Sightings 2024

Welcome to my sightings page for 2024, where I aim to display a compilation of my birding and wildlife sightings and experiences from that year.  For up to date reports of sightings, please consider following me on my Facebook, Twitter and Flickr pages.

January 2024

Picture: Waxwing at Bishop Auckland, 1st January 2024

1st to 7th January, 2024 – (Bishop Middleham & Teesside)
Started the year being careful not to put too much stress on my feet, targeting birds that can easily be seen from or very close to the car. They are showing signs of getting better, so will hopefully be doing some decent patch work & birding soon.

With that in mind, I started the year with a quick visit to Bishop Middleham in the hope of seeing the wintering Hawfinch and was pleased to see it in the canopy of the hornbeams soon after arriving. Watched it for 10-15 minutes before a Sparrowhawk flew in and flushed/chased it out of view. On the way home, I spent a bit of time looking for the reported Waxwings near Metal Bridge with no joy. However, I did see a single Waxwing at the bottom of Bracks Road in Bishop Auckland before seeing a further 50-60 at the top of the same road.

The second day of the year I headed towards the headland seeing Great Northern Diver (1), Red-throated Diver (7+), Slavonian Grebe (1), Great Crested Grebe (1), Velvet Scoter (1), Common Scoter (100+), Purple Sandpiper (10+), Rock Pipit (2), etc! No sign of the reported Black-throated Diver at Jacksons Landing before heading off to see three Bewick's Swans at Lambton Pond.

I finished the week with a quick visit for a reported Baikal Teal at Bishop Middleham, which was a first for County Durham. I then made my way to the area of Saltholme seeing Spoonbill (1), Great White Egret (1), Cattle Egret (4), Little Egret (5+) and Mediterranean Gull (1).

8th to 14th January, 2024 – (Patch, Teesside & The Dales)
Managed to see a doctor at the beginning of this week who sounded as though she knew exactly what the problem of my feet is and how to treat it, 'palmoplantar keratoderma'.  By the end of the week my feet were feeling much better, so will hopefully be walking properly again soon.

A Tawny Owl was heard calling (Thursday, 11th) and a Barn Owl was seen the following morning (Friday, 12th), on Etherley Moor. A drake Long-tailed Duck was seen at RSPB Saltholme on Saturday with Great White Egret (1 at Cowpen Marsh) and Cattle Egret (4 on the Pipeline adjacent to Saltholme) still in the area. Common Buzzard (6+), Black Grouse (16+), Red Grouse (10+) and Grey Partridge were the best birds seen during a visit to upper Weardale/Teesdale on Sunday.

15th to 21st January, 2024 – (Teesside)
My feet had been feeling much better, but had a relapse on Thursday when several cracks appeared, which made me decide to have a quiet weekend.

22nd to 28th January, 2024 – (Newbiggin & The Patch)
Feeling much better towards the end of the week, so made the decision to go and see the long staying Shorelarks at Newbiggin on Saturday 27th with at least thirty Twite in the same location. A Whooper Swan was seen at QE2 Country Park, before visiting a very quiet Cresswell (no sign of the reported Hooded Crow). Marsh Harrier (1), Common Buzzard (5) and Peregrine (1) were at Widdridge. No joy with the Snow Buntings at Howick.

Eighteen different species of birds seen during the hour garden birdwatch at home (Etherley Moor) on Sunday with Tree Sparrow (1), House Sparrow (14), Great Tit (2), Coal Tit (2), Blue Tit (2), etc. being seen. Nothing too different at Low Barns later on Sunday.

February 2024

Picture: Hooded Crow at Helmscott Hill, 17th February 2024

29th January to 4th February, 2024 – (Northumberland & The Patch)
On saturday (3rd), I decided to head up to Northumberland to see the birds I missed out on last weekend. The female Scaup was easily seen at Swallow Pond. I then headed to St Mary's Island for the Water Pipit which was much harder to pin down, but eventually seen with Meadow Pipit (5+) after about an hour searching.  The redhead Smew as QE2 Counry Park was seen very quickly (Whooper Swan also seen with Mute Swans waiting to be fed). Dipped the Hooded Crow near Cresswell, but did see Twite (50+), Grey Partridge (3), Red-legged Partridge (2) and Pink-footed Goose (150+) before heading to a nearby site for Hen Harrier, where I got good (distant) views of a male before I needed to herad off home.

