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Birds of Portrack Marsh and the Tees Barrage Gary Sharples, E-mail: gary.sharples@btinternet.com Portrack Marsh lies on the north bank of the River Tees between the barrage and the A19 flyover. The 50 acre site is jointly owned and managed by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Northumbrian Water. The marsh includes a mixture of shallow and deeper water pools, reedbeds and wet grassland with mature hawthorn bushes to the west and a line of trees along the northern edge. Recent improvements to the paths encircling the area have significantly improved access, while the saplings planted and nest boxes erected will undoubtedly benefit the bird life. Unfortunately, the open hide overlooking the southern end of West Water was destroyed by vandals in early 2002; the lack of shelter in winter can be a problem as the location is rather exposed to the elements. The map of Portrack Marsh below is adapted from a leaflet provided by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

Since starting work nearby in November 2001, I visit the site regularly (on average 2-3 days a week) usually at lunchtime or late afternoon. A total of 89 bird species were recorded in 2002, 91 in 2003, 90 in 2004 and 100 in 2005 (thanks to increased coverage and 3 Red-breasted Mergansers on 31st December). I tend to count all of the species seen on a visit, although certain birds probably receive less attention than others. Numbers of resident passerines are often difficult to estimate in spring and summer due to their secretive habits during the breeding season combined with the growth of foliage cover. However, this is balanced by the increase in territorial singing making certain species (e.g. Skylark and Song Thrush) much more obvious, especially in late winter/spring. Freezing of the pools occurs regularly in the first couple of months of the year and forces the majority of wildfowl onto the adjoining River Tees. Some of the high January 2002 totals come from such spells. These periods serve to illustrate how large numbers of certain species, such as Coot, may go unnoticed lurking in the smaller pools and inlets.

The following is a detailed list of the birds encountered on Portrack Marsh and the nearby Tees Barrage up until December 2005. Records prior to 2002 are included where known; additional information on sightings is very welcome. A total of 152 different bird species have been recorded so far.

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Mute Swan Cygnus olor The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 11 7 11 7 8 7 7 0 15 24 9 6 2003 2 2 21 5 4 7 1 7 2 6 1 3 2004 8 3 5 13 12 13 13 10 12 11 12 8 2005 8 3 22 15 12 4 2 10 9 9 8 2

Fairly common resident on the river, frequently upstream of the Tees Barrage, but small numbers visit Portrack Marsh and a pair usually breed. Immature birds are common, indicating additional breeding nearby. 2002: Maximum count of 24 flying over on 14th October. A pair had 6 cygnets on 22nd May. Adult with red

ring on right leg with white numbers 777 or LLL and left leg dark unmarked metal ring on 10th May. 2003: Maximum count of 21 upstream of the Tees Barrage on 31st March. 2004: Maximum count of 13 on several dates in April, June and July. A pair at the Tees Barrage had 8

cygnets on 13th May 2004, present throughout the summer on the marsh. This latter family group were still present on the River Tees on 6th October.

2005: Maximum count of 22 on the River Tees at Durham University Campus on 18th March. A pair nested on Teal Lake but no young were hatched. One of these birds carried a red plastic ring on its right leg with PHP written in white lettering and a narrow metal ring on its left leg.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Scarce winter and passage visitor. Six flew over on 4th April 1999 and 2 over on 30th December 2001. Bean Goose Anser fabalis Rare. Two Tundra Bean Geese flew over on 7th January 1997. Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Rare. One circled low over the marsh on 23rd November 2001 (GI). White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Rare. An adult on 22nd December 1984. Greylag Goose Anser anser The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 0 0 9 0 0 2004 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 60 2005 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 65 0 0

Fairly common visitor, some may originate from the feral flocks elsewhere on the North Tees Marshes. Twenty-two flew over the marsh on 6th December 2001. 2002: Only two occurrences: 9 flew SE on 9th October and 32 on West Water on 12th July were sheltering

from a heavy shower. 2003: None recorded. 2004: Singles were on West Water 26th-30th April, 10th May and 10th June. It was joined by another on 7th

May. A flock of 60 flew low NE over the marsh on 9th December, the last of the year. 2005: An individual was present regularly on the marsh in spring with 2 there on 25th April. Another single

visited the reserve on 23rd August. The largest count of the year was 65 circling the marsh on before flying off towards Saltholme on 6th October.

Canada Goose Branta canadensis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 6 4 3 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 2 8 27 0 15 8 2 0 0

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2005 0 0 7 9 4 2 0 5 4 12 0 0 Fairly common visitor in spring, breeding occasionally. 2002: Six adults present on 26th February. A pair had 5 young on 10th May. However, gradually these were

lost (reduced to 4 on 14th, 3 on 15th and none by 22nd of May), presumably to predators; the adults departed soon after.

2003: Two adults were present between 28th March and 7th May with one on a nest on 9th April. However, no young were seen subsequently.

2004: A pair with 6 goslings were on West Water on 12th May and 4 young were still present with their parents on 27th May, although none of this family group were noted subsequently. A flock of 27 flew over SW on 7th June.

2005: Two present from 1st March with 4-9 birds present regularly from 10th March to 12th May. Maximum count of 12 over to SW on 4th October.

Canada x Greylag Goose hybrid This bird was present from 16th-18th March 2005. Slightly larger and stockier than the Canada Geese with which it associated. Wedge-shaped bill, black at base with outer half brown-pink. White feathering at base of bill resembling White-fronted Goose. Black on crown trailing down nape with rest of neck dark brown. Hint of dark vertical band across front of face as in Canada Goose; otherwise face cream-white, mottled white patches around eye. Breast and belly buff with main body brownish in colour. Legs orange-pink. Shelduck Tadorna tadorna The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2004 0 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 2005 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uncommon but regular spring visitor. A pair present irregularly in spring in last four years. 2002: Two in spring favoured the pool within the Sewage Works perimeter fence. 2003: Breeding was probably attempted but the only juvenile bird seen was a single between the 11th and

22nd August. Since its arrival was several weeks after the last sighting of any adults this youngster is likely to have been hatched elsewhere.

2004: A regular pair present throughout the spring with singles in July and August. One appeared on the very last day of the year.

2005: One from 10th January, with 2 present from 18th January to 6th June. The last of the year was a single on 13th June.

Wigeon Anas penelope The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 6 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 4 2004 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 0 0 2005 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 0 0

Uncommon autumn and winter visitor, small numbers usually present in autumn. 2002: Maximum count of 16 on 12th September. 2003: Maximum count of 4 on 16th October and 15th December. 2004: Maximum count of 8 on 27th September. 2005: Maximum count of 4 on 15th-20th September. Gadwall Anas strepera The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 4 7 4 2 7 5 0 0 0 0 20 15

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2003 1 2 3 2 1 1 0 0 5 1 0 7 2004 4 0 4 7 3 2 0 0 22 16 6 7 2005 7 6 9 3 2 0 1 0 23 11 3 0

Fairly common visitor. Highest numbers present in autumn and early winter. Occasionally breeds. 2002: Maximum count of 20 on the 14th of November. 2003: Maximum count of 7 on 5th December. 2004: Maximum count of 22 on West Water on 22nd September. 2005: Maximum count of 23 on 27th September. Teal Anas crecca The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 10 13 8 6 0 0 8 0 48 31 22 2 2003 6 28 8 15 0 0 0 6 39 23 24 27 2004 49 19 26 6 0 0 0 0 12 17 4 15 2005 19 18 21 4 0 0 0 7 26 41 21 26

