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Note: Most records referring to Old Malton are along the River Derwent to the A64 and return.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Six on flood water at Skelton Wath Farm on 31st January when two at Ryemouth, two at Old Malton on 7th February with 11 on floods at Espersykes on 16th, Three at Newburgh Priory on 23rd, one on 21st April and two on 18th May.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

Four flew NW over Starfitt Farm, Kirkbymoorside on 9th March and 17 at Old Malton FC on 26th October.

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Large flock north at Sykes on 10th February and 50 south at Gilling on 16th November.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Few sightings reported with nine in Farndale on 7th April, ten at Newburgh Priory on 21st with seven at Espersykes on 16th November. Up to three reported from elsewhere.

Canada Goose Branta Canadensis

Ten at Hawnby on 9th April, 75 at Priorpot Lane, Norton on 21st October with 25 on 24th, Up to eight reported from elsewhere.

[Barnacle Goose] Branta leucopsis

The usual summer flock was at Flamingoland with 50 on 17th July and 80 on 7th August. Poor breeding season with only two juveniles.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

One at Low Marishes on 31st January, two on floods at Old Malton on 7th and 13th February with four at Newburgh Priory on 1st March, two on 21st April and one on 18th May and 2nd November.

[Muscovy Duck] Cairina moschata

Two in Farndale on 7th April.

Wigeon Anas penelope

260 on floods at Skelton Wath Farm on 31st January when 20 at Ryemouth.

Teal Anas crecca

Ten at Skelwith Wath Farm on 31st January when 50 on floods at Ryemouth, four in Duncombe Park on 19th March and 17 at Ryemouth-Espersykes on 16th November and 12 at Newburgh Priory on 19th December.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

40 on floods at Ryemouth on 31st January, ten at Espersykes on 16th February, 120 at Newburgh Priory on 21st April with 27 on 18th May and ten at Old Malton on 21st, 35 at Newburgh Priory on 19th December. Female sitting on 12 eggs in Rosedale on 2nd April.

Pintail Anas acuta

Three males at Skelton Wath Farm on 31st January.

Garganey Anas querquedula

Male at Newburgh Priory on 21st April.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Few reports with single figures from Ryemouth and Newburgh Priory.

Goosander Mergus merganser

Nine incl one male at Gilling Lakes on 3rd February with three redheads on 13th March with a pair in Duncombe Park on 19th. Two probably juveniles at Ryemouth on 8th August and two males and six red-heads at Gilling bottom lake on 12th December.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Birds are released in the area for shooting so it is not unusual to see in excess of 60 birds at various sites.

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus

Single figure numbers are reported from the North Yorks Moors throughout the year with double figure counts of 15 at Bransdale on 6th August and 20 at Black Hambleton on 19th,

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Two at Ryemouth on 31st January. Pair in garden at Rosedale on 11th March seen regularly. Three pairs at Spaunton on 26th March.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus As always many released by the shooting syndicates.

[Reeves’s Pheasant] Syrmaticus reevesii

First record of this attractive pheasant. One reported in Lower Farndale on 7th April.

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Two at Salton on 5th January, six flying east at Kirkbymoorside on 28th, five flew east at West Ness on 23rd April with two at Old Malton on 22nd October and 13th November. Two at Pickering on 7th December.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Two at the usual site in Pickering on 7th December with one remaining to year end.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Up to three at Old Malton on various dates between 16th February and 16th November, two at Howkeld on 3rd July and a juvenile at a new pond south of Kirkbymoorside on 23rd October. 10 at Pickering on 7th December. 15 at Ellerburn on 28th December. Estimated 34 pairs bred at Sproxton. There were 15 nests in Sleightholmedale in 2006 but after a gradual decline there were none in 2014.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

One at Gilling Lower Lake on 14th March and two at Nettledale on 4th June.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

One over Sykes on 26th May, Marton on 3rd July and Pickering on 19th August

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

A well watched bird at Elleron Lake on 9th March and one in Farndale on 7th April.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Reported from throughout the area.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Single hovering at Ousegill, Bransdale on 6th May.

