Birds to See in North Yorkshire in August
163 species matching this filter.
North Yorkshire offers a rich diversity of birdlife in August, with 163 species recorded across its varied landscapes of moorland, coastline, river valleys, and wetlands. Late summer brings a fascinating mix of resident species such as Jackdaw, Magpie, and Linnet alongside passage migrants like Long-tailed Jaeger and Common Swift preparing for their southward journeys. The county's coastal cliffs, expansive reservoirs, and the wetlands of the Vale of York also attract notable species including Great White Egret and Cetti's Warbler.
New in August17
Resident
(118)
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
Uncommon offshore, seen harassing terns and kittiwakes from headlands like Flamborough and Filey Brigg, mainly during autumn seawatching.
Jun–Nov
Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arcticaVU
A rare but charismatic resident, best seen at Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head during the spring and summer breeding season.
Mar–Dec
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
Found on the coast, particularly the Tees estuary and Filey, with numbers peaking during autumn passage and winter months.
Jul–May
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
An uncommon resident of farmland and field margins, often glimpsed at dusk quartering rough grassland for voles across the Vales.
Year-round
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
Present year-round but rare, with a mix of feral birds and genuine wild vagrants. Found on grassland and wetland margins.
Year-round
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare and exotic sight, likely originating from ornamental collections. Occasionally turns up on lakes and rivers across the region.
Nov–Sep
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
A rare resident, mainly seen at wetland sites from winter through autumn. Passage birds and Icelandic wintering flocks boost numbers.
Jan–Oct
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of the most widespread residents, found in gardens, woodland and hedgerows year-round. Continental migrants boost numbers in autumn.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
An increasingly year-round resident of woodland and gardens, its rich warbling song heard from early spring.
Feb–Nov
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A common and familiar garden resident year-round, also thriving in woodland and hedgerows across the county.
Year-round
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An unobtrusive year-round resident of hedgerows and woodland edges, often detected by its soft, piping call.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
Now a common resident across the region, frequently seen soaring over farmland, moorland edges and the Yorkshire Dales.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Abundant year-round on lakes, rivers and gravel pits. A familiar and often bold presence in parks and urban waterways.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
Abundant and widespread year-round across farmland, towns and moorland fringes. One of the most familiar birds in the county.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
A rare but expanding resident of dense reedbed and waterside scrub, a relatively recent colonist of North Yorkshire wetlands.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
One of the region's most familiar residents, found in woodland, hedgerows and gardens year-round. Its cheerful song is a hallmark of spring.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common resident heard year-round in woodland and scrub, with numbers boosted by continental migrants in autumn.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
Resident in coniferous and mixed woodland throughout the year, readily visiting garden feeders in winter. Often joins roving tit flocks.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
A common year-round resident found on farmland, reservoirs, and the coast. Often nests on moorland edges in the Dales and North York Moors.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon resident along clean rivers and streams, often glimpsed as a flash of electric blue over the water.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
Resident on upland rivers and reservoirs throughout the Dales and moorland valleys. Often seen in small parties fishing along fast-flowing streams.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
Abundant year-round across farmland, moorland edges and estates, largely sustained by releases for shooting on the region's grouse moors and lowland shoots.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
A rare but increasing resident, favouring upland crags and moorland edges in the Dales and North York Moors.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Uncommon but present year-round offshore. Dark flocks can be spotted from coastal headlands, often flying low over the waves.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
Found year-round on estuaries, coastal mudflats and inland wetlands. Breeds in rabbit burrows and other cavities near water.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
An uncommon resident of moorland bogs and damp meadows, performing its distinctive 'drumming' display flight over the Dales and North York Moors in spring.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
Common and widespread year-round, with spectacular winter murmurations at roost sites. Numbers have declined nationally but remain strong in North Yorkshire.
Year-round
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common resident on lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits across the region. Aggressive and conspicuous, with a distinctive white frontal shield.
Year-round
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
A common resident breeding on moorland and farmland, with its evocative call defining the Dales landscape. A declining species of conservation concern.
Year-round
Dipper
Cinclus cinclusLC
A charismatic resident of fast-flowing rivers and becks in the Dales and North York Moors, bobbing on rocks year-round.
Year-round
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
Present year-round, breeding on upland moors in summer and gathering on estuarine mudflats in winter. A small wader with a distinctive downcurved bill.