On sunday I checked the Etherley Moor part of my patch for Snipe finding singles of both common and jack. The Common Snipe was accidentally flushed before I started searching with the thermal. Jack Snipe was much harder to find with only one seen in a 40-50 minute search.

5th to 11th February, 2024 – (Teesside)
Two visits to Teesside over the weekend with Spoonbill (1), Spotted Redshank (1), Greenshank (1), Grey Plover (7+), Common Buzzard (1), Barn Owl (2), Short-eared Owl (1), etc. being seen in the area of Cowpen Marsh and Seal Sands. Goosander (2) and Ring-necked Parakeet (7+) were at Ward Jacksons Park.

12th to 18th February, 2024 – (North Yorkshire & Northumberland)
Had Friday off work so I decided to head over to North Yorkshire with all target birds seen. First stop was South Gare where at least 25 very mobile Snow Buntings were seen. Next was Lockwood Beck Reservoir seeing Brambling (5+), Siskin (3+), etc. were seen on the feeding station. A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen with two Common Buzzards 1-2 miles away from where they were last reported at Rosedale Common. A Barn Owl was seen hunting the common whilst watching for raptors. Sadly, no more were seen. Lockwood Beck was quiet.

We decided to have a night away in northumberland on saturday, taking a slow drive up to Lindisfarne Inn near Holy Island. Red-throated Diver (1 juvenile), Smew (1 redhead) & Whooper Swan (1) were at QE2 Country Park. The long staying Hooded Crow was seen at Hemscott Hill near Cresswell and the Red-breasted Goose was seen with Brent Geese & Barnacle Geese at Budle Bay. Also two Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

At least thirty Brent Geese were seen on the causeway as we were driving to holy island where we enjoyed watching Fulmars (30+), Purple Sandpiper (3+), Turnstone (20+), etc. before having a coffee at Beal and heading for an unsuccessful attempt at seeing the Iceland Gull that had been reported at North Shields Fish Quay.

19th to 25th February, 2024 – (Hurworth Burn, Pow Hill & Rookhope)
At least three White-fronted Geese were with Pink-footed Geese (30+), Greylag Geese (5+) & Canada Geese (5+) at Hurworth Burn on saturday. A Long-eared Owl was also seen. At least two Crossbills were at Pow Hill CP on Sunday with thirty six Whooper Swans on the reservoir. Approximately fifty Black Grouse were seen near Rookhope.

March 2024

Picture: Short-eared Owl in Upper Teesdale, 23rd March 2024

26th February to 3rd March, 2024 – (Bishop Middleham & Teesside)
Visited Bishop Middleham twice at the end of the week with the aim of seeing Ruddy Shelduck. No joy with the Shelducks, but did enjoy the two visits seeing a good selection of common wildfowl. On sunday, a single Waxwing was at Saltholme car park and a Great White Egret was opposite the entrance to the reserve. No sign of the reported Egyption Geese on Cowpen Marsh.

4th to 10th March, 2024 – (Teesside)
Quick visit to Teesside on saturday before the bad weather arrived with the best birds being 20-30 Avocets on Back Saltholme and a Marsh Harrier over Cowpen Marsh. Also at Cowpen Marsh was a single Spoonbill that was first seen spooning on the flood opposite the sub-station and then later by the pipeline.

11th to 17th March, 2024 – (Train & Patch)
Went to Birmingham for a conference and managed to see two Red Kites north of York when returning home on Wednesday. Common Buzzard (2), Kestrel (1), ChiffChaff (5+), Dipper (1) & Goldcrest (1) were the best birds out of 38 different species seen at Escomb on Saturday. Skylark and Common Buzzard were best at Etherley Moor.

18th to 24th March, 2024 – (Nosterfield, the Dales & the Patch)
On saturday I made the short trip down the A1 to see if I could connect with the Green-winged Teal that had been reported two days earlier. No joy with the target bird, but I did see Red Kite (1), Pintail (2), Ruff (3), Black-tailed Godwit (15+), ChiffChaff (3+) and my first three Sand Martins of the year. Decided to return home with a drive through the dales seeing some good birds between showers. Grey Partridge (2), White Wagtail (1), Common Redshank (3+), Curlew (30+), Oystercatcher (20+) and Fieldfare (75+) were the best birds in South Durham. Black Grouse (38+), Red Grouse (1), Common Buzzard (1), Short-eared Owl (3) and Kestrel (2) were seen in Upper Teesdale. Black Grouse (21+), Sparrowhawk (1) and Kestrel (3) were seen in Upper Weardale.

