Wednesday 31 July 2019

Wednesday 31st July

Highlights passing Long Nab this morning include a Sooty Shearwater, 44 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, 333 Common Scoter, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 14 Bar-tailed Godwits, 31 Knot and a Mediterranean Gull. There have been lots of Sandpipers around today: 15 Common Sandpipers at Harwood Dale Lake, where there was also a Little Grebe and a Snipe; 6 Common Sandpipers at Johnson's Marsh; 33 Common Sandpipers at Wykeham South Lake; and 2 Green Sandpipers and a Wood Sandpiper at the pool below Northstile House, Wrench Green, where there was also a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail. 2 Sanderling, a Dunlin, 43 Oystercatchers and 8 Sandwich Terns were seen in Jackson's Bay.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190731

Arctic Tern over Wykeham South Lake yesterday - Judi Kent Pyrah

Tuesday 30 July 2019

Tuesday 30th July

There was a Spotted Flycatcher seen in Wrench Green this morning, while at Scalby Lodge Pond there was a flock of about 50 House Sparrows with a few Tree Sparrows and a number of hirundines. At Wykeham South Lake there were hundreds of Swifts moving south, 2 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, 3 Arctic Terns, a Little Egret and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits. Highlights from Long Nab included 3 Turtle Doves (on Rocks Lane), 4 Willow Warblers and 2 Willow Tits, plus 2 Bar-tailed Godwits flying south. Also, the Saker X Gyr Falcon which has been seen over the past 2 weeks at Spurn, Bempton and Flamborough flew north at 09:15. An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Holbeck Car Park this afternoon. An abundance of Painted Ladies continue to be seen everywhere.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190730

Barn Owls - Rose Habberley

Monday 29 July 2019

Monday 29th July

5 Arctic Terns flew over Wykeham South lake yesterday afternoon. This morning there were 60 Common Scoter off Marine Drive, and a Common Sandpiper at Burton Riggs. Highlights passing by Scalby Mills this morning included a Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Knot, 10 Sanderling, 38 Oystercatchers, 127 Common Gulls and an Eider. Present at Scalby Mills were a Shelduck, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Redshank, a Dunlin, 8 Turnstones, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (an adult and a juvenile), 2 Arctic Terns, 9 Common Terns, 35 Sandwich Terns and a Yellow Wagtail. Early evening at Scalby Mills there were 11 Common Terns, 2 Arctic Terns, a second summer Little Gull, a Whimbrel, 4 Redshank and 4 Oystercatchers. There was also an adult Mediterranean Gull on North Bay beach.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190729

Curlew - Stuart Baines

Turtle Doves - Rose Habberley

Saturday 27 July 2019

Saturday 27th July

Rafts of 300+ Common Scoter were off Cayton Bay this morning. Two Green Sandpipers were at the pond near Town Farm, Cloughton .

Common Scoter off Cayton Bay - Stuart Baines

 Redpoll - Judi Kent Pyrah

Friday 26 July 2019

Friday 26thJuly

Highlights from Long Nab this morning include: 4 Common Scoter, 15 Sandwich Terns, 2 Peregrines, a Kestrel, 37 Whimbrel, a Curlew, a pale Shearwater species, probably Cory's, 106 Oystercatchers, 55 Redshank, 6 Knot, 30 Dunlin, 2139 Swifts, 806 Sand Martins, 68 Linnets, an Eider and a Treecreeper. About 200 Goldfinches were seen at the east side of Seamer Tip, and about 80 Swallows were on the fence and wires below Seamer Tip Pool. 2 adult and one second calendar year Mediterranean Gull were at Holbeck, and a Little Egret was on the south-west side of Wykeham South Lake.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190726

Little Egret - Chris Bull

Thursday 25 July 2019

Thursday 25th July

Early this morning a Minke Whale was seen from Long Nab, about 1.5 miles out moving slowly south, while an eclipse Eider was seen at Scalby Mills. Passing Long Nab were: Gannets (157 S, 94 N), Fulmar (13 N, 5 S), Teal (3 N), Common Scoter (157 N), Manx Shearwater (8 S), Arctic Skua (2 S), Great Skua (1 S), Sandwich Tern (7 S); plus 2 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 16 Redshank, 5 Oystercatchers, 22 Swallows, 1 Sand Martin, Grey, Golden and Ringed Plovers, 10 Knot, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, and 54 Swifts, all heading south. Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Willow Tits were also present. A Hobby was seen over Wrench Green in the late afternoon. A Green Sandpiper and a Lapwing were at Johnson's Marsh, while off Scalby Mills 33 Redshank, 13 Oystercatchers and 5 Dunlin were seen moving south. A Ruff was spotted at Wykeham Lakes this evening.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190725

