Friday 31st March

 A Green Sandpiper and two Shelduck were on Johnson's Marsh early this morning and four Purple Sandpipers were at Scalby Mills. Approximately 600 Kittiwakes were on Castle Headland with further counts of 60 on The Grand Hotel and 15 on Spa Bridge. Three Eider (2M, 1F) flew north off Marine Drive. A Red-legged Partridge was an unusual visitor to a Briardene Avenue garden (1st record in eight years of residence) and a Green Sandpiper was on the River Hertford near Flixton. A drake Mandarin Duck was again on Thornton Dale duck pond and 13 Shoveler and a Little Egret were at Potter Brompton Carr. 15 Goldeneye and a late influx (1650hrs) of six Barn Swallows and 60 Sand Martins were at the Wykeham Lakes complex at North Yorkshire Water Park.

Female Siskin at Barrowcliff by Martin Moseley.

Thursday 30th March

 The first Ring Ouzel of spring flew NW at Long Nab at 0803hrs and approximately 20 Kittiwakes were on the sea at Scalby Mills along with 27 Wigeon. At South Cliff this morning, 602 Meadow Pipits flew N (23 S) and 114 Chaffinch flew south. The high tide roost at Gristhorpe Bay this morning held 237 Curlew, 46 Redshank, 22 Oystercatcher, nine Purple Sandpiper, two Turnstone and a single Barn Swallow flew NW. A Barn Swallow and five Sand Martins also flew past Long Nab. The Cetti's Warbler was still in song by the zip wire tower at the North Yorkshire Water Park and a Blackcap was in song by an almost bird free East Lake. A Blackcap visited garden feeders on Valley Road and a Woodcock was seen on four occasions on the Carrs on the south side of Seamer Tip.  A Sand Martin flew west over Taylor Way. Single pairs of Shelduck and Teal were at Johnson's Marsh along with five Bullfinches and a mobile male Northern Wheatear was on Marine Drive late afternoon. At Broxa Forest; 20 Redwing and 150 Fieldfare. A Little Ringed Plover was sound recorded over Crossgates last night.

Chiffchaff above Jackson's Bay by Ray Maddison.

Wednesday 29th March

 Three Lesser Redpoll frequented a Burniston garden this morning, two Little Ringed Plover were at Potter Brompton Carr and 13 Whooper Swans flew north over Wrench Green. A Raven flew south at Cloughton Wyke and a Red-throated Diver fed offshore there. In Dalby Forest this morning, four Brambling were near Adderstones Field and one Willow Tit, four Marsh Tit, c200 Siskin, six Lesser Redpoll, 22 Common Crossbill and 90 Linnet were at Haygate. Two Little Owls were in a tree by the walled garden at Hutton Buscel and a Red Kite flew south over Brompton. One Barn Swallow, 37 Sand Martins, one Goosander, eight Goldeneye and five Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at the North Yorkshire Water Park Wykeham Lakes complex. Highlights south through South Cliff this morning featured one White Wagtail, three Chiffchaff, 242 Chaffinch and 137 Siskin. Eight Mediterranean Gulls including five 1st summer individuals (only 3 x 1st Winters have over wintered), were along South Cliff. A Little Ringed Plover was sound recorded over Crossgates last nght.

Rock Pipit at Scarborough Harbour by James Jimbob Davies.

Tuesday 28th March

 Bird of the day was a Black Redstart frequenting the fence posts just east of Seamer tip pool at 10am. Two Grey Partridge were at the same location. No Alpine Swift reports today in the constant rain. The ringed Med Gull (PNN5) was again at Burton Riggs. A Mandarin was at Thornton-le-Dale pond. A party of 38 Shelducks and a drake Eider flew north past Long Nab bird Observatory. The high tide wader roost at Gristhorpe Bay held 116 Curlews, 34 Redshank, 21 Oystercatchers, 13 Purple Sandpipers, and 2 Turnstone. Two pairs of Stonechats on the cliffs there.

