Cracking day out with Keith. We started out at Long Nab, a new site for both of us. Thanks to excellent info from the Scarborough Birders fb page we soon found the right spot for our goal. After speaking to a couple of birders on site we decided to venture down the side of the stubble field north of the seawatching hut.
As I was setting up my scope Keith located first one and then another Lapland Bunting. Lifer for him and a Yorkshire tick for me. Managed to attract the attention of some fellow birders and thankfully all were eventually able to see the birds. They were quite tricky to get onto as they moved about through the ploughed stubble but it soon became apparent there were at least 5 birds. We were still well chuffed.
Things got easier after that. We headed for Holbeck and managed to score Med Gull on a chimney pot before arriving at the car park. On parking up there was a second and then a third bird. Easy peasy. The only minor disappointment was the absence of pies at the butty wagon but Keith did enjoy an excellent cheese and onion sarnie. The run of luck continued at Forge Valley were we quickly scored two or three Marsh Tits. Another car tick. I might even start a list
Off to the viewpoint at Wykeham and managed a few Yellowhammers on the way. There were a very affable bunch of birders already there. As we were setting up one happened to say, jokingly, that they were due for the 2 o' clock matinee. Having been put onto a couple of Buzzards that were perched up we thought that was a good start. Got my scope on them and then, having looked away, I noticed they had taken to the air. As we watched them a call went out. Gos, not just one but three, although I was only following one in my scope. A fairly brief view but when I looked at the time I was amazed to note it was exactly 2 o' clock! Things went a bit quite as the sun played hide and seek but we decided to stick it out until 3. After a couple of false alarms another bird was picked up and boy did that perform well. High above the ridge opposite it proceeded to execute the best roller coaster display I've ever seen.
Sated and all targets met we called it a day and headed home. Fantastic day and thanks Keith