Alex and Liz Cruikshanks
@alexcruik1.bsky.social
Mainly local patch birding / vismig Hartlepool and Teesmouth, but interest in all aspects of nature.
Newburn Bridge high tide this am.
3 Med Gull, 40 Lapwing and 40 Ringed Plover.
3 Med Gull, 40 Lapwing and 40 Ringed Plover.
December 11, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Newburn Bridge high tide this am.
3 Med Gull, 40 Lapwing and 40 Ringed Plover.
3 Med Gull, 40 Lapwing and 40 Ringed Plover.
Some pics of today’s sighting of the Pinkfeet flock at Cowpen Marsh north of Holme Fleet—-flock size now estimated at 260.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
@teesbirds.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Some pics of today’s sighting of the Pinkfeet flock at Cowpen Marsh north of Holme Fleet—-flock size now estimated at 260.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
@teesbirds.bsky.social
A cracking ad. male Merlin was the highlight of an otherwise quiet hour am at Holme Fleet.
Other birds included Buzzard, MHarrier, db Brent Goose and, unusual here, Mistle Thrush with the more usual Roe Deer on Cowpen Tip.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Other birds included Buzzard, MHarrier, db Brent Goose and, unusual here, Mistle Thrush with the more usual Roe Deer on Cowpen Tip.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
November 30, 2025 at 7:45 PM
A cracking ad. male Merlin was the highlight of an otherwise quiet hour am at Holme Fleet.
Other birds included Buzzard, MHarrier, db Brent Goose and, unusual here, Mistle Thrush with the more usual Roe Deer on Cowpen Tip.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Other birds included Buzzard, MHarrier, db Brent Goose and, unusual here, Mistle Thrush with the more usual Roe Deer on Cowpen Tip.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Holme Fleet am—- before heavy rain
2 Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Cetti’s, 3 Reed Btg and 220 Pinkfeet.
Latter looked as if they had just arrived, circling several times before nervously settling. Flushed by aircraft and circled low towards the Greatham Creek area.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
2 Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Cetti’s, 3 Reed Btg and 220 Pinkfeet.
Latter looked as if they had just arrived, circling several times before nervously settling. Flushed by aircraft and circled low towards the Greatham Creek area.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Holme Fleet am—- before heavy rain
2 Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Cetti’s, 3 Reed Btg and 220 Pinkfeet.
Latter looked as if they had just arrived, circling several times before nervously settling. Flushed by aircraft and circled low towards the Greatham Creek area.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
2 Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Cetti’s, 3 Reed Btg and 220 Pinkfeet.
Latter looked as if they had just arrived, circling several times before nervously settling. Flushed by aircraft and circled low towards the Greatham Creek area.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Blackhall Rocks am
Still Chiffchaff in the car park Willow hedge—2 there a week ago. 27 Blackbirds, 5 Redwing and 1 Song Thrush upto and inc. Blue House Gill, plus a dozen Tree Sparrow and Willow Tit of note.
H’pool Harbour pm held GND, RTD and GC Grebe.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Still Chiffchaff in the car park Willow hedge—2 there a week ago. 27 Blackbirds, 5 Redwing and 1 Song Thrush upto and inc. Blue House Gill, plus a dozen Tree Sparrow and Willow Tit of note.
H’pool Harbour pm held GND, RTD and GC Grebe.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Blackhall Rocks am
Still Chiffchaff in the car park Willow hedge—2 there a week ago. 27 Blackbirds, 5 Redwing and 1 Song Thrush upto and inc. Blue House Gill, plus a dozen Tree Sparrow and Willow Tit of note.
H’pool Harbour pm held GND, RTD and GC Grebe.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Still Chiffchaff in the car park Willow hedge—2 there a week ago. 27 Blackbirds, 5 Redwing and 1 Song Thrush upto and inc. Blue House Gill, plus a dozen Tree Sparrow and Willow Tit of note.
H’pool Harbour pm held GND, RTD and GC Grebe.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Yesterday at Holme Fleet 2 Marsh Harriers and a Merlin. Today 2 Buzzards and 2 Marsh Harriers, one with conspicuous white line on breast extending past the carpal and on to the mantle. Also Cetti’s, Water Rail and Stonechat.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
@teesbirds.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Yesterday at Holme Fleet 2 Marsh Harriers and a Merlin. Today 2 Buzzards and 2 Marsh Harriers, one with conspicuous white line on breast extending past the carpal and on to the mantle. Also Cetti’s, Water Rail and Stonechat.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Took a trip to Norfolk to finally join the Merveille du Jour club. Hopefully local one soon.
