Thursday 14th April

A sense of anticipation of something good today was confirmed early this morning when a remarkable flock of nine Black-necked Grebes in full breeding plumage was found in South Bay and remained there until the afternoon. A small flock of three White Storks was discovered this morning flying south west over Cliff Top House, Burniston and were then seen at low altitude over Scalby Road, Burniston near to Burniston Gardens before continuing south west in the general direction of Throxenby. These birds were bearing blue darvic rings and had been seen in Lancashire and then West Yorkshire yesterday before being relocated in our region. Research shows that they are free flying birds from the White Stork Project at Knepp, Sussex, and have apparently been touring the country. Another White Stork was also reported over Pickering today. 20 plus Curlews were noted at Folkton Carrs and two Northern Wheatears on Cayton Carr. Six Northern Wheatears were on the ploughed field near to Cliff Top House, Burniston. Single Whimbrel, Yellow Wagtail and Lesser Black backed Gull flew north at Loing Nab along with 27 Sand Martins. Three Red throated Divers remained on the sea at Long Nab along with two Stonechat on the cliffs. A Marsh Tit (3rd site record for Long Nab) was on Rocks Lane along with two Common Whitethroats. A Hobby flew north west over Burniston and a drake Mandarin was at Seamer Road Mere, with a pair near the Forge Valley feeding station. Wykeham Lakes held a Goosander, 21 singing Willow Warblers, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Northern Wheatear, two Egyptian Geese, Kingfisher and a single Pink footed Goose with Greylags in the field to the south of the Water Park. Two Willow Warblers and a Grey Wagtail were at Scar Wood and five Crossbills flew over. A Little Ringed Plover was on flood water at Metes Lane, Seamer and a Brambling frequented a hedge in Heron Lane, Crossgates. Two Shelduck and two Teal were at Johnson's Marsh and six Teal, two Oystercatchers and two Lapwings were at Harwood Dale Lake. 43 Fieldfare and two Willow Warblers were at Lockton where an early Turtle Dove was reported. A Blackcap was singing in Peasholm Glen. 11 Northern Wheatears and a Common Whitethroat were at Gristhorpe Cliffs late afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Becca-Marie Sealife Safari.