Fairly common autumn and winter visitor. Favours the West Pool and areas of shallow water surrounding the sewage works at the eastern end of the reserve. Small numbers also occur nearby on Lustrum Beck where it merges with the River Tees. 2002: Maximum count of 48 on 17th September. 2003: Maximum count of 39 on 16th September. 2004: Maximum count of 49 on 7th January. 2005: Maximum count of 41 on 18th October. Several males displaying on 5th December on West Water. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 20 13 8 11 9 9 14 16 14 14 5 8 2003 5 12 11 7 4 13 10 20 8 4 26 25 2004 16 17 10 13 11 19 11 21 16 35 9 10 2005 18 37 28 12 14 10 11 48 37 31 16 16

Fairly common. Present throughout the year; breeds on the marsh and surrounding areas. 2002: Maximum count of 20 on 16th January. 2003: Maximum count of 26 on 27th November. 2004: Maximum count of 35 on 11th October. A pair were on West Water with 7 chicks on 12th May. 2005: Maximum count of 48 on 31st August coming to West Water to roost. Female with 4 ducklings on 28th

April. Another duck with 6 chicks seen on 29th June. Pintail Anas acuta Scarce winter visitor. Two present in February 1991. A drake was on West Water on 17th March 2005. Garganey Anas querquedula Rare. The only record is of a pair on 23rd April 1995. Shoveler Anas clypeata The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2003 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 10 9 2 2004 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 2 5 2005 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 16 14 10 6

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Fairly common with highest numbers in autumn. A single on 4th May 1997 (MW). 2002: Single drakes were recorded at either end of the year on 3rd January and 3rd December. 2003: Maximum count of 10 present on 4th October. 2004: A maximum of 5 on several dates up to the end of the year. 2005: Good numbers this year with 8-16 present from 7th September until 1st November. Maximum count of

16 on 20th and 23rd September. Pochard Aythya ferina The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 4 5 4 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 2003 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 2 1 4 5 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 1 2005 3 3 3 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 2

Uncommon. Predominantly a winter visitor in small numbers with occasional birds on passage. 2002: Maximum count of 5 on 5th February. 2003: Maximum count of only 2 on several dates in the first three months of the year. 2004: Maximum count of 5 on 28th April. 2005: Maximum count of 3 present from 25th January to 22nd March. Two drakes appeared at the end of the

year on 1st December. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 8 9 14 9 5 4 4 0 0 3 6 7 2003 10 8 12 15 7 3 3 0 0 0 2 4 2004 5 5 15 12 7 5 7 7 5 3 6 6 2005 7 9 12 10 11 6 2 4 3 1 2 7

Fairly common. Present throughout the year with a marked peak in spring; occasionally breeds. 2002: Maximum count of 14 on 20th March. 2003: Maximum count of 15 on 19th April. 2004: Maximum count of 15 on 4th March. A female with 6 young were present on 9th August with 4 juveniles

remaining into September. 2005: Maximum count of 12 on 31st March. Female with 3 juveniles from 15th August, the latter still present

on 9th September. Scaup Aythya marila Scarce winter visitor. Older records include birds present in December 1995, January 1997 and October 1997. A drake was on the West Pool from 15-18th January 2002, followed by a female from 11-12th February 2002. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Rare. A drake was on the River Tees adjacent to the A19 flyover between 4th and 6th of November 2003 (DB). On the latter date it flew further upstream to land on the river opposite West Water. The sight of Guillemot and Common Scoter swimming together so far from the coast was a welcome surprise. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2004 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2005 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

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Uncommon passage and winter visitor. A remarkable count of 12 in January 2001 represents the highest total for the site (CBR). 2002: Two females on the river by Portrack Marsh during freezing weather on 3rd January. A drake was on

the marsh from 22nd October to 6th November. 2003: None recorded. 2004: One on West Water on 14th April was the only record of the year. 2005: One was on West Water on 28th February with two there on 31st March. A handsome drake was on

the river at Portrack Marsh on 9th and 31st December. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Scarce winter visitor, usually on the river. 2002: None recorded. 2003: A drake was on the River Tees on 7th January and a redhead later in the month on the 30th. 2004: A redhead present occasionally on the river from 5th January to 15th February, joined by a second on

13th-15th January. On the latter date they were on Mallard Water. 2005: Three, 2 drakes and a duck, on the River Tees on 31st December with a drake Goldeneye. Goosander Mergus merganser Scarce. A few records, mainly on the adjoining River Tees. One present from 18th September to 4th Oct 2001. One reported on the river at Portrack Marsh in 2004 (CBR). Two drakes flew over from the north and carried on upriver late in the afternoon on 14th November 2005. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2003 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 1 4 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 2 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uncommon visitor, usually in spring. Older records include 1 on 4 May 1997 (MW) and 2 on 1st March 2000. 2002: None recorded. 2003: Three (2 drakes and a duck) on the smaller north end of West Water from 4th-13th June. 2004: A drake fed actively on West Water on 22nd April. Three males and a female arrived on 27th May and

were still present on 7th June. The last of the year was a single on 9th July. 2005: A pair were on West Water on 17th March 2005. Three from 5th April were joined by another on 19th

with a total of 5 (3 females and 2 males) present on 25th April. Two females and 3 males were seen on 27th May. This group were last seen on 7th June with a single on 13th June.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Rare. The only record is of two on the 2nd May 1987. Grey Partridge Perdix perdix The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2005 9 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

Uncommon. Resident birds flushed from long grass at edges of the marsh and probably breed on Maze Park. 2002: Two were seen on 24th April and 15th May. 2003: Two present on 27th February and 2nd April with 1 on 20th May. 2004: The only records were of 2 birds on the 8th March and 12th December. 2005: Eight fed quietly by the fence outside the Wolfson Research Institute car park at Durham University

campus on 13th January. The next day, 9 were flushed from rough ground at the eastern end of

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Portrack Marsh, presumably from the same group. The only other records in the year were 2 on 1st March, 23rd March and 12th September.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 2003 0 0 1 3 3 1 1 0 4 7 3 2 2004 2 4 2 3 2 2 1 1 2 3 2 3 2005 1 1 2 5 3 3 1 2 2 2 2 1

Uncommon breeding resident. 2002: On 14th November, 3 males fed on berries at the top of hawthorns, occasionally joined by a female. 2003: The highest count of 7 on 10th October included 5 immature birds. 2004: Maximum count of 4 on 3rd and 19th February. Two immatures were seen in long grass south of West

Water on 7th October. 2005: Maximum count of 5 on 19th April. Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Scarce winter visitor on adjoining River Tees. Recorded on only two occasions with 3 on 6th February 2003 and an adult winter on 7th January 2004. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 2003 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2004 0 1 2 2 3 2 1 0 4 3 1 0 2005 1 0 3 5 3 3 1 5 4 2 4 0

Uncommon resident, occasionally breeds. Most obvious in winter and spring on the river or either of the two larger pools. 2002: Maximum count of 3 on 9th January. 2003: Highest count this year was only 2 on 28th March. 2004: An adult and juvenile were seen on 25th June and 4 were present on 14th September. 2005: A good year! Five were present on three dates: 21st April, 15th and 24th August. Two pairs probably

bred with 2 juveniles seen from 15th August and still present on 28th September. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Rare. The only record is of a single on the river on 31st March 2004. Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Rare. A single was present from 14th to 22nd March 1996. Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Rare. One flew over the reserve on 16th July 1997. Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 5 4 3 2 2 1 2 2 6 17 34 9 2003 3 1 2 3 0 1 1 0 3 7 13 7 2004 7 7 6 3 2 2 7 6 9 13 8 7 2005 4 3 3 8 2 1 1 2 6 7 32 34