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Two at Oswaldkirk on 21st January and 15th March, two at Nunnington on 11th February and five at Rievaulx Terrace on 15th, two at Hovingham Mill Wood on 2nd May, Old Malton on 3rd and 8th August with four at Black Hambleton on 19th. Seven soaring over Spaunton Quarry on 23rd August and four at Old Malton on 16th November. There were numerous reports of single birds throughout the area however only hearsay of breeding at Appleton Common area and Gilamoor and Kirkbymoorside.

Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagapus

A good year with up to three reported in Bransdale from 26th October to 2nd November.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

One south at Kirkbymoorside on 25th September. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Common species usually of single birds, occasionally two. Bred Rosedale East with four downy juveniles on 3rd June with nest empty by 10th,

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Single Roulston Scar, Suton Bank on 18th January, Kirkbymoorside on 1st February, Rosedale on 3rd, High North Holme Farm, Salton on 5th, one at Blakey Ridge on 18th April, Shunner Howe 13th May, Black Hambleton on 19th August and Old Malton on 16th November. Pair once again bred at Sutton Bank but only one chick hatched to fledging despite laying four eggs. Adults were seen again on 30th November.

Hobby Falco Subbuteo

Single in Bransdale on 7th August.

Merlin Falco columbarius

Just a single bird this year on Rudland Rigg on 29th October.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Single at Flamingoland on several dates in December.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

A common bird throughout the area. Only counts; two at Espersykes on 16th February, 14 at Newburgh Priory on 1st March and four on 18th May with five at Espersykes-Ryemouth on 16th November. Pair bred as usual ay Kirkbymoorside with just one brood of two chicks also bred at Spaunton with the first egg laid 10th April with complete clutch of three by 13th, Three chicks seen in nest on 8th May.

Coot Fulica atrica

Six at Newburgh Priory on 1st March and four on 18th May otherwise few other reports.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Recorded from Old Malton area with two on 3rd and 9th March, 16th April, 14th May with one on 21st, Pair at Appleton-le-Moors on 22nd March and four at R. Rye, Helmsley on 21st April. At Appleton-le-Moors on 8th May bird sat on nest containing 3 eggs with second adult in vicinity. On 2nd June at 1115am one egg crack nibbled about one inch and by 1530 slightly longer and second egg with small hole. On 3rd June at 0715 both cracks a bit longer and at 1645 one chick hatched. On 4th Jun second chick hatched at nest and first chick was about 12 inches from nest the third egg did not hatch. An agitated pair were flushed in Rosedale on 15th May.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Eighteen at Espersykes on 16th February and 200 at Espersykes-Ryemouth on 16th November. Scattering of other records from Blakey Ridge and Bransdale with six on 6th August which included a large chick. Single in Rosedale on 18th March with two on 4th April and nine at Srindle Thorn, Spaunton on 1st May. 20 at Spaunton on 31st December. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 90 at Ryemouth on 31st January, 30 in Rosedale on 10th February, 105 at Espersykes on 16th, 65 at Old Malton on 5th August with 45 on 15th and 95 at Old Malton Moor on 22nd September. 200 at Sutton Bank Gliding Club on 28th, 45 at Old Malton Moor on 9th October with 18 on 9th, 75 at Old Malton on 24th and 40 at Espersykes-Ryemouth on 16th November. A nest in stubble at Appleton-le-Moors was protected during ploughing. Similarly a bird sat in a winter wheat field at Kirkbymoorside for a long period of time until you could barely see her head above the growing wheat. The outcome was unknown.

Curlew Numenius arquata

More records than normal this year with birds back on the moors in late February but only counts of four at Farndale on 7th April, eight at Bonfield Ghyll, Bransdale on 14th June. On lower areas reported from Hovingham Mill Wood, Newburgh Priory, Old Malton and Kirkbymoorside where two pairs bred in usual area with two and one chick respectively..

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Two north over Shunner Howe on 16th May.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Single bird at Espersykes on 8th August.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

One at Ryemouth and at Espersykes on 8th August with one at Priorpot Lane, Norton on 31st,

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Rare record from the area with one at Kirkbymoorside on 15th August. Bird calling over the playing field at dusk.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

One at Birch Wood, Bilsdale on 15th February. Nine flushed from rough pasture and moorland on a 2 mile walk in Rosedale on 6th March, one at Sutton Bank on 14th June and Spiers House, Cropton on 3rd July. Remarkably one flew up the main street in Kirkbymoorside, approx. 8 feet above the road at 10.30am on 9th November. Three flushed at Appleton Mill on 13th December.

