Ryedale Natural History Bird Report for 2009

by Jim Pewtress

2118 records –: Approx 55 contributors –: 141 species

Little Grebe
One at Castle Howard on 25th January, on the River Rye at Swinton Ings on 6th March and at Castle Howard Lake on 26th December.

Cormorant
Reported from along the River Rye/Derwent in the Malton area in the early and late months with a max of four on 4th January. Ten at Castle Howard on 25th January, seven were reported from Pickering on 28th February.

Little Egret
Two were at Pickering Keld Head from 25th January to 2nd March.

Grey Heron
Up to three reported from eight sites throughout the area in all months with max counts of three at Elleron on 21st March, six at Robson Spring on 25th May, where at least four nests, and 18 at Ellerburn on 14th August, 25 on 14th September and 16 on 29th October but no nest counts from the site this year.

Mute Swan
Two on the River Rye/Derwent on 4th and 30th January, 22nd February, 20th June, 30th July, with three on 17th November and five on 11th December. 34 at Castle Howard on 25th January, two at Gilling Lakes on 7th and 8th March, with one on 10th October. Three at Elleron on 21st March.

Whooper Swan
Two over Gilling GC on 11th March with 21 at Low Marishes on 9th December and 13 on 16th.

Swan sp.
Seven birds flying low south over Sykes on 26th January may have been Whooper or Bewick’:s Swan.

Pink-footed Goose
Three at Howe Bridge on 22nd February. 50 flew west over Pickering on 19th February and south at Sykes on 17th September with 100 east at Old Malton on 9th November. Twenty over Gilling GC on 3rd December.

Greylag Goose
140 at Castle Howard on 25th January, 130 at Wombleton on 31st, a single along River Rye/Derwent on 4th and 22nd February, six at Ellerburn on 24th April, four at Old Malton on 11th May and 50 at Espersykes/Ryemouth on 17th November. 100 at Low Marishes on 16th December.

Canada Goose
64 at Castle Howard on 25th January, 11 at Howe Bridge on 22nd February, two at Gilling Lakes on 7th and 8th March, two at Elleron on 21st, five at Ellerburn on 24th April, 14 at Old Malton on 18th Agust, 15 on 29th September and 100 on River Derent at Espersykes on 17th November.

Wigeon
12 at Rye Bridge on 4th January, eight on 6th March and four at Espersykes on 11th December. 170 at Castle Howard on 25th January and 120 at Low Marishes on 9th December.

Teal
26 at Rye Bridge on 4th January and Castle Howard on 25th, 23 at Elleron Lake on 26th, 20 at Old Malton on 30th with 75 at Howe Bridge on 22nd February. 10 at Elleron Lake 4th March and 30 on 21st. 300 at Low Marishes on 9th December.

Mallard
Up to eight reported from throughout the area but only double figure counts of 70 at Castle Howard on 25th January, 10 at Old Malton on 27th April and 15 at Espersykes on 17th November.

Tufted Duck
Two at Rye Bridge on 6th March and six at Rievaulx on 12th June.

Goosander
Five at Rye Bridge on 4th January, eight at Castle Howard on 25th January with a pair on 23rd February with one on 6th March and two at Gilling Lakes on 6th and 8th. Five at Elleron Lake on 26th January with four on 4th March, one at Espersykes on 20th June would suggest a failed breeding bird. One at Ellerburn on 21st November with 12 at Castle Howard on 26th December.

Red Kite
One at Hartoft Rigg and Russell’:s Wood on 12th April may refer to the same bird. One East Bransdale on 14th September.

Marsh Harrier
Pair on passage at Middleton Moor on 18th March with one at Rye Bridge on 28th August.

Goshawk
Singles at Hartoft Rigg/Russell’:s Wood on 7th March, Gilling Park on 17th and 21st, Russell’:s Wood on 29th, Shaw Rigg, Bransdale on 5th April with two at Russell’:s Wood on 12th and a single at Gilling on 24th. One Hartoft Moor on 25th November.

