Green Woodpecker - Spurn MEGA!!!

Had an early walk down to Old Hive on a lovely Spring morning...

He loved it...as per usual...

On our return he managed to flush a solitary Snipe (P.79, H.38).E

News broke around noon of a Green Woodpecker at Spurn. A potential addition to my list!

As I arrived at Kilnsea I could see the odd Birder around but no real focus was evident, so I made my way down towards the Blue Bell. I spotted Steve Exley. He'd been looking for it to no avail. We had a decent chat about ailments and trips and then I continued to the Blue Bell.

Where to look?

Telegraph Poles, Kew, Churchyard...

How about on the ground? I turned towards the Visitor Centre and noticed a small area of ploughed field. Why not. At least I could scan the field.

Yep...this is another of those potential smart-arse moments.

As I was approaching a decent sized bird was flying low in an undulating manner to a lone tree!!! This was the first of a few fortunate moments this afternoon...

306 for Spurn

There it was! Rather chuffed to connect with this Spurn rarity and especially pleased to re-find it. I put the news out and Steve appeared shortly after but the bird had flown. As far as I'm aware it wasn't seen again. Lucky!!

As we were searching for it a Short-eared Owl (S.40) flew across the road and landed on a nearby post...

Always good value, it's an Owl after all!

Flushed with this success I has a look behind the Gas Terminal on my way back. I figured the Black Redstart had moved on but you never know so I headed south along the path. I reached the end and sat on the bench for a while. No BR BUT...

Wheatear (P.80, S.41)

Always nice to see my first...and apparently, the first of the year for Spurn. Things were going well.

I returned home for Bud and took him for his stretch down the bottom of the hill (south of the Village) before it got dark. Fortunately, I still had my camera with me. Another SEO (H.39) was quartering the fields to the west...

Really pleased to see this in the Village. Then, incredibly a ring-tail Hen Harrier shot North low over the fields...

The light had gone but you get the idea.

What a marvellous afternoon!!!

Texas planning...

Nice choice for this year. Still got my 2000 badge and T-Shirt!

As already mentioned we've decided to base ourselves in Galveston for the whole trip. That doesn't mean we'll BE in Galveston for the whole trip! This area has plenty to offer the Birder...see here. The Featherfest starts on our arrival so lots of eyes looking for Birds. Nice.

During these barren late Winter days, I thought I'd give a general outline to this wonderful area, as I'm still laid up with my thumb injury and it's a bit windy!

Since my first visit in 2000 I've gradually fallen more and more in love with the area...fortunately, so has Louise! We first went together in 2007, touring the Upper Coast. Since then we've been to all areas of this magnificent State. I've racked up 468 species to date but that's only part of the journey. Fantastic scenery, history and wildlife in general has been enjoyed to the full and many friends have been made. I have a few gaps in my State list, some of which I hope to fill this Spring...

White-winged Scoter
MASKED DUCK
Greater-Prairie Chicken
Band-tailed Pigeon
Blue-throated Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
NORTHERN JACANA
American Woodcock
Red-necked Phalarope
Red Phalarope
Sabine's Gull
California Gull
Iceland Gull
Glaucous Gull
Sooty Tern
Bridled Tern
JARIBU
Wood Stork
Boobies
Rough-legged Hawk
Flammulated Owl
Northern Pygmy Owl
Spotted Owl
Short-eared Owl
Williamson's Sapsucker
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Northern Shrike
Yellow-green Vireo
Black-whiskered Vireo
Pinyon Jay
Bobolink
Cape May Warbler
Hermit Warbler
Red-faced Warbler
Baird's Sparrow
Lapland Longspur
Smith's Longspur
McCown's Longspur

I've dipped MASKED DUCK and NORTHERN JACANA on previous trips but although rare, both are possible in April. Some on the list are Western species, so not possible on this trip. I should score with Cape May Warbler, Bobolink and hopefully SEO...at last! A January trip will be necessary to connect with the Rough-legged Hawk, Longspurs and Baird's Sparrow (I'm working on that one). Hopefully something special will turn up during my time window?

