Thursday 31 December 2015

Thursday 31st December 2015

Little Gulls have been extremely scarce throughout 2015 so it was very welcome when three were found on the final day, 1 in Cornelian Bay and 2 in South Bay.
Also in Cornelian Bay were 2 Red-throated Diver, 5 Shag, 18 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Grey Plover and 4 Razorbill.
Presumably the same Short-eared Owl seen hunting North Bay cliffs on the 27th was still present, 30 Pink-footed Geese were seen at Bedale and only 2 Shoveler remained on Seamer Tip along with 3 Little Grebe.
The 3 Black-necked Grebe were still in the Harbour, and hopefully still will be in the morning.

Happy New Year from Scarborough Birders, good birding to all during 2016.

Wednesday 30th December 2015

Migration watch; 10.35 - 11.05hrs.
On the move south were 1 Cormorant, 12 Black-headed Gull, 1 argentatus Herring Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Auk sp.
A probable Caspian Gull was seen in fading light on Cayton Carr in the company of 50 Herring, 250 Common and 200 Black-headed Gull, also there were 800 Lapwing and 100 Starling.
At least one Black-necked Grebe was seen in the Harbour.

Tuesday 29th December 2015

A Swift sp (the 2nd of the month!!) was seen over Cloughton before disappearing to the south, it was thought to be a probable Pallid. Hopefully the next one will get nailed.
Three Black-necked Grebe were still in the Harbour, fast approaching a 2 month stay! In Cornelian Bay there were 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Shag, a Common Scoter, 3 Grey Plover and 11 Purple Sandpiper, 80 Pink-footed Geese headed west over Seamer Tip.
Two Goosander flew south over Scalby Lodge Pond while another was on nearby Johnson's Marsh.

Monday 28th December 2015

Migration watch; 08.15 - 12.00hrs.
A good December sea-watch, on the move (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver + 3 north, 1 Great Northern Diver, 10 Fulmar + 2 north, 1 Balearic Shearwater at 10.59hrs, 9 Gannet + 18 north, 6 Cormorant, 5 Shag + 6 north, 22 Teal, 2 Common Scoter + 2 north, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Great Skua + 3 north, 8 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 94 Herring Gull including 1 argentatus, 117 Great Black-backed Gull, 9 Kittiwake north, 6 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 9 Auk sp + 3 north and 1 Fieldfare in off.
On Seamer Tip Pool were 10 Shoveler and a Shelduck, 30 Fieldfare were on Seamer Mead and 18 Pink-footed Geese flew west over Crossgates.

Sunday 27 December 2015

Sunday 27th December 2015

Migration watch; 08.15 - 12.00hrs.
A good winter's day birding.
At least 1 RICHARD'S PIPIT was in fields just to the south of the Hayburn Wyke viewable from the Cleveland Way, this bird was first found on 23rd October and has been seen there on and off since.
A second bird joined the first on the 5th December but couldn't be found today.
For anyone who may wish to visit these birds (no doubt they will attract few come the new year if still present) please view only from the Cleveland Way and DO NOT enter the fields.

Elsewhere a Great Grey Shrike was seen at Lun Rigg, Landgdale Forest, the 3 Black-necked Grebe remained in the Harbour along with 51 Purple Sandpiper, a Short-eared Owl arrived in off the sea at Castle Hill before moving to North Bay cliffs where it preformed well.
On Seamer Tip there were 10 Shoveler and 2 Gadwall, 12 Brambling were at Wilton Heights, a good count of 7 Little Egret were on Folkton Carr as was a Shelduck, 23 Whooper and 22 Mute Swan, 69 Wigeon, 4 Snipe, 34 Reed Bunting, 17 Yellowhammer and a Willow Tit were on Potter Brompton Carr (no general access), 6 Goldeneye, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 23 Yellowhammer, 11 Reed Bunting and 14 Goldfinch were at Wykeham South Lake and 23 Shag, an Eider and 4 Common Scoter were in Cornelian Bay.
A watch at Long Nab produced the following; (south unless stated) 4 Red-throated Diver north, 1 Great Northern Diver, 11 Fulmar + 3 north, 5 Gannet + 6 north, 10 Cormorant + 3, 2 Shag + 1 north, 6 Mallard, 2 Common Scoter, 9 Black-headed Gull + 2 north, 19 Common Gull + 2 north, 325 Herring Gull including 23 argentatus, 310 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Kittiwake north and 1 Auk sp + 7 north.
Also in the area were a Snipe and a Jack Snipe and 2 Lapland Bunting.

Short-eared Owl - North Bay cliffs - Steve Wignill

Saturday 26th December 2015

There was local flooding throughout the area following almost two days of persistent rain meaning Long Nab inaccessible, so a short watch from Marine Drive was the alternative!

Migration watch; 09.05 - 10.05hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver + 1 north, 3 Fulmar, 2 Gannet north, 1 Cormorant + 2 north, 5 Shag north, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Wigeon + 3 north, 9 Teal, 3 Mallard, 1 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 7 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot and 2 Razorbill + 1 north.
Elsewhere a Pink-footed Goose was seen on floodwater near Johnson's Marsh, 3 Black-necked Grebe were in the Harbour, 10 Fulmar were back on the Castle Cliffs, a drake Pintail, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 45 Wigeon were on Wykeham South Lake and 137 Teal, 40 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 3 Snipe, 2 Golden Plover and 23 Lapwing were on Potter Brompton Carr (no general access).

Saturday 26 December 2015

Friday 25th December 2015

Merry Christmas from Scarborough Birders.

Migration watch; 10.15 - 11.00hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 1 Shag north, 9 Wigeon, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Curlew north, 3 Black-headed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 14 Great Black-backed Gull and 1 Guillemot.
Seen during the day were the 3 Black-necked Grebe in the Harbour, 100 Wigeon at Scalby Mills, 8 Mediterranean Gull at Holbeck, 32 Tufted Duck, the Whooper Swan and 5 Goosander were at the Mere, 14 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler and 3 Tufted Duck were on Seamer Tip.

Thursday 24th December 2015

The 3 Black-necked Grebe were present on the Harbour with 77 Purple Sandpiper now roosting there. The Whooper Swan was still on the Mere, 16 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler and a Shelduck were on Seamer Tip, 5 Goosander were on Burton Riggs and the female Pintail and 150 Lapwing were on Harwood Dale.

Tuesday 22nd - Wednesday 23rd December 2015

The only reports came on 22nd with 3 Black-necked Grebe in the Harbour and a female Pintail, 2 Wigeon and 150 Starling at Harwood Dale Lake.

Monday 21st December 2015

The 3 Black-necked Grebe were present in the Harbour again with at least 61 Purple Sandpiper roosting there. Three Goosander and the juvenile Whooper Swan were seen at the Mere and 2 Grey Plover were in Cornelian Bay.

Saturday 19th - Sunday 20th December 2015

The 19th was fairly standard with at least 2 Black-necked Grebe in the Harbour and the juvenile Whooper Swan on the Mere.

The 20th saw 3 Black-necked Grebe and 35 Purple Sandpiper in the Harbour, 5 Goosander, the Whooper Swan, 5 Little Grebe, 26 Tufted Duck, 1 Coot and 3 Kingfisher on the Mere. On Potter Brompton Carr (no general access) there were 17 Whooper Swan, 1 Peregrine and 52 Lapwing, 4 Goldeneye, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Egyptian Geese and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull were on Wykeham South Lake, 12 Mediterranean Gull (10 adults, 2 2nd winters) were at Holbeck, 6 Jack Snipe were along Taylor Way, a Goosander was on Burton Riggs, 2 Goosander, 13 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler were on Seamer Tip and 20 Teal, 2 Snipe and a Peregrine were on Seamer Carr.