Sparrowhawk
As usual singles reported from throughout the area in all months. Three in Terrington Woods on 18th October the only count.

Buzzard
This species can now be seen throughout the area and is no doubt breeding but no confirmed reports. Nine were at Rievaulx on 28th February, three on 15th June with three at Sykes on 30th September. Two at Sykes on 26th January, Ellerburn on 29th, Sykes on 13th February, Rievaulx Terrace on 22nd, Bog House, Bransdale on 10th March, Yearsley on 15th when eight at Elleron View Point, Thornton-le-Dale on 22nd August, Rye Bridge on 28th and Terrington Woods on 18th October. Singles reported from Appleton Common, Oulston, Howe Bridge, Kilburn, Hambleton Street, Hawnby, Sneck Yate, Gilling Woods, Lastingham, Rosedale East and Harland Moor.

Osprey
One at Ellerburn on early date of 5th, and more usual dates of 20th and 24th April.

Kestrel
Two at Scackleton on 15th January and Wombleton on 15th February. Three Rosedale East on 2nd May, two at Rievaulx on 12th June, three at Howe Bridge on 30th July. Three at Rosedale East on 17th August when four at Spaunton Moor. Elsewhere singles reported from throughout the area.

Merlin
A single at Coulton on 24th February, Rosedale East on 11th May, Rudland Rigg on 25th June.

Hobby
Singles at Gilling on 31st May, Howe Bridge on 30th July, Rosedale on 31st August and Groat Hill on 24th September. Two sightings also reported from Slingsby.

Peregrine
One at Farndale on 5th April and two at Kilburn/Sutton Bank, and old nesting area, on 14th June, pair at Lockton Moor on 18th June with a single at Espersykes on 17th November.

Red Grouse
Family parties of five at Hawnby Cattle Grid on 12th June and one of six in SE Bransdale. Small numbers received from usual moorland sites.

Red-legged Partridge
Reports of up to three birds from both lowland and moorland sites with eight at Espersykes on 11th September and five at Old Malton on 7th October.

Grey Partridge
Reported from Bransdale on 3rd January with two at Wombleton on 15th February and Swainsea Lane, Pickering on 30th March and at Thornton-le-Dale on 3rd May.

Moorhen
As expected seen along river systems, lakes and ponds with an impressive 16 at Howe Bridge on 22nd February with up to nine throughout the year along the Rivers Rye and Derwent. Pairs seen in many locations and a pair bred at Kirkbymoorside rearing three young. Five at Hall Pond on 25th January and 10 at Thornton-le-Dale on 27th.

Coot
150 at Castle Howard on 25th January, a pair at Gilling Lakes from 6th to 15th March.

Oystercatcher
Two reported from Appleton-le-Moors on 20th March, Old Malton on 29th , Kirkbymoorside on 5th April with three at Espersykes on 20th June. Four at Appleton-le-Moors on 16th July.

Golden Plover
230 at Howe Bridge on 22nd February, 25 at Swinton Ings on 6th March and 100 at Espersykes, 40 at Hartoft Moor on 25th November were the only counts of note. Twelve were at Lion Inn, Rosedale on 2nd July. Up to five were recorded from Harland Moor, Rosedale Sheriff’:s Pit and Sledge Stone, Hawnby, Hambleton Street, Rosedale Chimney Bank, Old Malton and Golden Heights.

Lapwing
Counts in the early part of the year were: 25 at Swinton Ings on 4th January, 100 at Gillamoor Road on 5th, 75 at Old Malton on 6th with 70 on 15th. 60 at Sykes on 17th and at Bog House on 17th, 190 at Howe Bridge on on 22nd February and 25 at Rye Bridge on 23rd with 62 on 6th March and 50 at Rosedale East on 2nd. Thereafter single figure counts from the usual moorland nesting areas. Post breeding flock of 11 at Rye Bridge on 28th August. Late winter counts of 1800 at Low Marishes on 9th December, 30 at Bog House on 19th with 35 at Old Malton on 20th.

