Friday 31 January 2014

Friday 31st January 2014

The Great Grey Shrike was seen again at Stony Knoll up in Langdale Forest, a Woodcock was also seen there. Elsewhere a Little Egret was at Seamer Tip, a Shelduck and a Goldeneye were on Wykeham South Lake, 4 Gadwall and 9 Goosander were at Seamer Mere, 45 Dunlin were on Cayton Carr and 8 Brambling were at Cockmoor Hall.

Although quiet it was the final day of what has been a fantastic January, 137 species recorded with highlights including 4 White-fronted Geese, Grey Phalarope, Iceland Gull, 30+ Waxwing, 2 Firecrest, Great Grey Shrike and up to 6 Lapland Bunting.

Thursday 30 January 2014

Thursday 30th January 2014

The lone Waxwing remained at B&Q, 3 Woodcock were at Stoupe Brow, 7 Goosander were at the Mere, 5 Red-throated Diver were in South Bay and a Turnstone was seen again in Tesco's car park!

Wednesday 29th January 2014

The Great Northern Diver remained in the Harbour, also there were 52 Purple Sandpiper and 48 Turnstone. A single Waxwing was at B&Q, at the Mere there were 7 Goosander, an Eider was at Scalby Mills and 74 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Curlew and a Fieldfare were at Johnson's Marsh.
On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver + 5 north, 75 Fulmar (including 2 blue Fulmar) + 4 north, 9 Gannet, 1 Cormorant north, 1 Common Scoter north, 6 Common Gull, 6 Guillemot and 1 Razorbill.

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Tuesday 28th January 2014

A much quieter day today, the 10 Waxwings were still showing at B&Q and the Great Northern Diver was still present in the Harbour.
At Scalby Mills there were 428 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 1 Eider and 30 Redshank, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit were in Jackson's Bay, 35 Dunlin were on Cayton Carr and 36 Purple Sandpiper were roosting in the Harbour.

Monday 27 January 2014

Monday 27th January 2014

In Langdale Forest a Great Grey Shrike was in the clearing at Stony Knoll just north of Low Farm. Also seen in the forest were 2 Goshawk, the years first Jack Snipe, at Maw Rigg, and 12 Crossbill.
The Firecrest was still at the Mere, at B&Q there were 10 Waxwing with another 9 seen in Crossgates.
Elsewhere at least 9 Whooper Swans were by Flotmanby Carr, 75 Teal and 4 Tufted Duck were on Johnson's Marsh, 450 Lapwing and 80 Golden Plover and 24 Dunlin were on Cayton Carr and 7 Red-throated Diver, 4 Guillemot, 36 Skylark, 4 Reed Bunting, 6 Lapland Bunting and 35 Yellowhammer were at Long Nab.
It wasn't a bad day for movement either, past Long Nab (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver north, 11 Gannet, 3 Cormorant + 6 north, 1 Wigeon, 1 drake Velvet Scoter, 1 drake Long-tailed Duck north, 2 Turnstone north, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 53 Black-headed Gull, 38 Common Gull, 446 Herring Gull, 27 Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Guillemot.

A record of the Great Grey Shrike - Michael McNaghten
 

Sunday 26 January 2014

Sunday 26th January 2014

Four White-fronted Geese found at Cayton Car were the highlights of the day, a Little Egret was also seen there. At B&Q the 9 Waxwings were still present, 63 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck and 13 Redshank were on Johnson's Marsh and the Great Northern Diver and 26 Purple Sandpiper were in the Harbour, 22 Whooper Swans were just north of Flotmanby Carr, 3 Dunlin were still on Folkton Carr, and 2 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Pochard and 2 Goldeneye were on Wykeham South Lake.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver + 5 north, 11 Fulmar + 3 north, 13 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 8 Greylag Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Eider north, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 36 Black-headed Gull, 38 Common Gull + 1 north, 693 Herring Gull, 42 Great Black-backed Gull, 7 Guillemot and 1 Razorbill.


White-fronted Geese at Cayton Carr - John Harwood

Saturday 25th January 2014

The Firecrest was still at the Mere and the Waxwings at B&Q had increased to 9 today.
In the Harbour were 51 Turnstone, a Dunlin and 35 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin were on Folkton Carr, 4 Red-throated Diver, 36 Fulmar and 2 Guillemot were at Cloughton Wyke, 2 Little Egret were on Cayton Carr, a Water Rail was seen in Northstead Manor Gardens, a Brent Goose and the Egyptian Goose were at Wykeham South Lake and a Kingfisher and 2 Treecreeper were in Peasholme Glen.