Peregrines Castle Cliffs - Mark Hepples 

Monday 27th March

A Little Ringed Plover was sound recorded flying over Burniston at 0230hrs, a Hawfinch was seen at 0950hrs near to Cockmoor Hall Car Park and a Red-throated Diver was in the harbour. A single Alpine Swift was seen briefly this morning behind the café on Oliver's Mount by two experienced birders from York but not subsequently and six Common Buzzards were at the south end of Oliver's Mount . 20 Linnets and  three Bullfinch were the highlights at Seamer Tip Pool and a Little Owl was at Hutton Buscel along the Walled Garden. A Russian White-fronted Goose, one Pink-footed Goose, three redhead Goosander, four Barn Swallow, 20+ Sand Martin, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Little Egret and seven Common Buzzards were at North Yorkshire Water Park (Wykeham Lakes). A drake Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Common Scoter and six Shelduck (Two present) flew north past Long Nab. Three Teal were at Suffield Mere and two Common Buzzard and a Marsh Tit were at Scalby Nab. 

Shelduck at Johnson's Marsh by Martin Moseley.

Sunday 26th March

 The two ALPINE SWIFTS remained in the general area of Oliver's Mount, tending to favour the Mere side. Two Hawfinches were seen again below Cockmoor Farm at 0830hrs and two Common Crossbill were also in the area. A Little Ringed Plover and a Goldeneye were at Wykeham East Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park, a Little Grebe was at Scalby Mills and two Shelduck were at Johnson's Marsh. At Potter Brompton Carr (viewed from Heybridge), there were two Little Ringed Plover, three Dunlin, two Redshank, two Oystercatcher, one White Wagtail, one Little Egret, six Shoveler, 13 Wigeon, two Gadwall, 44 Teal and two Shelduck. A drake Eider flew north off Marine Drive and a Barn Swallow was over North Yorkshire Water Park. A big influx of Kittiwakes, which had occurred either late yesterday or early today, was noted with in excess of 900 back on Castle Headland cliffs for the first day and present at all urban sites. 150 Linnets were at Deepdale Carr and 80 on the eastern side of Seamer Tip. A Corn Bunting was at Seamer Mead. A Northern Wheatear, one Lesser Black-backed Gull, one Grey Plover and 156 Curlew were at Gristhorpe Bay and 36 Wigeon, six Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, four Coot, four Grey Heron, two Cormorant, two Canada Geese and 42 Stock Doves were at the Flower Of May. 

Common Crossbill at Troutsdale by Simon Temlett.

Saturday 25th March

 The two ALPINE SWIFTS were again present throughout the day from 0605hrs around Oliver's Mount and its environs and a single Swift sp. was seen at 100hrs flying over  Filey Road Park and Ride roundabout. Approximately 100 Redwings were feeding in the park behind Heron Lane, Crossgates and 10 Whooper Swans were tracked south from Long Nab over Lyle Street/Prospect Road and finally over Oliver's Mount. Approximately 70 Golden Plovers were off Snainton Lane this morning and the Cetti's Warbler was very vocal by the zip wire tower by the Predator Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park. 11 Sand Martin, 23 Chiffchaff, two Goosander and nine Goldeneye were also at the complex. A redhead Goosander was again seen at Peasholm Park Lake. A single Whooper Swan was at Harwood Dale Lake and a White Wagtail was at Ravenscar near the hotel. A Dipper and a Jack Snipe were at Thornton Dale Beck. Four Hawfinches were still below Cockmoor Hall Car park this morning, however, there were  probably a minimum of six birds in the area, a male and three females at the top of one Ash tree initially, followed shortly afterwards by three males at the top of another Ash tree. 29 Purple Sandpipers were off Holbeck and 226 Chaffinches flew south past Cornelian. A Barn Swallow was also noted at Oliver's Mount

Sparrowhawk by Ray Maddison.

Friday 24th March

 A Barn Owl was  noted at 0101hrs at the bottom of Chain Hill, Marine Drive, an unusual location for the species. The two ALPINE SWIFTS continued to entertain birders throughout the day from the monument at Oliver's Mount and its environs where a Raven flew south and a Red Kite flew south over the town towards Oliver's Mount. The first House Martin of spring was also seen at Oliver's Mount today. A Red Kite was also seen flying south approximately 1 mile inland of Long Nab. A  Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot were in the harbour early this morning. Three Hawfinches were seen just below Cockmoor Hall Car Park as well as three Brambling, two Northern Goshawk, seven Common Buzzard, four Common Crossbill, one Lesser Redpoll, one Nuthatch, six Siskin and a Marsh Tit. 12 Shoveler, two Shelduck, 58 Teal, 34 Wigeon and a Redshank were at Potter Brompton Carr viewed from Heybridge. 607 Chaffinches and 214 Siskins moved south past South Cliff today and 120 Jackdaws were near Seamer Tip. A Marsh Tit was noted at Burton Riggs and single Raven, Sand Martin and White Wagtail flew south past Long Nab.

