30 seconds of the #Flamborough longsword - a folk dance and boxing day tradition in my village, played out by the adult's team (half-cut) and the kid's team (absolutely hammered). pic.twitter.com/u67rK70Kdu
— Mark James Pearson (@Markthebirder) December 26, 2023
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Christmas birding on the coast
Just back from a very pleasant Christmas Day and Boxing Day at Flamborough, within which we (the Mrs and I) enjoyed two local gluttony-bustin' walks - South Landing yesterday (25th) and Bempton Cliffs today.
Yesterday was mild, gloomy, breezy and wonderfully quiet at South Landing, with 89 Turnstones on the beach, a few divers and ducks on the sea, 22 Curlews in the fields and a timely and welcome Arctic surprise in the shape of a first year Iceland Gull sneaking north-east (below).
Today was much brighter, cooler and calmer, and Bempton was not only beautiful but also rewardingly birdy; three entertaining Short-eared Owls, 33 Snow Buntings, 560 Pink-footed Geese, three Stonechats, 15 Rock Pipits and more were all gloriously illuminated in the winter sunshine.