Snipe
Seven at Rye Bridge on 4th January with three on 6th March. Singles reported from Harland Moor, Howe Bridge, Espersykes, Tranmire Bogs, Boonhill and Old Malton. Bred at Hartoft Moor with two chicks on 19th May.

Woodcock
Singles reported from Boonhill on 25th March, flushed from intake with roding birds at Gilling Castle/Village on 11th April, 8th and 14th May also at Sykes on 30th April. Two at Boonhill on 21st December.

Curlew
Early returning birds with one at Gilling on 28th February and two on moorland sites at Boonhill and Sykes on 2nd and 3rd March. 14 at Shaw Rigg on 9th and Bog House on 15th. Individuals on the lower ground from Swinton Ings, Howkeld Mill and Old Malton. Three at Old Malton on 28th May, six at Hawnby on 12th June and two at Espersykes on 20th. Remarkably no records after August.

Black-headed Gull
Whilst reported throughout the year the only counts were: 18 at Old Malton on 6th January with 20 on 30th, 18 on 4th February and 25 on 22nd. 200 at Castle Howard on 25th January and 115 at Great Barugh the next day.Twenty at Thorn Hill Farm on 11th October with 40 at Espersykes on 11th December.

Common Gull
200 at Castle Howard on 25th January, 250 at Fox &: Rabbitt on 2nd March and 240 at Levisham on 21st, otherwise a disappointing year on the lowland areas with few reported with a max of 12 at Rye Bridge and 45 at Great Barugh on 25th January and 630 ar Riseborough on 25th January.

Lesser Black-backed Gull
As expected small parties moved through Ryedale in autumn with five at Swinton Ings on 26th August, 12 at Espersykes on 11th September and ten at Thorn Hill Farm on 11th October.

Herring Gull
Three at Pickering on 1st January, 13 at Swinton Ings on 4th and 120 at Ellerburn on 17th January. 150 at Thornton Dale Tip on 5th June and Ellerburn on 14th August, 25 at Espersykes on 17th November.

Little Auk
Remarkably a third for the area in recent years when one found dead at Sykes on 11th November.

Feral Pigeon
Small parties recorded in the Old Malton area with 15 on 15th January, 16 on 6th March, 21 on 8th, 30 on 12th July, 25 on 18th August, 18 on 24th September and 10 on 20th December.

Stock Dove
An under-recorded bird most records coming from River Derwent area in Malton with maximum 11 on 30th July and 17 on 17th November and up to seven at other times. Only other records away from here being a single at Boonhill on 26th January and six at Elleron on 30th March.

Wood Pigeon
Largest flocks were: 280 at Rye Bridge on 4th January, 300 at Pickering on 17th, 600 at Ellerburn on 8th February, 535 at Howe Bridge on 22nd February, 2000 at Swinton Ings on 6th March and 185 at Old Malton on 7th October. Smaller numbers from elsewhere with 50 at Spaunton Quarry on 24th January and 75 at Low Park, Kirkbymoorside on 22nd March. 120 at Low Marishes on 16th December. Small numbers reported from other locations.

Turtle Dove
Three in Cropton Forest in May and seven at Low Dalby on 25th May and one at Yearsley on 17th June.

Cuckoo
First bird back at Sykes/Boonhill on 19th April then Kepwick Quarry on 26th, Appleton-le-Moors on 28th and Rosedale East on 30th. Sykes/Boonhill on 24th May, Sherbrooke Thorns and Thornton-le-Dale on 30th, Rosedale Thorgill on 4th June, Pickering on 6th, Hawnby on 12th, Bransdale on 21st with the last at Rosedale East on 1st July.

Barn Owl
As usual many sightings from the lower ground area with singles seen at East Ness, Welburn Grange, West Ness, Slingsby, Thornton-le-Dale, Wombleton, Kirkby Misperton, Great Baurgh, Pickering, Normanby, Howe Bridge Farm, Lascelles Lane, Kirkbymoorside. Two at Wombleton on 15th February. One on higher ground at Boonhill on 8th February. Due to illness and unavailability there was little done on the breeding success or otherwise of this species this year.

