On Tuesday we reconvened on the Yorkshire Wolds for the 100+ finch flock. It rained throughout the journey, but stayed dry at the venue itself. The “chip” of a Yellowhammer could be heard immediately, and this time so could a Skylark. A large flock of Linnets could be seen twisting over the field. There was a sprinkling of Reed Buntings on the hedgerows. The quarry was a bit quieter with just 2 Buzzards along the edge, and 2 more flying in a southerly direction. A Hare ran towards us across the chalky field. We walked to the woodland, which thrilled with Linnet song. On the southerly edge of the wood a sneezing was a contrast with the pleasing singing. It led us to good views of a Marsh Tit, which was the biggest surprise of the morning. As we drove home the rain set in again, and this time was very heavy.
Female Yellowhammer
On Wednesday we switched to South Landing at Flamborough because of a report of 30 Snow Buntings. From the car park a Bullfinch and a Tree Sparrow were seen. On the beach we could see Oystercatchers and a Curlew while Cormorants flew over the sea. After lunch the sun was stronger and there were insects swarming over the seaweed, which resulted in at least 5 Rock Pipits. We climbed up some very steep amateurish steps to the cliff top. We hadn’t been walking long before two birds flew in and almost disappeared into the bare field - they were Meadow Pipits. Not long afterwards we saw several larger, sandier-coloured birds which were Skylarks. They also did some sporadic singing. An unidentified flock of around 20 buff-coloured birds flew across the field but were tricky to see looking into the bright sunlight. We searched the chalky field, but were unable to locate any Snow Buntings, although one chap reported he had seen them - it seems he saw a flock of 30. We went back the way we came, scouring the field for any sign of movement. We had also still reached the steps again, when Phil pointed out a Magpie, and it was near them where it was possible to see 2 bright specks. On closer inspection they proved to be a score of Yellowhammers, most of them very bright indeed against the dark soil.
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Skylark (c) 2025 Symon Fraser |
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