Welcome

December 2010

Sat, 1 Jan 2011 22:01:41 +0000

01.12.10 The Great Northern Diver was seen in the harbour mouth, and 10 Whooper Swans at Scalby Lodge Pond. 
02.12.10 The Great Northern Diver still at the harbour, plus a Gannet. The herd of 10 Whooper Swans still at Scalby Lodge, just north of the farm. Two Grey Plovers and a Golden Plover in Jackson's Bay. An Eider at Scalby Mills. 12 Dunlin circled Seamer Tip pools, also 5 Snipe and 3 Redshanks there.

03.12.10 The Great Northern Diver continues to frequent the harbour, also 25 Purple Sandpipers. Two Snow Buntings and Woodcock near Trough Gully, also Twite at Cromer Pond. The herd of 10 Whooper Swans were again grazing in the field north of Scalby Lodge Farm, and 180 Teal were on the sea at Jackson's Bay. Six Lapwings came in off the sea at Marine Parade, and a Woodcock was at Far Lane, Hutton Buscel. Another Woodcock flew along Castlegate, East Ayton.

04.12.10 The freeze continues bringing with it some interesting movements, in particular large numbers of Woodcocks to the coast and a good Red-throated Diver count. Two Hen Harriers (one male) at Long Nab, attracted by 1000+ Skylarks in the cover crop just north of Cliff Top House. An incredible 75+ Woodcocks at Long Nab, mostly in the plantations, c40 in Hundale alone! Also a Merlin and 3 Golden Plover there. A seawatch at Marine Drive (08.00-10.15 & 11.45-13.00) produced a juvenile Pomarine Skua, 127 Pink-footed Geese, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Shelduck, 67 Common Scoters, an Eider, 3 Goosanders, 121 Red-throated Divers (111 south), 25 Fulmars, 15 Gannets, Golden Plover, Dunlin, and Purple Sandpiper. A Lapwing, Fieldfare, and Redwing at Castle Hill. The Great Northern Diver was in the harbour. The herd of 10 Whooper Swans were at Scalby Lodge Farm, and a Woodcock at Cromer Point. A Little Grebe at Scalby Mills, and Kingfisher at Northstead Manor Gardens. Two Gadwall at Burton Riggs. In the Carrs there were 23 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Water Rails at Star Carr. The Long-tailed Duck was still at Wykeham Lakes, also Whooper Swan, 10 Pink-footed Geese, a Goldeneye, and a Woodcock. The gull roost held 3200+ Common Gulls, 200 Black-headed Gulls, and 500 GBB Gulls.

05.12.10 Incredible numbers of Woodcocks along the coast; an impressive total of 136 between Long Nab and Cloughton. The two Hen Harriers (one male) were still at Long Nab, also 15 Pink-footed Geese. 30 Brambling at Cloughton. The 10 Whooper Swans were still in the field north of Scalby Lodge farm, also 200 Greylags and several Woodcocks in the area. Seven Herons at Hurd's Pond over high tide. A seawatch at Marine Drive (08.15-09.30) saw a juvenile Pomarine Skua fly into South Bay, 13 Common Scoters, a Great Northern Diver (S), one Red-throated Diver, and 30 Kittiwakes. At the south end of Seamer Road Mere, a Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Water Rail, and Barn Owl.

06.12.10 The Great Northern Diver again in the harbour. A female Blackcap at Gildercliffe and male at Westwood, Scarborough. Also a Woodcock at Westwood. 30+ Pink-footed Geese at Scalby Lodge Farm, and a Whooper Swan and Merlin at Scalby Manor. 10 Lapwings at St Mary's Church lower graveyard. Ringtail Hen Harrier, Merlin, 11 Golden Plovers, 3 Woodcocks Long Nab, plus 32 Pink-footed Geese flew south.

07.12.10 The Great Northern Diver in the harbour. Two Woodcocks at the art gallery, The Crescent, Scarborough plus one flew over the road towards North Cliff Golf Course. A Blackcap at Hutton Buscel.

08.12.10 The Great Northern Diver was off West Pier mid afternoon. Eleven Whooper Swans at Scalby Lodge Farm. A Coot at the small pond there. Two Goosanders flew west over Scalby Manor, 100 Siskins at Cowath Beck. A Woodcock on Main Street, at Hutton Buscel. Three Lapwings by the Rotunda Museum, South Bay.

09.12.10 A juvenile Glaucous Gull on the beach opposite The Spa in South Bay mid afternoon. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls on the rocks below Holbeck. A Woodcock by the Rotunda Museum. Four Lapwings near St Mary's church plus one just south of The Spa.

10.12.10 The juvenile Glaucous Gull was again in South Bay eating a large fish on the beach opposite the Grand Hotel mid-afternoon. Two Mediterranean Gulls on the rocks below Holbeck, plus c15 Purple Sandpipers. The Great Northern Diver was just off the harbour entrance. A Snow Bunting was by the Cleveland Way at Jackson's Field (north of Scalby Nab). Counts at Scalby Mills included a Gadwall, 445 Wigeon, an Eider, 230 Common Gulls, 320 Black-headed Gulls, 380 GBB Gulls and 880 Herring Gulls. In Jackson's Bay there were 15 Dunlins, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Golden Plovers. Eleven Whooper Swans at Scalby Lodge, and 2 Woodcocks in Trough Gully plus one near the hide. 109 Pink-footed Geese and 13 Golden Plover at Cromer Point.

11.12.10 The Great Northern Diver was again in the harbour. A "ringtail" Hen Harrier at Long Nab, also a Merlin, 2 Pink-footed Geese (N), 17 Golden Plovers, 2 Snipe and c40 Woodcocks in Hundale Plantation. 10 Bramblings at Cloughton Wyke. 60+ Pink-footed Geese at Cayton Carr.

12.12.10 A seawatch at Marine Drive (08.10-09.30) produced a Red-necked Grebe flying north , also past a Great Crested Grebe, 5 Common Scoters, 28 Red-throated Divers, and 30 Fulmars. The juvenile Glaucous Gull was seen on South Bay beach again late morning moving to the rocks below Holbeck early afternoon, also 21 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks. Four adult Mediterranean Gulls coming to bread at Holbeck car park. A male Hen Harrier flew north over the Wireless Station at GCHQ and over Rowbrow Wood (perhaps the Burniston bird). Woodcocks continue to be reported throughout the district. The Great Northern Diver was in the harbour, also 53 Turnstones. A Crossbill at Cloughton Woods.

13.12.10 The Great Northern Diver still in the harbour. A Great Crested Grebe in South Bay, also 2+ Mediterranean Gulls on the rocks below Holbeck. A Goldeneye on Seamer Road Mere.

14.12.10 A seawatch at Long Nab (08.55-11.00) produced 3 Shelducks, 3 Goldeneyes, 42 Common Scoters, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, a Great Northern Diver flew north, 110 Red-throated Divers (most north), and 11 Knot flew south. The Great Northern Diver was still at the harbour plus 44 Purple Sandpipers. The Snow Bunting was still by the Cleveland Way at Jackson's Bay. A Grey Plover and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits at Jackson's Bay.

15.12.10 The Great Northern Diver again in the harbour. At Potter Brompton Carr there were 65 Pink-footed Geese with 140 Greylags. A Black-headed Gull at Scalby Mills (10/12/10) was ringed as a fledgling at Hosehill Lake LNR, West Berkshire on 13th June 2009.

16.12.10 The Great Northern Diver was just off the harbour in South Bay.

17.12.10 The juvenile Glaucous Gull and Great Northern Diver were in the harbour. An hour's seawatch at Marine Drive produced 2 Common Scoters, an Eider, and 14 Red-throated Divers. A Grey Wagtail in Woodlands Ravine and Rock Pipit at The Spa.

18.12.10 A female Ruddy Shelduck was with a Canada Goose flock at Star Carr, also 10 Whooper Swans flew east. The Great Northern Diver was still at the harbour. The Glaucous Gull was in the harbour mid-afternoon.

19.12.10 A Goldeneye and Water Rail at Seamer Road Mere. The 11 Whooper Swans were still at Scalby Lodge farm, plus a Merlin nearby. Ten Snipe at Scalby Lodge Pond, and 3 Woodcocks at Cromer Point. A Woodcock at Londsborough Lodge. Three Woodcocks and 10 Bramblings at Star Carr.

20.12.10 A Green Woodpecker on the south side of Castle Hill (a rarity there!), also a Barn Owl, Water Rail and Woodcock on the north side plus 44 Pink-footed Geese flew south. A drake Red-breasted Merganser and a Mute Swan in the harbour. A Water Rail at Scalby Beck, and Snow Bunting at the top of the steps at Scalby Nab. Three Knots in Jackson's Bay.

21.12.10 Ten Whooper Swans flew south-east over Seamer Carr. A Redwing at Falsgrave Park, also Bullfinch. Barn Owl, Woodcock, and 2 Fieldfare at Thornborough Road, Cayton. 15+ Woodcocks and a Snipe at Castle Hill, the Green Woodpecker and Barn Owl again, 10 Song Thrushes, 2 Redwings, Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipits, and 4 Lapwings. Three Woodcocks at High Eastfield Farm.

22.12.10 The Ruddy Shelduck again at Star Carr with Canadas. Great Northern Diver at the harbour, also 40 Purple Sandpipers, a Kittiwake and 2 Great Crested Grebes in South Bay. The Green Woodpecker again on the south side of Castle Hill and Water Rail on the north side. Woodcocks reported in good numbers along the coastal strip; 10+ at Castle Hill, 7 in gardens at Station Road, Scalby, one at The Crescent (town), and 27+ in the Burniston/Cloughton area. Two Bramblings at Station Tea Rooms, Cloughton.

23.12.10 The Green Woodpecker again at Castle Hill plus 2 Woodcocks and a Great Crested Grebe in South Bay. Two Woodcocks at The Crescent and one in Dean Rd Cemetery.

24.12.10 The Great Northern Diver was in the harbour and three Great Crested Grebes just off West Pier. A confiding Little Owl near Muston. 50 Pied Wagtails feeding on the filter beds at Seamer sewage farm, also Redshank and Woodcock there. Ruddy Shelduck still at Star Carr.

25.12.10 Ten Waxwings at Northstead by the disused railway and one on Ryndle Walk, Peasholm. The Great Northern Diver in the harbour and Green Woodpecker again on the south side of Castle Hill plus 4 Woodcocks and 3 Fieldfares. A juvenile Glaucous Gull on the beach at Cayton Bay late afternoon and 9 Common Scoters. A Goldeneye at Wykeham Lakes (now 95% ice). At Field Lane, Scalby 10 Woodcocks and 32 Grey Partridge. A Water Rail at Cowath Beck.

26.12.10 Waders in Jackson's Bay included 3 Sanderlings, 32 Dunlins, 2 Grey Plovers, a Golden Plover, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits and a Woodcock. 5+ Woodcocks at Scalby Beck. Five Waxwings were at Stepney Drive, and two at South End, Burniston. The Great Northern Diver still in the harbour and Green Woodpecker at Castle Hill. A Brambling in a garden at Cayton. A juvenile Whooper Swan and Shoveler at Burton Riggs.

27.12.10 A Little Egret appeared to land south of Starr Carr Farm early afternoon, 2 Bramblings nearby. Great Northern Diver and Great Crested Grebe in the harbour. Four adult Mediterranean Gulls at Holbeck car park. Past Marine Drive in two hours; 7 Eiders, 8 Goldeneye, 59 Red-throated Divers, Great Crested Grebe (on sea), 2 Gannets, 2 Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpipers and 30 Guillemots. 11 Fulmars on Castle Cliff. A Woodcock and Redwing at Castle Hill plus 3 Lapwings. Four Pochards and a Woodcock at Burton Riggs. An Eider and 2 Common Scoters in North Bay.160 Woodpigeons flew south over Peasholm.

28.12.10 A productive seawatch from Marine Drive (08.35-10.35); 75 Wigeon, 7 Goldeneyes, 2 Common Scoters, 2 Red-necked Grebes flew north together, a Great Crested Grebe, 330 Fulmars flew south (2 Blue Fulmars), 53 Red-throated Divers, 10 Gannets, 11 Kittiwakes, 60 Guillemots. The Great Northern Diver and juvenile Glaucous Gull both in the harbour. A Coot was an unusual sight at Scalby Mills, also 9 Dunlin, Eider, and Great Crested Grebe. Two Water Rails in the drainage ditch on the east side of Seamer Tip, also 3 Snipe and 2 Willow Tits. An adult LBB Gull on the ice at Burton Riggs. Three Fieldfares at Briercliffe.

29.12.10 The first Iceland Gull of 2010 was a juvenile lingering off Marine Drive mid afternoon. Wildfowl in North Bay included 620 Wigeon, 3 Mallard, 3 Pochard, and an Eider. A Great Crested Grebe in South Bay. 16 Bramblings by Flixton Carr Bridge. A juvenile Whooper Swan at Seamer Road Mere (2nd day). The Ruddy Shelduck was with Canada Geese at Scalby Lodge Pond mid-morning. A Curlew continues to feed in the Castle dykes.

30.12.10 The Iceland Gull was seen at the harbour from late morning onwards, also 41 Purple Sandpipers at high tide. A record 1090 Wigeon counted at Scalby Mills, also Eider, 13 Tufted Ducks and a Pochard in North Bay. Two Goosanders at Scalby Beck near the pub. A Goldeneye at Burton Riggs. Three Crossbills at Scalby village by the tennis courts. A Knot and 34 Dunlin in Jackson's Bay. 72+ Curlews in fields near Burniston.

31.12.10 The juvenile Iceland Gull was again seen at the harbour plus 33 Purple Sandpipers. A Goldeneye and Water Rail at Burton Riggs. The Great Northern Diver was in South Bay.

November 2010

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 10:04:48 +0000

01.11.10 A Waxwing flew over Hundale Plantation, Long Nab in the morning. Also 290 Pink-footed Geese flew south and 3 Twite. Five Bramblings and 15 Siskin at the plantation.

02.11.10 Twelve Waxwings just north of Scalby village mid afternoon.

03.11.10 A Waxwing at at the junction of the A170 and Forge Valley Road, East Ayton. Two Snow Buntings at Jackson's Field by the "finger post". A drake Velvet Scoter on the sea off Marine Drive late afternoon. A Kingfisher and Kittiwake at Scalby Mills.

