Saturday 31 December 2022

Saturday 31st December

 A single Waxwing was reported in a garden in Green Lane this morning and at least 12 Waxwings were seen some 5 minutes or so from The Open Air Theatre where a Kingfisher was present. The location was described as being on a straight section of road near to a roundabout (Northstead area?). A Red-throated Diver and a Little Grebe were again reported from the harbour and two Red-throated Divers were off Marine Drive. In the Low Dalby/Ellerburn area, three calling Raven flew high south down the valley and four Marsh Tit and three Common Crossbill were also noted. 12 plus Waxwings were in the Crossgates area.

The undoubted highlight today, however, was the discovery of a sub adult male Atlantic Walrus known as Thor, which was hauled out on the harbour slipway. The animal remained resting there until late afternoon when it re-entered the water and was seen to swim out to sea.

Pied Wagtail at the harbour by Mark Hepples.

Atlantic Walrus by Jamie Johnson.

Friday 30 December 2022

Friday 30th December

 A Red-throated Diver and a Little Grebe were in the harbour this morning and at Scalby Mills there were 40 Wigeon and a Rock Pipit. Nine Little Grebe, four Shoveler, four Goldeneye and two Water Rail were at Seamer Road Mere and a singing Dipper was again in Peasholm Glen this afternoon. A Tawny Owl, three Jays and a Marsh Tit were at Woodlands Drive Cemetery and in the Dalby/Haygate area this afternoon there was a Goshawk, three Common Buzzards, one Sparrowhawk, four Marsh Tit and six plus Common Crossbills. Approximately 10 Waxwings were reported in a tree at Northway near to the clinic late this afternoon.


Collared Dove by Paul Tozer.

Thursday 29 December 2022

Thursday 29th December

 A quiet day. 13 Fulmar were on Castle Cliffs and 90 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at Long Nab. A Great Northern Diver was again at Wykeham Water Sports Lake along with a drake Goosander. 32 Curlew were at Scalby Lodge Pond/Puddle this afternoon.


Little Grebe by Mark Hepples.

Wednesday 28 December 2022

Wednesday 28th December

 A Chiffchaff was at Burton Riggs this morning and seven Wigeon and four Grey Heron were at Johnson's Marsh. A flock of 17 Long-tailed Tits were at Vicar's Walk, Hutton Buscel. 27 Pink-footed Geese, four Wigeon and three Rock Pipits flew south at Long Nab and six Common Snipe were in the fields there.

Little Egret by Iain Leadley.

Tuesday 27 December 2022

Tuesday 27th December

 100 Wigeon, seven Great Black-backed Gulls and a Bar-tailed Godwit were at Scalby Mills this morning.  Male Blackcaps were  in a Cayton and Stepney Road garden respectively and a Red-throated Diver, Little Grebe, Razorbill and Redshank were in the harbour. 250+ Lapwings were in fields east of Sawdon and 52 Fieldfare were at Sawdon Balk. A Woodcock was south of Seamer Tip Pool. Approximately 60 Brambling were in beech stand at Little Dale, Dalby Forest along with 29 Common Crossbill. A Velvet Scoter flew south at Long Nab and a Sparrowhawk arrived in off the sea from the the east and continued south. Single  Water Rail, Merlin and Golden Plover and approximately 60 Fieldfare were at Flixton Carr and a female Shoveler and four Little Grebes were on the nearby River Hertford.

Woodcock by Simon Temlett.


Monday 26 December 2022

Monday 26th December

 A few birders were out in the field today blowing away the cobwebs in the sunshine. A singing Dipper was in Peasholm Glen this morning along with a Goldcrest. A Kingfisher was on Peasholm Park Lake. A Dipper was also at Scalby Mills and eight Fulmars were on Castle Cliffs. Single Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver were in the harbour and a Great Northern Diver remained at Wykeham Water Park Lake along with two Goosander and three Lesser Redpoll. Two Common Buzzards and a Redwing were at St. Helen's Caravan Park, two Cormorant and a Redshank were at Cloughton Wyke and a Common Buzzard was at Red Scar Lane. A Red Kite was again seen over Hackness Hall this afternoon. One Long-eared Owl, three Short-eared Owls, a female Merlin and two Common Snipe were on the east side of Seamer Tip late morning and a further Short-eared Owl was hunting over rough ground between Seamer Tip Pool and Plaxtons. 14 Gadwall, two Shoveler and a Water Rail were at Seamer Tip Pool. a juvenile Peregrine Falcon, 12 Lapwings, 11 Pink-footed Geese, 300 Greylag Geese (inc.4 Greylag x Canada hybrids), 350 Canada Geese and one Common Buzzard were on fields between Seamer Tip Pool and the railway line. A Little Egret was at Ellerburn. Approximately 120 Siskin and 80 Redpoll sp were near the toilet block at Bridestones, Dalby Forest.


Fulmar by Christopher Bell.

Sunday 25 December 2022

Sunday 25th December

 Merry Christmas to all of our members.

A Little Egret was at Burton Riggs and a Bar-tailed Godwit and two Dunlin were in Jackson's Bay. A Dipper was again in Peasholm Glen and a Sparrowhawk was in a Scholes Park Road garden. Two Fulmars were back on Castle Cliffs and three Shags were off Marine Drive. Approximately 12 Common Crossbills were at Penny Howe, Harwood Dale Forest and a Goshawk was at the northern edge of Harwood Dale Forest.


Kingfisher by Phil Bennett.

Saturday 24 December 2022

Saturday 24th December

 A Great White Egret was on the rocks below Holbeck in South Bay. A redhead Goosander flew south over East/West Ayton towards Wykeham Lakes and 46 Pink-footed Geese flew east over Thornton Dale. Two Grey Partridge were in a stubble field near to West Ayton and a Siskin visited a garden feeder in Heron Lane, Crossgates. A juvenile Red Kite flew south over Cliff Top House, Long Nab and probably the same bird was seen approximately 20 minutes later heading south down Weaponess Valley. 70 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Rocks Lane, Burniston and probably the same flock was seen flying south over Seamer Road Mere a short while later. 102 Great Black-backed Gulls flew south at Long Nab. Two Little Grebe were at Hackness Lake, two Mandarin Duck at Troutsdale and 28 Oystercatcher and five Curlew were at Stoupe Brow. At Newclose Rigg, Dalby, seven Waxwings were in the tops of tall spruces at the edge of the cleared area and then flew towards Dixons area. |Approximately 50 Brambling were in the Newclose Rigg to Dixon's Field area along with 28 Common Crossbill, 16 of which were feeding om beech mast around Dixon's Field, a phenomenon which has never been noticed before. A Green Woodpecker, three Willow Tit and two Marsh Tit were also seen in the conifer blocks. Up to 20 Wigeon were noted in North Bay. At least three Short-eared Owls were at Seamer Tip Pools area.

