8th-15th February

Whilst yet more unsettled weather severely interrupted time spent out in the field, there was still the distinct impression that little change had occurred in the assembly of birds present. A Short-eared Owl on the 12th was a surprise find after a winter without a single record but otherwise it was mostly the current regulars, with up to 13 Purple Sandpipers and the Grey Heron present at the Bill, 11 Black-necked Grebes and the Black-throated Diver in the Harbour plus a total of 55 Brent Geese at Ferrybridge. Clear skies on the 12th saw the year's second Red Admiral on the wing, whilst recent days have seen a large pod of Common Dolphins lingering offshore.

The Short-eared Owl present on the 12th of February © Jodie Henderson