Wednesday 31st May

 The SQUACCO HERON remains at Potter Brompton Carr (no access onto site, view from Haybridge).

Also at Potter Brompton Carr drake Shoveler, Greenshank, 2 Redshank, Ringed Plover, 8 Little Egrets, Barn Owl, and Yellow Wagtail. A Little Egret at Yedingham. A Willow Tit family in Dalby Forest. At North Yorkshire Water Park; 2 Common Terns, Mute Swan pair + 5 cygnets, 4 Teal, LRP, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Greenshank (left south), 3 Redshank, and 32 Sand Martin nest holes visible from the screen (others not visible). Five Teal and 2 Manx Shearwaters flew north past Long Nab. At Burton Riggs: Mute Swans with 7 cygnets, 6 broods of Canada and Greylag Geese. Six Mandarins, 3+ Spotted Flycatchers Hilla Green Bridge. Three Honey Buzzards from the Raptor Viewpoint today. A Little Egret at Seamer Road Mere.

Squacco Heron - Chris Bradshaw

Tuesday 30th May

 The SQUACCO HERON was present all day at Potter Brompton Carr, but often out of sight in the distant reeds. Was still present at 7pm. Please park carefully and do not obstruct gateways. View only from Haybridge.

Also at Potter Brompton Carr today; drake Garganey, 13 Little Egrets, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, plus a Hobby over the adjacent golf course. Twelve Arctic Terns flew east through North Yorkshire Water Park at 16.50 hrs. A Wheatear at Long Nab, the morning seawatch produced an Arctic Skua south, also past were 2 Wigeon, 9 Common Scoter, 810 Gannets, 2 Manx Shearwaters, a Red-throated Diver and 17 Puffins.

Whinchat Jugger Howe Nature Trail yesterday - Chris Bell

Monday 29th May

 A new species for the district was found at Potter Brompton Carr this morning! A SQUACCO HERON, remained quite elusive, frustratingly missing for long periods and only viewable from Haybridge at distance. Still present at 5pm.

An Osprey circled Potter Brompton Carr and left high east at 09.50hrs. Also there the drake Garganey, Shoveler, 3 Ruff, 3 Greenshank, Redshank, drumming Snipe, 10 Little Egrets, and a Cream crown Marsh Harrier and Hobby. A Little Owl, Turtle Dove, and 3 Yellow Wagtails in the Snainton Lane area. Two cuckoos, a pair of Whinchats, 3 pairs of Stonechats, male Wheatear, 2 pairs of Whitethroats Jugger Howe Moor. Three Honey Buzzards (2 males) from Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint.

A record shot of the Squacco Heron, Potter Brompton Carr - John Harwood.

Sunday 28th May

 An Osprey was seen over Troutsdale mid-afternoon, also 3 Honey Buzzards again from the Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint. Seven drake Mandarins were at Harwood Dale Lake. Four Red-throated Divers were feeding below the Observatory at Long Nab, 4 Gadwall flew north. Potter Brompton Carr held 2 Greenshank, Redshank, Ruff, 2 Ringed Plovers, 8 Little Egrets, 8 Grey Heron, drake Shoveler, 45 Sand Martins, Kingfisher, and Green Woodpecker. Highlights from North Yorkshire Water Park: 2 LRP, Teal, 6 Lbb Gulls, 31 Willow Warblers, a pair of Goldcrests feeding 4 recently fledged young, and 29 Stock Doves. 

One of our pale Common Buzzards - Paul Malton

Saturday 27th May

 Two Honey Buzzards Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint. A Red Kite flew SW over Newby, plus one over Thornton-le-Dale. A brood of Mandarins (2+) on the River Derwent near Wrench Green. Three Mandarins at Harwood Dale Lake. A Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler in a gully north of Jackson's Bay.

Mandarins River Derwent - Simon Temlett

Friday 26th May

Three (possibly 4) Honey Buzzards from Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint. Turtle Dove sightings included 4 at Burniston, 2 at the Mill Inn, and one in Harwood Dale Village. A Hobby also flew over there. Two Red Kites Dalby Forest.