Year-round
Dunnock
Prunella modularisLC
A common and unobtrusive resident of hedgerows, gardens and scrub throughout the region. Its thin, warbling song is heard year-round.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
An uncommon year-round resident along the rocky Yorkshire coast. Breeds on sheltered stretches and forms rafts offshore in winter.
Year-round
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
A familiar resident of villages, farms and suburban gardens year-round. Its monotonous three-note cooing is a constant soundtrack in settled areas.
Year-round
Eurasian Jay
Garrulus glandariusLC
An uncommon but resident corvid of broadleaved woodland, often heard giving its harsh, screeching call in autumn.
Year-round
Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaeaLC
Resident in mature deciduous woodland, climbing bark with distinctive jerky movements. Visits garden feeders, especially near wooded areas.
Year-round
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegusNT
Common year-round along the coast from Whitby to Filey and increasingly breeding inland on river shingle in the Dales.
Year-round
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident found year-round in conifer plantations and alder-lined valleys. Often visits garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Eurasian Skylark
Alauda arvensisLC
A common resident of open farmland and moorland, its soaring song flight a characteristic sound of the Yorkshire countryside.
Year-round
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanusLC
An uncommon year-round resident favouring farmyards and hedgerows, often in small flocks around arable land in the Vale of York.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
Present year-round on reservoirs, lakes and coastal wetlands. Numbers swell in winter with continental arrivals joining small resident populations.
Year-round
Eurasian Wren
Troglodytes troglodytesLC
A common and widespread resident of hedgerows, gardens, and woodland, delivering its remarkably loud song throughout the year.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, increasingly seen in gardens and on seed feeders. Sociable flocks gather on thistles and teasels in autumn and winter.
Year-round
European Green Woodpecker
Picus viridisLC
A scarce resident found in parkland and woodland edges, often heard giving its distinctive laughing call. Near its northern range limit here.
Year-round
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common and conspicuous resident, breeding on sea cliffs at Flamborough and Whitby and frequenting towns, harbours, and tips year-round.
Year-round
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
A familiar year-round resident of gardens, hedgerows and woodlands across North Yorkshire, singing even through the winter months.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
An uncommon resident of rocky coastlines, breeding on cliffs at Flamborough and Staithes. Stays closer inshore than its cormorant cousin.
Year-round
Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
Nests on the dramatic sea cliffs at Bempton and Flamborough, present year-round and often seen gliding stiffly on outstretched wings.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident of lowland lakes and reservoirs. Quieter and less conspicuous than its close relative the Mallard.
Year-round
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
Britain's smallest bird, resident year-round in coniferous and mixed woodland. High-pitched calls betray its presence in spruce plantations across the Dales and moors.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
Breeds on upland moorland in summer, then forms large flocks on lowland fields in winter. Its plaintive call is iconic across the Dales.
Year-round
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
Present year-round along the coast, this powerful gull frequents harbours, cliffs and estuaries, often dominating smaller species.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common year-round resident found along the coast, rivers, and reservoirs. Often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
An elegant resident of larger lakes and reservoirs, performing its elaborate courtship display in spring at sites across the region.
Year-round
Great Skua
Catharacta skuaLC
Scarce but regular off the coast from summer through autumn, best seen during seawatches at Flamborough Head and Filey Brigg.
Jun–Nov
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of mature woodland, its loud drumming a familiar spring sound in North Yorkshire.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
A common garden and woodland resident year-round, readily visiting feeders and nesting in nest boxes.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
A rare but increasingly recorded resident at wetland sites, reflecting a national range expansion northwards into Yorkshire.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
An uncommon resident of gardens, hedgerows and farmland, declining due to disease. Year-round but less numerous than in previous decades.
Year-round
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A common and familiar resident, found along rivers, reservoirs, and farmland ponds throughout the region. Nests colonially in tall trees.
Year-round
Grey Partridge
Perdix perdixLC
A declining resident of arable farmland and rough grassland. Once widespread, now rare due to agricultural intensification.
Year-round
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaLC
An elegant resident of fast-flowing streams and rivers across the Dales and moors. Bobs its long tail on rocks, sometimes visiting lowland areas in winter.
Year-round
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common year-round resident found on farmland, reservoirs and parkland lakes across the region. Feral and wild populations mix freely.
Year-round
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A common resident of towns, villages and farmsteads, though numbers have declined significantly since the 1970s.
