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Cormorant
Reported from along the River Rye/Derwent in the Malton area in the early and late months with a max of six 30th September. Four at Castle Howard on 11th January and 44 on 17th May.

Little Egret
One at Pickering Cress Beds on 14th January, two on 28th and 14th February with one on 15th.
Two again on 26th October.

Grey Heron
Up to two were regularly reported from suitable habitat and birds flying over. Five at Ellerburn on 11th January, six at Castle Howard Lake on 17th May, with 23 at Ellerburn on 24th October and 14 on 26th December. No reports of breeding numbers at Ellerburn, Sproxton or Sleightholmedale.

Whooper Swan
Eight at Coxwold on 25th February.

Mute Swan
The only counts of note were 43 at Castle Howard on 11th January and 26 on 17th May. As well as three pairs breeding there is a flock of non-breeding birds present, the number increasing in the winter months.

Taiga Bean Goose
22 at Coxwold from 16th to 23rd February.

Pink-footed Goose
One at Coxwold from 16th to 23rd February associating with Bean Geese. A late party of 150 north at Wrelton on 6th May with 30 south at Gilling on 30th October. 12 at Low Marishes on 20th December.

Greylag Goose
Eight on River Derwent on 26th January, 12 at Gilling Park House on 19th February, two at Stony Moor on 19th April, four at Snilesworth Moor on 5th May, two at Hovingham Carrs on 26th July with 70 at West Ness Hall on 29th. 20 at Low Marishes on 20th October, 50 in two skeins at Gilling on 30th, 150 at Slingsby Carr on 17th November with 184 on 19th and seven at Old Malton on 5th December.

Canada Goose
10 at Espersykes on 1st January, 63 at Castle Howard on 11th with 18 at Ryemouth on 26th. Two at Farndale Church Houses on 21st March. Three at Round Hill, Rosedale on 24th June, 18 at Old Malton on 17th September with 58 on 30th and 55 on 11th October with 200 at Low Marishes on 7th, 55 at Pickerin/Middleton area on 29th and seven at Espersykes on 18th December.

Barnacle Goose
One at West Ness Hall on 29th July, 87 near Flamingoland, breeding population, on 25th August and a single on Slingsby Carr on 19th November.

Wigeon
Only records received of 23 at Castle Howard on 11th January, 45 at Espersykes on 26th and 15 on 18th December.

Gadwall
18 at Castle Howard on 11th January and two on the River Derwent at Espersykes on 26th.

Teal
54 on the River Derwent, Old Malton on 1st January increased to 150 at Espersykes/Ryemouth on 26th. 202 at Newburgh Priory on 11th February. Eight at Low Marishes on 4th October with 20 on 7th. 15 at Espersykes on 18th December.

Mallard
As expected reported from throughout the area with maximum counts of 215 at Castle Howard on 11th January, 24 on River Rye at Old Malton and 20 at Espersykes on 26th, 15 on 9th September, 29 at Old Malton on 3rd October, 75 at Thornton Dale on 4th with 83 on 7th when 150 at Low Marishes, 23 at Old Malton on 17th December with 40 at Espersykes on 18th.

Pintail
One at Espersykes/Ryemouth on 26th January and Newburgh Priory on 11th February. Two at Low Marishes 7th October.

Garganey
Two at Newburgh Priory Lake on 3rd April.

Pochard
Three at Espersykes/Ryemouth on 26th January, one at Lake Gormire on 7th October and 10 at Low Marishes on 20th December.

Tufted Duck
50 at Castle Howard on 11th January, 12 at Espersykes/Ryemouth on 26th, seven at Nettledale on 20th June when two at Old Byland and 10 at Lake Gormire on 7th October when six at Low Marishes.

Goldeneye
One at Old Malton on 10th January with five at Castle Howard on 11th and one at Newburgh on 11th February.

Shelduck
Five at Newburgh Priory on 11th February increased to 11 on 23rd. Two at Low Marishes on 4th October.

Ruddy Duck
One at Castle Howard on 15th May.

Goosander
Bred locally with a female and seven young on River Rye, Harome fish farm, on 25th June. Four at Nunnington on 29th July and two at Lake Gormire on 7th October.

Red Kite
One at Hutton-le-Hole on 30th October.

Marsh Harrier
Six were observed passing through the recording area from 2nd to 10th August.

Hen Harrier
A female Rosedale on 5th November and Low Marishes on 18th December.

Goshawk
Singles at Harland Moor on 5th January, a female at Stony Moor on 23rd, Sykes House on 13th February with three at Cowesby on 18th March when a female at Ampleforth. Up to five territories in Cropton Forest.