Saturday 19 December 2015

Friday 18th December 2015

Migration watch; 09.05 - 09.40hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver, 7 Fulmar, 4 Gannet + 2 north, 4 Cormorant north, 1 Shag, 2 Curlew, 2 Common Gull, 6 Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Guillemot.
Three Black-necked Grebe were still present in the Harbour, a Little Egret was on Seamer Carr, 6 Mediterranean Gull were at Holbeck and 3 Goosander, 11 Gadwall and 2 Wigeon were on Burton Riggs.

Friday 18 December 2015

Thursday 17th December 2015

Migration watch; 10.40 - 12.50hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver north, 1 Gannet + 6 north, 1 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 1 Kestrel in off, 1 Black-headed Gull, 128 Herring Gull including 2 argentatus, 48 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Guillemot + 2 north, 2 Razorbill north, 1 Rock Pipit and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Three Black-necked Grebe were in the Harbour, Wykeham South Lake held 63 Coot, 35 Tufted Duck, 64 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 1 Goldeneye, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 60 goldfinch and 8 Yellowhammer. At Seamer Tip there were 18 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler, a Little Egret was on Seamer Mead where 11 Pink-footed Geese flew south and 29 Teal were on Johnson's Marsh.


Tuesday 15th - Wednesday 16th December 2015

After a birdless day on the 15th the 16th at least delivered some bits of interest....

Migration watch; 08.15 - 10.30hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 6 Red-thoated Diver + 3 north, 1 Fulmar, 1 Shag north, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Eider, 1 Velvet Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 159 Herring Gull + 2 argentatus, 63 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Guillemot + 6 north and 1 Razorbill.
A few Thrushes were evident at Long Nab with 9 Blackbird and 7 Song Thrush.
A pair of Stonechat were at Cromer Point while a male was in Jackson's Bay, up to 60 Curlew and 35 Lapwing were on Scalby Lodge Pond, a Gadwall and a Kittiwake were the highlights at a quiet Scalby Mills, 3 Black-necked Grebe and 48 Purple Sandpiper were in the Harbour, 16 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler were on Seamer Tip and the Mealy Redpoll was still present at Wykeham South Lake where there were 84 Wigeon and 40 Teal.

Tuesday 15 December 2015

Monday 14th December 2015

Migration watch; 08.05 - 10.40hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver north, 3 Fulmar north, 3 Gannet, 4 Cormorant north, 1 Shag, 3 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser north, 1 Woodcock in off, 11 Black-headed Gull, 20 Common Gull + 5 north, 115 Herring Gull including 3 argentatus, 15 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Kittiwake north and 7 Blackbird in off.
Elsewhere 3 Common Scoter, 5 Egyptian Geese, a Pink-footed Goose, a Goosander, 4 Goldeneye, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Lesser Redpoll and a Mealy Redpoll were at Wykeham South Lake, 7 Pink-footed Geese, 80 Wigeon and a Shoveler were on Cayton Carr, the juvenile Whooper Swan remained at the Mere, 3 Black-necked Grebe were in the Harbour, 12 Gadwall were on Seamer Tip and 24 Teal were on Johnson's Marsh.


Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th December 2015

The sole report on the 12th was of a male Blackcap in Falsgrave Park.

The 13th saw six Whooper Swan at Wykeham South Lake, the juvenile Whooper Swan was seen at the Mere, 5 Shoveler and 10 Gadwall were at Seamer Tip, a Goosander was at Burton Riggs and 2 Black-necked Grebe were in the Harbour.


Friday 11th December 2015

Only the 4th Hen Harrier of the year was seen today - over Fylingdales Moor, while 3 Black-necked Grebe remained in the Harbour.

Friday 11 December 2015

Tuesday 8th - Thursday 10th December 2015

At least 2 Black-necked Grebe were present in the Harbour on the 8th and 9th with 8 Mediterranean Gull seen at Holbeck on the latter date.

The 10th produced 3 Black-necked Grebe and up to 4 Red-throated Diver in the Harbour. Three Goosander and a Goldeneye were at Burton Riggs and 14 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler were on Seamer Tip.


Tuesday 8 December 2015

Monday 7th December 2015

Eight Jack Snipe and 2 Common Snipe were flushed from Taylor Way while 5 Whooper Swan, 16 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler were on nearby Seamer Tip Pool.
At the Mere there were 2 Little Grebe, 20 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander and a Kingfisher, 2 Black-necked Grebe and 3 Red-throated Diver were in the Harbour and a Black-throated Diver was in South Bay. At least 6 Mediterranean Gull were seen at Holbeck and 2 Wigeon, 1 Goldeneye, 6 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll were at Burton Riggs.

Jack Snipe - Taylor Way - Michael McNaghten

Jack Snipe - Taylor Way - Michael McNaghten



Sunday 6th December 2015

Migration watch; 08.00 - 11.40hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 6 Red-throated Diver + 6 north, 4 Fulmar + 23 north, 96 Gannet + 9 north, 2 Cormorant + 9 north, 1 Shag, 1 Lapwing, 16 Black-headed Gull + 1 north, 14 Common Gull + 5 north, 386 Herring Gull including 9 argentatus, 255 Great Black-backed Gull, 7 Kittiwake + 8 north and 3 Auk sp + 2 north.
A drake Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall and 7 Great Crested Grebe were on Wykeham South Lake, 3 Grey Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Scoter and 5 Razorbill were in Cornelian Bay, the Pintail remained on Harwood Dale Lake, 20 Teal were on Johnson's Marsh, a Short-eared Owl was on Flixton Carr and 3 Black-necked Grebe and 54 Purple Sandpiper were in the Harbour.


Sunday 6 December 2015

Saturday 5th December 2015

Migration watch; 08.10 - 11.20hrs.
On the move (north unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Fulmar + 21 south, 9 Gannet, 2 Cormorant + 8 south, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Black-headed Gull + 9 south, 22 Common Gull south, 225 Herring Gull south including 2 argentatus, 111 Great Black-backed Gull south, 7 Kittiwake south and 1 Razorbill + 7 south.
A Swift sp seen briefly over the Old Town was unfortunately never pinned down.
Elsewhere 16 Gadwall and 3 Shoveler were on Seamer Tip, singles of Pink-footed Goose, Pintail, Mandarin and Goosander were on Harwood Dale Lake and 25 Teal were on Scalby Lodge Pond.

Gadwall - Seamer Tip - Terry Hobson



Saturday 5 December 2015

Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th December 2015

Two fairly quiet days as expected...
On the 3rd a female Red-crested Pochard resurfaced at Seamer Tip Pool where there were also 16 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler. Three Goosander were on Burton Riggs and 22 Pied Wagtail, 29 Redshank, 15 Teal, 11 Lapwing and 1 Snipe were on Scalby Lodge Pond.

And on the 4th...
The female Red-crested Pochard remained on Seamer Tip in the company of 17 Gadwall, a Shoveler and 4 Tufted Duck.
Two Black-necked Grebe, 43 Purple Sandpiper and 48 Turnstone were in the Harbour, a Little Egret was seen at Brompton Butts and 140 Wigeon, 90 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 540 Herring Gull, 440 Black-headed Gull, 30 Common Gull and a Kingfisher were at Scalby Mills.


