Inland North Minileague - May 2016

David Franklin maintains his double headed stranglehold on the Inland North comparative minileague with his Campsall patch on 120% including a hepatic Cuckoo whilst down the road at Askern he hits 113% with a Hobby being Mays best bird. Duncan Bye at Wheldrake Ings moves up into third displacing John Law. Duncan's highlights included a brace of Cranes, Black & Arctic Tern plus Garganey and Hobby. A very reasonable haul and takes him over 100%. There were two other patchers to hit 100% - John Law and Chris Bradshaw with new ground being broken for the rest of the year by these guys.

For raw pointage Chris Bradshaw leads the way by one point on 161 at Wykeham Lakes with Osprey and Wood Sandpiper his highlights. He dipped a Pallid Harrier which he then co-found on his 'other' patch at Long Nab which he hasnt entered this year. Duncan Bye moves up one place into second spot. John Law drops two posts but holds onto the podium level with Bill Aspin in this place on 156 points. Bill was a beneficiary of a Pallid Harrier as he found the first for Lancashire at Brockholes giving him a handy 15 points (this is a species which will be changed to a 4 pointer next year).

Bill Aspin's Pallid Harrier

Beyond the top of the table there was a Red-necked Phalarope at Grindon Lough for Paul Massey which despite discussions remains a two pointer much to Paul's chagrin... In Newcastle Andy Rickeard turned up a rather late Ring Ouzel whilst Adam Moan at RSPB Geltsdale had his first Red Kite for the site. Justin Parker at Rossington added Black-necked Grebe and Peter Williams connected with the two Glossy Ibis that did a tour during the month at North Cave Wetlands.