Sparrowhawk
Single birds recoded throughout the area with the exception of two at Middleton on 6th and 29th November. One appeared in a Kirkbymoorside garden being only the second in 15 years.

Buzzard
This species can now be seen throughout the area both from the moorland areas and the river corridors of the Rye and Derwent. No doubt breeding occurs but no confirmed reports although a pair with two juveniles were seen at Spaunton Quarry during the latter half of the year. Two were frequently seen in the Gilling area throughout the year with three on 15th August and 3rd September. Elsewhere two at Cawton West on 7th February, Sykes/Boonhill on 2nd March, four at Ampleforth on 18th March, Ellerburn on 2nd April, Harland Moor on 25th and Sykes/Boonhill on 31st May. Two at Deer Park on 14th July. Five at Ellerburn on 8th August, eight at Newgate Bank on 10th December with two at Low Marishes on 11th and 20th. Singles reported from Coneysthorpe, Farndale, Ellers Wood, Newbridge, Sproxton, Rosedale, Lastingham and Rosedale East.

Rough-legged Buzzard
One at Ralph’s Cross on 17th November.

Osprey
One at Spiers House on 22nd April.

Kestrel
Not many reports this year and other than three at Rosedale East on 12th August all were singles from, Stony Moor, Sinnington, Bransdale, Rosedale East, Ellerburn, Middleton/Pickering, Tan Moor, Low Marishes and Espersykes.

Merlin
A single at West Bransdale on 16th February, a female at Rosedale Top on 26th March and a male and female at Stoney Rigg on 12th April. Male at Spaunton Moor on 6th November.

Hobby
Single at Gilling on 15th August.

Peregrine
One at Wrelton on 9th January, North Dale on 26th March and two at Fen Moor on 21st August. Again bred at a site in the recording area.

Red Grouse
Small numbers received from usual moorland sites with a max of four at Osmotherley Moor and Black Moor, Snilesworth on 5th May with three at Bransdale on 2nd and 14th July.

Red-legged Partridge
Reports of up to four birds from both lowland and moorland sites with 13 at Farndale Church Houses on 21st March, 15 at Farndale Low Mill on 15th May with six at Lastingham on 20th. Eight at Old Malton on 30th September, six at Slingsby Carr on 17th November, eight at Low Marishes on 18th, eight at Middleton on 8th December and 14 at Low Marishes on 20th.

Grey Partridge
20 at Low Marishes on 20th December was the only record.

Pheasant
As usual reported from throughout the area with max counts of 25 at Farndale Church Houses on 21st March, 45 at Farndale Low Mill on 15th May, 22 at Middleton on 6th November with 11 at Old Malton on 10th and 15 at Middleton on 29th. As usual there are many schemes in the area with many thousands being released. There are concerns about the impact that they have on habitat and the Society are active in seeking information about the issues.

Water Rail
Singles reported from Old Malton on 16th February and 5th December.

Moorhen
As expected seen along river systems, lakes and ponds with an 10 at Castle Howard on 11th January, 10 at Old Malton on 28th February with 11 at Espersykes on 9th September and 15 on 18th December with up to nine throughout the year along the Rivers Rye and Derwent. Pairs seen in many locations and a pair bred at Kirkbymoorside on three occasions with three juveniles being seen in December. An adult with two young at Spaunton on 26th May and with three young on 24th August. Nine at Thornton-le-Dale on 7th October.

Coot
250 at Castle Howard on 11th January.

Oystercatcher
A pair at Hamley Hagg, Spaunton that arrived on 12th March, had a nest with two eggs on 11th May and two chicks on 29th. Two at Newburgh Priory on 18th March, One at Bog House on 5th May, two at Coneysthorpe on 17th with three at Harome on 6th June.

Golden Plover
Two at Low Marishes on 23rd February, one at Sykes/Boonhill on 4th March, four at Snilesworth Moor on 5th May when two at Black Moor, two at Sheriff’s Pit, Rosedale on 24th, Hob Crag west, Rosedale on 27th and one at Rosedale Bank Top on 7th June. 600 at Lockton Low Moor on 20th October. Adult with one chick at Chimney Bank on 19th May.

Lapwing
Two remained in Rosdeale from 1st January until mid-month. An early arrival on the moor with one at Sykes/Boonhill on 8th January. 25 at Espersykes on 26th with 40 at Low Marishes on 23rd February with 10 at Rosedale East on 26th. Returning birds at Bog House on 1st March with 60 at Yatts on 9th, three at Farndale Church Houses on 21st and Low Mill on 22nd. Numbers remained low until 27 at Low Mill on 15th May, 20 at Cawthorne on 30th June with 12 at Pickering on 29th November. Eight pairs at Fylingdales.