Little Owl
A single at Lodgefield seen on 28th January, 7th and 15th February and 29th March. One at Lockton on 8th February and Ankness on 12th September.

Tawny Owl
Very under-recorded this year with only records from Gilling area, Sykes/Boonhill/Fadel and Thornton-le-Dale.

Short-eared Owl
Singles at Rosedale Dale Head on 23rd April, Nunnington on 25th, and at East Ousegill on 12th June

Nightjar
One on Harland Moor on 30th May, two at Stape on 12th June, six pairs in Cropton Forest on 5th August and Gale Hill on 12th. Four pairs at Cropton on 19th August.

Swift
First returning bird at Ellerburn on 24th April, three at Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside on 8th May, Thornton-le-Dale on 10th with 13 at Old Malton on 28th. Whilst reported from throughout the area only counts over 10 came from Pickering (20) 14th May, (10) on 12th July, Old Malton (25 and 50) on 12th and 24th July, Gilling (10) and Thornton-le-Dale (20) on 3rd August. Last recorded at Pickering on 17th.

Kingfisher
10 records from Old Malton, Ellerburn, Pickering, Appleton Mill and Thornton Dale.

Green Woodpecker
Two at Rosedale East on 26th March, singles at Elleron on 2nd April, Gilling Park House on 3rd , Farndale and Gilling Village on 5th and Gilling on 23rd. One in Bransdale on 6th June.

Skylark
The only counts of note were: 17 at Howe Bridge on 22nd February, 10 at Swinton Ings on 6th March and 20 at Hawnby cattle grid on 12th June. An impressive 50 at Espersykes on 17th November. With the exception of seven at Levisham Moor on 15th April all other records, up to four, came from along the River Rye and Derwent corridor with the exception of records from Gilling, Kirkbymoorside and Yearsley.

Sand Martin
The first returning bird was at Nunnington on 4th April. Whilst small counts came from the River Derwent there 70 holes at Spaunton Quarry and 102 at Helmsley but no counts were recorded.

Swallow
First returning birds at Gilling on 24th March, Pickering on 2nd and 4th April with singles at Farndale, Kirkbymoorside and Gilling on 5th. Up to seven were reported from all areas until 16 at Rievaulx on 12th June. Small family parties were recorded in early July with 15 at Old Malton on 12th with 20 at Howe Bridge on 30th. 26 at Dale Town Common and 21 at Sneck Yate Bank on 6th August and 10 at Boonhill on 24th September were the only counts away from the lowland areas. 28 were at Thornton-le-Dale on 15th August, 18 at Espersykes on 11th September and 20 at Gilling on 25th and 26th. The last were five at Scagglethorpe on 8th October.

House Martin
The first were three birds at Nunnington on 4th April two weeks before four at Boltby on 19th. With 10 at Gilling Village on 20th when four at Rosedale East. Whilst most birds are recorded from our towns and villages few counts are ever submitted with the exception of 30 at Pickering on 14th May, 20 at Thornton-le-Dale on 14th August and Gilling Village on 15th with 100 at Lastingham on on 16th, 40 at Boonhill/Sykes on 26th September with the last being two birds at Scagglethorpe on 8th October.

Tree Pipit
No counts from Cropton Forest this year. Singles reported from Yearsley on 23rd April, Gilling Woods on 26th, Gilling Park on 1st May, Boonhill on 5th, Gilling Park on and Kilburn White Horse on 17th June, Hambleton Street on 18th, two at Pexton Moor on 21st, Cawthorne Camps on 23rd, Cropton on 10th July, Boltby Forest and Dalw Town Common on 6th August.

Meadow Pipit
Five were still on the moorland edge at Bog House on 5th January. As usual small numbers of up to seven recorded from the lowland areas early in the year with eight at Pickering on 2nd March. Returning birds were 20 at Russell’:s Wood on 29th March and birds were widespread on the moors by the end of April. Two returning birds were noted at Howe Bridge on 30th July and 16 were at Old Malton on 24th September with a single still on the moor edge at Bog House on 19th December.