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Single birds at Ryemouth on 31st January, singles flushed from Rosedale and Shunner Howe on 26th April, Rosedale East on 30th and 5th May, single at Blakey Ridge on 28th with five at Bonfield Ghyll on 14th June, two at Hartoft on 31st July, one at High Askew on 26th August and one at Espersykes- Ryemouth on 16th November, Old Malton on 7th December when two at Pickering..

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus

60 at Old Malton on 29th January, 120 on 7th February, 45 on 13th and 200 on floods on 19th with 40 on 16th November. 80 at Newburgh Priory on 1st March. Up to 60 in the early and late part of the year at Flamingoland. 45 at Newburgh Priory on 19th December.

Common Gull Larus canus

40 at Ryemouth on 31st February, 50 at Newburgh Priory on 1st March with 80 at Espersykes on 16th November.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Just three records of singles from Cropton Bank Woods, Old Malton and Newburgh Priory.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Up to two reported from Old Malton from 29th January to 22nd June with five on 30th, six on 8th August and 22nd October. Two on 24th November and eight on 7th December. Up to two reported from Farndale, Cropton Bank Woods, Priorpot Lane, Norton, Bransdale, Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale.

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

An adult on Kirkbymoorside playing field on 27th March.

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Reported from throughout the area with parties of 10 at Ryemouth on 31st January, 15 at Rosedale East on 3rd February with 10 on 3rd and 16 at Old Malton on 13th, 40 at Old Malton on 30th June, 16 on 21st July, 35 on 15th August, 18 on 2nd October and 14 on 22nd, 25 on 24th November and 16 on 7th December.

Stock Dove Columba oenas

Up to seven reported from throughout the area with party of ten at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 3rd February. Bred in nest boxes at Flamingoland.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

As expected seen throughout the area and often in large flocks but few actual counts. 300 at Kirkbymoorside on 2nd January, 150 at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 5th, 90 at Old Malton on 6th April, with 75 on 2nd October, 160 on 22nd and 150 on 31st with 100 on 13th November.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Up to five reported from throughout the area.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

Single reported from Ampleforth on 26th April. Up to two birds reported at Sutton Bank from 28th May to 9th July. Elsewhere one a Gilling Castle on 27th, two at Muffles Rigg, Cropton on 28th when one at Sutherland Lodge and Spiers House.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

First reported from Sykes on 18th April then Rosedale on 24th April several weeks before the next when three at Hole of Horcum on 11th May quickly followed by singles at Rosedale on 16th, Hawnby on 18th and Cropton Forest on 19th. Four were watched and filmed at Newgate Bank on 21st, Singles reported from Saltergate, Bonfield Ghyll, Thornton-le-Dale and Black Hambleton.

Barn Owl Tyto alba

Single at Nunnington on 10th January and Sinnington on 30th June with one at Sykes on 27th October were the only records despite countless verbal reports.

Little Owl Athene noctua

One at Harome on 24th and 27th January and at Butterwick on 5th April.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Singles reported from throughout the area with two at Spiers House on 3rd July.

Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

One calling at Sykes on 8th June. It would seem the felling of plantations at Sutton Bank is proving beneficial with two on 14th June and one on 15th August. Present in Cropton at Spiers House on 14th June and three on 3rd July. One churring at Spaunton Moor on 3rd August and an adult and two juveniles at High Askew on 26th . Four nests were found by bracken sprayers at Hartoft.

Swift Apus apus

First birds reported were three at Priorpot Lane, Norton and a single at Kirkbymoorside on 6th May where ten were present on 7th with two at Pickering. Ten at Helmsley on 9th, Thornton-le-Dale on 11th, 12 at Priorport Lane on 13th and 13 at Old Malton on 14th, 35 at Old Malton on 21st July and Priorpoint Lane on 5th August. Seemed to be a good breeding season with 60 at Slingsby on 30th July and 100 at Kirkbymoorside on 1st August with two on 10th when four at Priorport Lane, 20 at Kirkbymoorside on 14th and 15th, one on 28th and at Pickering on 5th September.