Barn Owl by Mark Hepples.

Friday 23 December 2022

Friday 23rd December

 An improvement in weather conditions resulted in some good sightings. A Dipper was at Scalby Mills briefly early this morning and a Grey Heron again frequented a Stepney Road garden. A quiet sea watch at Long Nab produced 40 Pink-footed Geese south and a Great Skua and two Lapwings north. At least five Short -eared Owls were in the vicinity of Seamer Tip Pools this morning along with a Barn Owl. A Great Northern Diver was still at Wykeham Water Sports Lake along with 13 Pink-footed Geese, a drake Goosander, 15 Goldeneye, 35 Wigeon and 62 Siskin.. A Woodcock, one Mistle Thrush, 22 Redwing, five Fieldfare and two Marsh Tit were at Long Causeway Road.


Short-eared Owl, Seamer Tip Pools area by Mark Hepples.

Thursday 22 December 2022

Thursday 22nd December

 Another relatively quiet day in poor weather conditions. A quiet sea watch at Long Nab produced two Common Eider and 15 Common Scoter passing north and two Razorbills feeding offshore. Three Shoveler (2F+1M) were at Seamer Tip Pool and a Little Egret and a Cormorant were at Ellerburn. A flock of 200+ Lapwing were in a field just south of Turkey Carpet this afternoon.


Blue Tit by Nick Addey.

Wednesday 21 December 2022

Wednesday 21st December

 A relatively quiet day. 12 Teal, one Redshank and three Grey Heron were on Johnson's Marsh and 10 Teal and two Redshank were on the re-emerged Scalby Lodge Pond. The long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road Mere along with two Shoveler. The singing dipper was again present in Peasholm Glen and a Red-throated Diver was off Marine Drive near to Lamp post 56. A Redshank was in the harbour and a probable Chiffchaff was reported from Falsgrave. 46 Curlew flew SE over Burniston at dusk.

Dipper at Peasholm by Terry Crook.

Tuesday 20 December 2022

Tuesday 20th December

 The number of male Blackcaps visiting a Crossgates garden increased to three today including a new one bearing a metal ring and a male Blackcap was at The Cellars Bar in Valley Road. A Great Northern Diver was at Wykeham Water Sports Lake and other wildfowl there were a drake Pintail, drake Goosander, four Pochard, 160 Teal, 30 Gadwall, 80 Tufted Duck, 35 Goldeneye, nine Great Crested Grebes, and eight Little Grebes. 16 Pink-footed Geese flew over and 32 Lesser Redpolls and 12 Siskins were feeding in alders at the SW corner of the lake. A male Stonechat was on the rock armour on Marine Drive opposite lamp post number 60 and a single Brambling was at Saltpans Road, Cloughton. A Woodcock flew west over Thornborough Road, Eastfield this morning and 15 Ringed Plover and nine Lapwings were on the rocks at Scalby Mills. 78 Lapwing, 38 Teal, 41 Wigeon and a Green Woodpecker were at Harwood Dale Lake and a Common Buzzard and 130+ Fieldfare were between Middle Lane and Great Moor Road, Hutton Buscel. 94 Fieldfare were at Ancatt Farm and a Common Buzzard and 26 Lapwings were between Far and Middle Lanes and a further 13 Lapwings flew over west. 397 Lapwings and 25 Pink-footed Geese flew south past Long Nab. Six Collared Doves, six Long-tailed Tits and a Kestrel were the highlights from the cinder track between Burniston and Cloughton Rocks.


Waxwings by Beverley Senturk.

Monday 19 December 2022

Monday 19th December

 The cold spell came to a dramatic end overnight with a rapid thaw and considerable rise in temperature. Highlights south past Long Nab this morning included four Pintail, 11 Wigeon, 51 Teal and two Grey Plovers. Four Purple Sandpipers were on the rock armour in North Bay at the bottom of Chain Hill and a Grey Heron was on a garden shed roof in Stepney Road. A Shoveler was at Seamer Tip Pool and three Wigeon flew east over Seamer Tip. A Blackcap was still on Heron Lane, Crossgates. Eight Long-tailed Tits were on a garden fat ball feeder in Ravenscar and 130 Yellowhammers were in set aside in Middle Deepdale this afternoon. There was belated news of a single Waxwing in a garden in Dale Rise, Burniston on Friday.

Purple Sandpiper by Scarborough Porpoise.

Sunday 18 December 2022

Sunday 18th December

 14 Barnacle Geese flew south close to Long Nab at 1028hrs and two Mediterranean Gulls (1N & 1S) also passed there. A first winter Mediterranean Gull was at Peasholm Park Lake and approximately 30 Siskin flew south over East Ayton roughly along the line of the River Derwent.


Barnacle Geese by Nick Addey.

Saturday 17 December 2022

Saturday 17th December.

 As extremely cold weather continued to grip the continent, an exceptionally large number of Lapwings came in off the sea on a broad front from the S/SE in response to the poor conditions, with the majority of them continuing north along the coastline and only a few moving north inland. It is estimated that 5,000+ arrived during the day. 3,083 Lapwing arrived in off the sea between the Harbour and South Bay and mostly heading NW. Two Common Snipe, five Dunlin and a Bar-tailed Godwit were also noted. A Snow Bunting was at East Pier early morning and a Great Northern Diver and a Goosander were in South Bay. A Merlin flew over town at 1130hrs and 41 Purple Sandpipers roosted on East Pier. A further 2,855 Lapwing arrived from the SE and E at Long Nab with a further 30 moving south there. Also passing north at Long Nab were 20 Dunlin and two Mediterranean Gulls. A Jack Snipe was in the cover crop and three Barnacle Geese were in the Obs field. In fields to the immediate south of Wykeham Lakes Complex, a Russian White-fronted Goose flew in to join 750 Greylag Geese, four Pink-footed Geese and seven Mute Swans. A Great White Egret was also present. 14 Wigeon, nine Teal, 20 Siskin, one Jay and two Bullfinch were at Wykeham East Lake. A Red Kite was over Hackness Hall and 30-40  Fieldfare were at Wrench Green this morning. 50 Fieldfare, two Redwing and a Common Snipe were in the old orchard at Westfield Farm, Cloughton. A further 170 Lapwings flew north at Gristhorpe Bay this afternoon with 402 Lapwings in the fields there. Also present were 22 Oystercatcher, six Redshank, two Golden Plover, one Grey Plover and one Common Snipe. 47 Teal were in Gristhorpe Bay and a further 12 flew north.