Dippers feeding young around the district at the moment - Stephen Beaver

Thursday 25th May

 A late Redwing was at Long Nab, also 3 Corn Buntings flew south there. The pale Honey Buzzard was seen again from Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint plus 2 Goshawks.  A Green Woodpecker at Ganton Golf Course. The cc Marsh Harrier was still at Potter Brompton Carr.  A Red Kite flew over the Mill Inn at Harwood Dale. Dippers seen with young Scalby Beck. A Brent Goose landed at Crook Ness in the eve.

Garden Warbler Burton Riggs - Paul Tozer

Wednesday 24th May

 The first Honey Buzzard of spring, a male, was in the Wykeham Forest area today. A Hobby was also seen near Wykeham village.  The drake Garganey, and 3 Wood Sandpipers (left west this eve) were at Potter Brompton Carr, also there Pink-footed Goose, the drake Pintail, 3 Teal, 5 Ringed Plovers, 10 Curlew, a Dunlin, "cream crown" Marsh Harrier, 7 Little Egrets, the Great White Egret, and 3 Yellow Wagtails. At North Yorkshire Water Park; Pink-footed Goose, 2 Little Egrets, a pair of displaying Cormorants (adult & immature!), and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. Two pairs of Redstarts now present in Scar Wood. A Wheatear at Moor End Road, Harwood Dale. Six Nightjars, 2 Woodcock Wykeham Forest. Three Nightjars, 2 Woodcock Housedale Rigg, Dalby Forest. Two Willow Tits Sawmill Haygate. A pair of Ravens nested in the district, three young fledged.

Common Redstart Scar Wood - Malcolm Gladman

Tuesday 23rd May

 At Sneaton Low Moor; 3 Cuckoos, Tree Pipit, Redstart, 26 Crossbills (19 juvs), pair of Stonechats + 3 young. Two Turtle Doves Harwood Dale. Lapwing with 2 chicks Moor End Road. North Yorkshire Water Park; Great Crested Grebe pair plus chick, Teal, Common Sandpiper, 4 Oystercatchers (+ 1 chick), 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 7 Lapwing. A female Peregrine flew over Crossgates, and a marsh Tit at nest hole near Burton Riggs. Another pair of Marsh Tits at a nest hole in Raincliffe Woods of recent. Four Nightjars, 6 Woodcocks, 2 Tawny Owls at the Moor Road clearing, Wykeham Forest.

Great Crested Grebes with chick North Yorkshire Water Park

The resilience of the Spa Bridge Kittiwakes!

 Earlier this year the news of gull proofing of Scarborough Spa Bridge by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) to evict 270 pairs of a UK Red Listed species was a shock to many all round the country. Kittiwakes have been in decline for some years in the UK, so much so that they are a species of conservation concern. Although there are signs of some levelling out of the population in localised areas of the UK after a steep decline, some of the Yorkshire colonies are showing alarming breeding results. 

Spa Bridge can be classed as an "A" listed colony, a "good" colony. Studies of breeding productivity there show it to be of significant importance, averaging over one chick per nest. Some local study plots are only half that, and in some cases total breeding failures in recent years.

So how have the Kittiwakes reacted to the 2500 "fire gel" tubs. The first to return to inspect the bridge on 17th March were observed to panic as they got close to the ledges, they quickly flew back to rest on the sea in South Bay where they formed a small flock. The birds were so desperate to get back onto the ledges that where the odd gel tub had fallen off, maybe due to the weather (?), by late March some individuals started to settle for short periods. By early April up to 30 were on ledges, in gaps where more gel tubs had fallen. Many were settling on the girders on the bridge, or loafing on the roofs of local businesses, I bet the owners were pleased with the NYCC actions!

More Kittiwake were arriving throughout April, and to our surprise, they seemed to get used to the tubs, more and more birds landing close to the tubs. After all this was a five star hotel, why settle for any less? 

Early May saw nestbuilding! A closer inspection showed a significant number of gel tubs missing. Could this be assisted by Kittiwakes? Perhaps the glue had failed on the sandstone? A count on 9th May revealed a total of 101 part constructed nests, over 200 birds around the bridge. The latest from the bridge is that 97 birds are seemingly incubating eggs, and still lots of construction of nests taking place.