Had a look around Escomb and The Batts on Sunday. Good to see Oystercatcher (2), Little Grebe (1), Little Egret (2) and Goldeneye (2) at Escomb. Decent numbers of ChiffChaff (15+) back on patch with the best bird arguably a single Lesser Black-backed Gull over the river wear at The Batts. First butterflies of the year were seen with a Small Tortoiseshell seen at Shildon and a Comma at Escomb.

25th to 31st March, 2024 – (The Patch)
Spent most of friday, saturday & sunday working the patch. Great Crested Grebe (1), Common Buzzard (1) and Lesser Black-backed Gull (1) were at Escomb. First Blackcap of the year and at least five Common Buzzard were seen at The Batts. Cattle Egret (1), Little Egret (2), Shoveller (10+), Lesser Black-backed Gull (5), Tree Sparrow (5+), ChiffChaff (15+), Willow Warbler (1), Blackcap (3), Long-tailed Tit (2 nest building), Wren (10+ with 2 nest building) and Treecreeper (1 nest building) were at Low Barns. Canada Goose (2 over), Barn Owl (1 on our garden fence), Common Buzzard (2) and ChiffChaff (1) were at Etherley Moor. The Cattle Egret at Low Barns was a site and patch first for me.

April 2024

Picture: Dark-eyed Junco at Hartlepool, 24th April 2024

1st to 7th April, 2024 – (Patch, Dales & Loch Leven)
Good start to the easter holidays managing to get out nearly every day visiting Low Barns, Escomb, The Batts, Weardale, Teesdale and a 1-day twitch to Loch Leven in Perthshire. Two drake Mandarin, a singing Willow Warbler and a probable Yellow Wagtail were best birds at Escomb. A Moorhen was heard flying over our house (Etherley Moor) at 1am on Sunday 7th. Common Buzzard (6 in the air together), Lesser Black-backed Gull (7+), ChiffChaff (30+) and Blackcap (5+) were also seen across the patch. Short-eared Owl (1) and Black Grouse (19) were in Upper Teesdale. Short-eared Owl (5+), Black Grouse (15+), Red Kite (1), Ring Ouzel (2 pairs) and Northern Wheatear (5) were seen in Upper Weardale. Twitched a drake Bufflehead at Loch Leven on saturday, which was the only decent bird on the reserve in very windy conditions.

8th to 14th April, 2024 – (Patch)
Spent most of the second week of the easter holidays checking the patch with an adult female Common Scoter at Escomb being the best bird seen. Other interesting birds at Escomb during the week included Great-crested Grebe (2), Mandarin (1), Marsh Tit (1), Swallow (2) and Sand Martin (20+). Siskin (2) were on our home feeders most of the week. Green Woodpecker (2 displaying to each other) were in Bishops Park. Plenty of Chiffchaff (20+), Willow Warbler (20+) and Blackcap (10+) across all sites.

15th to 21st April, 2024 – (Patch)
A Common Redstart was heard and seen at Wolsingham Showground when we visited the antiques fair that morning.  Spent four hours at escomb on sunday morning with  Great-crested Grebe (4), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and Reed Warbler (1) being the best out of 46 different species of birds seen. Butterflies included Peacock (10+), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Orange Tip (1) and Speckled Wood (1).

22nd to 28st April, 2024 – (Teesside & the Patch)
Visited Hartlepool for the reported Dark-eyed Junco on wednesday afternoon getting 2-3 decent views in the 3-4 hours I was there. Very nice to get a new bird so close to home and to have a good catch up with friends that I hadn't seen for a while.  At least three Cetti's Warblers were heard at RSPB Saltholme and two Egyption Geese were on Cowpen Marsh on Friday afternoon. A cuckoo was heard calling near Kinninvie early saturday morning.  Stopped off at Escomb for a couple of hours later that morning with Garden Warbler (1), Common Whitethroat (2), Reed Warbler (1), Mandarin (1), Meadow Pipit (1), Lesser Black-backed Gull (1), House Martin (3) and Great Crested Grebe being the best birds seen. Three drake Mandarin were on the river wear downstream of Bishop Auckland Rugby Club on sunday morning.