Snow Bunting by Mark Hepples.

Friday 16 December 2022

Friday 16th December

 Three Woodcock were at Cockrah Foot/Cockrah Wood this morning and a Common Crossbill flew west over Cockrah Road, West Ayton. A Great White Egret flew towards Hutton Buscel from Black Dike Drain this morning and 30 Siskin, 20 Chaffinch, a Woodcock and a Common Buzzard were at Sandybed Lane. A Woodcock, two Curlew, five Bullfinch, 20 Blackbirds, one Common Buzzard and single Song and Mistle Thrushes were at Long Causeway Road.12 Curlew and three Common Snipe were at Saltpans Lane, Cloughton. 45 Fieldfare were at the old orchard near Westfield Farm, Cloughton and 34 Fieldfare were present at Fields Farm, Long Nab. 33 Golden Plover, 18 Lapwing and six Common Snipe were present at Long Nab fields. 68 Lapwing flew north there. 30 Blackbirds and Fieldfare were noted at Scalby Nabs along with a Song Thrush and two Kestrels. Single  Redwings and were reported from gardens at West Ayton, Ravenscar and Burniston. 22 Blackbirds were noted in a Burniston garden along with two Fieldfare. At Gristhorpe Bay early this morning there were 104 Lapwing, 43 Oystercatcher, six Ringed Plover, one Grey Plover, four Turnstone, two Woodcock, one Common Snipe, six Wigeon and two Stonechat.


Robin by Martin Moseley.

Thursday 15 December 2022

Thursday 15th December

 The icy weather continued its relentless grip. Waxwing numbers at Heron Lane, Crossgates had today increased to 27 and two male Blackcaps were now visiting garden feeders at the same location. Fieldfares were noted in the Hutton Buscel area at Great Moor Road (5), Middle Lane (7) and Church Lane (c30). Approximately 30 Blackbirds and three Redwings were also in the latter location. A Common Buzzard and five Redwing were noted in Middle Lane. Sparrowhawks were noted at Plaxton Court (2) and at Heron Lane, Crossgates (1). Approximately 16 Fieldfare were also noted on Field Lane, Burniston. Two Pintail, six Shoveler, one drake Goosander and 10 Goldeneye were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake. In the Dalby/Haygate area, there were 17 Lesser Redpoll, approximately 24 very vocal Common Crossbill and a Marsh Tit.


Lapwing by Ray Maddison.

Wednesday 14 December 2022

Wednesday 14th December

 80 Siskin and five Whooper Swans flew SW over Spring Hill this morning and 23 Waxwings were subsequently at Heron Lane, Crossgates along with three Mistle Thrush and two Redwing. Burton Riggs hosted one Chiffchaff, one Grey Wagtail, two Little Grebes, two Wigeon, 21 Tufted Ducks and nine Cormorants. A drake Goosander, 28 Gadwall, two Shoveler, 23 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 17 Tufted Duck and nine Goldeneye were at Wykeham Water Park.15 Fieldfares and approximately 15 Blackbirds were in a Hutton Buscel garden and a Great Northern Diver was in the harbour mouth. Four Goosanders, two Jack Snipe and 10 Golden Plover (1S, 33 in fields) flew north past Long Nab and 111 Lapwing and nine Common Snipe (3N, eight in fields) flew south there.


Common Buzzard by JanandGary Powell.

Tuesday 13 December 2022

Tuesday 13th December

As the icy weather continues to tighten its grip, numbers of wildfowl and birds moving in response to the conditions continued to increase. 86 Mallard were at Seamer Tip Pool and 10 Siskin were at Taylor Way Pool where 12 Fieldfare flew over. Nine Common Snipe were along the motor cycle track at Seamer Tip. 225 Linnets, 45 Yellowhammer and eight Skylarks were feeding in fields on the north edge of Thornton Dale. 130+ Fieldfare were on Middle Lane, Hutton Buscel with others visiting private gardens to feed on windfall apples with Blackbirds (15 in one garden). 23 Waxwings were in the park behind Heron Lane, Crossgates today. 90 Pink-footed Geese flew west over Thornton Dale and eight Pink-footed Geese were foraging in a stubble field above Cornelian Bay. A Jack Snipe was in the stream at Long Nab ringing plantation and eight Pink-footed Geese (possibly the same seen later at Cornelian Bay) and 35 Golden Plover flew south at Long Nab. Wykeham Water Park hosted a drake Pintail, drake Goosander, 85 Teal, 13 Goldeneye, 15 Gadwall, 56 Mallard, 34 Tufted Duck, 13 Wigeon, six Little Grebes and 12 Great Crested Grebes. Three Mistle Thrushes were at Seamer Road Retail Park. In the Gristhorpe Bay/ Flower of May area this morning, there were 122 Lapwing, five Golden Plover, one Common Snipe, one Woodcock, 24 Redwing, two Fieldfare and two Stonechat.

Mistle Thrush by Daniel Morley.

Monday 12 December 2022

Monday 12th December

 A Water Rail and 30 Teal were at Seamer Tip Pool and a Woodcock, 12 Common Snipe a Water Rail and eight Grey Partridge were around the tip. A Chiffchaff was at Seamer Sewage Works. A Woodcock flew SW over Scalby Beck Road and 14 Waxwings were at Seamer Road Retail Park outside B & Q. Highlights from Long Nab fields included a Jack Snipe, 14 Common Snipe (+2S), 55 Golden Plover (+107S), 45 Skylarks and 45 Reed Buntings. A Long-eared Owl was at Long Causeway Road this afternoon along with four Common Snipe, 120 Blackbirds, 40 Redwing, 60 Fieldfare, seven Mistle Thrush, one Song Thrush, 20 Robins, one Marsh Tit, one Willow Tit, six Bullfinch and six Brambling.


Gadwall and Little Grebe by Simon Temlett.

Sunday 11 December 2022

Sunday 11th December

 Eight Golden Plovers were at Seamer Mead and a male Stonechat and 40 Linnets were on the Seamer side of Seamer Tip. A male Blackcap was again in a Crossgates garden. An unseasonal Whimbrel was in fields to the north of Long Nab Obs and 17 Golden Plover were present with a further 41 flying SW there. A Snow Bunting also flew south. A Chiffchaff, Water Rail and five Common Snipe were at Seamer Tip Pool and 25 plus Pink-footed Geese were with the feral Greylag Goose flock southwest of the pool. A forlorn looking Little Auk was close in on the sea on Marine Drive near lamp post 65 and a Redshank was in the Harbour. 10 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall three Little Grebes and a Kingfisher were at Scampston Park Lake. Two Waxwings remained at Seamer Road Retail Park. 32 Woodcock which seemed to have been displaced by quad bike disturbance near Langdale Forest were seen at Broxa Forest along with 13 Common Crossbill, one Green Woodpecker, three Great Spotted Woodpecker, four Siskin, 16 Coal Tit, two Jay and one Bullfinch.385 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills and seven Redwing and a Common Buzzard were at Scalby Nab. 22 Tufted Duck, 115 Mallard and 16 Moorhen were at Peasholm Park Lake along with a Kingfisher.


