A recent influx of at least 50 Alpine Swift`s (Apus melba) into the UK had us all hoping that some would make their way north. So when a couple of them were found in Scarborough, plans were made to go early on Sunday morning. No problems with the clock`s going forward for us as has happened in the past, had myself, Bob getting into Kevin`s car at 6-20am to meet Dave W in Leeds around 7am. As we made our way along the A64 a Barn Owl was out hunting in the almost daylight, no clocks forward for that bird then! We reached the lofty area of Oliver`s Mount in Scarborough around 8-50am and after enjoying great views over the town, the cold had us dashing to the car for a warm drink. Then around 9-36am a message circulated that 2 Alpine Swifts had been seen over The Mere not far from the racing circuit start/finish. We began to dash about as one of our team had not seen one before, luckily I got a lift from a Burnley birder to the exact spot. Also saw Darren, John & Mike from the Leeds area here and had a catch up. The birds, which had overshot their breeding grounds of southern Europe, were seen flying about with crescent shaped wings, about 20 wingspan, with much slower wingbeats than our Common Swift. We watched the birds on and off for about an hour as they disappeared then reappeared in a different area, great to see such a rare bird in this country. Two nice Willow Tit`s were seen as we waited for the Alpine Swift`s to show again.
We moved on to visit Wykeham raptor viewpoint, usually an area visited in the summer to see Honey Buzzard. We didnt have to wait long, 20 minutes or so, until a fine Goshawk appeared not far away from us at all. It is like a large Sparrowhawk and equally impressive. A couple of Crossbills flew past before dropping down to enjoy some cone seeds for lunch. After our lunch stop we headed on towards Bempton.
A walk to the cliffs at RSPB Bempton Cliffs followed and we managed to see the cliffs filling up with: - Guillemot, Razorbill, Puffin, Gannet, Fulmar, and Kittiwake. All the birds have not yet returned but in a couple of weeks, the fabulous noise and sights of this wonderful breeding area for seabirds will return. A few Linnets and Tree Sparrows were also seen collecting nest material. Along with a very showy Barn Owl. As time pushed on, we set off for home. As we made our way along the M62 a strange phenomenon was observed, with no traffic snarl up`s or queues encountered, happily reaching home by 6-30pm!