04.11.10 A juvenile Glaucous Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, a Great Northern Diver, and Red-throated Diver at Scalby Mills early afternoon.

05.11.10 The juvenile Glaucous Gull was seen in the harbour mid afternoon. 25 Curlews at Gristhorpe Bay. Two Kittiwakes at Scalby Mills, and 3 Common Scoters flew north. Two Goldeneyes at Burton Riggs.

06.11.10 A Sandwich Tern was feeding off Scalby Mills mid morning, also a Blackcap in bushes near the Sea Life Centre. The Glaucous Gull flew north past Long Nab at 08.10 am, also past (07.00-09.00); 5 Mallard, 4 Teal, Wigeon, 3 Goldeneye, 30 Common Scoters, Eider, a Great Northern Diver (S), 17 Red-throated Divers, a Fulmar, 45 Gannets, 2 Shags, 7 Kitiwakes, anmd 6 "large" Auks. 60 Pink-footed Geese flew over Jackson's Bay. 10+ Crossbills and a Goshawk in Langdale Forest. At Wykeham Lakes the female Long-tailed Duck was still present, 4 (2juv) Whooper Swans, 30 Pochards, and the gull roost included 2500+ Common Gulls and 18 LBB Gulls. Two Whoooper Swans flew east over Flixton, a Green Sandpiper was on the River Hertford, and nearby 40 Golden Plovers at Star Carr.

07.11.10 The Waxwing invasion continues with 4 by the A64 at Rillington, 11 in a garden at Sawdon, and 4 circled Castle Hill at midday. The northerly winds gave an interesting seawatch at Marine Drive (07.15-10.15); 2 Brent Geese, 6 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 11 Goldeneyes, 2 Velvet Scoters, 134 Common Scoters, 7 Red-breasted Mergansers, Sooty Shearwater, 28 Red-throated Divers, a Black-throated Diver (N), a Great Northern Diver (S), 3 Purple Sandpipers, Arctic Skua, and 700+ Kittiwakes (N). Red-breasted Mergansers have been very scarce in the district this year. Twelve Common Scoters and a Red-throated Diver were in Cayton Bay, with 2000+ Rooks, 650+ Jackdaws and 2500+ Starlings roosting in the woods at Cayton Cliff. 46 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Musham Bank, a mixed finch flock there held 200 Goldfinches, 60 Linnets, 40 Chaffinches, and 3 Bramblings. Seamer Road Mere held 4 Great Crested Grebes, a Goldeneye, Kingfisher, and 3 Redpolls. 22 Grey Partridge on Star Carr. A Great Grey Shrike near RAF Fylingdales at May Moss.

08.11.10 Strong south-easterly winds saw very few seabirds/wildfowl on the move, but past Long Nab (08.10-12.30) were a Grey Phalarope flying south, plus the Glaucous Gull, and an Arctic Tern flew north. Also past were 4 Tufted Ducks, 22 Common Scoters, a Goldeneye, 5 Eiders, 2 Fulmars, 2 Dunlin and 5 Starlings came in off the sea. A Goldcrest was at Crook Ness. On the north side of Castle Hill were 4 Goldcrests, Redwing, 10 Blackbirds, Blackcap, and a Chiffchaff. 7 Waxwings in a garden at Castlegate, East Ayton. A Woodcock flushed from Northstead Manor Gardens.

09.11.10 50 Little Auks flew north past Scalby Mills 10.00-10.30am, also juv Glaucous Gull and Little Gull there. A first-winter Little Gull was on Taylor Way pool at Seamer Tip briefly at 2pm. In East Ayton up to 17 Waxwings were seen between Castlegate and the church. A seawatch at Long Nab (08.00-12.15) produced 3 Mallard, 9 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 228 Common Scoters, a Velvet Scoter, 18 Goldeneyes, 24 Eiders, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Arctic Skua, and 5 Little Gulls. A Black Redstart was seen again on derelict land behind Melrose Street. A Goosander on the sea off Scalby Nab. On the south (sheltered) side of Castle Hill migrants included a Chiffchaff and 15 Blackbirds. A freshly dead Little Auk found at Valley Gardens Park.

10.11.10 A Firecrest was with the Long-tailed Tit flock on the south side of Castle Hill, also 4 Chiffchaffs, Treecreeper, Blackcap, 35 Blackbirds, 4 Goldcrests and 4 Brambling. A Snow Bunting came in off the sea at the Headland 09.15am which may have been the same bird seen to land at the top of Castle Hill early afternoon. A Mealy (Common) Redpoll and Lesser Redpoll was trapped and ringed at Long Nab. Seawatching today at Long Nab and Marine Drive (08.00-11.00) produced; Shelduck, 10 Wigeon, Mallard, 3 Goldeneyes, Velvet Scoter, 59 Common Scoters, 103 Eiders, Red-breasted Merganser, 22 Red-throated Divers, 17 Shags, a Little Gull, and Pomarine Skua (S). 50 Pink-footed Geese flew over West Ayton mid morning and 4 Waxwings were seen at Castlegate, East Ayton briefly at 12.45pm. A Red-throated Diver reported on Scalby Beck behind the pub at Scalby Mills.

11.11.10 Two Black Redstarts at the corporation yard behind Melrose Street. Seawatching from Marine Drive (07.50-09.30) was slow with a Velvet Scoter (S), Mallard, 8 Common Scoters, Eider (on sea), and 2 Red-throated Divers. Migrants at Castle Hill included 20 Blackbirds, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, and 5 Goldcrests.

12.11.10 A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at Seamer Tip pools early afternoon. A Snow Bunting came in off the sea at Long Nab at 08.50am and what was possibly the same bird was on the Cleveland Way just north of Crook Ness at 9.25am. Three Red-throated Divers flew north past Long Nab (08.00-09.00) and a Sanderling flew south. A Goosander and a Mandarin at Seamer Road Mere, also Willow Tit there. A Chiffchaff at Cloughton village, and Brambling in the cover crop by Station Tea Rooms. 19 Purple Sandpipers at the harbour. The two Black Redstarts were still in the Melrose Street area.

13.11.10 A redhead Smew on the large pool at Seamer Tip, it did fly over towards Burton Riggs but returned. Four Snow Buntings behind the hut at Long Nab and a Jack Snipe in the coastal stubble, 11 Red-throated Divers, 2 Shags, and 19 Common Scoters flew past in one hour. A Great Northern Diver was in South Bay, also 2 Mediterranean Gulls at Holbeck car park. An hours observation at Highwood Brow, Wykeham Forest produced a ringtail Hen Harrier flying north-west over Broxa, 2 Goshawks, a Merlin, several Crossbills, and a flock of 80 Redpoll (sp). The Long-tailed Duck was still at Wykeham Lakes, also a Goosander, and a Goldeneye.

14.11.10 The Smew was still at Seamer Tip Pools, on the large pool, also a Snow Bunting and Rock Pipit flew over. The Great Northern Diver showed well from the West Pier at the harbour and a Sanderling was in South Bay. The Firecrest was still with the Long-tailed Tit flock on the south side of Castle Hill, also 2 Chiffchaffs, a Treecreeper, several "continental" Robins, Siskin, and 30 Blackbirds. A Green Woodpecker and 5+ Crossbills at Adderstone Rigg, Dalby Forest.

15.11.10 The Smew was still at Seamer Tip Pools, also Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. The Great Northern Diver performed well just off the West Pier and a Woodcock flew south over the harbour late afternoon. Three Lapland Buntings and three Snow Buntings in the coastal stubble field at Long Nab, also 20 Skylarks, 5 Rock Pipits, 2 Stonechats, and 40 Curlews. The Firecrest was still in the tit flock on the south side of Castle Hill.

16.11.10 An increase in buntings at Long Nab with 10+ Lapland Buntings in the coastal stubble field, and 22 Snow Buntings, 60 Linnets, and 7 Rock Pipits in the field directly north. The Great Northern Diver plus a female Eider were in South Bay. A seawatch from Marine Drive (08.45-09.45) produced 2 Mallard, a Wigeon, Common Scoter, 4 Eiders, 4 Red-throated Divers, a distant "large" Diver, and adult Little Gull (S). A Gadwall was at Scalby Lodge pond (small), plus 36 Common Scoters on the sea off Scalby Nab. 10 Crossbills were at Penny Howe, Harwood Dale Forest. Thick fog in The Carrs hampered any Smew searching!

17.11.10 The Smew was still at Seamer Tip pools, and Great Northern Diver in South Bay. A Lapland Bunting and Snow Bunting at Long Nab. Hoopoe picked up dead at Mill Beck Farm, Boggle Hole.

18.11.10 A small mixed Goose flock at Scalby Lodge consisted of 4 White-fronted Geese, a Bean Goose, and a Pink-footed Goose. They left after being flushed by a dog walker. The Great Northern Diver was seen in the harbour in the afternoon. A Mandarin, 3 Goosanders, and a Goldeneye at Seamer Road Mere. The Smew was still at Seamer Tip pools. a Woodcock picked up dead at Ramshill.

19.11.10 A first-winter male Desert Wheatear found mid-afternoon two fields north of the seawatching hut at Long Nab. By dusk it had moved four fields north by Hundale Point TA025947. 25 Purple sandpipers at the harbour. A movement of Lapwings observed over Northstead, 500 flew high south at 9am, and a further 200 at 10am. A Pochard on the small pond at Scalby Lodge. See video of Desert Wheatear taken by Joel Clegg, the finder:- click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EFqpLoILhA

20.11.10 Both the Smew and Great Northern Diver were still present, but no sign of the Desert Wheatear. Goldeneye and Pochard on the small pond at Scalby Lodge.

21.11.10 The Great Northern Diver was in the harbour early morning. A seawatch from Marine Drive (07.35-09.00) produced Eider, 2 Common Scoters, 8 Red-throated Divers, 7 Gannets, 2 Fulmars, 20 Kittiwakes, 2 Puffins, and 20+ Guillemots. A Lesser and a Mealy Redpoll in a garden at Westwood. The juvenile Glaucous Gull was seen again at Scalby Mills at midday.

22.11.10 A seawatch at Long Nab (09.05-11.10) saw 6 Wigeon, 10 Eiders, 2 Velvet Scoters, 17 Red-throated Divers, 13 Fulmars, 2 Pomarine Skuas (N), Great Skua (S), a Little Gull, 40 Kittiwakes, and 40+ "large" Auks. Migrants at Hundale Plantation included 10 Blackbirds, Song Thrush, 3 Goldcrests, and 40 Siskins. 50 Siskins at Station Lane, Scalby.The Firecrest was still with the large tit flock on the south side of Castle Hill plus a Chiffchaff and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The Great Northern Diver was in the harbour. Wildfowl on the Flower of May pond included 100 Canada Geese, a Dark-bellied brent Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 120 Wigeon, and a drake Mandarin.

23.11.10 A Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Scalby Lodge by the small pool. 50 Siskins still at Station Lane, Scalby. The Great Northern Diver was in the harbour plus 31 Purple Sandpipers on East Pier at dusk. The Smew was still at Seamer Tip Pools (large pool). 30 Pink-footed Geese over Snainton at 11.45 am.

24.11.10 A good movement of Whooper Swans; 15 over Scalby village, 10+ south over South Bay, and 13 on Hackness Lake, 11 of which were still present in the afternoon. 38 Purple Sandpipers at the harbour. 150 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Scalby Mills.

25.11.10 The Great Northern Diver was still in the harbour. Four Goosanders on Seamer Road Mere. Scalby Lodge Pond now has water! A Goosander on the small pond there. At Potter Brompton Carr (no general access) there were 4 Ruffs which left towards Sherburn Ings, also 240 Teal, 35 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshanks, 300 Lapwings, c25 Snipe, and 40 Golden Plovers. Ruffs have been particularly scarce in the district this year, mainly due to Scalby Lodge Pond being dry May to November.

26.11.10 The Great Northern Diver was in the harbour, the ringed Shag there (blue UBI) was ringed as a chick at the Isle of May on 19th June 2010 (please report any further sightings). A Chiffchaff at Northstead Manor Gardens. Scalby Lodge ponds held 281 Canada Geese, 6 CanadaXGreylag hybrids, 169 Teal, Goldeneye (small pond), plus 10 Pied Wagtails.

27.11.10 12 Waxwings were seen along the disused railway just north of Scalby village. A seawatch from Marine Drive (08.15-09.00) produced 11 Red-throated Divers, 3 Shags, 4 Guillemots, and 3 Fulmars past. 7+ Shags around the harbour. A Whooper Swan (juv) was in fields south of Wykeham Lakes with 7 Mute Swans and 620 Greylags, at the South Lake the female Long-tailed Duck was still present, plus a Goldeneye. 37 Golden Plover with 300 Lapwings at Scalby Lodge Pond, also 310 Wigeon and 120 Teal there. 3 Snipe and 2 Redshank at Seamer Tip pools, 5000+ Herring Gulls on the tip.

28.11.10 Following more snow overnight the winds dropped in the morning and an increase in birds moving south was observed, including wildfowl and passerines along the coast. A seawatch at Marine Drive (08.30-10.45) saw 5 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Wigeon, 3 Mallard, 10 Teal, 4 Pochard, 4 Goldeneyes, Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Eiders, 35 Common Scoters, 25 Red-throated Divers (most north), 2 Golden Plovers, 110 Common Gulls, and 130 Black-headed Gulls. A Mealy Redpoll dropped in briefly behind the shelter at Marine Drive, and a Snow Bunting flew south there plus 11 Skylarks, 3 Pied Wagtails, 6 Meadow Pipits, a Rock Pipit, and 2 Siskins. Grounded birds at Castle Hill also included 14 Meadow Pipits, a Redwing, 20 Blackbirds, 7 Song Thrushes, plus 2 Treecreepers were with the tit flock. The Great Northern Diver was again in the harbour, and 7 Shags were feeding off Marine Drive. An Eider was at Scalby Mills.

