Friday 1st November 2013

The month began well with the years first Great Grey Shrike found at Derwent Head Rigg (approximate grid reference SE 891 960) where there were also 5 Crossbill.
Migrants seen in the Long Nab area included 4 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lapland Bunting and 8 Snow Bunting.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver, 43 Black-headed Gull, 15 Common Gull, 2 Wood Pigeon, 5 Skylark, 1 House Martin, 12 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 alba, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Starling, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Siskin, 4 Goldfinch, 13 Linnet, 5 Redpoll sp and 2 Reed Bunting.
Elsewhere a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was at Cromer Point, 6 Goosander and 7 Pink-footed Geese were on Harwood Dale Lake, 9 Mediterranean Gulls were at Holbeck and 34 Purple Sandpiper were roosting in the Harbour.

A record of the days Great Grey Shrike - Chris Bradshaw