Yellow Wagtail
Two at the usual site in Gilling Village on 31st May with a single at Howkeld on 19th July.

Grey Wagtail
Single at Kirkdale Ford on 4th January, Ellerburn on 31st March, two at Low Askew on 1st April, Gilling Redcar and single at Farndale on 5th April, Pair at Lowna on 10th , Sinnington Spring Bank Wood on 19th. One at Rievaulx on 12th June, two at Nunnington on 14th, one in Bransdale on 21st when two at Yearsley. Two at Duncombe Park on 25th August with four on 7th October with one at Gilling Park House on 10th October and two at Thornton-le-Dale on 30th.

Pied Wagtail
20 at Rye Bridge on 23rd February was the only double figure count. Up to six, Gilling, recorded from the lowland areas with the occasional records from the moors at Bransdale, Rosedale East and Dale Town Common.

Dipper
A single in Duncombe Park on 25th August with six on 7th October. Singles at Thornton-le-Dale on 30th October and 13th November and at Ellerburn on 30th October and 5th December.

Wren
There were 48 records received but many excluded a count. As would be expected this is a widespread species throughout the area. Six were at Old Malton on 28th May with 10 there on 13th June with nine on 9th November.

Dunnock
A widespread species throughout the area with max counts of four at Nunnington on 4th April and five at Old Malton on 7th October.

Robin
As with the above a widespread species throughout the area with a maximum of 15 at Espersykes on 11th September.

Redstart
The first returning bird at Boonhill/Sykes on 11th April with another or same on 1st May. Singles at Gilling on 14th May, Yearsley on 31st, Rievaulx on 15th June, Hawnby on 16th, Bransdale on 10th July with the last at Dale Town Common on 6th August. Six young ringed at Ashberry and seven at Nettledale.

Whinchat
Just three records with singles at Shaw Rigg on 25th April and Bransdale on 21st June and 10th July.

Stonechat
Two at Bog House on 5th January, Levisham Moor on 15th April, Shaw Rigg on 20th and East Ousegill on 12th May. Reported from Spaunton Moor and Rosedale East on 22nd August when a pair were seen carrying food. Two at Harland Moor on 15th November.

Wheatear
First records of two in Rosedale East on 20th March, five on Levisham Moor on 21st and one from East Ousegill on 2nd April. Bred Rosedale East 2 fledged.

Ring Ouzel
See Ring Ouzel Report for 2009 (K.S. Hutchinson and V. Fairbrother) on Ryenats website www.ryenats.org.uk

Blackbird
Wide spread breeding bird with maximum counts: 12 at Old Malton on 6th January, 24 at Pickering on 19th, 22 at Low Park, Kirkbymoorside on 11th, 18 at Old Malton on 20th with 15 on 22nd when 20 at Howe Bridge. 12 at Old Malton on 28th May with 13 on 13th June, 14 on 1st October, 25 on 9th November, 27 on 16th December and 15 on 20th.

Fieldfare
Largest recorded flocks were: 120 at Old Malton on 15th January, 100 at Bog House on 17th, 170 at Pexton on 21st,87 at Great Barugh on 25th, 85 at Nove Lane on 26th, 136 Ellerburn Valley on 31st, 200 at Swinton Ings on 6th March, 100 at Sykes on 21st and 25th with the last on 26th April. Four at Gilling on 6th October were the first returning birds. 100 at Sykes on 12th October and 27th November. 30 at Hartoft Moor on 25th November when 60 at Wheeldale. 110 at Low Marishes on 16th December.

Song Thrush
Recorded throughout the area usually up to three birds. 36 records from 1st January to 22nd June and 12 from 12th July to 27th December.

Redwing
Seventy at Kirkbymoorside on 4th January, 40 at Wilton on 9th, 110 at Pickering on 16th, 95 at Ellerburn on 17th, 50 at Lodgefield on 18th and 25 at Cockayne on 21st. 20 at Howe Bridge on 22nd February, 52 at Welburn Hall on 14th March, 35 at Gilling on 21st and 50 at Boonhill/Sykes on 25th with the last at Old Malton on 29th. First returning bird at Boonhill on 6th October with 18 at Old Malton the following day and one at Ampleforth on 9th with two on 10th. 50 at Boonhill/Sykes on 27th November.

