On Saturday 23rd February 2013, a trip to the good old seaside towns of Scarborough & Bridlington on the North Yorkshire Coast. Both these sites can be good birding spots in the winter. Scarborough has a small winter colony of Mediterranean Gulls and at this time of year they are just begining to take on their stunning summer plumage, before heading off to eastern europe for the breeding season. To-day was no exception and we had at least 6 birds performing in front of us for a good couple of hours. There were also 7 Waxwings in the town centre that put on a show but patience was required.
Unfortunately, when we arrived at Bridlington there was a high tide, so we were unable to get to see the variety of waders that feed around the pier and breakwater area of the harbour. We had to settle for a few very obliging Turnstones.
Sunday 24th February 2013 – An hour or so checking out my local patch at Staunton Harold for nothing much other than a pair of Goldeneye. Later in the day the gull roost at Chasewater, Staffordshire was a little more exciting. Two 1st winter, a 2nd winter and an adult Caspian Gull; a second winter Yellow-legged Gull and 3 (2 first winter & 1 second winter) Glaucous Gull and also a fly over Little Egret. The year list moves on to 104.
A selection of studies of Mediterranean Gull at Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Adult No:1 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
2nd winter Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
2nd winter Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
2nd winter Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:2 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:2 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:2 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:2 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:3 moulting into Summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:3 in display – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:4 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:4 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:4 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult No:4 moulting into summer – Mediterranean Gull – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
First year Waxwing – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Adult Waxwing – probably a male – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Waxwings – Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Tony Davison©
Turnstone – Bridlington Harbour, North Yrokshire – Tony Davison©
Turnstone – Bridlington Harbour, North Yrokshire – Tony Davison©
Turnstone – Bridlington Harbour, North Yrokshire – Tony Davison©
