Friday 26th March

An early House Martin was spotted at Ebberston this morning. A Water Rail was in Cornelian Ravine today, and 2 Dunlin were on Black Rocks, while 19 Tufted Duck and a singing Goldcrest were at Burton Riggs. 4 Yellowhammers, 2 Fieldfare, a pair of Lapwings and a pair of Skylarks defending territory were seen from Middle Lane; 2 pairs of Lapwings and a Chiffchaff were at Great Moor Road; and 2 Buzzards were in Bedale. A Cream-crowned Marsh Harrier flew south-west over Garth End Road towards Wykeham East Lake, where a Barnacle Goose was in nearby fields. A Great White Egret and 2 Goldeneye were on Wykeham South Lake. 2 Sand Martins flew north at Ravenscar, the first winter Russian White-fronted Goose was still at Seamer Tip pool, and a Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the roof of the Premier Inn on Burniston Road. At Seamer Road Mere there was a Little Grebe, 4 Goldeneye, a drake Pochard, and an increase of Tufted Duck up to 16. A Red Kite was back at Scampston today, a Merlin was spotted on Cayton Carrs, and last night a herd of Whooper Swans were sound recorded over Peasholm.