The weather forecast for birds this weekend had initially looked perfect. I needed to collect a new moth trap from a friend in Scarborough, who had kindly made it for me. With south-easterly winds predicted and a significant influx of migrants expected along the east coast, Jenna and I booked a hotel and set off on Friday afternoon. However, overnight Friday saw a mass clear-out of birds, and the weekend forecast had shifted. Undeterred, we continued with our plans and made our way to Scarborough.
After picking up the trap, we found a safe spot to leave our equipment overnight: the cliffs beneath Scarborough Castle.
As dawn broke, the air was surprisingly warm for the hour, and we were treated to a spectacular sunrise over the coast.
Scarborough Castle
Once the light allowed, we checked our traps and were delighted to discover three species new to my list, including both Ranunculus moths, which are typically on the wing in this area at this time of year. After a rewarding morning of trapping, we returned to the hotel for breakfast.
On our way home, we made a stop at Bempton RSPB in the hope of seeing a Barred Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler, recently reported in the area. Unfortunately, the weather had deteriorated, the wind had strengthened, and the birds remained elusive. The highlights were limited to the usual flock of Tree Sparrows around the main reception and a good number of Gannets along the cliffs—always a pleasure to observe up close.
Bempton Cliffs
Gannet
After a beautiful start to the day, the rain had set in, signalling the end of our outing. Despite the mixed conditions, it had been a memorable trip, and I am sure I will return to the East Coast before autumn is out.
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