Friday 4 December 2015

Wednesday 2nd December 2015

What were presumably the 7 Whooper Swans seen heading north past Marine Drive yesterday were present on Scalby Lodge Pond during the morning where there were also 32 Teal, 10 Lapwing, 41 Curlew and 52 Redshank.
The highlights at Wykeham South Lake were 7 Egyptian Geese (including the three young still surviving), a Pintail and 5 Goldeneye, singles of Jack Snipe and Common Snipe were flushed along Taylor Way, 15 Gadwall and a Shoveler were on Seamer Tip Pool, 3 Goosander, the juvenile Whooper Swan and 2 Little Grebe were on the Mere, a Dipper was at Brompton Butts and 3 Black-necked Grebe were still around the Harbour.

Thursday 3 December 2015

Tuesday 1st December 2015

Three adult Bewick's Swan, the first for over two year's in the district, were present on Scalby Lodge Pond during the morning, unfortunately though they didn't stick around long! Also there were 14 Teal and 54 Curlew.
A further 7 Whooper Swans flew north past Marine Drive, at least 3 Black-necked Grebe remained around the Harbour and at Scalby Mills there were 20 Common Gull, 370 Black-headed Gull, 110 Great Black-backed Gull and 460 Herring Gull.


Bewick's and Whooper Swans - Scalby Lodge Pond - Terry Hobson




Tuesday 1 December 2015

Monday 30th November 2015

Migration watch; 08.20 - 11.45hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 4 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet + 8 north, 3 Cormorant, 2 Shag, 5 Whooper Swan, 60 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Common Scoter, 18 Black-headed Gull + 2 north, 1 Common Gull, 137 Herring Gull, 22 Great Black-backed Gull and 6 Guillemot + 9 north.
A Short-eared Owl, 9 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing and 1 Goldcrest were in the Long Nab area.
At least 2 Black-necked Grebe were still in the Harbour.


Monday 30 November 2015

Sunday 29th November 2015

Migration watch; 07.20 - 09.55hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver north, 1 Gannet north, 2 Cormorant + 8 north, 1 Shag + 1 north, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Oystercatcher north, 12 Black-headed Gull + 1 north, 30 Common Gull, 142 Herring Gull, 89 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot north, 1 Rock Pipit and 1 Alba.
Three Black-necked Grebe were in the Harbour, 15 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler were on Seamer Tip, 2 Gadwall and 4 Snipe were on Johnson's Marsh and a Jack Snipe was at Long Nab.


Friday 27th - Saturday 28th November 2015

The only report on the 27th was 12 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler on Seamer Tip Pool.

At least two Black-necked Grebe were present in the Harbour on the 28th with 3 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot in the area. Eight Whooper Swan were on Folkton Carr.

Thursday 26th November 2015

At least two Black-necked Grebe remaind in the Harbour.
Wykeham South Lake produced 8 Whooper Swan, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 7 Pochard and 4 Great Crested Grebe while 40 Siskin and 8 Lesser Redpoll were along nearby Straits Lane.
Singles of Little Egret and Egyptian Goose were on Potter Brompton Carr (no general access).


Wednesday 25 November 2015

Tuesday 24th - Wednesday 25th November 2015

A slower day on 24th produced a Little Auk off Marine Drive, at least one Black-necked Grebe in the Harbour and a Snow Bunting was at Stoupe Brow.

The 25th was a little more lively, highlight being a Water Pipit at Scalby Mills, the third this year!
Also at Scalby Mills were 11 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Rock Pipit and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Offshore passage was non existent however a juvenile Little Gull headed north slowly feeding off Scalby Mills, strangely a scarce species within the area this year.
Also seen were 4 Black-necked Grebe and 50 Turnstone around the Harbour, a Little Auk off Marine Drive, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Great Crested Grebe and 150 Lapwing at Wykeham South Lake, 100 Lapwing and a Goosander at Harwood Dale Lake, 8 Ringed Plover were in Cayton Bay and a Brambling was in a Crossgates garden, another species that has been scarce this autumn.


Black-necked Grebe - Harbour - Michael McNaghten

Turnstone - Harbour - Michael McNaghten

Lapwings - Scalby Mills - Michael McNaghten

Monday 23rd November 2015

Migration watch; 07.20 - 9.55hrs.
Another decrease in offshore action but still a productive November day!
On the move (north unless stated) were 5 Red-throated Diver + 3 south, 1 Black-throated Diver, 7 Gannet + 8 south, 1 Cormorant + 3 south, 3 Shag + 1 south, 3 Mallard south, 1 Eider, 4 Goldeneye + 1 south, 1 Goosander, 1 Pomarine Skua, 4 Black-headed Gull + 6 south, 4 Common Gull + 42 south, 1 Kittwake and 57 Auk sp.
In the Long Nab area there were 48 Golden Plover, 3 Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl, 60 Linnet, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting, 15 Yellowhammer and 13 Reed Bunting.
Scalby Lodge Pond attracted 34 Teal, 10 Wigeon, 2 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 26 Pied Wagtail and 55+ Starling, Scalby Mills was very quiet however a Black-throated Diver was out in North Bay.
The only Little Auk of the day was seen off Marine Drive as were 3 Red-throated Diver and 12 Shag.
The Harbour held 4 Black-necked Grebe and a smart juvenile Iceland Gull in the afternoon only.
Yesterdays Black-throated Diver was still in South Bay, a Red Kite flew east over Potter Brompton Carr (no general access) at 11.35hrs, 2 Whooper Swan, Little Egret, Goosander, Pintail, 6 Dunlin, 40 Lapwing, 32 Teal, 700+ Common Gull, 300+ Starling and 7 Egyptian Geese (including three surviving juveniles) and a Willow Tit was at Seamer Tip as were 40 Linnet and a Woodcock.


Iceland Gull - Harbour - Steve Wignill, the nice November run continues.

Monday 23 November 2015

Sunday 22nd November 2015

Migration watch; 07.10 - 12.20hrs.
A slower day over the sea but still interesting.
On the move (north unless stated) were 48 Red-throated Diver + 11 south, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver south, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 39 Gannet + 5 south, 12 Cormorant + 173 north, 6 Shag south, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Shelduck, 21 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 22 Mallard + 2 south, 16 Eider, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 153 Common Scoter, 32 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 60 Dunlin, 18 Black-headed Gull + 21 south, 38 Common Gull + 16 south, 24 Kittiwake, 3 Razorbill, 594 Auk sp + 6 south, 69 Little Auk + 1 south, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Starling + 5 north.
The area around the Harbour and South Bay produced many birds during the day with the highlights being 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Black-necked Grebe, a Black-throated Diver, a Teal and 8 Little Auk.
In off the sea there were 4 Starling, 2 Blackbird and a Snipe.
On Burton Riggs there were 15 Cormorant, 12 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler were at Seamer Tip, 10 Golden Plover were at Rudda Road Flash with another 16 at Long Nab.
Two Red-crested Pochard were at Wykeham South Lake and 16 Golden Plover were in the fields there.



