Publications

Click here for ordering information for all our publications.

A number of publications are produced by the Club for its members; some are free, but for others there is a small charge. 

Quarterly Bulletin - "The Lek"

Every quarter you will receive our newsletter, "The Lek", containing all of the latest bird news from around the County. 

Regular features include articles on species, sites/reserves, project and survey reports, ringing round-up and a diary of activities you can take part in. There is a full round-up and review of records from the last three months, both across the County and for a number of local patches. Each bulletin is packed with all the latest Bird Club news, announcements of future events, illustrations and photographs from other members and we welcome any contributions from any members, no matter what standard or length. 

If it's going on, it's in the bulletin! If you wish to contribute, then please send any material to the Bulletin Editor. 

Birds in Durham (Annual Report)

Once a year you will receive our publication "Birds In Durham". This book, written by our members, from member's own records, contains a detailed written account of all of the species recorded in our recording area from the previous year, as well as a full bird ringing report for the county with results and analysis and generally a scientific or identification paper of interest. Past reports have contained papers reporting on "Storm Petrel Ringing In Durham", "A Personal View of 20 Years of Birding", "An Analysis Of Migrant Early Dates" and "The Mandarin In The North East", a subject to suit anyone's taste! Back copies of "Birds In Durham" are available and can be built up to achieve a very useful reference library. 

Other Club Publications

A Summer Atlas of the Breeding Birds of County Durham

Our most comprehensive publication.  Containing over 200 pages of maps, text and illustrations, it provides a wealth of information on the status of birds in the county during the breeding season. Introductory chapters deal with habitat, geomorphology, weather and birdlife of the County. These are followed by accounts of individual species, most illustrated by a distribution map and a sketch of the bird concerned. The species accounts are contributed by a number of well-known ornithologists and the high quality illustrations are by experienced local artists. 

A further chapter explores the relationships between groups of birds, particularly those of conservation concern, and the habitats of the county.  Here, coloured maps draw out some of the important relationships between the land and the birdlife it supports. It is a must for every local birder who wants to find out more about the birds in their area. 

Where to Watch Birds In Durham

One of our most successful publications ever!  This highly informative booklet contains details of 39 of the premier birdwatching sites in the County, with location, access and site details as well as information on birds to be seen and the best times to visit. A gazetteer lists a further 60 sites, with descriptions ranging from a line or two to a paragraph. The booklet contains eight colour photographs of bird species, and line drawings by Chris Gibbins and Chris Donald, as well a regional, site and a county map. The essential guide to birding in your area! 

County Checklist

Free with your membership pack, this essential little booklet gives you the complete list of the of the species recorded in the County, their status and also for some the rarer species, the date they first occurred in our area. An ideal way to keep your day, trip, site or year list! This booklet is updated on a regular basis to take account of the changes in our County's birds. New, free updates will be sent out with your monthly bulletin every couple of years.