Snipe
Two at Espersykes on 1st January, Old Malton on 23rd, Fylingdales on 12th, Farndale on 13th April and Low Mill on 15th May with one ‘ drumming’ at Rosedale East on 22nd. Two at Rosedale East on 12th and 15th November. 15 at Espersykes on 18th December.

Woodcock
One at Hartoft on 2nd January, three at Boonhill/Sykes on 8th with at least one present from 7th to 10th. Singles at Lodgefield on 31st, Costa Hatchery, Pickering on 14th February and Farndale on 13th April. Gilling Castle on 6th May, Rosedale East on 17th, Sykes/Boonhill on 19th, two at Rosedale East on 21st and single there on 12th August. Only late winter record from Rosedale East on 13th November and Low Marishes on 11th December.

Whimbrel
A rare visitor with one calling over Sykes on 13th August and two at Fen Moor on 5th September.

Curlew
One winter record of a single at Espersykes on 26th January. Birds returned to breeding grounds in March/April with 11 at Rosedale on 11th March with two pairs at Kirkbymoorside on 2nd April. Singles reported from Farndale, Bransdale, Lodgefield, Ouse Gill, Sinnington, Snilesworth (2), Rievaulx Moor and Old Byland. No reports after 14th July.
Two fledglings at Rosedale East on 10th June.

Black-headed Gull
Whilst reported throughout the year the only counts were: 25 at Old Malton on 10th January with 75 on 23rd and 35 at Espersykes on 26th. 160 at Old Malton on 31st with 70 on 28th February. 15 at Old Malton on 3rd October with 65 on 17th December and 55 at Espersykes on 18th. 15 at Slingsby Carr on 19th November.

Common Gull
120 at Newton-upon-Rawcliffe on 23rd January when 35 at Old Malton/Espersykes and five on 28th February. Only late winter records of three on 10th November and eight on 17th December.

Lesser Black-backed Gull
Just two reports this year with one at Old Malton on 10th January and five on 17th September.

Herring Gull
Along the River Derwent at Old Malton/Espersykes two on 10th January, 13 on 10th and 10 on 23rd, one on 16th February and six on 28th. Singles on 28th August and 11th and 25th October with eight on 18th December.

Great Black-backed Gull
Five at Old Malton on 27th August and two at Espersykes on 18th November.

Fulmar
One over Baysdale on 2nd June. This would be a modern record as Fulmars have been seen at Sutton Bank in the 70’s and 80’s but no breeding occurred.

Feral Pigeon
Small numbers reported from throughout the area with the only counts of 14 at Hovingham Carrs on 24th July and 33 at Old Malton on 17th September.

Stock Dove
An under recorded bird, most records coming from River Derwent area in Malton with maximum of nine on 9th September. Other records away from here being a single at Church Houses on 21st March, Overscar on the 9th, 10th and 15th April with 10 at Marton on 10th. Singles at Farndale on 13th, Sinnington on 24th, with two at Hovingham Carrs on 26th July, Helmsley Castle on 16th September and 10 at Low Marishes on 20th December.

Wood Pigeon
As expected reported from throughout the area with max counts of: 60 at Old Malton/Espersykes on 1st January, 300 at Ellerburn on 5th January and 300 at Sykes/Boonhill on 10th when 60 at Old Malton, 70 there on 23rd with 100 at Espersykes on 26th. 340 at Old Malton on 16th February with 70 on 28th. 300 at Yatts on 9th March and 63 at Church Houses on 21st.
44 at Hovingham Carrs on 26th July, 35 at Old Malton on 27th August and 45 at Espersykes on 9th September with 50 at Old Malton on 17th increasing to 65 on 30th and 105 on 25th October. 50 at Pickering on 6th November and Old Malton on 10th, 37 at Middleton on 29th with 25 at Old Malton on 5th December.

Collared Dove
Up to four recorded from throughout the area in all months with five at Pickering on 8th December..

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

Cuckoo
The first returning bird at Sinnington on 24th April, then Round Hill, Rosedale on 26th, Gale Hill Rigg and Wardle Green, Cropton Forest on 27th and Bog House/Rudland on 29th. Harland Moor on 1st May, Boon Hill/Sykes on 6th and Harome on 26th. Gilling Castle on 3rd June, Thornton High Fields on 12th and Ousegill on 17th being the last.

Barn Owl
As usual many sightings from the lower ground area with singles seen at Lascelles Lane, Malton, Hovingham, Thormanby, Thornton-le-Dale, Wrelton, Old Malton, Brignam Park, Pickering, Thornton High Fields, West Ness, East Ness, Nunnington, Kirkbymoorside, Welburn Grange, Normanby, Low Marishes, Appleton-le-Moors, Ampleforth, Welburn Grange, Castle Howard and Great Baraugh. A moorland record from Bog House/Rudland. Due to illness and unavailability there was little done on the breeding success or otherwise of this species this year but did not breed in Ings Lane.

