As it was a nice bright morning in Hull, we set off for Scarborough with the main aim to give 'Ellie the dog' a good run on the beach, which she enjoys so much. Nearing Scarborough we lost the sunshine and much of the time it was overcast, with brief glimpses of brightness. After a satisfactory run on the North beach, we returned to the harbour (after a quick look for the Short-eared Owl on the cliffs). One of the Black-necked Grebes was still cruising around the harbour but nothing else of note. It was high tide around lunch-time and a good time to see the Purple Sandpipers roosting over the harbour wall. I had just found a small group and, about to take a photo when a Sparrowhawk swooped in, and helped itself to one of the sandpipers. Needless to say, the flock flew away and weren't seen again! After lunch and another walk, a ride up to Holbeck car park would put Mediterranean Gull on the year list once again. These gulls have frequented the car park for years and as we arrived, someone was chucking the bread out and the gulls were swirling around. There were three superb adult winter birds, who seemed to beat the Black-headed Gulls to the bread every time. I noticed there was a second winter bird in flight, with its distinguishing black markings on the wing feathers and, when on the ground, the bill was noticeably orange. This was a cracking bird but it only stayed briefly. I would have liked more photos of this one. And, one of an adult with the second winter bird.
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