This is an astonishing result, the Kittiwakes showing tremendous resilience and persistence to succeed. Not what was expected!

So what for the future of Kittiwakes on Spa Bridge? That's in the hands of NYCC.

RSPB, recognising the importance of chick productivity on the bridge, are hoping links can be made with NYCC to help manage gulls in Scarborough and along the coast. The Yorkshire Coast Urban Gull Partnership has been set up with attendees from key conservation bodies, RSPCA, North Yorkshire Police Wildlife Crime Officer, and local experts who study the colonies. Hopefully everyone can work together for the mutual benefit of the Kittiwakes and local businesses.

One of the central columns, many gel tubs still present on the top ledge.

Nests at all stages of construction. This one is quite a structure having started from scratch last month.

Construction in progress.

A Kittiwake "lawn". Constant collection of grass for nests produces shorter patches of grass near colonies. They've not heard of "No mow May"!!

Resilient in their pursuit for prime positions! Many now sat above/next to gel tubs, however a closer inspection of this tubs shows help from the bridge breeding pigeons above.

Not all birds present on the ledges are of breeding condition. Kittiwakes normally start breeding at around four years old. This two year old can be aged with extra black in the outer wing.

Monday 22nd May

 Potter Brompton Carr held the drake Garganey, drake Pintail, 3 Little Egrets, Great White Egret, and 4 Ringed Plover. At North Yorkshire Water Park there were 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Culews flew east, and 35 Swifts flew north. A singing Redstart was in the SE corner of Wykeham Forest. Three Shelducks flew south at Long Nab. Four Little Egrets roosted at Causeway Lake, N Y Water Park.

Dipper, River Derwent - Simon Temlett

Sunday 21st May

 A Turnsone was feeding on East Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park this evening. Also there 2 LRP, pair of Oystercatchers plus chick, and a Yellow Wagtail flew north. Three Spotted Flycatchers at Turkey Carpet, and a singing Redstart nearby in Broxa Forest. Nightjars in Wykeham Forest included 2 churring near the Raptor Viewpoint car park, plus 3 at the clearing on the road south of Highwood Brow, also 2 roding Woodcocks there.

Tawny Owl, Wykeham - Lucy Hobkinson

Saturday 20th May

 No sign of yesterday's Red-backed Shrike at Johnson's Marsh today, the pair of Shoveler still there. The drake Garganey still at Potter Brompton Carr, also 9 little Egrets, Great White Egret, and a cream crown Marsh Harrier. Two Spotted Flycatchers were still at Turkey Carpet (Broxa Forest). Two Cuckoos at both Harwood Dale and Langdale Forests, plus one at Stoupe Beck. A Raven flew east over Jugger Howe Moor. Two Spotted Flycatchers, a female Redstart, 12 Willow Warblers were at Hilla Green. Long Nab saw a cream crown Marsh Harrier fly south (later seen over South Cliff), a Wood Sandpiper fly in off the sea and continue north, plus a Hobby north. Four Grey Partridge were at Folkton. At Bridestones, Dalby Forest: Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Cuckoo, and Green Woodpecker. Also a Green Woodpecker at Pexton Lake, Dalby. Two churring Nightjars, 2 roding Woodcocks in Dalby Forest, just north of Alleston.

Yellow Wagtail Long Nab - Nick Addey

Friday 19th May

 A female Red-backed Shrike found late morning at Johnson's Marsh was still present this evening on the hedgerow immediately to the west of the marsh. Also there today the pair of Shoveler, Coot still, a Short-eared Owl that left high SE, and a male Cuckoo. The Wrench Green Dippers are now feeding fledglings. The drake Garganey remains at Potter Brompton Carr, also 4 Ruff new in today (one male), drake Pintail, pair of Teal, Great White Egret, 5 Little Egrets, and a cream crown Marsh Harrier. At North Yorkshire Water Park a Common Sandpiper was on Trout Lake. A singing Turtle Dove in Harwood Dale Forest, plus a male Cuckoo.

