Deep South review (1)

As promised many moons ago, it's time for my review of our spring visit to the States. Hopefully it won't be too long-winded.

The holiday started with a bang. A rarity chase. I'd been following "the latest" from home and I had my fingers crossed that a La Sagra's Flycatcher would hang around for me. In fact there had been a couple of reports but I reckoned the bird seen at Key Largo Hammock State Park was my best bet.

You can't always be in the right place at the right time. This was the case today (14th April) as we arrived at midday as the temperature was reaching 100F! I hate heat...and humidity even more BUT if there's a bird to see...I'll put up with it. Same applies to pelagics come to think of it!

Anyway I left Louise reading in the shade and ventured off to try and find the right spot where the bird had been seen 3 days ago. It was sweltering with (unsurprisingly) not a soul in sight...mad dogs and all that.

Encouragingly the directions I had started to fit into place and after around 15 minutes I reckoned I was at the right spot. I hadn't seen a single bird. I have to admit I was struggling badly with the heat...it WAS our first day.

Then a movement, surely not, a bird...it looked promising. I only saw it for around a minute but it was long enough to add LA SAGRA'S FLYCATCHER (661) to my ABA list...

Chuffed to grab a pic in the heavy shade and oppressive heat. Unfortunately I couldn't re-locate it but I have to admit I didn't try to hard...I HAD to get outta there! This species is a fairly regular migrant to southern Florida from the West Indies but to connect with it on holiday was a great stroke of luck in the limited time I had.

We then returned to the mainland and headed for the Everglades. My target here was Shiny Cowbird. We drove down to Flamingo and had some late lunch. The SC had been associating with the many common Brown-headed Cowbirds on the car park lawns...shouldn't be too difficult?

It was. There were hundreds of BHC in scattered groups. Yes, it was stifling here too. We drove slowly up and down the lanes, isn't air conditioning wonderful!! Finally success...

VERY Shiny (662)

I'd dipped on this species twice before on previous visits to Florida...this was a BIG tick for me. I hoped to mop up all the Florida specialities I still needed and I'd got off to a great start.

I could relax now...at least for today. We spent the rest of the day enjoying what the Everglades had to offer. A few more images...

canoodling Black Vultures 

American Crocodile - very lucky to see this reclusive species

What a beauty!

More tomorrow...

RLB re-visited

Last day off. What to do?

Search for the Black Brant again...maybe. Nice day...a (possible) last visit to the RLB at Brid'? The latter idea won out.

I arrived at Grindale at 9.30 and immediately picked it up in it's favourite hedge...alas 150yds from the road. I was hoping to get some views in better light. I had the light but the bird remained distant...all morning!

These were the best I could manage...albeit using the digital zoom due to the distance...

and a supa dupa zoom...

So, it was lunchtime now, always important. I gave Bud a good blast and then considered what to do next. The bird had favoured it's chosen hedge all morning and did the same on my previous morning visit. It was also clouding over by now and the wind was strengthening. My stubborn streak kicked in so I returned to the main road and waited. A few more hopeful souls had turned up but the bird had disappeared. Then it was spotted further up the road but of course by the time we'd got there it had vanished.

It was 3pm by now and I'd put 6 hrs in, most had left. Then, I picked it up distantly towards the village but lost it over the hedges. I drove down and took the side road towards Filey hoping I'd get lucky.

I did. There it was!! Hovering low above the road verge...

An admiring cyclist

I enjoyed a memorable 10 minutes following the bird in my car. I managed a few flight shots through the window...

This is my favourite though...

So, success and patience rewarded. Pity about the poor light BUT...what a wonderful bird...

Black-tailed Godwits

No sign of the Black Brant again this morning...maybe it's me?

Visible migration in evidence though as Blackbirds were streaming in over the triangle and no doubt elsewhere.

Whilst scanning the Brents I noticed a tight group of Godwits quite close in...Black-tailed! (P.158, S.119). A late addition I know but you've got to save some for November!

Geese

Back after an early birthday celebration in Leeds. Great to see all the family...I do like a Frankie and Benny's...even if they didn't have any bitter at this one!

Just before I left I had 5 Whooper Swans flying low south over Out Newton, a fine sight indeed.

Today I headed for Spurn after a good lie-in. The weather was more like summer, which was more than welcome in November on the east coast. I was hoping to connect with the Black Brant but despite grilling a decent group of Brents just N of Long Bank

I couldn't find it. Mixed in with them though were around 30 Pinkfeet (P.157,S.118)...

They soon departed south...

I'll try again tomorrow.

Underwhelming

I decided to travel north to Brid' again this morning. The journey was fuelled by the promise of further RLB views plus a Citrine Wagtail at South landing.

I reached Grindale around 9. It was clear but cold. I was the first there. It gave me time to give the lad a good blast. No sign of the bird from my elevated vantage point.

