Targeted Surveys
@lymnocryptes.bsky.social
TTBSG: Only just scratching the surface
Scribblyjacks
3 unharvested Wheat fields c8Ha are pulling in a minimum of 380 gorgeous Yellow Buntings
The Hectad they’re in still retains breeders in 94/100 Monads
A few birds are tuning up in sub song - next clear spell & sun should see them singing & allow us to daydream of summer
#NEBirding
3 unharvested Wheat fields c8Ha are pulling in a minimum of 380 gorgeous Yellow Buntings
The Hectad they’re in still retains breeders in 94/100 Monads
A few birds are tuning up in sub song - next clear spell & sun should see them singing & allow us to daydream of summer
#NEBirding
January 17, 2026 at 11:57 PM
Scribblyjacks
3 unharvested Wheat fields c8Ha are pulling in a minimum of 380 gorgeous Yellow Buntings
The Hectad they’re in still retains breeders in 94/100 Monads
A few birds are tuning up in sub song - next clear spell & sun should see them singing & allow us to daydream of summer
#NEBirding
3 unharvested Wheat fields c8Ha are pulling in a minimum of 380 gorgeous Yellow Buntings
The Hectad they’re in still retains breeders in 94/100 Monads
A few birds are tuning up in sub song - next clear spell & sun should see them singing & allow us to daydream of summer
#NEBirding
Super Greenfinch roost 🎯
8 mile away, a regular treble figure roost at Sedgeletch is no longer occupied 🧐 but still lots of birds around, a modest 40+ roost in town & several singing males yesterday.
8 mile away, a regular treble figure roost at Sedgeletch is no longer occupied 🧐 but still lots of birds around, a modest 40+ roost in town & several singing males yesterday.
Great to get my highest pre roost count of 220+ Greenfinches in Peterlee town centre yesterday afternoon 👍 #Nebirds #Ukbirds @durhambirdclub.bsky.social @teesbirds.bsky.social
January 16, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Super Greenfinch roost 🎯
8 mile away, a regular treble figure roost at Sedgeletch is no longer occupied 🧐 but still lots of birds around, a modest 40+ roost in town & several singing males yesterday.
8 mile away, a regular treble figure roost at Sedgeletch is no longer occupied 🧐 but still lots of birds around, a modest 40+ roost in town & several singing males yesterday.
A Dipper box check quickly turned into a Chiffy Hunt after bumping into a visiting birder who’d counted 5 or 6
We ended up with x7Chiffs in little over a Km
It’s a few years since we’ve had multiples overwintering & are now day dreaming of other small waifs amongst them
We ended up with x7Chiffs in little over a Km
It’s a few years since we’ve had multiples overwintering & are now day dreaming of other small waifs amongst them
January 14, 2026 at 11:03 PM
A Dipper box check quickly turned into a Chiffy Hunt after bumping into a visiting birder who’d counted 5 or 6
We ended up with x7Chiffs in little over a Km
It’s a few years since we’ve had multiples overwintering & are now day dreaming of other small waifs amongst them
We ended up with x7Chiffs in little over a Km
It’s a few years since we’ve had multiples overwintering & are now day dreaming of other small waifs amongst them
A bit of fancy footwork by MH whilst togging this Jack Snipe
Great to see but a very poor season- many sites dry & degraded during the Autumn arrival.
Winter 23/24 we located over 600. @durhambirdclub.bsky.social
Great to see but a very poor season- many sites dry & degraded during the Autumn arrival.
Winter 23/24 we located over 600. @durhambirdclub.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 8:28 AM
A bit of fancy footwork by MH whilst togging this Jack Snipe
Great to see but a very poor season- many sites dry & degraded during the Autumn arrival.
Winter 23/24 we located over 600. @durhambirdclub.bsky.social
Great to see but a very poor season- many sites dry & degraded during the Autumn arrival.
Winter 23/24 we located over 600. @durhambirdclub.bsky.social
Can’t be that many of these around in the UK in January ??
#NEBirding
After adding RLP, this takes our local inland #FootIt year list to 100 species 🎯
@durhambirdclub.bsky.social
#NEBirding
After adding RLP, this takes our local inland #FootIt year list to 100 species 🎯
@durhambirdclub.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Can’t be that many of these around in the UK in January ??