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Fairly common. Small numbers fish mainly on the stretch of river below the Tees Barrage and rest in groups on the south bank or on the marker. Most common between October and December, though numbers vary. 2002: Maximum count of 34 on 11th November. 2003: Maximum count of 13 on 24th November. 2004: Maximum count of 13 on 18th October. 2005: Highest counts of 32 on 30th November and 34 on 6th December. Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis Scarce. One flew over with a group of Cormorants on 7th January 1999. An adult was on the River Tees at Portrack Marsh on several dates between 8th and 15th February 2005; it mainly fished close to the north shore and on 10th February was on the Teesside White Water Course. Two were together on the river on 7th March 2005. Great White Egret Ardea alba Rare. One in late August 2001. Potentially the same individual was present from 11-15th October 2002 feeding mainly on West Water (SA). It was later relocated at other sites on the North Tees Marshes until at least the 9th November when it was on the Long Drag (CBR). Grey Heron Ardea cinerea The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 11 2 2 2 8 7 14 15 16 16 16 10 2003 6 2 2 1 7 7 13 19 21 15 22 17 2004 13 5 3 3 2 7 8 7 6 8 11 10 2005 10 4 3 2 3 3 7 7 14 11 14 12

Fairly common. Present throughout the year but numbers variable; commutes between here and other sites on the North Tees marshes. Thirteen present on 19th December 1998 (MW). Highest numbers in autumn and winter with a maximum count of 31 in August 1999. In 2000, 20 present in August and September (CBR). 2002: Maximum count of 16 on several dates between 26th September and 4th November. 2003: Maximum count of 22 on 11th November. 2004: The highest count was only 13 on 20th January. One fished half-submerged on West Water on 31st

December. 2005: Maximum count of 14 on 15th September and 18th November. Red Kite Milvus milvus Rare. One flew over on 30th March 1996. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Rare. One on 14th May 1997. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2003 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 2005 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Uncommon. Usually seen hunting around the bushes at either end of the reserve and soaring over the Tees Barrage and Maze Park. A male and female visited on 12th October 2004. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1

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2003 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 2004 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 1 2005 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1

Uncommon visitor present throughout the year. Usually seen hunting the rough grassland on the marsh and on the south side of the river. Also hunts the verges around the A66/A19 junction and a pair probably breed nearby. Recorded in every month of the year in 2005. Merlin Falco columbarius Scarce winter visitor. Single present on 1st Jan 1999 (MW). Not recorded in 2002-05. Hobby Falco subbuteo Rare. One on 2nd May 1987. Peregrine Falco peregrinus Rare. One in December 1995. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2005 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0

Scarce visitor, occasionally breeding. A single heard calling on 14 March 2003. 2005: A good series of records this year. Two were present on Mallard Water on 16th June, one of which

noisily scuttled around behind a fringe of reeds. A juvenile showed well at the edge of West Water on 5th September and an adult there on 18th September preening out in the open until chased away by a Moorhen. The last of the year was an adult on 10th October.

Spotted Crake Porzano porzano Rare. One heard from 18th to 22nd May 1996 (suppressed record). Corncrake Crex crex Rare. One heard from 31st May to 10th June 1998 (suppressed record). Moorhen Gallinula chloropus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 6 4 7 6 4 2 3 4 1 7 7 7 2003 2 7 4 3 2 4 5 14 10 10 13 5 2004 7 3 7 3 3 3 3 3 7 8 5 3 2005 4 4 5 6 3 3 4 10 18 11 11 5

Fairly common breeding resident. Found on river banks upstream of the barrage or on Portrack Marsh throughout the year. 2002: Maximum count of 7 in March and October through December. 2003: Largest numbers seen in autumn including at least 5 juveniles. Maximum count of 14 on 22nd August. 2004: Maximum count of 8 on 8th October. A juvenile was seen on 20th August 2004. 2005: Maximum count of 18 on 14th September. Coot Fulica atra The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 39 16 11 10 9 5 0 4 0 4 9 12 2003 15 27 15 14 9 9 7 2 9 11 9 19 2004 23 22 24 10 9 10 10 9 11 9 9 16 2005 25 12 17 16 9 19 20 19 21 11 21 18

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Fairly common breeding resident. Largest numbers in winter, possibly due to secretive habits in the breeding season. 2002: When the marsh froze over on 3rd January a total of 39 moved onto the river. 2003: Maximum count of 27 on 18th February. 2004: The highest count was 24 on 1st March. 2005: Maximum count of 25 on 14th January. A pair had 5 chicks on 14th April 2005. Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 2 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 1 2005 0 0 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Scarce visitor. 2002: One on 16th April was joined by another the day after. Another single was present on 16th July with a

notable count of 8 on the 31st July. One also flew over on 5th December. 2003: Not recorded. 2004: Not recorded. 2005: Three flew NE over the marsh on 11th March and 2 west along the river and north over the A19 on 18th

April. Singles also seen on 17th May, 7th and 13th June. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 1 2 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Scarce passage and summer visitor; occasionally breeds. Not recorded in 2004 or 2005. 2002: In spring a pair were present regularly from late May and nested on the newly created shingle scrape

on West Water. They raised two young, one of which was last seen on 3rd July. Extreme dates of 5th April and 3rd July.

2003: Extreme dates of 7th May and 17th July. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 2 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 2004 0 0 1 1 1 6 4 0 1 0 0 0 2005 0 0 2 2 1 2 0 2 1 0 0 0

Uncommon. Occurs on passage and occasionally breeds. 2002: Extreme dates of 11th April and 10th July. Maximum count of 4 on the latter date. 2003: Extreme dates of 13th May and 1st September. 2004: Extreme dates of 30th March and 3rd September. Maximum count of 6 on 28th June. 2005: Extreme dates of 30th March and 9th September. Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Uncommon winter visitor, formerly common. A flock of 12 flew south over the university campus in Stockton-on-Tees on the 16th October 2003. Another group of ca 50 flew along the river and then NW towards Saltholme Pools on 7th November 2003. Appropriately, 26 flew over on 26th October 2004, the only record of the year. Not recorded in 2005. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

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2002 14 11 3 6 5 15 127 216 318 117 300 250 2003 300 40 30 7 6 20 68 47 100 84 59 500 2004 184 47 9 6 3 36 41 2 22 23 227 187 2005 77 42 24 7 8 16 30 71 215 127 108 92

Common winter visitor, breeding in small numbers on abandoned settling tanks adjacent to the sewage works. Frequently attracted to the exposed mud on the marsh and roosting there when river levels are high. 2002: Maximum count of 318 on 26th September. 2003: The excavations on the north bank of the Tees upstream of the barrage attracted large flocks at the

end of the year with ca 500 on 1st December. 2004: Maximum count of 227 on Portrack Marsh on 29th November. 2005: Maximum count of 215 on 12th September. Four pairs probably bred this year with two chicks were

seen on the muddy flash on West Water on 7th June. Knot Calidris canutus Scarce. One on 12th October 2002 (CBR). A juvenile was on the main island of West Water on 1st September 2005. Sanderling Calidris alba Rare. One on 30th May 1989. Little Stint Calidris minuta Rare. Two from 7th-9th September 1994. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Rare. One from 4th-9th September 1994. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Scarce. Five on 6th September 2001 (GI). One on 21st August 2003 (CS). Dunlin Calidris alpina The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0

Uncommon passage visitor in small numbers. 2002: A good year with 1 on 2nd May, 3 on 17th May and another on 16th July. In October singles were

recorded on 7th and 9th with 2 together on 16th. 2003: A single on 22nd August was the only one of the year. 2004: A poor year for waders generally; the only record was a single feeding on the newly erected floating

platform on West Water on 20th September. 2005: One on the south bank of the river with a Turnstone on 9th September followed by 2 on West Water on

16th and a single 20th-21st September. Another one fed on Bird Island on 20th October. The last individual of the year was on the south bank of the river on 22nd November.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax Scarce passage visitor. Small numbers present for a few weeks in September 2002 reaching a maximum of 15 on 26th. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2005 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2

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Uncommon winter visitor. One on 6h April 2000 (CBR). 2003: Up to 4 were present in early January, increasing to at least 20 by the end of the month; 15 were still

present in February with 9 in March (CBR). 2004: Two were present on 22 November 2004 with a single on several dates in December including the

31st. 2005: Three on 22nd-23rd March. Singles were seen on 5th April, 9th November, 22nd and 31st December.

