I saw my first Hedgehog and Badger of the year (both in Yorks) very late Thursday night while driving down to Ipswich Hospital to be with Sarah's Nan before she died. The Badger was in the middle lane of the A1 and nearly became another unwelcome addition to my rather embarrassing roadkill list. The experience certainly woke me up enough to make the rest of the long drive.

Thorne Moors
 

Nice Hobby from the 'crowded' Thorne viewing platform this afternoon. Didn't manage to get a pic of the Red-footed Falcon though!

Split the day into morning and evening recces. Morning at Potteric watching the BNG's and evening failing to find LEO in calderdale, millions of midges and one notable visitor, no beefing up this picture yet, full frame & no edit..

Plenty of places nearby without paying to get into Harewood. Marcus reckons he has a better spot over near Bramhope at SE259436, but anywhere near grid ref SE290442, Bedlam Lane, Weardley, cannot fail to produce excellent views. There's dozens of birds in the area between Harewood and Pool, so you shouldn't spend too long searching from any roadside pull-in with a decent view.

Graham

Ah good, you got home okay Graham. Was wondering about you on the moor on yer todd, didn't want you falling in the bog.
Almost anywhere along the road from Harewood to Pool will get you red kite, as will the road from Leeds to Harewood.
Park at Wike Lane, opposite the metal gates into the Harewqood estate, and have a wander in the estate, you should be able to see loads.

Interesting sighting of Marsh Tit in the centre of Cottingham last 2 days. My first record for the garden list and Cottingham but used to get Willow Tits Priory Rd/Snuff Mill La area during winter up to about 10yrs back.
Little Egret and a few Little Gulls at Tophill Low y'day.
Also male Montagu's Harrier north over the A63 near South Cave y'day evening. Look for later but trail had gone cold [reported by RBA prior to my posting].

Thanks, Keith. Yes, found my way back in the dark with no mishaps. Had a pair of nightjars wing-clapping at silly close range, and the male was out before that and hunting to within 20 feet at around quarter to ten when it was still daylight. Also Woodlark and Tree Pipits so a very good evening!

Graham

Oh bolleaux, the woodlark would have been a lifer for me....damn.

Quite surprised to hear you say this Keith. Woodlark is now relatively easy in Yorkshire. Easiest early in spring and being ground nesters can be prone to disturbance especially from dog walkers.

Definitely one to get in March next year though!

Thanks for the tip-off Marcus. I wouldn't have seen this without you drawing it to my attention. And one of my 'students' wouldn't have taken this not-too bad 1st effort, if she hadn't gone for it!

Cheers

It's one of those birds that just never seem to show when I am present. I've been to sites where the birds are guaranteed.... not for me though.

The wet weather put me off going to Hatfield today so wasn't able to check out the site that Jim told me about, and thanks Mike I might just be taking you up on the offer next March.

kieth woodlarks are present in a few numbers at budby common in sherwood forest i saw about 5 on saturday night on a nightjar /woodcock hunt

Thanks for that JD.1, hope the DVDs worked okay for you.

You're not the only one Keith, I've had four attempts so far and got zilch. Managed at last to see a bittern yesterday, twice no less and flying too. With the weather turning rough out at Blacktoft I decided not to go over to Far Ings as I'd planned. Also had spoonbill, spotted redshank in summer plumage and a fancy male ruff in his breeding finery.

Glad I'm not the only one Chris :t:

My first bittern was a flying bird as well, this time at Minsmere back in the days when that was THE stronghold for bittern in the UK. So far not managed to get any of the birds at Blacktoft, although I probably don't go often enough to really stand a chance. I much prefer Potteric Carr for bittern watching, and that isn't only because the cafe there does great bacon butties....;)

Stunning honey buzzard south at spurn lunch time, Mike Flowers should be posting some fine pics, think it passed over the group he was with.

Very nice - hope the shots come out well.

Blacktoft can be a little disappointing but glad to say this time was much better than the last. I went to make the most of my RSPB membership, I thought I should at least use my card once a year although nowadays car parking at Fairburn is only free for the first 30 mins so if you have your card it can go in the window and act as a ticket.
I did like Potteric very much but I'm ...errr.. one of those veggie types so the draw of food matters little.:king:

Thanks for bigging them up! Honey Buzzard pics now added to the blog. Really made the morning after struggling against very strong winds. To see them at their best, please left quick for a larger image.
Cheers

When was this brought in? Is it the visitor centre car park?

Anyone know anything about the Dartford warbler reported for Driffield today?

Near Bracey Bridge, another good Bacon butty spot enroute to Flam. On the footpath towards Lowthorpe in the hedgerow..

A few us from the East Yorks Chapter checked it out this evening with no joy. The wind may have been keeping it in the hedge so it might be worth another go tomorrow.

Between us we had Barn Owl, Grey Partridge, Grey Wagtail and Brown Hare so was not a wasted evening. Site also looked good for Quail.

Great pics Michael. Defo not a Common Buzzard!!! Would be good to get such great views on Sunday.

Hells Birders? Satans Slav's?

Michael, pleased to see you were disabused of your supposition, I'm going to use that phrase this week;)