Emma Thompson, 54, is a regular visitor to Seaton Snook and always takes her camera with her ready for a rare sighting.
During a New Year’s Day walk she came across a stunning flock of twite which are a red-listed species.
The Wildlife Trusts state that the population of twite in England has declined dramatically in recent years and they are on the ‘brink of extinction’ as a breeding bird.
The population is boosted during winter by migratory twite from continental Europe.
(Image: Emma Thompson) It was Emma’s first time seeing the species and she described how “great” it was to see something new.
She said: “I’m a regular visitor to the Teesmouth area, always with camera in hand, and have recently signed up as a volunteer for Teesmouth National Nature Reserve.
“It’s amazing to see so many different species living side-by-side with industry.
(Image: Emma Thompson) “I was fascinated by this flock of little birds and was hoping to get clear enough shots to be able to identify them.
“It’s great to see something new, and twite were a first for me.”
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Twite have been red-listed in the UK since 1996 with a rapidly declining population.
Their name comes from their distinctive ‘twit’ call and they are a similar size and shape to a linnet.
They can be found on coastal fringes and higher ground.