Friday 24 January 2014

Friday 24th January 2014

The 2 Waxwing were seen again at B&Q and another 3 were seen briefly in Harwood Dale. The Great Northern Diver was still in the Harbour, at the Mere were 2 Gadwall, 2 Goosander, 2 Kingfisher the Firecrest and a Goldcrest, a Goosander was on Harwood Dale Lake, 3 Mediterranean Gulls were at Holbeck and seen in the Papermill pond, Ellerburn were Little Grebe, Teal, a Peregrine, 2 Kingfisher, 40 Redwing and 7 Fieldfare.

Thursday 23 January 2014

Thursday 23rd January 2014

The Firecrest was again at the Mere feeding with a Goldcrest, also at the Mere were 3 Gadwall, 48 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Marsh Tit, 7 Siskin and the Polish ringed Mediterranean Gull PNN5. Elsewhere the Great Northern Diver was still in the Harbour, a Common Scoter was in South Bay, 10 Shag were off Marine Drive and 4 Red-throated Diver and 5 Guillemot were in North Bay.
In Northstead Manor Gardens were 2 Water Rail, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Marsh Tit and 3 Goldcrest, at Scalby Mills were 300+ Wigeon, 80 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 20 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, and 350+ Herring Gull, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit were in Jackson's Bay.
The 2 Waxwing were still by B&Q along Seamer Road, the first Oystercatcher returned to Burton Riggs and a Mandarin and a Shoveler were at Seamer Tip.

Wednesday 22 January 2014

Wednesday 22nd January 2013

Two Waxwing were opposite B&Q briefly during the afternoon, the Firecrest was still present at the Mere and 2 Goosander were there. A drake Goldeneye and 6 Wigeon were at Burton Riggs and 3 Little Egret were by Folkton Sewage Works.

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Tuesday 21st January 2014

Yet another quiet day in Scarborough, the Great Northern Diver in the Harbour and a Pochard at Burton Riggs were the only reports.

Monday 20 January 2014

Monday 20th January 2014

The only reports during the day were of the Firecrest at the Mere, 2 Water Rail at Northstead Manor Gardens and 2 Red-throated Diver off Marine Drive.

Sunday 19 January 2014

Sunday 19th January 2014

The Firecrest was still present at the Mere where there were also 3 Gadwall, a Goosander and a Kingfisher and 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Egyptian Goose, 6 Shelduck, 54 Wigeon, 21 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the adult Yellow-legged Gull were at Wykeham South Lake.
Elsewhere the Great Northern Diver a Shag and a Rock Pipit were in the Harbour, a Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe and 8 Shag were off Marine Drive, 50 Teal and 2 Tufted Duck were on Johnson's Marsh, 240 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills, 37 Tufted Duck and 10 Moorhen were in Peasholme Park, 9 Goosander and 65 Lapwing were at Harwood Dale, a Water Rail was still showing in Northstead Manor Gardens, 6 Mediterranean Gulls were at Holbeck and 3 Lapland Buntings and 40 Yellowhammer were at Long Nab.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver + 4 north, 22 Fulmar + 2 north, 21 Gannet + 2 north, 3 Cormorant + 2 north, 3 Black-headed Gull + 1 north, 23 Common Gull + 2 north, 309 Herring Gull, 19 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Great Skua, 1 Guillemot + 2 north and 2 Auk sp north.

Saturday 18th January 2014

At Wykeham South Lake were 3 Great Crested Grebe, 129 Mallard, 13 Teal, 54 Wigeon, 6 Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 21 Tufted Duck, 16 Coot and 111 Lapwing, a Little Egret was at Folkton Carr, 4 Common Buzzard and a Kingfisher were at Ellerburn, 40 Skylark, 3 Lapland Bunting, 2 Snow Bunting and 15 Yellowhammer were at Long Nab and 2 Tufted Duck were on Johnson's Marsh.
On the move at Long Nab (south unless stated) were 6 Red-throated Diver north, 29 Fulmar + 6 north, 144 Gannet + 3 north, 8 Cormorant + 4 north, 97 Wigeon, 1 Eider, 2 Common Scoter north, 51 Black-headed Gull, 40 Common Gull, 872 Herring Gull, 68 Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Guillemot.


