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Little Grebe
One on the R. Derwent at Howe Bridge on 20^th February, Castle Howard on 3^rd , 5^th and 2^nd April and one at Nettledale on 30th December.

Great Crested Grebe
Five at Castle Howard on 4^th June and 8^th and 14^th October.

Cormorant
One on R. Derwent at Old Malton on 7^th January, one over Pickering on 13^th, five at Howe Bridge on 20^th February with four on 27^th March. 15 at Castle Howard on 11^th April, one at Old Malton on 13^th April, two on the R. Rye between Ryton and Malton on 6^th June, two at Espersykes on 19^th, one on R. Rye at Swinton Ings on 20^th August and one at Ellerburn Banks on 16^th October. 33 at Castle Howard on 27^th.

Grey Heron
One at Church House on 20^th January, two at Howe Bridge on 20^th February with several along the R. Derwent during January to March. Two at Rosedale Abbey on 2^nd October, 12 at Ellington Banks on 10^th no doubt made up of adults and young from the breeding colony there. No report from the colony in Sleightholmedale. One in Rosedale on 8^th November.

Mute Swan
Two at Costa Lodge on 3^rd February, two on the R. Derwent, Old Malton on 8^th and one at Howe Bridge on 30^th. Three on R. Rye between Ryton and Swinton on 13^th March and 20^th May. 10 at Castle Howard on 4^th June, 13 on 13^th October, 32 on 8^th, 30 on 14^th, 18 on 23^rd, 32 on 27^th, 30 on 3^rd November and 22 on 21^st. Pair at Newbrugh Priory with four cygnets and Castle Howard with six.

Whooper Swan
Eleven at Howe Bridge on the flooded fields by the R. Derwent on 7^th January. Six at Castle Howard, incl one juvenile, on 3^rd November.

Black Swan
One at Castle Howard on 3^rd and 8^th October.

Pink-footed Goose
150 flew NW over Shaw Rigg on 8^th February. The large nationwide movement in September was also witnessed in our area with 60 over Gilling, 180 over Kirkbymoorside and an impressive 600 over Sykes on 28^th. 30 over Gilling on 30^th October and a further party of 100 over Sykes on 14^th November.

Greylag Goose
32 at Howe Bridge on 7^th January, four at Slingsby on 20^th January, two at Howe Bridge on 20^th February and eight on Gilling Lakes on 4^th May. 122 at Castle Howard on 3^rd October, 178 on 8^th, 75 on 14^th and 138 on 21^st November.

Canada Goose
42 at Howe Bridge on floods/fields on 7^th January, with four on 20^th February and two at Gilling Lakes on 4^th May. 60 at Castle Howard on 8^th October, 50 on 3^rd November and 181 on 21^st.

Barnacle Goose
One at Castle Howard on 14^th October.

Eurasian Wigeon
Ten at Howe Bridge on 7^th January and 40 on the R. Rye between Ryton and Swinton on 13^th March. An impressive number for a small river. 27 at Castle Howard on 3^rd October and 81 on 8^th.

Gadwall
One at Castle Howard on 3^rd October with eight on 14^th.

Eurasian Teal
A series of records along the R. Rye from Swinton to Howe Bridge with 250 on 7^th January (this is a remarkable count for a river), reducing to 50 on 12^th , 127 on 20^th February, five on 13^th March, two on 18^th and 11 on 27^th.

Mallard
Our commonest duck and under-recorded. Reported from the R. Rye and Derwent throughout the year with 75 on 7^th January, 25 on 12^th , 18 on 20^th February, 20 on 13^th March and 15 on 27^th. Elsewhere: 12 at Kirkbymoorside on 22^nd November and 102 at Nettledale, Scawton on 30^th December. The only other reports came from Gilling, Hawnby, Howkeld Mill, Middleton Moor and Rievaulx. Adult with 10 duckings at West Gill, Rosedale on 24^th May.

Pintail
13 at Howe Bridge on floods by the R. Derwent on 7^th January.

Shoveler
One at Howe Bridge on 7^th January and a male at Castle Howard on 3^rd April.

Tufted Duck
Three at Lake Gormire on 4^th January, five on R. Rye between Ryton and Swinton on 20^th May with one on 8^th July. 20 at Castle Howard on 5^th April, 30 on 11^th and 22 on 21^st November.