Hoopoe Upupa epops

Single bird seen briefly on telegraph pole at Ampleforth on 27th April. Possibly the same at Ugthorpe, Castleton on 30th,

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Singles reported from Rosedale Abbey,Old Malton, Nawton/Beadlam, Pickering, and Priorport Lane, Norton. Bird ringed at Flamingoland on 7th August. Two at Shaken Bridge, Hawnby on 4th April

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Singles at Lascelles Lane,Old Malton on 27th February, Duncombe Park on 5th March, Stordom Wood, Hawnby on 10th, Rosedale on 24th, Farndale on 30th, Hawnby on 18th May and Sutton Bank on 6th June. Juvenile with two adults at Rosedale East on 30th June. Singles in Bransdale on 8th and Rosedale on 20th November

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Up to two reported from throughout the area.

Lesser-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor

Family party at feeders in early summer and individual seen at same site in Rosedale in December.

Magpie Pica pica

Most records come from Old Malton throughout the year with up to nine birds.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Reported from Duncombe Park (3), Gilling Park, Farndale, Cropton Bank Woods, Rievaulx and Old Malton (2), Low Park (3) and Pickering (2). Four in territorial dispute in Kirkdale on 5th April.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Present throughout the area with small parties of up to 14. 40 at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 3rd February. The autumn flocks of 300-400 morning and evening over Kirkbymoorside continued from end of August to mid-September.

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Reported from throughout the area with only notable counts of 100 at Old Malton on 29th January, 75 at Sparrow Hall, Salton 3rd February with 45 at Old Malton on 15th August with 150 at Low Park, Kirkbymoorside on 29th, 60 at Old Malton on 24th November and 65 on 7th December. Rookeries: Welburn, Kirkbymoorside 51 – Cartoft, Keldholme 23 – Rievaulx Terrace 41 – Nunnington 15.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Whilst reported from throughout the area the only counts were; Ten at Ryemouth on 31st January, six at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 3rd February,17 at Old Malton on 19th, seven in Farndale on 7th April, six at Hutton-le-Hole on 18th May, 12 at Old Malton on 25th August and 30 at Espersykes on 16th November.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Reported from woodland along the southern boundary of the North Yorks Moors, Gilling and Old Malton with the largest count of five at Old Malton on 22nd October.

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

As expected parties of five birds reported from throughout the area with 20 at Kirkbymoorside on 14th January and 25 on 25th, eight at Rosedale East on 3rd February, nine at Old Malton on 22nd June, eight on 7th July, 18 at Espersykes on 8th August, 15 at Old Malton on 15th and eight on 22nd October and 7th December.

Great Tit Parus major

Parties of up to 6 recorded throughout the area. Ten at Kirkbymoorside on 14th and 25th January and 12 at Gilling Castle on 7th December.

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Twenty present at Sutton Bank Centre on 4th January otherwise up to four reported from elsewhere. Willow Tit Poecile montana

Not usually recoded in the area but over several years reported from Bransdale however grid

reference refers to Helmsley. Four at Sutton Bank Centre on 4th January and singles at Helmsley Castle on 1st February, Hawnby on 10th March, Hutton-le-Hole on 7th April, Pickering on 7th May, Helmsley on 23rd June and Sutton Bank on 13th September and 2nd November.

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris

Single birds recorded throughout the area with three at Kirkbymoorside on 14th January, two at Old Malton on 7th and 19th February, three in Duncombe Park on 25th, two at Gilling Castle on 11th May and two at Old Malton on 2nd October.

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Up to four reported from Moor House-Bransdale, Espersykes, Old Malton, Thornton-le-Dale, Bonfield Ghyll-Bransdale, Hagg Lane-Kirkbymoorside and Rosedale. No reports from the agricultural areas to the south.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

50 at breeding colony on R.Rye, Helmsley on 21st April, ten at Pickering on 7th May and two at Old Malton on 8th August were the only records received. Worryingly the colony in Spaunton Quarry was deserted this year with no sightings of birds on regular visitis.