Alpine Swift at Oliver's Mount by Tony Collison.

Chiffchaff at Scalby Mills by Martin Moseley.

Thursday 23rd March

 The great discovery of an ALPINE SWIFT feeding over Holbeck by Micky "The Swift" McNaghten at 0852hrs was sufficient motivation to galvanise local birders into action. The bird continued to show well from the top of Oliver's Mount as it fed over the town and out towards the Castle Headland, affording excellent views at times as it did so. This bird was undoubtedly part of an unprecedented influx of the species which initially became evident in Southern Ireland with birds arriving there from 13th March with a flock of 7 over Dungarvan, Co. Cork and a 9 subsequently over Bray, Co. Wicklow on 19th.  A funnel of weather created by a mild south westerly wind from Iberia had driven many birds northwards and some 60 or so were recorded in Southern Ireland from 16th March, when others were beginning to arrive in the UK, notably in the south west but with others reaching as far north as Northumberland and East Yorkshire. An impressive flock of 6 was noted at Stanpit Marsh, Dorset on 18th March. With one having been discovered at Flamborough recently and one seen at Bempton yesterday, it was only a question of time and probability that one would be discovered locally. Astonishingly, a second ALPINE SWIFT was found by John Harwood and Steve Race at 1525hrs at Oliver's Mount. It joined with the the first bird and both were seen together over the football changing rooms  there and continuing to show until early evening when they were seen flying low over the town.  Also seen from that location today were a Red Kite and a Woodcock. Elsewhere, two Little Egrets were below Brompton and a male and female Goldeneye were at Seamer Road Mere. Three Lesser Redpolls and a Lesser Black-backed Gull were at Burton Riggs. The first Little Ringed Plover of spring was on the spit at the Water Sports Lake at the North Yorkshire Water Park before being flushed by a dog walker and flying off high west. A Russian White-fronted Goose and a redhead Goosander were also on the lake. A Hawfinch was again seen at 1100hrs at Hilla Green and six Chiffchaffs were at Burton Riggs.

Alpine Swift at Oliver's Mount by Nick Addey

Wednesday 22nd March

 A Green Woodpecker was calling from the vicinity of the Crematorium this morning and a Little Egret was at Brompton. A female Reed Bunting and two Siskin visited a Heron Lane, Crossgates garden feeder and the first Barn Swallow of spring flew north past Long Nab. The Cetti's Warbler was calling again early afternoon  by the climbing tower at Predator Lake on the North Yorkshire Water Park complex and two Brent Geese sp. were at the southern end of Jackson's Bay. A Northern Wheatear was at Hundale and three Sand Martins and a White Wagtail flew south there. A Shelduck, three Shoveler and singles of Redshank and Dunlin were at Potter Brompton Carr.

Jackdaw by Beverley Senturk.

Tuesday 21st March

 Nine Chiffchaffs were in the Burton Riggs area today and an adult Mediterranean Gull in full summer plumage was in the field south of Seamer Tip Pool. Four Skylark, five Reed Bunting, two Chiffchaff, two Bullfinch and a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker were the highlights in the Seamer Tip Pool area. Five Little Egrets were at Folkton Bridge and a Sand Martin flew north at Long Nab. A Willow Tit and a Woodcock were in Wykeham Forest and an Oystercatcher and four fly over Grey Herons were noted at the Water Sports Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park. Two Gadwall were at Seamer Road Mere and an adult and a second calendar year Peregrine Falcon were sparring along the cliffs at Castle Headland. Two Shelduck were at Johnson's Marsh early afternoon.

Adult and second calendar year Peregrine Falcons at Marine Drive by Joe Bamfield.

Monday 20th March

 Single male Northern Wheatears were at Ravenscar in the field by the mast and in a horse field approximately 100 metres south of Ravenscar Tearooms. 700 Starlings were also in nearby fields. Single Great Northern Divers were in Gristhorpe Bay and South Bay today and the Goosander was again at Peasholm Park Lake. Nine Gadwall, four Chiffchaff, a bubbling Curlew, displaying Lapwing, two Bullfinch, five Greenfinch, two Goldfinch and two Grey Heron were in the Seamer Tip area. A Green Woodpecker and singing Willow Tit were in Harwood Dale Forest.