Little Auk by Phil Bennett.

Saturday 10 December 2022

Saturday 10th December

 Waxwings were again at Seamer Road Retail Park with up to 10 showing along with a Fieldfare. Three Curlew were at the north end of Cayton Bay and a Tawny Owl was at Dean Road Cemetery. Four Common Snipe were in the Cromer Point Pond area and 10 Golden Plover flew SW over Cromer Point Sewage Works. Approximately 90 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Burniston and 45 Lapwing flew NE over the same location. 38 Pink-footed Geese flew south at Long Nab and 12 Lapwing were in a field west of Cliff Top House. A Little Auk was on the sea off Marine Drive near to lamp post 57 and a male Stonechat was on the rock armour near lamp post 9. Highlights from the monthly BTO WeBS core count at Seamer Road Mere included one Whooper Swan, three Gadwall, 22 Teal, 33 Tufted Duck, 44 Mallard, four Goldeneye and 10 Little Grebe.


Fieldfare by Jan and Gary Powell.


Friday 9 December 2022

Friday 9th December

 Waxwings were once again the focus of attention today with 12 still between berry trees at Seamer Road Retail Park and a Kingfisher was at Seamer Road Mere. A male Black Redstart was photographed in a private garden near to Dean Road Cemetery. 20 Fieldfare and three Mistle Thrushes were at Cockrah Road and a male Blackcap again visited a Heron Lane garden in Crossgates. 114 Pink-footed Geese flew south at Long Nab and two were in the filed near to Crook Ness car park. Seven Golden Plover also flew south past Long Nab. Approximately 150 Wigeon were in Cayton Bay and a further c200 flew north there. Highlights from today's BTO WeBS core count at Wykeham Lakes were three Pink-footed Geese, one drake Pintail (East Lake), 142 Mallard, 32 Gadwall, two Goosanders, 12 Goldeneye, 19 Little Grebes, one Water Rail, one Jack Snipe, one Woodcock and one Chiffchaff.

Waxwing by Terry Hobson.

Thursday 8 December 2022

Thursday 8th December

 A Jack Snipe was at Wrench Green this morning and 13 Waxwings were in berry trees outside B & Q, Seamer Road. A male Blackcap was in a garden at Heron Lane, Crossgates. At Wykeham Lakes this morning there were 120+ Wigeon, five Gadwall, three Shoveler seven Goldeneye, nine Great Crested Grebes and eight Little Grebes. A Jack Snipe was just north of Long Nab Observatory and 11 Golden Plover were in the fields. Two Little Auks and three Mediterranean Gulls flew north there. A herd of 15 Whooper Swans were at Potter Brompton Carr and 300+ Lapwings were at East Heslerton Carr.


Waxwing at Seamer Road by Jamie Johnson.

Wednesday 7 December 2022

Wednesday 7th December

 Approximately 12 Waxwings were discovered in the berry trees outside B & Q on Seamer Road and a Common Crossbill was singing in Raincliff Woods.  A Little Egret and two Green Sandpipers were at Thornton Carrs. A Black-throated Diver and three Little Auks flew north past Long Nab and a drake Goosander, 80 Wigeon, seven Goldeneye and five Marsh Tits were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake.


Eider by Stuart Baines.

Tuesday 6 December 2022

Tuesday 6th December

 A Little Auk flew north past Marine Drive at 0940hrs and 11 Common Eider flew north past there at 1347hrs. A male Blackcap was in a garden on Heron Lane, Crossgates early this morning. A drake Red-breasted Merganser and a Puffin flew north past Long Nab during an otherwise quiet sea watch. 38 Curlew flew west over Burniston and 28 Curlew were feeding in the crop field above Cayton Bay. Five Redpoll sp were in a Wrench Green garden. At Potter Brompton Carr today, viewed from Hey Bridge, there were four Whooper Swans, one Pink-footed Goose, two Pintail, 130 Wigeon, approximately 1,400 Lapwing, 198 Greylag Geese and 23 Great Black-backed Gulls. A Kingfisher was at Ruston Carr bridge.


Tree Sparrow by Paul Tozer.



Monday 5 December 2022

Monday 5th December

 Six Common Eider (3 drakes and 3 ducks) flew north off Marine Drive, a Puffin was on the sea near to the shelter and a Little Auk was on the sea opposite lamp post 54 on Marine Drive. A Dipper was on the beck upstream from the thatched cottage at Thornton-Le-Dale and at Harwood Dale Lake, there were seven Goosander, 52 Wigeon, 27 Teal, 75 Lapwing and 25 Fieldfare. Highlights south past Long Nab today were three Velvet Scoter, one Goosander, one Puffin, one Great Skua and one Arctic Skua. A Great Northern Diver flew north there. Wykeham Lakes hosted 140 Wigeon, seven Gadwall, 13 Shoveler, 13 Goldeneye, 10 Great Crested Grebes and 45 Siskin.


Waxwing by Martin Moseley.

Sunday 4 December 2022

Sunday 4th December

 Approximately 25 Pink-footed Geese flew east over Stepney and seven Grey Partridge were in a rough field near to the entrance to Wykeham Water Park entrance. Seven Little Grebe, three Gadwall and the now resident Whooper Swan were at Scarborough (Seamer Road) Mere. 21 Eider (+2S) flew north past Long Nab and one Little Auk flew north (+1S). Also south past there were an adult Little Gull and a Puffin. A Little Auk was seen in South Bay in the afternoon.


Juvenile Greenfinch by Martin Moseley.

Saturday 3 December 2022

Saturday 3rd December

 15 plus Waxwings were in the vicinity of St Mark's Church this morning  before flying towards Gallows Close. Two Siskins were at Burton Riggs and the long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road Mere. A Goshawk, three Stonechat, 20 Bullfinch, including a flock of 18 and nine Common Crossbill were in Langdale Forest.


Whooper Swan by Mark Hepples.