Two were present on 2nd December. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 5 3 1 3 0 0 0 2 15 12 4 6 2003 130 13 400 1 0 0 0 2 9 16 15 20 2004 24 8 15 1 0 0 0 14 8 4 64 39 2005 39 30 17 5 0 0 1 2 11 29 31 45

Fairly common winter and passage visitor, occasionally breeds. In autumn when water levels are low will readily feed in open on exposed mud. 2002: Maximum count of 15 on 26th September. 2003: The remarkably high counts in the early part of the year included 130 on 23rd January and ca400 on

9th March (RT, JR) – a new Cleveland record (CBR). 2004: Maximum count of 64 on 9th November. 2005: Maximum count of 45 on 8th December. Unusually one was present in July, on the 18th. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Scarce winter visitor. A single was present in January and February 1998. One was flushed from long grass at the north end of West Water on 2nd December 2003. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 0 2005 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 8 0 0

Uncommon passage migrant. Three on 17th May 1995. 2002: Not recorded. 2003: Two juveniles seen infrequently between 27th August and 12th November. 2004: Not recorded possibly because of high water levels. 2005: A good year. A juvenile was on West Water on 31st August and another on 13th September. Two

visited briefly on 15th September before flying off towards Saltholme. Three were present on 29th September and a single on 3rd October. Eight fed actively on West Water on 6th October with 5 on 17th being the last of the year.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Scarce passage migrant. One on 25th May 1997. Two were on the river bank at Portrack Marsh in heavy drizzle on 27th April 2004. Curlew Numenius arquata The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 50 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 135 46 2004 0 0 29 0 0 0 0 0 1 56 7 19 2005 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 170 26 25

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Fairly common. Good numbers often fly over (e.g. 120 on 20th February 1996) with occasional singles on the banks of the river. 2002: Singles present on 10th April, 10th May and 18th June. 2003: On the 11th November a total of 135 flew over the reserve towards Saltholme in groups of 8-34 in a 30

minute period during mid-afternoon. These birds presumably feed in fields further west and roost on the North Tees marshes.

2004: A total of 56 flew over NW on 26th October with 48 the previous day. 2005: Maximum count of 170 flew over towards Saltholme late in the afternoon on 31st October in parties of

19, 15, 115 and 21. Similarly, 40 flew over NE at dusk on 6th October in groups of 1, 6, 7 and 26. Other groups flying over NE included 26 on 23rd November and 25 on 1st December. These large numbers contrast with the small numbers recorded occasionally throughout the year on the banks of the River Tees. Unusually one was feeding on West Water on 31st August.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Rare. One in autumn 1994 and another or the same from 24th November to 3rd December 1994. Redshank Tringa totanus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 40 67 16 30 2 0 5 22 31 100 48 115 2003 130 21 94 45 2 4 5 49 29 53 164 104 2004 20 102 64 28 0 4 14 16 33 91 95 106 2005 137 144 70 39 1 3 13 30 47 115 118 227

Common. Present throughout the year with largest numbers in winter. Birds feed and roost on the river bank and on Portrack Marsh. Occasionally seen by streetlight in winter evenings on grassy areas beside the halls of residence at Queen’s Campus, University of Durham. 2002: Maximum count of 115 on 3rd December. 2003: Maximum count of 164 on 5th December. 2004: Maximum count of 106 on 12th December. 2005: Maximum count of 227 on 2nd December. Greenshank Tringa nebularia The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 2 0 0 2004 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

Uncommon autumn passage migrant. 2002: Two on 1st and 12th July with a single still present on 16th July. 2003: An excellent year with small numbers present throughout August and September attracted by the

extremely low water levels following the very hot summer. These numbers peaked at 5 on 10th September. Two on 10th October were the last of the year.

2004: Two present on 21st July and 1 on 31st August. 2005: Not recorded despite ideal conditions on the marsh. Green Sandpiper Actitis ochropus Scarce autumn passage migrant, occasional in spring. Four were present on 25th April 2000 (CBR) and a single for a day on 11th August 2003. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Rare passage migrant. One on 5th August 2002 performed well on the shore of the southernmost island of West Water. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos The monthly maxima were as follows:

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J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 2 1 3 1 4 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0

Uncommon but regular spring and autumn passage migrant, often lingering for several months. 2002: Extreme dates of 26th April and 17th September. Singles present on several dates. 2003: Extreme dates of 26th April and 23rd September. Maximum count of 4 on 17th July. 2004: Extreme dates of 8th April and 30th August. Maximum count of 4 on 16th and 24th August. 2005: Extreme dates of 28th April and 1st August. Maximum count of 2 on 11th July. Turnstone Arenaria interpres Scarce. Two on the small island at the southern end of West Water on 26th August 2003. One was on the southern shore of the river opposite Portrack Marsh on 8th September 2005. Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Scarce. One on 18th July 1995 and an adult on 11th February and 22nd September 1998. Little Gull Larus minutus Rare. One on 28th July 1978. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 380 49 81 5 8 6 45 23 36 97 48 64 2003 35 70 104 2 2 19 12 25 32 43 56 48 2004 106 76 108 3 4 10 27 9 31 77 124 229 2005 183 88 61 10 3 5 35 26 88 149 258 134

Common resident, especially in winter; smallest numbers in April and May. 2002: Maximum count of 380 on 3rd January. 2003: Maximum count of 104 on 4th March. 2004: Maximum count of 229 on 26th December. 2005: Maximum count of 258 on 11th November. Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Rare. A second winter from 13th to 19th February 2001 and an adult on 14th March 2002 (Chris Sharp). Common Gull Larus canus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 165 35 43 6 0 0 1 0 25 91 66 70 2003 50 61 33 8 0 1 3 3 12 38 118 44 2004 51 53 55 1 0 1 0 0 107 30 96 87 2005 59 57 19 7 2 0 4 2 72 77 117 69

Common winter visitor. Largest numbers roost on the river upstream of the Tees Barrage but are also present on the marsh. 2002: Maximum count of 165 on 3rd January (amongst large Black-headed Gull flock). 2003: Maximum count of 118 on 24th November. 2004: Maximum count of 107 on 27th September. 2005: Maximum count of 117 on 1st November. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

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The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 5 21 42 44 25 21 21 5 4 3 1 2003 0 1 7 12 20 13 5 18 15 2 2 1 2004 0 2 15 23 39 23 17 39 36 18 1 0 2005 0 1 7 26 25 29 29 28 59 14 4 0

Fairly common. Mainly a spring and summer visitor. Breeds on the rooftops of nearby factories. Thirty on the marsh on 27th May 2000 (CBR). 2002: Maximum count of 44 on 22nd May. 2003: Maximum count of 20 on 20th May. One present on 7th November showed pale pink legs; bill grey at

base with yellow tip; streaking on sides of neck and all white tail, but otherwise adult in appearance. These and others seen in 2002 are probably second year birds.

