Scarborough Area July 2018

Having never seen Honey Buzzard, we took a day to go over to Wykeham Forest, to be told when we got there that they had been around an hour ago. So we dutifully waited another six hours (in glorious weather to be fair) to see only some definite Common Buzzards, and one possible that soared higher and higher into the sky, but too far off to be sure what it was. 

A quick decision was made to stay over a night, and be back in the morning. A veil is best drawn over the bright lights of Scarborough, and the next morning we were back in place. A couple more hours, and then across the valley we saw a bird rise up, and head towards us. It looked long-tailed, and 'pinched-in' where the wings meet the body. - looking hopeful. Suddenly it started clapping it's wings above it's body; something characteristic of Honey Buzzards - YES!! Then it came closer still, and we got some photos showing the barring under the tail, confirming our first HB. Above it there were two more raptors with the same shape, albeit without the 'clapping', so it seems like a family group. 

Honey Buzzard

Honey Buzzard

Honey Buzzard

To celebrate we spent the afternoon at Bempton Cliffs finding Painted Lady butterflies (one of Jayne's favourites), and loads of Gannets; real characters that are a joy to watch. Loved the growling call as they sat on nests, but especially the little 'whoah' call as they launched themselves off the cliffs, with a little tail 'wiggle' as they flew away. 

Painted Lady

Gannet

Gannet

Gannet

Gannet

Gannet

Gannet

Gannet

Gannet

Gannet

Gannet

Kittiwake

Gannet

Another 'must go back to' place for next year!