Wednesday 30th November

 A Long-eared Owl was again at Oliver's Mount and 25 Teal were at Johnson's Marsh. An adult and a first winter Mediterranean Gull, one Whooper Swan, three Gadwall, and four Little Grebe were at Seamer Road Mere. A Puffin showed well at Marine Drive before heading south and a Little Auk and four Red-throated Divers were also on the sea there. Two Red-throated Divers were off Scalby Mills and one was off the Harbour. The Russian White-fronted Goose was still at Harwood Dale Lake along with 72 Wigeon, 4 Teal, five Goosander and two Whooper Swans were also present. Seven Whooper Swans flew south over Scholes Park Road and seven Whooper Swans, five Goldeneye and a Water Rail were  at Wykeham Water Sports Lake. A first winter Little Gull was in North Bay opposite the chalets and 13 Whooper Swans, one Red-breasted Merganser and a Little Auk flew south at Long Nab. A dead Water Rail was found below overhead wires behind the Obs. At Coverdale Moor this morning, 50 Fieldfare, 40 Blackbird, two Mistle Thrush, two Bullfinch and a Jay were present. A Jack Snipe and five Yellowhammer were the highlights at Spikers Hill this morning. 20 Fieldfare, 31 Lapwing, 25 Skylark, 20 Meadow Pipit, three Common Buzzard and a Bullfinch were noted at Great Moor Road, Hutton Buscel. Approximately 90 Fieldfare, a lesser number of Redwing,10 Mistle Thrush, four Bullfinch and a Redpoll were at Wrench Green today. A Kingfisher was seen at Ebberston.

Grey Heron on a grey day by Margaret Gray.

Tuesday 29th November

 Pink-footed Geese were moving today. 70 flew south over Stepney, approximately 100 flew south over Hutton Buscel, 92 flew south over Wykeham Lakes and 230 in three skeins flew south east over Harwood Dale Lake. A single Russian White-fronted Goose was with a single Pink-footed Goose and the feral Greylag Goose population for its second day at Harwood Dale Lake. Up to 20 Waxwings were again in the Wreyfield Road berry trees and a single Waxwing was at Raven Close, Crossgates. Three Dippers, including a singing bird were on Thornton Dale beck and a single Dipper was again in Peasholm Glen. Five Whooper Swans flew south past Marine Drive. Little Auks also featured off the coast today. One flew north out of South Bay and a second Little Auk was feeding opposite post 52 approximately 15 minutes later. A Little Auk flying south off Marine Drive a few minutes late may have been the same bird. A Little Auk flew north past Long Nab and one was photographed at Scalby Mills. An Arctic Tern was still in North Bay and a Chiffchaff was at the Open Air Theatre. Another Chiffchaff was on the north side of Castle Hill near the toilets and a Great Northern Diver was in South Bay. A Water Rail, Kingfisher, approximately 100 Siskin and

20 Long-tailed Tits were at Wykeham Coarse fishing lake. A Kingfisher flew from the Open Air Theatre towards Peasholm Park. A large flock of approximately 250  unspecified Corvids was in Hutton Buscel.

Little Auk by Joe Bamfield.

Monday 28th November

 A Long-eared Owl was at Oliver's Mount early this morning and a female Blackcap was in the SE corner of Falsgrave Park. An Arctic Tern was at Scalby Mills along with approximately 130 Wigeon and 15 Ringed Plover and two Little Auks were off the pier at the Harbour this afternoon. 90 plus Teal were on Johnson's Marsh and a Red Kite was seen along Broxa Lane towards Hackness. Two Whooper Swans were at Harwood Dale Lake, two Whooper Swans (possibly the Harwood Dale birds) flew south over Wrench Green and the long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road (Scarborough) Mere where a drake Goldeneye was also present. Three Waxwings were again at Wreyfield Road and two Goldcrests were above the Sealife Centre.

Dipper by Susan Rowley.

Sunday 27th November

 Two Great Grey Shrikes were present today in Langdale Forest, one still in the Derwent Head area and the other at High Woof Brow. 20 Waxwings were in Wreyfield Drive again early this morning and continued to be seen in fragmented groups throughout the day. A Sparrowhawk was also noted there. A singing Dipper and two Grey Wagtails were in Peasholm Glen and 30 Fieldfare were over Hutton Buscel. A Peregrine Falcon and a Barn Owl were at Seamer Mead and approximately 200 Greylag Geese were with approximately 100 Canada Geese in fields east of Seamer Tip. A Snow Bunting flew south at Long Nab , 14 Goosanders were at Harwood dale Lake and a Stonechat on the island, and 10 Collared Doves were near the church. A Dunlin, 24 Ringed Plover and 133 Wigeon were present at Scalby Mills this afternoon. 40 Crossbills in the Bickley area of Dalby Forest, also 2 Jays and 8 Siskins there.

Waxwings by Christopher Bell.

