Scarborough, Bempton and Bridlington

I spent yesterday out and about in Yorkshire with Luke. We started the day off in Scarborough, before driving down to the RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve, and finishing off in Bridlington.

We started off in Scarborough so that Luke could see his first Black-necked Grebe. Luckily the bird was still present in the harbour, and we managed to see it straight away, swimming around the boats. The Turnstones were around (no colour rings today though), as were Herring Gulls, Kittiwakes, and, best of all, a single male Wheatear, hopping about on the sea defences, presumably having just arrived in the country. Luke managed to grab this distant record shot, before it continued on its journey to who knows where...

Wheatear

From Scarborough, we headed off down the coast to RSPB Bempton Cliffs. The weather turned when we arrived, and we ended up being blown about and rained on, as we stood looking over the famous cliffs. Luckily, we managed to spot all the key birds through the rain, with excellent views of Gannets, Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Guillemots, Razorbills and, best of all for Luke, Puffin ( a new species)! 

Puffin

After Bempton, we drove down to Bridlington so we could go for a boat trip out along the coast. We had an hour long ride up towards Flamborough Head. Unfortunately, the weather didn't improve and we only managed to see  a few birds, including Kittiwakes, a couple of Gannets, several Herring Gulls and a winter plumaged Guillemot. The only highlight, though, was a "year tick" for me and a new species for Luke; Common Scoter. We saw about 6 birds flying past in small groups.

After the boat trip we walked around the harbour where we spotted another dozen or so Turnstones, another Black-necked Grebe (!), Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls and a Barnacle Goose.

Black-necked Grebe

Barnacle Goose

Further investigation via Twitter, lead me to find out that the Barnacle Goose is a feral bird that has been around the harbour for about 5 to 6 years. A very strange and unexpected addition to the day's birding.

Year List update:
131- Wheatear
132 - Gannet
133 - Razorbill
134 - Puffin
135 - Common Scoter

Bridlington and Hornsea Mere

Sunday 28th August saw a little sunshine in an otherwise pretty overcast bank holiday weekend, so the family and I decided to head off to the coast for a last smell of fresh sea air.

First stop was, as always, the crazy golf course on the north promenade of Bridlington's seafront. Again, as usual, I was well and truly beaten by my wife and daughter! Afterwards we walked down towards the harbour area passing dozens of  Black-headed Gulls and a few "commic" terns that were loafing on the beach. 3 Oystercatchers flew past, over the sea and  Starlings and House Sparrows were also flying around the area.

Arriving at the harbour we were surrounded by lots of Herring Gulls, both adult and juvenile.

Herring Gull

After a lovely day walking around the harbour, town and seafront we headed off to Hornsea Mere, where hundreds of Little Gulls had been reported roosting throughout August. Arriving at about 5.00pm, we parked in the main car park and started to look for the gulls. Unfortuntaely we were a little early and so we only saw 2 birds, which were both sleeping on the gangplanks by the boats. Both birds appeared to be moulting adults.

Little Gulls

Also present around the site were Swallows, House Martins, 2 Cormorants and dozens of Mallards.