News on TUES - 21st Nov '17

Whooper Swan image by G.Blackett

A couple of fresh additions today, confirming some of our winter birds are still arriving.

Low Barns held a newly arrived Whooper Swan as well as 5Goosander, 2L.Egrets & Water Rail

Small no's of non breeding diving ducks appearing, with Pochard & Goldeneye at Watergate Pk, Hurworth Burn & Rainton

Winter wildfowl image by Rev D.Atkinson

Green Sandpiper again proved popular at Phil Stead hide on Teesmouth with another on the Browney at Langley Moor - a traditional wintering location (NU) - who confirmed the continued presence of BTDiver & V.Scoter at Blackhall.

Starling image by David Fullerton.

Winter roosts are starting to build now & a pair were noted inspecting eaves & entering a roof cavity together at Roker this afternoon (SE), where a Woodcock flew West along sub-urban streets, presumably a fresh migrant.

Mr Egret image by Mr Heron

A minimum of 15 Little Egrets were seen at Saltholme (FM), as well as 70Barnacle Geese & 600Golden Plover.

Elsewhere on Teesside, Greenshank & Barn Owl were on Greenablla with 620 Golden Plover close by at Salterns.

Lamesley had a good selection today, (DG) reporting 3 unseasonal Dunlin with 1Gadwall, 6Snipe, Little Egret, female Shoveller & a Pink footed Goose.

Another 4Pinks (NU) were with 250 Greylags at Hurworth Burn, others heard at dusk at Roker (SE).

Rock Pipit image by Rev D.Atkinson

An overwintering Rock Pipit continues on the Tyne at Dunston, approx. 16km inland - one that distance inland on the Wear or Tees would be very well received.

Kingfisher image by M.Heron

Overnight rain & wet winter days result in more or less guaranteed sightings of Kingfishers on local standing waters - temporarily moving away from their clouded breeding stretches. This one photographed from the 'Freezer' at Rainton. Others here today included GCGrebe & Water Rail.

That's it for today.