A good day around Teesmouth today, despite missing the drake Ring-necked Duck on Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park. At Hartlepool Headland, I managed to add species to my year list including a Kumlien's Gull. This bird is technically a sub-species to Thayer's Gull and classed as a sub-species of Iceland Gull. Another highlight of the day was 3 Short-eared Owls hunting over the marshland and was a good end to the day.

2012 Year Lists
Birds = 110 (Pintail, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Mediterranean Gull, Iceland Gull (Kumliei), Kittiwake)
Mammals = 6 (Harbour Porpoise)
Butterflies = 0
Moths = 0

Today, I had the opportunity to visit Northumberland again. So I called by Maiden's Hall Lake for two Bewick Swans before travelling on to Cresswell Pond. Despite the wind, a Short-eared Owl was hunting around Cresswell given good views to all that watched.

2012 Year Lists

Birds = 114 (Bewick Swan & Dunlin)

Mammals = 5

Butterflies = 0

Moths = 0

Garden Birdwatch Update

Week starting 19th February 2012
Maximum Temperature 22.9C; Minimum Temperature -1.0C

House Sparrow 3
Dunnock 2
Robin 1
Blue Tit 4
Goldfinch 10
Greenfinch 6
Blackbird 3
Jackdaw 3
Starling 5
Collared Dove 2
Woodpigeon 2
Feral Pigeon 5
Song Thrush 1

Food: Sunflower Hearts, Seed, Peanuts, Fat Balls and kitchen scraps.
Water

The Wilton Lake is completely free of ice now. Earlier this week a small flock of Goldeneye flew which was a welcome surprise.

Wilton Patch

Birds = 42 (Goldeneye)

Mammals = 2

Butterflies = 0

Moths = 0

Today on the lake there were Canada Goose x2, Pochard x2, Tufted Duck x1, Mallard x2, Grey Heron x1 & Goosanders x3

Northumberland Trip

Sunday 12th February was spent with the Teesmouth Bird Club members in Northumberland. It was a great day for laughter and birds. My year list was increased by 18 birds.

2012 Year List

Birds = 92 (Green-winged Teal, Black Guillemot, Brent Goose, Redwing, Skylark, Eider, Common Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Salvonian Grebe, Pink-footed Goose, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, Grey Plover, Hooded Crow, Razorbills & Short-eared Owl)

Mammals = 5

Butterflies = 0

Moths = 0

Garden BIrdwatch Update

Week starting 28/1/12

Maximium Temperature = 13.1C, Minimum Temperature = -5.3C

Robin 1

Goldfinch 14

Blackbird 2

Greenfinch 5

Blue Tit 3

Chaffinch 1

House Sparrow 1

Dunnock 3

Starling 8

Collared Dove 2

Woodpigeon 3

Feral Pigeon 2

Magpie 1

Jackdaw 1

Food: Sunflower Hearts, Peanuts, Seed, Fat Balls & Kitchen Scraps

Water

Approximately 85% of the Wilton Centre lake was frozen today. 26 Mallard, 2 Coot and 3 Moorhen were trying to keeping warm during the sub-zero lunchtime temperature. As I walked to the wood, the usual feathered residents were calling, but also present were at least 4 Coal Tit's.

Wilton (Patch)
Birds = 41 (Coal Tit)
Mammals = 2
Butterflies = 0
Moths = 0

RSPB Big Garden BIrdwatch

Sunday 29th January 2012 - 11:00 - 12:00

Collared Dove 2

Blackbird 1

Dunnock 3

Greenfinch 2

Goldfinch 10

House Sparrow 1

Blue Tit 1

Robin 1

Starling 1

Feral Pigeon 2

Jackdaw 1