20th January 2010 – Black-throated Thrush

Chris arrived at my house and we were soon on our way to Newholm in North Yorkshire. We arrived in the village at just after 10:00hrs and it was not long before we were enjoying great views of the female Black-throated Thrush (despite the rain). The thrush showed well as it perched up in bushes before flying onto the ground to feed.

As it was raining, we decided to have a break from the thrush and have a quick check of Whitby Harbour. Apart from a few Fulmars on the nearby cliffs there was nothing of real note to see in the harbour; so we made our way back to the Black-throated Thrush. The bird showed well again for a while, allowing some photographic attempts.

After leaving the village we made our way to Sleddale where we hoped to see one of the wintering Rough-legged Buzzard. However there were no sign of either birds, but a Hen Harrier and several Red Grouse were good consolation!

We finished the day at Saltholme Pools RSPB reserve. There was a good selection of ducks on the ice-free areas of the main pool; with top billing going to a 1st winter drake Smew. This was a very pleasant end to a great days birding.