Little Auk - Harbour - Michael McNaghten

Little Auks - Harbour - Michael McNaghten


Little Auk pausing along Marine Drive - Michael McNaghten

Black-necked Grebe - Harbour - Michael McNaghten

Black-throated Diver - South Bay - Terry Hobson

Sunday 22 November 2015

Saturday 21st November 2015

Migration watch; 07.15 - 12.35hrs and 13.35 - 15.10hrs.
A very interesting day over the sea in gale force conditions.
On the move (north unless stated) were 10 Red-throated Diver + 5 south, 11 Gannet + 6 south, 3 Cormorant, 15 Shag south, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 11 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 66 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 10 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Eider south, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 114 Common Scoter + 7 south, 4 Velvet Scoter, 47 Goldeneye, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Goosander, 1 Knot, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 38 Dunlin, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Great Skua south, 191 Kittiwake + 32 south, 80 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 2 Auk sp and 48 Little Auk + 1 south.
A Lapland Bunting arrived in off the sea at Long Nab.
Up to 5 Black-necked Grebe were in the Harbour for most of the day, the latest ever Whinchat by over four weeks was found at Rudda Road Flash where there was an adult Mediterranean Gull.
A Jack Snipe was seen along Taylor Way.

Saturday 21 November 2015

Friday 20th November 2015

Migration watch; 08.15 - 12.20hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver + 1 north, 1 Great Crested Grebe north, 1 Manx Shearwater north, 25 Whooper Swan, 4 Mallard, 4 Wigeon + 4 north, 2 Velvet Scoter, 1 Common Scoter + 3 north, 1 Goosander north, 3 Goldeneye + 3 north, 1 Lapwing, 1 Great Skua, 128 Wood Pigeon 20 Skylark, 2 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting.
Good numbers of Thrushes and Woodcock arrived during the day, in off and through at Castle Hill were 5 Woodcock, 250+ Blackbird, 15 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush and 1 Snow Bunting, a Chiffchaff and a Woodcock were in the Open Air Theatre as were the 2 Water Rail, a Woodcock was flushed on Marvels and at Long Nab 8 Woodcock, 100 Blackbird, 40 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush and 10 Redwing arrived.
Elsewhere 4 Snow Bunting were at Stoupe Brown and 100 Golden Plover were on Seamer Carr.

A Humpback Whale was seen briefly off Long Nab.

Friday 20 November 2015

Thursday 19th November 2015

The Whooper Swans just keep on coming with a further 99 heading south today along the coast along with a skein of 200 Pink-footed Geese.
In the Long Nab area there was no sign of the Shore Lark but a Mealy Redpoll with 12 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Snow Bunting.
A Jack Snipe, a Pink-footed Goose, the Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 12 Wigeon and 31 Curlew were at Scalby Lodge Pond, 2 Gadwall were on Johnson's Marsh and 2 Black-necked Grebe were still in the Harbour.
Eight Gadwall, 3 Shoveler and a Little Egret were at Seamer Tip.


Whooper Swans - Terry Hobson

Thursday 19 November 2015

Wednesday 18th November 2015

Migration watch; 08.10 - 11.40hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 6 Red-throated Diver + 4 north, 1 Great Northern Diver, 72 Whooper Swan, 1 Greylag Goose, 11 Teal, 9 Common Scoter + 2 north, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander north, 1 Pomarine Skua north, 1 Mediterranean Gull north, 7 Black-headed Gull + 13 north, 12 Common Gull, 29 Great Black-backed Gull, 14 Kittiwake north and 149 Auk sp north.
A SHORE LARK was the highlight at Long Nab, the first in the district for at least 5 years. It favoured the area on the ridge just to the south of the Hut.
Also in the area were 2 Snipe, 20 Skylark, 30 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Snow Bunting and a Short-eared Owl.
Elsewhere 2 Black-necked Grebe remained in the Harbour as did the Black Redstart, Purple Sandpiper numbers increased to 38, a juvenile Whooper Swan, 5 Tufted Duck, a Goosander and a Grey Wagtail were at the Mere, a Kingfisher was seen at Folkton and 18 Whooper Swan, 2 Egyptian Geese, 7 Goldeneye and a drake Red-crested Pochard were the highlights at Wykeham South Lake.
In the Seamer Tip area there were 7 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler while 2 Little Egret were on Seamer Mead. Three Whooper Swans flew west over Burton Riggs.


Shore Lark - Long Nab - Nick Addey

Shore Lark - Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Wednesday 18 November 2015

Tuesday 17th November 2015

A Black Redstart was discovered in the Harbour and is only the second autumn record.
In the Harbour two Black-necked Grebe were present and was joined by a Guillemot while 33 Purple Sandpiper were roosting there.
Elsewhere a Short-eared Owl was hunting Scalby Nab, 138 Wigeon and 2 Goosander were at Scalby Mills, a Goldeneye was in North Bay and 97 Mallard and 12 Tufted Duck were on Peasholm Park.
Over North Bay 156 Pink-footed Geese flew south.


Black Redstart - Harbour - Steve Wignill

Tuesday 17 November 2015

Monday 16th November 2015


Migration watch; 08.00 - 13.40hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 13 Gannet + 12 north, 1 Cormorant, 6 Shag, 22 Whooper Swan, 360 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Golden Plover, 3 Great Skua, 32 Black-headed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 340 Herring Gull + 2 argentatus, 119 Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Kittiwake + 7 north, 4 Auk sp + 34 north, 595 Wood Pigeon, 2 Rock Pipit, 3 Alba, 1 Fieldfare in off, 9 Chaffinch, 23 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 1 Linnet, 3 Redpoll sp, 1 Mealy Redpoll by the Obs before leaving south and 3 Snow Bunting in off and south.
In the Long Nab area there were 4 Twite, 1 Lapland Bunting and 2 Snow Bunting.
Elsewhere the Black-necked Grebe was still in the Harbour, the Dark-bellied Brent Goose was again on Scalby Lodge Pond and at Wykeham South Lake there were 4 Whooper Swan, 137 Greylag Geese, 4 Egyptian Geese, 2 Pintail, 14 Gadwall, 2 drake Red-crested Pochard, 11 Pochard, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin and 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Two Gadwall remained on Johnson's Marsh.

Sunday 15th November 2015


Migration watch; 07.05 - 12.10hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver north, 1 Great Northern Diver, 18 Gannet + 2 north, 3 Cormorant + 5 north, 108 Whooper Swan, 22 Pink-footed Geese, 1
Greylag Goose, 1 Arctic Skua, 146 Black-headed Gull, 69 Common Gull, 360 Herring Gull + 6 argentatus, 174 Great Black-backed Gull, 34 Kittiwake + 6 north, 22 Auk sp + 16 north and 4 Rock Pipit.
Three Black-necked Grebe were present, one in the Harbour and one in South Bay with another in Cayton bay along with 3 Goldeneye, 35 Whooper Swan were near Folkton Manor, a Great Northern Diver and 2 Red-throated Diver were on Cornelian Bay, a Stonechat was at Ravenscar, 23 Mistle Thrush were at Harwood Dale and 4 Goosander were on the Lake there.
A Merlin was seen on Flixton Carr, a Whooper Swan, a Kingfisher and 2 Chiffchaff were on the Mere and 2 Gadwall and 40 Teal were on Johnson's Marsh.

Saturday 14th November 2015

Migration watch; 10.15 - 11.50hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 5 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 30 Whooper Swan, 1 Common Buzzard, 27 Black-headed Gull + 3 north, 5 Common Gull, 32 Herring Gull + 5 north, 5 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Skylark, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch and 1 Redpoll sp.
At Long Nab there was a drake Goosander on the sea, 1 Lapwing, 1 Snipe and 1 Lapland Bunting.
Two Black-necked Grebe were in the Harbour, 4 Shoveler and a Gadwall were at Seamer Tip, 22 Whooper Swans were on Folkton Carr, 14 were on Potter Brompton Carr before leaving to the south and being later replaced by five arriving from the north, also there were 94 Pink-footed Geese, 52 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 2 Snipe, a Golden Plover and 120 Fieldfare.

