Durham Bird Club at 50

The county avifauna, The Birds of Durham (Bowey and Newsome, 2012) records that “A public meeting in late 1974 at Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery to discuss bird watching and recording was well-attended. This was followed on 8 January 1975 by another meeting and enrolment for membership of the Durham Bird Club began shortly afterwards.”

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We shall be organising various projects and events during the year to commemorate this special anniversary. These include a "Bird of the Week" feature, appearing below.

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Bird of the Week - Week 13

Golden Plover – A Touch of Gold on the Spring Moorland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​​(Photo by Mark Harper)​​​

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A bird that truly lives up to its name - Golden Plovers dazzle in spring with their spangled gold and black plumage, blending perfectly with the moorland where they nest. Right now, flocks are gathering on upland fields and wet pastures across County Durham before heading north to their breeding grounds.

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In flight, their quick, flickering wingbeats and distinctive “pee-u” calls set them apart. On the ground, their habit of standing motionless in perfect camouflage makes them surprisingly tricky to spot until they move!

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Golden Plover populations have fluctuated over the years, with changes in land use and climate playing a role. But for now, they remain a beautiful and familiar sight in our county’s wilder places.

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Seen any on your walks? Let us know!

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More information on Golden Plover

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E-mail:  admin@durhambirdclub.org.uk

Social media tags: #DBC #DBCat50 #DurhamBirdClub #Durham #Birding #SpringMigration

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