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.