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.