Little Owl
Singles at Appleton-le-Moors on 18th January, Lodgefield on 1st February and Low Marishes on 20th December.

Tawny Owl
Once again under-recorded this year with only records from Gilling, Sykes/Boonhill, Marton, Old Malton, Middleton and Thornton –le-Dale. Pair nested in the Barn Owl box in Ings Lane.

Short-eared Owl
Singles at High Blakey Moor on 21st March, East Ousegill 8th April and Thorgill Head, Rosedale on 15th.

Nightjar
One on Sykes/Boonhill on 31st May.

Swift
First returning bird at Kirkbymoorside on 27th April, six at Ampleforth on 28th several at Helmsley on 2nd May, three at Gilling on 3rd, Kirkbymoorside on 5th and Thornton-le-Dale on 6th. Most records refer to single figures with the following the only double figure counts:15 at Helmsley on 14th May, ten at Thornton-le-Dale on 5th June, 100 at Pickeirng and 20 at Sinnington on 25th July with 40 at Hovingham Carrs on 26th July and ten at Nunnington on 29th. Last were one at Kirkbymoorside on 8th August and two at Rosedale east on 9th. Three trapped in a building at Rosedale East with two rescued and one unfortunately died. Whilst these are the only counts there are many birds around the towns and villages in Ryedale and as such is much under recorded.

Kingfisher
Just five records from Old Malton (2), Nunnington and Thornton Dale (2).

Green Woodpecker
Singles at Gilling Village on 13th March, Lodgefeild on 11th April, Farndale on 13th, Sinnington on 24th, Bransdale on 2nd June and Tranmire, Lastingham on 25th July. Frequently heard in Cropton Forest, in and around of Kirkbymoorside, Pry Rigg and Newton Dale.

Great Spotted Woodpecker
26 records received from 22 sites throughout the year with four at Stony Moor on 2nd January and three on 30th October. Two at Espersykes on 9th September and Old Malton on 5th December. Adult feeding juvenile at a feeder at Rosedale East on 1st July.

Skylark
The only count was 10 at Espersykes on 9th September. Few records with just two winter records of a singles at Old Malton on 28th February and 5th December. Singles moved to the moorland areas of Stony Moor on 27th March and Bransdale on 6th April. Several on the lowland carr areas around Gilling and Hovingham in mid-July.

Sand Martin
The first returning birds were at West Ness on 3rd April, Helmsley on 4th with 200 there on 28th. 30 on River Dove, Wythes Farm on 1st May. There were 68 holes at Spaunton Quarry and 106 along R Rye at Helmsley where numbers seem to have declined unusually in early June. Several sites in other parts of England were deserted after the first broods had hatched.

Swallow
The first returning birds being five at Newburgh Priory on 2nd April, 12 at Pickering SW on 3rd, one at Bog House/Rudland and Appleton-le-Moors on 7th. Singles at Sykes/Boonhill and Coulton on 8th, Farndale East and Thornton-le-Dale on 9th, Marton on 10th, Sinnington on 24th with three at Newton-on-Rawcliffe on 27th. Up to six were reported from throughout the area but the only other counts being 30 at Kirkby Mills on 1st May and 10 at Reivaulx on 20th June. Further counts came in September with 36 at Espersykes on 9th and 35 at Old Malton on 10th. Six were at Gilling on 22nd with nine at Old Malton on 3rd October the last.

House Martin
The first returning birds were 50 at Pickering on 11th April, six at Gilling on 23rd, single at Sinnington on 24th, two at Newton-on-Rawcliffe on 27th, Scackleton on 29th and Rosedale East on 30th. As expected birds returned throughout the area in early May with feeding birds reported from the moorland areas. 12 at Thornton-le-Dale on 19th June, 10 at Nunnington on 29th July and 20 at Helmsley Castle on 16th September, the last, being the only counts.

Tree Pipit
No counts from Cropton Forest this year with the only reports of singles from Sykes/Boonhill on 6th May, Gilling Park House on 4th, 6th and 24th June and Sykes House on 3rd July.

Meadow Pipit
The only early winter record of a single at Espersykes on 1st January. Birds began moving back to the moorland with two at Church Houses on 21st March, four at Rosedale East on 22nd, one at Stony Moor on 27th. Birds in Bransdale on 6th April, Farndale on 14th, Ousegill on 17th and three at Wardle Green, Cropton on 27th. As expected reported from the moorland areas throughout July and August with small parties of up to six returning along the R Derwent corridor in early September with singles remaining in to October.