2004: Maximum count of 39 on 6th May and 17th August. 2005: Maximum count of 59 on 2nd September. Herring Gull Larus argentatus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 14 12 31 33 35 18 28 5 2 3 2 6 2003 4 3 8 12 16 8 3 3 4 1 6 7 2004 10 6 20 21 17 14 12 5 21 9 8 10 2005 20 17 29 30 24 19 28 13 41 15 14 4

Fairly common. Present all year and breeds nearby. 2002: Maximum count of 35 on 15th May. 2003: Maximum count of 16 on 9th May. 2004: Maximum count of 21 on 20th April and 27th September. 2005: Maximum count of 30 on 11th April. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis One present since summer 2004 frequents the Tees Barrage area. Recorded in every month of 2005 and acquired near adult plumage (probably in its fourth year). In the last half of the year present almost every day. On 9th December it caught a large fish (about 15 cm in length) and managed to fly with it to the river bank where the fish was consumed. Two photographs of this bird from September 2005 are available on Steve Keightley’s website (www.aviabird.net/birding/cleveland.htm). Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Rare. The only record is of a second summer bird on 13th May 1989. Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2004 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2005 2 2 1 2 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 1

Uncommon winter visitor but more regular in last two years. One present on 14th January 1996 (MW) and 19th February 2001. 2002: One on 24th January and two on 6th February were the only individuals of the year. 2003: A long-staying adult was present from 14th November to the year end. 2004: The adult from 2003 remained until the 18th February and was joined by a second on the boom below

the barrage on 9th January. A 3rd summer was on West Water on 30th April with a group of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. One or 2 adults present from the summer remained into 2005.

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2005: Two adults present regularly in the first part of the year. A 2nd summer bird was on West Water on 13th April. A 3rd summer visited on 6th June and 2 adults on 13th September. The 2004 and 2005 records contrast with those in the previous two years where visits were usually brief.

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Scarce summer visitor. Five recorded on 5th July 2000 with 8 around the barrage on 29th-30th August. Several were again at the Tees Barrage from late July to early August in the following year (CBR). Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Scarce summer visitor. Four visited the marsh on 24th July 2000 (CBR) Two (adult and juvenile) were on the main island on West Water on the same date in 2002. An adult rested on the north bank of the river, downstream of the Tees Barrage, on 11th July 2005. Common Tern Sterna hirundo The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 2 6 14 4 4 1 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 2 5 14 29 15 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 0 4 5 10 14 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 0 6 4 8 31 16 1 0 0

Fairly common non-breeding summer visitor. 2002: Maximum count of 14 on 19th July. Extreme dates of 14th May and 2nd October. 2003: Maximum count of 29 on 18th August. Extreme dates of 13th May and 23rd September. 2004: Maximum count of 14 on 9th August. Extreme dates of 7th May and 31st August. 2005: Maximum count of 31 on 1st August (including several juveniles). Extreme dates of 9th May and 4th

October. Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Rare. Two immatures were on the River Tees around the Tees Barrage and Portrack Marsh on 7th and 11th October 2005. Black Tern Chlidonias niger Rare. One on 23rd April 1994. Guillemot Uria aalge The monthly maxima for 2003 and 2005 were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 7 0 2005 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 0

Scarce visitor on the river between Portrack Marsh and the Tees Barrage. 2002: None recorded. 2003: Small numbers were present from 21st October to 9th November, with a maximum of 9 on the 22nd

October. 2004: None recorded. 2005: Two were on the River Tees at Portrack Marsh on 30th August 2005 (TM) with one lingering until 7th

September. Three were present on 18th November 2005 with one still present on 25th November. Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Columba livia The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 18 10 20 10 4 33 13 16 30 32 30 28 2003 20 20 10 35 8 10 12 19 18 75 27 28 2004 16 8 24 19 14 11 23 37 51 43 28 27 2005 17 31 29 32 30 17 14 52 62 63 66 45

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Fairly common breeding resident favouring the barrage area. 2002: Maximum count of 33 on 25th June. 2003: Maximum count of 75 on 4th October. 2004: Maximum count of 51 on 29th September. An unusual individual present from 4th October resembled a

strange gull: plumage was all white except for bright chestnut mantle and wings except for unmarked white primaries.

2005: Maximum count of 66 on 21st November. Stock Dove Columba oenas The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 2003 0 1 0 1 3 4 1 0 2 0 2 0 2004 0 1 2 2 3 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 2005 1 0 1 2 2 2 0 1 2 2 1 0

Uncommon resident most obvious in spring. Probably breeds at the eastern end of the reserve with a maximum of 4 seen on 16th June 2003 and 3 on 7th May 2004. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 2 2 3 7 4 2 2 2 2 2 4 8 2003 1 2 5 13 3 6 5 8 8 15 10 9 2004 2 2 3 8 5 4 2 3 4 8 9 7 2005 1 17 7 6 10 4 7 5 3 5 6 2

Fairly common resident. 2002: Maximum count of 8 on 10th December. 2003: Maximum count of 15 on 30th October. 2004: Maximum count of 9 on 4th November. 2005: Maximum count of 17 on 2nd February. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 1 1 3 1 3 0 0 1 0 2005 0 2 2 1 2 2 4 1 6 5 3 1

Uncommon visitor to the reserve but numbers increasing; usually seen flying over from retail parks to north and south. In recent years seen regularly favouring the hawthorns on western edge of reserve. 2002: Singles noted on 10th and 16th May. 2003: One on 13th May and another on 16th June. 2004: The first of 2004 was on buildings at the north-east corner of the marsh on 22nd April. Three were

recorded on 1st June and 9th August. The last of the year was seen on 2nd of November. 2005: Seen much more frequently this year with a maximum of 6 on 15th September. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Rare. One on the 13th June 2003 visited bushes next to West Water and perched on the fence posts that traverse the middle of the marsh. Barn Owl Tyto alba Rare. One present on four occasions between 19th January and 22nd March 1996.

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Long-eared Owl Asio otus Rare. Sporadic winter visitor. Singles on 29th June 1995, 25th December 1995 and 16th October 2001. Not recorded in 2002-2005. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Uncommon winter visitor. Singles noted on 14th January 1996 and 16th January 1999, and 2 together on 19th December 1998 (MW). 2002: One at dusk on the 24th January was harried by crows and flew off towards Saltholme. 2003: One present from 23rd January to 7th February at least. 2004: Not recorded. 2005: One hunted the marsh on 11th March and chased a Carrion Crow to an extreme height until spiralling

down to land. It or another was harried by a male Kestrel and then a Herring Gull on the evening of 20th April.

Swift Apus apus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 20 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 6 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 0 2 3 9 24 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 0 5 16 4 0 0 0 0 0

Fairly common summer visitor breeding nearby. 2002: Maximum count of 20 on 22nd May over the barrage. Extreme dates of 22nd May and 6th August. 2003: Maximum count of 6 on 20th May. Extreme dates of 9th May and 15th July. 2004: Maximum count of 24 on 19th August heading south over Queen’s Campus, University of Durham.

Extreme dates of 19th May and 19th August. 2005: Maximum count of 16 on 29th June. Extreme dates of 9th May and 20th July. Kingfisher Alcedo atthis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 2003 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 0 2 1 2004 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 1 2005 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 1

Uncommon. Present all year. A pair likely breed nearby, possibly in the Maze Park area. Courtship behaviour often obvious in spring, including offering of fish, repeated calling and exploration of nest holes at the Sand Martin colony. In winter singles often visit the reedbeds and linger at the pools flanking the canoeing course at the Tees Barrage. A juvenile was found dead as a result of a window strike at the University of Durham, Queen’s Campus on 5th July 2002. One over Teal Lake on 13th May 2003 was seen to hover several times for 10-15 seconds before diving for fish. Breeding probably occurred in 2004 and 2005. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2004 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2005 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0

Uncommon visitor. Older records include singles on the following dates: 12th January 1996, 3rd January 1997 and 15th November 2001. 2002: Only one recorded during the year on 15th October.

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2003: A juvenile was around the western edge of the reserve on three occasions between 9th and 26th June and an adult on 11th November.

2004: Singles were seen on 18th June 2004, 27-29th September 2004 and the last of the year on the 2nd and 9th of December.

2005: An adult female fed insects to a juvenile in bushes next to the Water Course on 16th June. In the latter part of the year one was seen on 7th October and a female photographed near the Tees Barrage on 10th November (BH).