30.11.10 A male Hen Harrier was seen hunting between Scalby Lodge and Long Nab. At Long Nab 4 Lapland Buntings were in the coastal stubble just north of the seawatching hut, plus a single Snow Bunting just south of the hut. Ten Whooper Swans were in the field immediately north of Scalby Lodge Farm. An adult Mediterranean Gull at Seamer Road Mere.

October 2010

Sat, 6 Nov 2010 15:46:33 +0000

02.10.10 Fifteen Lapland Buntings were feeding in the stubble field north of the hut at Long Nab, a Wheatear and Redstart at Crook Ness. Nine Swallows and a House Martin flew south. Two Wheatears at Cromer Point. A Pied Flycatcher at Greenwood, Northstead Manor Gardens. A Redstart at Scalby Lodge, and Lesser Whitethroat at Scalby Beck. Two Jack Snipes were near the "Helmsley Finger Post". A Short-eared Owl over Star Carr late morning, also nearby a drake Mandarin circled Cayton Carr with Mallards. At Wykeham Lakes there were 17 Pink-footed Geese with the Greylags, also a Dunlin and a flock of 80 Meadow Pipits. At Ravenscar there were 5 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Whinchats, 2 Redstarts and a Garden Warbler. The Ring Ouzel was still at the Castle Holmes, also on the headland were 12 Rock Pipits, a Stonechat, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, and 30 Robins. Nine Swallows were in North Bay. A Gadwall was at Seamer Tip Pools. Juvenile Hobby on cliffs by South Cliff Golf Course.

03.10.10 A Shore Lark and Water Pipit in the field north of Crook Ness, Long Nab late afternoon, 150m along the Cleveland Way north of the car park. Three Wheatears there plus a Lapland Bunting in stubble north of the seawatching hut. At Castle Hill the Ring Ouzel was still at The Holmes, also Swallow, House Martin, Garden Warbler, 4 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 25 Robins and a Brambling. At Ravenscar 2 Redstarts and 2 Willow Warblers. A party of 10 Pink-footed Geese flew low east over Yeddingham.

04.10.10 No sign of the Shore Lark at Long Nab but 3 Wheatears and a Bar-tailed Godwit there, plus 200 Pink-footed Geese flew south. A Twite by the Water Treatment Plant at Cromer Point and 3 Wheatears. A Whitethroat in stile scrub. 5 Chiffchaffs at Castle Hill. At Scalby Mills there was an adult Med Gull and 8 Kittiwakes. 25 Ringed Plovers in Jackson's Bay.

05.10.10 An adult White Wagtail at Cromer Point early evening in a pre-roost gathering of 80+ Pieds by the Water Treatment Plant. Also 16 Reed Buntings in the cover crop. A Redstart in a willow behind the Rotunda Museum, South Bay. One Lapland Bunting in the stubble at Long Nab, 2 Whinchats, and a Wheatear. Eight Wigeon at Scalby Mills.

06.10.10 Three (2+1) Great Spotted Woodpeckers flew in off the sea at Scalby Nab. A Black Redstart on derelict land behind Melrose Street, Scarborough.

07.10.10 One Lapland Bunting in the stubble field at Long Nab, also a Stonechat, Peregrine and 150 Pink-footed Geese flew south mid-afternoon. 21 Wigeon Scalby Mills.

08.10.10 South-easterlies, mist, and rain and hopes were raised in Scarborough! The Castle Headland didn't disappoint with the autumn's third Icterine Warbler on the south side. Also at the Headland today were 80 Redwings, 40 Song Thrushes, 2 Ring Ouzels, 30 Robins(5 inside the wall), Wheatear, 23+ Chiffchaffs, 25 Goldcrests, 5 Siskin, c20 Bramblings, a Yellowhammer, 3+ Reed Buntings, and 2+ Common Sandpipers calling from rocks at Marine Drive at 7pm. At Jackson's Bay there was a Lapland Bunting on the cliff edge, and a Wheatear at Scalby Lodge plus good numbers of Song Thrushes. 60 Wigeon at Scalby Mills.

09.10.10 A Yellow-browed Warbler early morning near the Castle entrance, and it, or another along the top path on the south side at midday. Also on the Castle Headland 2 House Martins, 8 Swallows, 50 Meadow Pipits, 45 Robins, Redstart, 150 Song Thrush, 550 Redwing, Mistle Thrush, 50 Blackbirds, 5 Blackcaps, Lesser Whitethroat, 45 Chiffchaffs, 90 Goldcrests, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 100 Chaffinch, 60 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpolls, 60 Siskin, and 4 Reed Buntings. Two Lapland Buntings in stubble at Scalby Lodge by the "Helmsley finger post", plus a Pied Flycatcher in stile scrub. A Ring Ouzel in Hundale Plantation, also at Long Nab a Whinchat, 2 Blackcaps,Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaffs, 30 Goldcrests, 4 Brambling and 7 Reed Buntings. At Ravenscar in the morning there was a Ring Ouzel, 500 Redwings, 30 Song Thrushes, 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, a Brambling, and Redpoll. Two Bramblings in sycamores at King Street, South Bay.

10.10.10 A Dusky Warbler at Castle Hill, found at 10.35am within the Castle walls in a small hedge, it then flew over to the south side where it was seen on and off to late afternoon (more often heard than seen). Other migrants on the Castle Headland were a Yellow-browed Warbler, 6+ Ring Ouzels, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, 100 Redwings, 40 Song Thrushes, 90+ Robins, 2 Wheatears, 60+ Chiffchaffs (a record count), 7 Blackcaps, 2 Garden Warblers, 70 Goldcrests, Marsh Tit, Treecreeper, 25 Bramblings, 20 Siskins, 4 Tree Sparrows, and 2 Reed Buntings. A Black Redstart (different bird photographed) on derelict land at Melrose Street, Scarborough in the morning. Two Lapland Buntings at Jackson's Bay. A Yellow-browed Warbler at Newlands Dale, Cloughton, also an unidentified Reed/Marsh Warbler type seen briefly there. Another Yellow-browed Warbler at Sycarham Wood. At Long Nab there was a Wheatear, Whinchat, Redstart, 2 Blackcaps and 2 Brambling. A Wheatear at Cloughton Wyke. At Ravenscar there were good numbers opf thrushes coming in; 400 Redwings, 100 Song Thrushes, 100 Blackbirds, and 5 Brambling. A Golden Plover flew over Peasholm at 5am. 200 Redwings flew east over Snainton late afternoon.

11.10.10 A slight reduction in numbers of migrants along the coast as the winds turned from east to north-east. Castle Hill was well covered again, the Dusky Warbler was still present on the south side but remained very elusive after early morning. The Icterine Warbler reappeared (assumed to be Friday's bird) on the south side briefly mid-afternoon, at the south end of the top path. A Yellow-browed Warbler was found at nearby St Mary's church in the lower graveyard at Paradise. Other Castle Headland sightings were a male Black Redstart by Cockhyll Tower ("Whitebeam" area), a Common Redstart, Ring Ouzel, 30 Redwings, 60 Robins, 3 Garden Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 30+ Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler, Treecreeper, 50 Goldcrests, Brambling, 20 Chaffinches, and 2 Siskins. A Great Skua flew south off-shore.

12.10.10 The Dusky Warbler performed well to all in the afternoon above the playground on the south side of Castle Hill. Also on the south side Garden Warbler, Blackcap, 25 Chiffchaffs, and 30 Goldcrests.

13.10.10 The Dusky Warbler showed on and off around the play area at Castle Hill again. A Bearded Tit was reported (Birdguides.com) from the north side of Castle Hill at 4.05 p.m. Other totals from the Castle Headland included the Yellow-browed Warbler still at Paradise (lower graveyard of St Mary's church), 2 Blackcaps, 25 Chiffchaffs, 20 Robins, and 45 Goldcrests. A Brambling and Reed Bunting at Scalby Nab, and 60 Wigeon at Scalby Mills. A Reed Bunting flew south over Peasholm early morning. An increase in Tawny Owl activity; four calling in Peasholm Park/Northstead Manor Gardens around 7pm. A Honey Buzzard flew inland over Scalby at 3pm. Two Lapland Buntings in field south of Scalby lodge Pond. Wheatear at Cromer Point.

14.10.10 The Bearded Tit was relocated on the top of Castle Hill in brambles at the north-east corner before it flew high over the south side. The Dusky Warbler was stiil at the playground, also 15 Chiffchaffs, 25 Goldcrests, 20 Robins, and 2 Tree Sparrows. 130 Pink-footed Geese flew over Scalby.

15.10.10 A Richard's Pipit was found at Cromer Point mid afternoon, it was still present at 5.15pm near the pond having being flushed from the cover crop by the Water Treatment Works. Three Lapland Buntings at Scalby Lodge by the "Helmsley Finger Post". The Dusky Warbler was still at Castle Hill by the playground, also a Yellow-browed Warbler there. 89 Wigeon at Scalby Mills and 4 Pintail flew north over North Bay.

16.10.10 A seawatch at Long Nab and Marine Drive (07.30-10.30 & 14.50-16.05); 6 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 30 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 12 Goldeneye, 36 Common Scoters, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 5 Eider (on sea), 13 Red-throated Divers, Great Northern Diver, 17 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 4 Arctic Skuas, 4 Pomarine Skuas, 2 Great Skuas, 3 Little Gulls, Arctic Tern.A Waxwing, Fieldfare, Blackcap, and Short-eared Owl at Hundale Plantation, 3 Common Redpolls, one on the cliff top by the hut and two in Crook Ness, plus two Lapland Buntings over Crook Ness. The Richard's Pipit was still at Cromer Pond plus a Lapland Bunting flew over. Two Lapland Buntings at Scalby Lodge by the "finger post" and a Hooded Crow was feeding in Jackson's Bay / Jackson's Field. A Short-eared Owl flew over Scalby Lodge. The Dusky Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler were at Castle Hill near the playground, and six Common Redpolls were at the top path.

17.10.10 The Dusky Warbler was seen near Cockhyll Tower ("Whitebeam" area) on the south side of Castle Hill, also Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 20 Goldcrests, Treecreeper, Siskin, and Brambling. The Richard's Pipit was feeding in grass by Cromer Pond in the morning then moved south as far as Trough Gully mid afternoon. 19 Reed Buntings in the cover crop by the Water Treatment Works. A quiet seawatch at Long Nab (07.35-08.35); Brent Goose, 7 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 5 Eiders, 21 Common Scoter, and 3 Red-throated Divers. A Swallow flew south. A Great Spotted Woodpecker came in off the sea at Stile Scrub, plus one at Crook Ness. At Cloughton Wyke there was a Blackcap, Brambling, and 2 Siskins.

18.10.10 A Chiffchaff with the tit flock at Castle Hill showed characters of Siberian Chiffchaff but did not call.

19.10.10 The Richard's Pipit was seen again around Cromer Point, first at 10am by "pipe gully" (south of Crook Ness) then flushed from the cover crop at the Water Treatment Plant at 12.50pm. Also a Lapland Bunting there. Four Lapland Buntings in stubble at Long Nab. Seven Teal at Hurd's Pond.

20.10.10 A Siberian Chiffchaff on the south side of Castle Hill, a recording of the call was made and it also responded well to another recording of Sibe Chiffchaff. A Hooded Crow was seen at Osgodby flying towards McCain's at Eastfield. Seawatching at Long Nab (08.45-10.15) produced a Sooty Shearwater, Arctic Skua, 4 Common Scoters, 2 Mallard and 3 Red-throated Divers. Three Fieldfare were at Crook Ness plus one at Castle Hill. Four Great Grey Shrikes in Langdale Forest.

21.10.10 The Siberian Chiffchaff was still at Castle Hill. A drake Goosander on Seamer Rd Mere.

22.10.10 The Richard's Pipit was flushed from the cover crop north of the water Treatment Plant at 11.10am, also 4 Twite there late afternoon. Two Jack Snipes at Cromer Pond left inland. A Brambling at Seamer Road Mere. Red-throated Diver off Marine Drive.

23.10.10 The Richard's Pipit flew south over Cromer Point at 09.55am towards stile scrub, Scalby Lodge. Two Swallows at Jackson's Bay. A Ruff was with 2 Redshank at Seamer Tip at Taylor Way pool but flew off towards the east, also a Dunlin and 19 Mute Swans at the pools. At Wykeham lakes there was a party of 10 Goosanders which flew off eastwards, also Pink-footed Goose, 16 Pochards, and a gull roost of 4,000+ gulls, mostly Common Gulls, but 350+ GBB and 2+ LBB Gulls.

24.10.10 A Waxwing was at Cayton village before flying north. A Black Redstart was reported on the beach at Crook Ness. A Red-necked Grebe flew past Long Nab early morning plus a Snow Bunting by the hut and 4 Lapland Buntings in the coastal stubble field. Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea at the Castle Headland at 8am. A Goldeneye at Seamer Road Mere.

25.10.10 A Shore Lark and 5 Snow Buntings 50-100m south of the hut at Long Nab, also 18 Lapland Buntings in the coastal stubble just to the north of the hut. A quiet seawatch at Long Nab (07.35-09.35) ; 3 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 5 Goldeneyes, 10 Common Scoters, Shag, 3 Red-throated Divers, and a distant Great Northern/Black-throated Diver. A Merlin flew north at Castle Hill, 15 Sky larks south, plus 2 Chiffchaffs. 18 Purple Sandpipers at the harbour, and two Shags feeding in South Bay.

26.10.10 23 Waxwings at Hinderwell School late afternoon. A drake Goldeneye at Seamer Tip pools. Chiffchaff at Hutton Buscel.

27.10.10 Three Waxwings flew south over Wareham Rd, Eastfield. Five Snow Buntings at Long Nab. 
28.10.10 A Snow Bunting in South Bay on rocks by the old outdoor swimming pool. Pink-footed Geese heard over the town in the evening.

29.10.10 A juvenile Glaucous Gull in the harbour in the afternoon, still present at 3.45pm.

30.10.10 A female Long-tailed Duck at Wykeham south lake (perhaps last winter's bird), also 4 Whooper Swans, 4 Shoveler, 16 Pink-footed Geese and a Goldeneye. The Glaucous Gull was seen following a fishing boat off Jackson's Bay in the morning then had returned to the harbour by 2pm. A Red-throated Diver also in the harbour. Two Snow Buntings in Jackson's Field. A Mediterranean Gull at Holbeck, 2 Goldeneyes at Burton Riggs, and 9 Redshank at Seamer Tip pools. An hour's seawatch at Long Nab (07.55-08.55) produced 12 Wigeon, 12 Common Scoters, 8 Red-throated Divers, a Shag, 2 Lapwings (S), and a Starling and Fieldfare in off the sea.