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Fist returning bird at Kirkbymoorside on 8th April with possibly same roosting overnight in local outbuilding. Singles at Helmsley on 11th, Sykes on 13th, Gilling on 14th, Newton Dale on 16th and Thornton-le-Dale on 20th, Counts; six at Hutton-le-Hole on 18th May, and Priorpot Lane, Norton on 12th June, 16 at Old Malton on 22nd, 22 on 30th and 14 on 7th July with 12 on 21st, 47 at Espersykes on 8th August, ten at Old Malton on 15th and Black Hambleton on 19th, 60 at Kirkbymoorside on 17th with 75 at Priorpot Lane on 25th, 120 in West Lund Lane, Kirkbymoorside on 14th September.

House Martin Delichon urbicum

First report from Thornton-le-Dale with two on 20th April with the next being three at Priorpot Lane on 2nd May and Sinnington and Cropton on 9th, 35 at Kirkbymoorside on 17th August, 50 at Thornton-le-Dale on 11th, 160 at Gilling on 16th, 150 at Priorpot Lane on 14th September, 25 on 23rd with six on 26th the last.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Eleven at Marton on 1st January, 20 at Appleton Mill on 13th, nine at Ryemouth on 31st, Birch Wood, Bilsdale on 15th February and Old Malton on 19th . To adults feeding six juveniles at Black Plantation on 11th May, seven at Old Malton on 11th June, eight at Bonfield Ghyll on 14th June, ten at Reeking Gill, Rosedale on 24th August, nine at Priorpot Lane on 13th November and seven at Old Malton on 22nd October. Up to six reported from elsewhere.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

First bird at Gilling on 14th March followed by one at Rievaulx and Kirkbymoorside on 15th, two at Thornton-le-Dale on 23rd when two at Kirkby Mills, one at Priorpot Lane on 24th and Farndale and Lowna on 30th, Four were present at Kirkdale on 5th April and at Old Malton on 6th with three on 30th and six on 14th May. Six at Sutton Bank on 5th June, five at Old Malton on 30th, four on 8th August, five on 15th and seven on 28th, Four at Rievaulx Terrace on 8th September with single late birds at Nunnington on 12th, Thornton-le-Dale on 15th, 19th and 26th, Priorpot Lane on 27th and Old Malton on 2nd October. Reports of singing birds from Kirkbymoorside, Gilling and Oswaldkirk between 1st and 6th October.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochlus

First from Old Malton on 6th April the next at Sykes on 12th, two in Rosedale on 18th with three at Old Malton on 30th, Two at Hovingham on 2nd May, Locker Low Wood on 3rd, Sinnington Wood on 9th, three at Hawnby Hill on 10th with four at Old Malton on 14th and 21st, Nine were at Sutton Bank on 5th June, seven at Old Malton on 22nd, five on 30th, four on 21st with four at Espersykes on 8th August and a single at Reeking Gill, Rosedale on 24th. Very few reported from south of the area the most being three from Hovingham Mill Wood.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

First returning birds at Priorpot Lane, Norton on 7th April, Gilling Redcar on 12th, two at Thornton-le-Dale on 13th, male and female in Manor Vale, Kirkbymoorside on 15th and a male along R.Rye, Helmsley on 21st and four at Old Malton on 30th, Three at Hovingham Mill Wood on 2nd May, Old Malton on 14th with four on 21st May and 22nd and 30th June. Last at Espersykes on 8th August.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Singles at Old Malton and Thornton-le-Dale on 30th April, two at Old Malton on 14th May with three on 21st, single in Rosedale on 29th and Gilling Park House on 22nd June.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Most records from Old Malton area with four on 30th April, eight on 14th May, seven on 21st, nine on 6th June, eight on 11th and 16th, nine on 30th and eight on 7th July thereafter up to four until 25th August. Elsewhere singles at Stape Village Hall on 10th May, Hole of Horcum on 21st and Sutton Bank on 1st and 6th June.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Two at Castle Howard Lake on 22nd April with one at Old Malton on 30th April, four on 14th May, three on 21st and one on 6th June.

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Report of Waxwings in Gilling in early December.