Saturday 26th November

 A Dipper was in Peasholm Glen early this morning and a drake Goldeneye was at Seamer Road Mere. A  mobile flock of 20 Waxwings, originally seen in Green Lane were seen by Thorpe's shop, Wreyfield Drive, Newby and continued to be seen between there and Green Lane during the day. A Waxwing appeared to arrive from the east at Long Nab and flew south over the Obs. A Great Northern Diver and an adult Mediterranean Gull flew south there. A Corn Bunting was seen at the cover crop near Long Nab Obs. A mobile Great Grey Shrike, first seen at Langdale Forest a few weeks ago, was again seen today at Derwent Head (SE 885 985). Gristhorpe Bay hosted 114 Curlew, nine Grey Partridge and two pairs of Stonechats. 165 Wigeon, 25 Mallard, four Tufted Duck, two Coot and a Goosander were in the Redcliffe Farm/Flower of May area. The Water Sports Lake at Wykeham Lakes held 50 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 20 Goldeneye, 8 Little and 6 Great Crested Grebes, 30 Long-tailed Tits and a Chiffchaff. 350 Lapwing were seen over Binnington Carr.

Corn Bunting by Nick Addey.

Friday 25th November

 Pink-footed Geese were moving south this morning in more favourable conditions. 470 in five skeins passed distantly off Long Nab by 0935hrs and 200 flew south over Burton Riggs at 0845hrs. 14 redhead Goosanders and two Whooper Swans (1ad, 1juv.) were at Harwood Dale Lake along with approximately 35 Lapwings. Three Common Buzzards were near Mowthorpe Bridge. Six Brambling, approximately 150 Fieldfare, 50 Linnets, one Willow Tit and two Marsh Tit were at Long Causeway Road, Wykeham.

Gadwall by Phil Bennett.

Thursday 24th November

 A juvenile Merlin flew north at Scalby Lodge Pond and a Lapland Bunting flew south at Long Nab. Two Pink-footed Geese were in a field near to Fields Farm. A Jack Snipe and a Common Snipe were at Taylor Way and seven Shoveler, 15 Coot, one Teal and one Little Grebe were at Burton Riggs. At Low Dalby towards Pexton Lake there were three Jays, seven Marsh Tit, two Willow Tit, one Nuthatch, one Treecreeper, one Grey Wagtail, one Common Crossbill, 30 Siskin and four Grey Heron.  50 plus Teal were the highlight at Johnson's Marsh. 16 Fieldfare were at Great Moor Road, Hutton Buscel and eight Greenfinch were at Middle Lane. 

Dunnock by Terry Crook.

Wednesday 23rd November

 The six Waxwings remained at Crossgates this morning and one was seen in the park behind Heron Lane, Crossgates. A House Martin flew south past Long Nab at 0815hrs and a Swallow flew south there at 0908hrs. This was the latest recorded date at the site for both species. Two Great Northern Divers also flew south past Long Nab. 99 Teal were at Johnson's Marsh and a Shoveler, 64 Wigeon and two Common Snipe were at Harwood Dale Lake. A Long-eared Owl was photographed at the south side of Oliver's Mount.

Waxwing by John Hume.

Tuesday 22nd November

 Six Waxwings were on Raven Close, Crossgates today. 14 Ringed Plovers were at Scalby Mills, a Peregrine Falcon was at Canborough between Ayton and Hutton Buscel, a Sparrowhawk was noted at Scalby Mills Road and a Raven was over the Mowthorpe Bridge area. Five Fieldfare and 25 Meadow Pipits were at Great Moor Road, Hutton Buscel. 410 Pink-footed Geese were in fields east of Seamer Tip along with a Great White Egret and one Little Egret. A mixed flock of approximately 80 Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and two Yellowhammers were at Far Lane where 15 Lapwing flew over SW. 35 Fieldfare were at Ancat Farm. 40 Teal, 10 Wigeon and five Grey Heron were at Johnson's Marsh. A Little Auk was in South Bay. Five Little Auks (1N,4S) passed Long Nab as well as eight Little Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull and one Great Skua. One Swallow and one House Martin were at Newlands Dale pond this afternoon.

Juvenile Peregrine Falcon by Phil Bennett.