Friday 2 December 2022

Friday 2nd December

 10 Waxwings were again in Wreyfield Drive this morning. At Wykeham Water Park there were nine Goldeneye, four Little Grebe, seven Great crested Grebe, nine Wigeon, 25 Tufted Duck, 31 Coot, 23 Mallard and two Teal, A Dipper was again singing in Peasholm Glen. A Great Northern Diver was in South Bay and a Little Egret flew north along South Cliff. Two Water Rail, 11 Little Grebe and 37 Tufted Duck were at Seamer Road  Mere. Two further Water Rail were along the Dell at Eastfield along with 130 Linnet, 70 Yellowhammer, 30 Tree Sparrow and 25 Skylark in fields there. Two Little Auks, two Puffin, a Mediterranean Gull and 19 Eider flew north at Long Nab. The Russian White-fronted Goose and two Whooper Swans were at Harwood Dale Lake and a Green Woodpecker was at Broxa Forest. In the Dalby/Haygate area, there were 21 Common Crossbill, many of which were vocal, five lesser Redpoll, 44 Siskin, two Marsh Tit, three Nuthatch and five Jays.


Common Buzzard by Emma Boothby.

Thursday 1 December 2022

Thursday 1st December

14 Waxwings were feeding on Green Lane opp St Joseph's RC Church.  A Great Northern Diver was off Holbeck this morning where five Mediterranean Gulls and a Chiffchaff were present and a Red-throated Diver was in the harbour. A Kingfisher was again at the Open Air Theatre. A Chiffchaff was at Burton Riggs, a Water Rail was at Taylor Way Pool and eight Teal were at Seamer Tip Pool. A Black-throated Diver flew south at Long Nab and seven Whooper Swans, six Gadwall and a Little Auk flew south. 64 Red-throated Divers flew past Long Nab (both ways) and a Chiffchaff was at Cliff Top House. The Russian White-fronted Goose was again with the feral Greylag Goose flock at Harwood Dale Lake along with 108 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 10 Mandarin Duck, one Whooper Swan, 62 Lapwing, one Jay and five Fieldfare. 10 Collared Doves were again by Harwood Dale church.


Drake Goldeneye by Malcolm Gladman.

Wednesday 30 November 2022

Wednesday 30th November

 A Long-eared Owl was again at Oliver's Mount and 25 Teal were at Johnson's Marsh. An adult and a first winter Mediterranean Gull, one Whooper Swan, three Gadwall, and four Little Grebe were at Seamer Road Mere. A Puffin showed well at Marine Drive before heading south and a Little Auk and four Red-throated Divers were also on the sea there. Two Red-throated Divers were off Scalby Mills and one was off the Harbour. The Russian White-fronted Goose was still at Harwood Dale Lake along with 72 Wigeon, 4 Teal, five Goosander and two Whooper Swans were also present. Seven Whooper Swans flew south over Scholes Park Road and seven Whooper Swans, five Goldeneye and a Water Rail were  at Wykeham Water Sports Lake. A first winter Little Gull was in North Bay opposite the chalets and 13 Whooper Swans, one Red-breasted Merganser and a Little Auk flew south at Long Nab. A dead Water Rail was found below overhead wires behind the Obs. At Coverdale Moor this morning, 50 Fieldfare, 40 Blackbird, two Mistle Thrush, two Bullfinch and a Jay were present. A Jack Snipe and five Yellowhammer were the highlights at Spikers Hill this morning. 20 Fieldfare, 31 Lapwing, 25 Skylark, 20 Meadow Pipit, three Common Buzzard and a Bullfinch were noted at Great Moor Road, Hutton Buscel. Approximately 90 Fieldfare, a lesser number of Redwing,10 Mistle Thrush, four Bullfinch and a Redpoll were at Wrench Green today. A Kingfisher was seen at Ebberston.


Grey Heron on a grey day by Margaret Gray.

Tuesday 29 November 2022

Tuesday 29th November

 Pink-footed Geese were moving today. 70 flew south over Stepney, approximately 100 flew south over Hutton Buscel, 92 flew south over Wykeham Lakes and 230 in three skeins flew south east over Harwood Dale Lake. A single Russian White-fronted Goose was with a single Pink-footed Goose and the feral Greylag Goose population for its second day at Harwood Dale Lake. Up to 20 Waxwings were again in the Wreyfield Road berry trees and a single Waxwing was at Raven Close, Crossgates. Three Dippers, including a singing bird were on Thornton Dale beck and a single Dipper was again in Peasholm Glen. Five Whooper Swans flew south past Marine Drive. Little Auks also featured off the coast today. One flew north out of South Bay and a second Little Auk was feeding opposite post 52 approximately 15 minutes later. A Little Auk flying south off Marine Drive a few minutes late may have been the same bird. A Little Auk flew north past Long Nab and one was photographed at Scalby Mills. An Arctic Tern was still in North Bay and a Chiffchaff was at the Open Air Theatre. Another Chiffchaff was on the north side of Castle Hill near the toilets and a Great Northern Diver was in South Bay. A Water Rail, Kingfisher, approximately 100 Siskin and


20 Long-tailed Tits were at Wykeham Coarse fishing lake. A Kingfisher flew from the Open Air Theatre towards Peasholm Park. A large flock of approximately 250  unspecified Corvids was in Hutton Buscel.

Little Auk by Joe Bamfield.

Monday 28 November 2022

Monday 28th November

 A Long-eared Owl was at Oliver's Mount early this morning and a female Blackcap was in the SE corner of Falsgrave Park. An Arctic Tern was at Scalby Mills along with approximately 130 Wigeon and 15 Ringed Plover and two Little Auks were off the pier at the Harbour this afternoon. 90 plus Teal were on Johnson's Marsh and a Red Kite was seen along Broxa Lane towards Hackness. Two Whooper Swans were at Harwood Dale Lake, two Whooper Swans (possibly the Harwood Dale birds) flew south over Wrench Green and the long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road (Scarborough) Mere where a drake Goldeneye was also present. Three Waxwings were again at Wreyfield Road and two Goldcrests were above the Sealife Centre.


Dipper by Susan Rowley.

Sunday 27 November 2022

Sunday 27th November

 Two Great Grey Shrikes were present today in Langdale Forest, one still in the Derwent Head area and the other at High Woof Brow. 20 Waxwings were in Wreyfield Drive again early this morning and continued to be seen in fragmented groups throughout the day. A Sparrowhawk was also noted there. A singing Dipper and two Grey Wagtails were in Peasholm Glen and 30 Fieldfare were over Hutton Buscel. A Peregrine Falcon and a Barn Owl were at Seamer Mead and approximately 200 Greylag Geese were with approximately 100 Canada Geese in fields east of Seamer Tip. A Snow Bunting flew south at Long Nab , 14 Goosanders were at Harwood dale Lake and a Stonechat on the island, and 10 Collared Doves were near the church. A Dunlin, 24 Ringed Plover and 133 Wigeon were present at Scalby Mills this afternoon. 40 Crossbills in the Bickley area of Dalby Forest, also 2 Jays and 8 Siskins there.