Year-round
Jackdaw
Corvus monedulaLC
A common and sociable resident, nesting in old buildings, church towers and tree cavities across the region.
Year-round
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
A common resident often seen hovering over roadside verges and moorland edges while hunting for voles.
Year-round
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
Nests in large colonies on coastal cliffs, notably at Bempton. Numbers are declining sharply due to food shortages, making it a conservation priority.
Year-round
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, often seen at reservoirs, tips, and farmland. Smaller and darker-backed than the Herring Gull.
Year-round
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
A common resident of gorse-covered moorland edges, farmland and rough ground. Forms sociable flocks outside the breeding season across open countryside.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, favouring estuaries, rivers, and wetlands. A relatively recent coloniser of North Yorkshire.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
A shy, uncommon resident on ponds, lakes, and slow rivers. Its distinctive whinnying trill often reveals its presence before it is seen.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare and dainty gull, occasionally seen offshore or at coastal pools, most likely during autumn passage and winter storms.
Jun–Feb
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare but resident owl of lowland farmland, often perching on fence posts and dry-stone walls in the Dales.
Jan–Nov
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
Common year-round in hedgerows and woodland, often seen in lively, acrobatic flocks bouncing along branches. Visits garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common and conspicuous resident of gardens, hedgerows, and farmland, seen throughout the region in all seasons.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common and familiar resident on virtually any body of water, from village ponds and park lakes to moorland reservoirs.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but established resident of wooded rivers and lakes. Males are strikingly ornate, often seen around mature parkland.
Nov–Sep
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
An uncommon resident of mature deciduous woodland, declining nationally but still found in parts of the Dales and Howardian Hills.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common resident of the moorlands and upland pastures, its thin piping call is the soundtrack of the Dales and North York Moors.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
Breeds on remote moorland in the Dales and North York Moors, moving to lower ground and the coast in winter. A dashing, low-flying falcon.
Jul–Apr
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
Resident in parkland, orchards and open woodland, often singing boldly from treetops even in midwinter. Forms post-breeding flocks in autumn.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common resident found on ponds, rivers and wetlands throughout the region, often seen flicking its white undertail along waterside vegetation.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar and elegant resident of rivers, canals and lakes throughout the region. Breeds widely and is present all year.
Year-round
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Uncommon but seen year-round offshore, often visible from Flamborough Head. Spectacular plunge-diving can be watched from coastal vantage points.
Year-round
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare and secretive resident of large forests, slowly expanding its range. Most likely seen soaring over extensive conifer plantations in the region.
Jan–Aug
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common year-round resident of farmland and moorland edges. Breeds on upland fields but flocks on lowland pastures in winter.
Year-round
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident of shallow lakes and flooded fields. Numbers increase in winter as continental birds arrive.
Year-round
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon year-round resident nesting on coastal cliffs and inland crags, sometimes hunting over towns and estuaries in winter.
Year-round
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
Present year-round but declining nationally. Favours large lakes and reservoirs, with numbers boosted by winter visitors.
Year-round
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
Frequents rocky shores and harbour walls along the coast, especially at Scarborough and Filey, mainly outside the brief breeding season.
Jul–May
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
Breeds on the dramatic cliffs at Flamborough and Bempton, with large numbers present in spring and summer before dispersing offshore.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and nomadic resident of conifer plantations, with numbers varying greatly between years. Its distinctive crossed bill extracts seeds from spruce cones.
Year-round
Red Grouse
Lagopus lagopus scoticaLC
An iconic resident of the North York Moors and Dales heather moorland. Present all year, with numbers managed for grouse shooting.
Year-round
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
Now resident year-round following successful reintroduction at Harewood, increasingly seen soaring over the Dales and Vale of York.
Year-round
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
Uncommon but present year-round, gathering in flocks on the Tees estuary mudflats. Numbers peak in winter with arrivals from Arctic breeding grounds.
Year-round
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
An uncommon resident of arable farmland in the Vale of York and lower dales, often seen in small coveys along field margins.
Year-round
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
Present year-round, most often seen offshore in winter. Breeds on remote moorland pools and moves to coastal waters outside the season.
Year-round
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
An uncommon year-round resident of coastal marshes and upland wet pastures, its piping alarm call a familiar sound on the region's estuaries.
Year-round
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
A common resident of reedbeds, marshes and damp scrub across the region. Males show a distinctive black head in breeding plumage from spring.
