1^st to 4^th 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 2^nd 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.

5^th to 11^th 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.

12^th to 18^th 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.