Male Blackcap at garden feeding station by Stephen Hey.

Sunday 19th March

 The first Northern Wheatear of the spring was seen on the Cleveland Way above Redcliff where a male Peregrine flew by. A male Blackcap was on bird feeders at Newby Farm Road and a female Blackcap visited a Stepney garden. Four Corn Buntings were just south of Yedingham and in Wykeham Forest, eight Lesser Redpoll were in the Three Tremblers area and 35 Redwing in fields near the Nursery. Along the River Derwent between Wrench Green there were three Lapwing, one Kingfisher, one Dipper, three singing Chiffchaff, three singing Treecreeper, two singing Yellowhammer and three singing Goldcrest. A Woodcock and Kestrel were also noted. Other Chiffchaffs today, either singing or silent were at Burton Riggs (2), Stepney (1), Burniston (1), Scalby Nab (3), South Cliff (2), Taylor Way (2), Water Sports Lake, NYWP (1) and Long Nab (4). Two Eider flew north at Long Nab and a Peregrine and two Stonechat were present. A Raven flew NE over Crossgates, two Curlew were at Seamer Mead and 20 Fieldfare were at Cayton Carr. The resident Whooper Swan, three Gadwall, four Goldeneye, two little Grebe and singing Marsh Tit and Song Thrush were at Seamer Road Mere. Three Stock Dove visited a Burniston garden. 20 Yellowhammers were at Far Lane, Hutton Buscel near to the grain barn. A Jay, Greenfinch, two Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Nuthatch and Song Thrush were also noted at Scalby Nabs. A Willow Tit and Reed Bunting were seen at the Water Sports Lake (North Yorkshire Water Park. Five calls were heard at 2155hrs of a probable Bittern seemingly flying east over Middle Deepdale.

Greenfinch by Andrew Messenger.

Saturday 18th March

 The first Sand Martin of the spring flew south through South Cliff at 0747hrs followed by two Sand Martins south past Long Nab at 1008hrs and one flying north high over there at 1043hrs. The first spring Sandwich Tern flew north at Long Nab at 0840hrs and a Snow Bunting also flew north there. Chiffchaff totals today included birds at Wykeham Water park (11), Ravenscar (3), the Open Air Theatre (2), Burton Riggs (1) and Seamer Road Mere (1). Three Bullfinch and the ill looking Mediterranean Gull ,PNN5 were the highlights at Burton Riggs. 20 Skylarks and a Grey Heron were at the Seamer Tip Pools area and an adult Mediterranean Gull was on the bridge at Peasholm Park Lake. One Curlew, one Great Spotted Woodpecker, 15 Fieldfare, eight Redwing, 120 Starling, eight Alba Wagtails, 20 Linnet, two Siskin, eight pairs of Skylark, three pairs of Meadow Pipit and a pair of Stonechat were at Stoupe Brow and 40 Redwing were at Staintondale. 37 Fulmar were on the sea below Ravenscar cliffs, 150 Common Gulls on the sheep field by Ravenscar Tearooms and 27 Meadow Pipits and eight Alba Wagtails flew south there. Seamer Road Mere held five Goldeneye (3M, 2F), a Grey Heron, the long staying Whooper Swan and a singing Song Thrush. Wykeham Lakes complex (North Yorkshire Water Park) highlights included the Cetti's Warbler, a Russian White-fronted Goose, one Goosander and three Shoveler. Highlights from Potter Brompton Carr, viewed from Heybridge included a cream crowned Marsh Harrier, Great White Egret, two Little Egret, two Whooper Swan which flew off east, three drake Shoveler, six Gadwall, 12 Mallard and 63 Teal. The high tide roost at Gristhorpe Bay hosted 202 Curlew, 66 Redshank, 54 Oystercatcher, 34 Purple Sandpiper, 25 Turnstone, four Cormorant, one Golden Plover over and 33 Common Gull in the fields. Just three Wigeon remained at the Flower of May today and the pair of Oystercatcher was still present. Six Brambling were at Cockmoor Hall Car Park and 80 Kittiwakes were rafting off Marine Drive this evening. Five Common Buzzard were over Hay Lane, Scalby. Finally, a Goosander flew north at South Cliff and eight Mediterranean Gulls were present in the area. A Little Ringed Plover was sound recorded over Crossgates last night.

