BIRDS of prey provided much of the interest for local birdwatchers in July. Pick of the bunch was a probable Black Kite seen high over Mount Grace Priory.

Unfortunately the observer, who was in a van on the A19, didn't have long enough views to be absolutely certain but he is an experienced birder and I have little doubt that is what it was.

The strong supporting evidence for this is a number of sightings of Black Kite on the North York Moors including a bird seen in Bilsdale in late June.

Ospreys were also on the move towards the end of the month with one angler being treated to a 20-minute display of alternative fishing techniques on the Swale near Langton bridge. Another, or possibly the same, bird made a number of visits to Belflask fishing lakes to catch a suppertime trout.

Other birds of prey seen at this site included Marsh Harrier and Hobby with Hobbies also seen near Catterick and at Nosterfield.

A horse rider near Ainderby Steeple saw two large birds of prey which, from the description, were most likely two harriers and another probable Marsh Harrier was seen hunting over fields near Danby Wiske.

July usually sees the start of return migration, particularly wading birds. Pick of the local sightings was yet another Pectoral Sandpiper which, despite its North American origin, is virtually an annual visitor to Nosterfield.

Other wader sightings in this area included a fine flock of 14 Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, Knot, Grey Plover, Turnstone and a remarkable group of eight Sanderling. In addition, following their successful breeding attempt, the pair of Avocets with their young were present throughout the month.

Other July sightings of note at Nosterfield included Water Rail, Barn Owl, Mediterranean Gull and Yellow-legged Gull. Catterick attracted Wood Sandpiper and regular sightings of Green Sandpiper, including a maximum count of seven birds. A flock of seven Green Sandpipers were also seen at Belflask and Greenshanks were seen here, at Catterick, Newsham and over Ainderby Steeple.

Looking ahead to August this should see wader migration in full swing and it is one of the best months for finding rarer species amongst the flocks of commoner birds. Recent August records have included Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper and both Red-necked and Wilson's Phalaropes. Nosterfield, Newsham Ponds, Marfield reserve (near Masham) and Bolton-on-Swale lakes are the most reliable sites but anywhere with a mud edge can attract birds.

The small pools on the Ure between Wensley and Middleham turned up one or two interesting sightings when they were regularly watched by a local birder but since he moved away they have received little coverage.

Perhaps a reader would like to take up the challenge of checking these again?

Birds of prey also tend to be on the move and August often turns up species like Red Kite and Marsh Harrier. The well-watched reserves have claimed the majority of sightings but if the weather is sunny with light westerly winds I would also recommend trying Sutton Bank to look for birds coasting south around the high ground of the Moors.