Yellow Wagtail
Two at Birdforth on 23rd July with three at the usual site in Gilling Village on 27th.

Grey Wagtail
Singles at Pickering SW on 14th January, Gilling on 20th February and Bransdale and a pair with nesting material at Low Askew on 8th April. One at Low Dalby on 9th, Farndale on 13th and Sinnington on 24th. Rosedale East on 13th May, Ellerburn on 11th June and Rievaulx on 20th. Bred at Kirkdale with adult and two young on 13th July. Two at Gilling Redcar on 14th August and single at Thornton-le-Dale on 19th December.

White Wagtail
One at Ousegill on 17th April.

Pied Wagtail
A common bird in all areas but only counts were: 48 at Pickering SW on 14th January, ten at Old Malton on 31st, three at Rosedale East on 16th March, 14 at Pickering SW on 3rd April, eight at Gilling on 14th August, 20 at Rosedale East on 30th and nine at Pickering on 6th November.

Waxwing
A single at Old Malton on 8th January and five at Pickering on 11th February were the only early year record. Birds began to appear in October as many moved through northern England. Two at Ampleforth on 6th October, 37 at Pickering on 10th and 46 on 11th, 50 on 27th and 70 on 29th. Up to 40 were in the vicinity of Shaw Drive, Kirkbymoorside for many days from 30th October with maximum counts of 90 to 100 on 10th November when 120 at Yeomans Court and Russells Yard. Ten at Low Marishes on 18th November, four at Pickering on 1st December, ten at Gilling (Cawton) on 3rd, one at Oswaldkirk on 9th and one at Gilling Village on 24th.

Dipper
An increase in records this year with singles at Ellerburn, Low Dalby and Thornton-le-Dale on 9th April when two at Overscar. Singles at Farndale on 13th, Overscar on 16th and Sinnington on 24th. Two at Thornton-le-Dale on 4th June, Helmsley on 2nd July, one at Low Mill on 3rd and Thornton-le-Dale on 7th October.

Wren
As would be expected this is a widespread species throughout the area. There were 54 records received counts of up to four birds. Six were at Old Malton on 23rd January, 12 at Hovingham Carrs on 26th July, nine at Old Malton on 27th August, 11 on 17th September, nine on 30th and 10 on 11th October.

Dunnock
A widespread species throughout the area with 52 records received of up to three birds. Max counts of four at Marton on 10th April, five at Pickering on 29th November, four on 6th December and Espersykes on 18th.

Robin
As with the above a widespread species throughout the area with 65 records received of up to four birds. Max counts of seven at Church Houses on 21st March, six at Ellerburn on 6th June, seven at Old Malton on 27th August, nine at Espersykes on 9th September with six at Old Malton on 17th, 11 on 30th and 11th October with 10 on 25th and eight on 10th November. One carrying nesting material in Ings Lane on 2nd April.

Redstart
The first returning bird at Boonhill/Sykes on 11th April, same as last year. Singles at Gate Hill Rigg, Cropton on 27th, pair on 9th May at Rosedale East, single at Gilling Woods on 14th May, again same as last year, Gilling Park on 21st and 6th June with two at Old Byland on 20th and Low Mill on 3rd July. Three juveniles at Rosedale East on 12th August. Seven young ringed at Ashberry.

Whinchat
First back at Harland Moor on 19th May with two in Bransdale on 22nd and 23rd May, one at Ousegill on 24th, 2nd June and 2nd July with three on 14th. Three on Goathland Moor on 5th.

Stonechat
Male and female at Stoney Rigg on 12th April, singles at Bog House/Rudland on 23rd May and Round Hill, Rosedale on 24th. Male at Low Lockton Moor on 20th October.

Northern Wheatear
First record a male at Rosedale East on 22nd March, Lion Inn, on 24th, female at Rosedale East on 29th and single at Harland Moor on 8th April, when at least four pairs at Rosedale East, with two at Whorlton Moor and Black Moor on 5th May. One at Bransdale on 22nd, Sheriff’s Pit on 27th and Sturdy Bank on 21st June. Pair with four fledglings at Rosdeale East on 25th May.

Ring Ouzel
See Ring Ouzel Report for 2010 (K.S. Hutchinson and V. Fairbrother) on Ryenats website www.ryenats.org.uk. One at Baysdale on 3rd June.

Blackbird
Widespread breeding bird with maximum counts: 30 at Ellerburn on 5th January, 12 at Gilling Castle on 16th, 20 at Old Malton and 10 at Stony Moor on 23rd and 15 at Espersykes on 26th. 15 at Old Malton on 10th, 25 on 5th December, 10 on 17th with 15 at Espersykes on 18th and 10 at Gilling Village on 19th and 24th.