By 10 a few more potential admirers had arrived. Around 10.30 the bird was located in it's favourite hedge in the valley. It has this habit of hedge hopping (smart bird) which obviously saves energy especially in cold conditions. It eventually found/killed a rabbit and unfortunately that was that as far as I was concerned as it remained on the prey until I left at 12.30.

Nice to see and have a good chat with John Harriman. He mentioned he'd already been at South landing but couldn't locate "the wagtail" BUT there were some Little Auks passing close.

Unfortunately when I got there I could see nothing of note except Tony Dixon!

A disappointing morning followed by an afternoon hospital appointment. You can't win 'em all...

p.s. I'd have been better trying for Little Auks off Holmpton. Bad decision.

....................................................................................

A couple of cracking DESERT WHEATEARS arrived today. I wonder if there's one on the clifftop?

The last Hurrah?

A fast moving depression is heading our way from the west...but is it too late?

Hope not...as I've got 6 days off!

• 

Keeping the Faith

News broke this morning...

Cumbria...RED-EYED VIREO...Walney Island

Exciting?

I've just been reading some comments on-line.

"Just another REV", "Why is it a MEGA?" "I went for a Rough-legged Buzzard instead" etc etc

I find the dilution of these wonderful birds occurrences VERY disappointing. I've been fortunate enough to see 2. One at Spurn (a notable Yorkshire tick) and one on Scilly. I've seen many in the States BUT I'd love to see another in Britain and would make a major effort to get there.

I'm biased of course. ANY American Warbler/Vireo is special in my book. I feel this modern dismissal of many rare species is a disappointing trend. It's got to the stage for some it seems whereby it's almost got to be a first for Britain or don't waste my time!

Be careful what you wish for though. In this listing game of diminishing returns, if you're an " old fart" (like me) with a big list (well not bad) and the only time you're going to get a "rush" is for a Lifer. You're going to spend a long, long time in between times...er...not excited!

Surely better to appreciate ALL rarities that come our way...much more excitement...and contentment?


Young Andrew Kinghorn connected with the bird this afternoon. Sure, it was a Lifer for him and only c20 birders were present. I believe he will still appreciate the rare birds...when he's an "old fart"...like me!

A Bird Riddle

What's a bird that's very rare...but isn't a MEGA...

...this is and looks SUPERB!!!  Love to see it.

note: Thanks to Dean Eades for allowing the share.

Bus birding

A couple of examples from today...

Female Sparrowhawk in front for a good 400m working a hedge.

Buzzard sat in field 20 yds away by a bus stop.

Helps the day go by...and today was a long one.

...................................................................................

E.YORKS...BLACKPOLL WARBLER... Easington on Seaside lane!!!

I had two seperate hour+ windows during my all day shift but by 10.30 news has dried up so I went to the cafe with Louise instead! Great beans on toast. Tremendous find from Mick Turton. I also had a heads up call from Steve Exley...cheers pal. Photos here. I'm old enough to have seen the Flamborough bird at Danes Dyke in 1993 so no panic Yorkshire wise. It would have been a superb Patch tick tough. Another American bird on the East Coast. I live in hope!

Black Redstart

Had a leisurely drive down to Spurn this morning. The usual mixture of scanning and ball throwing! After I'd took the wind out of his sails (not easy) I drove past the Bluebell.

What's that on the roof of Bluebell cottage? I managed a quick pic out of the (parked) car window.

P.156, S.116

A quick turn, I parked around the corner but I couldn't relocate it. I hung around for 15 minutes...and it paid off.

It re-appeared on the roof...

...and then popped down onto the cottage wall. Nice...

VERY lucky to connect with this smart bird in such a short space of time. Then again...I was out there...looking!

EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER

I was halfway back from a mis-guided attempt (very poor weather) to get further views (greedy?) of the RLB at Grindale when the MEGA alert sounded...

CLEVELAND...EASTERN CROWNED WARBLER...BROTTON

Now I like to think my local geography is pretty good but I admit to not knowing if this location was north or south of the Tees. VERY important to Yorkshire listers as south of the Tees is historical Yorkshire...so countable!

It was!!!

Oh dear...I thought to myself. No chance today (yesterday) as I started work at 3. More good luck, as if it had broke earlier I was north of Bridlington and would have had a chance.

With the help of my good lady who drove, I was in position at dawn (well just after) and after an initial rare bird chase...or hobble in my case...I connected with this little gem.

Maybe a nice finish to the season?

Just received this pic from Richard Willison

• 

Cheers pal

Rough-legged Buzzard redemption

After a somewhat sticky spell rarity wise...I decided I needed to SEE something today. I'm afraid I weakened and deserted the Patch for a trip to Bridlington to try for the juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard that had been in residence at Grindale for a few days.

First person I saw on arrival was my pal Tony Dixon! He was fairly gentle with me regarding "the Cuckoo". We soon had a sighting of the bird over the roosting wood...