#NEBirding
After adding RLP, this takes our local inland #FootIt year list to 100 species 🎯
@durhambirdclub.bsky.social
#NEBirding
After adding RLP, this takes our local inland #FootIt year list to 100 species 🎯
@durhambirdclub.bsky.social
Day off-patch
Hurworth Burn to watch the fine ringtail ✔️ hunting, 500 Fieldfare, GWEgret etc
Plenty of year ticks at Greatham /Seal sands with
Greenshank & Black & Bar wit, GreyPlover Knot etc
Hurworth Burn to watch the fine ringtail ✔️ hunting, 500 Fieldfare, GWEgret etc
Plenty of year ticks at Greatham /Seal sands with
Greenshank & Black & Bar wit, GreyPlover Knot etc
January 9, 2026 at 11:42 PM
Day off-patch
Hurworth Burn to watch the fine ringtail ✔️ hunting, 500 Fieldfare, GWEgret etc
Plenty of year ticks at Greatham /Seal sands with
Greenshank & Black & Bar wit, GreyPlover Knot etc
Hurworth Burn to watch the fine ringtail ✔️ hunting, 500 Fieldfare, GWEgret etc
Plenty of year ticks at Greatham /Seal sands with
Greenshank & Black & Bar wit, GreyPlover Knot etc
You wouldn’t for one minute imagine a Fieldfare, with its mix of obvious colours could remain hidden in plain sight…
Windfall camo
Windfall camo
January 9, 2026 at 11:17 PM
You wouldn’t for one minute imagine a Fieldfare, with its mix of obvious colours could remain hidden in plain sight…
Windfall camo
Windfall camo
Just spotted #FootIt 🥾
We’ve done something like this for quite some time, ie OFFH On Foot From Home.
Another 11 icy miles today dipping on GSand & Mandy targets, but 5 singing Dippers & 5 Chiffies added cheer.
98ssp inland Co.Durham & 88miles clocked up
We’ve done something like this for quite some time, ie OFFH On Foot From Home.
Another 11 icy miles today dipping on GSand & Mandy targets, but 5 singing Dippers & 5 Chiffies added cheer.
98ssp inland Co.Durham & 88miles clocked up
New Years Week is always fun, each species eagerly sought out & viewed as if for the 1st time.
98 species (non coastal) on foot from home shows the diversity we have on offer.
1 of our Peregrine pairs in talon grappling courtship flight the latest ✔️ during 77miles walked this 1st week
#NEBirding
98 species (non coastal) on foot from home shows the diversity we have on offer.
1 of our Peregrine pairs in talon grappling courtship flight the latest ✔️ during 77miles walked this 1st week
#NEBirding
January 8, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Just spotted #FootIt 🥾
We’ve done something like this for quite some time, ie OFFH On Foot From Home.
Another 11 icy miles today dipping on GSand & Mandy targets, but 5 singing Dippers & 5 Chiffies added cheer.
98ssp inland Co.Durham & 88miles clocked up
We’ve done something like this for quite some time, ie OFFH On Foot From Home.
Another 11 icy miles today dipping on GSand & Mandy targets, but 5 singing Dippers & 5 Chiffies added cheer.
98ssp inland Co.Durham & 88miles clocked up
New Years Week is always fun, each species eagerly sought out & viewed as if for the 1st time.
98 species (non coastal) on foot from home shows the diversity we have on offer.
1 of our Peregrine pairs in talon grappling courtship flight the latest ✔️ during 77miles walked this 1st week
#NEBirding
98 species (non coastal) on foot from home shows the diversity we have on offer.
1 of our Peregrine pairs in talon grappling courtship flight the latest ✔️ during 77miles walked this 1st week
#NEBirding
January 8, 2026 at 8:48 AM
New Years Week is always fun, each species eagerly sought out & viewed as if for the 1st time.
98 species (non coastal) on foot from home shows the diversity we have on offer.
1 of our Peregrine pairs in talon grappling courtship flight the latest ✔️ during 77miles walked this 1st week
#NEBirding
98 species (non coastal) on foot from home shows the diversity we have on offer.