Monday 21st November

 Johnson's Marsh hosted 64 Teal, one Gadwall, five Wigeon and  four Mallard  amongst other species and a Hawfinch dropped onto Cornelian Ravine at 1020hrs  before probably continuing south. A Snow Bunting flew south. Approximately 200 Blackbirds were on roadside trees between Cloughton and Ravenscar and two Brambling were at Cloughton.  Two distant Grey Goose sp flew south over the sea at Ravenscar and 10 Curlew, 150 Blackbirds, 20 Fieldfare, 180 Starlings and a Stonechat were also in the area. A Great Spotted Woodpecker visited a member's garden along with four uncommon House Sparrows there. At Wykeham Lakes complex this morning, there were two Whooper Swan (left S), 12 Goldeneye, 31 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, 20 Teal, two Water Rail, 118 Coot, one Kingfisher, one Chiffchaff and 60 Siskin. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew SW over Long Nab at 1120hrs. Also past there today were 10 Dark-bellied Brent Geese south and eight Little Gulls (2N, 6S). A Waxwing appeared in a garden tree in Crossgates and a large flock of Pink-footed Geese were east of Seamer Tip Pool and nine Pink-footed Geese were in aa filed SW of Seamer Tip. Several hundred Pink-footed Geese were still at Herdboro Farm, Seamer. A juvenile Peregrine Falcon was on Castle cliffs. 10 Reed Buntings were on the eastern side of Seamer Tip. One Barn Owl and a Little Egret were at New Dike. 10 Reed Buntings, 30 Linnet, 23 Skylarks, 20 Meadow Pipits and two Little Egrets were in fields Seamer side of Seamer Tip. A drake Common Eider was in the harbour and a Long-eared Owl flew in off the sea and landed in trees on Marine Drive near to the old coastguard building.

Long-eared Owl by Stuart Baines.

Sunday 20th November

A flock of 250+Siskins and approximately 100 Fieldfare with a lesser number of Redwings were reported from Wrench Green early this morning. 11 Great crested Grebes and six Goldeneye were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake and 62 Coot and a Common Buzzard were at Wykeham East Lake.  A single Mediterranean Gull was at Holbeck. approximately 800 Pink-footed Geese were in a field at Herdboro Farm, Seamer in a field adjoining Star Carr and Metes Lane. A single White-fronted Goose was with a small flock of feral Geese there.  A Woodcock flew out of a quinoa patch on the eastern side of Seamer Tip. Approximately 200 Lapwings and a Curlew were nearby. 30 Linnets were at Star Carr and a Chiffchaff was at Metes Lane. A Goosander flew over the harbour at midday and a Kingfisher was at the Open Air Theatre. A ring-tailed Hen Harrier flew from Gristhorpe Bay south early afternoon. Additionally at Gristhorpe bay and its surrounding area were 205 Curlew, the highest autumn/winter count, 85 Redshank, 75 Oystercatcher, 51 Purple Sandpiper (highest site count for the observer), three Turnstone, four Grey heron, two pairs of Stonechat and a reduced number of 31 Blackbirds and three Song Thrushes. Three Little Gulls moved south past Cromer Point and two Little Auks were reported on the sea off Marine Drive plus two at Scalby Mills. Also off Scalby Mills were 8 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver and two Little Gulls. Activity at Long Nab started with a juvenile Pomarine Skua flying south at 1020 hours followed by a Tundra Bean Goose flying in from the east and then south close at 1156hrs. A Swallow, first seen flying north along the cliffs at Cromer point was then seen soon afterwards at Long Nab and continued to be seen apparently feeding well in the Long Nab area until flying south at 1435hrs and then sen near Scalby Mills at 15.00 hrs.  A Little Egret was at Scalby Beck. Also past Long Nab today were 14 Shelduck, one Pochard, one Pintail, one Goosander, 61 Red-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, 15 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls and five Little Auks (1S, 4N). A mobile Snow Bunting was in fields between the Obs and Hundale.

Stonechat by Simon Temlett.

Saturday 19th November

 A Great Northern Diver and Red-throated Diver were in the harbour this morning and 41 Purple Sandpipers and 36 Turnstones were in the harbour at high tide. Four Purple Sandpipers were in North Bay along with a dead Woodcock. Seven Little Auk flew south past Marine Drive. A singing Dipper was in Peasholm Glen this morning, a single female Pintail was with the Wigeon flock at Scalby Mills and a White-fronted Goose and a Pink-footed Goose flew south at Cromer Point. Highlights south past South Cliff today included two Great Northern Divers, one Red-necked Grebe, two Long-tailed Ducks, a Velvet Scoter, 68 Little Auk and a Snow Bunting. A Water Rail was in Cornelian Ravine. A WHITE-BILLED DIVER flew south at Long Nab at 1411hrs and other highlights south past there included 77 Little Auks (8N), two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, one Velvet Scoter, four Goosander, one Great Northern Diver, 82 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, seven Puffins and two Snow Buntings. Two Peregrine Falcons made unsuccessful stoops on passing Little Auks, however, one Little Auk was partially eaten by a Great Black-backed Gull below the Obs. One Barnacle Goose, three Pochard, five Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 98 Coot, six Lapwing and 20 Cormorants were the maxima on Wykeham East Lake. A drake Goosander, eight Goldeneye, seven Gadwall and 11 Great crested Grebes were on the Water Sports Lake. Three Barn Owls were hunting over the fields to the south west of the complex. In the Gristhorpe Bay and surrounding area today, there were 162 Curlew, 75, Redshank, 61 Oystercatcher, 32 Purple Sandpiper, seven Turnstone, 25 Great Blacked backed Gulls, three Common Gulls, 11 Mallard, four Teal, four Grey heron, nine Grey Partridge, 12 Red-legged Partridge, 161 Blackbirds, 11 Song Thrush, six Redwing, two Fieldfare, two Sparrowhawk, two Kestrel, one Common Buzzard and one Peregrine Falcon.

