Wednesday 13th April

A change in meteorological conditions today suggested an improvemnent in migratory fortunes and was confirmed by an early morning Osprey arriving in off the sea at South Cliff and flying west, followed in quick succession by a Woodlark flying north there and a cream crowned Marsh Harrier arriving in off the sea and making landfall over the town and then flying south towards Knipe Point. A Ring Ouzel, two Northern Wheatear and the first Common Whitethroat of the spring were noted at Gristhorpe Bay. Four Northern Wheatear were on the Tops at Castle Hill Heritage Site, accompanied by a Blackcap. A second Osprey flew south east over Heron Lane, Crossgates in the dirtection of Burton Riggs and single Willow Warbler and Brambling were also seen in a Heron Lane hedge. A further six Northern Wheatears, male Ring Ouzel, Whimbrel and Little Ringed Plover all flew north at Long Nab with two House Martins south and the first Willow Warbler was present there. A total of nine Northern Wheatears moved north at South Cliff along with three House Martins and a Yellow Wagtail. 26 Sand Martins flew north and 20 moved south there in addition to five Barn Swallows. Six singing Blackcaps were also present at South Cliff. A Marsh Harrier flew north at Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint and two Northern Goshawks, two Tree Pipits, several singing Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap were present there.

Photo by Ray Maddison.