Lapland Bunting, Long Nab - Anthony Capuano


Little Egret, Folkton Carr - John Harwood

Friday 17 January 2014

Friday 17th January 2014

The first Red Kite of the year was seen at Wykeham Caravan park during the morning Elsewhere 2 Mandarin, 8 Goosander, 112 Lapwing and a Redshank were at Harwood Dale Lake, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Guillemot were in North Bay, 8 Red-throated Diver and 4 Great Crested Grebe were in South Bay and 2 Green Sandpiper and a Barn Owl were on Thornton Carrs.

Thursday 16 January 2014

Thursday 16th January 2014

What was presumably the same male Hen Harrier was seen on a number of occasions touring the area, firstly it was seen flying towards the Carrs from Seamer Tip, later it was seen hunting stubble fields north of Spikers Hill before finally being seen flying south over Jugger Howe Moor.
Other than that the only other reports were of the Firecrest at the Mere, the Great Northern Diver in the Harbour and 3 Little Egrets and a Barn Owl at Folkton Carr.

Wednesday 15 January 2014

Wednesday 15th January 2014

The Great Northern Diver was still in the Harbour and an additional bird was in South Bay, also out in South Bay were 3 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Shag, 1 Cormorant, 1 Common Scoter and 2 Guillemot, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 35 Black-headed Gull, 6 Mediterranean Gull and 21 Herring Gull were off Holbeck and 7 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 89 Herring Gull and 4 Bullfinch were along South Cliff, 9 Red-throated Diver and 2 Guillemot were in North Bay, 23 Fulmar were back on Castle Cliffs and 6 were on Spa Bridge, a Mandarin was at Burton Riggs and a Shoveler was at Seamer Tip.
On the move were 3 Cormorant south and 1 drake Goosander in off and west.

Tuesday 14th January 2014

The Mere Firecrest was showing well during the afternoon opposite 3 Mere Lane with a single Goldcrest, 5 Gadwall were also on the Mere. The Great Northern Diver was still in the Harbour, 1 Water Rail was still showing in Northstead Manor Gardens, 23 Golden Plover were at Brow Moor a Woodcock and 6 Redwing were on Howdale Moor and 6 Mediterranean Gulls were at Holbeck.

Monday 13th January 2014

It was again a very similar day with everything notable still in residence. The Firecrest was at the Mere, the drake Long-tailed Duck was in Jackson's Bay, the Great Northern Diver was in the Harbour, both Water Rail were showing well in Northstead Manor Gardens and 4 Lapland Bunting were at Long Nab.
In addition were 13 Goldeneye on the sea at Scalby Mills which included 10 males, an adult Yellow-legged Gull was in the Wykeham Gull roost along with 550 Black-headed Gull, 1400 Common Gull, 1400 Herring Gull and 20 Great Black-backed Gull, 8 Blackbird flew southwest there, 13 Rock Pipits were at Long Nab, 20 Fieldfare were on North Moor, a Snow Bunting was on Fylingdales Moor and 30 Yellowhammer were just south of Cockmoor Hall.
On the move past Long Nab (south unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver + 4 north, 1 Gannet north, 6 Cormorant + 1 north, 2 Mallard, 1 Eider north, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Red-breasted Merganser north, 11 Lapwing in off and south, 19 Black-headed Gull + 2 north, 33 Common Gull + 2 north, 981 Herring Gull, 55 Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Auk sp + 2 north.

Firecrest at the Mere - John Harwood
 

Sunday 12th January 2014

In Jackson's Bay the Long-tailed Duck remained, also there were 2 Shag, 3 Goosander, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Rock Pipit. 214 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills, a Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe and a Bar-tailed Godwit were in North Bay. Both Water Rail were in Northstead Manor Gardens and the Kingfisher and 5 Goldcrest were in Peasholme, a Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 6 Guillemot, 3 Rock Pipit, 7 Skylark and 13 Tree Sparrow were at Long Nab, 2 Bullfinch were in Crook Ness and 80+ Lesser Redpoll were in Wykeham Forest.
At Harwood Dale Lake there was a Little Egret, and 20+ Whooper Swans were still just east of Folkton Sewage Works. Another 10 Whooper Swans flew south over Leith Rigg, also on the move were 19 Pink-footed Geese west over Seamer Carr and 4 Red-throated Divers north.