31.10.10 A Snow Bunting and 3 Lapland Buntings flew south over Long Nab, also 34 Siskins flew south, 130 Golden Plover and 50 Yellowhammers north of the hut. A Lapland Bunting flew north over Newlands Dale, 2 Chiffchaffs and 5 Goldcrests there, plus 52 Siskin flew south. A Twite with other finches in the cover crop at Cloughton Wyke, and 3 Red-throated Divers offshore. A good movement of Pink-footed Geese south along the coast with a minimum of 860.

September 2010

Sun, 3 Oct 2010 11:01:21 +0100

01.09.10 A Sanderling in Jackson's Bay. An Eider flew north at Long Nab, 30 Swallows and 90 Linnets flew south.

02.09.10 A juvenile Yellow-leggedGull on the rocks at Scalby Mils, also a Whimbrel and a Grey Plover flew south. The first autumn coastal Goldcrest was at Long Nab near Hundale Point. A Kingfisher at Sherburn Cut, Potter Brompton. Four Stock Doves and 3 Snipe at the scrapes Star Carr.

03.09.10 A Common Rosefinch was seen briefly at Long Nab in Hundale Plantation at 12.50pm. It left westwards with several Linnets and could not be relocated. A Whinchat at Cliff Top House and 11+ Whitethroats around Long Nab. A Whimbrel in a field near Hares Leap, Burniston.

04.09.10 A Barred Warbler at Northstead Manor Gardens ca. 08.40am, along the footpath running down the gully from Burniston Road to the theatre. Also 2 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, Marsh Tit and Goldcrest there. At Ravenscar there was a Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Blackcap, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Willow Tit, Green Woodpecker and a juv Song Thrush. A Marsh Harrier flew south over Long Nab at 4.40pm, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest at Hundale Plantation, also a Wheatear at Hundale Point. 10 Cormorants at the roost in Cloughton Wyke. On the north side of Castle Hill; 4 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, a Stonechat, and Chiffchaff. A Minke Whale seen briefly off Long Nab ca. 09.00am, 7 Curlews flew north.

05.09.10 A seawatch from Long Nab (06.25-09.45) produced 47 Teal, 11 Wigeon, 80 Common Scoters, a Great Northern Diver (S), 9 Red-throated Divers, 1,450 Gannets (S), a Greenshank (S), 9 Arctic Skuas, a Great Skua, and 2 Common Terns. In Hundale Plantation there were 3 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps, and 3 Willow Warblers. A Blackcap at Castle Hill and a Yellow Wagtail over. Two Golden Plover in fields north of Cromer Point. Jackson's Bay held 6 Dunlin, 30 Turnstones, 31 Redshank, plus 41 Teal.

06.09.10 The first Pied Flycatcher of the autumn was on the North Side of Castle Hill, also a Redstart, Whinchat, 2 Wheatears, 3 Blackcaps and 15+ Willow/Chiffs. At Hundale Plantation, Long Nab there was a Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Garden Warbler, and 2 Wheatears. A Willow Warbler in a garden at Peasholm.

07.09.10 An Icterine Warbler and Barred Warbler at Castle Hill. Also there; Redwing, Fieldfare, 10 Wheatears, 8 Whinchats, Reed Warbler, 12 Garden Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, Whitethroat, 13+ Willow Warblers, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatchers. Past Marine Drive (08.10-09.10); juv Long-tailed Skua (S), 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 70 Common Scoters, 2 Pochard, 4 Pintail, 20 Wigeon, 20 Bar-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel, 3 Knot. At least 19 Redstarts, 20 Whinchats, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 15 Garden Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, between Scalby Lodge and Long Nab. Barred Warblers near the Scalby Lodge hide and at Hundale Plantation, Long Nab. A Black Tern, 3 Shelduck, Redshank, 2 Dunlin, and a Greenshank at Wykeham Lakes early morning. A Lapland Bunting at scalby Lodge by the coastal footpath.

08.09.10 A Red-backed Shrike first seen on the south side of Castle Hill late morning flew towards St Mary's Church. It was relocated feeding in the coastguard cottage gardens early afternoon. An Icterine Warbler on the north side of Castle Hill. Also at the Castle a Wood Warbler, Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, and Reed Warbler. Good numbers of migrants along the coast, Castle Hill to Long Nab (+ Ravenscar) gave totals of 25 Redstarts, 17 Whinchats, 14 Wheatears, 20 Chiffchaffs, 22 Willow Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Blackcaps, 5 Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Reed Warblers, and 25 Garden Warblers. A Fieldfare at Long Nab plus a Hobby. A Merlin at Ravenscar. A Spotted Redshank at Wykeham Lakes was flushed by boaters.

09.09.10 The Icterine and Barred Warblers were still at Castle Hill, both showing on and off late afternoon on the south side. A Firecrest was feeding in hawthorns near the "gap" on the south side ("gap" is the lower area of trees/bushes, mostly elders, half way down), and a Reed Warbler nearby. Other sightings there included a Greenshank flying over, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Redstarts, 5+ Garden Warblers, 7 Willow Warblers, Pied Flycatcher, and 2 Siskin. There were 4 Redstarts along the footpath to the Scalby Lodge Pond hide (water in small pond), plus 12 Whinchats on the weeds on the large dried up pond. Further Redstarts at Cromer Point and by Jackson's Field. A Bar-tailed Godwit flew north at Jackson's Bay. At Long Nab there was a Dunlin on the pond at Cloughton Fields Farm, 7 Redstarts, a Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Whinchats, 6 Wheatears, Reed Warbler, 12 Whitethroats, 4 Garden Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcaps, 7 Willow Warblers, and 3 Chiffchaffs. A "vis. mig." count of birds moving south (08.30-10.30); 21 Swifts, 120 House Martins, 20 Swallows, 55 Linnets, 50 Goldfinches, Grey Wagtail, and 2 Pied Wagtails.

10.09.10 A locustella warbler flushed from behind the Marine Drive wall near Post 50 could not be relocated later. Castle Hill held 4 Wheatears, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, 11 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, Pied Flycatcher, Goldcrest, and Siskin, plus a Swift over. A Redstart at Scalby Lodge. A Whinchat at Sycarham Wood plus a good passage of 4 Swifts, 800 Swallows, 30 House Martins, and a Sand Martin all flying south in the evening. A Hobby flew north from the North Cliff Golf Course and an "intermedius" LBB Gull was at Scalby Mills.

11.09.10 Three Lapland Buntings at Long Nab late afternoon (one flew over plus two in stubble one field north of the hut), also a constant movement of Swallows south (ca. 150 per hour p.m.), 2 Swifts, 3 Sand Martins, and 2 Willow Warblers. In the Scalby Lodge area; 100 Meadow Pipits, 5 Wheatears, 2 Redstarts, and a Garden Warbler. Ten Teal and 7 Grey Herons at Hurd's Pond. A few migrants still on Castle Hill; Pied Flycatcher, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, and 3 Blackcaps. "Hundreds" of Swallows heading south over Snainton in the evening. Two Ringed Plovers and 2 Dunlin at Wykeham Lakes.

12.09.10 A flock of 9 Lapland Buntings in stubble one field north of the sewatching hut at Long Nab, also 600 Linnets, 60 Goldfinches, 30 Meadow Pipits, and a Wheatear. Ravenscar had 2 Peregrines, 2 Wheatears, a Swift, and Siskin. Wheatears also at Marine Drive, and Cromer Point(3). A seawatch at Marine Drive (07.00-08.00) saw 980 Gannets, 9 Red-throated Divers, and 16 Sandwich Terns, all south. Waders in Jackson's Bay included 32 Redshank, Dunlin, and 17 Ringed Plovers.

13.09.10 Strong south-westerlies brought "vis mig" right along the cliffs at Long Nab; amongst 148 Meadow Pipits flying south (08.50-11.30) were 6 Lapland Buntings (3,1,2) plus a further 4 Laps. in the stubble field north of the hut. Other birds moving south were a Yellow Wagtail, 20 Swallows, 11 Linnets, and a Merlin (over the sea!). Out at sea the highlight was the autumn's second Black-throated Diver (N), also 7 Red-throated Divers(S), 6 Teal, 2 Pintail, 80 Common Scoters, 40 Knot(N), 12 Dunlins, a Curlew, and 6 Sandwich Terns. Three Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Wykeham Lakes. Lots of shallow pools at Seamer Tip are surprisingly devoid of waders. An hour evening seawatch at Marine Drive was quiet with just a Red-throated Diver and 30 Oystercatchers by. A Common Sandpiper on the rocks in Jackson's Bay. A Wheatear by the hide at Scalby Lodge. A Turtle Dove in Wykeham Forest.

14.09.10 Two Wheatears at Scalby Mills. Two Swifts flew south at Long Nab. At Castle Hill; 3 Wheatears and a Chiffchaff.

15.09.10 A Wheatear at Cromer Point, three at Scalby Lodge plus a Whinchat and 150 Goldfinches.

16.09.10 A juv Great Crested Grebe at Scalby Mills plus a Common Sandpiper by the foot bridge.Two Wheatears and a Whinchat at Scalby Lodge.

17.09.10 Six Lapland Buntings still in stubble at Long Nab, only giving flight views. A Lapland Bunting and Snow Bunting in stubble by the "Helmsley finger post" at Scalby Lodge. A seawatch at Long Nab (08.30-10.30) produced 3 Common Scoters, 2 Red-throated Divers, Arctic Skua, and 8 Great Skuas. An evening sewatch at Marine Drive (17.00-19.00) saw 7 Pale-bellied Brent Geese(N), Velvet Scoter (N), 2 Wigeon, 4 Manx Shearwaters, a Sooty Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Divers, a Knot, 40+ Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Terns, and 6+ Arctic Skuas.

18.09.10 The first Pink-footed Geese of the autumn were a skein of 300 flying south over Seamer Tip pools, also Mute Swans continue to increase there, now a herd of 15. Further parties of 39 and 120 Pink-feet flew south along the coast late afternoon, and 550 Swallows flew north over Long Nab in just 15 minutes just prior to a heavy shower. Four Med Gulls were at Holbeck car park.

19.09.10 A seawatch from Marine Drive (17.00-19.00) produced 17 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Teal, 2 Black-throated Divers, a Red-throated Diver, 3 Shags, and a Great Skua.

20.09.10 Two Wigeon at Scalby Mills. A Barnacle Goose at Burton Riggs.

21.09.10 The district's earliest ever returning Whooper Swan was at Seamer Tip Pools (large pool) with 13 Mute Swans. It flew low south towards The Carrs at 18.40 hrs.

22.09.10 "Vis mig" over Long Nab in the morning saw 5 Lapland Buntings fly south. Also 28 Skylarks, 132 Meadow Pipits, 20 Swallows, Grey Wagtail, 2 Redpoll, and 8 Siskins. Two Herons came in off the sea there and headed off north-west. Another Lapland Bunting was in stubble to the south of Hundale Plantation with good numbers of finches there; 130 Chaffinches, 30 Goldfinches, and 160 Linnets, and Blackcap and Chiffchaff in the plantation. At Scalby Lodge there were 2 Whinchats on weeds at the dried up pond and a Chiffchaff with a Long-tailed Tit flock near the hide. Two Wigeon at Scalby Mills. The Whooper Swan was still on the large pond at Seamer Tip pools.

23.09.10 A Green Sandpiper and three Snipes on the scrapes at Potter Brompton Carr. Also 2 Wheatears, Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Chiffchaffs, Willow Warbler and 19 Reed Buntings there.

24.09.10 Strong north - north east winds gave a good seawatching day. Observers at both Long Nab (07.30-15.40) and Marine Drive (06.40-09.00 & 17.15-18.45) gave minimum totals of; 3 juv Long-tailed Skuas, 2 Pomarine Skuas, 47 Great Skuas (third highest count on record), 31 Arctic Skuas, Black-throated Diver, 43 Red-throated Divers, 44 Sooty Shearwaters, 23 Manx Shearwaters, 29 Teal, 7 Pintail, 67 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, Long-tailed duck, 200 Common Scoters, 2 Snipe, 4 Arctic Terns, and 11 Sandwich Terns. The Whooper Swan was still at Seamer Tip pools.

25.09.10 A Brambling and 2 Chiffchaffs on the south side of Castle Hill. At Long Nab seawatching was quieter (07.40-10.00) producing 7 Common Scoters, 8 Eider, 35 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 10 Red-throated Divers, 3 Sooty Shearwaters, one Manx, 2 Snipe, 4 Great Skuas, and 2 Arctic Skuas. In Hundale Plantation there was a Whitethroat, Goldcrest, and 2 Chiffchaffs. Several abietinus Chiffchaffs reported from Greenwood, Northstead Manor Gardens.

26.09.10 A Barred Warbler in Crook Ness mid-afternoon plus a locustella warbler sp. flushed along the cliff top just south of the seawatching hut at Long Nab. A Lapland Bunting in stubble near Hundale Platation. Seawatching highlights at Long Nab saw an adult Long-tailed Skua fly north at 11.54am, 194 Sooty Shearwaters, 80 Manx Shearwaters, a Black-throated Dive, 3 Great Northern Divers, 49 Red-throated Divers, 2 Velvet Scoters, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 56 Cormorants (s), 30 Knot (s), 3 Arctic Skuas, an adult Med Gull, and a Black Tern (s).