Fieldfare
Largest recorded flocks were; 20 at Rosedale on 3rd January, 50 at Bog House/Rudland on 20th, 230 at Espersykes on 26th, 20 at Low Marishes on 23rd February, 100 at Stony Moor on 6th March with the last reported from Bransdale on 8th April. First winter arrivals with 20 at Stony Moor and 60 at Lockton Low Moor on 20th October and 48 at Middleton on 26th. 130 at Low Marishes on 18th November.

Song Thrush
Recorded throughout the area usually up to three birds with seven at Old Malton on 11th October.

Redwing
Just four records in the early part of the year with 10 at Espersykes on 26th January and the last on 22nd April at Boonhill/Sykes. First returning birds at Old Malton with five on 11th October, 27 at Pickering on 29th, eight at Gilling on 30th, 15 at Old Malton on 10th November and 10 at Espersykes on 18th December.

Mistle Thrush
Counts of eight in Bransdale on 2nd July, a post breeding flock of 30 at Hartoft on 5th August and five at Middleton on 29th November. Otherwise widespread throughout the area however only 15 records received..

Reed Warbler
Two at Castle Howard on 17th May.

Whitethroat
First returning bird at Thornton High Fields on 29th April then Low Edstone on 2nd May with two at Scagglethorpe on 18th. Singles at Thornton High Fields on 9th June, Ellerburn on 11th and Old Byland on 20th. One at Deer Park on 14th July with two at Hovingham Carrs on 26th, one at Old Malton on 27th August and four at Espersykes on 9th September being the last.

Garden Warbler
First returning bird at Thornton-le-Dale on 20th April then a gap until at Gilling Woods on 14th May, one at Gilling Park on 21st and 6th and 23rd June, two at Ellerburn on 5th and a single at Rievaulx on 23rd.

Blackcap
One winter record of a single at Pickering on 30th November.
First migrants at Thornton-le-Dale on 13th April and Sinnington on 24th. Singles at Low Edstone on 2nd May, Rievaulx Moor on 12th, Scagglethorpe on 18th and Gilling House on 21st. Two at Ellerburn on 5th June, singles at Nettledale, Rievaulx and Old Byland on 20th, Gilling Park on 23rd, Farndale Low Mill on 3rd July, Hovingham Carrs on 26th and Helmsley Castle on 16th September.

Wood Warbler
All records from the Gilling area with the first at Gilling Woods on 30th April and singles at Gilling Park on 1st, 14th and 21st May, two on 4th June with the last on 26th.

Chiffchaff
First returning bird at Gawtersyke Lane on 21st March, with three at Ellerburn on 25th, one at Stony Moor and Stape on 27th and Sykes/Boonhill on 28th. Two at Ellerburn and one at Gilling Park on 2nd April, Marton and Pickering on 4th, four at Ellerburn on 9th. Birds became widespread with up to two at several locations with four at West Ness on 29th July. Five at Old Malton on 17th September with the last on 11th October.

Willow Warbler
First returning birds at Harland Moor on 9th April, two at Ellers Wood on 11th and Thornton-le-Dale and Fylingdales on 12th with singles at Farndale on 13th, Sinnington on 24th, three at Esp Rigg, Cropton and two at Wardle Green, Cropton on 27th with one at Rosedale East on 9th May. Ten at Rievaulx Moor on 12th and five in Bransdale on 22nd. Reported from suitable habitat through out the area with four at Oxen Dale on 20th June with the last at Gilling Redcar on 8th August.

Goldcrest
More records than usual mostly of ones and twos with four at Ellerburn on 6th February, six at Gale Hill Rigg on 27th April, three at Rievaulx Moor on 12th May with five at Ellerburn on 13th November.

Spotted Flycatcher
As usual late returning birds at Sykes on 19th May with two at Thornton-le-Dale on 12th June, singles at Cawthorne on 30th, Nunnington and West Ness on 29th July, Gilling village on 14th August with the last at Old Malton Priory on 22nd. Nest with young at Dalby Toll Booth on 20th July and also bred again at Sykes House.

Pied Flycatcher
Pair at Hawnby fledged six young.

Long-tailed Tit
Widespread in small numbers with the only counts of note: 17 at Old Malton on 23rd January, 20 at Gilling on 24th, 11 at Old Malton on 27th August, 12 at Middleton on 26th October and 6th November with 11 on 29th.

Marsh Tit
Singles at Gilling Castle/Gilling Woods on 7th, 16th and 17th January, Stony Moor on 23rd, two at Ellerburn on 6th February, one on Stony Moor on 6th and 23rd March, Ellerburn on 2nd and 9th April with two at Marton on 10th when one at Overscar also reported from Farndale and Sinnington during the month. One at Deer Park on 14th July, two on Stony Moor on 23rd October with three at Ellerburn on 13th November.