Short-eared Owl Johnson's Marsh - Nick Addey

Thursday 18th May

 The drake Garganey was still at Potter Brompton Carr, where the Little Egrets had increased to 7, the Great White Egret, 8 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 4 Shelduck, Pink-footed Goose, and 4 Ringed Plover could be viewed from Haybridge. The first, if not rather late, Spotted Flycatchers (2+) of the year were found at the Turkey Carpet area of Broxa Forest. Two Lesser Whitethroats were at Harwood Dale, one behind the church. A Cuckoo was again near Harwood Dale Lake, plus two at Barr Farm, Fylingdales. A male Redstart was at Dargate Slack Top, Dalby plus one in Broxa Forest. Two Corn Buntings were at Gristhorpe Bay early morning. North Yorkshire Water Park had a Pink-footed Goose, Teal, and Little Ringed Plover at East Lake. Three churring Nightjars at Harwood Dale Forest (west of road).

Garden Warbler Wykeham Forest - Chris Bell

Wednesday 17th May

 A dark phase Honey Buzzard flew high south over Burniston mid-afternoon. A "cream crown" Marsh Harrier was at Potter Brompton Carr, also the drake Garganey, 6 Little Egrets, Great White Egret, drake Wigeon, 5 Ringed Plovers, and a Pink-footed Goose. One Turtle Dove was seen near the Mill Inn, Harwood Dale. Two Corn Buntings flew north at Long Nab, and a Short-eared Owl flew south early morning. A Common Sandpiper at North Yorkshire Water Park.

Meadow Pipit Jugger Howe Moor - Stephen Beaver

Tuesday 16th May

 An Osprey was observed in the Filey area flying along the cliffs into our area late afternoon. The pair of Shoveler were still at Johnson's Marsh. A Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Lapwing Snainton Lane / Malton Cote. Two Eiders still feeding off Long Nab. Green Woodpecker at Dalby Haygate.

Tree Pipit Wykeham Forest - Chris bell

Monday 15th May

 The first Hobby of the year was over Potter Brompton Carr. Also there was a Common Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover, a pair of Curlew, Great White Egret, and a Little Egret. A Goosander, 7 Shelduck, and a Collared Dove flew north at Long Nab. Three Eiders were on the sea there. The pair of Shoveler were still at Johnson's Marsh. A Barnacle Goose was at Burton Riggs. One Turtle Dove at The Mill Inn, Harwood Dale this evening.

Meadow Pipit mobbing a Cuckoo at Stoupe Brow yesterday - Stephen Beaver

Sunday 14th May

The drake Garganey still at Johnson's Marsh, also a pair of Shoveler. Highlights from North Yorkshire Water Park: 2 Pink-footed Geese, Teal, LRP, 5 Garden Warblers, 4 Sedge Warblers, 18 Reed Warblers, 35 Willow Warblers, 20 Blackcaps, 10 Whitethroats, 20 Chiffchaffs. Cuckoo at Raincliffe Woods. Two Ravens circling near the Mill Inn, Harwood Dale. Two Garganey still at Potter Brompton Carr, also 4 Little Egrets, Great White Egret, 10 Curlew, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Partridge. Green Woodpecker at Staintondale Lake, another at Jingleby Thorn in Dalby Forest. A pair of Oystercatchers with recently fledged young at Eastfield Industrial Estate. The Grasshopper Warbler was still at Scalby Lodge pond. A Cuckoo at Stoupe Brow.

