JANUARY 2010
Highlights included a Bittern at Burton Riggs (18th), Little Auk at the harbour (11th), a male Hen Harrier faithful to Long Nab (to 23rd), and up to 4,500 Skylarks along the coast in the cold spell. Little Egrets were occasionally seen in The Carrs, and a fine drake Mandarin gave good views at The Mere. A record count of 970 Wigeon at Scalby Mills (18th), up to seven Mediterranean Gulls were wintering, and along with spectacular numbers of passerines along the coast both Lapland and Snow Buntings were found in the Cromer Point / Scalby Lodge area. A Twite appeared in a Linnet flock at Cayton Bay (10th), and seven flew over Stoupe Brow (18th). Five Mealy Redpolls were at Flixton (3rd), and one at Langdale Forest (24th). Scalby Lodge attracted a selection of geese; six White-fronted (5th to 11th), plus eight flying south (16th), both races of Brent Geese, including two rather dark looking Pale-bellied Brent Geese. Seawatching highlights included Great Northern Diver and three Long-tailed Ducks past Cromer Point (11th), and two Black-throated Divers past there (13th). The Long-tailed Duck remained at Wykeham Lakes (to 13th), and three Whooper Swans were at Allerston Low Marishes (24th).

FEBRUARY 2010

The Bittern was re found at Burton Riggs (1st) but was sadly picked up dead (12th). A good selection of geese in the district with 4 Tundra Bean Geese at Cayton Carr (14th to 16th) the star attraction. Three Barnacle Geese were at Wykeham Lakes (7th) and one occasionally at Peasholm Park. The Carrs continue to hold wintering Little Egrets, one in the Cayton/Flixton Carr area, plus one at Yedingham (9th). Holbeck held up to six Mediterranean Gulls, and 34 Purple Sandpipers were at the harbour. A small influx of Waxwings (5th to 9th); singles at Newby and Eastfield, and four flew over Seamer. A Mandarin remained at The Mere, and 14 were seen at Hilla Green. Along the coast a Great Northern Diver flew north (1st) and a male Hen Harrier was at Cromer Point (4th). A Smew was at Wykeham Lakes (7th and 14th), plus the wintering Long-tailed Duck was still there (14th). Up to four Blackcaps were in gardens at Westwood.