January 2025
Picture: American Buff-bellied Pipit at Ross Back Sands, 11th January 2025
1st to 5th January, 2025 – (Patch, Teesside & Northumberland)
First bird for 2025 was Jackdaw, which was seen in our Etherley Moor garden. Best birds at Escomb included Willow Tit (1), Treecreeper (1), Tree Sparrow (2) Siskin (50+) and Gadwall (2).
The following day (2nd), Egyption Goose (2) and Pink-footed Goose (1) were seen at Hurworth Burn on the way to Teesside. Spoonbill (1) was on West Saltholme, Great White Egret (1) was in East Saltholme & Whooper Swan (1) was on the old River Tees at Teesside Park. Red-crested Pochard (1), Ring-necked Parakeet (1) and Goosander (10+) were at Ropner Park in Stockton. No luck with any owls at 5-6 locations before heading home at dusk.
On the 3rd, I decided to go to Northumberland for the day. Best birds here included American Wigeon (1), Hen Harrier (2), Marsh Harrier (1), Short-eared Owl (3) and Grey-headed Lapwing (1). Other birds in ther area that weren't seen by me included Iceland Gull, Lapland Bunting, Twite & Water Pipit.
Made another quick visit to Hurworth Burn on Saturday 4th to see the reported Russian White-fronted Geese (13) that were seen with Pink-footed Goose (6+), Greylag Goose (100+) & Canada Goose (10+). Followed this up with an hour at Low Barns seeing Marsh Tit (1), Siskin (5+), Teal (18) and Goldeneye (2) being the best birds seen during the hour I was there.
Heavy snowfall overnight on Sunday 5th meant my last full day before returning to work resulted in doing a garden birdwatch. Best birds included Mallard (2 over), Lapwing (16 over), Fieldfare (2), Song Thrush (1) and Common Buzzard (1). 23 different species of birds seen during the morning.
6th to 12th January, 2025 – (Patch & Northumberland)
First week back at work so was unable to take the time off to try and see some very good twitchable birds during the week until saturday morning. American Buff-bellied Pipit was seen on saturday morning at Ross Back Sands in Northumberland. Long-tailed Duck (50+), Common Scoter (100+) and Red-breasted Merganser (4) were seen during the walk to and from the saltmarsh. A Smew (redhead) was at Widdrington and a female Ring-necked Duck at Druridge Country Park. Unfortunately, the White-billed Diver flew off 20-30 minuted before I got there and a reported Bittern went out of view when flushed by a jogger. Iceland Gull (1 adult) and American Wigeon were seen at Big Waters before spending the afternoon on South Tyneside. No joy with the Ross’s Gull but did see Green-winged Teal (1 drake), Long-tailed Duck (1), Iceland Gull (2nd winter) and Mediterranean Gull (1).
Low Barns and Escomb were visited on sunday morning. Water Rail (1), Redwing (3) & Song Thrush (1) were the best birds at Low Barns. A single Fieldfare was by the football field at Escomb. A male Sparrowhawk was seen at Etherley.
13th to 19th January, 2025 – (Patch & South Durham)
Two redhead Smew were at Low Barns on tuesday, but due to work commitments I couldn't go myself. Would have been my first patch smew since the one I had at escomb on 19th December 2021 and my first at Low Barns since 9th February 2003. Seven Grey Partridge were in the field at the rear of our house on Etherley Moor. Had a couple of hours at Escomb on friday afternoon with the best birds being Shoveler (1 drake), Gadwall (2) and Little Grebe (3). Lake still almost fully frozen. A single Jack Snipe was seen at Etherley Dene on saturday morning. Approximately fifty Golden Plover were seen soon after leaving home on sunday morning, between Etherley and West Auckland. South Durham proved to be very quiet with Red Grouse (6-7), Grey Partridge (2), Fieldfare (50+), Redwing (20+), Mistle Thrush (5+), etc. being seen on a cold and misty day.
20th to 26th January, 2025 – (Patch)
Storm Eowyn arrived just in time for the weekend, so no birding done on Friday. Checked Escomb on saturday for any birds that might have been blown in. Best birds included Goldeneye (2), Wigeon (4), Gadwall (4), Teal (1), Coot (27), Song Thrush (2) and Woodcock (1). Rained all day sunday.
February 2025
Picture: Long-eared Owl at Hurworth, 9th February 2025
26th January to 2nd February, 2025 – (Patch)
Goosander (2), Goldeneye (3), Teal (7+), Kingfisher (2), Barn Owl (1), Water Rail (2), Siskin (20+) and Willow Tit (1) were best birds seen in two visits to Low Barns. No sign of the two smew that were reported on saturday (despite me being there at the time of the report)? A Barn Owl was seen hunting fields at dusk on Etherley Moor. Little Grebe (2), Goldeneye (2), Goosander (5), Gadwall (1), Marsh Tit (2), etc. at Escomb.