Mistle Thrush
Counts of eight in Rosedale on 25th June, 25 at Winter Gill Plantation on 10th July, and 20 at Howe Bridge on 30th . Otherwise widespread throughout the area. Breeding reported from Rosedale East and Lastingham.

Sedge Warbler
One at Boonhill/Sykes on 1st May, otherwise records from along the River Derwent with two at Old Malton on 11th May increasing to four on 28th and three on 13th June with one at Espersykes on 20th. Two at Old Malton on 12th July with the last on 18th August.

Lesser Whitethroat
Singles at Ellerburn on 24th April, Old Malton on 27th , Ts field on 6th May and Kirkbymoorside GC on 24th.

Whitethroat
First returning bird at Boonhill/Sykes on 1st May, with three at Old Malton on 11th and 28th. Single at Rievaulx on 12th June, two at Old Malton on 13th, six at Espersykes on 20th, two at Pickering East on 25th with three at Old Malton on 24th July and Howe Bridge on 30th. Singles at Old Malton on 18th August, Rye Bridge on 28th and the last, two at Old Malton on 30th.

Garden Warbler
Three at Eller’:s Wood on 3rd May, one at Gilling on 8th, two at Old Malton on 11th, single at Yearsley and Pickering on 24th and Gilling on 25th with two at Old Malton on 28th , four on 20th June and three on 12th July. Two at Ellerburn on 26th June.

Blackcap
Just one winter record from Pickering on 1st January. First returning bird at Farndale on 4th April then Gilling and Thornton-le-Dale on 12th. One at Pickering on 11th May, two at Kirkbymoorside GC on 24th May, Rievaulx on 12th June, Old Malton on 13th with four at Ellerburn on 22nd. Three at Old Malton on 12th July with single at Sneck Yate Bank on 6th August and two at Old Malton on 11th September the last. Unfortunately the sex of birds have not been recorded so other than those reported singing we have no indication of sex ratio.

Wood Warbler
Singles reported from Gilling Park House on 1st and 26th May, 6th and 17th June .

Chiffchaff
First returning birds at Scackleton and Kirkbymoorside on 19th March, Ellerburn, Elleron, Gilling and Yearsley on 21st, Boonhill/Sykes on 22nd and 25th and Old Malton on 29th. Widespread by end of May usually in ones and twos. Four at Rievaulx on 13th June and Old Malton on 30th August with seven on 24th September with four there on 1st October the last.

Willow Warbler
First returning bird at Boonhill/Sykes on 10th April, three at Gilling Woods on 12th, 10 at Eller’:s Wood on 13th, six at Gilling Woods on 26th when two at Kepwick Moor. Three at Old Malton on 11th May, six at Kirkbymoorside GC on 24th, four at Old Malton on 28th with six on 13th June. Eight at Ellerburn on 22nd, six at Dale Town Common on 6th August, with three at Old Malton on 11th September the last.

Goldcrest
Few records with the only count of 15 at Ellerburn on 21st November.

Spotted Flycatcher
Late returning bird at usual nesting site, Sykes, on 10th May. Two at Thornton-le-Dale on 29th, one at Nunnington Hall on 14th June, two at Sykes on 22nd and again on 24th July and finally on 13th August. Pair plus young on Rudland Rigg on 25th June.

Long-tailed Tit
Widespread in small numbers with the only counts of note: 18 at Old Malton on 6th January and 15 at Espersykes on 20th June.

Marsh Tit
Two at Gilling Woods on 4th January, single at Gilling Park House on 15th February, Welburn Hall on 14th March and Gilling Park House on 15th and 21st. Farndale on 5th April, Sinnington Bank Wood on 19th with four at Yearsley on 26th. Two at Stonegrave on 20th September, three at Terrington on 18th October, two at Gilling on 24th with singles at Old Malton on 9th November and Ellerburn on 21st.

