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.”

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.

Bird of the Week - Week 37

Wheatear – A Traveller Pausing on Our Patch

(Photo by Mark Harper)

Wheatears are on the move. These smart, upright little birds, with their flicking white rumps and bold stance, are currently moving across County Durham as autumn inland and coastal passages get into full swing.

You might catch one on a grassy ridge, or perched on a wall or post in the uplands or passing through the east of our county at places like Bishop Middleham or Shotton Airfield. Along the coast, places like Seaton Common, Nose’s Point and South Shields are often good locations to spot birds breaking their journey. With their habit of pausing, bobbing, then darting after insects, they’re one of those species that always seem full of intent and purpose.

It’s remarkable to think of the journey they’re on – from breeding grounds in northern Britain, including in the west of County Durham, Scandinavia and beyond, heading thousands of miles to wintering areas in Africa. The individuals we’re seeing right now are part of that extraordinary flow, pausing briefly in our county before pushing on.

Wheatears don’t stay long, so now is the time to look for them. Have you spotted one yet this autumn – on the coast, or perhaps closer to home inland?

More information on Wheatears

E-mail: admin@durhambirdclub.org.uk

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