Little Auk enquiry

[Thomas]

I was wondering if anybody could offer advise on when best to spot Little Auks off the coast?

This has been my first Autumn migration in the North East, and I've had some truly memorable experiences seawatching at Hartelpool, Seaton Carew and Redcar. Having lived in Cumbria, I'm enjoying the variety and sheer abundance of sea ducks and divers in the North Sea, not to mention the passage migrants.

Are Little Auks fairly reliable in their movements along Teesside?

Cheers!

Thomas

[James Robson]

I would try Hartlepool Headland and in particular when there is stormy weather or onshore winds. Keep an eye on the sightings page or previous bird reports.

[IanF]

Little Auk can be very hit and miss along our section of coast. Some years are exceptional for them but on the whole whilst we get them each year they can be difficult to connect with.

I'm not a sea watcher, which gives more likelihood of seeing them but I've always seen them from Hartlepool Headland from below Heugh Battery. An hour or so sea watching in/after stormy weather may yield a few. Occasionally the odd one turns up in the harbour after bad weather. A few were reported from the Headland a couple of weeks ago. I've seen them from Nov-Feb previous years.