Durham

Durham & North Yorkshire - May 21^st – May 24^th

^{To View a previous report from this trip, please click here.}

~Introduction ~

Durham and North Yorkshire provide a stunning backdrop for some excellent bird watching opportunities.

The vast mixed woodlands, historical castles and buildings, rolling dales and free flowing crystal clear waters all add to the memories of the wonderful birds which can be found here.  The High Force Hotel will be our base and the hotel is within easy reach of all of the prime birding sites in the area allowing us to keep driving to a minimum.

~ Itinerary ~

Day One

Arrive at the High Force Hotel mid-afternoon and settle in.  A walk before dinner in the local area will set the scene.

After an early dinner there will be a chance to go out looking for Eagle Owl at a well known site in the area. This Buzzard sized bird is not the easiest to see, it is a very secretive bird that can fly around almost undetected, this bird once seen is never forgotten.

Day Two

We will set off after breakfast we will head for Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield in County Durham.  This quiet location is a must for any birding in May as it is one of the local strongholds for Corn Bunting and has a very easy  to observe Sand Martin colony.  The quarry here is excellent for a variety of birds and is also noted for rare butterflies, including the Durham, Northern Argus and orchids such as Dark Red Helliborine.

This area has very few human visitors and is ideal for that quiet, relaxing morning walk.  We will then take a walk to look for waders and wildfowl on the local lakes before moving on.  This time of year we can expect anything passing though as the birds head towards their breeding grounds in the Arctic Circle and the Tundras – exciting times indeed!

There is an option of seeing Nightjars in the evening, although they are some distance from the hotel but well worth the drive for those who are interested. We regularly see these elusive birds as close as 5 yards as they fly around catching insects and moths.  The males “churr” on tree tops and wing clapping can be heard too.  We have access to private land for this excellent opportunity that gives views of Nightjar that Bill Oddie would be purring about! There is a chance of Woodcock, Tawny Owl and long-eared Owl, the latter if we are very lucky.

Day Three

We will have an early start into the dales for Black Grouse.  Lekking will be almost over for the day, however, the males are usually viewable as they rest and feed in the local fields.  There is also Red grouse and other moorland birds in the area with a chance of buzzard and raven, both are local rarities.

From here we will walk a local wood that holds Pied Flycatcher’s, Wood Warblers and Common Redstarts.

The afternoon will see us visit Low Barns Nature reserve for possible Kingfisher or the Bishop’s Castle grounds in Bishop Auckland for woodland birds, Dipper etc. Both venues have wonderful walking in beautiful surroundings.

Day Four

Depart from the hotel after a morning bird watching in the local area.

~ General ~

Some of the places we will be visiting will require some walking, however, the walks are generally flat and pleasant and done at a comfortable pace.

We will have packed lunches at selected points. We will always try to ensure there are sufficient comfort stops

Cost: £295 Per person.