North Yorks Trip

I had a trip up to North Yorkshire at the weekend and had quite varying amounts of luck.
first stop was Holbeck for the mediterranean gulls, I got there before 7 and waited half an hour after putting bread out.
No sign but there were 3 herons flying over south bay and a pair of stonechat on the bushes.
Moved on to Forge valley, the sun was still behind the hill when I got there but there was plenty of activity from the common woodland birds there.I also a pair of mandarin ducks flying over.
Once the sun did come out the photographic opportunities were fantastic and I stayed longer than the time I had anticipated.
Then on to Wykeham Forest looking for crossbills, by now I was running out of time so I had a drive round but didn't see any sign.
On the way back I called in at Tophill Low and managed some decent views of the bittern and 3 woodcock near the visitor centre.
Hopefully some summer migrants around next weekend.

East Park

Been pushed for time just lately and decent weather but managed a couple of hours on East park yesterday morning.
The almost residenr redwing flock were very obiliging yesterday.
Initially they would fly up as I approached but quickly carried on searching for food when I stood still.Some were coming extremely close (within 2ft) as I stood watching them.
A quick look on the lake produced some nice shots of some common wildfowl plus a kingfisher showed quite well on one of the islands.
Hopefully will be out a bit more as the weather improves.

Filey Brigg

I had a trip to Filey Brigg this morning, despite being very cold it was a pleasant day.
The waders in the bay corner were most obliging and the light was very good first thing.
Further round on the brigg there were 3 long tailed ducks that were quite skittish, plus an obliging eider and a couple of shag.
I was in a rush to get back to at Haven for the raptors but it was very disappointing with only a kestrel seen.
In hindsight I would have been better off staying at Filey.
Ah well there's always next week.