May 2024

Picture: Grasshopper Warbler at Blackhall Rocks, 3rd May 2024

29th April to 5th May, 2024 – (Teesside, Muggleswick & Bishops Park)
On Friday afternoon I visited Blackhall Rocks for Grasshopper Warbler (2+ seen) and then returned home via Seaton Carew and Tees Marshes seeing Little Tern (1), Garganey (1), Egyption Geese (3) and Spoonbill (1). Mandarin (1 drake), Red Kite (1), Pied Flycatcher (6) and Wood Warbler (1) were seen at Muggleswick on Saturday. At least three Common Redstart and a Green Woodpecker were at Bishops Park on Sunday.

6th to 12th May, 2024 – (Escomb, Kinninvie & Etherley Moor)
Had a 2-3hr walk around Escomb on the first day of the week (bank holiday) seeing 40 different species of birds. Best out of these included Common Sandpiper (2), Sedge Warbler (1), Reed Warbler (2), Garden Warbler (4), Common Whitethroat (2), Sand Martin (50+) and Great Crested Grebe (2). Orange Tip (20+), Peacock (4) and Speckled Wood (1) were the butterflies seen. A Red Kite and a Common Redstart were seen near Kinninvie on saturday. Little Owl (1), Tawny Owl (1), Sparrowhawk (1), Skylark (1), Tree Sparrow (2 feeding young) and Greenfinch (1) were the best birds seen at Etherley Moor from Friday to Sunday.

13th to 19th May, 2024 – (Patch, Whitburn & Teesside)
On saturday I had stopped for some lunch on the way to RSPB Saltholme when I got the report of an Indigo Bunting in Whitburn and quickly changed my plans to head north. On arrival, I was relieved to hear the finder was letting people into his kitchen to view the feeders with the bird being seen about 1hr later with about thirty other birders. A first for County Durham and the third for the UK. A female Red-backed Shrike was seen at Horden on the return journey. On sunday I visited RSPB Saltholme with Red-breasted Goose (1), Temminck's Stint (2), Avocet (20+), Little Ringed Plover (2), Swift (20+), Common Tern (20+), etc. being seen during the two hours I was there. Two Little Owls were heard (one seen) in the field at the back of our Etherley Moor garden throughout the week.

20th to 26th May, 2024 – (Patch)
Had amazing views of Barn Owl at Escomb on Thursday evening. Visited Howdon Wetland NR for my first Rustic Bunting the following afternoon (showed 20-30 minutes before the gates were due to be locked). Great Crested Grebe (2 with young), Common Sandpiper (2), Sparrowhawk (1), Swift (5) and House Martin (7) were the best out of 38 different species at Escomb on saturday (first time in twenty years I've witnessed Great Crested Grebe nest and then successfully have young at this site). Little Owl still calling in the field at the back of our Etherley Moor garden throughout the week.

27th May to 2nd June, 2024 – (Weardale & Hurworth Burn)
Two Spotted Flycatchers and a single Grey Wagtail were the best birds seen during a quick visit to Stanhope on Wednesday. Had good views of Osprey at Hurworth Burn Reservoir on Thursday (wrong settings on the camera spoilt the moment where photography was concerned). Little Owl still calling in the field at the back of our Etherley Moor garden throughout the week. Great Crested Grebe family at Escomb appear to be doing well. Missed the opportunity to see Blyth's Reed Warbler and Icterine Warbler at Hendon during the week, both of which would have been county firsts for me. Also missed the opportuntiy to go for a Bluethroat at the same location, Garganey and Whinchat at Saltholme.

June 2024

Picture: Common Snipe in Weardale, 30th June 2024

3rd to 9th June, 2024 – (Patch)
Due to work commitments I had a very quiet week. Best inluded Common Sandpiper (1), Grey Wagtail (1), Sand Martin (5+), Swallow (10+), Swift (1) and Common Buzzard (1) at The Batts. Also had at least three Swift and two Common Buzzard over Etherley Moor.

10th to 16th June, 2024 – (Patch)
A walk up the river wear from Witton Castle Lakes on sunday produced Blackcap (3+), Common Buzzard (1), Common Sandpiper (2), Cuckoo (1), Garden Warbler (1), Grey Wagtail (1), Mandarin (2), Sand Martin (40+ in a new colony) and Swift (3). Otherwise, a very quiet week on the patch.

17th to 23rd June, 2024 – (Patch)
A male Red Kite was seen drifting over the new retail park near Gaunless Flats on saturday. Otherwise, a very quiet week on the patch.

