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.

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.