Chiffchaff by Paul Tozer.

Friday 17th March

A Tawny Owl was calling in Stepney at 0300hrs and a female Blackcap was in a garden there. A Raven flew south past Long Nab along the cliffs at 0920hrs and a Woodlark flew south over Long Nab calling frequently and following the cliffs. Probably the same bird flew south through South Cliff at 0955hrs. 37 Whooper Swans flew north inland of South Cliff and were tracked over Marine Drive and past Long Nab out to sea. A further 40 Whooper Swans were at Wykeham. Seven Kittiwakes were on the sea off Marine Drive. Chiffchaffs arrived across a broad front and were in song this morning at Stepney, six around the Match Lake and Predator Lake and two at the Water Sports Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park, Burton Riggs, Seamer Tip Pool, woodland above Cayton Bay and the island at Peasholm Park Lake. Five Mediterranean Gulls were at Holbeck Car Park, a cream crowned Marsh Harrier flew south across Cayton Carr and approximately 30 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills as well as one Guillemot. Eight Brambling were at Cockmoor Hall Car Park in company with approximately 10 Chaffinches, following the line of Beech Trees. Approximately eight Skylarks, six Reed Buntings and a female Stonechat were at the Seamer Tip area and a Redshank and male Stonechat were at the Seamer Tip Pool area. A Red Kite flew west over Thornton Dale at 0930hrs and Common Buzzards were noted at Ruston Carr/Brompton Carr area (12), Troutsdale (6) and Hackness (5). A Jay was the highlight amongst commoner birds at Woodlands Drive and Cemetery. Passing through South Cliff this morning were 217 Chaffinch S, 310 Meadow Pipit (61S, 249N), 36 Alba Wagtail (25S, 11N), plus a White Wagtail N.184 Skylark (133S, 51N), 104 Siskin (72S, 32N) and 14 Redwing S. The first two Chiffchaff were back on site. Eight Common Buzzard and eight Common Snipe were noted and 18+ Purple Sandpiper were in the roost. 70 Pink-footed Geese flew north inland of Long Nab and a Corn Bunting flew south this morning. Kittiwakes increased off Marine Drive throughout the day with 90 rafting by mid afternoon. Birds were noted visiting urban colonies at The Grand Hotel (13), Brunswick Centre (2) and the Town Hall (1). A redhead Goosander remained at Peasholm Park lake. Two pair of Shoveler, eight Gadwall, one pair of Goosander and eight Goldeneye were at the Water Sports Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park. 50 Redshank were present at South Cliff along with 18 Purple Sandpipers.

Meadow Pipit by Paul Tozer.

Thursday 16th March

 Two Shelduck were on Johnson's Marsh this morning raising hopes of breeding and four Stock Dove were in a Stepney garden. An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Scalby Mills and the Polish ringed Mediterranean Gull, PNN5 was again at Burton Riggs along with two Wigeon and a Grey Wagtail. Approximately 30 Redwing flew south there. A Hawfinch showed well briefly at 1500hrs at Hilla Green before flying west. A Greenshank was sound recorded over Crossgates last night.

Adult Mediterranean Gull at Holbeck by Steve Clipperton.

Wednesday 15th March

 A drake Eider flew north past Marine Drive and the Polish ringed Mediterranean Gull, PNN5, was at Burton Riggs with an apparent injured leg. A male Bullfinch was near Ravenscar Visitor Centre and  a Grey Wagtail was in Forge Valley. Two Little Egret, a pair of Gadwall, a pair of Tufted Duck and a pair of Grey Wagtail were in the area of Brompton Ponds. Two drake and a female Goldeneye, one Goosander, three drake and two female Gadwall, the long staying Whooper Swan and a Grey Wagtail were at Seamer Road Mere. A Russian White-fronted Goose, one Pink-footed Goose, three Oystercatcher, 108 Common Gull, two Lesser Black-backed Gull, 28 Wigeon and two Great crested Grebe were at Wykeham East Lake (North Yorkshire Water Park). A Water Rail showed well by the metal gates on Long Causeway Road, Wykeham. A Grey Plover, four Ringed Plover, one Redshank, six Curlew, at least eight Oystercatchers and two Grey Heron were at Gristhorpe Bay and good numbers of Redwing were moving east along the sea cut from Mowthorpe with approximately 120 counted in a 30 minute period. Six Brambling were showing by the Beech trees at Cockmoor Hall car park and 200 Redwing were in Troutsdale. 

