Fab morning in the York area, with an Osprey fishing along the Pocklington Canal at East Cottingwith, two showy Cuckoos, two Whimbrels and two Common Sandpipers, all new for the year. @yorkbirding.bsky.social
Swift nestbox #61 now up as part of the York Swifts project. North facing, so will hopefully stay cool, and not far from our mini colony.
Yes, I did, Sam, as there were no Swifts near me.
These Sand Martins, sheltering from the wind at Wheldrake Ings, give me that #FridayFeeling @yorkbirding.bsky.social @ldvnnr.bsky.social
In position! The first few Swifts are arriving back in Yorkshire after a winter exploring the vast skies of Africa. Hopefully, our pair will find their way home.
Nature is flipping awesome!
A Sycamore sapling growing out of a crack next to the @yorkswildlife.bsky.social office, in York.
One of two female Common Scoters at Wheldrake Ings this evening. c300 hirundines feeding over the refuge including my first House Martins of the year. @yorkbirding.bsky.social @ldvnnr.bsky.social
Cracking mate!
The RSPB has urged the public to take simple steps to protect ground-nesting birds during the spring and summer breeding season, as increased recreational activity risks disturbing vulnerable species:
Seven Greenshanks at Wheldrake Ings were unexpected and presumably dumped by the strong winds and squally downpours. Nice find by @duncbye.bsky.social
Elsewhere, Little Ringed Plover at North Duffield Carrs. @yorkbirding.bsky.social @ldvnnr.bsky.social
Grey Plover -honest- at North Duffield Carrs late morning. In the huge vista from the hide, it had chosen the only spot obscured by a willow, so I almost missed it. Thanks to the couple who told me about it! @yorkbirding.bsky.social
Pleasant morning at Wheldrake Ings partly with @birdingdad.bsky.social
110 Pinks N at 0750, my FOY's Swallow & W Warbler, F Scaup (pic), Marsh Harrier pair, 20 Whoopers dropped in 0830, 6 Pochard and Water Rail squealing.
@yorkbirding.bsky.social @ldvnnr.bsky.social
There's two 'scaup-faced' Tufties with her...maybe last year's hybrid offspring?
Found this balloon tangled in hedgerow during a bird survey today. What goes up doesn’t just “disappear” it comes down as litter, often in habitats wildlife depend on.
This one says “with great power comes great responsibility.” Let’s take that seriously.
Think B4 Release🌍🕊️
Still 40 or so Pintail around Wheldrake Ings, though most will soon go. They are an elegant species, the Clark Gable of ducks! @yorkbirding.bsky.social @ldvnnr.bsky.social
Female Scaup still at Wheldrake Ings this morning, plus Swallow, Willow Warbler and 20 Whooper Swans @yorkbirding.bsky.social @ldvnnr.bsky.social
There's been some planted in the last couple of years...
I think there's a plan to reintroduce some there, Tim.
Let me know if you need any gen
First Tansy Beetle of the year for me, by the Ouse in Bishopthorpe yesterday. This spectacular and rare beetle is the jewel of York, and it is important we treasure it.
The Spotted Redshank is still present at North Duffield Carrs and starting to moult to breeding plumage. It narrowly avoided being a late breakfast for this young Peregrine. Also, two female Common Scoters. @ldvnnr.bsky.social @yorkbirding.bsky.social
@grafhamwbirder.bsky.social
Spam sales? Are they trying to sell you spam? It's fabulous sliced and fried.
Female Scaup still at Wheldrake Ings this morning. Also, c400 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Ruff. @yorkbirding.bsky.social @ldvnnr.bsky.social
@yorkswildlife.bsky.social
Lots of Common Scoters moving overland at night currently, with a few stopping off in the York area. This female is at Castle Howard this morning @yorkbirding.bsky.social @nybirdnews.bsky.social
Not a bad morning!
No, just southeast of York.
Cracking views of 7 Cranes circling over Aughton @ldvnnr.bsky.social before they drifted north. Thx @ollie333.bsky.social for the call. Spotted Redshank, 7 White-fronted Geese & 150 Black-tailed Godwits at North Duffield, 305 at Wheldrake. 6 Whitefronts E Cottingwith pond. @yorkbirding.bsky.social
Foggy in the forest yesterday for our @yorkscoastnature.bsky.social tour, but still managed three Goshawks when it lifted at lunchtime. A Hawfinch in Troutsdale was a bonus, plus four Bramblings.
The #LDV February sightings are now available to read online on our NNR blog - ldvnnr.blogspot.com/p/feb-26.html. Many thanks to everyone who contributed records and counts throughout the month, in particular to members of @yorkbirding.bsky.social and regular patch birder @duncbye.bsky.social