27.09.10 Easterly winds with low cloud and light showers brought a fall of migrants at the coast. At Castle Hill a Yellow-browed Warbler was with a tit flock on the south side. Also there a Ring Ouzel, 15 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, 20 Redwings, 10 Song Thrushes, 30 Blackbirds, 2 Siskin, 3 Bramblings, a Treecreeper, plus brief views of a possible Icterine Warbler near the playground. A large silent pipit was seen flying over town early morning. At Long Nab the Barred Warbler was still in Crook Ness. Migrants around the headland included 60 Robins, 2 Ring Ouzels, 20 Redwings, 8 Wheatears, 4 Redstarts, Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Garden Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs (2 abietinus ringed), 40 Goldcrests, 10 Brambling, 24 Siskins, and 2 Lapland Buntings. Also a Peregrine and 2 Merlins. Past the seawatching hut (09.00-12.00); Red-necked Grebe, 2 Velvet Scoters, Pintail, Arctic Skua, and 2 Sandwich Terns. Good numbers of Chiffchaffs in Newlands Dale, Cloughton, a total of 22 counted, plus a Redstart there. Five Curlew Sandpipers flew south along the cliffs at Scalby Lodge, 2 Redstarts and a Whitethroat along the hide path, and 3 Wheatears at Cromer Point. Two Blackcaps and 3 Chiffchaffs in Trough Gully. Many Redwing calls heard in the evening, 5 Teal circled Old Town after dark!

28.09.10 Continued arrivals of migrants along the coast, Song Thrushes and Bramblings being more in evidence today, small parties arriving from the east in the morning. At Castle Hill an Icterine Warbler was found on the south side favouring the elder patch 50m east of the playground. The Yellow-browed Warbler remained elusive more often heard than seen as it fed in the tall sycamores below the flagpole on the south side. Other Castle Hill totals today were 40 Robins, 60 Song Thrushes, a Ring Ouzel (The Holmes), 7 Redwings, Mistle Thrush (Castle tops), 2 Redstarts, 7 Wheatears, 5 Blackcaps, 3 Garden Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, 25 Chiffchaffs, a Pied flycatcher, 15 Goldcrests,16+ Brambling, Redpoll sp., and 30 Siskins. At Scalby Lodge a Barred Warbler (7th of autumn) was in the hedgerow east of Scalby Manor. Both Long-eared and Short-eared Owls flew over, 6 Barnacle Geese flew north then returned south, Stile Scrub held a Ring Ouzel, and trees on the north side of the Water Treatment works held a Lesser Whitethroat, Redstart, and Brambling, plus 6 Ringed Plovers flew south there. 30 Bramblings were at Old Scalby Tip, and 2 Wheatears on Scalby Rugby fields. A Snow Bunting was at North Bay, on the path above the chalets. At Crook Ness there was a Yellow-browed Warbler in the morning and the Barred Warbler was still present plus a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstarts, and 2 Wheatears. The 2 Ring Ouzels were still in the top plantation at Long Nab, and Hundale Plantation held both Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, 30 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, 3 Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, 3 Bramblings plus the Lapland Bunting still nearby.

29.09.10 South-easterly winds and rain all day gave a good fall of migrants along the coast. Castle Hill totals included the Yellow-browed Warbler on the south side still, 50 Chiffchaffs, a Ring Ouzel, 6 Wheatears, a Whinchat, 4 Redstarts, 5 Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, 19 Goldcrests, 10 Siskins, and 15 House Martins. Eight Brent Geese flew south at Jackson's Bay. Pied Flycatchers were at Stile Scrub, Water Treatment Plant, and Crook Ness. Two Redstarts were along the Scalby Lodge hide footpath, and singles at the Water Treatment plant, and at Crook Ness. Spotted Flycatchers at the Water Treatment plant and Jackson's Cart Road. A Brambling was at Crook Ness. Belated news of a report of 2 Red Kites over Lower Raincliffe Farm on the Carrs near Seamer last week ca Tues /Wed.

30.09.10 The district's 8th Barred Warbler of this autumn was photographed in stile scrub, Scalby Lodge. A Jack Snipe was flushed from a public footpath at Scalby Lodge (2nd day). At the Castle Headland the Yellow-browed Warbler was still present, also 4 Ring Ouzels at The Holmes, Wheatear, Stonechat, Redstart, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Garden Warbler, 5 Blackcaps, 15 Chiffchaffs, 2 Spotted and one Pied Flycatcher, 6 Coal Tits, Brambling, and 8 Siskins. At Long Nab, in the three plantations, migrants included 5 Redwings,Whinchat, 3 Wheatears, Redstart, Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 19 Goldcrests, 2 Brambling, and a Redpoll. At Potter Brompton the wader scrapes held Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, Wigeon, and 6 Teal. Also there were 2 Whitethroats, 2 Bramblings, and 12 Reed Buntings.

August 2010

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 20:25:24 +0100

01.08.10 At Long Nab in the morning there was a juvenile Marsh Harrier, 4 Turtle Doves by the pond at Cloughton Fields Farm, and several warblers in Hundale including 5 Willow Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat.

02.08.10 Seawatching at Long Nab (06.35 - 09.00) produced 27+ Teal, 147 Common Scoters(N), 9 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Red-throated Divers, 24 Oystercatchers(S), 2 Common Terns, and 20 Sandwich Terns.

03.08.10 An adult Hobby flew west at Potter Brompton Carr, also Kingfisher, Sedge Warbler, 7 Reed and 12+ Willow Warblers. Pochard at Seamer Road Mere. 50 Sandwich and 3 Common Terns at Scalby Mills in the evening.

04.08.10 1,000+ Gannets feeding inshore between Cromer Point and Scalby Mills in the morning. Thirty House Martins at Scalby Rugby Club pond.

06.08.10 A brief sighting of a Marsh Warbler at Cowath Beck mid afternoon 50m north of Station Road bridge.

07.08.10 A seawatch from Marine Drive (17.50-19.50) produced 275 Common Terns (N), 72 Sandwich Terns, and single Common Scoters and Manx Shearwaters. At Wykeham Lakes there were two Greenshanks, three Common Sandpipers, a LRP, and 20 LBB Gulls roosting.

08.08.10 Past Long Nab (06.15-09.15) were 70 Teal, 43 Common Scoters, 6 Manx Shearwaters, a Red-throated Diver, 8 Oystercatchers(S), Arctic Skua and 2 Great Skuas. Two Arctic Skuas and a Red-throated Diver past Marine Drive mid evening. A Whimbrel south over Scalby Mills. Two Greenshank still at Wykeham Lakes.

09.08.10 Two Honey Buzzards reported from the Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint. At Scalby Mills there were sightings of Greenshank, Whimbrel, 24 Common Terns and 4 Arctic Terns. At Long Nab there was a Spotted Flycatcher by Cloughton Fields Farm and Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 7 Whitethroats and two Yellow Wagtails.

10.08.10 A Redstart trapped and ringed at Potter Brompton Carr, also 6+ Reed Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers, and a Yellow Wagtail over. A Hobby near Brompton late morning.

11.08.10 Two Marsh Harriers flew east over Langdale Rigg mid afternoon. A Reed Warbler at Cowath Beck. A seawatch at Marine Drive (18.05-19.05) produced 5 Teal, 33 Common Terns, 41 Sandwich Terns, and an Arctic Skua.

12.08.10 A Turtle Dove along the old railway track near Burniston. A Knot, Whimbrel, and Shelduck in Jackson's Bay. Greenshanks flew over Rock's Lane, Burniston and Star Carr. A seawatch at Marine Drive (18.00-19.00) produced 2 Common Scoters, 11 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Redshank, 21 Oystercatchers, 4 Common Terns, and an Arctic Skua.

13.08.10 Seawatching at Long Nab / Marine Drive (06.00-10.45 & 18.00-20.05) : 36 Teal, 88 Common Scoter, 48 Manx Shearwaters, 6 Sooty Shearwaters, Ringed Plover, 106 Oystercatchers, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, Sanderling, Dunlin, Knot, 2 Redshank, 8 Great Skuas, 2 Arctic Skuas, and 10 Arctic Terns.

14.08.10 A Barred Warbler in Hundale Plantation, Long Nab in brambles along the northern edge, still present early evening. A fall of common migrants along the coast, mostly Whitethroats eg. 14 at Ravenscar, 6 at The Holmes plus lesser numbers of Willow Warblers, and some Lesser Whitethroats. A Whinchat at Ravenscar. An acro. warbler seen briefly in Hundale may have been a Marsh Warbler. A Willow Tit in Newlands Dale. Seawatching from Long Nab / Marine Drive (06.20-09.20) produced 153 Teal, 3 Eiders, 299 Common Scoters, 12 Manx Shearwaters, a Sooty Shearwater, 4 Great Skuas, Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern, and Bar-tailed Godwit.

15.08.10 A drake Red-breasted Marganser flew north past Long Nab at dusk, six Golden Plover and two Ringed Plovers flew south early morning. Seawatching at Marine Drive (18.00-19.30) produced 10 Manx Shearwaters (N), Sanderling, and a Great Skua. A Common Buzzard flew NW over Scalby early afternoon. A Willow Tit at Ravenscar.

16.08.10 A Wood Warbler on the south side of Castle Hill early evening, also 2 Willow Warblers. Marsh Harriers at Star Carr and Potter Brompton. A Willow Tit at Newlands Dale. Seawatching at Long Nab (06.30-10.45) produced 11 Wigeon, 2 Mallard, Shoveler, 71 Teal, 52 Common Scoters, 4 Eiders, a Black-throated Diver (N), 10 Manx Shearwaters, a Sooty Shearwater, Redshank(S), 22 Oystercatchers, 13 Curlew (S), 2 Great Skuas, 3 Arctic Skuas. A Common Tern and Redshank at Wykeham Lakes.

17.08.10 A juv. Spotted Redshank on the large pool at Seamer Tip late afternoon. Also Green Sandpiper there.

18.08.10 The Spotted Redshank was still at Seamer Tip Pools, also a Marsh Harrier flew south-east there.A Turtle Dove and Merlin near the white house at Long Nab. A male Merlin flew south over Old Scarborough Tip and a Reed Warbler was at Cowath Beck.

19.08.10 A Reed Warbler bearing a Spanish ring trapped at Potter Brompton Carr, also Marsh Harrier (female), Turtle Dove and 2 Yellow Wagtails. Two Honey Buzzards and three Goshawks from the Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint.

21.08.10 The Spotted Redshank was still at Seamer Tip Pools, also a Green Sandpiper and 7 Snipe. A Yellow-legged Gull (ad) in the gull roost at Wykeham Lakes, also 80 LBB Gulls and 25 Teal.

22.08.10 The first confirmed breeding of Reed Warbler north of town; a pair with two fledged juvs. at Cowath Beck. Seawatching at Long nab (07.00-08.00) ; 2 Arctic Skuas, a Great Skua, and 4 Golden Plovers (S). From the Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint (14.00-15.20) there was just one Common Buzzard and a Goshawk.

23.08.10 Small numbers of common migrants grounded by rain along the coast, a Spotted Flycatcher at Castle Hill and Sedge Warbler at Crook Ness were of most interest. Also a Wheatear near Stile Scrub, Scalby Lodge.

24.08.10 Two Greenshank at Seamer Tip pools. A Whimbrel in a ploughed field off Rocks Lane, Long Nab. A Garden Warbler and 4 Willow Warblers at Castle Hill. 5+ intermedius LBB Gulls with 120 LBBs in the Wykeham gull roost. A Marsh Harrier at Star Carr.

25.08.10 Two Whinchats at Potter Brompton Carr. A Sanderling in Jackson's Bay.

26.08.10 A Turtle Dove at Wykeham Grange Farm. Two Gadwall, 11 Teal and a Dunlin at Wykeham Lakes. A Whinchat and 5 Whitethroats at Long Nab, Wheatear at Sycarham Farm, and 11 Chiffchaffs at Newlands Dale. Two Great Skuas flew north past Cloughton Wyke. A seawatch at Marine Drive (18.30-19.30) produced Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Arctic Tern, and 800 Kittiwakes flying north. The first Snipe of the autumn at Star Carr, by the newly created wader scrapes (walk west from Flixton Carr bridge to view).

27.08.10 A Marsh Harrier at Flixton Carr. Seawatching at Long Nab (06.10-11.30) produced 190 Teal, Pintail, 2 Wigeon, 176 Common Scoters, 5 Red-throated Divers, 3 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Arctic Skuas, Great Skua, 610 Gannets. Two Arctic Skuas were off Marine Drive in the evening, plus a Canada Goose sat on the sea in North Bay.

28.08.10 At Potter Brompton Carr there was a Marsh Harrier, Green Sandpiper, Wheatear, and Yellow Wagtail. A Dunlin and 18 Grey Partridges at Seamer Tip Pools.

29.08.10 Seawatching at Long Nab/Marine Drive (14.30-19.45) saw 21 Arctic Skuas, 5 Great Skuas, and a Shag, all flying south.

30.08.10 A day of strong northerlies. Seawatching at Long Nab/Marine Drive (05.50-13.00 & 17.15-19.00); 226 Teal, 2 Pintail, 49 Wigeon, 76 Common Scoters, 3 Velvet Scoters, 2 Tufted Duck, 18 Sooty Shearwaters, 92 Manx Shearwaters, Balearic Shearwater, 600+ Gannets, 11 species of wader including 3 Grey Plover, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Purple Sandpipers, 2 Snipe and Whimbrel, 18 Arctic Skuas, 5 Great Skuas, and 3 Arctic Terns. A Green Sandpiper and two Dunlin at Seamer Tip pools. Wykeham Lakes held 21 Teal, 3 Wigeon, a Common Sandpiper and 90 LBB Gulls roosting.

31.08.10 Calmer conditions and an increase in common migrants was noted along the coast. At Long Nab there were 17 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, and a flock of 800 Linnets. Movement south included 2 Whimbrel, 3 Yellow Wagtails, and 27 Meadow Pipits. A seawatch there (06.10-08.30) produced 91 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 42 Common Scoter, 2 Eiders, 4 Red-throated Divers, 15 Manx Shearwaters, Great Skua, and 3 Arctic Skuas. A Green Sandpiper flew over Cromer Point.

July 2010

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:56:41 +0100

01.07.10 A southerly movement of Swifts along the coast, 250 counted over North Bay in ten minutes. The Cuckoo was still in Stile Scrub, a Stonechat on Scalby Lodge hide, and a Sedge Warbler in Trough Gully.

02.07.10 A Liitle Egret flew south past Long Nab at 08.55am, also past (08.40-10.10 & 15.15-16.50); 26 Manx Shearwaters, 80 Common Scoters, 12 Sandwich Terns, 10 Puffins, and 170 Swifts and a House Martin south. At Penny Howe; five singing Tree Pipits and a Tutle Dove. A Cuckoo at Crook Ness.