Shag at Castle Rocks - Judi Kent Pyrah



Wednesday 24 July 2019

Wednesday 24th July

Early morning  80 Common Scoter were seen heading north off Marine Drive and a Northern Wheatear was on the sea wall near lamp post 50. 2 Turtle Doves were seen in the forest opposite the Falcon Inn, a Common Sandpiper was at Burton Riggs, and a female Tufted Duck was at Taylor Way pool with 4 ducklings. Highlights of the sea watch from Long Nab included a Balearic Shearwater, 44 Manx Shearwaters, Black and Bar-tailed Godwits, 81 Dunlin, 26 Knot, 30 Redshank, 5 Whimbrel, 268 Sandwich Terns, 2 Arctic Terns and an Arctic Skua. A Common Sandpiper and a juvenile Whinchat were present in the Long Nab area. 82 Sandwich Terns were at Scalby Mills this afternoon, and a pair of Stonechats were seen on Scalby Nab. The occasional Gannet and Sandwich Tern were seen off Holbeck, and 7 juvenile Tufted Duck are still surviving on Seamer Road Mere.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190724

Juvenile Great Black-backed Gull with a toad (in the sea!?!?) - Steve Race

Monday 22 July 2019

Monday 22nd July

8 Sandwich Terns were on the rocks at Scalby Mills this morning, and 19 in the afternoon together with 9 Redshanks including a juvenile. 13 Mandarins were seen at Harwood Dale Lake. A minimum of 60 Moorhens were at Seamer Road Mere, 33 of them juveniles of various ages. Also present were 7 juvenile Tufted Ducks and a Coot. A Redpoll was seen at Cayton Bay cliffs and 2 Red Kites were spotted over Hutton Buscel. A Nightjar was heard tonight at Ravenscar from the path from Smugglers Rock cottages.

Sandwich Tern - Phil Bennett


Sunday 21 July 2019

Sunday 21st July

Up to 25 Swifts, some Swallows, House and Sand Martins, plus 5 Lapwings were over Scalby Lodge Pond this morning. 8 Yellow Wagtails were in the field south-west of Seamer Tip, and a Yellow Wagtail and possibly 100 Swifts were seen at Long Lane in Seamer. A Red Kite was spotted from Dale End in Hutton Buscel this afternoon.

Swift over Scalby Lodge Pond - Terry Hobson


Saturday 20 July 2019

Saturday 20th July

3 Yellow Wagtails, small groups of Yellowhammers, a Whitethroat and a Barn Owl wee seen at Wykeham South Lake this morning, while a Little Egret was with 10 Grey Herons at Johnson's Marsh. Small numbers of 9 species of waders were moving past Long Nab, including 7 Knot, 26 Dunlin, 3 Sanderling and 9 Whimbrel. Also passing were 248 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 39 Teal, 82 Sandwich Terns and 71 Sand Martins. At Harwood Dale Lake there were 2 female Mandarins, one with a brood of 5 young and the other with a brood of 2+ young.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190720

Young swallows begging - Judi Kent Pyrah


Friday 19 July 2019

Friday 19th July

Very little sightings in today - just a large flock of Swifts over the Oliver's Mount area this evening, and 2 (possibly 3) Willow Tits in Wrench Green this morning.
Late news in from a visiting birder: From Wykeham Raptor viewpoint - Crossbill, several Siskins and a Common Buzzard. Mill Inn - 2 Turtle Doves. Troutsdale - Hobby, Kestrel, Goshawk, pale male Honey Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, several Willow Tits and a Yellow Wagtail.

Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker - Judi Kent Pyrah


Thursday 18 July 2019

Thursday 18th July

Three Sandwich Terns were in the South bay early this morning. Passing Long Nab were 471 Common Scoter, 77 Teal, 2 Ringed Plover, a Turnstone, 12 Redshank, 4 Whimbrel, 5 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Arctic Terns and 2 Great Skuas. A small falcon (species uncertain) was again seen over Wykeham Lakes.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190718

Moorhen and chick - Chris Bell


Wednesday 17 July 2019

Wednesday 17th July

Early this morning a Cuckoo was seen at Long Nab, just inland from the entrance to Fields Farm. There was no further sign this morning of yesterday's Red-footed Falcon in the Ayton/Seamer area, but a small falcon was seen distantly over Wykeham Lakes twice in the afternoon. A Peregrine was spotted over The Flask Inn, and a Turtle Dove and  Sparrowhawk were near The Mill Inn. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew west over Garth End Road towards the fishing lakes. News late in of a Glossy Ibis photographed flying south over Seamer Tip Pool at 2 pm.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190717