Waxwings by Christopher Bell.

Saturday 26 November 2022

Saturday 26th November

 A Dipper was in Peasholm Glen early this morning and a drake Goldeneye was at Seamer Road Mere. A  mobile flock of 20 Waxwings, originally seen in Green Lane were seen by Thorpe's shop, Wreyfield Drive, Newby and continued to be seen between there and Green Lane during the day. A Waxwing appeared to arrive from the east at Long Nab and flew south over the Obs. A Great Northern Diver and an adult Mediterranean Gull flew south there. A Corn Bunting was seen at the cover crop near Long Nab Obs. A mobile Great Grey Shrike, first seen at Langdale Forest a few weeks ago, was again seen today at Derwent Head (SE 885 985). Gristhorpe Bay hosted 114 Curlew, nine Grey Partridge and two pairs of Stonechats. 165 Wigeon, 25 Mallard, four Tufted Duck, two Coot and a Goosander were in the Redcliffe Farm/Flower of May area. The Water Sports Lake at Wykeham Lakes held 50 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 20 Goldeneye, 8 Little and 6 Great Crested Grebes, 30 Long-tailed Tits and a Chiffchaff. 350 Lapwing were seen over Binnington Carr.


Corn Bunting by Nick Addey.

Friday 25th November

 Pink-footed Geese were moving south this morning in more favourable conditions. 470 in five skeins passed distantly off Long Nab by 0935hrs and 200 flew south over Burton Riggs at 0845hrs. 14 redhead Goosanders and two Whooper Swans (1ad, 1juv.) were at Harwood Dale Lake along with approximately 35 Lapwings. Three Common Buzzards were near Mowthorpe Bridge. Six Brambling, approximately 150 Fieldfare, 50 Linnets, one Willow Tit and two Marsh Tit were at Long Causeway Road, Wykeham.


Gadwall by Phil Bennett.

Thursday 24 November 2022

Thursday 24th November

 A juvenile Merlin flew north at Scalby Lodge Pond and a Lapland Bunting flew south at Long Nab. Two Pink-footed Geese were in a field near to Fields Farm. A Jack Snipe and a Common Snipe were at Taylor Way and seven Shoveler, 15 Coot, one Teal and one Little Grebe were at Burton Riggs. At Low Dalby towards Pexton Lake there were three Jays, seven Marsh Tit, two Willow Tit, one Nuthatch, one Treecreeper, one Grey Wagtail, one Common Crossbill, 30 Siskin and four Grey Heron.  50 plus Teal were the highlight at Johnson's Marsh. 16 Fieldfare were at Great Moor Road, Hutton Buscel and eight Greenfinch were at Middle Lane. 


Dunnock by Terry Crook.

Wednesday 23 November 2022

Wednesday 23rd November

 The six Waxwings remained at Crossgates this morning and one was seen in the park behind Heron Lane, Crossgates. A House Martin flew south past Long Nab at 0815hrs and a Swallow flew south there at 0908hrs. This was the latest recorded date at the site for both species. Two Great Northern Divers also flew south past Long Nab. 99 Teal were at Johnson's Marsh and a Shoveler, 64 Wigeon and two Common Snipe were at Harwood Dale Lake. A Long-eared Owl was photographed at the south side of Oliver's Mount.


Waxwing by John Hume.

Tuesday 22 November 2022

Tuesday 22nd November

 Six Waxwings were on Raven Close, Crossgates today. 14 Ringed Plovers were at Scalby Mills, a Peregrine Falcon was at Canborough between Ayton and Hutton Buscel, a Sparrowhawk was noted at Scalby Mills Road and a Raven was over the Mowthorpe Bridge area. Five Fieldfare and 25 Meadow Pipits were at Great Moor Road, Hutton Buscel. 410 Pink-footed Geese were in fields east of Seamer Tip along with a Great White Egret and one Little Egret. A mixed flock of approximately 80 Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and two Yellowhammers were at Far Lane where 15 Lapwing flew over SW. 35 Fieldfare were at Ancat Farm. 40 Teal, 10 Wigeon and five Grey Heron were at Johnson's Marsh. A Little Auk was in South Bay. Five Little Auks (1N,4S) passed Long Nab as well as eight Little Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull and one Great Skua. One Swallow and one House Martin were at Newlands Dale pond this afternoon.


Juvenile Peregrine Falcon by Phil Bennett.

Monday 21 November 2022

Monday 21st November

 Johnson's Marsh hosted 64 Teal, one Gadwall, five Wigeon and  four Mallard  amongst other species and a Hawfinch dropped onto Cornelian Ravine at 1020hrs  before probably continuing south. A Snow Bunting flew south. Approximately 200 Blackbirds were on roadside trees between Cloughton and Ravenscar and two Brambling were at Cloughton.  Two distant Grey Goose sp flew south over the sea at Ravenscar and 10 Curlew, 150 Blackbirds, 20 Fieldfare, 180 Starlings and a Stonechat were also in the area. A Great Spotted Woodpecker visited a member's garden along with four uncommon House Sparrows there. At Wykeham Lakes complex this morning, there were two Whooper Swan (left S), 12 Goldeneye, 31 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, 20 Teal, two Water Rail, 118 Coot, one Kingfisher, one Chiffchaff and 60 Siskin. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew SW over Long Nab at 1120hrs. Also past there today were 10 Dark-bellied Brent Geese south and eight Little Gulls (2N, 6S). A Waxwing appeared in a garden tree in Crossgates and a large flock of Pink-footed Geese were east of Seamer Tip Pool and nine Pink-footed Geese were in aa filed SW of Seamer Tip. Several hundred Pink-footed Geese were still at Herdboro Farm, Seamer. A juvenile Peregrine Falcon was on Castle cliffs. 10 Reed Buntings were on the eastern side of Seamer Tip. One Barn Owl and a Little Egret were at New Dike. 10 Reed Buntings, 30 Linnet, 23 Skylarks, 20 Meadow Pipits and two Little Egrets were in fields Seamer side of Seamer Tip. A drake Common Eider was in the harbour and a Long-eared Owl flew in off the sea and landed in trees on Marine Drive near to the old coastguard building.


Long-eared Owl by Stuart Baines.