November 2, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Took a trip to Norfolk to finally join the Merveille du Jour club. Hopefully local one soon.
Just finishing a half- term family/birding trip to Norfolk and amongst the highlights was today’s incredible sight of something like 8000 Starlings in a constant stream west over the sea at Titchwell in just one hour (12.30-13.30).
October 31, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Just finishing a half- term family/birding trip to Norfolk and amongst the highlights was today’s incredible sight of something like 8000 Starlings in a constant stream west over the sea at Titchwell in just one hour (12.30-13.30).
Snook today Skylark and Redpoll most numerous in 2 hr count.
116 Skylark
32 Redpoll (several flocks feeding on birch seeds in the bushes)
23 Tree Sparrow
14 Mipit
11 Linnet
11 Goldfinch
7 Chaffinch
70 Finches sp (Not sp id’d)
Plus 3-400 Goldies and c30 Twite in Samphire.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
116 Skylark
32 Redpoll (several flocks feeding on birch seeds in the bushes)
23 Tree Sparrow
14 Mipit
11 Linnet
11 Goldfinch
7 Chaffinch
70 Finches sp (Not sp id’d)
Plus 3-400 Goldies and c30 Twite in Samphire.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Snook today Skylark and Redpoll most numerous in 2 hr count.
116 Skylark
32 Redpoll (several flocks feeding on birch seeds in the bushes)
23 Tree Sparrow
14 Mipit
11 Linnet
11 Goldfinch
7 Chaffinch
70 Finches sp (Not sp id’d)
Plus 3-400 Goldies and c30 Twite in Samphire.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
116 Skylark
32 Redpoll (several flocks feeding on birch seeds in the bushes)
23 Tree Sparrow
14 Mipit
11 Linnet
11 Goldfinch
7 Chaffinch
70 Finches sp (Not sp id’d)
Plus 3-400 Goldies and c30 Twite in Samphire.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Yesterday little vismig at Snook but bushes held GSW, Woodcock, 3 Blackbirds, 3 Chiffs and a Redpoll.
Today 08.30-09.30
173 Starling
41 Goldfinch
19 Redpoll (17.2)
16 Linnet
13 Chaffinch
64 Finches (Distant flocks not sp id’d)
9 Skylark
1 Blackbird
Total 336 passerines in hr.
Today 08.30-09.30
173 Starling
41 Goldfinch
19 Redpoll (17.2)
16 Linnet
13 Chaffinch
64 Finches (Distant flocks not sp id’d)
9 Skylark
1 Blackbird
Total 336 passerines in hr.
October 21, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Yesterday little vismig at Snook but bushes held GSW, Woodcock, 3 Blackbirds, 3 Chiffs and a Redpoll.
Today 08.30-09.30
173 Starling
41 Goldfinch
19 Redpoll (17.2)
16 Linnet
13 Chaffinch
64 Finches (Distant flocks not sp id’d)
9 Skylark
1 Blackbird
Total 336 passerines in hr.
Today 08.30-09.30
173 Starling
41 Goldfinch
19 Redpoll (17.2)
16 Linnet
13 Chaffinch
64 Finches (Distant flocks not sp id’d)
9 Skylark
1 Blackbird
Total 336 passerines in hr.
Pics of migrants in the ZWR bushes Sat.
Totals:- 12 Blackbirds (inc. some pristine ad. male birds), 7 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 4 Redpoll and 2 Chiffchaff.
Snook 08.30-09.30 no vismig (passing birds) despite nearby Boulby enjoying good nos and variety-the vagaries of vismig!
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Totals:- 12 Blackbirds (inc. some pristine ad. male birds), 7 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 4 Redpoll and 2 Chiffchaff.
Snook 08.30-09.30 no vismig (passing birds) despite nearby Boulby enjoying good nos and variety-the vagaries of vismig!
@teesbirds.bsky.social
October 19, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Pics of migrants in the ZWR bushes Sat.
Totals:- 12 Blackbirds (inc. some pristine ad. male birds), 7 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 4 Redpoll and 2 Chiffchaff.
Snook 08.30-09.30 no vismig (passing birds) despite nearby Boulby enjoying good nos and variety-the vagaries of vismig!
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Totals:- 12 Blackbirds (inc. some pristine ad. male birds), 7 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 4 Redpoll and 2 Chiffchaff.
Snook 08.30-09.30 no vismig (passing birds) despite nearby Boulby enjoying good nos and variety-the vagaries of vismig!
