The day started for me rushing up to Hollingworth Lake N.R. in Rochdale to see a Great White Egret that had been seen earlier. It was a successful rush as the bird was seen and appeared to be quite settled. A special bird for me as it was my 200th species that I have seen in Rochdale. We met in Milnrow with Kevin C & Craig B and headed to Huddersfield to pick up Dave W then we carried on to Forge Valley near Scarborough. We soon found the birds we had come for Marsh Tit, then the people who replenish the feeders came. Next stop was Wykeham Forest to try to catch up with the Honey Buzzard`s that have been seen every day recently. These migrants winter in tropical Africa and come to our shores to breed in fairly small numbers. We sat back on the bench`s provided to watch the birds of prey that breed in this lovely area. You have to be very patient here, but the conditions for flying the thermals felt just about right. Quite a few Common Buzzard`s were seen in the first hour, then a message came through that a Honey Buzzard had been seen 100 yards from the car park. At this point me and Dave W decided to go and have a look leaving Kevin and Craig to carry on the valley watch. As we arrived the person who had seen the Honey Buzzard gave a few directions out. As we waited a Goshawk was seen patrolling the skies, what a cracking species to observe! Then a couple of birds of prey appeared distantly at first, one clearly a Common Buzzard but the other one was a Honey Buzzard with long flat wings held downwards and a distinctive tail as the bird was seen gliding along, it slowly flew away from us. We returned to Kevin and Craig who showed us a picture of a Honey Buzzard that had flown over them, the bird was seen to be heading towards the area that we had been watching in. A couple more Goshawk`s were seen, but surprisingly not one Crossbill was seen or heard in the forest? Our next stop was to see how some Turtle Doves were doing, these are also long distance migrants and summer visitors to our shores, but they have to pass through some treacherous areas where they are hunted just for sport. This has led to a 80% population crash over the last 30 years, a species that was once a common sight and sound in England. We managed to hear and see up to 4/5 birds in this area so it was good news for us. Our customary stop in Walton-le-Dale for our Fish & Chips meal was next, then onto Sutton Bank The Finest View in England is its claim to fame. The whole area seems to have been allowed to grow up thus preventing Nightjars much needed floor nesting scrape areas. As the sun disappeared Woodcock, Tawny Owl were seen, but sadly, no Nightjar`s were seen or heard in this area. It has been such a reliable place to watch them for a number of years, the conditions weather wise were perfect. We got home at 1-30am very tired but we all had enjoyed the day out! Dave O.