With Bob K making a shed and trying to earn "browny" points the other four members of the A Team headed for the hills of Yorkshire. The weather over the last couple of weeks had been like traditional summers were, hot! The plan was to search the hills for Ring Ouzel a species that has eluded us all up to now this year. So on a warm Sunday at 6am we set of, it was a bit misty in places as we passed through the Settle area. We reached an area around Buttertubs Pass and began the search and after we had sifted through lots of juvenile Wheatear and Meadow Pipit there on the opposite hillside was a male Ring Ouzel perched out on a rock surveying his area,what a gem, bird of the pennines! After a call at an area well known for having Black Grouse in springtime we made our way towards Wykeham Forest which is around 8 miles west of Scarborough. We did'nt see the grouse by the way but there were lots of the Red one's. We called in at a place that had Marbled White butterflies present , but, finding the entrance fee to be £7.00 we decided against it, we are from Lancashire by the way, were do they dream these prices up? At Wykeham the search for Turtle Doves began. We visited the area a couple of times last year and between us only saw one bird. Well as soon as we got out of the car one bird began "purring", I had almost forgotten what the sound was it is so long since I have heard it. Then two birds landed in a tall tree and began being friendly. As we searched for more Turtle Doves, Tree Pipit and Yellowhammer were seen. Probably the same two Turtle Doves were seen again in flight whilst the single bird was still calling. So at least 3 birds were present. At the raptor watch point Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven, Spotted Flycatcher and high flying Goshawks were seen, but not the hard to find Honey Buzzards. The first test match between England and Australia was coming to a nail biting conclusion and as we all listened to a ball by ball commentary the end, when it came, was greeted with happiness amongst the 15 or so people there! After about 1 1/2 hours we decided to head for home and arrived home at a decent hour. We all managed at least three new birds for our year list. Very warm trip! Dave O.
