With the prospect of yet another dark, dreary and damp day ahead, I decided my best option would be to locate some already well reported birds, in the county. I made my way up to Filey to have a look at the Surf Scoter which has been present in the bay for some time. My only previous surf scoter record was also at Filey a couple of years ago, but I was keen to see another one, especially in Yorkshire. There was an incoming tide all morning, so my viewing was going to be from the clifftops of Carr Naze, rather than walking out on the Brigg. As it turned out, my location was fairly immaterial as, after some searching I found the surf scoter halfway across the bay - a mere dot! Keeping one eye on the scoter, I turned my attention to the seaward side for an hour or so, during which time, little movement occurred apart from small numbers of - Gannets, Fulmars, Wigeon, Shags, Cormorants and a good number of Oystercatchers on the shore. Unfortunately, the surf scoter remained well out in the bay and some rubbish record shots was all that was possible. After a coffee and a warm up in the car, I drove down to Flamborough for the Richard's Pipits. I knew which direction to go in from North Landing but hadn't a clue which field they were in!!
With only a dog walkers' car there, I thought my chances might be extremely slim however, three fields further on, I succeeded in finding them both together in the far corner of a wet field. Again, distance, drizzle and any other excuse I can think of made for poor photos but, having never seen two Richard's Pipits together, this made really interesting viewing. I was pleased I had put in the effort and may have another go, should we get a bright day this month!! The image does show some of the facial markings fairly well. Comments are closed.
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