1 of our Peregrine pairs in talon grappling courtship flight the latest ✔️ during 77miles walked this 1st week
#NEBirding
Bitta card 🥶
Wake me up when it’s over 🥴
Wake me up when it’s over 🥴
January 6, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Bitta card 🥶
Wake me up when it’s over 🥴
Wake me up when it’s over 🥴
January 5, 2026 at 7:57 AM
A check on up Tree Spug numbers this pm provided SUPERB views of Corn Bunting x5 at Littletown
Also Jack Snipe & Little Owl nearby
#NEBirding
Also Jack Snipe & Little Owl nearby
#NEBirding
January 4, 2026 at 8:44 PM
A check on up Tree Spug numbers this pm provided SUPERB views of Corn Bunting x5 at Littletown
Also Jack Snipe & Little Owl nearby
#NEBirding
Also Jack Snipe & Little Owl nearby
#NEBirding
Nice to find a Woodcock feeding at the edge of our street this evening
Moulting into its winter snow-camo plumage 😄
First aberrant individual I’ve seen
#NEBirding
Moulting into its winter snow-camo plumage 😄
First aberrant individual I’ve seen
#NEBirding
January 4, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Nice to find a Woodcock feeding at the edge of our street this evening
Moulting into its winter snow-camo plumage 😄
First aberrant individual I’ve seen
#NEBirding
Moulting into its winter snow-camo plumage 😄
First aberrant individual I’ve seen
#NEBirding
Two snowy local rambles
added WFGoose JSnipe Stonechat Skylark CSnipe beautiful Barnie & 8Scolopax feeding in the moonlit snowy fields
Patch - 85species on foot from home, non coastal sites only. 38miles covered.
Durham Bird Club Recording area (VC66) - 110ssp.
added WFGoose JSnipe Stonechat Skylark CSnipe beautiful Barnie & 8Scolopax feeding in the moonlit snowy fields
Patch - 85species on foot from home, non coastal sites only. 38miles covered.
Durham Bird Club Recording area (VC66) - 110ssp.
January 3, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Two snowy local rambles
added WFGoose JSnipe Stonechat Skylark CSnipe beautiful Barnie & 8Scolopax feeding in the moonlit snowy fields
Patch - 85species on foot from home, non coastal sites only. 38miles covered.
Durham Bird Club Recording area (VC66) - 110ssp.
added WFGoose JSnipe Stonechat Skylark CSnipe beautiful Barnie & 8Scolopax feeding in the moonlit snowy fields
Patch - 85species on foot from home, non coastal sites only. 38miles covered.
Durham Bird Club Recording area (VC66) - 110ssp.
Smoggy Tea-Cide what a ghastly mess, but offers up endless easy leisurely birdwatching
Lots today including Perg & MHarrier hunting, Spoonbill WaterPipit Stonechat Point blank Purple Sands, MedGull Mergansers Eiders, Pintails Whooper Swan, Seals, Foxes & dozen + Roe Deer
Durham List = 107
#NEBirding
Lots today including Perg & MHarrier hunting, Spoonbill WaterPipit Stonechat Point blank Purple Sands, MedGull Mergansers Eiders, Pintails Whooper Swan, Seals, Foxes & dozen + Roe Deer
Durham List = 107
#NEBirding
January 3, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Smoggy Tea-Cide what a ghastly mess, but offers up endless easy leisurely birdwatching
Lots today including Perg & MHarrier hunting, Spoonbill WaterPipit Stonechat Point blank Purple Sands, MedGull Mergansers Eiders, Pintails Whooper Swan, Seals, Foxes & dozen + Roe Deer
Durham List = 107
#NEBirding
Lots today including Perg & MHarrier hunting, Spoonbill WaterPipit Stonechat Point blank Purple Sands, MedGull Mergansers Eiders, Pintails Whooper Swan, Seals, Foxes & dozen + Roe Deer
Durham List = 107
#NEBirding
Good start to 2026 with 79 species noted on a 21 mile ramble (non coastal)
Drumming GSW, Wilti in song, amazing to see x3 warblers on NYD - Cettis Chiffies & a Blackcap
Other species reported on patch included WFGoose & CornBunt in song
We had 100 species in the bag by 4/1 last year 🧐
#NEBirding
Drumming GSW, Wilti in song, amazing to see x3 warblers on NYD - Cettis Chiffies & a Blackcap
Other species reported on patch included WFGoose & CornBunt in song
We had 100 species in the bag by 4/1 last year 🧐
#NEBirding
January 2, 2026 at 7:05 AM
Good start to 2026 with 79 species noted on a 21 mile ramble (non coastal)
Drumming GSW, Wilti in song, amazing to see x3 warblers on NYD - Cettis Chiffies & a Blackcap
Other species reported on patch included WFGoose & CornBunt in song
We had 100 species in the bag by 4/1 last year 🧐
#NEBirding
Drumming GSW, Wilti in song, amazing to see x3 warblers on NYD - Cettis Chiffies & a Blackcap
Other species reported on patch included WFGoose & CornBunt in song
We had 100 species in the bag by 4/1 last year 🧐
#NEBirding
The What3Words app is great for mapping birds
Here’s x21 Song Thrush territories are town this month
On the whole suburban/ town birds are quicker to get going 🎶
Here’s x21 Song Thrush territories are town this month
On the whole suburban/ town birds are quicker to get going 🎶
December 29, 2025 at 10:54 PM
The What3Words app is great for mapping birds
Here’s x21 Song Thrush territories are town this month
On the whole suburban/ town birds are quicker to get going 🎶
Here’s x21 Song Thrush territories are town this month
On the whole suburban/ town birds are quicker to get going 🎶
Local recce for NYDay Tick-a-thon.