Saturday 14 November 2015

Friday 13th November 2015

Migration watch; 10.10 - 11.20hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 7 Whooper Swan, 154 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Common Scoter, 3 Golden Plover, 8 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 27 Herring Gull, 16 Great Black-backed Gull + 2 north and 1 Rock Pipit.
A single Black-necked Grebe was still present in the Harbour, a drake Red-crested Pochard remained on Burton Riggs along with 7 Gadwall and a Chiffchaff and 3 Shoveler and a Gadwall were on Seamer Tip pool.

Friday 13 November 2015

Thursday 12th November 2015

Migration watch; 07.45 - 10.30hrs and 11.00 - 14.00hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 7 Red-throated Diver + 1 north, 2 Cormorant + 1 north, 14 Whooper Swan, 105 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Greylag Goose, 1 Mallard, 30 Black-headed Gull + 1 north, 20 Common Gull, 97 Herring Gull + 12 north, 32 Great Black-backed Gull + 1 north, 2 Guillemot + 2 north, 8 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Goldfinch, 8 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp and 2 Snow Bunting.
In the Long Nab area were 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Snipe, 27 Skylark, 40 Meadow Pipit, 2 Lapland Bunting and 1 Snow Bunting.
Black-necked Grebes were seen in the Harbour and in South Bay where there was a Great Northern Diver, 2 Stonechat were at Cromer Point, 15 Ringed Plover, 17 Redshank and 2 Purple Sandpiper were in Jackson's Bay, 108 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills, the Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 18 Wigeon and 5 Teal were on Scalby Lodge Pond and 2 Water Rail were in the Open Air Theatre.
The 2 drake Red-crested Pochard and 9 Gadwall were on Burton Riggs and 3 Shoveler were at Seamer Tip where 29 Pink-footed Geese flew south.

Thursday 12 November 2015

Wednesday 11th November 2015

Migration watch; 10.10 - 12.10hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 5 Gannet, 9 Cormorant, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 10 Black-headed Gull, 11 Common Gull, 69 Herring Gull + 13 north, 19 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Guillemot north, 1 Goldfinch, 32 Siskin and 3 Reddpoll sp.
In the area were 3 Snipe, 9 Skylark and 7 Meadow Pipit.
Elsewhere the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard were at Burton Rggs, 4 Black-necked Grebes were seen, 1 in North Bay where there was also a Great Northern Diver, 1 in the Harbour and 2 in South Bay.
Three Jack Snipe and 1 Common Snipe were along Taylor Way, 5 Little Grebe were at Seamer Tip where 50 Pink-footed Geese. At Potter Brompton Carr there were 110 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 5 Shoveler, 43 Wigeon and a Peregrine, 90 Pink-footed Geese were present briefly before heading off while another 220 headed over southwest and a Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Scalby Mills.

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Tuesday 10th November 2015

Migration watch; 07.20 - 09.25hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 2 Cormorant, 1 Golden Plover, 3 Black-headed Gull, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 4 Stock Dove, 26 Wood Pigeon, 4 Skylark, 7 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Alba, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Starling, 14 Chaffinch, 170 Goldfinch, 194 Siskin, 57 Linnet, 3 Twite, 13 Redpoll sp and 3 Yellowhammer.
The three Black-necked Grebe were still present, 2 in South Bay and 1 in the Harbour where a Snow Bunting was present.
Two drake Red-crested Pochard and 4 Gadwall were at Burton Riggs, a Green Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, 3 Brambling and a Chiffchaff were in the Seamer Tip area, a Marsh Harrier flew through there towards Flixton Carr and 2 Jack Snipe were along Taylor Way.
A Woodcock was flushed at Latter Gate Hills.

Monday 9th November 2015

Migration watch; 11.00 - 11.30hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 6 Gannet + 8 north, 2 Black-headed Gull + 1 north, 8 Common Gull, 35 Herring Gull, 21 Great Black-backed Gull and 3 Goldfinch.
The three Black-necked Grebe remained in South Bay with one venturing into the Harbour.
A Goosander, 9 Pink-footed Geese, a Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye and 5 Pochard were at Wykeham South Lake, another Goosander was at Scalby Mills and a Short-eared Owl was seen around Castle Hill.


Short-eared Owl - Castle Hill - Terry Hobson

Sunday 8th November 2015


Migration watch; 07.00 - 11.45hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver + 1 north, 17 Gannet + 11 north, 3 Cormorant + 1 north, 4 Whooper Swan, 14 Pink-footed Geese + 90 north, 9 Greylag Geese, 1 Wigeon north, 5 Common Scoter, 1 juvenile Hen Harrier south at 10.00hrs (only the third record in the Scarborough recording area this year! a very depressing statistic), 210 Lapwing, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skua, 35 Black-headed Gull, 30 Common Gull, 190 Herring Gull, 108 Great Black-backed Gull, 10 Kittiwake + 2 north, 6 Auk sp + 15 north, 1040 Wood Pigeon, 1 Skylark, 20 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 1 Alba, 6 Starling + 10 north, 24 Tree Sparrow, 7 Chaffinch, 60 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 3 Linnet, 1 Twite and 3 Reed Bunting.
A Whooper Swan, 15 Skylark, 5 Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing were at Long Nab.
There were still three Black-necked Grebe in South Bay, a Gadwall and 64 Mallard were on Johnson's Marsh, 8 Whooper Swan, 5 Shoveler, 36 Wigeon and 16 Teal were on Potter Brompton Carr, 4 Goldeneye, 8 Pochard, 14 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 58 Coot were on Wykeham South Lake and 38 Teal, 6 Grey Heron and 2 Snipe were on Johnson's Marsh.

Saturday 7th November 2015

Migration watch; 07.00 - 12.00hrs and 16.00 - 16.40hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 7 Red-throated Diver, 202 Gannet + 36 north, 1 Cormorant + 1 north, 1 Shag north, 6 Whooper Swan, 2 Mallard, 4 Common Scoter + 8 north, 62 Black-headed Gull + 1 north, 38 Common Gull + 1 north, 210 Herring Gull including 1 argentatus, 59 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Kittiwake + 6 north, 7 Guillemot + 2 north, 9 Auk sp + 13 north, 1 Rock Pipit, 10 Siskin, 2 Linnet and 2 Redpoll sp.
In the Long Nab area there was a Short-eared Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Skylark, 28 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 8 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Starling and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
At least three Black-necked Grebe remained in South Bay where there was a Red-throated Diver and a Common Scoter, 3 Shoveler were on the Mere, a Gadwall, 25 Teal, 8 Grey Heron and 2 Snipe were on Johnson's Marsh, 149 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills, a Grey Plover and 17 Ringed Plover were in Jackson's Bay, a Brent Goose was on Scalby Lodge Pond and 2 Kingfisher were on Peasholm Glen.

