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 50
Robin - Winter’s Familiar Companion
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​​(Photo by Mark Harper)​​​
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As the year draws to a close, few birds feel as close to us as the Robin. Whether perched on a spade handle, watching from a fence post, or hopping confidently across a garden path, they have an uncanny way of inserting themselves into our everyday lives.
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Robins are fiercely territorial, especially in winter, when both males and females hold and defend feeding areas. That’s why you’ll often hear their delicate, wistful song at this time of year - a sound that carries clearly on cold mornings and fading afternoons, long after many other birds have fallen silent. What sounds gentle to us is a serious warning to rivals.
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In County Durham, Robins are widespread and familiar, from woodlands and hedgerows to parks, churchyards and gardens. Winter brings an extra layer to the story, with birds from northern and eastern Europe joining our resident population, subtly boosting numbers and adding to the chorus of song.
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Their bright red breast - once thought to symbolise cheerfulness or curiosity - actually plays a key role in territory defence. To another Robin, it’s a bold signal not to cross an invisible boundary. That’s why mirrors and reflective car parts can sometimes provoke remarkably aggressive reactions.
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Despite their boldness, Robins are surprisingly short-lived, and life is not without risks. Their success lies in adaptability: a willingness to live close to people, to exploit disturbed ground for invertebrates, and to sing through winter when competition is lower.
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As you head out birding this week, or simply step into the garden, pause for a moment when a Robin appears nearby. Chances are it’s watching you just as closely.
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Have you noticed Robins singing more strongly in recent weeks, or holding territory near your home?
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More information on Robins
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E-mail: admin@durhambirdclub.org.uk
Social media tags: #DBC #DBCat50 #DurhamBirdClub #BirdoftheWeek #Durham #Birding
#BirdwatchingUK #CountyDurhamBirds
#WinterBirds #birdsofinstagram
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