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

Single at High Row Myers Farm, Hartoft on 28th January. Nuthatch Sitta europaea Seems to be well established in the area, mostly single birds but with two at Sutton Bank on 12th January and three in Duncombe Park on 25th February.

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Scattered records from throughout the area usually single birds but three at Appleton Mill on 13th January, two at Gilling village on 11th May and Helmsley on 23rd June. An under recorded bird.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Records from Old Malton to A64 and return; six on 7th February, eight on 19th, four on 3rd March, five on 9th, 11 on 6th April, five on 30th, six on 14th May, ten on 21st, six on 6th and 11th June with seven on 30th and 7th July. 11 on 21st July and 25th August, six on 22nd October, eight on 31st, and six on 7th December. Elsewhere: Five in Farndale on 7th April and 14 at Black Hambleton on 19th August. Nest found on 16th May with at least four eggs had nestling on 6th June. As expected recorded from throughout the area.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Small parties of 30 at Skelton Wath Farm on 31st January when 20 at Low Marishes, 12 at Helmsley Castle on 1st February and 100 at Sparrow Hall, Skelton on 3rd. Post breeding flocks of up to 60 birds in the Kirkbymoorside area in August and September. 25 at Black Plantation on 7th December.

Dipper Cinclus cinclus

Sightings of one or two birds from usual sites at Duncombe Park, Lowna, Hawnby, Snilesworth as well as Hartoft Beck, Hole of Horcum, Keldholme and Newtondale. Fledged young were seen at Pennyholme, Sleightholmedale on 17th May. Walks over several days along a 10-11 miles stretch of the River Seven in Rosedale produced seven territories with five pairs and two singles. One nest was in the process of being built and observed over several days, however it was never occupied and no other nest was found nearby.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

First bird back at East Mines, Rosedale on 21st March with birds singing and back on territory by 2nd April. Birds in Bransdale also on 25th March, 1st, 2nd and 16th April. Single on Spaunton Moor on 18th May, Bonfield Ghyll on 14th June (an old breeding area), Blakey Ridge on 16th October and two late birds in Bransdale on 9th November. Breeding in Rosedale this year was another good one with 21 territories recorded, the second best - 23 in 2012. Productivity was below the long term average due to high levels of predation which was disappointing.

Blackbird Turdus merula

Thirty in orchard at Kirkbymoorside from 18th to 20th January, 16 at Nunnington Hall on 31st, ten in Rosedale East on 2nd February, 11 at Old Malton on 19th, ten at Pickering on 24th February, 12 at Old Malton on 6th April, 11 on 14th May, 16 on 30th, ten on 7th July and 22nd October, 13th November and 35 on 16th, 14 on 24th November and 11 on 7th December. Manor Vale, Kirkbymoorside held up to 20 birds from October to year end. Up to nine recorded elsewhere.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Ninety five at Lastingham on 2nd January, 160 at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 5th, 100 at Low Marishes and Ryemouth on 31st, 100 in Kirkbymoorside on 2nd February with 200 at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 3rd, 42 at Old Malton on 9th March with a big flock in Rudland area after muck spreading on 20th, Smaller numbers elsewhere with the last on 16th May in Rosedale. First returning birds were three at Old Malton on 22nd October, with 55 on 31st, 43 on 13th November and 75 on 16th, 12 in Manor Vale on 26th October and 18 at Old Malton on 7th December.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Glad to see more records than usual. Birds singing from 7th February with five on 19th at Old Malton. Eight feeding in a Yew Tree at Ings Lane, Kirkbymoorside on 14th and 15th November. Elsewhere up to four birds reported. Singing reported late November and early December.