Scaup
One at Castle Howard on 11^th and 21^st November.

Goldeneye
Two at Castle Howard on 22^nd April and 21^st November.

Ruddy Duck
One at Castle Howard on 11^th April.

Smew
One at Castle Howard on 11^th April.

Goosander
Three at Gilling Redcar on 13^th January, two at Old Malton on 20^th February when four at Howe Bridge with one on the R. Rye between Ryton and Swinton on 13^th March. One over Kirkbymoorside on 1^st May and a male on R. Rye at Hawnby on 23^rd May.

Red Kite
One in Rosedale East on 13^th September.

Marsh Harrier
Two records this year – a female/juvenile over Sykes House on 6^th August and one on Spaunton Moor on 25^th.

Goshawk
Two at Rosedale on 2^nd February, three over Russell’s Wood on 1^st and 9^th March. Singles at Rievaulx on 17^th June, Sykes on 26^th August, Cawton-Hovingham on 9^th September, Sykes on 26^th November and again on 7^th December. Once again bred in Cropton Forest with approx six pairs.

Sparrowhawk
Widespread with reports from Ashberry Wood, Ash Dale Wood, Bog House, Duncombe Park, Gilling, Howe Bridge, Kirkbymoorside, Old Malton, Rievaulx, Rosedale, Slingsby and Sykes House. Not uncommonly seen in gardens in the winter.

Common Buzzard
Singles at Howe Bridge on 7^th January, Shaw Rigg on 19^th and Harland Moor on 20^th. Two were at Sinnington on 24^th February when one at Hawnby, single at Russell’s Wood on 9^th March, three at Cross Plantation, Farndale on 15^th , one at Coxwold on 20^th and three at Rudland on 26^th with two at Howe Bridge on 27^th. Two at Cowhouse Bank on 9^th April, One at Fadhill Rigg on 13^th April, two at Cow House Bank on 19^th, a single at Gilling on 24^th May, at Harland Moor on 29^th and Lowna on 28^th June. Two at Hawnby on 20^th June, one at Gilling on 20^th July and Barker Plantation on 15^th August when five at Rudland Rigg. Four at Sykes on 16^th with singles at Syckerson on 20^th and Thornton-le-Dale on 24^th. Two on Harland Moor on 14^th September, singles at Slingsby on 21^st , Lastingham on 29^th and Spaunton on 30^th, Rudland on 10^th October with two at Ellerburn Banks on 16^th and Sykes on 3^rd November. Three at Scackleton Mill on 14^th when a single at Harland Moor with two at Shaw Rigg on 19^th. One on Harland Moor on 20^th December.Two confirmed breeding pairs in the area.

Kestrel
Two at Shaw Rigg on 2^nd January, two Rosedale East on 3^rd and 22^nd July, three at Sykes on 27^th , two at Shaw Rigg on 15^th August with two at Swinton Ings on 28^th and three Rosedale East on 13^th September. All other reports were of single birds at Church House, Coulton, East Bransdale, Espersykes, Gilling, Hawnby, Helmsley, Howkeld Mill, Kilburn, Kirkdale, Old Malton, Oswaldkirk, Pickering, Rudland, Scackleton and Slingsby. A bird on three occasions sat on a beam in at an indoor riding school at Appleton-le-Moors watching a horse being schooled.

Merlin
One over Harland Moor on 15^th January and Rosedale on 30^th December.

Hobby
One at West Lund Lane on 2^nd July being mobbed by Swifts, one at Sykes on 20^th August.

Red Grouse
Reported from Bilsdale, Bransdale, Hawnby, Pockley Moor and Rosedale with max counts of 13 in Bransdale in February and 10 Pockley Moor in June.

Red-legged partridge
Reported in small numbers from, Bransdale, Coulton, Gilling, Hawnby, Helmsley, High Park, Howe Bridge, Slingsby and Swinton with the only double figure count of 11 at Rievaulx on 30^th December.

Grey Partridge
Five at Ryton-Swinton on 12^th January and at Slingsby on 30^th May, one Ryton-Swinton on 8^th July, seven at Ousegill on 10^th December with three at Gilling on 24^th .