Little Auk passing Long Nab by Christopher Bell.

Friday 18th November

 A Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver and a first winter Little Gull were  in the harbour this morning, two Common Scoter were close in on the sea off Marine Drive and a Dipper was at the mouth of Scalby Back. Increased water levels on Johnson's Marsh attracted a drake Goosander, 40 plus Teal, 20 plus Mallard, a Little Grebe, six Grey Heron and 13 Canada Geese. Approximately 200 Blackbirds flew over the Taylor Way area in a 10 minute period and a steady movement was noted thereafter. A male Hen Harrier flew north west at Long Nab at 1055hrs. Following the easterly winds yesterday, many Blackbirds were noted with the recording area with "lots" reported in a Scalby garden stripping rowan berries. Highlights past Long Nab today included one Velvet Scoter, two Great Northern Divers, 610 Lapwing, a Woodcock in off the sea and one grounded, 14 Little Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull and a Snow Bunting. 80 Blackbirds were grounded there. South Cliff recorded the most impressive Blackbird numbers, however, with 803 logged either flying in off the sea or heading south. A single White-fronted Goose flew in off the sea and then south, and 71 Lapwing, two Woodcock and two Common Snipe flew in off the sea. Also passing south were 10 Whooper Swan, one Velvet Scoter, two Red-breasted Merganser and six Gadwall. North past South Cliff were two Little Auk and two Great Northern Divers and a further two Great Northern Divers were on the sea. 150 Blackbirds and one Ring Ouzel were grounded there. A single Chiffchaff was at Cornelian. Late this afternoon, three Brambling, approximately 20 Blackbirds, one Pink-footed Goose and a Stonechat were at Saltpans Road, Cloughton.

Great Northern Diver by Fred Tiles.

Thursday 17th November

 The heavy rain and strong winds with an easterly bent today were a perfect combination for seabird movement along the coast. Highlights past Long Nab today included 13 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, two Whooper Swans, one Velvet Scoter, three Long-tailed Duck, two Great Northern Divers, two Sooty Shearwaters, one Woodcock in off the sea, 1,340 Kittiwakes, 257 Little Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull, one Arctic Tern, two Pomarine Skuas, two Great Skuas, 10 Arctic Skuas and three Little Auks. 36 Purple Sandpipers sought shelter on the Harbour steps and the long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road Mere.

Atmospheric photo of a Mute Swan by Paul Tozer.

Wednesday 16th November

 A male Tawny Owl was calling just before first light in Burniston, two adult Mediterranean Gulls were at Seamer Road Mere and a Red-throated Diver was in South Bay. Nine Purple Sandpipers were on the outer harbour rocks. 103 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills at high tide. 53 Tufted Duck, 46 Coot, five Goldeneye, three Gadwall, six Great crested Grebe, six Bullfinch and 12 Siskin were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake. At Potter Brompton Carr viewed from Hay Bridge, a cream crowned Marsh Harrier, a juvenile Whooper Swan, 300+ Lapwing, 30+ Wigeon and five Grey Heron were noted. A Red Kite, three Common Buzzard, one Barn Owl, 12 Yellowhammer, one Nuthatch and a Siskin were at Troutsdale. Highlights past Long Nab this morning were 12 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Barnacle Geese (N), three Whooper Swans, 108 Little Gulls (103S,5N) and an Arctic Skua. 144 Curlew, 81 Redshank, seven Purple Sandpipers, 45 Oystercatchers, seven Turnstone, 11 Grey Heron, seven Cormorant, four Wigeon, one Teal, 12 Grey Partridge and two pairs of Stonechat were at Gristhorpe Bay and the surrounding area. 

Female Bullfinch by Caroline Garrod.

Tuesday 15th November

 A Little Auk flew south past Long Nab at 08111hrs and approximately 60 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Seamer. Three Goldeneye, one Pochard and a female Shoveler were at Burton Riggs and a single calling Pink-footed Geese flew east over Seamer Tip. Further highlights from a pre dawn to late afternoon sea watch at Long Nab were two Dark-bellied Brent Geese (+5N), seven Pintail, 671 Teal, 228 Wigeon, 10 Goldeneye, one Red-breasted Merganser, one Black-throated Diver which landed on the sea just south of the Obs, 797 Lapwings, a record day total, (many flocks arriving from the east all day), one Purple Sandpiper, 99 Little Gulls (+6N), one Arctic Tern and five Puffins. An Arctic Skua flew north, a Woodcock arrived in off the sea and 16 Bottle-nosed Dolphins swam north. Highlights south past Marine Drive were 14 Shoveler, 412 Teal, 149 Wigeon, 95 Lapwing,66 Dunlin and 50 Little Gulls (+24N). 

Adult winter Mediterranean Gull by Terry Hobson.

