1^st to 5^th 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 (2^nd), 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 3^rd, 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 4^th 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 5^th 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.

6^th to 12^th 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 (2^nd 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.

13^th to 19^th January, 2025 – (Patch)
Sightings will appear here soon.