Quail
Two at Hole of Horcum on 25^th June.

Pheasant
As usual in our area many thousands of birds are reared and released, however few people actually count. The highest count was 67 at Hawnby on 24^th February.

Golden Pheasant
One on a road side verge at Top Loskay, Boonhill on 6^th March.

Water Rail
One at Castle Howard on 3^rd November.

Moorhen
Bred Scackleton and Kirkbymoorside and no doubt elsewhere in the area. Max counts were 20 at Howe Bridge on 7^th January with 14 on 20^th February and 12 there on 22^nd March, 13 at Espersykes on 20^th August. 15 at Castle Howard on 21^st November. Up to six along West Lund Lane in the latter part of the year.

Coot
Two at Lake Gormire on 4^th January, 113 at Castle Howard on 18^th October, 241 on 14^th and 126 on 21^st November.

Oystercatcher
Four along the R. Rye from Howe Bridge to Swinton on 13^th March, with two on 20^th May and one at Old Malton on 13^th June. Three on 8^th July. Heard along the R. Rye in June and July at Helmsley but no numbers ascertained.

Golden Plover
20 at Bog House on 13^th February increasing to 50 on 24^th. 250 at Howe Bridge on 27^th March, 30 at Slingsby on 30^th with 70 on 6^th April increasing to 75 on 20^th decreasing to 30 on 27^th. Single figures in May from Arden Great Moor, Chimney Bank, Dale Town Common, Farndale and Hawnby. 120 at Slingsby on 23^rd October.

Lapwing
250 at Howe Bridge on 7^th January, 100 at Westgate Carr on 3^rd February with smaller parties of up to 20 birds until early May. An early roost of birds at Church Houses on 13^th February with displaying birds noted at Rudland on 27^th. 30 at Slingsby on 18^th May and 75 Ryton-Swinton on 20^th. Post breeding flocks of 90 at Howkeld Mill on 2^nd July, 120 Swinton Ings on 8^th, with 50 at Ganthorpe on 27^th August and 40 at Sykes on 31^st. Still 12 birds at Bog House on 12^th November.

Snipe
Singles were reported from suitable areas with the only counts of 33 at Howe Bridge on 20^th February and four at Howkeld Mill on 8^th November.

Woodcock
Seen frequently at Sykes with singles on 3^rd and 11^th January, 10^th May, 20^th August, with two on 11^th and 26^th November. Two on Harland on 11^th January, with a single on 29^th May. Two at Russell’s Wood on 23^rd June when three at Hartoft Rigg. One at Gilling on 10^th July and one Reins Wood, Ashberry on 30^th December.

Curlew
First returning bird to moorland at Bog House on 3^rd March with six at Ousegill by 2^nd April. Eight were at Howe Bridge on 27^th March and birds were reported from the lowland sites from 23^rd March until 5^th May. Several records in August with eight at Sykes on 7^th. Two chicks and an adult in North Dale, Rosedale on 24^th May and one chick and adult on 15^th June.

Black-headed Gull
Most records were in the early months with 53 at Old Malton on 7^th January, 60 along R. Rye from Swinton to Ryton on 12^th, 30 at Westgate Carr on 3^rd February, 90 at Old Malton on 8^th, 50 at Baxton Howe Hill on 9^th with 60 at Castle Howard on 6^th April and 40 at Slingsby on 27^th. 20 were at Swinton on 28^th August, 1500 at Castle Howard on 27^th October and 90 at Old Malton on 21^st December..

Common Gull
12 at Old Malton on 7^th January was the only count with a single at Russell’s Wood on 9^th March.

Lesser Black-backed Gull
50 along the R. Rye between Ryton and Swinton on 20^th May was an unusual number for this time of the year. One at Espersykes on 20^th August and three at Swinton on 28^th would be returning birds as numbers pass through Ryedale in the autumn. Three at Ols Malton on 21^st December.

Herring Gull
Recorded in the Ryedale area in small numbers, up to six, usually in the early part of the year with a maximum of 11 at Howe Bridge on 27^th March and 13 at Swinton on 28^th. Seven at Espersykes on 26^th October and 12 at Old Malton on 21^st December.

