Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Didn't I have a lovely time, The day I went to [Scarborough] - 15th January 2019

Waxwing

The forecast was reasonable and Heather had a meeting so I headed over to Scarborough (with Symphony) in the hope of close views of Great Northern Diver in the harbour. Previously this year, I have seen GND but at a distance. I was not to be disappointed and with one GND coming in close at times but also quite mobile.





While watching the GND, a Shag muscled in on the action



Also nearby, a group of Great Black Backed Gulls appeared as if "working out" together



Chatting with Steve Race, who had similar desires with the GND's, conversation turned to Waxwings and Seamer Road and the fact that large numbers of berries were still on the trees. I said I was intending to call in there (as I always do when passing). Driving around the retail car park, only poor parking was noticed, until I had a look behind Dunelm's! BINGO! A Waxwing! How lucky was that?





This poor bird was mercilessly harassed by the local "mafia" in the form of two Mistle Thrushes!




The Waxwing sought refuge in the trees on the opposite side of Seamer Road so I decided to head to Seamer Tip Pools in the hope that the Great White Egret had returned. This was my lucky day, it wasn't on the pool but on the adjoining field amongst Canada and Grey Lag Geese!




The pools held  Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Shoveler



Heading home, I called in at Primrose Valley Lake (not Scarborough but Filey recording area) where a drake Mandarin has been reported. Would I be lucky again?





Overall, a really good three hours birding, with year ticks of Waxwing, Mistle Thrush, Great White Egret and Mandarin!
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5 comments:

  1. Mick16 January 2019 at 12:53

    Hi Kevin,
    Very tempted to drive up from Coventry for additions like that to my year list, plus the GND and Shag. Every now and then a day like that comes along and is to be enjoyed! Draycote Water has been pretty quie5bthis winter.

    Best wishes,

    Mick Brewer

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kevin Groocock16 January 2019 at 15:48

    Hi Mick, nice to hear from you. Like everywhere, it is hit / miss as to whether the birds will be showing or even present. Sometimes they can be very close other times only scope views. There is usually something about though. Best check the reporting sites before travelling. I went to Draycote on boxing day while we were in Rugby for Christmas and it was quieter than quiet bird wise! If you decide to come up, give me a shout and we could possibly meet up.

    Best wishes,

    Kevin

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mick16 January 2019 at 21:07


    Hi Kevin, good to hear back from you. I have visited RSPB Bempton several times over the years and always enjoy it. I am looking to reach 200 species in a year this year for the first time but it is going to take some time and effort, although I have a few trips planned. If I get up to your part of the world I will make contact - it will be good to meet up again. Meanwhile, keep up the blogging - always a good read with some great photos.
    Mick

    ReplyDelete
  4. Martin "N"17 January 2019 at 17:23

    Well done that Man. Its great to have a good day like that. Including some Sunshine too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kevin Groocock17 January 2019 at 17:26

    Thank you Martin! Few and far between these days!

    ReplyDelete

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