Yellow Wagtail

After a few days of cold winds, rain and dull conditions its so nice to see blue skies, sunshine and as an extra bonus,these birds. The female remained deep in cover but the male was inquisitive, this not so common grey partridge also put in a brief but nervous appearance. My spirits have risen again!

Garden Birds

My house martins have repaired the nest, almost from nothing in 3 days and female is sitting. Think this is the male bringing in food, note the large crop shows well in one shot, a joy to share their comings and goings. They reared 3 clutches last year and usually 2. The young blackbirds have increased to 4 and are so confiding, easy prey for predators especially cats, mother, father and I are constantly on the alert!

Scarborough Castle

A quick stroll under the frantic kittewake colony revealed just two species lurking in the boulders. A singing rock pipit quickly defined its territory even seeing off a lingering wheatear, fascinating how they find these small prey items out of thin air. Nothing else of note, a whitethroat under the castle wall and everywhere you go, goldfinches! They seem as common as ever. Note the red pattern on the head, an obvious female! Also this bird is ringed.

Moorland Birds

Some typical scenes of the yorkshire moors inland from Helmsley. All photos taken from the car showing birds found at this time of the year. Lapwing, red grouse, curlew and golden plover all relatively easily seen but ring ouzel feeding young a chance encounter. Wheatear. meadow pipit, mistle thrush and buzzard sp also seen. Cool, windy and overcast in morning but clearing and warming up mid afternoon, a great days birding.

Garden Birds

Greenfinch still displaying to female even though feeding fledged young, the male looks in superb condition, must be all the sunflower seeds its eaten? Male and female house sparrow on second brood, same nest every year,under a roof tile next door.

Swallows

Small groups of swallows feeding low over the fields in a strong westerly, so difficult to catch these fast flyers. What amazing birds!

Seamer Gravel Pits

Lots of these small damselflies around the pool edges. 28 young canada geese eating everything in sight, and my first speckled wood flitting through the dappled pathway. Blackcap and garden warbler calling but so difficult to photograph.

Garden Birds

Young greenfinches visit the nuts every day while the male blackbird seems constantly alert looking out for its one youngster.

House Martins

My 2 pair of martins are back building, front and back. They have nested here for the past 8 years, i look forward to their return every year.

Blackbirds

Wheres my food! First young of the year in garden