Saturday 7 November 2015

Friday 6th November 2015

Migration watch; 06.55 - 10.25hrs.
An amazing SIX BLACK-NECKED GREBE were found in South Bay, four hanging round off Olympia Leisure and two off the Harbour's West Pier.
On the move at Long Nab (south unless stated) were 4 Red-throated Diver, 82 Gannet + 15 north, 5 Cormorant, 11 Whooper Swan, 14 Greylag Geese, 1 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 2 Golden Plover, 43 Lapwing, 50 Black-headed Gull, 23 Common Gull, 8 Great Black-backed Gull, 18 Skylark, 21 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 1 Alba, 1 Fieldfare, 8 Chaffinch, 12 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin and 4 Linnet.
In the Long Nab area there were 7 Snipe, 30 Skylark, 7 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Brambling, 16 Siskin, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Yellowhammer, 6 Reed Bunting and 1 Corn Bunting.
A Short-eared Owl was seen over South Bay, more Red-crested Pochard were found with two drakes on Wykeham South Lake where there were also 7 Shoveler, 15 Gadwall, 1 Goldeneye, 20 Wigeon, 8 Pochard, 8 Teal, 112 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe and 3 Great Crested Grebe while the pair of Red-crested Pochard were still at Burton Riggs where there were also 4 Gadwall, 1 Pochard and 1 Goosander.
On Johnson's Marsh there were 34 Teal and 4 Snipe.


Black-necked Grebe - South Bay - Terry Hobson

Black-necked Grebe - South Bay - Dave Mansell

Friday 6 November 2015

Thursday 5th November 2015


The pair of Red-crested Pochard had today moved to Seaner Tip large pool where there were 5 Pochard and a Gadwall, also in the Seamer Tp area were 15 Lesser Redpoll and singles of Whooper Swan and Green Sandpiper.
Three Gadwall and a Pochard were on Burton Riggs and 70 Siskin were along Prospect Mount Road.

Wedneday 4th November 2015

Migration watch; 08.30 - 11.35hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 4 Red-throated Diver, 10 Gannet + 6 north, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 6 Wigeon, 3 Mallard north, 1 Arctic Skua north, 11 Black-headed Gull, 35 Common Gull, 12 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Auk sp, 3 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 4 Starling on off and south, 7 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Snow Bunting and 1 Reed Bunting.
A Snipe, 10 Skylark, 35 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 13 Blackbird, 9 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 8 Yellowhammer and 10 Reed Bunting were in the Long Nab area.
Six Snipe and 6 Jack Snipe were along Taylor Way, a Stonechat, 2 Whooper Swan, a Pochard and a Merlin were seen at nearby Seamer Tip, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 16 Tufted Duck, 2 Wigeon and a Shoveler were at Burton Riggs and on the Mere there were 8 Gadwall, 36 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 32 Mute Swan, 31 Moorhen and a Kingfisher.

Wednesday 4 November 2015

Tuesday 3rd November 2015

Migration watch; 13.30 - 15.00hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 850 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Teal north, 3 Mallard and 3 Shoveler.
A Great Northern Diver was feeding off Marine Drive, 9 Whooper Swan, 18 Pochard and 3 Shoveler were at Seamer Tip and 2 Kingfisher were off the skate park with another present in the Harbour.


Whooper Swans - Seamer Tip - Terry Hobson

Pochard - Seamer Tip - Terry Hobson

Monday 2nd November 2015

Migration watch; 08.10 - 14.00hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Gannet + 7 north, 2 Cormorant + 1 north, 1 Whooper Swan, 1935 Pink-footed Geese, 21 Greylag Geese, 6 Mallard, 5 Goosander, 132 Golden Plover, 3 Lapwing, 110 Black-headed Gull, 34 Common Gull, 220 Herring Gull, 13 Great Black-backed Gull, 25 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 4 Alba, 30 Starling + 33 north, 29 Chaffinch, 133 Siskin, 9 Linnet, 1 Redpoll sp and 1 Reed bunting.
There was no sign of the Richard's Pipits today but there were 15 Skylark, 2 Rock Pipit, 19 Robin, 4 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff and 7 Reed Bunting.
A Great Grey Shrike remained at Lun Rigg, Langdale Forest, a Snow Bunting was at Stoupe Brow, a Whooper Swan remained at Burton Riggs while another was at Seamer Tip. Chiffchaffs were seen in Crossgates, at Long Nab and on Castle Hill were a Blackcap was also present.


Pink-footed Geese on the move south - Terry Hobson

Sunday 1st November 2015


Migration watch; 06.50 - 13.00hrs.
A good day at Long Nab!
On the move (south unless stated) were 11 Cormorant + 2 north, 6 Shag, 760 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Goose sp, 1 Goosander north, 40 Golden Plover, 120 Lapwing + 1 north, 1 Greenshank, 80 Black-headed Gull, 25 Common Gull, 32 Skylark, 14 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba, 1 Blackbird, 285 Starling + 77 north, 6 Tree Sparrow, 76 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 16 Goldfinch, 360 Siskin, 11 Linnet, 6 Twite, 3 Redpoll sp, 6 Snow Bunting and 15 Reed Bunting.
Present there were 1 Merlin, 4 Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl, 30 Skylark, 2 Richard's Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit and 8 Blackbird.
Elsewhere 62 Mallard, 16 Teal, a Wigeon and a Little Grebe were on Johnson's Marsh.

Saturday 31st October 2015


Migration watch; 15.40 - 16.40hrs.
A quiet day at Long Nab, a Greenfinch headed south, the 2 Richard's Pipit were still present and 17 Magpie went to roost there.
Three Green Sandpiper and a Green Woodpecker were seen in the area around Seamer Tip, 16 Skylark flew south at Ravenscar, 5 Whooper Swan remained on Harwood Dale Lake, 1 Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 3 Jack Snipe, 17 Lesser Redpoll and 15 Siskin were along Taylor Way and 600 Lapwing, 300 Starling and a Kingfisher were on Willerby Carr.

Friday 30th October 2015


A rather quiet day, the 9 Whooper Swan were still at Harwood Dale Lake, with another still at Burton Riggs where there were 5 Goldeneye. A Short-eared Owl was at Seamer Tip, 16 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Town, 20 Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff and a Coal Tit were on Castle Hill, 3 Snipe were on Johnson's Marsh and a Pochard was on the small pond along Barmoor Lane, Scalby.

Thursday 29th October 2015

The highlight of the day was the continued presence of the 2 Richard's Pipit at Long Nab.
Elsewhere 9 Whooper Swan were on Harwood Dale Lake, 3 Goldeneye were at Seamer Tip where 30 Golden Plover flew west. Nearby 4 Jack Snipe were along Taylor Way.
Another two Whooper Swan was on Burton Riggs, 11 Golden Plover and 2 Fieldfare were on Howdale Moor, 150 Lapwing were at Stoupe Brow, a Wheatear, a Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were on Castle Hill and a Woodcock was by the Woodend Museum.

Wednesday 28 October 2015

Wednesday 28th October 2015

Migration watch; 07.10 - 11.40hrs.
A steady arrival, mainly Thrushes provided interest for much of the day before heavy rain made birding difficult.
At Long Nab there were 3 Woodcock, the 2 Richard's Pipit, 13 Robin, 184 Redwing, 86 Fieldfare, 24 Song Thrush, 131 Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 43 Starling and 4 Brambling.
Between Crook Ness and Scalby Nab were 71 Redwing, 9 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 24 Blackbird and 1 Chiffchaff.
Castle Hill produced 3 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 10 Robin, 8 Song Thrush, 65 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 90 Blackbird, 17 Starling, 2 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest and 1 Reed Bunting. The first Black Redstart of the autumn was found feeding with 3 Rock Pipit in the Harbour where 22 Purple Sandpiper and a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull were roosting.
On the move at Long Nab (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Shag north, 54 Teal + 4 north, 108 Wigeon north, 3 Eider north, 328 Black-headed Gull, 146 Common Gull, 1 Kittiwake north, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit and 3 Goldfinch.
Elsewhere an Egyptian Goose was at Burton Riggs and a Green Sandpiper was at Seamer Tip.