Red-footed Falcon - Judi Kent Pyrah


Tuesday 16 July 2019

Tuesday 16th July

An Osprey dropped in to sit on a telegraph pole inland of Long Nab for 10 minutes early this morning, before leaving southwards over the sea. Also spotted briefly over the Long Nab ringing plantation was a Crossbill with an obvious wing bar - probably a Two-barred Crossbill. Also at the ringing plantation was a Willow Tit, and a Cuckoo flew south-west past Long Nab. A Turtle Dove was seen at Keasbeck Hill Farm, Harwood Dale, and 13 Mandarins were present on Harwood Dale Lake. 15 Common Crossbills, 2 family groups of Tree Pipits and a Lesser Redpoll were seen in Harwood Dale Forest. A family of 5 Yellow Wagtails were at the side of a bean field south-west of Seamer Tip. Also in the same field were a juvenile Reed Warbler, Sedge Warblers, a Whitethroat, Reed Buntings, and a Lesser Whitethroat, plus a Marbled White in the adjacent field. 3 juvenile Grey Wagtails were at Burton Riggs. A female Red-footed Falcon was spotted sitting on wires on Garth End Road in West Ayton late in the evening,before flying off towards Seamer.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190716

The Osprey at Long Nab- Nick Addey

Monday 15 July 2019

Monday 15th July

Birds seen on an early morning visit to Dalby Forest north of Allerston included 6 Tree Pipits, 7 Yellowhammers, 2 Willow Tits, 4 Marsh Tits, 4 Crossbills, 3 Garden Warblers, 5 Blackcaps and 4 Bullfinches. A Minke whale was spotted about 2 miles offshore from Cloughton Wyke, heading north, and one was also seen nearly 2 hours later from Long Nab. 2 Arctic Skuas were seen off Marine Drive, and again from Long Nab, heading north. At Johnson's Marsh there was a flock of 100+ Swifts in the early afternoon. A Barn Owl was seen at Sawdon this evening.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190715

Arctic Skuas - Stuart Baines

Kittiwake - Chris Bell

Sunday 14 July 2019

Sunday 14th July

Not a lot of news in today. Highlights passing Long Nab this morning included Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Shag, Whimbrel and Mediterranean Gull. 4 juvenile Mandarin Ducks were on the pond in Wrench Green this evening. Two Crossbills near Cloughton.

Full counts from Long Nab: https://www.trektellen.org/count/view/1074/20190714



Tree Pipit - Ben Hurst


Saturday 13 July 2019

Saturday 13th July

At Seamer Tip Pool this morning there was a Tufted Duck with 8 ducklings, plus 40 Goldfinches. Highlights passing Long Nab northwards were a Wigeon, 68 Teal, 384 Common Scoter, 4 Whimbrel, 41 Curlew, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Great Skuas, a Mediterranean Gull and 2 Arctic Terns. A Tawny Owl was calling  at Seavegate Gill in Forge Valley.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190713

Chiffchaff - Judi Kent Pyrah


Friday 12 July 2019

Friday 12th July

8 Herons and 15 recently hatched Mallard ducklings were on Johnson's Marsh this morning, and later in the day a Little Egret flew over. A single Whimbrel flew south past Long Nab on a quiet sea watch, while a 15 minute session at Scalby Mills turned up 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull and 124 Gannets. A Quail was calling in a barley field adjacent to Malton Cote Farm this afternoon, and a male Redstart was seen in Hutton Buscel. A Hobby and a Kingfisher were spotted at Ellerburn Fish Farm, where there were also several Common Buzzards in the area.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190712

Male Redstart - Judi Kent Pyrah


Thursday 11 July 2019

Thursday 11th July

Two Quail were heard calling early this morning between Great Moor Road and the south end of Beedale, and were still calling late in the evening. A Little Egret was at Scalby Mills again, and a single Teal was at Johnson's Marsh. An adult Cuckoo was in Hutton Buscel. Nightjars were seen from 10pm south of Highwood Brow, together with several Woodcock passes.

Cuckoo in Hutton Buscel - Judi Kent Pyrah


Wednesday 10 July 2019

Wednesday 10thJuly

Highlights past Long Nab this morning included 10 Teal, 224 Common Scoter, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Arctic Skuas and a Mediterranean Gull, plus 3 Yellow Wagtails present in the observatory field. A Little Egret was seen at Scalby Mills this afternoon.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190710

Mediterranean Gull - Andy Hall


Tuesday 9 July 2019

Tuesday 9th July

A Sooty Tern flew north past Long Nab this morning, seen by two observers, a new species for the Scarborough district. By allerting observers to the north it was also seen in Cleveland, Durham and Northumberland. It had originally been seen flying south at Flamborough Head. Again good numbers of Common Scoters moving north and small numbers of waders on the move. Mediterranean Gulls had increased to six at Holbeck (four adults and two second year birds). The adult Mediterranean Gull remains at Cayton village. A juvenile Stonechat was on the cliff tops at Long Nab.

