Filey Brigg

I was amazed to be the only one on the brigg with this grey phalarope spinning away in the dull surf, it did not stay still for a second, but great views from behind a rock. A male eider swam in to preen but for just a minute or two before swimming out to the small flock present in the bay. A nervous curlew made its escape down the brigg, they do not allow close scrutiny out on the brigg. Finally a barn owl flew out of the top scrub being mobbed by crows and magpies, a great few hours birding.

Isabeline shrike

Another great rarity on the yorkshire coast, this bird originates from around central asian steppes, and ends up in Buckton, just inland from bempton cliffs. Constantly catching insects and looked like it had a larder of food in a bramble thicket. Too far for detailed plumage shots but a wonderful bird to watch.

Filey

rabbits sunning themselves after a cold night.







A quiet autumn morning, not many birds about but just a hint of things to come. A juvenile male great spotted woodpecker and young reed warbler on the move, overhead two skeins of noisy pink feet moving south, a small flock of goldcrests, a few brambling, blackbirds and redwing, all migrants heading south. Even the kestrel could originate from northern europe.

Buff breasted sandpiper

A well watched and obliging rarity for a change. However, trying to photograph this bird under dull skies and a howling gale was difficult. When it did come close enough it was constantly active and buffeted by the strong winds. Such a confiding beautiful bird.

Mediterranean Gull

Back to holbeck car park again, just one bird on the grass, a superb adult winter med gull. I remember seeing my first in Bridlington harbour years ago, they are far more abundant now but still a suberb bird!

Scarborough harbour

Another overcast showery day, strong northerly winds still raging. This partial albino guillemot was sheltering in the harbour along with about about six normal ones, quite a striking bird. A small group of sanderling, a few divers, bonxies, arctic skuas, terns, 2 sooty shearwaters, many auks, gannets, kittewakes and 7 dark bellied brent geese all within 30 minutes off the castle headland. Nothing like a good seawatch from the comfort of your car.

House Martins

The parents and siblings from the first clutch still feeding this brood. They are coming back less frequently now, mainly to roost, soon be off to warmer climes. We miss their constant presence and noise but yet another good year for them. See you next spring boys!