Year-round
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
Present year-round on sandy and shingle beaches along the coast. Breeds on the shore in summer and joins estuarine flocks in winter.
Year-round
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
A common year-round resident in towns, cities, and along coastal cliffs. Feral populations thrive alongside truly wild cliff-nesting birds.
Year-round
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
An uncommon resident found along the rocky coastline from Whitby to Scarborough, foraging among seaweed-strewn boulders year-round.
Year-round
Rook
Corvus frugilegusLC
A common resident forming noisy rookeries in tall trees across farmland; large flocks feed in ploughed fields year-round.
Year-round
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
Found year-round on rocky shorelines and harbours along the coast. Flips stones and seaweed to find invertebrates hidden beneath.
Year-round
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
A rare visitor to coastal marshes and freshwater pools, mainly on passage. Males in breeding plumage with elaborate ruffs are seldom seen here.
Aug–May
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
Uncommon but present all year, racing along sandy beaches at Filey and Scarborough. Most conspicuous during spring and autumn passage.
Year-round
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident of gardens, hedgerows and woodland, often heard smashing snails on stones. Sings its repeated phrases from early spring through summer.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
A year-round resident, hunting small birds through woodland edges, hedgerows and gardens across the county with dashing low-level flights.
Year-round
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A resident breeder nesting in tree holes and old buildings across farmland and parkland. Quieter and less conspicuous than its woodpigeon cousin.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
Resident on gorse-clad moorland edges and coastal scrub year-round. Hardy enough to remain on upland territories through harsh winters.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A rare but resident owl of mature woodland, more often heard than seen; its hooting carries through the Dales on still nights.
Year-round
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
A quiet resident of mature woodland, spiralling mouse-like up tree trunks. Found year-round in deciduous and mixed woods throughout the region.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck found on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits throughout the year. Often seen in tight rafts on open water.
Year-round
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive resident of reedbeds and marshy margins, more often heard squealing than seen. Sites like Lower Derwent Valley offer the best chances.
Jul–May
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare resident hunting over reedbeds and marshes, increasingly seen at lowland wetland reserves as the species recolonises northern England.
Year-round
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
A rare and declining resident of damp woodland with standing deadwood; North Yorkshire holds some of England's last strongholds.
Aug–Jun
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
A common resident seen in farmland, woodlands, parks, and gardens throughout the county all year round.
Year-round
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
An uncommon resident of hedgerows and arable farmland, declining nationally. Its bright yellow head and jangling song enliven field margins year-round.
Year-round
Breeding
(30)
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare breeder, nesting at a few coastal colonies. Also seen on passage off Flamborough and Filey from May to October.
May–Oct
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor breeding in barns and outbuildings across farmland, arriving in April and departing by October.
Apr–Oct
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A scarce summer breeder in mature oak woodland of the Dales and North York Moors, arriving in April. Males are strikingly colourful.
Apr–Oct
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
An uncommon summer breeder found in reedbeds from April to September, at the northern edge of its main English range.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
A summer breeder along upland rivers and reservoir edges from April to September. Bobs constantly on waterside rocks in characteristic fashion.
Apr–Sep
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
A common summer visitor screaming over towns and villages from April to September. Nests in older buildings and feeds entirely on the wing.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon summer breeder, nesting at gravel pits and reservoirs from April. Often seen plunge-diving along the coast on passage.
Apr–Oct
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
A declining summer visitor arriving in April, its distinctive call heard across moorland and dales where it parasitises meadow pipit nests.
Apr–Aug
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare breeding visitor to oak woodlands, particularly in the western dales. Readily takes to nestboxes where provided from April to September.
Apr–Sep
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
An uncommon summer breeder in dense woodland understorey, arriving in late April and easily overlooked despite its rich song.
Apr–Oct
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare summer breeder arriving in spring, favouring shallow wetlands with emergent vegetation. One of the UK's scarcest breeding ducks.
Apr–Sep
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropusLC
A rare breeder, most often glimpsed at freshwater pools and reservoir margins during autumn passage. Bobs distinctively when flushed.
Apr–Nov
Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
An uncommon visitor from April to September, favouring reservoir edges and coastal pools on passage. Its ringing 'tew-tew-tew' call carries far.
Apr–Sep
Hobby
Falco subbuteoLC
A rare summer breeder, this agile falcon hunts dragonflies and small birds over lowland heaths and wetlands.