Long Nab counts: https://www.trektellen.org/ count/view/1074/20190709

Sooty Tern - same bird photographed in Northumberland today (John Graham)



Monday 8 July 2019

Monday 8th July

This morning's seawatch at Long Nab saw an increase in Common Scoters moving north towards their moult staging areas in Scotland, a total of 525. Also of interest a Blue Fulmar and continued Curlew movement. Three Peregrines over Cayton Village. Two Turtle Doves near the Mill Inn at Harwood Dale. A Red Kite flew south-west over Crossgates early afternoon. 30+ Swifts at Hutton Buscel was the largest gathering seen there this summer.

Long Nab counts: https://www.trektellen.org/count/view/1074/20190708

Juvenile Peregrine in action today - Jo Bamfield

Sunday 7 July 2019

Sunday 7th July

A summer plumage Mediterranean Gull was still hanging about in Cayton this morning. Highlights from Long Nab included a Balearic Shearwater, 195 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Great Skuas and 346 Puffins heading north, plus a Whimbrel and a Mediterranean Gull heading south. 3 Egyptian Geese were at Wykeham South Lake, and 4 adult Tufted Ducks, one with 8 young, were at Seamer Road Mere. At Scalby Mills there was a Little Egret on the rocks, plus 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 44 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 12 Great Black-backed Gulls, 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 300 Herring Gulls.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190707

Meadow Pipit - Andy Hall

Saturday 6 July 2019

Saturday 6thJuly

A Minke Whale was spotted travelling north about 2 miles out from Long Nab this morning. A Glaucous Gull flew past southwards, and between the observation hut and Crook Ness there was a Little Egret feeding on the shore. During the morning a total of 90 Common Scoter, a Whimbrel, 37 Curlews and a Bar-tailed Godwit flew north. A Sedge Warbler was singing in Thornton Dale this afternoon, and 6 Black-tailed Godwits flew over Peasholm.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190706

Starling junior being fed - Chris Dalton

Jay - Dan Redfern

Friday 5 July 2019

Friday 5th July

2 Turtle Doves were seen in Dalby Forest this morning in the Newclose Rigg area, plus 3 Willow Tit territories. At Wykeham Lakes there were 3 Egyptian Geese, a few Herring Gulls but little else. Despite the presence of lots of flowering thistles there were just a single Painted Lady and a pair of Emperor dragonflies. A family of 5+2 Curlews were seen on Seamer Meads.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190705

Pair of Barn Owls nesting in Brompton - Alison Tubbs


Thursday 4 July 2019

Thursday 4th July

A Little Egret flew south west over Heron Lane early this morning, while at Seamer Tip pool there was a Little Grebe with a chick and a Reed Warbler feeding fledged young. Highlights from Long Nab include a Great Skua, a Mediterranean Gull, 20 Curlew (17 heading north and 3 south), a Great Crested Grebe, and 511 Swifts flying south. 3 Whinchats, a pair of Stonechats and 2 fledged juveniles, and a male Redstart were all seen on the Jugger Howe nature trail. 4 Teal and a Mandarin were at Harwood Dale Lake. A Hobby flew east over Crossgates, a Red Kite flew over the Mill Inn, and a Honey Buzzard was seen from Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint. An adult Mediterranean Gull was in Holbeck car park and on Seamer Road mere there were a brood of Tufted Ducks.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190704

Yellow Wagtail - Chris Bell


Wednesday 3 July 2019

Wednesday 3rd July

Highlights from Long Nab this morning included an Arctic Skua and 60 Manx Shearwaters flying north and 2 Great Crested Grebes flying south. 2 Honey Buzzards were seen displaying from Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint mid-morning. On moorland above May Beck there were a pair of Whinchats feeding 3 fledged young, 5 Crossbills, a Siskin, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Common Buzzards, and good numbers of juvenile Willow Warblers. A Little Egret was seen heading east over Crossgates, and an adult Mediterranean Gull was on the sea at Holbeck.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190703


Tuesday 2 July 2019

Tuesday 2nd July

Two Willow Tits were seen feeding in and around the Long Nab observatory 'garden' this morning before flying south along the cliff top. 3 Reed Warblers were spotted at the Taylor Way pool, and a Peregrine swooped over Seamer Tip pool. 2 Honey Buzzards were seen from Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint and a Turtle Dove was at the Mill Inn. A Dipper was spotted from Scalby Mills pub this evening.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190702

Kestrel - Chris Bell

Monday 1 July 2019

Monday 1st July

Highlights from an early morning visit to Troutsdale Moor included 4 Tree Pipits and 2 Willow Tits. A pair of Little Ringed Plovers and a Little Egret were present at Wykeham South Lake, and 2 Little Egrets were also seen briefly at Cook House Pond before leaving towards Harwood Dale.

Full count from Long Nab here: https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1074/20190701

House Martin - Phil Bennett

Young House Martins - Stuart Baines