3rd to 9th February, 2025 – (Patch, Hurworth & Teesside)
The Etherley Moor Barn Owl continued to be seen at dusk with a Jack Snipe being flushed early in the week. The weather was very poor at the weekend, so not much birding done. I did manage to see Long-eared Owl (1), Grey Partridge (1), Yellowhammer (7+), etc. at Hurworth and a few of the regulars at Teesside.
10rd to 16th February, 2025 – (Patch)
A Barn Owl continued to be seen on Etherley Moor each evening with two being seen mid-week. I watched a Little Owl catch prey on Friday night with the thermal. Watched a Little Egret struggle with what appeared to be a Chub at Low Barns on Saturday. A Little Owl was heard calling at 3am on saturday night. Black Grouse (50+), Red Grouse (3+) and Fieldfare (20+) were the best birds seen in the dales on sunday.
17th to 23rd February, 2025 – (Patch, Bassenthwaite & Tyneside)
The Barn Owl continued to be seen each evening on Etherley Moor and at least two Song Thrush singing. A drake Mandarin was on a pond close to the place we stayed at when visiting Keswick/Bassenthwaite. Visited North Tyneside on saturday and got good views of Red-necked Grebe at Holywell Pond, Water Pipit at St Mary's Island and Iceland Gull at the Fish Quay. No luck with the Bittern that had been reported at Rainton Meadows over the past 1-2 weeks. Local birds not seen by me included a drake Smew at Bishop Middleham and White-fronted Geese at Lamesley.
24th to 28th February, 2025 – (Patch)
Two Barn Owl continued to be seen each morning & evening on Etherley Moor during the week. Shelduck (2), Shoveller (7), Goldeneye (7), Song Thrush (3), Redwing (3), Willow Tit (1) & Tree Sparrow (3) were at Low Barns on Friday with no sign of the Scaup that had been reported one day earlier. After Low Barns I had a quick walk around Escomb with Goldeneye (4), Lesser Black-backed Gull (1), Tawny Owl (1 calling) & Barn Owl (1) being the best birds seen.
March 2025
Picture: Jack Snipe at Etherley, 1st March 2025
1st to 9th March, 2025 – (Patch & Weardale)
Green Sandpiper (1), Common Sandpiper (1) and Avocet (33) were seen in Teesside during a visit to Teesside. Jack Snipe (3), Song Thrush (3), Kestrel (1) & Barn Owl (1) were seen on Etherley Moor at the end of the first saturday of the month. Two Crossbill were seen at Pow Hill CP on the 2nd.
Up to three Barn Owls continued to be seen on Etherley Moor throughout the week. One ringed and after reaching out to the ringers, we found that this particular owl had been ringed in the nest close to Skipton on 26th July 2024 (70-80 miles away).
Great Crested Grebe (1), Little Grebe (2), Goldeneye (8), ChiffChaff (4) and Goldcrest (2) were the best birds at Escomb on Saturday. Great White Egret (1), Water Rail (2+), Marsh Harrier (1), Common Buzzard (1), Avocet (30+), Greenshank (1), Bar-tailed Godwit (20+), Cetti's Warbler (4+) & Twite (20+) were seen in Teesside on Sunday. No joy with the reported Bearded Tit at Dormans.
10th to 16th March, 2025 – (Patch)
Up to three Barn Owls continued to hunt the field between Holmes Garage and Etherley Dene during the week. Other birds seen at Etherley during the week included Skylark (1), Kestrel (1), Tree Sparrow (4+), etc. Manderin (5), Goosander (2), Green Woodpecker (1), Grey Wagtail (2), Dipper (2), etc. were at The Batts on Saturday. A Common Snipe showed quite well at Low Barns and a flock of at least 250 Linnets were seen near Gaunless Flats on Sunday.
17th to 23rd March, 2025 – (Patch & Weardale)
The Barn Owls (at least two) continued to be seen at Etherley Dene throughout the week. Great Crested Grebe (2), Mandarin (5), Goldeneye (5), Song Thrush (3) and ChiffChaff (10+) were the best birds at Escomb. Thirty four different species of birds were seen during a 4-5 hour drive through Weardale with Black Grouse (7), Red Grouse (10+), Barn Owl (1), Northern Wheatear (3), Raven (3), Dipper (1), Song Thrush (5+), Mistle Thrush (4), etc. being seen.
