Hay-a-Park it is!

I went out at lunch time today too, and worked the attached lake. I am pretty sure I have seen a smew there before but only from distance, so could have been a rugby ball. ;)

I did get three snipe, and well over 1000 (thousand) winter thrushes mostly fieldfares. I also saw four roe deer which was a nice surprise although they startled me initially. Usual red kites knocking around and a curlew whistling. On the drive back to the office there was 15 goldies clearly recently disturbed.

Gah, chance would be a fine thing!!

Is there any up to date information about the Yorks population and how they're spreading.

Cheers,
Bob.

posted by den
"Also there is a Red-Crested Pochard at the slipway on the main lake. It likes bread and will come very close!!."
called to see him this p.m., handsome little fellow, preening away showing off to everybody, didn't need 'bins, but forgot camera
pete

I agree. Had some work to do in Scarborough earlier this afternoon so I ate my lunch in Holbeck Hall Car Park. Within a couple of minutes there was a 1st Winter and two Adult Mediterranean Gulls about a foot away from my van.

Reeth Visit
 

Coming to Reeth for a few days at the end of this month. I would welcome any pointers for local walks with some of Yorkshire's finest birds thrown in, please. You will see from my signature that I have more to see than I have seen so far in my modest career so don't think I am looking for extreme rarities.

Thanks in advance.

Reeth
 

miLLYg,
Can't believe no answers yet, you're going to be spoilt for choice with the walking, just hope the weather is o'k for you, try this link, it will give you more info than I can, http://www.yorkshiredales.org/index.htm.
as for specific birding sites, maybe some of the north yorkies can help.
One thing's for sure, if the weather is good you will see some of the best scenery in the country,
happy days,
pete

I don't have any personal knowledge, but was interested as we pass this way a few times a year on our way to Aberdeen.

Not much comes up under Reeth and birding, but I did find an old Swaledale Birds web page with local sightings from 2001-2005, many of which are in Reeth:
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/swaledalebirds/

The new site seems to be:
http://www.swaledaleyorkshire.com/
Despite the birds link not working, you might find some of the info helpful.

Next try was through English Nature... go to their map page (http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx) and search for "Reeth", select the one in N. Yorkshire and it will show you any sites of interest on the map. Zooming out a little showed a nearby nature reserve with a hide called Foxglove Covert, which seems very popular and there's plenty of info on it due to local ringing activities:
The reserve: http://www.army.mod.uk/ate/public/foxglove_covert/
Species ringed: http://www.army.mod.uk/ate/public/fo...rd_species.htm
BirdForum moderator's account of ringing: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=4593

Access to the reserve seems to be restricted, and I think you have to contact the warden beforehand (check the "Contact" page).

Hope that's some help |=)|

I see Tundra Bean Geese are being reported (again) from fairburn. Flew off apparently. There is a surprise.

Oooh James you are a cynic.

(thought exactly the same thing too pal)

Isnt it the 3rd time this winter thats happened-with only 2 accepted records before (i think keith said)

that's right. with no big pinkfoot concentration i am slightly dubious. Even if they are proven to beans I think I would still doubt there legitmacy

An excellent morning on the local patch, 28 species the absence of 4 regulars (Jay, mallard, jackdaw and blackheaded gull) meant I just missed out on a single visit record count but all within half a mile of home, not bad.

Highlights first Sparrowhawk, often seen flying over there from the bedroom window but oddly never seen one there on a walk. Yellowhammer, first one for about two years.

Last week I found GSW excavating a hole in an oak tree, went to check on progress only to find a dead grey quirrel at the entrance, head just looking out. Result of a fight?

This reply has taken some time, and your effort is appreciated.

Doesn't rain....

Two water rails down Rodley today! Great sighting, also some nice goosanders, this really is Hollywood stuff down Rodders at the minute.

Not a bad afternoon at Flamborough, at at least once the rain had stopped. No sign of the Lapland Buntings (no supprise there then!). However, did have great views of perched and hunting Peregrine, SE Owl, Red-throated Diver and the usual gulls and seabirds. A couple with a dog flushed a what seemed to be a Woodcock from the cliff top path. I was at some distance and really didn't get a good look at the bird before it flew out of site. Would a Woodcock on a cliff-top path (with no nearby trees) be possible in Feb?

No problem... it's a welcome distraction to my writing!
Do post how you get on though, I'm sure I'm not the only one interested.

Lifer at Wheldrake this afternoon. Was only Black-necked Grebe but plenty happy with that.

Great spot.

Made a mess of my tag line- just got black necked grebe on there now ;)

I must say I thought the same thing as well. Apparently they are still there this afternoon and viewable distantly from Lin Dyke. I'd have no probs. with their legitimacy if we can ever pin them down.

A cold weather movement of Tundra's is fine. Look at the recent influx of waxwings. Just need convincing they are not Pink-feet.

Blacktoft
 

Has anyone been to Blacktoft recently ? I'm thinking of going to Wheldrake & Blacktoft on Saturday... but still open to alternatives. The last time I went to Blacktoft there was far too much water in it and few exposed banks etc. Any thoughts appreciated.

Depends what you are after. Blacktoft this time of the year is quiet save for the winter raptor roost. If you go late on you stand an excellent chance of Marsh and Hen Harrier, Merlin, Short-eared and Barn Owl. The two lower hides are best. Nothing reported recently, but all of these are usually there throughout the winter months regardless.

The open water will be fairly quiet.

I had planned to go mid afternoon and hang on until dusk in the hope of a short-eared as I've missed out the last couple of times - however as a consolation prize the starlings coming in to roost was quite a site. Previous visits have given good views of Marsh & occasional Hen. Saying that though - if I can put my time to more productive use please give me a steer !

You certainly don't need a lot of Pinkfeet to get a couple of Beans. No reason why these two shouldn't be Beans, not saying they are though. Has anyone reliable seen them?

Steve