Drake Goldeneye at Seamer Road Mere by Phil Bennett.

Tuesday 14th March

 Three Little Egrets were in fields below Brompton this morning and a Great Egret was in the beck running away from Brompton Butts. At Wrench Green there were two Willow Tit, two Marsh Tit, five Mistle Thrush, four Treecreepers and two Jay.

Polish ringed adult Mediterranean Gull PNN5 at Holbeck a few weeks ago by Ian Howard.

Monday 13th March

 The Polish ringed Mediterranean Gull, PNN5, was asleep on the island at Burton Riggs this morning and three Green Sandpipers were at Charity Farm, Thornton Carrs. Two Dippers were at Low Dalby and a Little Egret and two Gadwall were at Brompton Ponds.

Long-tailed Tit at Raincliffe Woods by Stephen Beaver.

Sunday 12th March

 30 plus Purple Sandpipers were on the rock armour at East Pier at high tide this morning and a Lapland Bunting flew north at Long Nab and probably the same bird was seen by two observers north over Ravenscar a short while later. At Potter Brompton Carr viewing from Heybridge there was a cream crowned Marsh Harrier, 176 Lapwing, three Oystercatcher, one Curlew, three Common Snipe, 46 Wigeon, 62 Teal, six Gadwall, two Lesser Black-backed Gull and a male Peregrine Falcon. A Red Kite, five Common Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk were at Ellerburn and two Little Egret were in the camp site field there. Three male and a female Stonechat were at Flixton Carr by the River Hertford and a Shelduck flew east over Seamer Tip. Approximately 30 Lapwing, three Mute Swan and a Kestrel were at Seamer Tip Pools area and three Ringed Plover were at Scalby Mills. The Russian White-fronted Goose was on Wykeham East Lake (North Yorkshire Water Park) along with one Pink-footed Goose, one Shoveler, 25 Goldeneye, four Oystercatcher, five Great crested Grebe and two Lesser Black backed Gull. Seven Goosander (1m, 6f) flew SE over there. The Cetti's Warbler was singing regularly by the zip wire tower by the Predator Lake. Elsewhere on the North Yorkshire Water Park complex were  a further four Goldeneye, one Goosander, 13 Gadwall, two Teal, three Little Grebe, one Water Rail, two Marsh Tit, one Nuthatch, four Siskin, one Jay, two Treecreeper and one Goldcrest. A Great Egret was also noted in the Wykeham area this morning.

Ring-necked Parakeet at Ravenscar by Steven Wignill.

Saturday 11th March

 A cream crown Marsh Harrier was west of Ruston Carr bridge this morning along with two Great Egrets, 80 Lapwing and 89 Golden Plover. 25 Teal and a Little Grebe were on the river. and a Great Egret flew east over the bridge before landing on Potter Brompton Carr. A Chiffchaff was at Whin Bank early afternoon, a Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Seamer Tip Pool and a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew north from Cayton Bay. A Little Egret was on Thornton Dale Beck and the Ringed -necked Parakeet was again visiting a Ravenscar garden feeding station and also seen in trees at the northern end of Station Road above the green/grey garage. Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew past Long Nab Obs this morning and four Common Scoter flew south, with a second calendar year male Common Scoter again on the sea below the Obs. An influx of 13 Reed Buntings was noted there and two flew north. A Barn Owl was noted just outside Hackness towards Langdale End. 84 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 23 Golden Plover and two Oystercatcher were at Harwood Dale Lake this afternoon.  At the Flower of May today there were 208 Wigeon, nine Moorhen, four Coot, 5 Tufted Duck, four Mallard, four Canada Geese, two Oystercatcher and a Grey Heron.

Cormorant with breakfast at Burton Riggs by Paul Tozer.

