests found
x25 broods BTO rung
Best of all was birds back breeding near DurhamCity, others returning to locations where absent for years !
A VERY POSITIVE
⚫️🪰 Season @teesbirds.bsky.social
x240 locations, many places having multiple pairs
x90 nests found
x25 broods BTO rung
Best of all was birds back breeding near DurhamCity, others returning to locations where absent for years !
A VERY POSITIVE
⚫️🪰 Season @teesbirds.bsky.social
August 18, 2025 at 1:37 PM
SpotFly25 Breeding Season just about done.
x240 locations, many places having multiple pairs
x90 nests found
x25 broods BTO rung
Best of all was birds back breeding near DurhamCity, others returning to locations where absent for years !
A VERY POSITIVE
⚫️🪰 Season @teesbirds.bsky.social
x240 locations, many places having multiple pairs
x90 nests found
x25 broods BTO rung
Best of all was birds back breeding near DurhamCity, others returning to locations where absent for years !
A VERY POSITIVE
⚫️🪰 Season @teesbirds.bsky.social
A juvenile Goldeneye at Hetton Lyons this morning isn’t entirely unexpected after confirmation of successful breeding in Weardale this year @teesbirds.bsky.social #Waterfowl #BreedingBirds #Birdwatching
August 16, 2025 at 9:19 AM
A juvenile Goldeneye at Hetton Lyons this morning isn’t entirely unexpected after confirmation of successful breeding in Weardale this year @teesbirds.bsky.social #Waterfowl #BreedingBirds #Birdwatching
Easy pickings
Moorland edge plantation between Blanchland & Rookhope
Half a dozen today, down from c20 last week
#SpotFly25
Also a vis Mig Tree Pipit North !
Moorland edge plantation between Blanchland & Rookhope
Half a dozen today, down from c20 last week
#SpotFly25
Also a vis Mig Tree Pipit North !
August 15, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Easy pickings
Moorland edge plantation between Blanchland & Rookhope
Half a dozen today, down from c20 last week
#SpotFly25
Also a vis Mig Tree Pipit North !
Moorland edge plantation between Blanchland & Rookhope
Half a dozen today, down from c20 last week
#SpotFly25
Also a vis Mig Tree Pipit North !
One of our specialist studies is long term field work looking at breeding Woodcock.
In recent years we have focused on moorland breeding & discovered a large stock nesting well away from any tree cover.
Some are well out on the fells amongst the Heather, their nearest neighbours Red Grouse
In recent years we have focused on moorland breeding & discovered a large stock nesting well away from any tree cover.
Some are well out on the fells amongst the Heather, their nearest neighbours Red Grouse
August 13, 2025 at 6:09 PM
One of our specialist studies is long term field work looking at breeding Woodcock.
In recent years we have focused on moorland breeding & discovered a large stock nesting well away from any tree cover.
Some are well out on the fells amongst the Heather, their nearest neighbours Red Grouse
In recent years we have focused on moorland breeding & discovered a large stock nesting well away from any tree cover.
Some are well out on the fells amongst the Heather, their nearest neighbours Red Grouse