We should be good for c80 species inland & on foot from home ✔️
It was lovely to hear our first snippets of song from Goldcrest & Treecreeper, following on from a trial burst from Yellowhammer - all 2 to 3 weeks early
First LBBacks are also early
#NEBirding
We should be good for c80 species inland & on foot from home ✔️
It was lovely to hear our first snippets of song from Goldcrest & Treecreeper, following on from a trial burst from Yellowhammer - all 2 to 3 weeks early
First LBBacks are also early
#NEBirding
December 29, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Local recce for NYDay Tick-a-thon.
We should be good for c80 species inland & on foot from home ✔️
It was lovely to hear our first snippets of song from Goldcrest & Treecreeper, following on from a trial burst from Yellowhammer - all 2 to 3 weeks early
First LBBacks are also early
#NEBirding
We should be good for c80 species inland & on foot from home ✔️
It was lovely to hear our first snippets of song from Goldcrest & Treecreeper, following on from a trial burst from Yellowhammer - all 2 to 3 weeks early
First LBBacks are also early
#NEBirding
The airflow has a distinct chill to it & a Russian White front has arrived overnight.
The local Beck however is a sheltered microclimate & we found x3 Chiffchaff in just over a linear kilometre this afternoon, with lots of flying insects & Goldcrests
1st winter with multiple Chiffs for a while
The local Beck however is a sheltered microclimate & we found x3 Chiffchaff in just over a linear kilometre this afternoon, with lots of flying insects & Goldcrests
1st winter with multiple Chiffs for a while
December 26, 2025 at 10:56 PM
The airflow has a distinct chill to it & a Russian White front has arrived overnight.
The local Beck however is a sheltered microclimate & we found x3 Chiffchaff in just over a linear kilometre this afternoon, with lots of flying insects & Goldcrests
1st winter with multiple Chiffs for a while
The local Beck however is a sheltered microclimate & we found x3 Chiffchaff in just over a linear kilometre this afternoon, with lots of flying insects & Goldcrests
1st winter with multiple Chiffs for a while
Merry Christmas 🎅
We noted 65 species on our morning walk & pretty sure we just heard Bewicks Swans going over in the dark 🧐
We noted 65 species on our morning walk & pretty sure we just heard Bewicks Swans going over in the dark 🧐
December 25, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Merry Christmas 🎅
We noted 65 species on our morning walk & pretty sure we just heard Bewicks Swans going over in the dark 🧐
We noted 65 species on our morning walk & pretty sure we just heard Bewicks Swans going over in the dark 🧐
We’ve Searched near & far since October to locate Tree Spugs at all these 400+ places…
Surprised & delighted to find another dozen within 2km of home today 🎯
Flying into suburban gardens to feed with House Spugs
Shiney Row, DH4, Sunderland
#NEBirding
Surprised & delighted to find another dozen within 2km of home today 🎯
Flying into suburban gardens to feed with House Spugs
Shiney Row, DH4, Sunderland
#NEBirding
December 22, 2025 at 10:48 PM
We’ve Searched near & far since October to locate Tree Spugs at all these 400+ places…
Surprised & delighted to find another dozen within 2km of home today 🎯
Flying into suburban gardens to feed with House Spugs
Shiney Row, DH4, Sunderland
#NEBirding
Surprised & delighted to find another dozen within 2km of home today 🎯
Flying into suburban gardens to feed with House Spugs
Shiney Row, DH4, Sunderland
#NEBirding
Fat Bird of the Barley
We’ve been expecting “this year to be the last” for over a decade 😵💫
However, 2025 was an excellent breeding season for our relict Corn Bunt population
There’s an absolute plethora of winter feeding opportunities
On wires at 14:30 before heading West to drink
#NEBirding
We’ve been expecting “this year to be the last” for over a decade 😵💫
However, 2025 was an excellent breeding season for our relict Corn Bunt population
There’s an absolute plethora of winter feeding opportunities
On wires at 14:30 before heading West to drink
#NEBirding
December 21, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Fat Bird of the Barley
We’ve been expecting “this year to be the last” for over a decade 😵💫
However, 2025 was an excellent breeding season for our relict Corn Bunt population
There’s an absolute plethora of winter feeding opportunities
On wires at 14:30 before heading West to drink
#NEBirding
We’ve been expecting “this year to be the last” for over a decade 😵💫
However, 2025 was an excellent breeding season for our relict Corn Bunt population
There’s an absolute plethora of winter feeding opportunities
On wires at 14:30 before heading West to drink
#NEBirding
These x17 JSnipe were in a small area 0.016Ha area of floating mat vegetation.