Greater Black-backed Gull
Just three records, five at Old Malton on 13^th April, two at Old Malton on 19^th June and one at Swinton Ings on 8^th July.

Stock Dove
Most records come from the low ground in the south of the area. 45 were at Old Malton on 4^th January reducing to eight on 7^th. With 10 on 8^th February. Elsewhere parties of up to four recorded from Slingsby, Pickering Low Mill, Ryton to Swinton and Howe Bridge. Singles at Sykes on 27^th July and Harland Moor on 18^th November. 20 at Espersykes on 26^th October.

Wood Pigeon
There seems to be a large population of this species in our area. Maximum counts were in the early part of the year: 150 at Sykes on 19^th January, 200 at Rievaulx on 12^th February, 500 at Hawnby on 24^th, 100 at Ryton-Swinton on 13^th March, 75 at Old Malton on 18^th, 150 at Howe Bridge on 27^th March when also 200 at Slingsby. 220 at Old Malton on 26^th October and 450 on 16^th November. At other times parties of up to 55 recorded throughout the area.

Collared Dove
As usual reported from throughout the area with multiple counts of two at Pickering on 13^th and 20^th January, four at Rievaulx on 12^th February, two at Slingsby on 12^th April, and four at Helmsley on 6^th June. Four at Swinton on 28^th August. Four at Harome on 26^th December.

Turtle Dove
One at Yearsley on 5^th May, two at Spiers House on 8^th May and one at Gilling Woods on 27^th July.

Cuckoo
The first returning birds at Green Dyke Lane, Slingsby on 21^st April, Appleton-le-Moors on 24th and Rosedale on 27^th. One Castle Howard on 5^th May, Bog House on 9^th, Kirkbymoorside GC on 11^th, Sykes on 2^nd June, Appleton-le-Moors on 11th and Arden Great Moor on 23^rd.

Barn Owl
Bred once again throughout the area where nest boxes have been provided. Whilst the breeding season was down on last year there were still good numbers of young reared, five in Ings Lane, and we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that many more breed now than 10 years ago. 84 young were ringed this year. Equally owl breeding does tend to be cyclical depending on the abundance of small mammals. Single birds reported throughout the year from Castle Howard, East Ness, Gilling, Great Barugh, Helmsley, Hovingham, Kirkbymoorside, Normanby, Nunnington, Lascelles Lane, Old Malton, Salton, Swinton, Terrington Bank, Welburn Grange and West Ness.

Little Owl
Singles at Great Barugh on 19^th January, Gilling village on 23^rd June, Pickering on 24^th, Sykes on 11^th July and two at Espersykes on 23rd.

Tawny Owl
Few records this year with two at Gilling Park on 1^st January, singles at Gilling village on 20^th and 9^th February, Hartoft Rigg on 23^rd June, Cropton on 19^th July and Beacon Hill, Pickering on 25^th November.

Long-eared owl
Three at Russell’s Wood on 23^rd June.

Short-eared Owl
One in Rosedale on 16^th June and one at Sykes on 25^th August.

Nightjar
Reported from Sykes on 23^rd May, Hartoft Rigg (2) on 23^rd June and Cropton on 19^th July.

Swift
Reported from the usual towns and villages where the birds breed. It is reported that Swift numbers are decreasing but they still seem to be doing well in towns and villages where there are older properties. The only counts were of 20 at Thornton Dale on 4^th May with 40 there on 28^th July, 20 at Old Malton on 29^th June and 30 at Swinton Ings on 8^th July, with smaller parties elsewhere. The first returning birds were two at Thornton Dale on 3^rd May.

Kingfisher
Single birds at Keld Head on 20^th January, Thornton Dale on 20^th February and again on 13^th May, Slingsby on 20^th July, Gilling Woods Lakes on 27^th , Old Malton on 30^th and Thornton Dale on 11^th August.

Green Woodpecker
Singles at Rievaulx on on 12^th February, Rosedale on 3^rd April, Gilling Castle on 6^th, West Gill, Rosedale on 13^th May, Rosedale East on 12^th July, Middleton Moor on 28^th , Sykes on 10^th November, Rosedale on 17^th and Bog House on 27^th. Three juveniles in Rosedale East on 7^th July.