I spent a very enjoyable afternoon following this bird around the area as it hunted...kestrel like. It was frustratingly hard to get close to however as it ranged over a wide area.

Way up with the crows

It did hover on occasions but only briefly, before moving on.

Backli

It would also sit in the hedge for periods but again only distantly...

Tony left around 2.30 but I decided to hang around. The bird of course decided to perch in a distant tree! I decided to try the adjacent country road but still no joy. Then I picked it up hovering, again distantly.

The next half hour was simply exhilarating as the bird performed brilliantly. Perching in the hedge, flying low along the road in front of the car, even pouncing Kestrel like into the grass verge. BRILLIANT!!!

No apologies for a couple more shots...

Might go back tomorrow...

Scilly summary...but no laughing matter!

People of various persuasions read this blog. Friends, family, casual birders and hard core twitchers...amongst others. I am grateful to all for deeming it worthy of a read.

I didn't see "the Cuckoo". Disappointed? You bet. This was my number one "most wanted" bird to add to my British list. Scilly had to give me the best chance to see this usually short staying/lived species.

IT MISSED!

That's 3 dips at Lands End in 4 years...cue violins! My strategy was sound...my luck was BAD!

Around 150 dedicated souls assembled on the moorland above Porthgwarra car park. By 9.30 hope was fading...fast. By 11 I was back at the B&B in Pendeen picking up Louise. We hung around the peninsular till 3, visiting Mousehole and the Minack Theatre (the least I could do) then we headed home.

Scilly?   Already booked for next year.

The right strategy?   I obviously think so!

Am I right?   Who knows? Not this year as I was stranded only 20+ miles from the bird but no boat or plane on Thursday...no flights on Friday!

I know   I'll stay at home by the pager and not have my week on the islands. No chance!!

Granted, it's been another quiet year and each year less birders are making the pilgrimage. Shetland is (understandably) in vogue and it got me the RUBYTHROAT and CAPE MAY.

Two of my strongest personality traits...stubbornness and loyalty mean I am compelled to return...besides, we love the islands!

Old school twitching!

Well, what a state of affairs!

2011 I was at Land's End when a SCARLET TANAGER was on Scilly. Now I'm on Scilly with a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO at Land's End!!

Tough to take. I always reckoned Scilly was my best chance to see (probably) my Number 1 target in Britain.

No flights at present again due to fog and a very slim hope of getting 2 seats today. So, after all my jibes about the boat, we're taking it at 3!

I'm just hoping the CUCKOO lasts till tomorrow morning!!

Wish me luck and Bon Voyage!?

The 23rd!

Being a modest kinda fellow I hate to say I told you so...but I told you so! I never dreamt it would be a day that brought both American Cuckoos to our shores plus a Grey-cheeked Thrush!!!

...and here's me stuck on Scilly!

I've got to come clean and admit I tried to get a flight off tomorrow. As we were uming and ahing in the booking office the one seat on the 12.30 disappeared (Louise was prepared to come across on the 3.30)...so we're staying put. I would have tried for the YELLOW-BILLED and probably the HERMIT THRUSH on North Uist...but not now.

Trying to get a positive out of this scenario isn't easy BUT it's nice to know Cuckoos are still making it and that's the second HERMIT in two years.

Beware the 23rd!

....................................................................................

At least today I saw a "good bird". We returned to St Agnes and soon connected with the ORTOLAN BUNTING. A Scilly tick to boot! The bird was associating with House Sparrows in a cow field at Troy Town...

distant at first

then closer...

then closer still...

......................................................................................

CHIMNEY SWIFT...Western Isles! The 23rd!

St Agnes

A fast disappearing Whimbrel started the day off at Porthcressa...

Today we visited St Agnes...

view north from Gugh bar

I've always liked coming here but today it wasn't at it's best birdwise...and that's an understatement! I like to think I tried hard but apart from a handful of Chiffchaffs I drew a blank. 3 YB Warblers were reported. One was in here...

...the site of many a rare bird.

More sites/sights than birds to report I'm afraid. Tomorrow will be the day?

The 23rd always lands a BIG one...

Hooded Merganser
White-billed Diver
Fea's Petrel
Gyr
Cream-coloured Courser
Upland Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Pallas's Sandgrouse
Oriental Turtle Dove
Snowy Owl
Common Nighthawk
Chimney Swift
Cliff Swallow
Blyth's Pipit
Pechora Pipit
Siberian Blue Robin
Rufous-tailed Robin
Siberian Rubythroat
Red-flanked Bluetail
Siberian Stonechat
Isabelline Wheatear
Pied Wheatear
Swainson's Thrush
Grey-cheeked Thrush
Isabelline Shrike
Nutcracker
Arctic Redpoll
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Pine Bunting
Chestnut-eared Bunting

Hopefully here!

Trip total...61