Grey Heron Scalby Mills - Simon Temlett

Saturday 13th May

 The drake Garganey returned to Johnson's Marsh, also 3 Shelduck and a pair of Shoveler there. Potter Brompton Carr held a pair of Garganey, a pair of Wigeon, Little Egret, 9 Ringed Plover, 320 Swifts, plus White and Yellow Wagtails. A Raven (possibly two) were in the Donkey Field near Scarborough Athletic football ground. Turtle Doves included 2 back in Burniston, and up to 4 at the Mill Inn, Harwood Dale. A breeding plumage Great Northern Diver flew north past Long Nab, also a Manx Shearwater and Whimbrel north past. A Cuckoo was at Helwath Beck. A Greenshank flew east over North Yorkshire Water Park. Also single Barnacle Goose, and Pink-footed Geese there, plus Teal, Gadwall, LRP, 19 Lbb Gulls, and 7 Stock Doves. Two Ravens flew SW over Crossgates. Singing Redstarts were at Jingleby Thorn, Dalby Forest, Raincliffe Woods, and two at Scar/Castlebeck Woods area. One singing Whinchat at RAF Fylingdales, plus 4 Red Grouse, a brood of Canada Geese, and a displaying Snipe. One brood of Canada Geese at Harwood Dale Lake, plus two broods at NY Water Park. Nightjar reported back in Harwood Dale Forest.

Swallow Seamer Tip pool - Mark Hepples

Friday 12th May

 A new Wood Sandpiper was at Potter Brompton Carr, also the drake Garganey still, 10 Shelduck, drake Wigeon, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Ringed Plover, 190 Sand Martins, 30 Swallows and 8 House Martins. No sign of the Garganey at Johnson's Marsh today. Hirundines feeding at Seamer Tip pool in the cool conditions; 30 Swallows, 20 Sand Martins, 4 House Martins.

Kestrel - Beverley Senturk

Thursday 11th May

The drake Garganey was still at Johnson's Marsh. 12 Reed Warblers at North Yorkshire Water Park (3 Match Lake, 3 Coarse Lake, 6 Water Sports Lake). A Whimbrel, and Bar-tailed Godwit in Jackson's Bay, Sedge Warbler still in top scrub. A Green Woodpecker at Ganton Golf Course. Potter Brompton Carr held 2 Wigeon, Shoveler, Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover, and a Little Egret. 4 Turtle Doves in Dalby Forest plus one in Wykeham Forest. A Whimbrel flew north past Long Nab. 7 Mute Swan cygnets at Seamer Tip pool. A Raven near Scarborough Athletic's ground. Two Turtle Doves in Suffield.

Seamer Tip pool arrivals - Paul Tozer

Wednesday 10th May

 The Little Stint and 2 Garganey were still at Potter Brompton Carr. Also there a Barnacle Goose new in, 3 Little Egrets, and the Great White Egret still. Two Tree Pipits flew south at Long Nab. A Cuckoo was at Harwood Dale Lake. The drake Garganey was still at Johnson's Marsh. At Fylingdales Moor were 3 Red Grouse, a male Redstart, 3 singing male Whinchats, 2 Stonechat territories (Eller Beck), and a male Wheatear. The drake Common Scoter, and one Goldeneye at North Yorkshire Water Park. Six Curlews at Folkton Carr.

Garganey Johnson's Marsh - Chris Bell

Tuesday 9th May

 A Little Stint was a new arrival at Potter Brompton Carr today. Also present were 2 Garganey, Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, a Great White Egret, and 3 Little Egrets. A Sedge Warbler was at North Cliff Golf Course. Three Sedge Warblers at Long Nab, where 5 Barnacle Geese flew south, also seen passing South Cliff. The latter site had a Tree Pipit fly south. A drake Garganey was at Johnson's Marsh. One of the Barnacle Geese was seen flying west over Seamer Tip. A Ringed Plover and Wheatear was on the industrial eastate near Plaxtons (Eastfield). A Wheatear was also at Stoupe Brow. Two Grasshopper Warblers were on the east side of Seamer Tip. A Common Sandpiper was at North Yorkshire Water Park. 

Grasshopper Warbler near Seamer Tip - Mark Hepples

Monday 8th May

 The Wood Sandpiper and drake Garganey were still at Potter Brompton Carr. Also there 2 Great White Egrets, 4 Little Egrets, a drake Wigeon, drake Pintail, Whimbrel, Greenshank, 17 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, and 300+ Swifts. A Greenshank flew over North Yorkshire Water Park, also 2 Common Sandpipers there. Three Eiders at Scalby Mills. In the Warsman Head/Langdale Rigg area of Langdale Forest were 2 male Cuckoos, 2 Tree Pipits, 19 Crossbills, and 8 Siskin. Two Whinchats at Fylingdales Moor, also 2 Wheatears, 2 male Cuckoos, single Golden Plover and Snipe. A Grasshopper Warbler was in song just south of Long Nab Bird Observatory, moving south included 23 Lbb Gulls (4 north), 165 Swallows, a White Wagtail, and 2 Corn Buntings. A Lesser Whitethroat at Scalby Lodge, and Bar-tailed Godwit still in Jackson's Bay. 