24th to 31st March, 2025 – (Patch)
The local Barn Owls weren't seen as much this week. Pairs of Great Crested Grebe and Goldeneye were showing nicely at Escomb. Up to four Mandarin were seen at both Escomb and The Batts. The first Sand Martins on the patch for this year were at Escomb on the 30th.
April 2025
Picture: Willow Warbler at Escomb, 4 th April 2025
1st to 6th April, 2025 – (Patch & Bollihope)
Local Barn Owls still being seen at dusk throughout the week (closer to 19:30 now the clocks have gone forward). Willow Warbler (2) and Tawny Owl (1 calling) were at Escomb on 4th April. Red-legged Partridge (2) were seen as they flew in front of the car near Wolsingham. Red Grouse (10+), Ring Ouzel (2), Northern Wheatear (2), Meadow Pipit (10+) and Dipper (1) were at Bollihope on 6th. Broad-bordered Bee-flies were seen at both Escomb and The Batts. First butterflies of the year included Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Green-veigned White.
7th to 13th April, 2025 – (Patch)
Barn Owls on Etherley Moor not seen this week. ChiffChaff (1) and Tree Sparrow (4+) are back in the hedgerow behind our house. Blue Tits are nest building in one of the gardens new nestboxes. Willow Warbler and ChiffChaff have returned in decent numbers throughout the patch. Other arrivals on the patch include Sand Martin, Swallow & Blackcap. Grey Partridge (2) were nice to see at Escomb. No sign of any redstarts at Bishops Park, but did get decent views of Green Woodpecker (3+).
14th to 20th April, 2025 – (Patch & Teesside)
Grasshopper Warbler (1), Common Whitethroat (1) and Swallow (10+) were at Backhall Rocks before seeing the reported Hooded Crow from Zinc Road on Thursday. Was surprised to see a Jack Snipe at Etherley Dene on Friday. Spotted Redshank was seen with Black-tailed Godwit (10+) on West Saltholme. Still no redstarts for me in Bishops Park.
21st to 30th April, 2025 – Bishop Middleham, Teesside & Patch)
At least three Yellow Wagtails were seen at Bishop Middleham before heading to Saltholme for a reported drake Garganey. Cetti's Warbler (4-5), were audible at both Saltholme and Dormans. My first Garden Warbler of the year was seen at Escomb on the 27th.
May 2025
Picture: Cuckoo in Weardale, 4th May 2025
1st to 4th May, 2025 – (Patch, Weardale & Muggleswick)
Sedge Warbler (1), Reed Warbler (4+), Common Whitethroat (4+), Garden Warbler (10+), Swift (5+) & House Martin (5+) were all seen on the patch over the bank-holiday weekend. Highlight was a count of 50 at Escomb, which is the highest number of different species I have seen at this site in a 2-3hr visit. Cuckoo (2) and Tree Pipit (2) were seen in Weardale.
5th to 11th May, 2025 – (Patch & Muggleswick)
Common Redstart (2+) and Pied Flycatcher (5+) were at Muggleswick. Spotted Flycatcher (1) was seen at Stanhope. Common Sandpipers were seen on the River Wear at The Batts, Escomb and Low Barns. A Four-spotted Chaser was seen at Escomb.
12th to 18th May, 2025 – (Teesside & Patch)
Five Dotterel and two Grey Partridge were on the golf course at North Gare on the 16th. Approximately twenty Little Tern were at Seaton Carew and four Common Tern were on the rafts at Cowpen Marsh. Enjoyed a full walk around Bishops Park on 17th with no sign of any Redstarts. Also disapointed not to see any signs of Dipper, Grey Wagtail or Kingfisher on the Gaunless.
19th to 25th May, 2025 – (Patch)
Nothing different on the patch. Had a look up to Northumberland on 25th to see the American Black Tern, which showed briefly when I first arrived. Arctic Tern (250+), Little Tern (5+), Skylark (15+), Meadow Pipit (10+) and Stonechat (4) were also seen. Sandwich Tern (1) and Puffin (50+) were seen close to Amble when I was looking towards Coquet Island.
26th to 31st May, 2025 – (Patch & Wykeham Forest)
House Martin (1) was seen over Etherley Moor at the beginning of the week. Hadn't seen Honey Buzzard for over ten years so decided to visit Wykeham Forest on tuesday morning. Three seperate individuals were seen during the morning with two males showing in the valley. A bit far for photo's, but very nice to see. Other birds seen included Red Kite (1), Common Buzzard (5+), Crossbill (10+), Siskin (5+), Tree Pipit (1), etc.
