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.

Thursday, 14 February 2019

Scarborough Area - 14th February 2019

Dipper, Scalby Mills

A good walk and drive around Scarborough this morning, lovely day but not a lot of birds! I started off at the harbour which was very quiet save a Shag in the harbour mouth and a Guillemot in the bay. Next stop was Johnsons Marsh with 20+ Teal, 5 Grey Herons, 4 Redshank and 4 Wigeon.

Grey Herons, Johnsons Marsh



Drake Teal, Johnsons Marsh


Scalby Mills was next with an incoming tide so just Wigeon, Black Headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Great Black Backed Gulls, Cormorant, Oystercatcher, Redshank and two Purple Sandpipers. Scalby Beck held the Dipper but distance and light only afforded record shots.

Dipper, Scalby Beck




Walking through the open air theatre area a pair of Bullfinches, a Treecreeper and a Grey Wagtail were the best with no sign of Kingfisher or Water Rail. Continuing through Peasholm Park only the expected birds were seen, but a quick exit as two ladies wanted to talk to me about God!

Returning to Scalby Mills, my attention was drawn to this immature Great Black Backed Gull with a bright orange ball! Despite being harassed by other Gulls, it was determined to hang on to its prize!





Moving on to Holbeck car park (noticing you can now only stay for three hours) the only Gulls were two Black Headed with no sign of any Mediterranean. The Seamer Road retail park is a must at this time of year with plenty of berries on the bushes! Only one Mistle Thrush on guard so where are the returning Waxwings? A treat awaits them! A quick look at Seamer Tip Pool revealed many Canada and Greylag Geese, 4 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Ducks, six Mallards, two Mute Swans, Herring Gulls and Black Headed Gulls.

Weather wise, it felt like spring. Bird wise, where are they? I think I know the answer - the birds are wherever I am not!!

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