Sunday 20 November 2022

Sunday 20th November

A flock of 250+Siskins and approximately 100 Fieldfare with a lesser number of Redwings were reported from Wrench Green early this morning. 11 Great crested Grebes and six Goldeneye were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake and 62 Coot and a Common Buzzard were at Wykeham East Lake.  A single Mediterranean Gull was at Holbeck. approximately 800 Pink-footed Geese were in a field at Herdboro Farm, Seamer in a field adjoining Star Carr and Metes Lane. A single White-fronted Goose was with a small flock of feral Geese there.  A Woodcock flew out of a quinoa patch on the eastern side of Seamer Tip. Approximately 200 Lapwings and a Curlew were nearby. 30 Linnets were at Star Carr and a Chiffchaff was at Metes Lane. A Goosander flew over the harbour at midday and a Kingfisher was at the Open Air Theatre. A ring-tailed Hen Harrier flew from Gristhorpe Bay south early afternoon. Additionally at Gristhorpe bay and its surrounding area were 205 Curlew, the highest autumn/winter count, 85 Redshank, 75 Oystercatcher, 51 Purple Sandpiper (highest site count for the observer), three Turnstone, four Grey heron, two pairs of Stonechat and a reduced number of 31 Blackbirds and three Song Thrushes. Three Little Gulls moved south past Cromer Point and two Little Auks were reported on the sea off Marine Drive plus two at Scalby Mills. Also off Scalby Mills were 8 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver and two Little Gulls. Activity at Long Nab started with a juvenile Pomarine Skua flying south at 1020 hours followed by a Tundra Bean Goose flying in from the east and then south close at 1156hrs. A Swallow, first seen flying north along the cliffs at Cromer point was then seen soon afterwards at Long Nab and continued to be seen apparently feeding well in the Long Nab area until flying south at 1435hrs and then sen near Scalby Mills at 15.00 hrs.  A Little Egret was at Scalby Beck. Also past Long Nab today were 14 Shelduck, one Pochard, one Pintail, one Goosander, 61 Red-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, 15 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls and five Little Auks (1S, 4N). A mobile Snow Bunting was in fields between the Obs and Hundale.


Stonechat by Simon Temlett.

Saturday 19 November 2022

Saturday 19th November

 A Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver were in the harbour this morning and 41 Purple Sandpipers and 36 Turnstones were in the harbour at high tide. Four Purple Sandpipers were in North Bay along with a dead Woodcock. Seven Little Auk flew south past Marine Drive. A singing Dipper was in Peasholm Glen this morning, a single female Pintail was with the Wigeon flock at Scalby Mills and a White-fronted Goose and a Pink-footed Goose flew south at Cromer Point. Highlights south past South Cliff today included two Great Northern Divers, one Red-necked Grebe, two Long-tailed Ducks, a Velvet Scoter, 68 Little Auk and a Snow Bunting. A Water Rail was in Cornelian Ravine. A WHITE-BILLED DIVER flew south at Long Nab at 1411hrs and other highlights south past there included 77 Little Auks (8N), two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, one Velvet Scoter, four Goosander, one Great Northern Diver, 82 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, seven Puffins and two Snow Buntings. Two Peregrine Falcons made unsuccessful stoops on passing Little Auks, however, one Little Auk was partially eaten by a Great Black-backed Gull below the Obs. One Barnacle Goose, three Pochard, five Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 98 Coot, six Lapwing and 20 Cormorants were the maxima on Wykeham East Lake. A drake Goosander, eight Goldeneye, seven Gadwall and 11 Great crested Grebes were on the Water Sports Lake. Three Barn Owls were hunting over the fields to the south west of the complex. In the Gristhorpe Bay and surrounding area today, there were 162 Curlew, 75, Redshank, 61 Oystercatcher, 32 Purple Sandpiper, seven Turnstone, 25 Great Blacked backed Gulls, three Common Gulls, 11 Mallard, four Teal, four Grey heron, nine Grey Partridge, 12 Red-legged Partridge, 161 Blackbirds, 11 Song Thrush, six Redwing, two Fieldfare, two Sparrowhawk, two Kestrel, one Common Buzzard and one Peregrine Falcon.


Little Auk passing Long Nab by Christopher Bell.


Friday 18 November 2022

Friday 18th November

 A Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver and a first winter Little Gull were  in the harbour this morning, two Common Scoter were close in on the sea off Marine Drive and a Dipper was at the mouth of Scalby Back. Increased water levels on Johnson's Marsh attracted a drake Goosander, 40 plus Teal, 20 plus Mallard, a Little Grebe, six Grey Heron and 13 Canada Geese. Approximately 200 Blackbirds flew over the Taylor Way area in a 10 minute period and a steady movement was noted thereafter. A male Hen Harrier flew north west at Long Nab at 1055hrs. Following the easterly winds yesterday, many Blackbirds were noted with the recording area with "lots" reported in a Scalby garden stripping rowan berries. Highlights past Long Nab today included one Velvet Scoter, two Great Northern Divers, 610 Lapwing, a Woodcock in off the sea and one grounded, 14 Little Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull and a Snow Bunting. 80 Blackbirds were grounded there. South Cliff recorded the most impressive Blackbird numbers, however, with 803 logged either flying in off the sea or heading south. A single White-fronted Goose flew in off the sea and then south, and 71 Lapwing, two Woodcock and two Common Snipe flew in off the sea. Also passing south were 10 Whooper Swan, one Velvet Scoter, two Red-breasted Merganser and six Gadwall. North past South Cliff were two Little Auk and two Great Northern Divers and a further two Great Northern Divers were on the sea. 150 Blackbirds and one Ring Ouzel were grounded there. A single Chiffchaff was at Cornelian. Late this afternoon, three Brambling, approximately 20 Blackbirds, one Pink-footed Goose and a Stonechat were at Saltpans Road, Cloughton.


Great Northern Diver by Fred Tiles.

Thursday 17 November 2022

Thursday 17th November

 The heavy rain and strong winds with an easterly bent today were a perfect combination for seabird movement along the coast. Highlights past Long Nab today included 13 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, two Whooper Swans, one Velvet Scoter, three Long-tailed Duck, two Great Northern Divers, two Sooty Shearwaters, one Woodcock in off the sea, 1,340 Kittiwakes, 257 Little Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull, one Arctic Tern, two Pomarine Skuas, two Great Skuas, 10 Arctic Skuas and three Little Auks. 36 Purple Sandpipers sought shelter on the Harbour steps and the long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road Mere.


Atmospheric photo of a Mute Swan by Paul Tozer.