Great Spotted Woodpecker
Singles reported from throughout the area in suitable wooded habitats and moorland edges. Two at Thornton Dale on 6^th April and three at Middleton Moor on 28^th July.

Skylark
It is good to report and increased number of sightings of Skylark this year from 16 sites. Most were reported form the low land areas in the first half of the year with the highest count being of 15 along the R. Rye from Ryton to Swinton on 20^th May. Birds recorded in the moorland areas from 30^th May.

Sand Martin
50 at Castle Howard on 5^th April increasing to 150 on 11^th. 30 along the R. Rye from Ryton to Swinton on 20^th May. There were 102 breeding holes along the R. Rye near Helmsley and 70 holes in Spaunton Quarry. The latter site was found in late July high up on one of the aggregate dumps. No ringing took place in 2008.

Swallow
First returning bird at Castle Howard on 11^th April and Sheriff’s Pit, Rosedale on 13^th ,with the last on 10^th October at Coulton. No great counts this year with a maximum of 70 at Swinton on 28^th August, no doubt gathering to depart.

House Martin
First returning bird at Gilling Village on 29^th April with the last on 29th September at Old Malton. Reported in small numbers from the usual sites with a maximum of 10 at Boonhill on 20^th August.

Tree Pipit
The only report of four at Middleton Moor on 24^th May and birds at White Horse, Kilburn and Sutton Bank on 15^th June. No territory counts were made in Cropton Forest.

Meadow Pipits
Reported in small numbers from the low land areas in the early part of the year with 12 at Howe Bridge on 7^th January and six on 27^th March. As expected birds reported from the moorland areas from early April with maximum counts of 20 at Great Arden moor on 23^rd June and 30 in East Bransdale on 7^th September.

Yellow Wagtail
Remains a rare bird in our area with one south of Slingsby on 3^rd May, Gilling on 18^th , Espersykes on 19^th June, two juveniles at Old Malton on 29^th and one there on 18^th September.

Grey Wagtail
Singles reported from Arden great Moor, Bransdale, Gilling Redcar, Helmsley, Rievaulx, Rosedale and Thornton Dale with two at Pickering on 16^th February, Sykes on 12^th September and Old Malton on 9^th December. No breeding record from Kirkdale this year but bred along the R. Rye at Low Woods farm with four fledged..

Pied Wagtail
Reported from most areas with maximum counts being: 13 at Swinton on 20^th August and 20 at Coulton on 24^th September.

Waxwing
Six in West Pickering on 15^th March and 15 at Sykes on 26^th November.

Dipper
Reported from Thornton Dale singles on 30^th January, 20^th February, 29^th November with two on 13^th December. One at Hawnby on 24^th February.

Wren
A common and widespread species with counts of up to eight birds in some squares. 16 on Middleton Moor on 24^th May and nine at Old Malton on 2^nd September.

Dunnock

A common and widespread species with most counts, up to 10, during the early breeding season.

Robin
As with the previous species most commonly reported in the early spring when birds are vying for territories. Ten at Middleton Moor on 24^th May.

Black Redstart
One in West Pickering on 7^th January.

Redstart
First returning bird at Castle Howard on 22^nd April and Sykes on 23^rd.. One at Reeking Gill, Rosedale on 5^th June, two at Great Arden Moor on 23^rd with singles at Sykes on 15^th and 20^th August, Hole of Horcum on 25^th June and a juvenile at Middleton Moor on 28^th July. Only one pair in nest boxes at Nettledale this year raising six young.

Whinchat
One in Bransdale on 9^th May and at Shaw Rigg on 20^th.

Stonechat
Singles at Bog House on 2^nd January and East Moors on 22^nd and Ousegill on 24^th March. Two at Bog House on 6^th April, one in Rosedale on 5^th and 27^th May, two at Hole of Horcum on 25^th June, Shaw Rigg on 8^th October with four at Harland Moor on 23^rd November and a single on Shaw Rigg on 10^th December with two on 22nd.

Wheatear
Four at East Mines, Rosedale and Chimney Bank on 10^th April, and singles at Bransdale on 9^th May, two at Hole of Horcum on 25^th June, Harland Moor on 1^st August, East Bransdale on 7^th September and Harland Moor on 29^th. Two fledged young at Rosedale East on 26^th June.