June 2025
Picture: Juvenile Ring Ouzel in Weardale, 8th June 2025
1st to 8th June, 2025 – (Patch & Hamsterley)
Nothing too different on the patch this week. Had a look to two locations near Hamsterley for Nightjar on friday evening and was pleased to see one and hear another two. Other birds of interest on friday evening included Woodcock (2+), Red Grouse (2), Tree Pipit (1), etc. A second trip to the west side of Hamsterley on sunday morning produced Ring Ouzel (4+, including one juvenile), Tree Pipit (2), Grey Wagtail (2), Stonechat (1, with 5+ juveniles), Cuckoo (1), Curlew (2+), Swift (1), etc.
9th to 15th June, 2025 – (Patch)
Had booked some time off work to twitch a Song Sparrow near Flamborough mid-week, but it only stayed for one day (would have been a new bird for me). Instead, I done some local birding and a bit of DIY in the house. Plenty of young on the patch with families of Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Goosander, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, etc. being seen. Visited the Dales on saturday with Black Grouse (1), Red Kite (1), C.Snipe (5+), C.Redshank (5+), etc. being seen. On sunday I was pleased to see two Great Crested Grebes back at Escomb and also a good selection of dragonflies & butterflies, which included Four-spotted Chaser (10+), Black-tailed Skimmer (3+), Hawker species (1), Small Skipper (3), Red Admiral (5+), Meadow Brown (15+), Ringlet (1), etc.
16th to 22nd June, 2025 – (Patch & Teesside)
House Martin (10+), Swallow (2+), Swift (2+) & Buzzard (1) were seen over Etherley Moor. Eventually got to see the reported Pacific Golden Plover at Greatham Creek on Sunday, which was my second for the UK and first for the county. Other notable birds on Teesside included Red Kite (1), Wood Sandpiper (1), Woodcock (4), Cetti's Warbler (1), etc.
23rd to 30th June, 2025 – (Wykeham Forest & Patch)
Visited Wykeham Forest on the 25th for the reported Ortolan Bunting, which was seen very briefly 4-5 times in the two hours I was there. Honey Buzzard (1), Common Buzzard (3), Crossbill (4), Red-legged Partridge (1), Siskin (2+), Tree Pipit (2+), etc. were also seen. Great Crested Grebe (2), Little Grebe (1), Kingfisher (1), House Martin (10+), Sand Martin (10+), Swallow (5+), Swift (20+), etc. were the pick of the birds at Escomb on 27th. The Gaunless in Bishops Park was once again poor with juvenile Dipper (1) and Grey Wagtail (1) being the only birds seen. Still no kingfishers on the gaunless or this stretch of the river wear for me this year.
July 2025
Picture: Black-crowned Night Heron at Marden Quarry, 16th July 2025
1st to 6th July, 2025 – (Patch & Durham)
Best birds on the patch included Great Crested Grebe (2), Kingfisher (1), Common Sandpiper (2) at Escomb. Elsewhere, a female Goldeneye was seen on the River Wear with six almost fully grown young. Hobby (1), Corn Bunting (1), Yellowhammer (5+), Tree Sparrow (2+), Sedge Warbler (1), Skylark (5+), etc. were seen on the outskirts of Durham.
7th to 13th July, 2025 – (Patch)
The Great Crested Grebes at Escomb continue to show well. Also plenty of juveniles with breeding confirmed for Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, etc.
14th to 20th July, 2025 – (Whitley Bay, Bishop Middleham & the Patch)
The reported Black-crowned Night Heron showed very well at Marden Quarry in Whitley Bay on 16th (also heard Ring-necked Parakeet). A Whimbrel was seen with Curlew (30+) at Bishop Middleham on 18th. A female/juvenile type Common Scoter was at Low Barns. Followed up on a report of two Quail near High Coniscliffe, which were heard after a 20-30 minute wait.
21st to 27th July, 2025 – (Patch)
Plenty of evidence where successful breeding on the patch with families of Mallard, Mandarin, Coot, Moorhen, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Warbler, ChiffChaff, Reed Warbler, etc. being seen. Also good numbers of Swift, House Martin & Sand Martin. A daylight hunting Barn Owl was seen at Escomb and a Little Owl was heard calling behind our house on Etherley Moor.
August 2025
Picture: Scarlet Darter at Silverlake, 12th August 2025
28th July to 3rd August, 2025 – (Patch)
Great Crested Grebe's at Escomb have now left the nest with two young sitting on the back of one of the adults. 50+ Goldfinch were at Etherley Moor. Very quiet.