Monday 14th November

 After yesterday's gloom had cleared and more favourable conditions followed, then birds started to move today, particularly wildfowl. A Gannet and Red-throated Diver were in the harbour area, a Brent Goose sp flew inland over North Bay and approximately 80 Carrion Crows (that's quite a murder) were circling over the motor cycle track at Seamer Tip. 51 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Newby, 90 Pink-footed Geese flew low near Helwath Road and the A171 and a single Golden Plover flew south over Ings Road. Two Red-throated Divers were off Marine Drive on the north side of the Castle Headland and 40 Pink-footed Geese flew in off the sea and south. A Short-eared Owl flew high south over the sea past Long Nab early this afternoon. Highlights past Long Nab today were two Black-throated Divers, 12 Dark-bellied and one Pale-bellied Brent Geese, one Pochard, 52 Common Eider, four Red-breasted Mergansers, 12 Goldeneye and seven Puffin (+1 on sea). A single Brambling at Crook Ness left south and a Woodcock was at the short hedge. A remarkable 16 species of wildfowl past South Cliff throughout the day with the highlights being nine Whooper Swan, 18 Dark-bellied Brent Geese (8N), 36 Mallard, five Gadwall, six Pintail, six Goosander, four Goldeneye, one Pochard, and a Velvet Scoter. Also passing south there were one Black-throated Diver, 82 Kittiwake, 62 Little Gull and one Snow Bunting. A Ring Ouzel was still present along with eight Chiffchaff. At Wykeham lakes this afternoon were 19 Common Snipe, two Goldeneye, nine Gadwall, 28 Teal, nine Great crested Grebe, five Little Grebe, 23 Siskin, two Marsh Tit, two Jay, two Bullfinch, nine Redwing and a Mistle Thrush. 32 Great Black-backed Gulls and a first winter Mediterranean Gull roosted at Wykeham East Lake and approximately 250 Jackdaw went to roost. In the Gristhorpe Bay and surrounding area late afternoon were six Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 102 Curlew, one Bar-tailed Godwit three Grey Herons, two pairs of Stonechat, two Chiffchaff, 39 Pied Wagtails were in the field adjacent to the caravan park. A Great Northern Diver was in the harbour. Pink-footed Geese were heard flying over Wrench Green and Burniston soon after dark.

Red-throated Diver by Stuart Baines.

Sunday 13th November

 A Woodcock was at Cockrah Foot, Wrench Green this morning, Single Kingfishers were at Peasholm Park Lake and the Open Air Theatre and the long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road (Scarborough) Mere. Highlights of the monthly WeBS Core Count at the Mere included five Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults, 2 first winter and 1 second winter), one Goldeneye, two Gadwall, 19 Tufted Duck, 85 Mallard, eight Little Grebe, 86 Moorhen, one Water Rail and one Kingfisher. A Dipper was in Peasholm Glen. A single Snow Bunting flew south at Scalby Nab and 10 Fieldfare, four Blackbird and 25 Starling arrived in off the sea. Approximately 10 Little Gulls were lingering off Scalby Mills. Three Little Gull, nine Turnstone and one Grey Heron were noted at Bogle Hole where16 Starling arrived in off the sea. Two Woodcock flew in off the sea at Long Nab and four Shelduck, 77 Golden Plover, one Grey Plover, 16 Dunlin, 15 Little Gulls (11N) and a Snow Bunting (same bird as Scalby Nab) flew south there. This evening along South Cliff, a Great Egret was with Grey Herons at Cornelian and a Lapland Bunting was in the filed by the sewage works. A Short-eared Owl, a Ring Ouzel and two Snow Buntings were the highlights of birds arriving in off the sea. South at sea were seven Dark-bellied Brent Geese (19N), 13 Shoveler and two Goldeneye. 85 Blackbirds were grounded. A Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were at Woodlands Drive. Some nocturnal movement was noted after 2100hrs with two skeins of Pink-footed Geese, a Wigeon flock, Golden Plover, Dunlin and a Barn Owl over Peasholm. Similar nocturnal movement was noted over Middle Deepdale with Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Common Snipe and three Dunlin flocks over. A fair few Redwings were noted flying over there from approximately 2300hrs.

Sparrowhawk by Andrew Woodcock.

