Ringtail Harrier and Wigeon at Blacktoft Sands

Both the male and this ringtail flew around before going into roost at Blacktoft, but afraid they were always very distant. 

2 Barred Crossbill at Forest Pines

The day just couldn't have been any more gloomy, it took grey to a whole new level. Had to wait for hours for this to show. We started off with just 3 commons which slowly increased over the day to 12 and then bingo !  Finally, in the 12 was the 2 barred. 

Lincolnshire Ravens

A brilliant (but very cold) day with a pair of ravens and red kites for company.

Chapel St. Leonards Glossy Ibis

Sunday - a lovely sunny day for a change so off to Chapel St. Leonards on the Lincolnshire coast for this glossy ibis. Now when they said it was close and to stay in your car, they really meant it. Have never been so close to an ibis and some of these pics are not cropped!

Myrtle Warbler

Up bright and early and waiting for news of this American warbler to come on the pager. So, 10am saw us making packup and heading up to Durham. Not good, as when we parked, birders were leaving saying it hadn't been seen for a few hours. Anyway, not to be defeated we headed down the road and stood with the masses. Well, what this bird is doing here in the midst of a brand new housing development is very strange indeed! So glad that word was finally put out about this bird and the birders didn't cause too much of a nuisance!  A new UK bird for Karen taking her tally up to 357. 

Rufford Abbey

Can't believe we have never been here before. Karen's love of architecture took over and off she went totally missing the single hawfinch ! She made up for it later by finding a red kite. Will definitely return, but will be slightly earlier in the day.........and it is totally free ! The abbey was built in 1146 and a section of the original building still remains. Must go back !

Had a fantastic raptor day with red kite, kestrel, sparrowhawk, buzzard, marsh harrier, peregrine and hen harrier. 

Alkborough Flats