Willow Tit
Two at Stony Moor on 23rd January, two at Helmsley on 10th February and three at Ellerburn on 13th November.

Coal Tit
Recorded in most months of the year often in ones and twos however counts at Stony Moor recorded 20 on 23rd January, 10 on 19th April, 15 on 23rd October and 40 on 30th.

Blue Tit
Widespread species with up to nine recorded with the only double figure counts: 12 Stony Moor on 23rd January and at Church Houses on 21st March with 20 at Stony Moor on 19th April. 18 at Hovingham Carrs on 26th July and 10 at Old Malton on 17th and 30th September. 50 young ringed at Flamingoland and nine at Ashberry.

Great Tit
Widespread with up to seven in all months. 14 at Stony Moor on 23rd January, 40 on 19th April and 11 at Hovingham Carrs on 26th July. 12 young ringed at Flamingoland, 10 at Nettledale and eight at Ashberry.

Nuthatch
One at Gilling Village on 7th February, two at Gilling Park on 12th, singles at Sykes/Boonhill on 4th March, Ellerburn on 2nd April when two at Gilling Park and Gilling Woods on 9th when one at Gilling village. Singles at Overscar on 10th, Farndale on 13th with two at Overscar on 16th and one at Sinnington on 23rd. One at Low Mill on 3rd July, Ellerburn on 13th November and two at Gilling Village on 17th December.

Treecreeper
13 records of singles from Bransdale, Gilling, Ellerburn, Farndale, Sinnington, Gilling Park, Pickering, Old Malton, Cropton and Kirkbymoorside.

Great Grey Shrike
One at Middleton Moor on 9th March, Stoney Rigg on 12th April and Stony Moor on 30th October.

Jay
Two at Gilling Woods on 17th January, Ellerburn on 6th February, Gilling Woods on 27th, four at Ellerburn on 9th April when two at Gilling village, Old Malton on 11th October, Stony Moor on 23rd, Old Malton on 10th November and Ellerburn on 13th. Elsewhere singles reported from Farndale, Sinnington, Middleton, Espersykes and Kirkbymoorside.

Magpie
17 at Espersykes/Ryemouth on 26th January, eight at Rosedale east on 24th March and 11 at Middleton/Pickering on 6th November were the only counts of note. As in previous years most sightings came from the River Derwent corridor plus up two at Ellerburn, Stony Moor, Marton, Overscar, Sinnington, Scagglethorpe and Kirkbymoorside.

Jackdaw
After the large counts of last year disappointing that whilst double figure counts increased slightly there was no mention of the parties of corvids passing over Pickering and Kirkbymoorside this year. Double figure counts were: 100 at Ellerburn on 5th January and 40 at Espersykes on 26th and ten at Old Malton on 31st. 17 at Low Mill on 15th May, 12 at Hovingham Carrs on 26th July and 11 at Old Malton on 27th August. 30 at Helmsley Castle on 16th September with 10 at Old Malton on 30th and 11 on 11th October with ten on 25th. 11 at Pickering on 8th December with 10 at Old Malton on 17th and Espersykes on 18th.

Rook
40 at Old Malton/Espersykes on 1st January with 75 on 26th, 300 at Ellerburn on 5th. 30 at Marton on 10th April and 45 at Scagglethorpe on 18th May. 150 at Espersykes on 9th September and 120 at Helmsley Castle on 16th, 40 at Old Malton on 30th with 50 on 25th October. 60 at Pickering on 6th November, 85 at Old Malton on 10th and an impressive 1200 at Lockton on 11th. 70 at Pickering on 8th December and 40 at Old Malton/Espersykes on 17th and 18th. 54 at Low Marishes on 11th December were feasting on Pumpkin

Carrion Crow
Usually seen in single figures throughout the area with the exceptions of: 10 at Espersykes on 9th September, Helmsley Castle on 16th, 30 at Pickering/Middleton on 6th November with 13 on 29th and 10 at Old Malton on 5th December.
A bird considered to be a Carrion Crow/Hooded Crow hybrid was at Stony Moor on 6th March and 23rd October.

Raven
Two at North Rosedale on 24th, 25th and 26th March, two at Ellerburn on 1st May, could possibly be the same, and Spaunton Moor on 5th December.

Starling
120 at Lascelles Lane on 24th February and 400 at Stony Moor on 6th March were the only counts of note. Small parties of up to 50 throughout the area.

