More Pinks , Waxwings and a Redwing

With a good move of Pinks over Calderdale yesterday I added another 315 +131 to  the year total. Which now stands at 2687 and a massive 11100(aprox) since 2003..not bad for the Pennines also with a few Whoopers this year which makes a  total of 402 another interesting total for an inland location.

   With Waxwings being reported widely I had a look down at Lane head Brighouse and 8 soon came into view. I left and returned a bit later and was struck by a dark Redwing which immediately made me think it was one of the dark Islandic types.I got good views and was pretty sure it was one. Unfortunately I did not get the under tail coverts in enough detail , so i will have to go back and have another look tomorrow . 13 Waxwings over the House and 18 Lapwings made for a good couple of days.

Scarbrough Harbour

This morning we made a dash for fish and chips and a walk on the beach  , both were excellent .But also Red -throated Diver , couple of Long tailed Ducks , a very smart Black necked Grebe , Turnstones , Cormorant and a couple of distant  Common Scoter...they have it easy these east  coast birders.............

Black Combe

Had a walk over Black Combe last weekend, Flushed some 70 + Snipe from the flooded areas , 1 Jack Snipe , 3 Ravens , 20 Fieldfare , 1 Peregrine and 1 Meadow Pipit.

Raven display

 I was lucky yesterday to come across a pair of Ravens in full flight display and calling .I have seen them before tumbling and twisting in the sky and then falling earthwards calling all the time but yesterday  I was amazed just how many voacl voices they have , not only the ' cronk cronks '  and ripples but a whole range of Oriole and almost Capercaillie like noises. This is there spring as the rest of us get ready for winter .
  Also in the same general area a Peregrine Falcon was ripping a Teal to pieces and just down stream there was a dead sheep stuck in the mud and 2 Great backed backed Gulls , 2 Buzzards and 3 Ravens were taking turns to feed.
  Also recently a Great White Egret , Woodcock , Green Sandpiper , Greenshank and Whooper Swan.