03.07.10 Five Oystercatchers and two Little Grebes at Seamer Tip Pools.

04.07.10 Long Nab (06.15-09.45) produced 1,470 Swifts south, 18 Common Scoters, Manx Shearwater, Shag, Arctic Skua, Dunlin, 10 Curlews, 5 Sandwich Terns, 17 Black-headed Gulls(N), 8 LBB Gulls, 20 Puffins and a Rock Pipit(S). A pair of Lesser Whitethroats feeding young at Crook Ness plus a singing Sedge Warbler. A singing Reed Warbler at Cowath Beck plus a Kingfisher. Several Sand Martins nesting in cliffs between Stoupe Beck and Ravenscar.

05.07.10 A female Marsh Harrier at Sherburn Ings late afternoon. Three displaying male Honey Buzzards seen from the raptor viewpoint including the very pale morph, also 4 Crossbills. At Wykeham Lakes a pair of Great Crested Gebes have three chicks, also Whimbrel, 2 LRPs, and 9 Common Sandpipers. A seawatch at Long Nab was quiet (07.15-09.15); 36 Common Scoters, 14 Manx Shearwaters, 3 Redshank, 10 Turnstones, 3 Curlews, and 220 Swifts(S). A realing Grasshopper Warbler at Cornelian Ravine.

06.07.10 A count of Kittiwake chicks on the Grand Hotel indicated a good breeding season, a toal of at least 179. Three Nightjars and a Tawny Owl at Bickley on a Scarborough Nats. outing. Spotted Flycatchers were feeding young at the Sea Cut, also a female Mandarin flew over. Dipper and Spotted Flycatcher at Hilla Green.

08.07.10 A Quail calling at Sawdon 3am.

09.07.10 Little Egrets at Harwood Dale Lake and in a ditch near Folkton. Two juvenile Buzzards in a field near Muston. Grasshopper Warbler singing and showing well North of Crook Ness car park.

10.07.10 Two Storm Petrels trapped and ringed at Long Nab between midnight and 1.30 a.m. A Grasshopper Warbler reeling by the car park at Crook Ness, and a Common Sandpiper in Burniston Bay. A Raven was seen from the Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint at 10.25 a.m., it came from the direction of Fylingdales Moor and left west over Troutsdale persued by Carrion Crows, also two Honey Buzzards. A Cuckoo in Stile Scrub, Reed Warbler at Cowath Beck, and Sedge Warbler near Hares Leap, Burniston.

11.07.10 Two Little Egrets together at Wykeham South Lake at 10.30am, also LRP, and 3 Common Sandpipers. Seawatching at the coast at Long Nab (06.15-09.00) and Marine Drive (17.55-18.55) produced 7 Teal, 158 Common Scoters(N), 3 Eiders, 113 Manx Shearwaters (84 N), 13 Oystercatchers(S), 14 Curlews(S), 2 Whimbrels(S), 17 Sandwich Terns(N), 25 Puffins, and 420 Swifts(S). The Grasshopper Warbler was still at Crook Ness car park.

12.07.10 Four Goosanders at Burton Riggs. Little Egrets at Harwood Dale Lake and on Scalby Beck above the Youth Hostel. Past Marine Drive 18.30-19.30; 198 Manx Shearwaters(S), 12 Common Scoters, 2 Whimbrel. Two Peregrines at Red Cliffe. Singing Grasshopper Warbler at Cornelian Ravine late evening.

13.07.10 A singing Grasshopper Warbler at Willerby Carr. A 30 min. seawatch at Marine Drive in the evening produced 3 Common Scoters, 6 Manx Shearwaters, a Redshank(S), and 13 Sandwich Terns. Two adult Med Gulls at Holbeck car park. Two Honey Buzzards near the Raptor Viewpoint.

14.07.10 Four adult Med Gulls in South Bay. Seawatching at Marine Drive (18.00-19.00) produced 6 Manx Shearwaters, 4 Oystercatchers(S), 11 Dunlin(S), 44 Sandwich Terns. Wykeham Lakes held 7 Great Crested Grebes (+ 3 chicks), 5 LRP, 2 Dunlin, 6 Common Sandpipers, and 2 LBB Gulls in a small gull roost.

15.07.10 A Little Egret at the small Scalby Lodge Pond at 12.20pm. Two adult Med Gulls in South Bay. An hour's seawatch at Marine Drive over the evening high tide produced a Manx Shearwater, 4 Dunlin(S), 2 Knot(S), 2 Whimbrel(S), 4 Oystercatchers(S), a Common Tern, and 28 Sandwich Terns.

16.07.10 The first Sanderling of the year finally came on a seawatch from Marine Drive ove high tide with one flying south, also 19 Redshank(S), 7 Curlew(S), a Common Scoter, 19 Manx Shearwaters, and 34 Sandwich Terns. In Jackson's Bay there were 4 Dunlin,and a Ringed Plover. 26 Sandwich Terns included 19 juveniles (perhaps a good breeding season), also 60 Black-headed Gulls.

18.07.10 A Leach's Petrel and two Storm Petrels trapped and ringed at Long Nab between midnight and 1.30 a.m. A third Storm Petrel was seen circling the net. A Greenshank at Cromer Pond. Very few Leach's Petrels have been ringed in Yorkshire.

19.07.10 A Quail calling from a barley field just east of North Farm, Silpho in the evening. Four Pochard and a Common Sandpiper at Wykeham Lakes. A seawatch at Long Nab (08.45-10.15) produced 8 Teal, 35 Common Scoters, 12 Manx Shearwaters, a Whimbrel, 2 Redshank(S), 3 Great Skuas, 2 Common Terns, and 70 Sandwich Terns. 
20.07.10 A seawatch from Scalby Mills (05.45-09.00) produced a record movement of Common Scoters, 1165 north, also good numbers of waders moving south; 61 Golden Plover, 161 Dunlin, 8 Sanderling, 96 Knot, 113 Redshank, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Curlew, 43 Whimbrel, 6 Turnstones, an Arctic Skua, Arctic Tern, 12 Common Terns, and 50 Sandwich Terns. A Common Sandpiper at Wykeham lakes plus one on rocks at Marine Drive.

21.07.10 A Green Sandpiper flew off from Cromer Pond mid afternoon. Southerly movement at Long Nab in the morning included a Bar-tailed Godwit, 60 Swifts, 34 Swallows, 3 Meadow Pipits, and a Yellow Wagtail.

22.07.10 An adult Long-tailed Skua flew north off Marine Drive at 06.55 a.m. Seawatch totals today, both from Long Nab and Marine Drive, both sites covered morning and evening, 05.30 - 10.15 and 14.40 - 19.45 ; minimum of 58 Common Scoters, 2 Red-throated Divers, 240 Manx Shearwaters, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Arctic Skuas, Great Skua, 3 Arctic Terns, 3 Common Terns, 95 Puffins, and 7,000+ Kittiwakes off Marine Drive early morning (3,000+ flew north). A juv. Yellow-legged Gull was at Seamer Tip Pools late morning, and an adult in the roost at Wykeham Lakes at 8.30 p.m. Also LRP, Common Sandpiper, and Dunlin at the South Lake. A Whimbrel flew over the Casino at 11.15 a.m. 
23.07.10 A Sanderling in North Bay in the morning, and Marsh Harrier at Cromer Point mid-afternoon. A Pochard at Burton Riggs. A seawatch at Marine Drive (05.30-06.30) produced 15 Common Scoters, 48 Manx Shearwaters(N), a Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Skuas, Arctic Skua, and 2 Arctic Terns. Adult Yellow legged Gull, Dunlin and 3 Little Ringed Plovers at Wykeham Lakes. The Grasshopper Warbler was still singing by the car park at Crook Ness. An adult Yellow-legged Gull in the Wykeham gull roost, also Dunlin and 3 LRPs.

24.07.10 No Storm Petrels trapped overnight at Long Nab but one bounced out of the net twice around 1 a.m. A Fieldfare at Langdale Forest.

25.07.10 Nine Little Gulls flew north off marine Drive in the evening.

26.07.10 A seawatch at Marine Drive (18.05-20.30) produced a Balearic Shearwater(N), 9 Manx Shearwaters, a Red-throated Diver, 19 Common Scoters, 15 Whimbrel, 7 Curlews, 17 Turnstones, 50 Sandwich Terns, and 167 Common Terns.

27.07.10 A Cuckoo at Crook Ness and four Yellow Wagtails at Cromer Point. A seawatch at Marine Drive (18.10-19.15) was quiet with just a Great Skua, 7 Common Scoters, a Manx, and three Common Terns. The Pochard was still at Burton Riggs.

28.07.10 An adult Yellow-legged Gull still in the Wykeham Lakes gull roost, also 15 LBB Gulls, 2 LRPs, and 2 Common Sandpipers. Two Marsh Harriers in coastal fields between Long Nab and Scalby.

29.07.10 A seawatch at Long Nab (06.00-07.30) produced 22 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwaters and 18 Sandwich Terns. A small arrival of warbler in Hundale with 4 Willow Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, and four Whitethroats. Two Willow Warblers in Crook Ness. Four Dunlin and a Turnstone at Hundale Point. Seawatching at Marine Drive (17.50-19.30) saw 2 Common Scoters, 12 Manx Shearwaters, 51 Oystercatchers(N), 72 Sandwich and four Common Terns.

31.07.10 A seawatch at Long Nab (06.25-08.55) was quiet with 3 Common Scoters, 4 Eiders, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 3 Whimbrel(S), 10 Common Terns, and 47 Sandwich Terns. At Wykeham Lakes there was a Dunlin and a LRP. An hour at Highwood Brow viewpoint, Wykeham forest produced a juv Goshawk, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Turtle Doves and a Crossbill.

June 2010

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 20:32:18 +0100

01.06.10 4 Wheatear inside the Marine Drive wall. 
02.06.10 Red Backed Shrike, west of Willerby Village.

 

03.06.10 Montagu's Harrier was reported on 'Birdguides' for the Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint. 
04.06.10 A nesting seabird count between Rocky Point (south of Ravenscar) and Scalby Mills produced nest count of Kittiwake 196 pairs, Fulmar 80 pairs and Herring Gull 51 pairs. This compares to the count for the same stretch of coast for Seabird 2000 of Kittiwake 249 pairs, Fulmar 69 pairs and Herring Gull 86 pairs. 
07.06.10 Red Kite (with missing tail feathers) went over old Scarborough Tip, also seen over Staxton Village. 
10.06.10 Castle Headland 1718 Kittiwake nests and 19 Fulmar nests. elsewhere in the town: 300 further Kittiwake nests (including 174 on Grand Hotel and 50 on Town Hall) and 2 Fulmar nests. 5 Manx Shearwaters and 12 Puffins flew north at Long Nab. 
12.06.10 Six male and two female Nightjars at Pennyhowe, Harwood Dale Fotrest. 
13.06.10 Wood Warblers present at both Heckdale and Pexton Wood in Dalby Forest, and three together in Wykeham Forest at the start of the public footpath (green sign) running east from Moor Lane, just north of Halleykeld Rigg. Common Sandpiper at Wykeham Lakes. Mute Swan at Scalby Mills. A Turtle Dove singing at Highwood Brow viewpoint.

 

14.06.10 A Honey Buzzard at Harwood Dale. The pair of Wood Warblers still in Wykeham Forest. 
15.06.10 14 Turnstones in Jackson's Bay. A drake Teal at Cromer Pond. 
16.06.10 An unconfirmed report of a Purple Heron flying north over the old Scarborough Football Stadium from the direction of Seamer Road Mere in the evening. One Honey Buzzard from the Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint. 
17.06.10 A Honey Buzzard at the Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint. 
19.06.10 Three Great Skuas and four Manx Shearwaters past Marine Drive in the evening. Juvenile Goldcrest in Peasholm Glen.

20.06.10 Seawatching at Long Nab (05.40-09.40) produced 13 Great Skuas, 123 Manx Shearwaters, 340 Fulmars, 33 Common Scoters, 64 Puffins, and two Curlews past. A Honey Buzzard seen from the Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint.

21.06.10 A singing Wood Warbler in Wykeham Forest at start of public footpath off Moor Lane, also Turtle Dove there. Two Honey Buzzards (one very pale male) from the Raptor Viewpoint, also four Common Buzzards, Peregrine, 2 Goshawks, Turtle Dove and Tree Pipit.

24.06.10 A Honey Buzzard from the Raptor Viewpoint. One Curlew flew south over Peasholm.

25.06.10 A Honey Buzzard from the Raptor Viewpoint.

26.06.10 Three male Honey Buzzards from the Raptor Viewpoint including a very pale male. Three Sandwich Terns flew south past the Castle Headland.

27.06.10 A Red Kite near Langdale Rigg at 1pm, it or another seen near the Hole of Horcum (north of Pickering) at 4.15pm. Two Honey Buzzards and Hobby from the Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint. Single Green Sandpipers at Seamer Tip Pools and Wykeham Lakes, also 14 Curlews flew west at the lakes plus 2 LRPs. A pair of Yellow Wagtails feeding young near Hares Leap, Burniston.

28.06.10 A Red Kite flew south over Cayton village at 08.40am. Two Common Scoters in Cayton Bay and a Common Sandpiper on nearby Nalgo Rocks.

30.06.10 A Cuckoo in Stile Scrub, Scalby Lodge.

May 2010

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:59:42 +0100

01.05.10
Scalby Lodge Pond held Pink-footed Goose, Whimbrel, 20 Wheatears, and Whinchat. Twenty Sandwich Terns at Scalby Mills. A Greenshank flew over Seamer Tip Pools. A Cuckoo, and Red Grouse at Jugger Howe Moor, also a Whimbrel flew over. The Long-tailed Duck was still at Wykeham Lakes, also 2 Common Sandpipers. Reed Warbler at Straights Lane (River Derwent), also Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. Garden Warbler at Causeway Plantation, Wykeham. A Marsh Harrier flew north over Seamer Carr at 6am, another at Flixton Carr at 4pm plus 6 Whimbrel.