Saturday 11 January 2014

Saturday 11th January 2014

The drake Long-tailed Duck remained in Jackson's Bay throughout the day and the Firecrest was still showing at the Mere where there were also 2 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Gadwall, 37 Tufted Duck, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Bullfinch.
At Wykeham South Lake there were 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 112 Wigeon, 29 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 46 Lapwing, 180+ Black-headed Gull, 160+ Herring Gull and 15 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Goosander, 112 Lapwing and 33 Common Gull were at Harwood Dale Lake, 1 Shag, 1 Cormorant, 148 Wigeon, 64 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 4 Purple Sandpiper, 11 Turnstone and 57 Redshank were at Scalby Mills, 60 Teal, 4 Wigeon and 9 Curlew were on Johnson's Marsh, 40 Golden Plover were in Irton Moor, the Short-eared Owl was seen again at Seamer Tip where there was a Shoveler, 2 Water Rail were in Northstead Manor, a single Waxwing was in Harwood Dale, Gardens a Great Spotted Woodpecker was along King Street and a Marsh Tit was on Valley Road.

Friday 10 January 2014

Friday 10th January 2014

A fine Drake Long-tailed Duck was in Jackson's Bay but was unfortunately a little too distant for decent pictures, also in Jackson's Bay were 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 8 Oystercatcher, 6 Redshank, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 48 Black-headed Gull and a Rock Pipit, at Scalby Mills were 7 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 152 Wigeon, 41 Oystercatcher, 23 Redshank, 11 Turnstone, 130 Black-headed Gull, 215 Herring Gull and 28 Great Black-backed Gull, In North Bay were 3 Shag, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Turnstone, 1 Guillemot, 44 Black-headed Gull and a Rock Pipit, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 2 Shag, 9 Fulmar, 1 Peregrine and 4 Guillemot were round Marine Drive, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 6 Guillemot and a Razorbill were in South Bay and the Great Northern Diver, 20 Purple Sandpiper, 24 Turnstone, 2 Redshank, 175 Herring Gull, 30 Great Black-backed Gull and a Rock Pipit were in the Harbour.
Elsewhere the Firecrest was still at Seamer Mere, a Shoveler, 2 Snipe, 1 Woodcock and 2 Barn Owl were at Seamer Tip and 250 Pink-footed Geese flew north over Stony Marl Moor and 2 Eider and a Guillemot flew north offshore.

Great Northern Diver - Michael McNaghten

A record shot of the Long-tailed Duck - Michael McNaghten.
 
 

Thursday 9 January 2014

Thursday 9th January 2014

In the Harbour the Great Northern Diver remained and 2 Guillemot were in South Bay. 2 Gadwall, a Shoveler and a Short-eared Owl were at Seamer Tip, the Water Rail was still in Northstead Manor Gardens and 10 Waxwing were again in Harwood Dale.
On the move (south unless stated) were 5 Red-throated Diver, 12 Fulmar north, 1 Gannet and 14 Auk sp + 7 north.

Wednesday 8 January 2014

Wednesday 8th January 2014

The Great Northern Diver was in the Harbour along with a Red-throated Diver and 26+ Purple Sandpiper, a Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 5 Common Scoter and 4 Guillemot were in South Bay, a Little Egret was on Seamer Mead, 12 Pink-footed Geese flew north over Seamer Tip, a Water Rail was in Northstead Manor Gardens, 2 Mediterranean Gulls were at Holbeck and the 10 Waxwing were seen again in Harwood Dale.
On the move (south unless stated) were 5 Red-throated Diver, 8 Fulmar, 1 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 4 Auk sp + 12 north.

Tuesday 7th January 2014

At Long Nab 4 Lapland Bunting were in the stubble field, a Red-throated Diver and a Great Crested Grebe were in South Bay, 2 Barnacle Geese and a Barn Owl were in the Seamer Tip area, 6 Gadwall were at Burton Riggs, 34 Fieldfare and 16 Yellowhammer were at Low Marishes and 14 Brambling were at Cockmoor Hall.
On the move (south unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver + 3 north, 18 Fulmar + 38 north, 1 Gannet north, 1 Cormorant north, 1 adult Little Gull north, 38 Black-headed Gull, 24 Common Gull, 60 Herring Gull, 13 Great Black-backed Gull, 5 Auk sp + 33 north.

