Durham Bird Club at 50

The county avifauna, The Birds of Durham (Bowey and Newsome, 2012) records that “A public meeting in late 1974 at Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery to discuss bird watching and recording was well-attended. This was followed on 8 January 1975 by another meeting and enrolment for membership of the Durham Bird Club began shortly afterwards.”

We shall be organising various projects and events during the year to commemorate this special anniversary. These include a "Bird of the Week" feature, appearing below.

Bird of the Week - Week 5

Short-eared Owl – A Daytime Hunter of Moors and Marshes

(Photo by Mark Harper)

The Short-eared Owl is a bird that captures the imagination. With its piercing yellow eyes, striking mottled plumage, and effortless flight, it’s one of the most exciting sights on a winter’s day in County Durham. And unlike many owls, this one hunts in daylight, making it easier to spot if you know where to look.

These owls are perfectly adapted for life on the moors and coastal marshes. Their long, broad wings carry them silently over open ground, scanning for voles and other small mammals. Watch for their distinctive, moth-like flight at dusk, or catch them quartering low over the land in search of prey. Their presence adds an air of mystery to the wide, open landscapes they call home.

Short-eared Owls are primarily winter visitors to the county, with birds arriving from northern Europe to take advantage of our milder winter climate. Smaller numbers remain in summer to breed in our upland areas with some evidence that this wide ranging species chooses breeding locations opportunistically, in response to vole populations.

Teesmouth, Seaton Common, and moorland edges are great places to spot them. Their haunting calls aren’t as common to encounter as their graceful flight, but if you’re lucky enough to hear one, it’s an unforgettable sound.

Have you seen a Short-eared Owl this winter? Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth sighting, it’s always a thrill. Let us know if you’ve spotted one and where or share any photos you’ve managed to capture - we’d love to share in the excitement.

More information on Short-eared Owls

E-mail: durhambirdclub@gmail.com

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