The Great British Bird Race - Northumberland

Summary

Join Naturetrek this January for a winter bird race through the wild and windswept landscapes of Northumberland — England’s northernmost county and a true winter birding gem. From the tidal flats of Holy Island to the heather-cloaked moors and expansive North Sea coastline, Northumberland offers rich habitats and a superb diversity of winter species.

The goal: to record as many bird species as possible in 48 hours. We will be in friendly competition with the best birding counties in Britain, so every species will count.

We begin on the coast, where flocks of waders and wildfowl gather in great numbers. Holy Island (Lindisfarne) provides an atmospheric setting for Brent Geese, Bar-tailed Godwits and Merlin hunting across the dunes, while offshore, we’ll scan for Red-throated Diver, Long-tailed Duck and Common Scoter bobbing on grey northern swells.

Moving inland, the sweeping moorlands and upland plantations hold Red Grouse, Crossbill and Goshawk, with Hen Harrier a sought-after winter highlight. Dippers and Grey Wagtails will be looked for along moorland streams, and mixed farmland may reveal winter thrush flocks, Tree Sparrow and perhaps a Short-eared Owl hunting low over the fields at dusk.

Led by expert local guides, this bird race blends the thrill of a friendly competition with the quiet grandeur of Northumberland’s landscapes. A high species tally is likely and the joy of winter birding in this wild corner of the UK is not to be missed.

Join us for birds, banter, and the thrill of a winter bird race!

• The thrill of the bird race
• Red & possibly Black Grouse
• Wildfowl & waders off Lindisfarne
• Short-eared & Barn Owls
• Long-tailed Ducks & Scoters
• Goshawk & Hen Harrier
• Dippers & Grey Wagtails
• Potentially a big total in a rich and diverse county