A recently arrived Brambling at Long Nab - Chris Bell

Blackbird fresh in at Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Monday 26th - Tuesday 27th October 2015

Both Richard's Pipits were present at Long Nab on both dates.

Also on 26th were a Short-eared Owl a Brambling and a Reed Bunting at Long Nab, 25 Redwing, a Fieldfare, a Song Thrush, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest on Castle Hill, single Gadwall at Burton Riggs and Seamer Tip where 2 Egyptian Geese flew west.

Extra on 27th were 3 Redwing and a Snipe at Long Nab, 12 Fieldfare, 10 Blackbird, 8 Chiffchaff and 8 Brambling on Castle Hill and 2 Whooper Swan, 11 Golden Plover and a Short-eared Owl at Seamer Tip.

Sunday 25 October 2015

Saturday 24th - Sunday 25th October 2015

The two Richard's Pipits and the Snow Bunting at Long Nab were the only noteworthy reports on the 24th.

25th...
Migration watch; 06.25 - 11.40hrs.
Amazingly yet another Richard's Pipit was found! This time heading south past Crook Ness at 09.33hrs, with both Richard's still in the fields near the Obs at Long Nab and the bird still at Hayburn Wyke it takes the autumns total to six birds!
A ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD flew north at Long Nab at 12.30hrs.
Also on the move at Long Nab (south unless stated) were 4 Red-throated Diver, 15 Gannet + 23 north, 16 Cormorant, 11 Whooper Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Mallard, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 25 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 298 Black-headed Gull + 5 north, 85 Common Gull + 2 north, 180 Herring Gull, 24 Great Black-backed Gull, 41 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 1 Alba, 1 Blackbird, 43 Starling, 11 Chaffinch, 13 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 68 Linnet, 1 Twite and 2 Redpoll sp.
In the Harbour there were 13 Purple Sandpiper and a Wheatear, 2 Snow Bunting were in Broxa Forest for the second day, a Stonechat was in Cornelian Bay, a Chiffchaff and a Brambling were at Cloughton Wyke, a Kingfisher and 350 Lapwing were on Flixton Carr, 180 Linnet were at Cromer Point, 66 Oystercatcher, a Grey Plover, 21 Ringed Plover, 18 Redshank and 14 Turnstone were in Jackson's Bay, a Great Crested Grebe and 116 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills and a Kingfisher was in the Open Air Theatre.


Richard's Pipit - Long Nab - John Harwood

Richard's Pipit - Long Nab - Dave Mansell

Saturday 24 October 2015

Friday 23rd October 2015

Migration watch; 07.10 - 12.00hrs and 17.00 - 17.40hrs.
Yet another Richard's Pipit was found today! It was in fields to the south of the Hayburn Wyke PH where one wintered, last being seen in March this year.
With this bird being an adult and preferring the exact same spot it would seem highly likely it is a returning bird.
The two Richard's Pipits (today confirmed as 1st winter birds) remained at Long Nab where there was also 1 Golden Plover, 38 Skylark, 18 Meadow Pipit, 8 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Goldcrest, 40 Tree Sparrow, 140 Linnet, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Snow Bunting and 6 Reed Bunting.
On the move there (south unless stated) were 7 Red-throated Diver, 13 Gannet, 9 Cormorant, 2 Shag north, 2 Whooper Swan, 2 Egyptian Geese north, 3 Teal, 9 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander, 1 Dunlin, 306 Black-headed Gull + 3 north, 72 Common Gull, 7 Great Black-backed Gull, 28 Auk sp, 2 Skylark, 15 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin, 14 Redpoll sp and 2 Reed Bunting.
There was no sign of Wednesday's Richard's Pipit near Taylor Way and only 4 of each Jack Snipe and Snipe remained.


A selection of Richard's Pipit shots.

Long Nab - Terry Hobson

Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw

Hayburn Wyke - John Harwood

Friday 23 October 2015

Thursday 22nd October 2015

Migration watch; 07.45 - 10.20hrs.
The good run of RICHARD'S PIPITS continued today with two found together, this time they were at the more likely location of Long Nab, in the field just to the north of the Obs.
Also in the Long Nab area there was a Snipe, 22 Skylark, 8 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit, 130 Linnet, 2 Lapland Bunting, 1 Snow Bunting and 4 Reed Bunting.
On the move south there were 5 Skylark, 3 Greenfinch and 4 Linnet.
Elsewhere 20 Pink-footed Geese flew west over Eastfield and a Chiffchaff was at Burton Riggs.


Snow Bunting - Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw

Richard's Pipit - Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Wednesday 21st October 2015

A RICHARD'S PIPIT was found early afternoon on waste ground at Scarborough Business Park, Seamer, near Taylor Way, opposite the NFU Mutual building.
It remained in the area throughout the day but rarely showed on the ground.
Also in the area around Taylor Way were 11 Jack Snipe (an area record), 11 Snipe, 45 Meadow Pipit, 5 Goldcrest and 3 Lesser Redpoll.
Elsewhere a juvenile Marsh Harrier flew southwest over Potter Brompton Carr where there were also 2 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Jack Snipe, 8 Snipe and 2 Brambling.
In the Harbour there were 8 Purple Sandpiper roosting.



Richard's Pipit - Scarborough Business Park - John Harwood

Tuesday 20th October 2015

Migration watch; 08.30 - 10.40hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Grey Heron, 3 Whooper Swan, 1 Jack Snipe in off and south, 1 Snipe in off and south, 9 Skylark in off then south, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Starling + 58 north, 26 Tree Sparrow, 12 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 38 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting.
In the Long Nab area were 1 Kestrel, 8 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Goldcrest, 210 Starling and 1 Lesser Redpoll.
In Langdale Forest two of the Great Grey Shrikes were seen and 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck and 44 Coot were on Wykeham South Lake.

Tuesday 20 October 2015

Monday 19th October 2015

Migration watch; 07.05 - 15.25hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 5 Red-throated Diver + 1 north, 1 Great Northern Diver north, 331 Gannet + 153 north, 6 Cormorant, 1 Shag north, 38 Wigeon + 1 north, 1 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck north, 1 Eider north, 10 Common Scoter + 31 north, 4 Goosander, 1 Pomarine Skua north, 3 Great Skua, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull north, 13 Black-headed Gull + 5 north, 13 Common Gull + 52 north, 9 Great Black-backed Gull + 51 north, 1 Kittiwake + 37 north, 39 Auk sp + 48 north, 15 Skylark, 3 Swallow north, 2 Rock Pipit + 4 north, 1 Grey Wagtail, 17 Starling + 74 in off and west and 12 Linnet.
In the Long Nab area were 40 Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipit, 8 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 21 Goldcrest, 11 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Brambling, 2 Siskin, 170 Linnet and 3 Reed Bunting while 2 Firecrest were seen again on Castle Hill.
Three Great Grey Shrikes were discovered in Langdale Forest during the afternoon, 2 in the usual areas at Maw Rigg and Low Woof Howe and one on North Side.