24th to 30th June, 2024 – (Patch)
Another quiet week on patch. A run up the dales at the weekend was nice with 34 different species seen in just over two hours. Best birds included Short-eared Owl (1), Little Owl (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Snipe (1) and a Common Buzzard (1).

July 2024

Picture: Cygnets at Escomb, 6th July 2024

1st to 7th July, 2024 – Patch
A single Little Egret flew over our house late on tuesday evening (Etherley Moor). A two hour walk around Escomb on saturday morning was typically more productive for butterflies and dragonflies than birds. The Great Crested Grebe family were still there, but only one adult seen during this visit. 16 Mute Swans were on the lake/ponds, which included four cygnets. Dragonflies included Brown Hawker (1), Four-spotted Chaser (2), Black-tailed Skimmer (1), Common Blue Damselfly (20+), Blue-tailed Damselfly and Azure Damselfy (4+). Butterflies seen were Red Admiral (2), Comma (1), Large Skipper (2), Small Skipper (5), Ringlet (20+), Meadow Brown (20+) and Speckled Wood (2).

8th to 14th July, 2024 – The Dales & Patch
Best bird during this very wet week was Red Kite with two over Bollihope on Sunday 14th.

15th to 21st July, 2024 – The Patch
Nothing different bird wise during visits to Escomb, Low Barns & The Batts. The Great Crested Grebe family at escomb appear to be doing well with the two chicks well on their way to being fully grown. A Black-winged Pratincole was reported at Low Barns later that day, which meant I missed a new patch bird by visiting Escomb instead of Low Barns. The arrival of some decent sunshine meant the butterflies and dragonflies started to show in decent numbers. Nowhere near the same numbers as previous years, but good to see the not so common Brown Hawker (2), Emperor (1) and Common Blue (1) at Escomb.

22nd to 28th July, 2024 – Brightlingsea & Cromer
Attended a family funeral in Colchester this week stopping in Brightlingsea, Colchester & Cromer. Best birds seen during the week included Marsh Harrier (2+), Red Kite (10+), Common Buzzard (10+), Kestrel (2+), Peregrine Falcon (2 at Cromer), Little Egret (4+), Barn Owl (1), Egyption Goose (5) & Mediterranean Gull (2).

29th July to 4th August, 2024 – Patch & Teesside
Best birds this week were on sunday 4th when I visited Teesside, which included a Greenshank in the field opposite the sub-station, two Great White Egrets on West Saltholme and a Peregrine Falcon high over Cowpen Marsh.

August 2024

Picture: Black Guillemot at Musselburgh, 8th August 2024

5th to 11th August, 2024 – Patch & Musselburgh
Started this week off work looking forward to a pelagic I had booked fro Friday. Due to poor weather conditions at sea this didn't materialise and with the exception of one twitch to Musselburgh for the long staying Stejneger's Scoter, I ended up spending most of the week on home soil.

Highlights on Etherley Moor included three Common Buzzard and several Willow Warbler. Butterflies included Speckled Wood (3+), Peacock (2+), Small Tortoiseshell (2+), Red Admiral (3+), Small White (2) and Large White (3+). No Holly Blue, which hasn't been seen at all this year. A Common Darter visited the garden pond throughout the week, once with a female egg laying.

With a booked pelagic at the end of the week not going ahead I decided to head for Messelburgh on thursday (8th) for the long staying Stejneger's Scoter. I initially parked at the head of the River Esk and walked along the front. No joy at this time, but I did see a juvenile/1st winter Black Guillemot whilst looking for the scoter amongst the numerous Common Eiders. After a couple of hours I returned to the car and headed for the car park at the other end of the scrapes. Another walk along the front and this time managed to pick out the target bird with Velvet Scoter (5+), Common Scoter (50+), Red-breasted Merganser (50+) and Common Eider (250+).

12th to 18th August, 2024 – Patch
At work and doing work in the house this week, so only managed to visit Low Barns, where an Osprey was seen flying in a southerly direction. A Marsh Tit visited the feeders next to the west hide.

19th to 25th August, 2024 – Patch
Common Buzzard (2), Little Egret (1), Lesser Black-backed Gull (3), Kingfisher (2), Brown Hawker (1) and Southern Hawker (1) were best sightings at Escomb. Garden Warbler (1) and Blackcap (2) visited our garden. A Common Buzzard and a Cormorant were best birds during a quick visit to the Batts.