02.05.10 A Hooded Crow with Carrion Crows just north of the hut at Long Nab (to 11.10am at least). A seawatch at Long Nab (06.30-09.30) produced 2 Velvet Scoter, Eider, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers, 15 Common Scoters, 8 Manx Shearwaters, Shag, 5 Red-throated Divers, 7 Sandwich Terns, and 3 Puffins. Garden Warblers at Crook Ness and Burton Riggs. 2 Pink-footed Geese at Scalby Lodge Pond and 2 also at Seamer Tip Pools.

03.05.10 A seawatch at Long Nab (06.50-09.00) produced 35 Common Scoters, Eider, Tufted Duck, 4 Red-throated Divers, 8 Manx Shearwaters, and Puffin. A Cuckoo flew NW over Burniston early evening. Long-tailed Duck, Common Sandpiper, Swift and 200 Sand Martins at Wykeham Lakes. Two Swifts over Scalby. Wheatear at East Ayton Ings.

04.05.10 Scalby Lodge Pond held 2 Shovelers, 7 Redshank, plus a Swift flew south.

05.05.10 A Glaucous Gull flew north at Long Nab at 09.55am, also a Marsh Harrier left over Cloughton at 09.45am and 32 Pink-footed Geese were tracked north along the coast. A male Ring Ouzel and several "Greenland" Wheatears were at RAF Fylingdales. Seven Whimbrel at Flixton Carr and 15 Swifts at East Ayton. A Red-throated Diver flew north past Cloughton Wyke.

06.05.10 c200 Pink-footed Geese flew east at Scalby Lodge. A Sedge Warbler at Hundale, Long nab, also Yellow Wagtail north. Eight Whimbrel at Flixton Carr. A Common Sandpiper and 2 Wheatears at Seamer Tip Pools. Two singing Lesser Whitethroats on the south side of Castle Hill. Belated news of 3 Common Cranes at Well Springs (east end of Flotmanby Carr) on 23rd April. Not present the next morning.

07.05.10 10 Purple Sandpipers still at the harbour. Nine Shovelers at Scalby Lodge Pond. Two Lesser Whitethroats at Field Lane, Scalby.

08.05.10 A Greenshank at Cayton Flash. Six Shoveler and a Dunlin at Scalby Lodge Pond. Three Common Sandpipers and a Barnacle Goose at Wykeham Lakes.

09.05.10 A Whinchat at Scalby Nab. Two Common Sandpipers at Seamer Tip Pools.

10.05.10 A seawatch at Long Nab (09.00-10.30) produced a Great Skua lingering offshore for 30 mins, 23 Common Scoter, 3 Sandwich and one Common Tern past. A Hobby circled Troutsdale for 15 mins at 1.30pm. Several small parties of Crossbills (15+) at Highwood Brow Viewpoint. Three Purple Sandpipers at Scalby Mills. The family party of Stonechats still at Jackson's Bay. The Branacle Goose still at Wykeham Lakes, also two Common Sandpipers and 80 Swifts.

11.05.10 A Raven flew over Woodend Museum mid afternoon. Two Little Egrets in The Carrs just south of Folkton Village. A Common Sandpiper at Seamer Tip Pools.Two Yellow Wagtails at Cromer Pond.

12.05.10 At Wykeham Lakes there was a Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 2 LRPs, and Barnacle Goose. Single Cuckoos in Broxa and Langdale Forests plus 7 Crossbills in the latter.

14.05.10 A Little Egret at Flixton Carr near the bridge (two reported yesterday), also a Whimbrel flew over. Also a White Wagtail at Scalby Lodge Pond. Female Marsh Harrier flew over the wireless station on Irton moor at 7.30pm.

15.05.10 Cuckoos at Ravenscar and Harwood Dale Forest, also Tree Pipit and 6 Crossbills at the latter site. Male Redstart at Scar Wood, Harwood Dale. White Wagtail still at Scalby Lodge Pond.

16.05.10 Two Grasshopper Warblers found today; one at 4.30am reeling near Cliff Top House, Long Nab, the second in rough ground near Weaponess Coach Park in the afternoon. A Spotted Flycatcher on the north side of Castle Hill, also two Lesser Whitethroats. Two Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatchers, and two Puffins flew past the headland early morning. An hour at Highwood Brow Viewpoint produced a distant probable Marsh Harrier, Goshawk, two Common Buzzards, and 60 Swifts west. A Shoveler at Wykeham Lakes. Five singing Sedge Warblers at New Springs. A Cuckoo and Redstart at Scar Wood.

17.05.10 A female Whinchat and Wheatear near the hut at Long Nab in the evening. A seawatch 18.50-19.50 produced 3 Eiders, 2 Tufted Ducks, and 16 Manx Shearwaters past.

18.05.10 A rather late party of four Bean Geese flew north close past Long Nab at 7.25 pm. Two Turtle Doves at Wykeham Forest near the Sawdon cross roads.

19.05.10 A Cuckoo just north of Scalby Lodge Pond. At the Castle Headland just two singing Lesser Whitethroats reported. Two Sandwich Terns in North Bay.

20.05.10 A Nightjar in Wykeham Forest.

21.05.10 A Wheatear and 4 Yellow Wagtails at Cromer Point. A pair of Shovelers on the small Scalby Lodge Pond.

23.05.10 Two White Storks flew north over Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint at 12.10pm. Also Honey Buzzard and Red Kite there. A female Marsh Harrier over Potter Brompton Carr at 9.30am.

25.05.10 A Wood Warbler singing in the evening from an Oak near the entrance to Pexton Meadows/ Ellerburn Bank NR in Dalby Forest.

26.05.10 The singing Wood Warbler was still at Ellerburn Bank. Marsh Harriers were seen from Ruston Carr Bridge and between Irton and Ayton. Two Nightjars and a Cuckoo at harwood Dale Forest at 9.45pm. Two Turtle Doves have been visiting a garden at Broxa for the last two weeks.

27.05.10 A Spotted Flycatcher at Pexton Pond. A Cuckoo on the south side of Castle Hill in the evening.

28.05.10 An Osprey flew low up Forge Valley at 12.40pm. In the evening at Wykeham lakes there were 4 Dunlin, 3 LRP, and a Common Sandpiper. The Wood Warbler was still at Pexton Wood/Ellerburn Bank.

31.05.10 Greenshank and Wood Sandpiper on 'small' Scalby Lodge Pond.

April 2010

Sun, 2 May 2010 20:22:41 +0100

02.04.10
Fourteen Whooper Swans flew over Hutton Buscel at 08.30am. A Little Gull at Scalby Lodge Pond(no sign early evening), also White Wagtail, 2 Shovelers, and 41 Redshank. A Willow Warbler at Cowath Beck. Two Wheatears at the Castle Headland, also a one hour seawatch (07.30-08.30) produced 2 Common Scoters, a Goldeneye, 1,630 Kittiwakes (S), 93 Gannets, and 4 Purple Sandpipers (N). The Long-tailed Duck was still at Wykeham Lakes, also Goldeneye, and 2 Swallows. Lots of Siskins singing at Low Dalby, also Crossbill.

03.04.10 A Black Redstart at the Castle Headland, behind Marine Drive wall by the new rock fall this morning only. An hour's seawatch there (07.20-08.20) produced good numbers of Kittiwakes moving south again, 1,800, also 3 Eiders, 5 Common Scoters, 5 Red-throated Divers, 2 Shags, 287 Fulmars, and 125 Gannets. A Common Tern in North Bay this afternoon (still 7pm) is the earliest on record for the district. A Ring Ouzel was feeding on rough ground just north of the large pool at Seamer Tip, also 5 Gadwall, 2 Pink-footed Geese, and 5 Redshanks there. Wykeham Lakes held the Long-tailed Duck, 2 Goldeneyes, a Goosander, and 6 Swallows. Two Goshawks and a Common Buzzard from the Highwood Brow viewpoint at Wykeham Forest plus a Swallow flew south-west. Two Willow Tits and 3 Green Woodpeckers at Ravenscar by the alum quarry. A pair of Shoveler on floodwater at Low Marishes.

04.04.10 Two Sand Martins at Scalby Beck. Wheatears at Long Nab and Cromer Point. The Common Tern was still in North Bay late afternoon. Eleven singing Chiffchaffs between Mowthorpe and Scalby, also Kingfisher. A female Goosander at Throxenby Mere.

05.04.10 Eight Teal on floodwater at Low Marishes. Three Goosanders and a Mandarin at Hackness Lake.

06.04.10 An adult Little Gull feeding at Wykeham Lakes on South Lake late morning. The Long-tailed Duck there is now moulting rapidly into breeding plumage. Also a Goosander, Goldeneye, 4 Swallows and a Sand Martin. Two Little Ringed Plovers and 7 Gadwall at Seamer Tip Pools. At Long Nab, a Goosander flew south, Red-throated Diver, 4 Wheatears, Fieldfare, 200 Linnets plus 30 flew south. Eight Chiffchaffs along the old railway between Burniston and Cloughton. Two Shovelers still at Scalby Lodge Pond. Two Goshawks and 4 Common Buzzards seen from Highwood Brow viewpoint, Wykeham Forest in 45 minutes late morning.

07.04.10 A Snow Bunting flew north over Scalby Lodge Pond, also 3 Wheatears there. A Blackcap singing at Cloughton. Seamer Tip Pools held 2 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Gadwall, and a White Wagtail.

08.04.10 A House Martin at Scalby Mills, and the Common Tern still in North Bay. A Whooper Swan at Burton Riggs in the morning but had gone by 2.30pm, also a Willow Warbler and 6 Chiffchaffs there. Blackcaps singing at Stoupe Beck, Thornton-le-Dale, and Burton Riggs. Seamer Tip Pools held 7 Gadwall, 3 LRPs, and a Green Sandpiper.

09.04.10 Warblers continue to arrive in good numbers; Ravenscar had 6 Willow, 16 Chiffchaffs, and 4 Blackcaps, plus a Green Woodpecker, and Red Grouse on nearby Stony Marl Moor. Two Wheatears at the Castle Headland, plus 2 Blackcaps. Three Wheatears at Scalby Lodge Pond and a Bar-tailed Godwit in Jackson's Bay. The Long-tailed Duck (now in breeding plumage) at Wykeham Lakes, also a Barnacle Goose paired with a Canada! Three LRP still at Seamer Tip Pools plus 2 Gadwall. Six Great Crested Grebes at Burton Riggs plus 3 Gadwall and a Willow Warbler.

10.04.10 A Water Pipit was feeding at Cromer Pond at 4.30pm but could not be relocated 30 minutes later. A Nuthatch at Cowath Beck was a new species for that site. A Little Egret at Mayville Flashes, Cayton Carr. Four Blackcaps at Castle Hill, and four at Scalby Beck. Two Snipe at "small" Scalby Lodge Pond. Two LRPs at Seamer Tip Pools.

11.04.10 The Water Pipit remained elusive at Cromer Pond but was still present late afternoon. Also a Wheatear and 120 Linnets there. An intermedius LBB Gull at Scalby Lodge Pond, also 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Golden Plover, and 45 Redshank. 10 Crossbills at Broxa Forest. 15 Sand Martins round nest holes at Jackson's Bay. Long-tailed Duck still at Wykeham Lakes.

12.04.10 No sign of the elusive Water Pipit at Cromer Pond early morning. Three Golden Plovers flew north-west. Eight Purple Sandpipers roosting at the harbour.

14.04.10 Peregrine over Jackson's Bay. A Great Grey Shrike still in Langdale Forest at Stony Rigg.

15.04.10 A pair of Mandarins at Mowthorpe.

16.04.10 A pair of Mandarins at Scalby Beck. Two Common Buzzards and 2 Peregrines at Ravenscar. A Wheatear by post 48 at Marine Drive. 40 Sand Martins at Jackson's Bay. Three Wigeon and 7 Teal at Scalby Lodge Pond, also 6 Swallows. Six Gadwall and a LRP at Seamer Tip Pools.

17.04.10 The female Long-tailed Duck still at Wykeham Lakes on the east "working lake" adjacent to the public unmade road. Also Barnacle Goose, 2 Wigeon, 27 Teal, and 4 Green Sandpipers that left high to the north. Ninety minutes at Highwood Brow Viewpoint (Wykeham Forest) produced 2 Goshawks, 2 Sparrowhawks, and 6+ Common Buzzards. Also a pair of Crossbills nearby. A Dipper at Wrench Green bridge. Two Common Buzzards and a Goshawk at Ellerburn. At the Castle Headland 2 Greylags flew south and 2 Teal north, a Willow Warbler on south side. Four Snipe at Scalby Lodge Pond. 34 Turnstones at the harbour.

18.04.10 A Marsh Harrier flew north over Burniston at 1.20pm. A female Ring Ouzel just north of the radio mast at Ravenscar early morning. A male Redstart singing at Troutsdale Mill, plus 9 Fieldfare flew west. A Tree Pipit singing in Wykeham Forest, north of Highwood Brow viewpoint, also Green Woodpecker and 3 Crossbills. The Long-tailed Duck still at Wykeham Lakes. Scalby Lodge Pond held Whimbrel, Grey Plover, 21 Redshanks, 5 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 9 Pied Wagtails, and several House Martins. Linnet flocks; 320 at Cromer Point, 160 at Willerby Carr.

19.04.10 A White Wagtail at Scalby Lodge Pond, Yellow Wagtail at Cromer Pond, and Kingfisher at Brompton Pond.

20.04.10 The first Swift of the year was seen at Eastfield. A Wheatear at St Mary's Church at the Castle Headland, and Blackcap on the south side. A Snipe and 3 Shovelers at Scalby Lodge Pond.

22.04.10 The first Whitethroat was reported today, between the Scalby and Mowthorpe. Two Snipe and a Yellow Wagtail at Scalby Lodge Pond, plus a Greylag Goose with a blue neck collar. A Wheatear behind Marine Drive wall. Dippers present at both Wrench Green and Hilla Green.

23.04.10 A Lesser Whitethroat at Far Lane, Hutton Buscel. A Whimbrel at Jackson's Bay and male Goldeneye in North Bay. Two Shelducks at Town Farm Pond, Cloughton plus 9 Swallows. A Grey Plover, 3 Shoveler and Yellow Wagtail at Scalby Lodge Pond. A male Redstart and Tree Pipit at Low North Camp. Two Wheatears behind Marine Drive wall.

