I can't believe that the only morning I didn't walk into work this week, waxwings have turned up on my "walking to work patch" this year. Luckily I have had them as a year tick on that patch. Redwings were on the park earlier in the week.

while I'm posting, we've had an eventful week in the garden. somehow there is something artistic about the second picture!? (taken from the iphone through the scope)

Nice pics Linda, very jealous of the garden tick.

Great, love the open eye

No Keith! voted and publicised to my contacts

on the sparrowhawk or the late pigeon Jim?

The deceased

Fieldfares
 

Looks as if the fieldfares may be getting ready to leave? I have seen two large flocks in the last couple of days, the first in a field just outside the village and then today just out of county (sorry!) in Wycoller Country Park.

Graeme

At least 100 Waxwing in Tickhill today. Been around since Tue. Best looked for in front of the Doctors Surgery or the school on Common Lane.

I'm sure I saw half dozen waxwings in Pontefract this morning, no bins as I was on the way to work. I'd love to be 100% certain as that would mean that I've seen waxwings every month for the last 5 months

Had 3 Yorkshire peregrines today including 1 over my garden, my 50th garden species in less than 100 days in my new house! Lots of wildfowl and waders at North Duffield Carrs this evening, details on my blog

2 flocks of around 50 Fieldfares along the canal between Durkar and Horbury Bridge yesterday. 1 flock around lock keepers house near Navigation pub, other flock past the "White Stork" nest site heading to the Bingley Arms.

Just had half an hour to spare today so went down to Thorpe Marsh Power Station, as I got out of the car a Peregrine was flying over, I thought not a bad start. I then went down the National Grid lane and five flocks of Waxwing flew into the tall trees alongside the lane, about 100 in total. Then walked further down the lane and checked out the finch flocks. Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, along with Reed Warbler, Great Tit and Blue Tit. As I walked back to the car a pair of Bully's flew along the hedge. Not a bad half hour at all.
Dave.

Made it over to Wykeham today, my GF came along for a walk which scuppered my early start but not to worry, a distant Goshawk turned up after only a 5 minute wait.

Sat in the forge valley for lunch with good views of nuthatch and marsh tit before heading back to wykeham. Parked in the carpark before the raptor view point and walked the roads round the area with another Goshawk over briefly and finally a flock of 15 crossbill giving excellent views before being spooked by a raleigh bike which probably shouldn't have been there.

Very enjoyable day with 2 new year and UK species!

Good count of 36 (or possibly 37) Goosander at Wheldrake this evening, no sign of any white-wingers. Did manage to get the Grey Plover at Thorganby at last light, detail on my blog...

Out of county on a boat managed Pom Skua down to 3 metres on saturday. Plenty of other stuff as well. Full report on blog.

Perhaps a bit early in the year for a Reed Warbler! Reed Bunting?

Had a couple of hours at Redhouse in the sunshine this afternoon with my new lens. Topped the feeders up a bit then managed to disturb a woodcock -I'm not sure who was the most surprised! Heard but didn't see GSW & ?barny. Plenty of chaffinches on the ground. Goldfinches, Siskins & Long Tailed tits around. To finish the afternoon of nicely, a wren.

Nice one!! For those interested, redpoll flock had just about completely moved to small copse near water station on tuesday. Some fab photo opportunities if u r willing to take time, creep through trees etc.

Coast to Coast Fundrasing Ride Update
 

Just an update to say thanks to everyone who has sponsored me and report that I'm in Leeds, a little over half way, having raised £385 to date...

Miles total 128
Time total 12:50:41
Average speed 10 mph
Max speed 39 mph
Miles onroad 100
Miles offroad 28
Bike + luggage weight 39kg
Speed limits exceeded 3
Times airborne 1
Punctures 0
Species Recorded 56
Money raised £385

Hoping for a tailwind from here. The northeasterly blowing over the Pennines was a killer. Will reach Bridlington on Tuesday afternoon and then the final short leg to Bempton Cliffs on Wednesday morning.

RSPB... http://www.justgiving.com/rspbrosespootle/
Jole Rider... http://www.justgiving.com/joleriderrosespootle

Graham

Well done big fella. What time do you reckon you'll get to Bempton?

Probably before 10AM. I only have the short ride from the B&B in Bridlington, but my train home leaves Bempton at 12 noon so I don't have long there.

Of course you're right Ben had a senior moment there, there were quite a few Reed Buntings.

Out of county for me last weekend to Anglesey, glorious weather and a lifer in the form of 4 semi tame choughs.

Also lesser redpoll on the niger feeders at home.

Mark.

Drake Smew still present up to 16.45 today at Flask Lake,Nosterfield but no sign of Whoopers or Shore Lark on nearby reserve.Good views of both Goldeneye and G.C.Grebe displaying.

Didn't know you'd got the invisible man for company there Graham (4th image) good work lad..! Hope the wind's at your back and the sun's in your face .....hope the goolies are not too saddle sore either....:-O :t:
Joe