Long-tailed Duck

Local status: Very rare migrant

This seaduck winters in small numbers on the Yorkshire coast perhaps explaining its status as a real rarity in the York area. Birds have occurred on migration in both spring and autumn and whilst a number of the birds recorded have made protracted stays in the York area. With the last twitchable bird was back in 1991, one in 2024 was very much welcomed by local birders.

Records:
2024: A long stayer at Castle Howard Lake
https://x.com/awhitehead56/status/1762241460064149718
https://birdingdad.blogspot.com/2024/02/long-wait-for-long-tail.html
2005: North Duffield Carrs, 2nd April. Two
1998: Wheldrake Ings, 21st February. One.
1991: Newburgh, 20th and 24th October. Immature.
1983: Wheldrake Ings, 10th to 13th June. Male.
1982-3 Stearsby, 27th October 1982 to 4th May 1983. Two immature females.
1982: Riccall, 27th November. Immature.