A Brief (and painful) Visit to Scarborough Harbour - 29th October 2018

Guillemot

Heather has taken a unit in the Scarborough Indoor Market for two weeks so the first task today was to help her set up. Duties performed, I headed down to Scarborough Harbour to see if any of the Little Auks were still hanging around. Two were located in quite rough water off the harbour entrance with brief views of a Red Throated Diver. In the harbour itself, a Guillemot showed well with a Great Crested Grebe.

The weather at 0830hrs was rather inclement with heavy wintery showers doing their best to dampen my spirits! Worse was yet to come though. Walking back through the harbour, I suddenly had that "falling" feeling, followed by the thud of my body hitting the ground! Ouch! The ropes holding the pleasure boat "Regal Lady" had snared me, causing me to end up blooded and bruised. Luckily, I suppose, I didn't end up in the water and my optics seem okay! Such is my life!

Guillemot

Little Auk

Great Crested Grebe

Red Throated Diver (Just!)

Another "WOW" day at Bempton Cliffs - 28th October 2018

One of two Barred Warblers in Bempton Cliffs Dell!

Sunny intervals, occasional showers and a strong north-easterly blow greeted me on the cliffs today. What would the day bring? Well, I gave the whole reserve a good going over, walking the cliff top, visiting all six viewpoints, walking the nature trail but spending most time around the Dell, courtesy of not one but two Barred Warblers! Walking towards Jubilee Corner viewpoint, a Short Eared Owl came in off, but with the strength of the NE wind, it shot through and beyond the RAF station. At Jubilee Corner, two Peregrines entertained but again if you blinked they had shot away! Also, probably the last remaining Gannet family can be seen on the cliffs, but distant. Walking back, Trev C called me to say he had found a Barred Warbler in the Dell so that was where I headed. The bird was instantly in view and showed well throughout the day. As we watched it, unbelievably, a second Barred Warbler joined it and the two birds remained for the rest of the day. While enjoying the Barred Warbler, a male Ring Ousel flew through and at least three Woodcock frequented the area. A male Blackcap showed briefly and another birder reported an earlier female.

So, what else was seen? Todays sightings:

Bird (s) of the day had to be the very showy Barred Warblers in the Dell. Interestingly, the birds did venture away briefly and one ventured into the ringing nets of Dave A! He must have loved the bird so much that when it ventured back into the Dell, it sported a very fetching ring!

What is better than one Barred Warbler? Yes two!

Probably the last Guga on the cliffs!

And while watching the Barred Warbler(s), it would have been rude not to capture some of the Redwings!

Now that the seabirds have left the cliffs, we are able to "wow" at their splendour!

Mid Autumn on Bempton Cliffs - 21st October 2018

One of the few remaining Gannets with its Guga

A rather pleasant Autumnal day greeted us on the cliffs today, sunshine, blue sky with a strength variable south west wind. Sadly, it is the time of year when nearly all of the Gannets depart the cliffs, which now look naked and it is very quiet. A few still remain and a few are still supporting their young (Gugas). Thousands of Gannets can be seen in flight or on the sea. Overhead migration continued, albeit less obvious than previous weeks with few Thrushes but mainly Skylarks. Some lucky observers were treated to a ringtail Hen Harrier in off the sea!

So, what was about today? Todays Sightings:

I just managed to capture the light as the sun rose over Staple Newk rock

The nakedness of Staple Newk rock although a Gannet and Guga can just be seen to the left of the "U" shape

At Jubilee Corner viewpoint there were still about nine Gannets on the cliffs, one still with a Guga. It was here that I spotted a very strange Gannet - part adult and part guga!

Some of the few remaining Gannets at Jubilee Corner

Gannet and ready to fledge Guga on Staple Newk

Me and my shadow...…

Most of the Gannets are out over the sea

The following images are sad and distressing.

I have included them to highlight the increasing dangers to our wildlife from man made materials. Gannets will pick up many items for their nests including natural materials but also manmade rope, netting, fishing lines, plastic etc. This Guga desperately needs to fledge but is tethered by what appears to be rope / fishing line. It is firmly entwined around its leg preventing it leaving the cliff. It is also in a very inaccessible area. The prognosis is not good. So sad.

Post Script - Good News!

The Guga has been rescued by a joint RSPCA / RSPB team and is now undergoing treatment at a rescue centre. It will be released when fully recovered to hopefully migrate south and continue to thrive. Well done to all concerned!

Around Scalby Mills and Open Air Theatre - 18th October 2018

Grey Wagtail

Having dropped Heather off at Scarborough Market I headed down to Scalby Mills to walk Symphony. Our route took in Scalby Mills, Open Air Theatre and a circuit of the lake in Peasholm Park. A very pleasant walk in autumnal sunshine. A Grey Wagtail flitted around Scalby Beck with another (above) on the Sea Life Centre.

Walking towards the Open Air Theatre two Roe Deer appeared

A Water Rail was spotted from the railway bridge at the back of the open air theatre but it was too dark to gain an image. The walk around Peasholm Park did little to excite me, other than nearly being dragged up a tree when Symphony chased after a Squirrel!

Back at Scalby Mills several Rock Pipits were seen

The eclipse Eider made an appearance but kept its distance

Common Gull

Turnstone