After a long period of undertaking surveys in various places it was great to be able to pay a visit to my patch at Long Nab and enjoy some glorious spring sunshine. On my way I stopped at Johnson's Marsh, but saw nothing of any note. On arrival at Crook Ness it was evident there wasn't a great deal about although as I did my usual circuit around Long Nab it was good to be able to spend some time with newly arrived summer visitors such as Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat. Most of these will have been local breeding birds, so the only definite migrant headed for pastures elsewhere was a Wheatear that performed nicely. On returning to the car, I pondered my next move and had it in mind to visit Wykeham Lakes, but was in two minds and headed in the direction of Scalby Lodge Pond. As I passed Johnson's Marsh a large white bird grabbed my attention - that wasn't there before! It was a good job there wasn't anything following me as I slammed the brakes on and abruptly veered across the road to pull up in the gateway. To my amazement it was a Great White Egret in superb breeding condition. A welcome addition to my Scarborough area list and a find tick as well. It is presumably the same bird that was near Bridlington a little while ago, but where has it been? Just goes to show that if a big white bird like this can disappear for days on end, what else is lurking out there?
1 Comment
5/1/2013 08:06:27 am
One was reported on our Sightings page on the 24th. Smallways (Newsham) Lake is in the very north of the county, just off the A66. Again, the same bird?
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AuthorFreelance ornithologist and tour leader based in Scarborough, N Yorkshire. Archives
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