Scarborough - 14th February 2026

 Yesterday, Jayne and I had a sunny day in Scarborough and RSPB Bempton Cliffs, adding 7 new birds to this year's Year List.

We started off in Scarborough, where we saw a juvenile Great Northern Diver (89), in the harbour. Apart from that, it was very quiet, with no waders seen! 

Great Northern Diver

After a spot of lunch (it was Valentine's Day after all!), we headed up to Holbeck Car Park, for Mediterranean Gull (90). Three individuals were seen, including 1 adult and 2 2nd winter birds.

Mediterranean Gull

Our final stop of the day was RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where we had amazing views of hunting Barn Owl (3, maybe 4 birds seen), and also added Gannet (91), Fulmar (92), Linnet (93), Meadow Pipit (94), and Short-eared Owl (95), to the Year List.

Linacre - 8th February 2026

 Last weekend (8th), I went down to Linacre and walked around all three reservoirs. All was as normal, but I did manage to get my highest count of Mandarin Duck for some time, and added Kingfisher (88th bird of the year) to the Year List, when 1 was seen flying along the middle reservoir.

Birds seen/heard were: Mallard (49), Tufted Duck (69), Mandarin Duck (68), Coot (5), Moorhen (6), Great-crested Grebe (3; 1 winter plumaged and 2 breeding plumaged birds on the middle reservoir), Little Grebe (1 breeding plumaged bird on the bottom reservoir), Cormorant (1 on top reservoir), Goosander (1 female), Grey Heron (1 flying over) and Grey Wagtail (1).