January 2026
Picture: Great Northern Diver at Hartlepool Headland, 16th January 2026.
1st to 4th January, 2026 – (Patch & Pow Hill)
First bird for 2026 was Blue Tit (4), closely followed by Jackdaw (1) and Great Tit (1). Visited Pow Hill on the 2nd and eventually got a quick view of Crossbill (1). Whilst waiting for crossbills, up to four Red Squirrel showed very well, sometimes coming so close I could almost touch them. Willow Tit (2), Little Grebe (3), Goldeneye (5), etc. at Escomb.
5th to 11th January, 2026 – (Patch)
No birding away from home this week with Tree Sparrow (1) and Mallard (2 over) being seen from our house on Etherley Moor. Some interesting birds that I could have gone for included Black-throated Diver at Hartlepool, Waxwings at Bowburn and a ringtail Hen Harrier.
12th to 18th January, 2026 – (Teesside)
Visited Hartlepool for the Black-throated Diver that had been reported earlier in the week on friday, which was seen soon after sunrise. Next stop was Hartlepool Headland where I found a Great Northern Diver in the Fish Quay. Shag (1), Guillemot (1), Purple Sandpiper (3), Grey Plover (2) and Snow Bunting (1) were also seen. At least fifty Great Crested Grebe were on the sea at Seaton Carew. Marsh Harrier (1) was seen at Saltholme and Great White Egret (1) was near Cowpen Bewely. Dipped Water Pipit, Waxwing & Spoonbill. Tiaga Bean Goose (5), Russian White-fronted Goose (3) and Pink-footed Goose (1) were with Greylag Goose (c200) at Woodland on saturday. Managed to get decent views of the Water Pipit at Saltholme on Sunday.
19th to 25th January, 2026 – (Teesside)
Had a quick look into Ward Jackson Park on the way to Hartlepool Headland for Ring-necked Parakeet (2 seen). Best bird at the headland was a Little Gull flying into the wind between the two breakwaters. Very cold day so didn't stay too long.
26th January to 1st February, 2026 – (Patch)
Best birds on the patch this week included Red Kite (1) and Pink-footed Goose (14) heading south on sunday morning.
February 2026
Picture: Starling at Etherley Moor, 1st February 2026.
2nd to 8th February, 2026 – (Patch)
Approximately seventy Goldfinch have been seen going to roost in one of the neighbours holly tree over the past few days. Two Jack Snipe were accidentally flushed in nearby fields. Elsewhere in the county there were two White-billed Divers (Whitburn to Tynemouth) and Slavonian Grebe (Hurworth Burn) that I'd have liked to see, but no vehicle to do so.
9th to 15th February, 2026 – (Patch)
A Lesser Redpoll and at least six Greenfinch were visiting feeders in a Bishop Auckland garden on saturday. Grey Partridge (11), Willow Tit (1), Marsh Tit (1), Little Grebe (3), Goldeneye (2), Nuthatch (2) and Treecreeper (1) were best birds at Escomb later in the day. On sunday, a Barn Owl was seen hunting the field next to our house on Etherley Moor. Elsewhere in the county a White-billed Diver was at Seaham and the Slavonian Grebe was staill at Hurworth Burn.
16th to 22nd February, 2026 – (Patch)
A Barn Owl has been seen hunting the field to the south of our house on Etherley Moor in the twilight hours morning and evening. Common Buzzard (1) and Mallard (6) were also seen. At least seventy Goldfinch are still roosting in the neighbours holly tree.
23rd February to 1st March, 2026 – (Patch)
Jack Snipe (10), Common Buzzard (1), Siskin (2) and Tree Sparrow (2) were the best birds seen on patch this week. Goldfinch are still roosting in the neighbours holly tree.
2nd to 8th March, 2026 – (Patch)
My first ChiffChaff of the year was heard and then seen during a walk around Etherley Moor on saturday. Jack Snipe (3), Curlew (1 heard), Common Buzzard (2), Skylark (1) Treecreeper (1) and Tree Sparrow (2) were also seen. Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Lapwing (7), Shoveller (1) and Oystercatcher (1) were seen from the car at Gaunless Flats on sunday.
9th to 15th March, 2026 – (Patch)
Mandarin (3) were at The Batts. Egyption Goose (2) were in the field opposite the entrance to Low Barns. Lesser Redpoll (1), Siskin (5+) and Greenfinch (5+) were visiting feeders in central Bishop Auckland. Elsewhere in the county there was a Long-eared Owl at Saltholme and a Tundra Bean Goose near Bowburn.