26th August to 1st September, 2024 – Blackhall Rocks & Patch
Visited Blackhall Rocks on bank-holiday monday (26th) for the reported Whinchats with four seen soon after arrival. Northern Wheatear (1), Common Whitethroat (1), Linnet (1), Goldfinch (100+), Swallow (50+), House Martin (10+), Gannet (2+), Fulmar (1), Common Scoter (75+) and Bottlenose Dolphin (5+) were also seen.

The best sighting of the week had to be Common Buzzard (13+) over our Etherley Moor garden on friday (30th). At one point I had nine in the same view, dispersing just before going for my camera for a record shot. Yellowhammer (1) and Goldcrest (1) were also seen from the garden that day.  Lesser Black-backed Gull (4), Southern Hawker (5+) and Brown Hawker (5+) were the best sightings at Escomb.

September 2024

Picture: Great Grey Shrike at Hartlepool Headland, 21st September 2024

2nd to 8th September, 2024 – Patch
The weather was very favourable for some decent migration towards the end of the week and it didn't dissapoint. When this happens I usually end up heading for the coast, but this time I stayed local to see if anything different could be seen on patch. Blackcap (2), ChiffChaff (3), Greenfinch (1), Common Whitethroat (1) and Willow Warbler (1) were seen at Etherley Moor. Best birds at Escomb included Dipper (1), Grey Wagtail (2), House Martin (10+), Swallow (20+), Goosander (10+), Siskin (1), Song Thrush (1) and Tufted Duck (23+).

The coast offered much more, so regreted not doing what I usually do.

Seawatching wise:

  • Arctic, Great, Long-tailed and Pom Skua.
  • Manx, Sooty, Balearic, Cory's and Great Shearwaters.
  • Sabines Gull
  • Common & Leach's Petrel (would have been a lifer for me)

Gardens at Hartlepool and the areas around Whitburn:

  • Red-breasted, Pied & Spotted Flycatcher
  • Whinchat
  • Wryneck
  • Red-breasted Shrike
  • Barred, Greenish and a possible Booted Warbler.

Reading through this list, I think I made the wrong decision, lol.

9nd to 15th September, 2024 – Patch
Much quieter week on the patch with Kingfisher (1), Wigeon (4) and Common Gull (9) being seen at Escomb. Stocked up the feeders at home, which automatically attracted Goldfinch (4), Greenfinch (1), Tree Sparrow (1), House Sparrow (4+), Dunnock (2), Robin (1), etc.

16th to 22nd September, 2024 – Hartlepool Headland & Flamborough
Conditions over the weekend were favourable for a fall of migrants, so decided to visit Hartlepool Headland on saturday morning. Great Grey Shrike (1), Yellow-browed Warbler (1) and Blackcap (1) were the best birds at the bowling green. Red-breasted Flycatcher (1), Pied Flycatcher (1), Yellow-browed Warbler (1) and Goldcrest were seen at the putting green. A Northern Wheatear was between the piers. Birds not seen by me included Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and a possible Red-footed Falcon.

Was unsure whether to go for the reported Eastern Olivaceous Warbler at Flamborough Head or the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Tynemouth early sunday morning, so decided to wait for reports. No sign of the Pallas's, but there was an early report of the eastern so decided to head for Flamborough. Unfortunately, it flew away from the hedge row soon before arrival and despite plenty of people looking in poor weather it was not seen again. The best for me was Yellow-browed Warbler (1).

23rd to 29th September, 2024 – Bempton Cliffs
Conditions remained good for migrants during the week with the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler being briefly seen during the week and a Pale-legged Leaf Warbler reported at Bempton Cliffs late on Friday night.  On saturday morning I headed for the Pale-legged Leaf Warbler was a first for Britain. It was a very elusive bird and during the course of the day I had several flight views, two good enough views for positive identification and 2-3 calls, but no photo's. Other birds seen by me in the area included Siberian Stonechat (1), Yellow-browed Warbler (1), Whinchat (1) and Sparrowhawk (1). Missed Siberian ChiffChaff and Common Rosefinch.

30th September to 6th October, 2024 – Patch
Ring-necked Parakeet (2) were seen from the college car park early one morning during the week, which was first for the patch. Tawny Owl (2) and Tree Sparrow (2) were best on Etherley Moor. Greylag Geese (200+) and Great Crested Grebe (1) were at Escomb.