Happy New Year

To all who read this I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year with many ticks and good days out. A few images to whet your appitites. Not as fanciful as they might seem as several Grosbeaks and Woodpeckers have been seen on the eastern seaboard of Norway and Hawk Owls had a good breeding season.

Pine Grosbeak

Hawk Owl



Three-toed Woodpecker



Ticker

Despite a record year and a valliant effort "Ticker" bit the dust, he managed a score of 210 where I some how managed to score 245.

Better luck next year Ticker when I will be handicapped to Yorkshire birds only. 

Christmas Calorie Burn

Pied Wagtail

In a desparate effort to use a few of the excess calories consumed over Christmas, Lindsay, Kes and me went for a stroll round the Castleford end of Fairburn Ings. Despite all the water been frozen a few Mallards, Teal and Coot were still hanging on at the edge of the Calder. Twenty eight Cormorants were roosting on the pylons and there was a good scattering of Redwing and Blackbirds in the bushes where there was also a few Bullfinch.

A Grand Day Out

After a slow start I from home and a stop off to look at a flock of about 80 Waxwings feeding in a Catoniaster near Kirkbymoorside, I eventually arrived at Scarborough and was treated to some fine winter birding thanks to help from Ian Glaves an Nick Addy. First port of call was the harbour to look for the GN Diver that had taken to fishing there, I was not disappointed as the bird cruised right past Ian and myself allowing some half decent shots in good light.

Great Northern Diver

 Next place to visit was Holbeck car park to see if the Med Gulls were about and again thanks to Nick and  a loaf of bread there was soon four adults on show. Despite a heavy shower the sun eventually came out and I got a few shots, not as good as I would have liked but as the birds are now settled for the winter, I hope to do better later on.

Med Gull in flight

Med Gull

 As I was watching the Med gulls a gentleman who I had spoken to in the harbour ( I am ashamed to admit I recognise him but cannot remember his name) arrived and told me that there was a first year Glausous Gull on the beach just down from the outdoor pool in south bay. That been not too far from where I was parked Kes and me set of in the hope of seeing it. Sure enough exactly as directed the bird was showing well and even allowed close enough approach for a few record shots.

First winter Glaucous Gull

Also on show here was a nice selection of waders among the rocks, amazingly this Redshank allowed some pictures and the Purps were as usual very approachable and I am very pleased with the shots I got of them.
 

Redshank

Purple Sandpiper

The day was rounded off with a much appreciated cup of coffee and some lunch provided by Penny and Ian which was enjoyed whilst watching the fine selection of sparrows, buntings and finches in their garden.

Thanks to all for a Grand Day Out.

Global Warming my Arse

With temperatures dropping as low as minus 19 just up the road at Leeming and about 8" of snow on the ground it felt more like central Siberia than North Yorkshire.

Boroughbridge Road

Reflections

Dont forget to keep feeding the birds and remember that water is just as important as most natural sources are frozen.