4th to 10th August, 2025 – (Patch)
Great Crested Grebe's with three (not two) young at Escomb. Three Kingfishers and three Buzzards were also noteworthy birds at Escomb. Another very quiet week on patch. Resisted going for Pectoral Sandpiper at Margrove Ponds and Zitting Cisticola in Suffolk (lifer).
11th to 17th August, 2025 – (Dorset)
Stayed at an AirBNB close to Weymouth all week for a family holiday doing a bit of birding when I had the opportunity to do so. Best birds at the accommodation included Common Buzzard (3), Raven (1), Greenfinch (20+), Goldfinch (10+), Green Woodpecker (1), etc. Best sightings at Silverlake included Scarlet Darter (1), Lesser Emperor Dragonfly (2+), Emperor Dragonfly (3+), Black-tailed Skimmer (5+), Keeled Skimmer (5+), Red-eyed Damselfly (2+), Clouded Yellow Butterfly (1), Wasp Spider (5+), Raven (1), Common Sandpipier (1), etc. Nice to see Lulworth Skipper (1), Hummingbird Hawkmoth (1), Chalkhill Blue (2+), Holly Blue (1) & Raven (2) at Portland. Link to the full report with a selection of images - https://birding.daveb.co.uk/sightings/silverlake/
18th to 24th August, 2025 – (Patch)
Another very quiet week on the patch. Best sightings included Holly Blue (1) and Painted Lady (1) in our Etherley Moor garden. Garden Warbler (1), Blackcap (3+), Common Whitethroat (2), Willow Warbler (5+), ChiffChaff (1), Chaffinch (2), Goldfinch (5+), Treecreeper (1), Wren (2), Robin (3), etc. were in the tree line by the small pond at Escomb. Great Crested Grebe family of 5 doing well on Escomb Lake.
25th to 31st August, 2025 – (Patch)
Nothing different happening on the patch this week. Reports from elsewhere suggest that autumn has arrived and birds have started to move migrate twards their wintering grounds. Best birds arguably being Curlew Sandpipers seen at Holme Fleet (Teesside) and Castle Lake (Bishop Middleham). Up to three Ospreys have been reported at Derwent Reservoir throughout the week.
September 2025
Picture: Siberian Stonechat at Hawthorn Dene, 27th September 2025
,1st to 7th September, 2025 – (Bishop Middleham)
No birding on the patch this week, but did visit Bishop Middleham for a couple of hours at the weekend. Best birds included Curlew Sandpiper (2), Spotted Redshank (1), Ruff (5+), Common Sandpiper (2) and Common Redshank (1).
8st to 14th September, 2025 – (Patch)
Other than summer visiting birds moving through the patch, birding has been very quiet for me. Elsewhere in the county there was a report of two White-tailed Eagles on Teesside. Also Hobby (2) and Curlew Sandpipers reported.
15st to 21st September, 2025 – (Patch)
Another quiet week on patch with the highlight being a single skein of Pink-footed Geese (100c) over Etherley Moor on a very wet saturday. Great Crested Grebe (4) still at Escomb. A Pechora Pipit was reported at Trow Quarry, but couldn't make the 1hr drive for what would have been a lifer for me.
22nd to 28th September, 2025 – (Hawthorn Dene & patch)
Missed the opportunity of getting my third Isabelline Wheatear during the week, so was pleased to go and see the Siberian Stonechat that was reported at Hawthorn Dene on saturday. During the week two Goldcrests visited our garden on Etherley Moor (always nice to see). Two Great Crested Grebe (1 adult) were still on Escomb Lake.
October 2025
Picture: Black Grouse in Upper Weardale, 4th October 2025
29th September to 5th October, 2025 – (Patch & Weardale)
Another quiet week on patch, which wasn't helped by Storm Amy. Despite heavy showers in high winds, I did have a few decent hours in Upper Weardale on saturday with Red Kite (3), Common Buzzard (2), Black Grouse (4, 9, 20+ & 1), Northern Wheatear (1), Stonechat (4 & 3) and Golden Plover (1) being seen.
6th to 12th October, 2025 – (Patch)
Went camping at Tan Hill over the weekend, so no serious birding done. Best birds along the South Durham border included Black Grouse (3), Red Grouse (10+), Kestrel (3), Common Buzzard (1), Lapwing (3), etc. Feeders in our Etherley Moor garden have been busy with all the usual visitors.
13th to 19th October, 2025 – (Bishop Middleham & South Shields)
The long-staying drake American Wigeon at Bishop Middleham was seen on Stoneybeck Lake on friday afternoon (17th). Pallas's Warbler (1) and Yellow-browed Warbler (1) were in Trow Quarry at South Shields on Sunday. Dipped the reported Siberian ChiffChaff at Marsden Quarry.