Sedge Warbler Cayton Bay - Paul Tozer

Sunday 7th May

 Very few migrants found along the coast as fog lingered around Scarborough most of the day.  a Reed Warbler and a Sedge Warbler were new in at Long Nab, and a Tree Pipit was grounded at Stoupe Brow together with 2 Wheatears. A Red Kite flew north over Harwood Dale. Cuckoos were recorded from Helwath Beck/Harwood Dale, and Jugger Howe Moor. Two Oystercatchers were incubating in Harwood Dale. Nearby recently fledged grey Wagtails were observed at Scar Wood. An adult Gbb Gull was lingering around Dean Rd Council Depot. The drake Common Scoter was still on the Water Sports Lake at North Yorkshire Water Park together with three Goldeneye. Two Whimbrel flew north over Castle Hill. The Wood Sandpiper was still at Potter Brompton Carr, the Ringed Plovers there had increased to 33, also 6 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, and 2 Little Egrets. Several reports late in the day of Swifts arriving back at various breeding sites. Nightjar calling Dalby Snout.

Kittiwakes are busy nestbuilding - Steve Edwards

Saturday 6th May

 Wood Sandpipers were still present at Potter Brompton Carr and Mayville Flash. A Hooded Crow, 2 Arctic Terns, and a Marsh Harrier flew south at South Cliff. A Marsh Harrier flew SE at Gristhorpe, where a late Fieldfare was also present. Also at Mayville Flash were 5 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 7 Curlew, Ringed Plover and 12+ Whimbrel. The pair of Garganey remain at Potter Brompton Carr, also there were 2 Wigeon,  a female Goosander, 12 Shelduck, Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 6 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 19 Ringed Plovers, Grey Plover, 4 Little Egrets and a Great White Egret. A Bar-tailed Godwit and Sedge Warbler were at Jackson's Bay. Cuckoos were at Harwood Dale Forest and Low North Camp, the latter site hoasting a Raven. A drake Pintail was at Burton Riggs.  Three Tree Pipits and a Redstart at Harwood Dale Forest. Four Redstarts were at Raincliffe Woods, plus one at Scarwell Woof (Forge Valley). Three Red-throated Divers in South Bay. Swallows were moving south along the coast throughout the day. Common Whitethroats are back again in very good numbers this spring. A Raven near Scarborough Athletic's ground.

Common Whitethroat Seamer Tip pool - Simon Temlett

Friday 5th May

 Two SPOONBILLS dropped into Mayville Flash (Cayton Carrs) early afternoon, soon left north but then returned to the same flash.  They spent a further 20 minutes there before finally leaving northwards. The same flash hosted 2 Shelducks, 10 Ruff, 4 Whimbrel, and 3 Wood Sandpipers. The drake Common Scoter was still at North Yorkshire Water Park, 7 Common Sandpipers on East Lake.  The pair of Garganey were still at Potter Brompton Carr, where waders included 15 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, Snipe, 2 Grey Plovers, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, plus a female Goosander and Little Egret there. South past Long Nab Bird Observatory this morning: 9 Shelduck (+ 1 north), 8 Sanderling, 95 Sandwich Terns, 2 Puffins. Several Turtle Doves in the area now; up to three in Broxa Forest, and three in Harwood Dale. Small numbers of Swifts now in town. The first Nightjar was heard in Langdale Forest.