Skylark Alauda arvensis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 2 2 4 4 4 3 3 0 0 1 1 0 2003 0 3 3 5 3 3 2 0 2 2 4 1 2004 0 2 6 5 4 5 3 0 0 1 1 0 2005 1 1 3 4 3 5 1 0 1 1 1 0

Uncommon breeding resident. Numbers difficult to estimate with counts often referring to singing males in spring and summer. Breeds in extensive areas of rough grassland at the eastern edge of Portrack Marsh and on Maze Park. 2003: Maximum count of 5 on 28th April. 2004: Maximum count of 6 on 31st March. 2005: Maximum count of 5 on 23rd June. Sand Martin Riparia riparia The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 15 18 20 25 14 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 10 10 8 6 30 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 8 25 26 30 28 12 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 6 12 6 2 5 1 0 0 0

Fairly common summer visitor. Breeds in small colony of 5-10 pairs on south bank of the river. 2002: Maximum count of 25 on 3rd July. Extreme dates of 4th April and 21st August 2003: Maximum count of 30 on 22nd August. Extreme dates of 21st April and 27th August 2004: Maximum count of 30 on 25th June. Extreme dates of 29th March and 20th August 2005: Maximum count of 12 on 20th May. Extreme dates of 5th April and 22nd September. This apparently

late departure date is due to a migrant bird passing through since regular summer birds had departed by a more typical date of 17th August. Overall a poor set of records this year and it is possible that no breeding occurred.

Swallow Hirundo rustica The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 11 1 2 4 2 8 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 2 15 8 2 18 9 0 0 0

Fairly common summer visitor, breeds nearby. Larger numbers recorded throughout summer in last two years. 2002: Maximum count of 3 on 11th September. Extreme dates of 12th April and 17th September. 2003: Maximum count of 6 on 16th September. Extreme dates of 30th April and 30th September. 2004: Maximum count of 11 on 29th April. Extreme dates of 22nd April and 22nd September. 2005: Maximum count of 18 on 31st August. Extreme dates of 27th April and 16th September. House Martin Delichon urbicum

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The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 4 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 1 10 4 2 10 15 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 0 6 12 3 1 8 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 0 25 15 4 5 2 0 0 0

Fairly common summer visitor, breeding nearby. 2002: Maximum count of 7 on 24th July. Extreme dates of 10th May and 21st August. 2003: Maximum count of 15 on 1st September. Extreme dates of 30th April and 10th September. 2004: Maximum count of 12 on 1st and 3rd June. Extreme dates of 3rd May and 9th September. 2005: Maximum count of 25 on 27th May. Extreme dates of 4th May and 30th September. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 3 0 6 8 9 2 2 0 3 1 6 6 2003 5 10 5 12 3 2 0 1 0 5 2 8 2004 5 2 5 5 2 2 1 1 3 3 6 6 2005 5 5 3 7 4 3 1 1 6 5 7 6

Fairly common breeding resident. 2002: Maximum count of 9 on 2nd May. 2003: Maximum count of 12 on 2nd April (including males in display flight). 2004: Maximum count of 6 on several dates in November and December. 2005: Maximum count of 7 on 11th April and 30th November. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Rare spring passage migrant. No recent reports. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 2004 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2005 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 1

Uncommon winter and passage visitor. One or two frequent the banks of the river, Tees Barrage and adjoining water course. Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 2 2 3 2 5 5 3 3 3 5 2 2003 1 0 2 2 1 1 5 7 7 3 1 3 2004 1 2 2 3 2 2 3 1 1 9 1 1 2005 0 0 1 2 2 2 2 1 3 3 1 1

Uncommon resident favouring the White Water Course at the Tees Barrage. The 7 present on 27th August 2003 included 3 juveniles. Maximum of 9 on 8th October 2004. An adult fed a juvenile on 13th June 2005. Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Present during invasion years. For example, 186 were recorded on the 6th of January 2001. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

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The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 3 4 3 1 2 3 0 2 1 2 2 2003 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 3 4 7 2004 2 5 2 7 3 4 3 2 6 7 5 4 2005 5 5 6 9 5 6 4 1 2 6 7 4

Uncommon breeding resident. 2002: Maximum count of 4 on 22nd March. 2003: Maximum count of 7 on 2nd December. 2004: Maximum count of 7 on 14th April 2004 and 8th October 2004. 2005: Maximum count of 9 on 19th April. Dunnock Prunella modularis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 2 2 3 3 3 1 2 0 1 1 3 2 2003 2 2 2 3 2 1 0 2 3 2 3 4 2004 4 2 1 3 1 2 1 1 4 3 3 4 2005 2 3 6 4 2 1 1 2 2 5 5 8

Uncommon breeding resident. Small numbers (1-6) present throughout the year. Slightly higher counts made in 2005, with 6 noted on 18th March and 5th and 12th December, culminating in 8 on 31st December. Robin Erithacus rubecula The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 2003 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 2 2 2004 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 3 3 4 2005 1 2 1 6 1 0 0 1 2 6 3 2

Uncommon breeding resident. Small numbers (1-4), especially near the Tees Barrage and occasionally amongst the hawthorn bushes to the west; most obvious in winter. Four were recorded on October 2nd 2003 and 2nd December 2004. The highest counts (6 individuals) were both in 2005, on 22nd April and 4th October. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Rare. Male of the red-spotted race on 23rd and 24th May 1995. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Uncommon summer visitor (occasionally breeds). Two were present at Portrack Marsh on 26th April 2003 (CBR). On 3rd May 2004, 2 males flitted around the reedbed next to Teal Lake. A handsome male associated with Wheatears on the north bank of the river on 4th May 2005. Stonechat Saxicola torquata The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 2003 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2004 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2005 2 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 2 2

Uncommon winter visitor. Male and female present in the last three winters preferring the reedbeds around Mallard Water and Darter Ponds, although can be elusive.

22

2005: A juvenile at the north end of Portrack Marsh on 13th June was unusual. No adults were seen during this period and it was not seen subsequently. The highest count of the year was 5 on 25th October.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2004 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 3 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uncommon visitor, predominantly in spring. Favours the north bank of the River Tees. Two on 4th May 1997 (MW). One in spring 2000 (TVWT Green Bits). 2004: A female was on the rocks and driftwood on both sides of the river at Portrack Marsh on 22nd and

possibly another 28th-30th April. On 26th April and 3rd May a male was in the same area. 2005: An excellent series of records. The first of the year was a male on 11th April and at least two other

individuals on additional dates throughout the rest of April. Nine were present on 3rd May with 3 remaining until 10th May.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Scarce. One on 25th April 2000 and another in October 2002 (GI). Blackbird Turdus merula The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 9 4 9 7 12 6 3 0 1 3 20 22 2003 9 7 9 3 7 4 4 4 1 4 15 13 2004 7 5 10 8 7 11 4 0 10 18 29 28 2005 19 8 10 8 11 9 4 2 4 21 15 9

Fairly common breeding resident. Largest numbers among the hawthorn bushes on the west side of the reserve but often difficult to make an accurate count. 2002: Maximum count of 22 on 2nd December. 2003: Maximum count of 15 on 10th November. 2004: Maximum count of 29 on 22nd November. 2005: Maximum count of 21 on 25th October. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 10 2004 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 1 1 2005 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 36

Fairly common winter visitor. Favours the hawthorn bushes and their berries at the western border of the reserve. 2001: Maximum count of 20 on 24th December. 2002: Maximum count of 15 on 3rd January. 2003: Maximum count of 15 on 3rd November. 2004: Maximum count of 26 on 29th October. At the beginning of the year 12 were present on 5th January

and only singles at the other end of the year. 2005: A flock of 36 over north on 1st December was the highest count of the year. The only other records

were 3 on 5th January, 3 on 5th January, 2 on 25th January and a single on 21st November. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