Willow Tit
A single at Yearsley on 26th April, two at Ellerburn on 21st November and a single there on 5th December.

Coal Tit
Recorded in most months of the year often in ones and twos with four at Hartoft Rigg on 12th April.

Blue Tit
Widespread species with the only counts: 10 at Old Malton on 30th January, 16 on 4th February with seven at Rosedale East on 8th , 13 at Old Malton on 13th June and 11 on 30th August.

Great Tit
Widespread with up to six in all months. 33 young ringed at Ashberry and 21 at Nettledale.

Nuthatch
Singles at Cockayne on 21st January, Low Dalby 14th February and 7th March, Rievaulx on 22nd , Welburn Hall on 14th March, Elleron on 15th, Gilling Village on 29th and Gilling Park House on 4th and 18th April with one in the village on 19th when one at Sinnington Bank Wood. Two at Duncombe Park on 28th August, Terrington Woods on 18th October and singles at Thornton-le-Dale on 8th December and Gilling on 11th.

Treecreeper
Few records received from Howkeld, Welburn Hall, Farndale, Gilling Woods, Old Malton, Rievaulx (2), Duncombe Park and Terrington Woods.

Great Grey Shrike
One at Thornton-le-Dale Tip on 13th February, one at Middleton Moor on 4th to 24th March and Hartoft Rigg on 12th April.

Jay
Five at Russell’:s Wood on 12th April, two at Rievaulx on 12th June, Gilling Park House on 10th October and three in village on 13th November. Elsewhere reports of single birds.

Magpie
Seven at Old Malton on 15th January, Howe Bridge on 22nd February, 12 at Ellerburn on 25th November with five at Espersykes on 11th December. Elsewhere a maximum of two with few records away from the River Derwent corridor. Two away from usual sites at Dale Town Common on 6th August and one at Boonhill on 23rd November.

Jackdaw
Becoming more widespread as the number of records increase. Counts over 20 were: 120 at Swinton Ings on 4th January, 30 at Pickering on 10th, 25 at Old Malton on 20th and 80 at Spaunton Quarry on 24th. 23 at Old Malton on 22nd February, 25 at Rye Bridge on 6th March, 30 at Rievaulx on 12th June, 20 at Rye Bridge on 28th August and Old Malton on 7th October, 13 at Rosedale East on 2nd September, 700 at Pickering on 9th December and 25 at Espersykes on 11th.

Rook
Largest counts nearly all came from the lower ground along the Rivers Rye and Derwent. 300 at Rye Bridge on 4th January, 85 at Old Malton on 6th, 150 at High Marishes on 17th, 170 at Broats on 26th, 70 at Rye Bridge on 6th March, 300 at Howe Bridge on 30th July, 225 at Espersykes and 110 at Old Malton on 17th November. 500 at Newbridge on 9th December. Elsewhere, 80 at Gilling on 3rd January.

Mixed flock of Rooks and Jackdaws numbering 2000 seen in November and December over Pickering and Kirkbymoorside.

Carrion Crow
As with the other species most counts came from the Rivers Rye and Derwent corridor except for 15 at Nova Lane on 26th January, and 34 at Thornton Hill Farm on 11th October. 40 at Howe Bridge on 22nd February was the highest count.

Raven
One reported from Rosedale Chimney Bank on the unlikely date of 20th June.

Starling
100 at Levisham on 7th January and Bog House/Rudland on 17th with, 50 at Pickering on 16th, 65 at Rye Bridge on 6th March, 100 at Low Marishes on 9th December the only counts of note.

House Sparrow
Still recorded throughout the area but in no great numbers. Maximum counts of 18 at Rievaulx on 12th June, 15 at Espersykes on 20th, 20 at Rye Bridge on 28th August and Espersykes on 17th November.

Tree Sparrow
20 at Littledale on 15th February and Nunnington Hall on 14th June with small parties of up to six south of Kirkbymoorside. Eight at Pickering on 2nd March, 12 at Stape on 6th April and eight at Boonhill/Sykes on 23rd November. 18 at Low Marishes on 9th December.Breeds in nest boxes at Helmsley but no reports of numbers.