Spoonbills over Cayton Carrs this afternoon - Terry Hobson

Thursday 4th May

 Stiff easterly winds and Potter Brompton Carr was alive with waders! A new Scarborough record count of 63 Ruff there this afternoon. Also 4 Wood Sandpipers, Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 20 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Grey Plovers, Whimbrel, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Shelduck, the pair of Garganey, and a male Blue-headed Wagtail. Bird of the day was the district's fourth Black Kite which was observed flying east at Rillington at 11.45am. A Whooper Swan flew east over Cayton Carrs. South past Long Nab were 3 Arctic Terns, 62 Sandwich Terns, and single Sanderling and Bar-tailed Godwit. A Dunlin was at Seamer Tip, 4 Greenland type Wheatears to the east of the tip, and 3 Whimbrel at Deepdale Carr. A Grasshopper Warbler was along the cinder track between Burniston and Cloughton.

The Ruff flock at Potter Brompton Carr - Nick Addey (Dunlins and Ringed Plovers too)

Wednesday 3rd May

 A drake Common Scoter was at North Yorkshire Water Park. Three Corn Buntings flew south over South Cliff. Two Whimbrel also flew north there, and one was on rocks below Long Nab Bird Observatory. Two male Wheatears were at Stoupe Brow. A Green Woodpecker at Harwood Dale Forest. A female Goosander was at Scalby Mills. A Little Egret at Yedingham, and 2 Grey Partridges at Scampston. Three singing Willow Tits at Wykeham Forest. A Cuckoo was near High Langdale farm, at Langdale Forest. The pair of Garganey were still at Potter Brompton Carr, also an unconfirmed reports of 3 Wood Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank and 5 Ruff there. Four Swifts, and a Reed Warbler at Seamer Tip pool. A late Jack Snipe ar Fylingdales Moor (nr A169), also 5 Wheatears, a Tree Pipit, and a leucistic Kestrel (almost white). Three Turtle Doves in Broxa Forest. A pair of Little Grebes nesting at Seamer Tip pool.

Mandarin forge Valley - Mary Bailey

Tuesday 2nd May

 Four Sandwich Terns were feeding in Cayton Bay this morning, a Common Sandpiper was at Brompton and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Seamer Tip Pool. A pair of Garganey, a cream crown Marsh Harrier, a Ruff,  3 Greenshank, 12 Ringed Plover, five Dunlin, single Little Egret and Great Egret, 13 Shelduck and 28 Common Swift were at Potter Brompton Carr. Five Lesser Black-backed Gulls and two Common Sandpipers were at East Lake, North Yorkshire Water Park. A drake Common Scoter was on the Water Sports Lake along with four Goldeneye, approximately 50 Sand Martins and a Peregrine Falcon. also around the lake were 50+ Willow Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, six Garden Warblers, four Whitethroats, six Sedge Warbler, two Reed Warblers and a Common Redstart.

Sparrowhawk with kill at Scarborough Railway Station by Beverley Senturk.

Monday 1st May

 Bird of the day was an adult male Montagu's Harrier flying west over Seamer tip pool at 11.15am. Two Garganey, 8 Shelduck, 9 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, a Ruff, Greenshank, 2 Little Egrets, a Great White Egret, Pink-footed Goose were all at Potter Brompton Carr this afternoon. At North Yorkshire Water Park an Osprey flew north at 13.25. Also there were two White-fronted Geese (a Russian race with a possible Greenland race), a Pink-footed Goose, 15 Greylag goslings, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Teal, 2 Common Sandpipers, 24 Lbb Gulls, a Gbb Gull. At Ravenscar two Ring Ouzels, 14 Wheatears at Stoupe Brow, a Raven by the quarry.  Grasshopper Warblers were at Seamer Tip pool, Ravenscar (Bent Rigg Lane), Long Nab (3), and Cromer Point, the latter site had 5 Wheatears also. In the Seamer tip area; 31 Whitethroats, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Sedge Warblers, Wheatear. Common Sandpiper at Taylor Way, and Oystercatchers + 1 chick at Burton Riggs. Two Hooded Crows flew south at Long Nab, 16 Goosanders, 3 Whimbrel, 21 Sandwich Terns, 3 Swifts flew north. Another Goosander was in Burniston Bay. 

Whimbrel Cromer Point yesterday - Chris Bell