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Close views of Whooper Swan and distant view of Merlin at Holme Fleet/Cowpen Marsh mid- morning.
Supporting cast of Marsh Harrier, vocal Cetti’s, and 50 nervous Wigeon coming and going on the rising tide.
Supporting cast of Marsh Harrier, vocal Cetti’s, and 50 nervous Wigeon coming and going on the rising tide.
October 15, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Close views of Whooper Swan and distant view of Merlin at Holme Fleet/Cowpen Marsh mid- morning.
Supporting cast of Marsh Harrier, vocal Cetti’s, and 50 nervous Wigeon coming and going on the rising tide.
Supporting cast of Marsh Harrier, vocal Cetti’s, and 50 nervous Wigeon coming and going on the rising tide.
Unable to get out today until late afternoon. Quick check of the ZWR bushes produced 16 Redwing and 2 Blackbirds, with 62 Barnacles west (16:00) and 74 south (16:30).
@teesbirds.bsky.social
@teesbirds.bsky.social
October 13, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Unable to get out today until late afternoon. Quick check of the ZWR bushes produced 16 Redwing and 2 Blackbirds, with 62 Barnacles west (16:00) and 74 south (16:30).
@teesbirds.bsky.social
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Snook 3 sightings of Whoopers 17,5, 1 up to 9.30.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
@teesbirds.bsky.social
October 6, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Snook 3 sightings of Whoopers 17,5, 1 up to 9.30.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Holme Fleet this am.
2 Marsh Harrier—dark cream crowned juv and a presumed female with really extensive pale shoulders, 2 Kestrel, GWE and a super-covey of 19 Grey Partridge.
The later spent most of their time hunkered down against the strong winds.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
2 Marsh Harrier—dark cream crowned juv and a presumed female with really extensive pale shoulders, 2 Kestrel, GWE and a super-covey of 19 Grey Partridge.
The later spent most of their time hunkered down against the strong winds.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
October 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Holme Fleet this am.
2 Marsh Harrier—dark cream crowned juv and a presumed female with really extensive pale shoulders, 2 Kestrel, GWE and a super-covey of 19 Grey Partridge.
The later spent most of their time hunkered down against the strong winds.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
2 Marsh Harrier—dark cream crowned juv and a presumed female with really extensive pale shoulders, 2 Kestrel, GWE and a super-covey of 19 Grey Partridge.
The later spent most of their time hunkered down against the strong winds.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Vismig Seaton Snook 2 hrs am.
Reduced nos but good variety again.
26 Mipit
70 Goldfinch
8 Chaffinch
21 Linnet
41 Finch sp
3 Skylark
24 Redpoll
21 Siskin
3 Pied Wag
9 Swallow & 7 HMartin (Single flocks)
Plus incoming mixed duck flocks 106 Wigeon,53 Teal,3 Pintail.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Reduced nos but good variety again.
26 Mipit
70 Goldfinch
8 Chaffinch
21 Linnet
41 Finch sp
3 Skylark
24 Redpoll
21 Siskin
3 Pied Wag
9 Swallow & 7 HMartin (Single flocks)
Plus incoming mixed duck flocks 106 Wigeon,53 Teal,3 Pintail.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
October 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Vismig Seaton Snook 2 hrs am.
Reduced nos but good variety again.
26 Mipit
70 Goldfinch
8 Chaffinch
21 Linnet
41 Finch sp
3 Skylark
24 Redpoll
21 Siskin
3 Pied Wag
9 Swallow & 7 HMartin (Single flocks)
Plus incoming mixed duck flocks 106 Wigeon,53 Teal,3 Pintail.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Reduced nos but good variety again.
