Happy New Year to one and all.
2025 began with heavy rain which gradually abated to leave some bright spells; temperatures dropped from eight to four degrees as the blustery wind switched to the north-west. The morning’s seawatch featured two Velvet Scoters that initially flew north before returning south later and eight southbound Wigeon. Also moving in the same direction were 45 Great Black-backed Gulls and a ‘northern’ Herring Gull.
The Thornwick area hosted a Mute Swan, 53 Teal, 27 Tufted Ducks, two Pochard, 26 Coot and two Little Grebes. Passerine interest included a Goldcrest at South Landing, a Grey Wagtail, two Mistle Thrush and a lone Fieldfare.
Three Woodcock were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with a Merlin and one Water Rail. In addition, 11 Pink-footed Geese remained on fields near Buckton Hall.