Ring Ouzel
First returning birds were singles at Sheriff’s Pit, Rosedale on 30^th March, Shaw Rigg on 1^st April and Ousegill on 2^nd. Spring records from the Rosedale Survey were; Two at Hob Crag on 3^rd April, one at Sledge Shoe on 8^th, two at Sturdy Bank on and East Mines on 10^th, Sheriff’s Pit on 13^th when three at Hob Crag. Elsewhere: Two at Ousegill on 9^th May, Shaw Rigg on 20^th and Ousegill on 22^nd. Two at Pockley Moor on 6^th June with five at Arden Great Moor on 23^rd. Four young ringed 24^th May.
[Ed: see Hutchinson & Fairbrother’s report.]

Blackbird
Maximum counts were; 20 at Gilling on 4^th and 5^th January, 17 at Old Malton on 7^th, 16 at Baxton Howe Wood on 19^th and 27 at Slingsby on 20^th. 24 at Howe Bridge on 20^th February and 15 on 27^th March, 19 at Slingsby on 30^th May and 18 at Old Malton on 3^rd June with 21 on 29th. 52 at Kirkbymoorside orchard on 31^st December.

Fieldfare
Counts from early in the year were: 100 at Bog House on 2^nd January, 170 at Howe Bridge on 7^th January, 600 between Ryton and Swinton on 12^th, 180 at Swinton on 16^th February and 150 at Howe Bridge on 27^th March. 90 at Old Malton on 19^th December. Elsewhere, parties of up to 75 birds.

Song Thrush
Recorded throughout the area usually up to three birds with the exception of Eight at Old Malton on 8^th February with five on 13^th April, seven at Slingsby on 27^th April and 30^th May, six at Helmsley on 6^th June and eight at Old Malton on 13^th.

Redwing
50 at Bog House on 2^nd January, 100 at Howe Bridge on 7^th January, 40 at Westgate Carr on 3^rd February when 100 at Pickering Low Mill, 40 at Gilling on 17^th and 18^th October.

Mistle Thrush
Recorded throughout the area with the first bird singing at Harland Moor on 11^th January. Post breeding counts of 40 at Sykes on 7^th August, 50 at Harland Moor on 17^th and 60 at Sykes on 23^rd. Probably relate to the same flock.

Grasshopper Warbler
One at Castle Howard on 5^th May.

Reed Warbler
One at Castle Howard on 4^th June.

Sedge Warbler
Single at Espersykes on 19^th June.

Lesser Whitethroat
Two records from Old Malton on 13^th June and 20^th August.

Common Whitethroat
First returning birds two at Slingsby on 27^th April. A series of records from Slingsby include six on 4^th May, 10 on 11^th and seven on 18^th with three on 25^th and 30^th May. Elsewhere four at Ryton-Swinton on 20^th May, five on Gillamoor road on 7^th June, two at Espersykes on 9^th, three at Old Malton on 13^th and 19^th June with two on 29th. Two at Swinton Ings on 8^th July one at Slingsby on 20^th July and the last at Old Malton on 11^th August .

Garden Warbler
Few records this year with singles at Church Houses, Gilling Park House, Old Malton, Sykes and Thornton Dale. First bird on 17^th May.

Blackcap
A winter bird at Kirkbymoorside on 20^th February. The first returning bird was at Thornton Dale on 12^th April with nine at Slingsby on the 20^th. Two at Kirkbymoorside GC on 11^th May, three at Gilling Park House on 24^th with four at Old Malton on 13^th June, one at Espersykes on 19^th and Old Malton on 29th. Last bird at Slingsby on 28^th August.

Wood Warbler
First returning bird at Gilling Park House on 4^th May with five at Yearsley on 5^th. Four at Gilling Park House on 18^th and one at Sykes on 20th and two at Gilling Park House on 24th.

Chiffchaff
First returning bird at Gilling Redcar on 25^th March and the last at Slingsby on 21^st September. Up to three birds reported from, Ellers Wood, Espersykes, Gilling area, Helmsley, Kilburn, Old Malton, Slingsby, Swinton, Sykes and Thornton Dale. Five were at Old Malton on 20^th August.