Redwing Turdus iliacus

25 at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 5th January, 43 at Old Malton on 16th January, 25 at Low Marishes on 31st and 60 at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 3rd February and big flock in Rudland area after muck spreading on 20th March were the only counts in the early months. Seventeen were the first returning birds at Priorpoint Lane, Norton on 15th October. Movement through the area on 16th November with 70 at Espersykes and three parties of 100, 150 and 70 at Kirkbymoorside between 8.30am – 9.30am. 28 at Old Malton on 7th December.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Up to four reported from throughout the area with 20 along the Gillamoor Road on 26th September.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Returning birds at Sykes on 11th May, where they again nested, Rosedale on 16th, Hawnby (2) on 18th, Snilesworth on 19th and Priorpot Lane, Norton (2) on 23rd, Single birds at Old Malton on 11th June, Bonfield Ghyll on 14th, Gilling Park on 22nd and Byland Abbey on 23rd, Nest with five well grown young at Nunnington Hall on 23rd June. Nested again at Horn End, Farndale. Juvenile at Helmsley playing field on 6th July, Old Malton on 7th and adult feeding three juveniles at Hutton Common on 23rd with singles at Gilling Castle Wood on 26th,Gilling Wood on 26th and Pickering on 31st, Three at Old Malton on 3rd August, one in Bransdale on 7th and a juvenile in Kirkbymoorside garden on 8th was unsuccessfully trying to catch butterflies on the Buddleia. The last were five at Old Malton on 15th,

Robin Erithacus rubecula

As always reported from throughout the area. Old Malton counts were: eight on 7th February, 11 on 2nd October and 10 on 21st with seven on 31st and 14 on 16th November with five on 24th, Five in Farndale on 7th April. Bird sat on nest containing 6 eggs on 27th May, built in roll of masking tape in shed at Appleton-le-Moors. Hatched on 3 Jun, still in nest on 13 Jun and fledged to within shed on 14 Jun, at least 5 when nest empty.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Single bird at Locker Low Wood, Hawnby on 3rd, 18th and 19th May seen inspecting nest boxes but outcome not known. Single in old garden at Cockayne on 6th May and south Bransdale on 17th,

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Early arrivals with a male at Sykes on 11th April, Reeking Gill, Rosedale on 13th and with two males and female on 16th, Two males in Rosedale on 4th May, single at Cropton Bank Wood on 9th, Hawnby Hill on 10th, Rosedale on 16th and three at Locker Low Wood on 18th, Single in Bransdale on 8th June, three at Bonfield Ghyll on 14th, juvenile being fed at Sleightholmedale on 18th, young at Sykes on 19th and two in Helmsley on 23rd, Single at Newton Dale Halt on 30th July and two at Middleton Moor on 2nd September. Nested again at same site at Appleton Common when female sat on nest containing 6 eggs in shed roof. By 5th June nest had been abandoned still with 6 eggs. A new site reported in Rosedale.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Single at Ousegill on 28th and 30th April and 6th May when a male at Spindle Thorn, Spaunton Moor and singing male at Ousegill on 12th. Twelve at Fen Bog on 16th June with a pair feeding three young at Ousegill on 11th July.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata

Female at Spindle Thorn, Spaunton Moor on 6th May with a pair at East Moors, Bransdale on 2nd November and at Sturdy Bank, Rosedale East on 3rd,

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Two males at Rosedale East on 21st March, pair 1st April at Rosedale East, female at Shunner Howe on 26th, single at Blakey Ridge on 28th May, three Rosedale on 29th, Bransdale on 8th and 29th June. Two possible juveniles at Dale Head, Rosedale on 26th August with one on 31st and two near Ings Farm, Kirkbymoorside on 30th September. Plenty of juveniles in Rosedale in July.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Recorded throughout the area with up to five on several occasions at Old Malton.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

As usual recorded throughout the area often in small groups with the following counts; 20 at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 5th January, 15 at Ryemouth on 31st, 40 Rosedale East on 2nd February with 30 on 3rd when 20 at Sparrow Hall, Salton, ten in Farndale on 7th April and Old Malton on 30th June.

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

25 at Marton on 1st January, 20 near Pickering on 14th, 15 roosting at Low Park, Kirkbymoorside from mid-September to year end. Five pairs bred in boxes close by. Seen around Kirkbymoorside usually in small parties of up to 10. Eight at Black Plantation on 7th December.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Single at Thornton-le-Dale on 22nd January, Helmsley Castle on 1st February, pair at Appleton Mill on 16th March, one at Bransdale on 2nd April, two at Thornton-le-Dale on 6th and Farndale on 7th, Female at Pickering on 7th May, feeding nestlings at Thornton-le-Dale on 10th and carrying food at Raindale East on same day. Family party of two adults and juvenile in Northdale, Rosedale on 8th June and family party of two adults and three juveniles in Beckdale, Helmsley on 6th July. Singles also reported from Bonfield Ghyll and Priorpot Lane, Norton. Nest at Rosedale with six eggs on 14th April was predated by 22nd,