26 Mipit
70 Goldfinch
8 Chaffinch
21 Linnet
41 Finch sp
3 Skylark
24 Redpoll
21 Siskin
3 Pied Wag
9 Swallow & 7 HMartin (Single flocks)
Plus incoming mixed duck flocks 106 Wigeon,53 Teal,3 Pintail.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
After a quiet week, some improved vismig at Seaton Snook 08:00-11.45
127 Mipit
111 Goldfinch
56 Linnet
17 Greenfinch
6 Chaffinch
1 Redpoll
47 Finches sp
43 Skylark
6 Pied Wag
1 Grey Wag
2 Red Btg
2 Swallow
2 HMartin
Plus c100 RPlover, c150 Dunlin on the HT.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
127 Mipit
111 Goldfinch
56 Linnet
17 Greenfinch
6 Chaffinch
1 Redpoll
47 Finches sp
43 Skylark
6 Pied Wag
1 Grey Wag
2 Red Btg
2 Swallow
2 HMartin
Plus c100 RPlover, c150 Dunlin on the HT.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
October 2, 2025 at 5:23 PM
After a quiet week, some improved vismig at Seaton Snook 08:00-11.45
127 Mipit
111 Goldfinch
56 Linnet
17 Greenfinch
6 Chaffinch
1 Redpoll
47 Finches sp
43 Skylark
6 Pied Wag
1 Grey Wag
2 Red Btg
2 Swallow
2 HMartin
Plus c100 RPlover, c150 Dunlin on the HT.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
127 Mipit
111 Goldfinch
56 Linnet
17 Greenfinch
6 Chaffinch
1 Redpoll
47 Finches sp
43 Skylark
6 Pied Wag
1 Grey Wag
2 Red Btg
2 Swallow
2 HMartin
Plus c100 RPlover, c150 Dunlin on the HT.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Yesterday’s look around ZWR bushes produced only 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear (Power Station field), and a confiding Reed Bunting.
Small numbers of Skylarks were moving south calling at height but otherwise no obvious vismig.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Small numbers of Skylarks were moving south calling at height but otherwise no obvious vismig.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
September 29, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Yesterday’s look around ZWR bushes produced only 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear (Power Station field), and a confiding Reed Bunting.
Small numbers of Skylarks were moving south calling at height but otherwise no obvious vismig.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Small numbers of Skylarks were moving south calling at height but otherwise no obvious vismig.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Some of the longer-legged waders still able to feed at Holme Fleet with 2 Greenshank and 5 Black Tailed Godwit this am.
Also here, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallow (S), Water Rail (calling), and Cetti’s Warbler-1st heard here for a while.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Also here, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallow (S), Water Rail (calling), and Cetti’s Warbler-1st heard here for a while.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
September 27, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Some of the longer-legged waders still able to feed at Holme Fleet with 2 Greenshank and 5 Black Tailed Godwit this am.
Also here, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallow (S), Water Rail (calling), and Cetti’s Warbler-1st heard here for a while.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Also here, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallow (S), Water Rail (calling), and Cetti’s Warbler-1st heard here for a while.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Bit of an anti-climax today with only 2 Chiffchaff and a Spotted Flycatcher (bridle path) at ZWR.
2 Redpoll and 3 Greenfinch joined the Goldfinches briefly in the Nside bushes with a Sparrowhawk making several passes.
2 Redpoll and 3 Greenfinch joined the Goldfinches briefly in the Nside bushes with a Sparrowhawk making several passes.
September 25, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Bit of an anti-climax today with only 2 Chiffchaff and a Spotted Flycatcher (bridle path) at ZWR.
2 Redpoll and 3 Greenfinch joined the Goldfinches briefly in the Nside bushes with a Sparrowhawk making several passes.
2 Redpoll and 3 Greenfinch joined the Goldfinches briefly in the Nside bushes with a Sparrowhawk making several passes.
Seaton Snook 16;00-16:30
HT in wind, driving rain and mist at least 7 Black Terns, (just about discernible in the attached picture), 1 Little Tern and 6 Curlew Sands. c 100 Pinkfeet defied conditions moving through south.Thanks to @graemejoynt.bsky.social for the heads up.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
HT in wind, driving rain and mist at least 7 Black Terns, (just about discernible in the attached picture), 1 Little Tern and 6 Curlew Sands. c 100 Pinkfeet defied conditions moving through south.Thanks to @graemejoynt.bsky.social for the heads up.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
September 20, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Seaton Snook 16;00-16:30
HT in wind, driving rain and mist at least 7 Black Terns, (just about discernible in the attached picture), 1 Little Tern and 6 Curlew Sands. c 100 Pinkfeet defied conditions moving through south.Thanks to @graemejoynt.bsky.social for the heads up.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
HT in wind, driving rain and mist at least 7 Black Terns, (just about discernible in the attached picture), 1 Little Tern and 6 Curlew Sands. c 100 Pinkfeet defied conditions moving through south.Thanks to @graemejoynt.bsky.social for the heads up.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Another good day for vismig.