Friday 10th March

At Burton Riggs this morning there were 16 Siskin and four Lesser Redpoll and two Little Egrets were again at Brompton Butts. Two male Siskin and five Goldfinches were on garden feeders at Ravenscar and the Ring-necked Parakeet was again present there at 1546hrs. Single Dipper and Grey Wagtail were on  the small tributary at Hackness bridge and at Harwood Dale lake there were two Oystercatcher, 68 Wigeon and 12 Teal. A Marsh Tit, 14 Tree Sparrow and two Siskin were at the feeders opposite the Mill Inn at Harwood Dale and two Mistle Thrush were nearby. A first winter Russian White-fronted Goose was with the feral Greylag Goose flock at North Yorkshire Water Park Water Sports Lake. Also present at the complex were two Pink-footed Geese, two Shelduck, single Shoveler and Goosander, 12 Goldeneye, one Water Rail, 10 Oystercatchers, one Jack Snipe, seven Common Snipe, 60 Siskin and the Cetti's Warbler was heard in song briefly. Three Kingfishers were noted at Scalby Beck and a Barn Owl was hunting alongside the A64 at Ganton late afternoon.

Great Tit close up by Stephen Beaver.

Thursday 9th March

 Little news today owing to the inclement weather. The Ring-necked Parakeet was again seen at garden feeders in Ravenscar and a Great Northern Diver was in the harbour.

Goldfinches in the snow by Terry Hobson.

Wednesday 8th March

 A Little Egret was present at Brompton Butts early morning and nine Mandarin Duck were at Wrench Green. A pair of Barn Owls were hunting at Folkton Carr and the Ring-Necked Parakeet was present again visiting feeders in a Ravenscar garden. A Raven and nine Tree Sparrows were also at Ravenscar and a male and female Stonechat were just south of the mast.. Two Great Crested Grebes and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Burton Riggs. A ring tail Hen Harrier was seen at lunch time over a field west of Gowland Lane, Harwood Dale and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Scalby Mills. A female Stonechat, Song Thrush and a Kestrel were in t5he Seamer Tip area. Two Willow Tit and four Common Buzzard were in the Sand Dale area of Dalby Forest. 12 Common Crossbill, eight Siskin and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were at the north side of Harwood Dale Forest.

Great Egret by Martin Moseley.

Tuesday 7th March

 A Goosander was still at Peasholm Park Lake and the long staying Whooper Swan at Seamer Road Mere appeared to have departed. A Great Crested Grebe was in South Bay, a littoralis Rock Pipit was at Black Rocks and eight Common Snipe were at Cornelian. A Tawny Owl was calling from the wood opposite Dean's Garden Centre on Seamer Road and three Common Buzzards were over the same wood. In Dalby Forest from Low Dalby to Adderstones there were two Willow Tit (Snever Dale Rigg), 12 Common Crossbill, five Lesser Redpoll and four Common Buzzard. A surprise for the residents of a Ravenscar house was the presence of a Ring-necked Parakeet which visited their garden feeders this afternoon. An incredible 14 Barn Owls were reported this afternoon along Long Causeway Road, Wykeham.

Purple Sandpiper at Scarborough harbour by Christopher Bell.

Monday 6th March

 A male and female Goosander, 20 Siskin, four Lesser Redpoll, one Common (Mealy) Redpoll and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Burton Riggs this morning. A Red-throated Diver was in the harbour and six Little Egrets were behind Folkton sewage Works. At the Water Sports Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park there were 18 Goldeneye, four Great crested Grebes, 17 Gadwall, six Teal, a male Goosander and 15 Siskin. A Short-eared Owl and approximately 20 Whooper Swans were at Long Causeway Road, Wykeham and an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Scalby Mills. The Polish ringed adult Mediterranean Gull bearing ring number PNN5 flew over Crossgates today. This bird was ringed as an adult male on 17.5.2013 at a nesting site and has been seen every subsequent winter in Scarborough since 2013/2014. The bird is at least 12 years old. 

Barn Owl close up by Ray Maddison.

Sunday 5th March

 Three Great Egrets were seen at Ruston Carr bridge this morning, two in a field to the west and and one flying east at 0850hrs. A Little Egret was in the dike to the north of Sherburn village and a Little Egret and a Barn Owl were seen over Potter Brompton Carr from Ruston Bridge Carr. A Russian White-fronted Goose was at Burton Riggs and three Stonechat were seen late morning at the old Nursery Depot in Wykeham Forest. A drake Eider was on the sea off Jackson's Bay. 40 Whooper Swan were in a filed at Ings Farm, Long Causeway Road, Wykeham and a Dipper was at Troutsdale. Long Causeway continued to monopolise sightings today with the long staying Short-eared Owl, up to five Barn Owls (one of which bears a ring), Great Egret and Water Rail all seen, the latter being by the metal gate at the feeding area. A second winter Mediterranean Gull, two Great crested Grebe, one drake Wigeon and 27 Goldeneye were on Wykeham East Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park. 59 Purple Sandpiper and 43 Turnstone were on the sea defences at the harbour at high tide. Two Short-eared Owls were showing at the south end of Seamer Tip this evening. A male Tawny Owl was calling late evening in Burniston.

