Newsletter
Field Trips 2001
We
will remember the year 2001 for many years to come, first of all the
floods, then followed by the foot and mouth disease crisis. Despite all
that we were able to re-arrange many of our field trips.
The
year started with a record attendance of 50 for our January visit to Filey
Country Park. A large flock of finches and buntings in the set-aside were
notable in the morning. In the afternoon a female velvet scoter was the
highlight among the eiders and grebes.
Remaining
on the coast in February, 15 hardy members endured some nasty showers at
Barmston but were rewarded with barn owl, fox and 12 species of waders.
The Scarborough area was an alternative venue in April, several chiffchaff
being an indication that spring was here.
Pugney's
and Anglers Country Park near Wakefield was a new group venue for our May
trip. Individual black terns at each site were the undoubted highlights.
June's venue of Thorpe Moor was also a new venue. Green woodpecker, tree
pipit and nightingale were the best of 52 species recorded.
In
July, Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve produced an impressive list of reedbed
species, notably bearded tit and marsh harrier. We also saw a spoonbill
and a cuckoo. September will be remembered for gale force winds at
Flamborogh Head. Small birds remained elusive, but seawatching produced
Arctic skua and velvet scoter. A most enjoyable visit.