Arto Maatta

Born in Finland, settled in Durham. Birding and general interest in nature. Cell biologist with an affection to ecology and conservation.

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

Some quick record shots of the Pallid Swift at Whitburn this morning. Many thanks to Dave Foster! @DurhamBirdClub @teesbirds1

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

@brianthebirder Nice to catch up. You made a good decision to walk to the other side of the bush to refind the bird!

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

Olive-backed Pipit at South Gare today afternoon. Many thanks to the finder! @teesbirds1

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

@FarryCarolyn Thanks!

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

A few pics of the Siberian Stonechat at Hawthorn Dene today. Thanks to Neil Parker for finding this smart bird.

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

A nice trip to Musselburgh Lagoons today. Marsh Sandpiper was still showing very well. Supporting cast included 2 Spotted Redshanks, Little Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, 6 Greenshanks and 14 Curlew Sandpipers.

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

@lukenashnature Congratulations! All the best for your future!

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

Saw just some good news via WhatsApp: The records in 2024 of Indigo Bunting in Whitburn, Dark-eyed Junco in Hartlepool and Baikal Teal on Stoneybeck Lake have all been accepted by BBRC. @teesbirds1 @DurhamBirdClub

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

@sidwemn Sorry to hear that you have been unwell, Martyn. Hopefully your recovery goes smoothly and you’ll be out birding soon. Take care!

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

@Cat_Beazley_Art They look superb 👌!

[Martin Collinson #BLM @docmartin2mc]

Thank you for filling our mailbox with poops. Recent Eastern Stonechats:

Fair Isle, Sep 2024
Cromer, Oct 2024
Marske-by-the-Sea October 2024.

Have all come back genetically as Siberian Stonechats S. maurus. 🥳

@BirdGuides @RareBirdAlertUK @iPterodroma @__BBRC

[Tarsiger @TarsigerTeam]

Grey-necked Bunting, Emberiza buchanani photographed at Hareskovby, photo by @RasmusStrack Strack - the 1st record for Denmark

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

Friday night was better for moths than recently, 42 of 15 sp. Highlights: Grey-Shoulder-knot (nfg), Mottled Umber & Juniper Carpet (nfy). Also Feathered Thorn and 4 Merveille du Jour. Durham VC66. #TeamMoth @teesbirds1

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

@FarryCarolyn Thanks!

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

Snow Bunting at South Shields Pier yesterday afternoon. @DurhamBirdClub @teesbirds1

[Robert McKibbin @tweedtotyne]

For all those who saw the aurora borealis in #Northumberland last night and wondered why there are different colours - a brilliant graphic from @NWSIWX

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

Northern lights near Durham last night. We drove a few miles away to avoid light pollution, these are simple iPhone pics. #aurora

[Dan Turner @DanT_Coast]

This evening HPAI (bird flu) strain H5N5 has been confirmed from 5 of our fulmars collected at Druridge Bay (25 Sept) and from a further 3 collected at Seaton Sluice (28 Sept). A sad picture is emerging. This is the likely cause for the whole incident. So many fulmars affected.

[Aleksanteri @PikkaraisSane]

Found a Northern hawk-owl on the local patch today. #birding #hawkowl

Löysin tänään hiiripöllön lähialueelta Pohjois-Helsingissä. #linnut #hiiripöllö

[Arto Maatta @ArtoMaatta2]

No new year ticks in this morning’s moth trap but nice to see again a Merveille du Jour with a supporting cast of Green-brindled Crescent and Spruce Carpet. Also late Snout and Straw Dot among 22:13. VC66. #TeamMoth @teesbirds1