Goldcrest near to Seamer Tip by Simon Temlett.

Saturday 4th March

 A Great Grey Shrike was in Langdale Forest this afternoon east of RAF Fylingdales at co-ordinates 54.3613.-0.6402. Highlights of observations on Fylingdales Moor from Fen Bog featured two Red Grouse, three Golden Plover, one Common Snipe, one Common Buzzard, three Mistle Thrush, two Stonechat, two Meadow Pipit, two Reed Bunting and single Skylark . At Long Nab this morning, 49 Curlew were in the field behind the Obs (an increase over the last week) and a Common Scoter was on the sea. An adult Lesser Black backed Gull was at Scalby Mills. A male and female Northern Goshawk were over Crossgates this morning and an adult Mediterranean Gull and two Goosander were at Burton Riggs. A Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl and at least three Barn Owls were at Long Causeway Road, Wykeham this morning and three Little Egret and two Barn Owls were at Folkton STW.  A Shelduck also flew west there.

Singing male Chaffinch at Long Causeway Road, Wykeham by Mark Hepples.

Friday 3rd March

 A Dipper, one Willow Tit, two Marsh Tit, three Grey Wagtail and three Little Grebe were at Ellerburn this morning and a Mediterranean Gull was at Scalby Mills. Four Goosander (2m + 2f) were at Burton Riggs this afternoon. A Great Egret was seen in flight south of Wykeham Lakes at 1430hrs. Nine Goldeneye, a male Goosander, five Great crested Grebe, one Great Black backed Gull and six Oystercatcher were at the North Yorkshire Water Park (Wykeham Lakes) complex and five Barn Owls, one Willow Tit, four Marsh Tit, four Common Buzzard, one Sparrowhawk, one Bullfinch and one Yellowhammer were at Long Causeway Road.

Female House Sparrow by Emma Boothby.

Thursday 2nd March

 A total of 439 Pink-footed Geese in three skeins and a Snow Bunting flew north at Long Nab this morning.  A Goosander and a Coot were at Peasholm Park Lake, 39 Redshank and 30 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills and two Water Rail were calling at the Open Air Theatre reed bed. A Water Rail showed well on Long Causeway Road, Wykeham at the metal gate where birds are fed as well as a Marsh Tit and Reed Bunting. The Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl continued to show along Long Causeway Road opposite the first sheep field on the left towards the bridge. Two Barn Owls were at Folkton Carr near to Folkton WWTW and three Goosander (2f, 1m) and four Lesser Redpoll were at Burton Riggs. Three Gadwall, three Goldeneye, the resident Whooper Swan, one Sparrowhawk and 25 Goldfinch were at Seamer Road Mere and seven Teal and a Grey Heron were at Johnson's Marsh. A probable Short-eared Owl, one Willow Tit, Song Thrush, Little Grebe, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Reed Bunting were at Seamer Tip Pool and Tip areas. A Tawny Owl was calling late evening in Stepney.

Robin by Glenn Watkin.

Wednesday 1st March

 The suspected presence of two Great Egrets in the area was confirmed this morning when two flew east together over Ruston Carr. A Sparrowhawk flew over the Council yard in Dean Road and 13 Siskins briefly visited a Burniston garden before flying off north. A male and female Goosander, eight Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll were at Burton Riggs from where there was an unconfirmed report of a Bittern this morning. 11 Gadwall, three Goldeneye and a Kingfisher were at the North Yorkshire Water Park ( Water Sports Lake) and a Short-eared Owl was frequenting fence posts along Long Causeway Road, Wykeham. A Water Rail was again seen near the metal gate at the feeding area. The long staying Whooper Swan was at Seamer Road Mere. 

Eurasian Wigeon bearing blue darvic ring L6 at Scalby Mills by Simon Temlett.