24.04.10 A Grasshopper Warbler reeling along the lane just north-west of Sycarham Wood (north-west corner of rape field), still there at 8.30pm. Also Tree Pipit flew over northwards and 5 Wheatears at Cloughton Wyke. Whitethroats at Scalby, Scalby Lodge Pond, and Sycarham Wood. Three Common Buzzards flew south over Scalby at 5.05pm. A small southerly movement of Swallows and Sand Martins early evening along the coast. Three Swifts over Old Town in the evening. Scalby Lodge Pond held Dunlin and Grey Plover. A Tree Pipit at Robin Hood Lane. Two Wheatears at Rudda Howe Moor, and 2 Crossbills at Penny Howe. Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, and LRP at Wykeham Lakes. 
25.04.10 A drake Garganey was at Harwood Dale Lake. Morning rain grounded good numbers of migrants; 2 Ring Ouzels at Ravenscar, also 3 Fieldfare, 9 Wheatears and several Willow Warblers. A Water Pipit in breeding plumage was at Cromer Pond plus a Whinchat and 10 Wheatears. Two Redstarts were at Scalby Lodge near the hide, also a Green Sandpiper, 6 Shelducks, and 7 Shoveler. 30+ Willow Warblers at Castle Hill, and a Siskin over. Two Wheatears behind Marine Drive wall. A seawatch at Marine Drive (06.25-07.25) produced 2 Shelducks, 2 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Ducks, 24 Common Scoters, a Red-throated Diver, Shag, 12 Sandwich Terns, and 3 Common Terns. A Lesser Whitethroat at Seamer Tip Pools and 3 LRPs. Wykeham Lakes held Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, 3 Common Sandpipers, LRP, and a Sedge Warbler. A good influx of Whitethroats. 18 Whimbrel at Flixton Carr. A Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat at Hundale Plantation, Long Nab. A Lesser Whitethroat and Wheatear at Cloughton Wyke.

26.04.10 A Red Kite (wing tagged) was just north of Hutton Buscel at 08.30am and flew towards Beedale. An arrival of Reed Warblers; one at "pipe gully" (100m south of Crook Ness), and 2 at Potter Brompton Carr, also Garden Warbler there, 5 Sedge Warblers and Willow Tit. Garden Warbler and Sedge Warbler along the Sea Cut. The Castle Headland held 10 Wheatears and Lesser Whitethroat. Three Wheatears at Cromer Point, one at West Ayton Carr, and three at Potter Brompton Car. Two Common Scoters and 3 Sandwich Terns in North Bay. Wykeham Lakes held Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, and 2 Common Sandpipers. A Common Sandpiper at Seamer Tip Pools. No sign of the Garganey at Harwood Dale Lake but 2 LRPs there. A Dunlin at Scalby Lodge Pond.

27.04.10 An Osprey at Wykeham Lakes, first seen at 11.20am it was still present at 7.10pm eating a fish in the south-west corner. It was seen drifting over Ayton early afternoon but returned. Also there; Long-tailed Duck, 2 Wigeon, 2 Common Sandpipers, and Sedge Warbler. Garden Warbler in Forge Valley at the south end of the walkway. Swift over Old Town. A Common Sandpiper at Seamer Road Mere. 24 Wheatears Folkton Carr.

28.04.10 An Osprey flew north over North Bay at 6.15pm was seen over Scalby shortly after. A Marsh Harrier flew south-west over Scalby shortly before the Osprey. The Osprey was still at Wykeham Lakes mid morning, also 4 Ruff, Long-tailed Duck and a Marsh Harrier flew through. A Ring Ouzel at Langdale End. Flixton Carr held 21 Whimbrel mid morning increasing to 32 in the evening. Lesser Whitethroats quite widespread now; today's reports from Scalby Beck (2), Field Lane, and Scalby Mills. Garden Warblers in Wykeham Forest (east) and Scalby Beck (2). A report of a Great Grey Shrike in scrub between Graham and Raincliff schools at 7.30pm. Whimbrel over North Bay.

29.04.10 A male Blue-headed Wagtail by the cliff top at Scalby Lodge pond late morning, also a Whinchat and 3 Wheatears by the small pond and 3 Golden Plovers flew over. A brood of Stonechats being fed by parents at Jackson's Bay. A Sedge Warbler at Field Lane, Scalby. Several Lesser Whitethroats reported and Swifts at Scalby Lodge and Wykeham Lakes. The Long-tailed Duck and Barnacle Goose still at Wykeham Lakes. No sign of the shrike early morning but a Wheatear near the hospital.

30.04.10 Wheatear sightings from West Ayton, Cromer Point (2), and Scalby Lodge Pond (2). A Garden Warbler at West Ayton. Lesser Whitethroat at Scalby Nab, also singing Stonechat with a recently fledged bird. A Dunlin, 3 Redshank, and 3 Shoveler at Scalby Lodge Pond. 16 Whimbrel and 4 Swifts at Flixton Carr. Two Swifts over West Ayton.

March 2010

Fri, 2 Apr 2010 19:16:06 +0100

01.03.10 Flocks of 81 and 105 Pink-footed Geese flew north along the coast. A drake Eider and 510 Wigeon at Scalby Mills. 104 Redshanks, 39 Curlews, 2 Shelduck, 53 Teal at Scalby Lodge Pond. A Woodcock in stubble at Long Nab. 40 Purple Sandpipers at the harbour.

02.03.10 A male Hen Harrier at Stony Marl Moor late morning. Six Med Gulls (4 adults, 2 second-winters) on rocks in South Bay. At high tide Scalby Lodge Pond held 105 Redshanks, 66 Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe, 2 Shelducks, and 76 Teal. 220 Fieldfares at Low Marishes.

03.03.10 Two Buzzards and 23 Golden plover at Low Park Farm, Ebberston.

05.03.10 Floodwaters at Low Marishes held 5 Whooper Swans, 330 Wigeon, 17 Pintail, and 4 Gadwall. Green Sandpiper seen from a train near Low Scampston. 820 Wigeon at Scalby Mills. Three Goosanders, 2 Pochard and 2 Great-crested Grebes at Seamer Road Mere. Four Teal, 2 Wigeon, 2 Oystercatchers Harwood Dale Lake. 200 Fieldfares and 25 Golden Plover Wykeham Ings Lane. 6 Little Grebes Hackness Lake.

06.03.10 A White-fronted Goose flew in to Wykeham Lakes from the east mid-morning with 12 Pink-footed Geese. Also 3 Barnacle Geese and Long-tailed Duck still there plus Goosander, 3 Goldeneye, and 5 Gadwall. Two Little Egrets flew out of a ditch just south of Folkton Sewage Farm. Nine Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plovers on flood water at Cayton Carr. Three Goshawks, 2 Common Buzzards, Green Woodpecker, and c20 Crossbills in one hour at Highwood Brow, Wykeham Forest late morning. Willow Tit at the "shrike clearing". Dipper at Wrench Green. Stonechat behind Marine Drive wall. 22 Wigeon and 3 Red-throated Divers flew north past Marine Drive in 30 mins. A first-winter Med Gull (colour ring) at Scalby Mills, also LBB Gull. 4+ Med Gulls at Holbeck (3 ads + 2-w). 23+ Kittiwakes in South Bay plus small flocks moving south along the coast. 24 Whooper Swans plus 16 Greylags and a pair of Canada Geese at Low Marishes.

07.03.10 Two Great Grey Shrikes in Langdale Forest, one near Blakey Topping, the other at Maw Rigg. Both were mobile, only seen briefly.

08.03.10 Six Shags in South Bay. Coot and Pochard at Scalby Lodge Pond.

09.03.10 Cayton Carrs: Little Egret in ploughed field near sewage plant. An arrival of Kittiwakes with 40 in South Bay.

10.03.10 Jackson's Bay: 13 Ringed Plover, 45 Curlew, 6 Dunlin Harbour: 24 Purple Sandpipers Holbeck: Five Med Gulls plus a Finnish ringed Black-headed Gull.

11.03.10 Langdale Forest: 1 Great Grey Shrike, 1 Goshawk, 6 Crossbills. Hilla Green: 4 Mandarins and 1 Woodcock. Hackness Lake: 7 Mandarins. 70+ Crossbill, 150 Siskin, 40 Chaffinch and a Goshawk in Wykeham Forest.

12.03.10 Two LBB Gulls and 340 Wigeon at Scalby Mills. A drake Goosander at Harwood Dale Lake plus 10 Fieldfare flew over. Three Mandarins at Hackness Lake. Three Great Crested Grebes at Seamer Road Mere. Four Med Gulls at Holbeck car park.

13.03.10 The Long-tailed Duck and White-fronted Goose were still at Wykeham Lakes late afternoon. Also 4 Barnacle Geese, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall, and Willow Tit. View from the banking south of Darrell's Low Farm (public unmade road) at the end of Garth End Road, West Ayton. Two Med Gulls at Holbeck.

14.03.10 9 Pink-footed Geese in fields south of Wykeham Lakes. The Long-tailed Duck was still present on the east working lake. A Great Grey Shrike in Langdale Forest late afternoon just north-east of Blakey Topping. No sign of the Maw Rigg bird early morning. At least 70 Crossbills throughout the forest. Red Kite drifting south west over Jingleby Thorn Farm area.

15.03.10 A Great Grey Shrike at Maw Rigg, Langdale Forest at 4.30pm. It was feeding just to the east initially where a JCB had been turning over the soil, then flew onto Maw Rigg. A male Hen Harrier near Blakey Topping.Plenty of Crossbills scattered around the forest. A Pink-footed Goose and Coot at Scalby Lodge Pond. The White-fronted Goose and Long-tailed Duck were still at Wykeham Lakes, the goose feeding with greylags on East Ayton Carr. Also 12 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Goldeneye, plus a Curlew flew west. Four Common Buzzards at Wykeham Lakes and a further 4 near the Everley Hotel. 5 Mandarins at Hackness Lake.

16.03.10 Wader totals from Jackson's Bay included 70 Redshanks, 16 Turnstones, 8 Ringed Plovers, Purple Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin. Two Shelducks frequenting Scalby Lodge Pond regularly, also a Snipe there. A LBB Gull at Scalby Mills.

19.03.10 Wheatears were seen at Crook Ness and Scalby Lodge Pond. A Shoveler, Goosander and Coot at Scalby Lodge Pond. A Jack Snipe at Cromer Point. A few Curlews moving in the evening; 8 north and 4 west at Long Nab, plus 24 south over Cromer Point.

20.03.10 A White Wagtail with 40 Pied Wagtails just north of Folkton village. Five Dunlin and 11 Curlews at Cayton Carr. The White-fronted Goose and Long-tailed Duck were still at Wykeham Lakes plus 3 Goldeneye and 2 Gadwall. Seamer Tip Pools held 3 Gadwall, 2 Green Sandpipers, 7 Redshanks and 200 Fieldfares. Two Goldeneyes at Seamer Road Mere. A seawatch at Marine Drive (06.40-07.40) produced a drake Pintail (S), Goosander(S), 11 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 2 Red-throated Divers, and 21 Dunlin past. A Kingfisher, Redwing and 3 Marsh Tits at Scalby Beck.

21.03.10 A Red Kite was seen from the Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint in the morning over Broxa/Langdale Forests. A Whooper Swan (3rd day) with Mute Swans at Lebberston Carr. Two Swallows flew south along the cliffs at Long Nab early evening. A Chiffchaff in Stile Scrub and at Northstead Manor Gardens. A White Wagtail just south of Cromer Point.

22.03.10 A drake Shoveler and 3 Dunlin at Scalby Lodge Pond. Two Golden Plovers and 2 Snipe over Flotmanby Carr but no sign of any swans at Lebberston Carr early evening.

23.03.10 An influx of Chiffchaffs with birds recorded at Castle Hill, Scalby Beck, Long Nab, and Trough Gully. A Med Gull at Seamer Road Mere and 3 Great Crested Grebes in South Bay. A Red-throated Diver at Cloughton Wyke. Red Kite at Wrench Green. Five Gadwall at Seamer Tip Pools.

24.03.10 A Jack Snipe at Rudda Howe Moor. Eight Whooper Swans flew north over Scalby and 6 Shoveler at Scalby Lodge Pond. Two Chiffchaffs along Scalby Beck between Scalby and Mowthorpe, also Treecreeper. Wheatear at Cromer Point by the Water Treatment Works.

25.03.10 A Swallow flew south over Castle Hill early afternoon, also 4 Chiffchaffs and a Mistle Thrush there. Two Dippers at Hilla Green. A Jack Snipe at Long Nab. Chiffchaffs at Rocks Lane and Scalby Lodge. A small amount of floodwater still at Low Marishes which held 8 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 4 Curlew, and a Snipe.

26.03.10 A Chiffchaff at Castle Hill and 19 Purple Sandpipers at the harbour. The Whooper Swan still at Lebberston Carr with 5 Mute Swans. Also a Wheatear and White Wagtail there.

27.03.10 The Whooper Swan and Wheatear still at Lebberston Carr. Green Sandpiper, 6 Redshank, and 4 Gadwall at Seamer Tip Pools. A drake Shoveler with 110 Wigeon at Scalby Mills. Dunlin and Ringed Plover at Cayton Carr. Two Gadwall and a Shoveler at Scalby Lodge Pond. Two Knot in Jackson's Bay.

28.03.10 A Goosander at Harwood Dale Lake. Merlin Scalby Manor. At Seamer Tip Pools there were 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Shelduck, and 4 Gadwall. A Woodcock picked up dead by the Grand Hotel.

29.03.10 A Swallow at Yeddingham. Thirty minutes at High Wood Brow, Wykeham Forest produced 2 Goshawks, a Sparrowhawk, and 2 Crossbills. A thirty minute seawatch at Marine Drive saw 2 Great-crested Grebes, 2 Red-throated Divers, and 95 Fulmars past.

30.03.10 Four Chiffchaffs at Castle Hill. Two Shovelers, 75 Redshank and a Dunlin at Scalby Lodge Pond.

31.03.10 Two Snow Buntings at Scalby Nab. A Swallow and Wheatear at Scalby Lodge Pond.