The rare birds and birds of prey spotted over the skies of the North East

Yahoo

11 hours ago

In a welcome sign for conservationists and bird lovers, the skies of the North East of England have recently been graced by a series of rare and elusive bird sightings.
From the booming call of the secretive bittern to the soaring silhouette of the marsh harrier and the phantom-like glide of the goshawk, these avian appearances are sparking joy and hope among wildlife watchers.
The Bittern: Booming Signs of Return
Once nearly extinct in the UK, the bittern, a reclusive member of the heron family, has made a splashy return—albeit quietly—across reedbeds in the North East.
Spotted recently at Rainton Meadows and heard booming at RSPB Saltholme, the bittern is a master of disguise. Its streaked, beige-brown plumage allows it to blend almost invisibly into tall reeds.
Status: Amber-listed in the UK
Habitat: Large, undisturbed reedbeds with shallow freshwater
Diet: Eels, fish, and aquatic invertebrates
Breeding Clue: Males emit a haunting foghorn-like "boom" audible up to two miles
The return of this species is a powerful symbol of success in habitat restoration and wetland conservation, particularly in the North East, where confirmed sightings have been rare for decades.
The Marsh Harrier: Once Near Extinction, Now Gaining Ground
Another magnificent bird now making an appearance in the region is the marsh harrier—the largest of the UK's harriers.
Often seen gliding in a distinctive V-shape above wetlands, this raptor was once reduced to a single breeding female in the entire country by 1971.
Sightings at Seal Sands and Castleford's RSPB St Aidan's, captured by members of the Northern Echo Camera Club, show the bird's unmistakable long wings and graceful flight.
Status: Amber-listed and protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Habitat: Extensive reedbeds and coastal marshes
Diet: Frogs, small mammals, and wetland birds such as moorhens
Behaviour: Known for acrobatic aerial courtship displays and mid-air talon-locking
Thanks to decades of conservation work, the UK now hosts over 500 breeding pairs, and their growing presence in the North East signals both adaptability and ecosystem improvement.
The Goshawk: The Phantom of the Forest Returns
Elusive and powerful, the goshawk has historically been known as the 'phantom of the forest.'
Once wiped out in Britain due to persecution and deforestation, it is now making a measured return to areas like Weardale, where sightings have thrilled observers and photographers.
Status: Green-listed, but still vulnerable to illegal persecution
Habitat: Mature coniferous and mixed woodlands
Diet: Birds (like pigeons and gamebirds), squirrels, and rabbits
Once extinct as a UK breeding bird by the late 1800s, today the goshawk's comeback—fueled partly by escaped falconry birds—has brought the UK population to around 500–600 breeding pairs.
Why These Sightings Matter
These sightings—while still rare—are becoming increasingly frequent.
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Conservationists believe this uptick is thanks to decades of habitat management, stronger legal protections, and public awareness.
Each sighting is a testament to:
The importance of reedbed and woodland preservation
The power of focused conservation programs
The need for continued vigilance against habitat destruction and persecution
How You Can Help
Nature lovers are encouraged to:
Report sightings to local wildlife trusts and conservation groups
Keep a respectful distance from nesting and breeding sites
Visit local reserves such as Rainton Meadows, RSPB Saltholme, and Seal Sands during dawn or dusk for the best chance of a glimpse
Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer, keep your binoculars ready and your eyes on the skies—the North East is writing a new chapter in the story of Britain's wild birds.