Sunday 18th October 2015

Migration watch; 07.15 - 12.55hrs.
On the move (north unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver + 4 south, 1 Black-throated Diver south, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 214 Gannet + 598 south, 1 Cormorant south, 1 Grey Heron south, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese south, 1 Teal + 5 south, 1 Mallard south, 40 Common Scoter + 3 south, 1 Kestrel south, 1 Pomarine Skua, 9 Great Skua south, 12 Black-headed Gull + 20 south, 14 Common Gull + 16 south, 51 Great Black-backed Gull + 11 south, 15 Kittiwake + 25 south, 19 Auk sp + 11 south, 4 Rock Pipit south, 30 Starling in off and west and 1 Snow Bunting.
At Long Nab there were 35 Skylark, 26 Robin, 34 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 63 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 27 Goldcrest, 2 Coal Tit, 32 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 4 Siskin, 32 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Snow Bunting and 5 Reed Bunting.
The GREAT EGRET was discovered again, this time showing along the River Hertford viewed from the bridge near the sewage works on Cayton Carr, a Green Sandpiper was also seen in the area.
The first two Whooper Swans of the autumn were on Seamer Tip while the first 3 Jack Snipe were nearby at Taylor Way along with 2 Snipe.
There was a much larger arrival of Redwing during the night, a constant passage on a rather broad front (at least all of the town), a rather conservative estimate of 2500 moved west between midnight and 05.00hrs.


Great Egret - River Hertford - Dave Mansell

Saturday 17th October 2015

The highlight of the day was a PALLAS'S WARBLER discovered along the old railway line near the Manor road bridge, the first in the area for two years.
Another good find was a GREAT EGRET feeding in a ditch on Flixton Carr, with an unconfirmed report of one in Scalby Beck yesterday it seems likely that this is that bird.
It was generally quiet elsewhere, a minimum of 1000 Redwing flew west over town between midnight and 05.00hrs, and a Kestrel, 12 Robin, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 18 Goldcrest and 3 Siskin were at Long Nab.

Friday 16th October 2015

Migration watch; 09.15 - 13.15hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar north, 1 Cormorant + 1 north, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander north, 1 Great Skua north, 3 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull + 1 north, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Kittiwake + 2 north, 1 Puffin north and 1 Short-eared Owl in off then south.
In the Long Nab area there were 1 Snipe, 34 Skylark, 11 Robin, 8 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, 28 Gldcrest, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Siskin and 7 Reed Bunting.
While on Castle Hill there were 70 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 10 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 12 Song Thrush, 25 Blackbird, 30 Robin and 3 Brambling.

Thursday 15th October 2015

On Castle Hill there were now 2 Firecrest, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler (which probably included 1 new bird), 60 Goldcrest, 6 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 35 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 7 Blackbird, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Swallow, 6 Brambling, a Water Rail and a Short-eared Owl.
In the Long Nab area there were 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 new), 1 Chiffchaff, 70 Goldcrest, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 20 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 18 Blackbird, 20 Skylark, 3 Brambling, 20 Goldfinch, 45 Siskin, 7 Reed Bunting and 1 Snipe. A Sooty Shearwater was noted heading north offshore.
There was a good count of Mediterranean Gull on Black Rocks off Holbeck, 13 adults and 1 2nd winter, so with a 1st winter seen at Holbeck yesterday at least 15 are in the area!


Yellow-browed Warbler - Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Firecrest - Castle Hill - Dave Mansell

Wednesday 14th October 2015


Migration watch; 08.50 - 13.50hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 8 Red-throated Diver, 950 Gannet 20 north, 1 Cormorant north, 1 Common Scoter + 24 north, 1 Goosander north, 1 Great Skua, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 13 Black-headed Gull, 42 Common Gull + 3 north, 88 Kittiwake + 5 north, 146 Auk sp + 61 north and 2 Skylark in off and south.
In the Long Nab area there were 11 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, a Chiffchaff, the Yellow-browed Warbler and 20 Goldcrest, a Short-eared Owl was seen on Brow Moor, a Brambling was at Cloughton Wyke and a Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and 20 Goldcrest were Castle Hill and 5 Mediterranean Gull were at Holbeck car park.

Tuesday 13th October 2015

Migration watch; 07.15 - 13.15hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sooty Shearwater north, 17 Cormorant, 7 Wigeon north, 7 Eider north, 4 Common Scoter + 5 north, 2 Goldeneye, 5 Great Skua, 1 adult Sabine's Gull south at 12.27hrs, 1 Black-headed Gull, 15 Common Gull, 4 Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Kittiwake.
Also seen at Long Nab were 4 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, the Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 30 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit, 12 Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll.
One of the Yellow-browed Warblers was still showing on Castle Hill, also there were 20 Goldcrest and the first Firecrest of the autumn.

Wednesday 14 October 2015

Monday 12th October 2015

Migration watch; 07.30 - 14.30hrs and 17.35 - 18.15hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 18 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 14 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 210 Starling in off and west, 2 Linnet and 5 Reed Bunting.
In the Long Nab area there were 2 Teal, 1 Lapwing, 2 Short-eared Owl including 1 in off, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 40 Meadow Pipit, 7 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, the Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 60 Goldcrest, 30 Starling, 40 Siskin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 8 Bullfinch.
Castle Hill produced 2 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing, a Blackcap, 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Chiffchaff and 25 Goldcrest while 36 Turnstone and 14 Purple Sandpiper were in the Harbour.


Goldcrest - Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Great Spotted Woodpecker - Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw

Short-eared Owl - Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Sunday 11 October 2015

Sunday 11th October 2015

Migration watch; 07.15 - 10.20hrs and 13.30 - 17.30hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 73 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 16 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull, 5 Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 11 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch and 3 Siskin.
The main feature of the day was an arrival of Goldcrest that began late morning with birds seemingly arriving through till dusk, a minimum of 322 were recorded between South Cliff and Ravenscar.
A breakdown of those conservative estimates are 60 on Castle Hill, 55 between Scalby Nab and Cromer Point and 120 at Long Nab, elsewhere 4 were on South Cliff, 30 were between St Mary's Church and the Market Hall, 5 were in Peasholm Park, 18 were at Cloughton Wyke and 30 were at Ravenscar.
Also seen were 16 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, a lingering Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Brambling on Castle Hill, a Chiffchaff, a Wheatear and 18 Reed bunting at Cromer Point, a new Yellow-browed Warbler at Stoupe Brow, the Ring Ouzel, 12 Mistle Thrush and 6 Redwing along Bent Rigg Lane,
Extra at Long Nab were the Short-eared Owl, 20 Robin, 22 Song Thrush, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler in Crook Ness, 2 Chiffchaff and 10 Siskin
Also a Snipe was on Johnson's Marsh, 60 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills, 40 Pink-footed Geese flew west over Cayton and and a Yellow-browed Warbler was found slightly inland at Crossgates.


One of many Goldcrests to arrive - Michael McNaghten

Sparrowhawk - Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Sparrowhawk - Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Song Thrush - Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Saturday 10th October 2015

Migration watch; 07.15 - 11.15hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 15 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Gull, 42 Skylark, 18 meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 7 Alba, 1 Magpie, 14 Starling + 45 north, 44 Tree Sparrow, 20 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 27 Goldfinch, 40 Siskin, 20 Linnet, 2 Redpoll sp and 3 Reed Bunting.
In the Long Nab area were 1 Woodcock, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull that moved north in the fields, 1 Short-eared Owl that came in off, 25 Skylark, 6 Blackbird, 10 Song Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit and 15 Siskin.
Elsewhere 2 Yellow-browed Warbler were on Castle Hill, the Ring Ouzel, 3 Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest were along Bent Rigg Lane and a Great Crested Grebe was in North Bay.


Freshly arrived Short-eared Owl at Long Nab - Nick Addey.