Walk on the beach brings up the ton

With early morning mizzle putting an end to the planned ringing session, it was off to the coast for the three of us and a walk on South Gare beach. The rain followed us so we sat out the squall in the van and enjoyed a brew and watched the ships. It soon cleard and despite the brisk and chilly North West wind we headed out and were soon enjoying the company of a party of Sanderling

Sanderling, one of 23

All along the beach there were small groups of the usual waders, Curlew, Redshank, Knot and Ringed Plover with the odd Dunlin. Typically as we neared the car on our return a nice group of 17 Snow Buntings put in an appearance and treat us to a fine show as they foraged along the tide rack.

Snow Bunting, one of 17 and the ton up for the year in Yorkshire.

Nice male with his hareem

It was nice to bring up the ton after dipping twice already this year missing Ring-billed Gull and Ring-necked Duck. With me handicapped to only Yorkshire species this year by Ticker I need to score as often as possible or its curtains for me. I hate loosing, its going to be an interesting year. Ticker is already on 50 so the odd rare here and there is going to help. Might have to send Marit some chocolates to get him to do more DIY about the house on a weekend.