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.

Big Dip then Harrier Flypast

On a day that always looked like rain, Lins and me set off regardless to look for the Ring-billed Gull at Mirfield. On arrival a quick chat with the lone birder gave us the news all birders dread "showing well five mins ago". It transpired that just before our arrival all the gulls had gone up in a big dread and a lot had left and scattered to the four winds. We stayed for about an hour and got soaked in a torrential downpour, net result, wet clothes and optics, no year tick.

We decided to blast down to Blacktoft and watch the harrier roost, as we sat in the hide we were treat to a flypast by a nice ring-tail Hen Harrier and two cream crown Marsh Harriers before the rain caught up with us again and the rest of the afternoon was spent discussing the virtues of eating Pike and wether the Slaty-backed Gull would make it to Yorkshire with the other hardy folk who had hope for the weather to clear up. It never did.

Every good harbour has an Iceland

A very pleasurable trip out to Scarborough on Monday with some nice sunshine and a gentle east wind. Main attraction was a fine Iceland Gull which was spotted right out in the middle of the harbour and far to far off for a picture. For once lady luck was on my side and a delinquent juv Cormorant flew into the harbour and nearly landed on it which caused the bird to take wing. I held my breath as it flew up and headed out into south bay where it promptly turned tail and flew back into the harbour and landed right in front of me, Kes and Lindsay......WOW what a view and some half decent pictures, the bird was much appreciated by the assembled birders and members of the public whos interest was aroused by the aray of optical gear pointing towards a "Sea Gull".

Delinquent Cormorant.....many thanks

Nothing much else to report on other than a recommendation, the chip butties are fantastic from the cafe in the northern corner of the harbour, plenty of home made chips (a rarity to rank alongside Whites Thrush) and a decent sized bun, coffee also rated good, nice and strong and hot. Much appreciated by all three of us.

Gold Strike

The first netting session of the year produced some quality and Dave Bass scored four ringing ticks. A total of 64 new birds were captured, the main contribors being Yellowhammer with 31. Eight Reed Buntings, five Fieldfares and singles of Brambling and Mistle Thrush (first for site) added some spice.

First bird of the year - Redwing

A first year male Brambling

Adult male Bullfinch

First for the site - Mistle Thrush

Sightings included singles of Merlin and Perigrine with three Pink-feet flying over. Year total now stands at 64, a trip to the coast tomorrow will hopefully see me nearing the 100 mark.

New Years Day

A small total of 52 for the day was all I could manage.