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2002 4 1 2 3 3 2 1 0 0 0 2 2 2003 1 3 1 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 2004 1 1 5 2 3 5 2 0 1 3 3 6 2005 3 2 2 4 4 4 0 0 1 5 3 3

Uncommon breeding resident in small numbers (1-6). 2002: Maximum count of 4 on 3rd January. 2003: Maximum count of 3 on 12th February. 2004: Maximum count of 6 on 2nd December. 2005: Maximum count of 5 on 17th October. Redwing Turdus iliacus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 10 14 2003 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 1 2004 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 69 16 14 2005 20 5 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 8 0

Fairly common winter visitor in the hawthorn bushes or flying over. 2002: Maximum count of 14 on 18th December. 2003: Maximum count of 23 on 3rd November. 2004: Maximum count of 69 in a single large flock on 29th October (coinciding with a group of 26 Fieldfare). 2005: Maximum count of 20 on 25th January. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 16 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 2 10 2004 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2005 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Uncommon visitor, usually flying over. 2002: Maximum count of 16 flying north in two groups on the 9th August. 2003: Maximum count of 10 on 19th December. 2004: Maximum count of only 3 on 11th October (the only record of the year). 2005: Maximum count of 2 on 28th February and singles on 7th April, 27th May and 25th November. Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia The monthly maxima for 2004 were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2004 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uncommon breeding summer visitor. 2002: One reeling from the scrub at the west end of the reserve on 6th June but not subsequently. 2003: A late bird was reeling on 20th August (CS). 2004: Two were singing on 26th April, one on the southern bank of the Tees on Maze Park and another in

scrub to the NW of West Water; two were together at this latter site on 10th May. Two were still reeling in different places on 12th July and the last of the year heard on July 13th. One singing in short bursts from a reedbed in the SE corner on 6th May set the pulse racing for a short while.

2005: The first arrived on 25th April with two singing on 29th. One remained until 4th May but none were seen or heard subsequently suggesting that no breeding took place.

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Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 4 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 2 7 6 4 1 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 1 7 3 2 0 0 0 0 0

Uncommon breeding summer visitor. Two to three pairs regularly in the summer. 2002: Maximum count of 4 on 7th and 15th May. Extreme dates of 2nd May and 11th September. 2003: Extreme dates of 9th May and 24th July. 2004: Maximum count of 7 on 7th May. Extreme dates of 26th April and 16th August. 2005: Good numbers of singing birds with 7 present on 17th and 20th May. Extreme dates of 25th April and

14th July. Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Scarce summer visitor. One was present on 26th June 1995. One was singing from reeds in the SW corner of West Water on 17th May 2005. This individual stayed throughout the summer and was last heard on 1st August. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Scarce summer visitor. One present in summer 1999 and a singing male in bushes by the Tees Barrage on 13th May 2003. Whitethroat Sylvia communis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 1 8 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 4 7 12 2 1 1 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 8 12 10 19 3 1 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 3 14 8 6 4 0 0 0 0

Fairly common breeding summer visitor. 2002: Maximum count of 8 on 17th May. Extreme dates of 24th April and 12th July. 2003: Maximum count of 12 on 9th June. Extreme dates of 28th April and 3rd September. 2004: Maximum count of 19 (mainly singing males) on 12th July. Extreme dates of 22nd April and 29th

September. 2005: Maximum count of 14 on 20th May. Extreme dates of 22nd April and 17th August. A family party of 5

was at the southern end of West Water on 29th June. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin One on 27th April 2000 (GI). One sang from dense hawthorn bushes in the SE corner next to the sewage works from 4th-6th May 2005. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 3 4 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 4 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uncommon summer and rare winter visitor, occasionally breeding. One was at the Tees Barrage on 3rd-9th January 2001. Singing males regularly in bushes and small trees around the Tees Barrage, on Portrack Marsh and south of the river at Maze Park. 2003: Extreme dates of 30th April and 14th June.

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2004: Maximum count of 4 on 27th May. Extreme dates of 21st April and 29th September, the latter a probable migrant.

2005: Maximum count of 7 on 5th May. Extreme dates of 13th April and 29th June.. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2003 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2004 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 2005 0 0 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0

Uncommon spring visitor with occasional winter records. 2002: A late bird was in the western hawthorn bushes on 22nd November. 2003: One on 7th January (CBR). Another was present from 17th December until the end of the year. 2004: The wintering individual was last seen on 9th January in the small line of willows at the northern

boundary of the reserve. A maximum count of 3 were seen on 8th October. A single on 22nd November was joined by a second on 2nd December (still present on 9th).

2005: Two apparently arrived on 30th March with three singing on 19th April. The last of the year was on 13th October.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 7 6 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 0 6 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 7 6 7 2 2 0 0 0 0

Uncommon summer visitor, occasionally breeds. 2002: Maximum count of 7 singing males on 26th April. Extreme dates of 12th April and 10th July. 2003: Maximum count of only 2 on several dates in spring. Extreme dates of 21st April and 16th June. 2004: Maximum count of 6 on 30th April. Extreme dates of 14th April and 6th July. 2005: Maximum count of 7 on 22nd April and 3rd June. Extreme dates of 13th April and 1st August. Goldcrest Regulus regulus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2003 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2004 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 2 2005 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uncommon visitor, usually in winter, to trees and bushes at the north and western edges of the reserve. 2002: Singles on 28th November and 31st December. 2003: One on 27th February and 14th March. 2004: A good year with 1-3 present in both winter periods. The highest count of 3 was on 23rd November. 2005: A more typical year with singles on 10th, 15th, 28th February and 9th March. Two on 18th March. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Rare. One seen at the western end of the reserve on 10th September 2003 (CS). Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus Rare. The only record is of a single on 15th October 1998.

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Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 2003 0 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 2004 7 2 3 3 1 3 0 0 9 19 14 20 2005 7 1 2 4 3 12 4 0 1 2 6 12

Fairly common resident. Eight present on 2nd October 1996. 2002: Maximum count of 6 on 31st December. 2003: Maximum count of 5 on 11th November and 17th December. 2004: Good numbers in latter part of the year with a maximum of 20 on 23rd December. 2005: An unusually high count in late spring with 12 on 3rd June and another dozen on 5th December. At

least 1 juvenile was with a party of 6 on 6th June. Blue Tit Parus caeruleus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 3 4 2 1 1 0 0 4 4 2 2 2003 1 3 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 3 5 2004 2 2 4 2 1 3 2 0 8 9 7 8 2005 5 4 5 3 4 5 1 2 3 5 3 4

Uncommon breeding resident. 2002: Maximum count of 4 on 20th March, 17th September and 14th October. 2003: Maximum count of 5 on 17th December. 2004: An excellent year, especially in the last quarter, with a maximum count of 9 on 14th October. 2005: Maximum count of 5 on 14th January, 18th March, 7th June and 11th October. Great Tit Parus major The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2004 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 2005 0 2 4 2 2 1 0 0 1 1 3 2

Uncommon visitor, occasionally breeds. It is surprising that this species is not seen or heard more regularly. 2002: Singles on 3rd January and 20th March. 2003: One on 13th March, 28th March and 3rd July; two on 18th March. 2004: Several single occurrences in spring and autumn. Two on 14th October and 31st December. 2005: Good numbers this year. Maximum of 4 on 10th March. Magpie Pica pica The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 10 7 14 7 7 4 5 3 3 6 5 15 2003 11 11 5 8 5 9 4 5 5 6 5 9 2004 15 5 10 4 5 7 10 5 7 7 17 27 2005 18 14 15 9 5 10 3 3 7 9 9 13

Fairly common resident with higher numbers in winter. Highest count of 27 on the 31st December 2004. 2002: Maximum count of 15 on 18th December. 2003: Maximum count of 11 on 23rd January and 7th February.