Seaton Snook 07:00-11.00
396 Mipit
1810 HMartin
358 Swallow
38 SMartin
5 Swift
61 Linnet (Local?)
12 Redpoll
11 Siskin
4 Greenfinch
2 Chaffinch
1 Grey Wag
4 Pied Wag
Plus c500 Pinkfeet (6flocks)
Geese mainly distant over the sea/ SGare.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Seaton Snook 07:00-11.00
396 Mipit
1810 HMartin
358 Swallow
38 SMartin
5 Swift
61 Linnet (Local?)
12 Redpoll
11 Siskin
4 Greenfinch
2 Chaffinch
1 Grey Wag
4 Pied Wag
Plus c500 Pinkfeet (6flocks)
Geese mainly distant over the sea/ SGare.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
September 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Another good day for vismig.
Seaton Snook 07:00-11.00
396 Mipit
1810 HMartin
358 Swallow
38 SMartin
5 Swift
61 Linnet (Local?)
12 Redpoll
11 Siskin
4 Greenfinch
2 Chaffinch
1 Grey Wag
4 Pied Wag
Plus c500 Pinkfeet (6flocks)
Geese mainly distant over the sea/ SGare.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Seaton Snook 07:00-11.00
396 Mipit
1810 HMartin
358 Swallow
38 SMartin
5 Swift
61 Linnet (Local?)
12 Redpoll
11 Siskin
4 Greenfinch
2 Chaffinch
1 Grey Wag
4 Pied Wag
Plus c500 Pinkfeet (6flocks)
Geese mainly distant over the sea/ SGare.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Seaton Snook shared in the east coast vismig bonanza today. Passerine totals 07:00-11.00
725 Mipit
1410 HMartin (Max flock 160)
186 Swallow
29 SMartin
33 Redpoll (13.20)
22 Finches sp
6 Pied Wag
1 Grey Wag
2 Skylark
2 Reed Btg
1 Chaffinch
(Some good non-passerine also.)
@teesbirds.bsky.social
725 Mipit
1410 HMartin (Max flock 160)
186 Swallow
29 SMartin
33 Redpoll (13.20)
22 Finches sp
6 Pied Wag
1 Grey Wag
2 Skylark
2 Reed Btg
1 Chaffinch
(Some good non-passerine also.)
@teesbirds.bsky.social
September 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Seaton Snook shared in the east coast vismig bonanza today. Passerine totals 07:00-11.00
725 Mipit
1410 HMartin (Max flock 160)
186 Swallow
29 SMartin
33 Redpoll (13.20)
22 Finches sp
6 Pied Wag
1 Grey Wag
2 Skylark
2 Reed Btg
1 Chaffinch
(Some good non-passerine also.)
@teesbirds.bsky.social
725 Mipit
1410 HMartin (Max flock 160)
186 Swallow
29 SMartin
33 Redpoll (13.20)
22 Finches sp
6 Pied Wag
1 Grey Wag
2 Skylark
2 Reed Btg
1 Chaffinch
(Some good non-passerine also.)
@teesbirds.bsky.social
Swift, 2 Yellow Wags, and 14 Dunlin at Holme Fleet mid-day.
Water Rail showed well at Saltholme cafe.
Water Rail showed well at Saltholme cafe.
September 16, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Swift, 2 Yellow Wags, and 14 Dunlin at Holme Fleet mid-day.
Water Rail showed well at Saltholme cafe.
Water Rail showed well at Saltholme cafe.
Despite good looking conditions little vismig at Seaton Snook 07:00-08:00.
ZWR bushes S. full of warblers with 5-6 Chiffs, Will Wblr, Spot Fly, plus 2 Robins, Dunnock and, notable here, 2 Coal Tits.
At NGare just 3 Goldies, 2 Knot, and 3 Wheatear on the beach.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
ZWR bushes S. full of warblers with 5-6 Chiffs, Will Wblr, Spot Fly, plus 2 Robins, Dunnock and, notable here, 2 Coal Tits.
At NGare just 3 Goldies, 2 Knot, and 3 Wheatear on the beach.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
September 16, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Despite good looking conditions little vismig at Seaton Snook 07:00-08:00.
ZWR bushes S. full of warblers with 5-6 Chiffs, Will Wblr, Spot Fly, plus 2 Robins, Dunnock and, notable here, 2 Coal Tits.
At NGare just 3 Goldies, 2 Knot, and 3 Wheatear on the beach.
@teesbirds.bsky.social
ZWR bushes S. full of warblers with 5-6 Chiffs, Will Wblr, Spot Fly, plus 2 Robins, Dunnock and, notable here, 2 Coal Tits.
At NGare just 3 Goldies, 2 Knot, and 3 Wheatear on the beach.
@teesbirds.bsky.social