A full team, with Kevin driving, had a bit of a conundrum to solve before we decided on where to go. A Penduline Tit near Gloucester or a Desert Wheatear at Whitby Abbey. Now as the Penduline Tit had not been reported until 2-45pm the day before did that mean it was hard to find? So we went for the Desert Wheatear at Whitby, the day was cold but dry (for a change) as we left Newhey and we arrived at the abbey at around 9-30am. We were told that the bird had been seen and within 15 minutes were all enjoying views of it down to 3 metres!! Stonechat, Rock Pipit and Mistle Thrush also seen. Darren & Stuart from Leeds area were also seen at the Desert Wheatear. We headed for Forge Valley & Hackness and watched the feeders for the various small birds that happily fed close by the cars. We went towards Troutsdale and saw around 7 Mandarin Ducks, but as usual the elusive Kingfisher was not seen.
We called in at Scalby Mills and Scarborough Bay seeing Gannet, Fulmar, Shag & Razorbill. A drive to the harbour were the search for Purple Sandpipers led up to the old harbour walls and around 8 of these well marked sandpipers. The car park had its own flock of Turnstone who happily, copied the gulls begging for bread? No trip to Scarborough is complete without a trip to Holbeck to admire the Mediterranean Gulls (not in summer though) about 6 individuals, in various states of plumage, were fed, watched and photographed.
The influx of Hawfinch into the country next led us to the church at Brompton by Sawdon where, around 6 Hawfinch had been seen for a few days, also a nice surprise was also in store for us. The news that the birds were still around had us searching the trees in the churchyard, when a departing birder casually said, There is a Ring Ouzel in the field over there. Being a little taken aback by his comments (as Ring Ouzel are summer visitors) we all dashed off to try to see the Ouzel and there it was, 50 metres away, feeding happily it a horse paddock. Bob dashed back and told us the Hawfinches were showing very well. Good views of these chunky finches were soon enjoyed. As time was pressing on, we made our last stop at a Red Kite area and were not disappointed, the sight of a hunting Barn Owl made what turned out to be a really good day out. The Penduline Tit, as we had all said it would, was put on the bird news at 8-30am. Maybe another day then.