Saturday 12th November

 A vocal Tawny Owl was at Stepney Road early this morning and two Stonechat were at Cromer Point. A male Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 14 Skylarks and two Little Egrets were on waste ground on the south west side of Seamer Tip and a Kingfisher was at New Dike. 13 Whooper Swans flew south over Wrench Green and 14 Oystercatchers, six Skylarks, two Stonechats, a Red-throated Diver and a Shag were north of Long Nab. A Willow Tit, five Marsh Tit, 20 Common Crossbill and approximately 100 Siskin were in the Dalby Haygate area and 18 Common Crossbill, two Marsh Tit and approximately 100 Brambling were in the Dalby Adderstones area. There were no Waxwings reported from Eastfield Industrial Estate today. Seven Whooper Swans, 370 Golden Plover (a site day record), a Ring Ouzel and 217 Siskin flew south past South Cliff this morning. Six Common Crossbills flew north there. Three Chiffchaff were in Cornelian Ravine and a remarkable 150+ Little Gulls were feeding between South Bay and Cayton Bay. Golden Plovers were moving south on a broad front today with with a further 182 past Long Nab including 80 which flew in from the east. Seven Little Gulls, one Lesser Black-backed Gull, one Great Skua and 18 Rock Pipits also flew past Long Nab. A Great Northern Diver, one Common Scoter, four Mediterranean Gulls and two Stonechats were at South Bay this afternoon. At Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint today, two adult male and four adult female Goshawks were on show along with a juvenile female half heartedly displaying. Also on show were a Red Kite, six plus Common Buzzards. three plus Sparrowhawks, two Kestrels and two Ravens. 30 Pink-footed Geese flew south  east along with 30 Whooper Swans and 14 Golden Plover flew south. Approximately 20 Common Crossbills were present in addition to two Lesser Redpoll, two Bullfinch and numerous Siskins. 132 Curlew, one Common Snipe, 20 Little Gulls, four Grey Heron, two Stonechat, 25 Grey Partridge and 36 Pied Wagtails were in the Gristhorpe Bay and surrounding area this afternoon. Two adult Little Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull were at Wykeham East Lake.

Curlew by Stephen Beaver.

Friday 11th November

 LEST WE FORGET

A juvenile SABINE'S GULL flew south close in at Long Nab at 1038hrs. 54 Little Gulls (30S, 24N)  also flew past Long Nab, a single Twite flew south and three Puffins flew north with six also present on the sea. 19 Gadwall were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake and a drake Shoveler was at Burton Riggs. 12 Little Gulls were off Marine Drive this morning and a single Puffin was on the sea off the harbour wall. A single Waxwing remained at Wareham Road, Eastfield Industrial Estate.

Blue Tit by Martin Moseley.

Thursday 10th November

 Gulls were much in evidence again today. 20+ Little Gulls of both adult and first winter ages were in North Bay this morning along with eight Red-throated Divers and three Little Gulls flew south past Long Nab. A first winter Little Gull was on rocks at Holbeck and four Mediterranean Gulls and a Red-throated Diver were in South Bay. A single Waxwing remained at Wareham Road, Eastfield Industrial Estate, five Whooper Swans flew west over Yedingham and two Whooper Swans were at Seamer Road Mere. Two Little Egrets were at Seamer Mead and another was on the small pond by Seamer Tip railway bridge. 10 Siskins were at Burton Riggs. 11 Little Gulls, 12 Common Scoter and three Puffins were off Scalby Nab this afternoon.

First winter Little Gull by Terry Hobson.

Wednesday 9th November

 Much of today's bird news emanated from the Wykeham Lakes complex. A male Hen Harrier was hunting over West Ayton Carr this morning viewable from the Water Sports lake. A Goosander and a Peregrine Falcon flew over. Also present were three Whooper Swans which left south at dusk, nine Mute Swans, two Pochard, two Wigeon, 10 Goldeneye, a Goosander, Little Egret, two Water Rail, one Common Snipe, two Kingfishers, five Marsh Tits, three Treecreepers, 15 Lesser Redpolls and 55 Siskins. Coming into roost at Wykeham Lakes this evening were two Pink-footed Geese, 2,300 Common Gulls, 1,300 Black-headed Gulls, two adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 15 Great Black-backed Gulls, 800 Jackdaws, 150 Starlings and three Grey Wagtails. Over the fields to the south east of the lakes were 1,100 Golden Plovers and 600 Lapwings. Elsewhere today, two Waxwings remained at Eastfield Industrial Estate, approximately 60 Pink-footed Geese flew south west over Burniston and seven Purple Sandpipers were at the East Pier high tide roost at the Harbour. Two Puffins were close in on the sea off Marine Drive.

Mute Swan at rest by Phil Bennett.

Tuesday 8th November

 Two Whooper Swans were at Seamer Road Mere and a Kingfisher was at the Open Air Theatre. One Great Northern Diver, two Red-throated Divers and a Goldeneye were in North Bay and a female Sparrowhawk was on the bridge railings at Scalby Mills and a Grey Wagtail was also present. A Sparrowhawk also visited an Irton garden. Six Whooper Swans and 16 Little Gulls flew south past Long Nab and two Waxwings were still present at Eastfield Industrial Estate. An adult Mediterranean Gull two first winter Little Gulls and a Chiffchaff were at Bogle Hole. 30 Fieldfare, 25 Chaffinch and five Brambling were in the Cockmoor Hall area at Snainton. In the Haygate/Ellerburn and Sand Dale area of Dalby Forest there was 32 Common Crossbill, 44 Siskin, 60 Linnet, four Common Buzzard, one Sparrowhawk, one Kingfisher, five Willow Tit, three Marsh Tit, four Jay and Two Mistle Thrush.

Kingfisher by Martin Moseley.