Chaffinch
Whilst widely recorded the only double figure counts were: 17 at Thornton-le-Dale on 8th January with 150 on 27th and at Ellerburn Bank on 22nd and Elleron Lake on 25th, 51 at Ellerburn on 29th , 25 at Howe Bridge on 22nd, 16 at Rye Bridge on 6th March and 10 at Hartoft Rigg on 7th. 10 at Rievaulx on 12th June, Old Malton on 13th and 1st October and Ellerburn on 5th December.

Brambling
A poor winter for this species. One at Boonhill/Sykes on 26th January, two at Ellerburn on 29th, singles at Boonhill/Sykes on 21st March and 1st April, 27th November and 25th December. Two at Stape on 6th April.

Greenfinch
A common species but a poor showing with no records over seven birds.

Goldfinch
11 at Old Malton on 8th March, 15 at Howe Bridge on 30th July and 10 at Ellerburn on 21st November were the only counts of note.

Siskin
Pair at Low Dalby on 7th March, 15 at Ellerburn on 5th December and 30 at Boonhill/Sykes on 15th were the only counts in a poor showing.

Linnet
Not a common species in our area with the only double figure records: 16 at Dale Town Common on 6th August, possibly a post breeding flock as was 10 at Old Malton on 18th. 30 at Boonhill/Sykes on 5th December and 12 at Low Marishes on 9th.

Twite
Six at Bog House/Rudland on 10th March, four on 21st November and seven on 1st December. 10 in Bransdale on 11th March.

Lesser Redpoll
Five at Boonhill/Sykes on 12th February, 30 at Hartoft Rigg on 7th March, on at Boonhill/Sykes on 22nd, four at Thornton-le-Dale on 3rd May and one at Ellerburn on 21st November.

Common Crossbill
Two at Boonhill/Sykes on 2nd March, 12 at Hartoft Rigg on 7th when nine at Russell’:s Wood and two at High Mires on 19th. 20 at Yearsley on 19th July, 15 at Ellerburn on 21st November, six at Gilling Woods on 22nd 12 at Wilden Moor on 2nd December and 10 at Ellerburn on 5th. Bullfinch A common and widespread species reported throughout the year. Small parties are often encountered however ten at Old Malton on 11th September with 12 on 24th and 18 on 1st October are unusual

Snow Bunting
One at Bonfield Ghyll on 22nd September, two at Levisham on 11th November with seven in East Rosedale and two in North Rosedale on 1st December.

Yellowhammer
Alas few big flocks these days. Ten at Pickering on 16th January, 24 at Ellerburn on 8th February, 20 at Howe Bridge on 22nd , six at Kirkbymoorside on 5th April, four at Rievaulx on 12th June, five at Espersykes on 29th, six at Ryemouth on 30th July, four at Dale Town Common on 6th August and ten at Espersykes on 17th November. 20 at Low Marishes on 9th December. Up to two reported from elsewhere.

Reed Bunting
A species that is increasing in our area. 15 at Harland Moor/White House on 2nd February, 12 at Howe Bridge on 22nd, six at Swinton Ings on 6th March, seven at Espersykes on 20th June and six at Old Malton on 12th July with up to four from elsewhere.

Contributors, with apologies for those missed out.
R Sutherland, G and A Smith, J Maxwell, J Pewtress, T and J Denney, M Thompson, A Grayson, A Cooper, MJ Carroll, A Hudson, A MacNicoll, A Scott, B Coursey, B Kilgallon, E Jones, E Gathercole, G Lambert, G Short, I Nicholson, J Elliott, J Ferguson, L Walton, L Wardell, M Kirkby, M Pollard, N Moran, N Rossiter, N Melsom, P Seaman, R Mumford, S Helm, IA Ashworth, A Forsyth, D Gifford, K Hutchinson, FAE Murray, AC Neville-Smith, P Reid, EV SCarfe, J Turner.