Sunny Sunday 26th NOV '17

Selected highlights from around the County today

John from Shields was in just the right spot to go eyeball to eyeball with this young Peregrine (300mm lens)

There was another sighting of the Teesmouth Shorelarks crossing the river - 4 birds left South Gare at 09:40 (KC).

Green Sandpiper reports today came from Low Butterby, New Lambton & Billingham Beck

Davy Fullerton made the most of the conditions to catch this Water Rail out in the open nr Durham

Not so many years ago, you'd be lucky to hear bird news from Blackhall once a month - nowadays its one of the County's prime coastal locations. RobbieR relocating the fine drake Velvet Scoter today, with Brian Clasper confirming the continued presence of both Black throated Divers, with Graham Stoker finding 3 Merganser close by at Warren House Gill, though his Long-tailed Duck further north at Hawthorn was an even better find.

Woodland passerines were very busy this morning after another sharp frost.

Treecreeper by Tippa

Goldcrest by Hilary

Rooks were vocal & squabbling in local rookeries at Houghton & Seaham, while the Black Grouse of Teesdale showed up well again the first snowfalls with 100 counted today by N.Yorks based photographer/birder Whitfield Benson

Little Egrets continue to expand their toe-hold with 2 at Low Butterby, Low Barns & a single at Linzford Mill in Gateshead Borough was the first site record (Gary Nicholson)

Some birds you just never tire of seeing, this Kingfisher at Rainton by Christopher Bill - another recent report confirms 1 being caught & killed by a Sparrowhawk in Gateshead.