May–Sep
House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
A common summer visitor nesting under eaves in towns and villages from April to October. Numbers have declined in recent decades.
Apr–Oct
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
A rare summer breeder favouring tall hedgerows and scrubby thickets, identified by its distinctive rattling song.
Apr–Oct
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring gravel pits, reservoir margins and river shingle, present from March to September.
Mar–Sep
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
Scarce summer breeder on shingle beaches along the coast, present from May to August. A Schedule 1 protected species vulnerable to disturbance.
May–Aug
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
An uncommon breeder seen offshore from May to October. Best spotted during seawatches from headlands like Flamborough and Filey Brigg.
May–Oct
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
An uncommon summer visitor, nesting colonially in sandy riverbanks along the Ouse, Swale and other Yorkshire rivers.
Mar–Sep
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensisLC
An uncommon summer breeder, nesting at coastal colonies and fishing offshore. Present from April to October along the coast.
Apr–Oct
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
An uncommon breeding visitor arriving in April, singing from reedbeds and waterside scrub at lowland wetland sites.
Apr–Sep
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A declining summer visitor from May to September, favouring woodland edges and mature gardens. Sallies from exposed perches to catch insects in flight.
May–Sep
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare summer breeder on moorland fringes and open woodland from April to September. Delivers its distinctive parachuting song flight over scattered trees.
Apr–Sep
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
A summer breeder on upland moors and stone walls of the Dales, arriving from March. Also seen on passage along the coast.
Mar–Oct
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
An uncommon breeder on upland moors, present from April to September. Its distinctive seven-note whistle carries across the open landscape.
Apr–Sep
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare breeding visitor to upland moorland edges, arriving in spring and departing by September. Declining across much of England.
Apr–Sep
Whitethroat
Curruca communisLC
A summer visitor breeding in scrubby hedgerows and field margins from April to September. Often spotted performing its scratchy song flight over farmland.
Apr–Sep
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
A common summer breeder of moorland edges, scrubby hillsides and open woodland, arriving from Africa in April.
Apr–Oct
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring lowland wet meadows and arable fields. Arrives in April and departs by September.
Apr–Sep
Non-breeding
(2)
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarolaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to the coast from autumn to spring. Look for its stocky build and black axillaries in flight.
Aug–Mar
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare non-breeding visitor to coastal waters, mainly seen from late autumn to early spring. Often found among Common Scoter flocks.
Aug–Mar
Passage
(13)
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally appearing at inland reservoirs and coastal pools in August–September, dipping elegantly for insects.
Aug–Sep
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferrugineaNT
A rare autumn passage migrant in August–September, typically found picking through mud at coastal pools and reservoir margins.
Aug–Sep
European Storm-petrel
Hydrobates pelagicusLC
A rare summer passage visitor, occasionally detected during seawatches from Flamborough Head and Filey Brigg in July and August.
Jul–Aug
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant in August and September, pausing at coastal pools and mudflats. Tiny and active, often feeding among dunlin flocks.
Aug–Sep
Long-tailed Jaeger
Stercorarius longicaudusLC
A rare seabird seen during autumn seawatches off headlands like Flamborough and Filey Brigg, typically in August and September.
Aug–Sep
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare but increasingly seen passage visitor, pausing at reservoirs and large lakes in spring and late summer to fish.
May–Aug
Pomarine Jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinusLC
A rare autumn passage seabird seen from coastal headlands between August and November. Best spotted during strong onshore winds at sites like Filey.
Aug–Nov
Roseate Tern
Sterna dougalliiLC
A rare passage visitor along the coast from July to September. One of Britain's scarcest breeding terns, occasionally spotted offshore.
Jul–Sep
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescensLC
A rare passage visitor in late summer and autumn. Records may involve genuine wild birds or escapes from collections.
Aug–Oct
Sooty Shearwater
Ardenna griseaNT
A rare autumn passage seabird, best spotted from headlands during strong onshore winds between August and October.
Aug–Oct
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare autumn passage bird, occasionally stopping at coastal pools and estuaries in August and September during southward migration.
Aug–Sep
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare passage wader seen briefly at freshwater pools and marshes, mainly in May and again in July–August on return migration.
May–Aug
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare passage visitor in late summer, occasionally noted among large gull flocks at the coast or reservoirs in August and September.
Aug–Sep