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarellii

Reported from throughout the area but mostly as single birds with occasional two. 20 following the plough at Spaunton on 26th March and 14 feeding in field at Rosedale on 9th April.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Singing birds at Sykes on 29th April with one at Hawnby Hill on 10th May with two on 18th and 19th, Present at Sutton Bank on 1st and 6th June, Bransdale on 8th and Sutton Bank on 14th, Eight in clear fell at Hartoft on 10th June.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pretensis

Fourteen in Farndale on 7th April and eight at Bonfield Ghyll on 14th June were the only counts. As expected records came from the moorland and associated valleys with the exception of Espersykes in November and Gilling in December.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Few records this year. Fifty at Swineherd Lane, Kirkbymoorside from 2nd to 19th January and ten from 6th to 8th February. Finch flocks numbering 200 at Pheasant feeder between Sykes and Fadmoor comprised mostly of this species on 25th February with 50 still present at Boon Hill on 2nd April. Present at Wass Bank on 2nd November, two at Ravenswick, Kirkbymoorside from 12th to 14th December and two in local garden from 11th to 15th,

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Sixty at Sutton Bank Center on 4th January, 20 at Kirkbymoorside on 2nd January, 22 at Rosedale East on 2nd February with 45 on 3rd, 15 at Pickering on 24th, 14 in Farndale on 7th April, 11 at Old Malton on 14th May with 13 on 22nd October were the only double figure counts.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

A welcome increase in reports. Whilst pairs were reported from throughout the area counts from Old Malton with six on 16th January, seven on 9th February, six on 7th July and post breeding flocks of 10 on 15th August and 15 on 28th with eight on 2nd and 31st October with seven on 22nd and five on 7th December. Ten at Newgate Bank on 25th January and five at Appleton Mill on 29th November.

Greenfinch Chloris chloris

Sad demise of this once numerous bird with the only counts of six at Rosedale East on 2nd February, eight in Farndale on 7th April and five at Old Malton on 2nd October otherwise just ones and twos.

Linnet Linaria cannabina

Fifteen at Old Malton on 14th May and 12 at Espersykes on 8th August otherwise reports of up to five birds from moorland edges.

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Ten at Gilling on 21st February and small parties seen in early months with report of birds at Yearsley Moor. Small flock over Sykes on 16th March and 18th December.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Although widely reported the only double figure counts were; 10 at Kirkbymoorside on 2nd January, 14 in Rosedale on 3rd February, 32 at Espersykes/Ryemouth on 8th August, ten at Black Hambleton on 19th, 20 Rosedale East 31st August and Old Malton on 22nd October and 10 at Pickering on 7th December.

Siskin Spinus spinus

Few reports this year and the only counts being 30 at Nunnington Hall on 27th January, single male at Rosedale on 3rd February, four at Sutton Bank centre and Pickering on 2nd April, 50 at Flamingoland on 7th July, ten in Rosedale on 14th and large flock at Sykes on 15th,

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

Two on feeders in Rosedale on 11th March.

Twite Acanthis flavirostris

Two along Rudland Rigg on 10th October with five on 12th December. >dt>Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

Single at Spaunton Moor on 17th January, ten on Blakey Ridge on 6th December.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citronella

Another species widely reported but few counts. Ten at Sparrow Hall, Salton on 3rd February and 20 at Espersykes/Ryemouth on 16th November.

Reed Bunting Emberiza shoeniclus

Records from Old Malton/Espersykes/Ryemouth with a maximum of five on 6th and 11th June and 2nd October. Two pairs in Rosedale East on 1st April.

Contributors with apologies for any missed:

Goldfinch trapped on 13/03/2014 at Rievaulx ringed at Ilken, Suffolk on 30/12/2011 – 295km – 804 days
Blue Tit ringed on 13/04/2013 at Rievaulx recovered Linthorpe, Middlesborough on 19/12/2014 – 35km – 615 days