Wednesday 16 November 2022

Wednesday 16th November

 A male Tawny Owl was calling just before first light in Burniston, two adult Mediterranean Gulls were at Seamer Road Mere and a Red-throated Diver was in South Bay. Nine Purple Sandpipers were on the outer harbour rocks. 103 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills at high tide. 53 Tufted Duck, 46 Coot, five Goldeneye, three Gadwall, six Great crested Grebe, six Bullfinch and 12 Siskin were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake. At Potter Brompton Carr viewed from Hay Bridge, a cream crowned Marsh Harrier, a juvenile Whooper Swan, 300+ Lapwing, 30+ Wigeon and five Grey Heron were noted. A Red Kite, three Common Buzzard, one Barn Owl, 12 Yellowhammer, one Nuthatch and a Siskin were at Troutsdale. Highlights past Long Nab this morning were 12 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Barnacle Geese (N), three Whooper Swans, 108 Little Gulls (103S,5N) and an Arctic Skua. 144 Curlew, 81 Redshank, seven Purple Sandpipers, 45 Oystercatchers, seven Turnstone, 11 Grey Heron, seven Cormorant, four Wigeon, one Teal, 12 Grey Partridge and two pairs of Stonechat were at Gristhorpe Bay and the surrounding area. 


Female Bullfinch by Caroline Garrod.

Tuesday 15 November 2022

Tuesday 15th November

 A Little Auk flew south past Long Nab at 08111hrs and approximately 60 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Seamer. Three Goldeneye, one Pochard and a female Shoveler were at Burton Riggs and a single calling Pink-footed Geese flew east over Seamer Tip. Further highlights from a pre dawn to late afternoon sea watch at Long Nab were two Dark-bellied Brent Geese (+5N), seven Pintail, 671 Teal, 228 Wigeon, 10 Goldeneye, one Red-breasted Merganser, one Black-throated Diver which landed on the sea just south of the Obs, 797 Lapwings, a record day total, (many flocks arriving from the east all day), one Purple Sandpiper, 99 Little Gulls (+6N), one Arctic Tern and five Puffins. An Arctic Skua flew north, a Woodcock arrived in off the sea and 16 Bottle-nosed Dolphins swam north. Highlights south past Marine Drive were 14 Shoveler, 412 Teal, 149 Wigeon, 95 Lapwing,66 Dunlin and 50 Little Gulls (+24N). 


Adult winter Mediterranean Gull by Terry Hobson.

Monday 14 November 2022

Monday 14th November

 After yesterday's gloom had cleared and more favourable conditions followed, then birds started to move today, particularly wildfowl. A Gannet and Red-throated Diver were in the harbour area, a Brent Goose sp flew inland over North Bay and approximately 80 Carrion Crows (that's quite a murder) were circling over the motor cycle track at Seamer Tip. 51 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Newby, 90 Pink-footed Geese flew low near Helwath Road and the A171 and a single Golden Plover flew south over Ings Road. Two Red-throated Divers were off Marine Drive on the north side of the Castle Headland and 40 Pink-footed Geese flew in off the sea and south. A Short-eared Owl flew high south over the sea past Long Nab early this afternoon. Highlights past Long Nab today were two Black-throated Divers, 12 Dark-bellied and one Pale-bellied Brent Geese, one Pochard, 52 Common Eider, four Red-breasted Mergansers, 12 Goldeneye and seven Puffin (+1 on sea). A single Brambling at Crook Ness left south and a Woodcock was at the short hedge. A remarkable 16 species of wildfowl past South Cliff throughout the day with the highlights being nine Whooper Swan, 18 Dark-bellied Brent Geese (8N), 36 Mallard, five Gadwall, six Pintail, six Goosander, four Goldeneye, one Pochard, and a Velvet Scoter. Also passing south there were one Black-throated Diver, 82 Kittiwake, 62 Little Gull and one Snow Bunting. A Ring Ouzel was still present along with eight Chiffchaff. At Wykeham lakes this afternoon were 19 Common Snipe, two Goldeneye, nine Gadwall, 28 Teal, nine Great crested Grebe, five Little Grebe, 23 Siskin, two Marsh Tit, two Jay, two Bullfinch, nine Redwing and a Mistle Thrush. 32 Great Black-backed Gulls and a first winter Mediterranean Gull roosted at Wykeham East Lake and approximately 250 Jackdaw went to roost. In the Gristhorpe Bay and surrounding area late afternoon were six Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 102 Curlew, one Bar-tailed Godwit three Grey Herons, two pairs of Stonechat, two Chiffchaff, 39 Pied Wagtails were in the field adjacent to the caravan park. A Great Northern Diver was in the harbour. Pink-footed Geese were heard flying over Wrench Green and Burniston soon after dark.


Red-throated Diver by Stuart Baines.

Sunday 13 November 2022

Sunday 13th November

 A Woodcock was at Cockrah Foot, Wrench Green this morning, Single Kingfishers were at Peasholm Park Lake and the Open Air Theatre and the long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road (Scarborough) Mere. Highlights of the monthly WeBS Core Count at the Mere included five Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults, 2 first winter and 1 second winter), one Goldeneye, two Gadwall, 19 Tufted Duck, 85 Mallard, eight Little Grebe, 86 Moorhen, one Water Rail and one Kingfisher. A Dipper was in Peasholm Glen. A single Snow Bunting flew south at Scalby Nab and 10 Fieldfare, four Blackbird and 25 Starling arrived in off the sea. Approximately 10 Little Gulls were lingering off Scalby Mills. Three Little Gull, nine Turnstone and one Grey Heron were noted at Bogle Hole where16 Starling arrived in off the sea. Two Woodcock flew in off the sea at Long Nab and four Shelduck, 77 Golden Plover, one Grey Plover, 16 Dunlin, 15 Little Gulls (11N) and a Snow Bunting (same bird as Scalby Nab) flew south there. This evening along South Cliff, a Great Egret was with Grey Herons at Cornelian and a Lapland Bunting was in the filed by the sewage works. A Short-eared Owl, a Ring Ouzel and two Snow Buntings were the highlights of birds arriving in off the sea. South at sea were seven Dark-bellied Brent Geese (19N), 13 Shoveler and two Goldeneye. 85 Blackbirds were grounded. A Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were at Woodlands Drive. Some nocturnal movement was noted after 2100hrs with two skeins of Pink-footed Geese, a Wigeon flock, Golden Plover, Dunlin and a Barn Owl over Peasholm. Similar nocturnal movement was noted over Middle Deepdale with Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Common Snipe and three Dunlin flocks over. A fair few Redwings were noted flying over there from approximately 2300hrs.


Sparrowhawk by Andrew Woodcock.