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2004: Maximum count of 27 on 31st December. 2005: Maximum count of 18 on 25th January. Jackdaw Corvus monedula The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 18 6 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2003 0 1 3 4 2 0 0 0 0 1 21 1 2004 0 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 98 22 2005 11 40 23 71 11 6 0 0 1 19 46 40

Fairly common. One or two birds regularly fly over the reserve while larger numbers favour the water treatment plant on the eastern edge of the reserve. These are probably visitors from Newport Bridge, where 45 were counted on 7th November 2003. 2002: Maximum count of 18 on 30th January. 2003: Maximum count of 21 on 3rd November. 2004: A large flock of ca 98 were noted flying around the eastern end of the marsh on 17th November. 2005: Maximum count of 71 on 5th April. Unusually birds were noted on exposed mud on West Water with 1

on 28th September and 5 on 12th October. Rook Corvus frugilegus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2004 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2005 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Uncommon. Occasionally flies over the marsh. 2002: Maximum count of 3 on 13th and 22nd March. Singles on 14th February and 17th May. 2003: The only record was of 1 on the 10th November. 2004: Singles on 3rd May, 27th and 29th September plus 2 over on 9th December. 2005: Four over to south on 10th March and 1 on 7th October. Carrion Crow Corvus corone The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 5 6 25 5 6 2 3 2 2 5 3 3 2003 3 3 3 5 1 2 0 1 2 3 3 4 2004 2 7 5 4 5 3 8 5 6 6 7 8 2005 6 7 7 5 3 1 4 4 3 5 12 4

Fairly common. Usually present in small numbers, a few probably breed in mature trees at northern edge of marsh. 2002: Maximum count of 25 on 13th March. 2003: Maximum count of 5 on 11th April. 2004: Maximum count of 8 on 12th July and 31st December. 2005: Maximum count of 12 on 1st November. Starling Sturnus vulgaris The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 0 34 0 7 5 17 18 40 0 20 2003 0 1 2 13 20 10 4 22 57 90 1 4

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2004 0 0 1 7 82 16 8 2 35 60 6 25 2005 0 0 3 38 96 69 6 68 130 92 30 0

Common resident but often rare in first three months of the year. Post-breeding flocks can be quite large. 2002: Maximum count of 40 on 7th October. 2003: Flock of 90 in the open ground west of the Tees Barrage on 15th October. 2004: Maximum count of 82 on 6th May. 2005: Maximum count of ca 130 over Portrack Marsh on 5th September. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Rare. The only recent occurrence was of two in bushes west of the barrage on 8th May 2002. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2003 0 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 4 2 2004 3 4 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 5 3 2005 2 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 2 3 1

Uncommon resident, probably breeding in bushes at Maze Park. 2002: Maximum count of 2 on 11th April, 14th November, 2nd and 5th December. 2003: Maximum count of 4 on 10th November. 2004: Maximum count of 5 on 28th November. 2005: Maximum count of 3 on 18th November. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 4 2 2003 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 2004 3 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 3 2005 0 1 3 2 0 3 1 0 1 0 3 3

Uncommon visitor. 2002: Maximum count of 4 on 28th November. 2003: Maximum count of 2 on 27th August. 2004: Maximum count of 3 on 5th January, 15th and 23rd December. 2005: Maximum count of 3 on 7th and 10th March, 3rd June, 22nd November and 9th December. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 8 7 8 12 4 5 4 4 13 8 15 2 2003 0 8 4 2 4 3 15 32 18 4 12 6 2004 12 9 5 17 6 8 9 24 27 7 19 9 2005 5 2 6 10 9 6 14 19 28 4 4 8

Fairly common resident and probably breeds nearby. High post-breeding counts include ca100 on 22nd August 1995. 2002: Maximum count of 15 on 25th November. 2003: Maximum count of 32 on 26th August. 2004: Maximum count of 27 on 2nd September. 2005: Maximum count of 28 on 1st September included several juveniles.

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Siskin Carduelis spinus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 18 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2004 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2005 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4

Uncommon winter visitor. Favours the alders flanking the River Tees. 2002: Maximum count of 18 on 8th January. 2003: Not recorded. 2004: Maximum count of 27 on 11th February feeding in the small copse in the south-west corner of the

reserve. Two remained until the 23rd of February. 2005: Only records were of 1 on 25th November in bushes in the SE corner of Portrack Marsh and 4 in alders

by the White Water Course on 31st December. Linnet Carduelis cannabina The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 6 16 7 6 6 5 4 4 2 7 34 4 2003 0 2 2 6 2 5 7 4 3 2 4 10 2004 0 1 1 7 8 3 5 2 6 2 3 1 2005 0 15 16 5 3 4 7 2 7 7 20 0

Fairly common resident, occasionally breeds. 2002: Maximum count of 34 on 29 November. 2003: Maximum count of 10 on 17th December. 2004: Maximum count of 8 on 12th May. 2005: Maximum count of 20 over north on 30th November. Twite Carduelis flavirostris Scarce winter visitor. One on 2nd February 1996, 35 in March 1997, 18 on 15th April 1998 (MW), 2 in February 1999, and 15 in January 2001. Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2004 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 2005 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

Uncommon winter visitor. Small numbers visit alders and hawthorn bushes, often in association with Siskin flocks. 2002: Maximum count of 5 on 8th January. Four still present on 19th February. 2003: Maximum count of 5 on 5th December with 1 on 30th December, the only records of the year. 2004: Maximum count of 7 on 9th January. Two visited on 19th February and 5 briefly on 23rd November. 2005: Maximum count of 6 on 5th December in hawthorn bushes on western edge of the reserve. Earlier in

the year 3 were in the alders between the Tees Barrage and Portrack Marsh on 2nd March. Redpoll sp Carduelis sp Five flew over south on 4th November 2005 and landed in birch trees on Maze Park. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D

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2002 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2003 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 2004 5 2 6 2 1 2 1 0 3 3 9 3 2005 4 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 5

Uncommon winter visitor. Feeds quietly in hawthorn bushes at the western fringe of the marsh. Six present on 6th December 2001. 2002: Maximum count of 2 on 14th March and 31st December. 2003: Maximum count of 3 on 3rd November, 2nd and 15th December. 2004: Maximum count of 9 on 1st November. Six present on 11th March. 2005: Maximum count of 5 on 12th December. Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Rare. One in Spring 2000 reported in TVWT’s Green Bits. Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus The monthly maxima were as follows:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 2002 3 5 5 5 6 6 2 0 2 2 1 0 2003 2 2 3 4 2 3 2 0 2 0 2 2 2004 1 3 2 5 6 8 5 2 2 3 6 6 2005 4 3 5 8 7 8 5 2 3 10 18 16

Fairly common breeding resident in small numbers. 2002: Maximum count of 6 on 2nd May and 6th June. Reduced numbers noted in the latter half of the year. 2003: Generally a poor year with a maximum of 4 on 28th April. 2004: Some improvement in numbers with a maximum count of 8 on 1st June. 2005: Overall a very good year for this species. In November and December a large flock were regularly

around Willow Pond with a peak count of 18 on 22nd November. Definitions Common: Generally more than 100 individuals per year. Fairly common: Generally more than 10 individuals per year. Uncommon: Generally more than 1 individual per year (annual). Scarce: Generally less than 1 individual per year (not annual). Rare: Only 1-2 occurrences. Contributors and other sources SA: S Ashton DB: Dave Britton BH: Brian Haydn GI: Geoff Iceton TM: Tim Nelson JR: John Regan CS: Chris Sharp RT: Richard Taylor MW: Mike Watson CBR: Cleveland Bird Report TVWT: Tees Valley Wildlife Trust Acknowledgements I am grateful to Dave Britton for his compilation of sightings for Portrack Marsh and to Chris Sharp and Mike Watson for additional records. Thanks also to TVWT and Northumbrian Water for their efforts in managing the reserve for the welfare of birds and general improvements in access.