Originally planned to go up to Wykeham Forest with Ricky, for Goshawk and Crossbill, on Saturday but the forecast was bad so decided on Monday. Started cold and frosty but bright and although some fog over the Wolds it was clear at Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint. The Goshawk accompanied by several Buzzard were aways distant [I’ve had closer views later in the year when looking for Honey Buzzard] but having already heard them in the car park Crossbill gave good perched views at the viewpoint.
I am local so known my way about but beware entering the postcode YO13 9EB on a satnav as you could be dumped in the middle of no where, instead use the map ref SE 935887 to get an exact position of the parking area.
Male Crossbill at Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint
Had a flock of Pink-footed Geese flying over, surprisingly my 1st since New Years Day despite in the past having regular flocks throughout the winter commuting between the Wolds and the Humber or on migration.
Pink-footed Geese from Wykeham Raptor Viewpoint
Went to Forge Valley late morning. The main target was Nuthatch, a difficult bird in East Yorkshire although they do seem to be spreading with recent sightings at Burton Bushes, Beverley, which I’ve yet to check out, and at a private site near Welton.
Nuthatch-Forge Valley
Also a good site for Marsh Tit which is scarce elsewhere.
Marsh Tit-Forge Valley
Nice to get close views of common bird anyway.
Coal Tit, Coal Tit & Chaffinch, Long-tailed Tit-Forge Valley
Finally went to Bempton Cliffs. All the usual suspects were in with only Kittiwake still in small numbers.
Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, Gannet on the arch, Gannet in flight, Fulmar in flight-Bempton Cliffs
No sign of any Short-eared Owls while we were there although one had been seen early morning. Finished at the feeders to see Tree Sparrow which has seriously declined in the areas I walked the dog. They kept to the distant feeders then walking back to the car had a very approachable bird in a puddle.
Tree Sparrow-Bempton Cliffs
I have noticed a serious decline in Collared Dove locally which from a recent BTO email is also a national issue so now make a “causal” report to Birdtrack of all I see including today two on the way home in Dunswell. West of the the village I saw the pair of Ruddy Shelduck that I have seen at various site around Cottingham the last couple of years. Don’t consider these have much credibility as wild birds but are of interest to some birders. Also as a potential breeding pair they need keeping an eye on.
Ruddy Shelduck recently on Priory Fields, Cottingham. Not safe to stop at the Dunswell flash.
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