There’s 0.832Ha of suitable habitat which has held JS & CSnipe in recent winters.
(0.016 ÷ 0.832) × 100 ≈ the 17 birds were found on less than 2% of the site (ie 1.92%)
We’ve seen 40 JS here
Perhaps there’s more🧐
There’s 0.832Ha of suitable habitat which has held JS & CSnipe in recent winters.
(0.016 ÷ 0.832) × 100 ≈ the 17 birds were found on less than 2% of the site (ie 1.92%)
We’ve seen 40 JS here
Perhaps there’s more🧐
New wellies day
(Santa has come early 🎅)
Christened them on x17 Jacks on part of a site that can hold 40+
#NEBirding
(Santa has come early 🎅)
Christened them on x17 Jacks on part of a site that can hold 40+
#NEBirding
December 20, 2025 at 10:33 PM
These x17 JSnipe were in a small area 0.016Ha area of floating mat vegetation.
There’s 0.832Ha of suitable habitat which has held JS & CSnipe in recent winters.
(0.016 ÷ 0.832) × 100 ≈ the 17 birds were found on less than 2% of the site (ie 1.92%)
We’ve seen 40 JS here
Perhaps there’s more🧐
There’s 0.832Ha of suitable habitat which has held JS & CSnipe in recent winters.
(0.016 ÷ 0.832) × 100 ≈ the 17 birds were found on less than 2% of the site (ie 1.92%)
We’ve seen 40 JS here
Perhaps there’s more🧐
New wellies day
(Santa has come early 🎅)
Christened them on x17 Jacks on part of a site that can hold 40+
#NEBirding
(Santa has come early 🎅)
Christened them on x17 Jacks on part of a site that can hold 40+
#NEBirding
December 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM
New wellies day
(Santa has come early 🎅)
Christened them on x17 Jacks on part of a site that can hold 40+
#NEBirding
(Santa has come early 🎅)
Christened them on x17 Jacks on part of a site that can hold 40+
#NEBirding
More early song 🎶
A male Chaffinch in full song at Backhouse Park Sunderland is around 3 weeks earlier than expected
A 15km ramble produced x17 SongThrush & x4 Mistles singing the latter rural & the former suburban
A feeding pair of Wilti were heard at close range quietly & excitedly warbling
A male Chaffinch in full song at Backhouse Park Sunderland is around 3 weeks earlier than expected
A 15km ramble produced x17 SongThrush & x4 Mistles singing the latter rural & the former suburban
A feeding pair of Wilti were heard at close range quietly & excitedly warbling
December 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
More early song 🎶
A male Chaffinch in full song at Backhouse Park Sunderland is around 3 weeks earlier than expected
A 15km ramble produced x17 SongThrush & x4 Mistles singing the latter rural & the former suburban
A feeding pair of Wilti were heard at close range quietly & excitedly warbling
A male Chaffinch in full song at Backhouse Park Sunderland is around 3 weeks earlier than expected
A 15km ramble produced x17 SongThrush & x4 Mistles singing the latter rural & the former suburban
A feeding pair of Wilti were heard at close range quietly & excitedly warbling