Willow Warbler
First returning bird at Thornton Dale on 16^th April with three at Sykes on 21^st. Whilst this is a widespread but declining bird there were no more than six birds reported from 13 sites except 31 at Middleton Moor on 24^th May and 10 on 28^th July and 10 at Espersykes on 20^th August..

Goldcrest
Reported from wooded areas throughout the area and has become common in urban gardens in the winter. 23 at Cropton Forest on 23^rd February, 16 at Middleton Moor on 24^th May and 13 on 28^th July.

Spotted Flycatcher
The first returning birds were two at Sykes on 10^th May where they bred successfully with four birds on 14^th June with the last on 26^th August. Singles reported from Arden Great Moor, Gilling, Harland Moor, Helmsley, Howsham, Low Woods Farm, Old Malton, Rievaulx and Thornton Dale.

Long-tailed Tit
Few large flocks this year with 12 at Sykes on 19^th January, 12 at Slingsby on 10^th January, 10 Harland Moor on 17^th August, 33 at Sykes on 23^rd and 12 at Gilling on 26^th October. 12 at Old Malton on 26^th July, 13 on 20^th August, 22 on 26^th October and 13 on 21^st December.

Marsh Tit
Reported from Ellers Wood (4), Garbett Wood, Gillamoor Road (3), Gilling Woods (2), Gilling Park House (2), Old Malton (4), Sutton Bank and Thornton Dale.

Willow Tit
Reported from Kilburn White Horse

Coal Tit
14 at Cropton Forest on 23^rd February, Six at Russell’s Wood on 9^th March and12 at Arden Great Moor on 23^rd June, otherwise in small numbers from elsewhere. A poor breeding season.

Blue Tit
Widespread throughout the area but with no counts larger than eight. For the second year in succession this species had a bad breeding season. Nest box studies found many late broods and many dead chicks. The poor spring weather and shortage of food supplies would appear to have caused this. There is also a suggestion that caterpillars and other insects, fed to their chicks, are now emerging earlier than in the past and the species has yet to adapt to this change.

Great Tit
This species did not seem to suffer the fate of the previous species as they appeared to have raised their young at least a week earlier but with noticeably smaller broods than previous years. As would be expected widespread and in no great numbers with eight the maximum count.

Nuthatch
One in Gilling Village on 20^th January, with two at Gilling Castle on 27^th, three at Thornton Dale on 11^th February with singles at Hawnby on 24^th, Kirkdale and Sykes on 6^th April and near Coneysthorpe on 3^rd May. One at Honeyholme on 23^rd December.

Treecreeper
Two reported from Garbutt Wood on 4^th January, Bog Hall on 30^th March, Old Malton on 13^th April and Kirkbymoorside on 20^th October. Elsewhere singles from Gilling, Pickering, Rievaulx and Thornton Dale.

Jay
An unobtrusive but noisy bird. Two at Garbutt Wood on 4^th January, Gilling Lakes on 10^th February when three at Gilling Castle. Three at Skes on 23^rd March and two at Gilling Castle on 20^th July. Singles reported from Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside.

Magpie
A much maligned bird. Reported from throughout the area often in ones and twos with four at Howe Bridge on 20^th February. They do occasionally flock and 17 were at Howe Bridge on 17^th March.

Jackdaw
Seems to be increasing in numbers with maximum counts of 200 at Levisham on 6^th January, 150 at Rievaulx on 12^th February with 75 at Bog House on 15^th. 100 at Ryton-Swinton on 8^th July, 150 at Sykes on 12^th November and 300 at Harland Moor on 29^th. Large numbers at Pickering and Kirkbymoorside are often associated with Rooks when leaving feeding grounds and going to roost

Rook
See above species. Largest counts of 150 at Rievaulx on 12^th February, 60 at Scackleton on 12^th May, 195 at Ryton- Swinton on 20^th and 103 at Gillamoor on 7^th June. Rookeries at Gillamoor, Helmsley cemetery, Howkeld, Kirkbymoorside, Pockley and West Ness. There are no doubt others that have not been reported.

Carrion Crow
They often gather in parties in the winter with 23 at Ryton-Swinton on 12^th January, 16 at Slingsby on 27^th, 23 at Howe Bridge on 20^th February with 20 on 27^th March with 16 at Slingsby on 26^th April. 18 at Slingsby on 28^th August and 21^st September with 38 on 19^th October. Up to 20 reported from elsewhere.

