Last week we had a drive over the North York Moors hoping to see Rough Legged Buzzard but to no avail. However , there were quite a few Common Buzzards playing in the stiff Northerly wind – that felt it had come directly off the North Sea. Anyway to Alf’s and I great surprise what did we turn up but a Raven!!!! I was absolutely amazed: first one I have seen locally for at least 25 years…. I was so intent watching this ‘apparition’ that the camera was momentarily forgotten …. then I knew I had to photograph it – but by then it was quickly banking away – then it was out of sight. I was stunned – what a bird!!!! The images I captured were very blurred and not worth posting. Ravens are common towards the Dales and Lake District but very scarce here in the North York Moors National Park . Unfortunately they are regarded as vermin by Gamekeepers and Sheep Farmers alike and are regularly shot or poisoned so I will not reveal the exact location of this bird. On Monday of this week 16th December I had a drive around my local patch, which includes the carrs between Low Marishes and Yedingham. There had been within the last week or so reports of Whooper Swans in the area so I was keeping fingers crossed. So it was a matter of driving slowly and searching the fields carefully; this time I was in luck. Just as I came round the corner near the Thornton Beck bridge – Swans!!!!!! We have seen Mute Swans feeding in the fields before in the area, but no. these were definitely Whoopers ; 4 adults their yellow blazes on their beaks catching the afternoon Sun perfectly. A great end to the afternoon.