Monday 7th November

 Two Great Northern Divers flew north west inland at Long Nab early this morning. Further single Great Northern Divers were offshore at Marine Drive opposite the skateboard park, in South Bay and in the harbour, this individual seemingly looking ill. Two Puffins were also off Marine Drive and a single Puffin was feeding close inshore at Cayton Bay. Two Waxwings remained in the area of Wareham  Road, Eastfield Industrial Estate along with two Greenfinches. Three plus Little Gulls and two Mediterranean Gulls (all adults) were feeding offshore with Black-headed Gulls in South Bay. 20 Little Gulls passed Long Nab this morning (16S,4N). A male Hen Harrier flew over Brompton Ings Road at Sherburn this morning and in Dalby Forest in the Adderstone, Dixon's and Newclose Rigg areas, there was one Goshawk, approximately 200 Brambling, 17 Common Crossbill and three Willow Tit. Single Great Egret and Little Egret were at Potter Brompton and 315 Pink-footed Geese flew north west over Ruston Carr with a further 74 in fields there. One Pochard, eight Goldeneye, 80 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 14 Little Grebe, two Peregrine Falcons and a Chiffchaff were recorded within the Wykeham |Lakes complex. Three Green Sandpipers were again at Charity Farm, Thornton Carrs. Single Merlin and Peregrine Falcon were at Gristhorpe Cliff along with 100 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, seven Little Gulls and four Golden Plover. 125 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing and 17 Blackbird flew south west over Rocks Lane, Burniston and 23 Curlew and a Common Snipe were also noted there. One Goshawk, two Common Buzzard, one Sparrowhawk, one Treecreeper, 40+ Siskin, two Goldcrest and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were noted in Troutsdale. A Barn Owl flew over the A170 between Thornton and Wilton this evening.

Kestrel by Nick Addey.

Sunday 6th November

 Two Waxwings remained at Eastfield Industrial Estate and 30 Pink-footed Geese headed south over South Bay. 80+ Fieldfare were with numerous Redwing and Mistle Thrush at Wrench Green and two Fieldfare were at Middle Lane, Hutton  Buscel. Three Whooper Swans flew north east over Seamer Mead, six Pink-footed  Geese were in a field with approximately 200 Greylag Geese at Long Lane, Seamer and a pale phase Common Buzzard was in a field bellow Seamer Tip Pool. At least four Little Gulls were offshore at Scalby Mills along with five Red-throated Divers, six Razorbill, one Puffin and a Kingfisher. !33 Wigeon were also at Scalby Mills and two Common Scoter were in North Bay. 12 Redwing and two Common Buzzards were noted at Scalby Nab.119 Mallard and 18 Tufted Duck were at Peasholm Park. A single Mealy Redpoll was with approximately 40 Lesser Redpoll at Broxa. Three Great crested Grebes, 12 Tufted Duck, six Coot and four Moorhen were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake. Five Whooper Swans, three Pintail and eight Little Gulls (+2N) passed south at Long Nab and a Twite flew north along the cliff. 33 Fieldfare, 12 Mallard and 20 Golden Plover flew in from the east there. In the Gristhorpe Bay and surrounding area there was a Short-eared Owl, a Woodcock flew in off the sea in addition to 13 Redwing and four Snow Buntings. 27 Purple Sandpipers, 26 Oystercatchers, 19 Redshank, nine Turnstone, 12 Curlew, one Bar-tailed Godwit, one Grey Plover and four Grey Heron were present in the bay. 11 Grey Partridge, three Kestrel and a Peregrine Falcon were also noted. 19 Whooper Swans were at Seamer Road Mere.

Great crested Grebe with Perch meal by Simon Temlett.

Saturday 5th November

 At least two Waxwings were still present today at Eastfield Industrial Estate. A total of 52 Whooper Swans flew south at Long Nab this morning and sightings of herds of seven and eight past Marine Drive and 11 past Cayton Bay were mostly duplicate sightings of those seen at Long Nab. A Puffin was feeding in Jackson's Bay where two Bar-tailed Godwits and a Dunlin were present. 21 Purple Sandpipers were roosting on the end of East Pier and 43 Turnstones were on the west pier car park at the harbour.

Whooper Swans by Christopher Bell.

Friday 4th November

 The four Waxwings continued to entertain birders today at Wareham Road, Eastfield Industrial Estate and six Waxwings flew north over High Street, Burniston towards Cloughton this morning. A flock of approximately 35 Fieldfare was at Wrench Green, 100 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Peasholm and another 100 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Weaponess later. A female Goosander remained at Scalby Mills, a Kingfisher flew upstream from there and two first calendar year Little Gulls were in North Bay. Four Redwing and six Common Buzzards were noted at Hutton Buscel and 40 Lapwings flew west over Bedale where a female Sparrowhawk was also seen. Single Grey Heron, Kestrel and Common Buzzard were seen at Mowthorpe Bridge. A Brambling was in a Crossgates garden and two Twite were at Cloughton Wyke. A Barnacle Goose was with Greylag Geese at Seamer Tip Pool.  Four Snow Buntings were at Jugger Howe Moor this afternoon. Six Whooper Swans flew south over Dalby Forest.

