No snow!

14/1/13 I was informed about the Great Grey Shrike near Market Weighton by Geoff Dobbs before Christmas. It was decided at the time not to past this on to the information services but I did leak it out on my other blog but this didn’t create any response. As it wasn’t in the Hull Valley recording area and I haven’t much time to myself at the moment I didn’t make the effort to check it out. However last week it was seen again and Geoff put the news out.
Today I find myself unexpectedly not working this week so ended up heading to Market Weighton with Roy and Martin this afternoon despite the forecast. Found Crossfield Farm [just S.of Market Weighton on the South Cliffe road] easily but by now the snow was heavy. I being the maddest, volunteered to work the lagoon where the shrike was usually seen. However the condition were appalling and gave up after a quick look. Leaving saw Frank Murray and Jack Thornton who didn’t even bother to get out of the car.

Went to North Cave Wetlands as Martin hadn’t been before. Entering the South Hide, Frank and Jack were already there having come the direct route. Didn’t stay long as it was now too bad to bird and the road weren’t going to get any better.

Mallards in the snow-North Cave Wetlands.

Coot-Main Lake-N.Cave Wetlands.

Cormorant on tern raft-N.Cave Wetlands.