Chiffchaffs, willow warblers, blackcaps, grasshopper warblers, sedge warblers and whitethroats are now gobbling up Teesside's insects in some abundance.
With only subtle plumage differences from the millions of Common
Chiffchaffs currently singing across Britain, it was recognised as a separate species less than 100 years ago.
Thus, overnight travel is very much a part of the
chiffchaff's migratory pattern, their in-built compasses keeping them on the correct course, although they may also have in their tiny brains, in-built maps of the stars, part of their amazing genetic make-up!
FROST AT SEA Dogs walk on frozen water at Sandbanks; WATER AID Emergency supplies in Rhondda Fach; BIT HOT HERE
Chiffchaff in London; WHIPPED This Devon ice cream factory had to close
Yet he contends that the sounds of birds, frogs, crickets, or whatever creatures are out there make a powerful part of the experience of nature for most people, regardless of whether they're knowledgeable about
chiffchaffs' whereabouts.
If you hear a bird singing "zilp-zalp, zilp-zalp" then it is a
chiffchaff too.
"We don't know quite why ospreys are early this year, as other migrants such as
chiffchaff aren't showing the same pattern, but March is certainly earlier that we have come to expect."
Catkins are ideal for
chiffchaff, while honeysuckle is a great climber for birds, offering berries and cover for them to roost.
Slightly drabber but no less interesting was a Siberian
Chiffchaff seen there on Monday.
The next few weeks will see species such as
chiffchaff and willow warbler take up residence at both sites for the start of the nesting season.
Here's a guide to the best bird migration hotspots on National Nature Reserves in the North East: CASTLE EDEN DENE, County Durham:
Chiffchaff, willow warbler and blackcap arrive with grasshopper warbler in the coastal scrub.