Waxwing portrait by Wendy Goulty.

Thursday 3rd November

 A busy birding day started with 20+Siskin in trees by the River Derwent at East Ayton and a first winter Mediterranean Gull on the marina at Seamer Road Mere. Two Red-throated Divers were on the sea off Marine Drive near lamp post 61. A female Common Scoter was also off Marine Drive opposite the shelter. A Great Egret flew south through South Cliff in addition to 38 Whooper Swans, 438 Siskin and a Snow Bunting flew in off the sea. Four Chiffchaffs were in the vicinity of South Cliff. A flock of approximately 35 Lesser Redpoll were at Wrench Green along with nine Mistle Thrush, four Jays, one Dipper and several flocks of Siskins. 80 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Burton Riggs. Four Waxwings seen near Seamer Tip bridge at 0920hrs in trees behind the NYCC Depot may well have been the same four birds later located in berry trees at Wareham Road, Eastfield Industrial Estate where they continued to show on and off for the remainder of the day. Three Grey wagtails were also in the area. 17 Gadwall, 36 Mallard, one female Shoveler, eight Tufted Duck and two Wigeon were at Seamer Tip Pool. Approximately 200 Brambling were still in the Adderstons/Dixons Field area of Dalby along with 10 Common Crossbills. A Willow Tit was at the top of Hawdale Rigg and two Marsh Tits were at Bickley Gate. A Red-throated Diver was on the sea near to The Sealife Centre. A total of 75 Whooper Swans flew south at Long Nab today and a Woodcock and six Lesser Redpoll were at Cliff Top House. A Great Grey Shrike was at Derwent Head, Langdale Forest and flew towards RAF Fylingdales. A juvenile Hen Harrier was also at Langdale Forest along with 30+ Common Crossbills and three Red Grouse were at Lilla Cross, Fylingdales Moor. A Tawny Owl was calling at Scholes Park Road, Scalby Mills this evening.

Waxwing, Eastfield Industrial Estate by Paul Tozer.

Wednesday 2nd November

 15 Purple Sandpipers, 18 Turnstones and two Red-throated Divers were at the Harbour this morning. Nine Whooper Swans flew in off the sea at Cayton Bay and then moved south. 12 Curlew were feeding in a crop field above Cayton Bay. Two Goldeneye were at Seamer Road Mere. Approximately 200 Brambling were at Dixon's Field, Dalby and 10 Pink-footed Geese flew south there. 25 Teal and seven Grey Heron were at Johnson's Marsh and six Fieldfare were at Middle Lane, Hutton Buscel.11 Whooper Swans flew over Crook Ness and were probably two herds of five and six which had flown in off the sea at Cloughton Wyke minutes earlier and 25+ Pink-footed Geese flew south midway between Ayton and Seamer. Three flocks of Pink-footed Geese, 45, 30 and six flew in off at Cloughton Wyke and continued south. At least nine Puffins and a Whooper Swan were in the bay at Cloughton Wyke where a Woodcock arrived in off the sea pursued by two Peregrine Falcons into Hundale Scar. Highlights past Long Nab this morning included 25 Whooper Swans (including those seen at Cloughton Wyke and Crook Ness), one Goldeneye, a second Woodcock in off the sea, one Swallow, two House Martins, 78 Lesser Redpoll, 378 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting. There was no sign of either the Pallid Swift or Yellow-browed Warbler today.  A Swallow seen over Scarborough linked in time wise with the one seen at Long Nab. A Water Rail and two Goldeneye was at the Sports Lake at Wykeham Lakes.

Herring Gull by Phil Bennett.

Tuesday 1st November

 A Pallid Swift was seen this afternoon at Long Nab and over Cloughton Wyke moving north. It was again seen feeding along the cliffs just north of Long Nab for 5 minutes before returning north. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in the Ringing Plantation and 142 Little Gulls passed Long Nab today (131N, 11S). A Kingfisher was at The Open Air Theatre, a Water Rail was at Seamer Road Mere along with a female Goldeneye and nine Little Grebe and 12 Purple Sandpipers were at the East Pier high tide roost. A Rock Pipit was on the rock armour there and a Red-throated Diver was close in. Nine Whooper Swans flew south over North Bay and possibly the same group were flying south off Marine Drive. A Swift sp flew south over the sea and then flew in off over Cornelian. 130 Wigeon, one Kingfisher, one Grey Wagtail, and a Rock Pipit were at Scalby Mills. 57 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Crossgates and 10 Curlews were in a field off Ravenhall Road, Ravenscar. A Little Egret was on rocks at the north end of Cayton Bay.  Two Goldeneye, four Pochard, two Gadwall and 19 Tufted Duck were at Wykeham Water Sports Lake.

Black-headed Gull at rest by Terry Hobson.