Closer to home, York birding was excellent, starting with Chris Gomersall's epic Pine Bunting and ending with Duncan Bye's equally awesome Glossy Ibis at Wheldrake. I peaked very early with a Great White Egret at Wheldrake Ings on 2nd January, although added Spotted Redshank and Quail to my York list too.
It turned out to be the first times since I started birding that I failed to see a new British bird during the year! This was largely due to the pathetic autumn on the east coast which was a huge come-down from the amazing autumn of 2016. I did see a few good birds, including my third Pallid Harrier, a stunning, displaying male in the Forest of Bowland, my third Radde's Warbler, at Bempton, third Caspian Tern which was a Yorkshire tick, at St Aidan's, and best of all, a stunning Scop's Owl at Ryhope. This bird just shows what is awaiting discovery - you really must keep an open mind!
So, what will 2018 bring? Happy New Year to all my friends!
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