Starling
Whilst small flocks are reported throughout the area the only large parties were; 100 at Westgate Carr on 3^rd February, 135 at Howe Bridge on 27^th March, 120 at Gillamoor on 21^st September and 200 at Bog House on 25^th December.

House Sparrow
The number of records received would indicate poor numbers and distribution for this species but I am sure that they are under recorded. Flocks of up to nine recorded with 32 at Bog House on 15^th February, 13 at Scackleton on 12^th May, 30 at Espersykes, Malton on 20^th August and 15 at Slingsby on 28^th.

Tree Sparrow
It is good to see more records than usual from throughout the area but it appears to be nowhere abundant with the maximum count of no more than nine birds.

Chaffinch
Our most commonest finch but alas there are no large flocks reported this year. The only double figure counts were at Cropton (26), Espersykes (15), Gilling (30), Middleton Moor (19), Scackleton (13), Slingsby (13), Sykes (20) and Ryton-Swinton (17).

Brambling
A poor year with the only records of singles at Pickering on 5^th January and Sykes on 31^st November and 23^rd December.

Greenfinch
Small parties reported but only flock counts were 45 at Low Park on 5^th January, 26 in Cropton Forest on 23^rd February and 19 at Slingsby on 21^st September.

Goldfinch
Only double figure flocks were: 20 at Gilling on 8^th February with post breeding flocks of 27 at Espersykes on 20^th August, 35 at Slingsby on 28^th and 25 at Old Malton on 24^th September. 13 at Slingsby on 19^th October.

Siskin
Doesn’t appear to be as common as in recent years. Largest counts of 10 at Pickering on 20^th January, 24 in Cropton Forest on 23^rd February, 18 at Hawnby on 24^th, 15 at Gilling on 30^th March and 20 at Sykes on 29^th August.

Linnet
60 at Slingsby on 28^th August and 100 at Boonhill on 23^rd December were the only counts of note although I am sure that it is under-recorded.

Lesser Redpoll
Only reports from Sykes with four on 7^th August, birds flying over on 9^th October and five on 26^th November.

Common Crossbill
From Sykes birds overhead in April and May, six on 1^st July, seven on 26^th, five on 7^th August, six on 1^st September, four on 12^th and three on 9^th October. Elsewhere; seven in Cropton Forest on 23^rd February, 25 between Carlton Grange and Cowhouse Bank on 6^th June,15 at Middleton Moor on 28^th July and one at Old Malton on 20^th August.

Bullfinch
As usual seen in pairs or smaller family parties. The species is now well spread in the area. Ten at Gilling Castle on 8^th February and eight at Bog Hall on 9^th March and Old malton on 29^th September.

Snow Bunting
A rare winter visitor. One at Shaw Rigg on 4^th November.

Yellowhammer
Sadly large flocks are no longer found with the largest being 20 at Slingsby and Espersykes.

Reed Bunting
Most records came from along the Rivers Derwent and Rye with a maximum of 11 at Howe Bridge on 22^nd March. Two at Castle Howard on 3^rd April and four on 5^th two on 4th June and 27^th October . Also reported from Baxton Howe Wood, Slingsby, Sykes and Wombleton.

Corn Bunting
A single bird near Espersykes on 19^th June.

Many thanks to the following for their records. Most of them have come from the Birdtrack system which enables us to receive records from people who are not members or live outside the area. Apologies for any missed.

H. Atkinson, B. Bishop, A. Boize, P. Bone, R. Borwick, D. Bowker, M. Carroll, P. Cogan S. Conyers, N. Cooper, B. Coursey, D. Crawford, T. Denney, J. Ferguson, A. Forsyth, E. Gathercole M. Greenland, A. Grayson, B. Guest, R. Hoskins, D. Howlett, A. Hudson, K.S. Hutchinson, D. Kelday M. Kirkby, A. MacNicoll, R. Mumford, F.A.E. Murray, S. Neal, A. Neville Smith, R.T. Osbourne, S. Pedley J. Pewtress, L. Price, P. Reid, G.M. Short, G.M. Smith, A. Snape, M.J. Thompson, D. Watkins.

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