A day in North Yorks 11-1-14

I was asked if I would like to join Mandy and Paul for a day in North Yorks birding of course I accepted.
Our first stop not quiet North Yorks was at Hornsea Mere for the Scaup and Velvet Scoter,but of course couldn't find them anywhere but did manage to pick up Great white Egret for the year,we moved on to Filey Brig which was well worth it picking up Purple Sandpiper,Oystercatcher,Dunlin,Red-throated Diver,Guillemot,Gannet,Eider,Common Scoter,Shag,Ringed Plover and Rock Pipit for my year list.
Our next port of call was Holbeck for the Mediterranean gulls with 4 birds present after about a hour with them and a few shots we moved on to Scarborough Harbour for a Lifer for Paul in the form of Great northern Diver which eluded us but we had fun photographing Turnstone not the easiest to get flight shots of.
With the sun going down we made tracks back to home for a very welcomed chip supper.
A great day had by us thanks to Paul and Mandy for the offer of a day out birding.

Barton pits 5-1-14

With a few hours sun forcast Mandy,Jacqui and myself decided on a walk down the local pits for the Long-tailed duck,which is on a private lake permission needed to walk round,first time out with the camera this year.
A enjoyable few hours out and a even more enjoyable bacon roll was to follow :)