House Sparrow
Still recorded throughout the area with up to eight birds. Maximum counts of 10 at Sykes/Boonhill on 22nd January, Marton on 10th April, Newton-on-Rawcliffe on 27th and Low Mill on 15th May. 15 at Helmsley Castle on 16th September, 12 at Slingsby on 18th November and 17 at Middleton on 29th.

Tree Sparrow
Reported from throughout the area this year from both upland and lowland sites. Parties of up to eight recorded with maximum counts of 10 at Stony Moor on 6th March, 15 at Thornton-le-Dale on 23rd, 20 at Marton on 10th April and 10 at Stony Moor on 19th with 30 at Espersykes on 9th September. 50 at Low Marishes on 25th October.

Chaffinch
Whilst widely recorded the only double figure counts were; 20 at Sykes/Boonhill on 22nd January, 30 at Stony Moor on 23rd, 10 at Old Malton on 28th February, 14 at Church Houses on 21st March, 25 at Marton on 10th April with 60 at Stony Moor on 19th. 11 at Old Malton on 30th September, 20 at Stony Moor on 30th October, 25 at Pickering/Middleton on 6th November and 30 at Ellerburn on 13th.

Brambling
A poor winter again for this species with six at Gilling Woods on 16th January, one at Sykes on 22nd January, three at Ampleforth on 11th February, six at Gilling Castle on 12th and four at Gilling Woods on 7th March with one at Ellerburn on 8th. Two at Marton on 5th April with one at Sykes on 25th. Two at Ellerburn on 13th November.

Greenfinch
A common species but a poor showing with no records over eight birds. Where have all the large flocks gone? A bird carrying nesting material at Ings Lane on 2nd April and an adult and juvenile at Rievaulx on 20th June.

Goldfinch
30 at Ellerburn on 5th January, nine at Rosedale East on 7th, ten at Harland Moor on 18th and Espersykes on 26th only counts in early part of the year. 11 at Old Malton on 11th October, 42 at Middleton/Pickering on 6th November with 17 there on 29th and 12 on 8th December.

Siskin
Glad to say numbers were reasonably good this year after the poor showing last year. 40 at Gilling Woods on 17th January with 20 at Old Malton and 60 at Stony Moor on 23rd, 15 at Gilling Woods on 27th February increasing to 100 on 6th March reducing to 20 on 7th, 70 at Ellerburn on 8th with 10 on 2nd April and 20 on 9th. 10 at Stony Moor on 19th and 35 at Wardle Moor, Cropton on 27th. 20 at Gilling on 12th August, 30 at Stony Moor on 23rd October and 50 at Ellerburn on 13th November.

Linnet
Poor showing this year with 13 records of up to nine birds.

Lesser Redpoll
Recorded from Ellerburn with six on 5th January, four on 8th March, two on 2nd April and 10 on 9th. Four at Pickering on 8th January.

Common Crossbill
Four on Stony Moor on 2nd January, 25 at Ellerburn on 6th February, singing male at East Moors on 2nd March, 10 at Stony Moor on 6th when six at Gilling Woods with seven on 4th April, one at Ellerburn on 9th, 15 at Gale Hill Rigg on 27th when two at Wardle Green and 10 at Ellerburn on 13th November. Three singing males at Spiers House on 13th March.

Bullfinch
A common and widespread species with up to six reported throughout the year. Small parties are often encountered however as last year counts came from Old Malton with 13 on 28th August with 11 on 17th September, 12 on 30th and 12 on 10th October. 10 at Helmsley on 10th February. Reported in gardens at Kirkbymoorside and Beadlam for the first time.

Yellowhammer
Alas few flocks of note these days. 40 at Ellerburn on 11th January, 10 at Espersykes on 9th September with five at Hovingham Carrs the next highest count. Birds had returned to breeding sites by early April when singing and chasing was noted.

Reed Bunting
After an optimistic 2009 no flocks were noted with a maximum of three from Old Malton on 23rd and 31st January, 28th February, 9th September and again on 30th. Pair in Ings Lane on 14th March.

Contributors with apologies for those missed out.
IA Ashwoth, H. Atkinson, YGL Bennett, DW Bodley, BJ Boize, P Bone, C Brooks, MJ Carroll, RW Coursey, T Denney, GE Dobbs, MJ Earle, J Farmer, E Fell, JH Fife, E Gathercole, J Grant, MJ Harrison, S Helm, S Hunter, KS Hutchinson, MS Kirby, NJ Moran, FAE Murray, A Musgrove, IP Nicholson, KN Nock, J Pewtress, J Pomroy, TMJ Quantrill, P Rawnsley, G Short, A Smith, GM Smith. IM Steenbergen, R Sutherland, M Tierney, L Wardell, DR Watkins, PN Webster, H Wheatley, P Williamson

© Jim Pewtress & Ryedale Natural History Society 2011

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