Monday 6 January 2014

Monday 6th January 2014

A much quieter day, the 10 Waxwing were seen again in Harwood Dale, also there were 26 Lapwing, 5 Fieldfare and 2 Mistle Thrush, 154 Wigeon, a Water Rail, 3 Snipe and a Woodcock were on Potter Brompton Carr (no general access), 4 Crossbill were seen along Pexton Moor Walk and the Shoveler, a Goosander and a Kingfisher were on the Mere.

Sunday 5 January 2014

Sunday 5th January 2014

Today was the Michael Clegg memorial Birdrace and the Scarborough Team finished on a very respectable and well deserved total of 101 species, that added to the number of species seen within the area that the team missed brings the overall day total to at least 109.
Sightings during the day were Great Northern Diver, a Guillemot and an adult Mediterranean Gull in the Harbour, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Common Scoter and a Guillemot in South Bay, 2 Red-throated Diver in North Bay, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Pochard and 3 Goldeneye at Wykeham South Lake, 4 Barnacle Geese, 8 Gadwall, 1 Green Sandpiper, 10+ Snipe, 1 Kingfisher and a Willow Tit in the Seamer Tip area, 1 Pink-footed Goose and 120+ Wigeon at Flotmanby Carr, 22 Whooper Swans east of Folkton Sewage Works, a Shoveler, a Goosander, a Kingfisher and the Firecrest at the Mere, 4 Goosander at Harwood Dale Lake, an Eider and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit in Jackson's Bay, a Water Rail at Flixton Carr Bridge, 9 Lapwing at Scalby Mills, 10 Woodcock, 20 Brambling, 25+ Siskin, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 12+ Crossbill in Wykeham Forest, a Little Owl and 4 Lapland Buntings at Long Nab and 10 Waxwing in Harwood Dale,
On the move during the day (south unless stated) were 41 Red-throated Diver + 8 north, 13 Fulmar north, 9 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 3 Shag, 5 Shelduck north, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 1 Eider, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Curlew north, 6 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 35 Herring Gull, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot + 3 north and 5 Auk sp.

Saturday 4 January 2014

Saturday 4th January 2014

An adult Iceland Gull was at Wykeham South Lake before leaving to the east at 15.10hrs, also there were 10 Pochard, a Goldeneye and an adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost. The Great Northern Diver, 3 Redshank and 2 Guillemot were in the Harbour, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 1st winter Little Gulls and 2 adult Kittiwakes were in North Bay, a Great Crested Grebe was in South Bay, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit were in Jackson's Bay, the Kingfisher was still in Peasholme Park and 10 Waxwing were reported from Harwood Dale by the Church.

Friday 3 January 2014

Friday 3rd January 2014

A Grey Phalarope that flew south close in past the Harbour and landed on the sea off Holbeck was the days highlight.
Also seen was the Firecrest at the Mere, the Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 6 Guillemot in the Harbour, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 6 Common Scoters in South Bay, a Yellow-legged Gull at Wykeham South Lake briefly before flying west, 76 Teal, 14 Wigeon and 8 Curlew were on Johnson's Marsh and 98 Skylarks at Long Nab

Thursday 2 January 2014

Thursday 2nd January 2014

The Firecrest was again at the Mere, the Great Northern Diver and a Guillemot were in the Harbour, 2 Common Scoter were in South Bay and 2 Barnacle Geese and 2 Gadwall were at Burton Riggs.

Wednesday 1 January 2014

Wednesday 1st January 2014

2014 started very well despite the awful weather. Both Firecrests (Seamer Mere and Manor Road Cemetery) were preforming well allowing many to connect.
The Great Northern Diver remained in the Harbour and was joined by a Great Crested Grebe, a Dunlin a Kittiwake and 3 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Purple Sandpiper and 3 Guillemot were in North Bay, 5 Fulmar were back on the Castle Cliffs, 7 Gadwall were at Burton Riggs, a Barnacle Goose, a Green Sandpiper and a Woodcock were at Seamer Tip, off Scalby Mills there were 80 Wigeon and an adult Little Gull, a Kingfisher was in Peasholme Park, also in Manor Road Cemetery were 6 Goldcrest, 6 Bullfinch were at the Mere, 12 Brambling were in Cockmoor Hall car park and 4 Lapland Bunting were at Long Nab.
On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver, 25 Fulmar, 1 Woodcock (southwest over Marine Drive), 1 Great Skua (sat on the sea off Marine Drive before heading south) and 3 Kittiwake + 1 north and 2 Guillemot.