Thirty plus species of Warbler are available ALL in glorious Summer plumage. During "a fall" the place is dripping with them. On previous trips I've experienced a few decent arrivals across the Gulf from the Yucatan Peninsular. The plus being they arrive mid-afternoon so no need to get up at stupid-o-clock (dawn will be at 7am...so not so bad really). I've seen warblers dropping into the Oaks at High Island in there hundreds. Ten Blackburnian Warblers in one bush on one occasion!!

I've also booked a couple of surprises for Louise. Nothing to do with birds of course! We'll be spending three nights at Kerrville to enable us to re-visit some of the superb sites in the Hill Country, including Neil's Lodges at Concan and Kerr WMA. I've also booked us a night at Port Aransas to give us another mini break from the Upper Coast. Just hoping we get lucky with the Warblers at the superb Paradise Pond.

My passion for Parallel Birding i.e. BOU/ABA will never diminish. It's all I need nowadays. The internet allows me to follow both closely. The odd selective twitch here and a visit across the pond when funds allow. If they don't, I'll gladly go to Cyprus! My destinations HAVE to be Wife friendly...if you get my drift! That's fine by me as I'm not interested in World listing, roughing it or encountering major hassle. It's a holiday after all.

Wouldn't mind another trip to Alaska mind. Trouble is I'm not sure I'd get Louise up there in June? Maybe I'll get a pass out as a Bucket List retirement treat? Alaska...see what I did there? I can dream. Be nice to break 700 ABA before I depart...

Home Comforts

Surprises come at all levels of Birding. Some occur VERY close to home. This morning in heavy rain I counted SEVEN Dunnocks mopping up under my feeders! You've never seen it all...

Hope Springs...

Brutal conditions here today. Despite the inclement weather the dog walk produced my first drumming GSW (P.77, H.36) of the year along Seaside Lane...

Downscaling

Feeders keeping EIGHTEEN Tree Sparrows happy at the moment...

TWITCHIN'

A few personal thoughts on the last couple of weeks.

My personal "ups and downs" of this twitch are well documented in the previous posts! I have to admit I do dip into anti-social media, if only to glean relevant information that will hopefully aid my strategy. The nuances of a twitch can be endless. This one was particularly complicated...but thankfully...all's well that ends well.

Reading various accounts of twitchers behaviour it's hard to know what to believe. To be honest it's just like any walk of life. There are sound responsible people, there are OK people and there are some...that are not!

Some facts...

• The bird had torches shone on it at the first site which also disturbed the home owners throughout the night? The bird unsurprisingly wasn't seen next day and changed sites. Some friends of mine dipped after making the colossal journey by road and Ferry.
• A guy when I was present wanted to play a tape. This was discouraged but apparently took place later in the day.
• Twigs were thrown beneath the roosting tree on its last day for the owners dogs, to try and make the Owl stir for a better photo.

One word...Selfish. The bird needs to REST.

Imagine if this bird had shown up on the Mainland!!!

Some have that...Got to get that frame-filler at all costs and to hell with anyone else mentality. Then...got to get the best picture to show on Facebook or Twitter...for that "well done" moment! Is that more important than the bird's welfare? I think NOT!

The topography of the gardens meant that the bird could be viewed easily, once found. On my second day it was around 15 feet high in a conifer right by the main path!

OK it wasn't in full view for that picture postcard shot. Tough. Over the duration of its stay someone will get lucky and be there at the right time as it emerges from its roost...of its own accord. As happened on its final day. Genuinely pleased for the fortunate few. We weren't so lucky, never mind.

There is no answer to this...it's just how it is. I was lucky, enjoying the bird at leisure with a small well-behaved group who respected the Owls space. Also island twitches are more self-policing with dubious behaviour being pointed out to the less thoughtful. My best pic was obtained from distance through thick vegetation and took much patience to get an "eyes open" image.

Personally I'd rather have a realistic image than an ultimate. Lets face it, after a while the multitude of images being posted on-line becomes a little...boring. Almost a competition to top the last one.

Loved the challenge of the twitch which fortunately worked out in the end.

Time to turn my thought to my beloved Texas...

TENGMALM'S OWL - Recovery!

Overkill has already taken place BUT I've just downloaded my pics from the trip and feel it's only right to post a few to tidy things up. Last one...promise. It is a VERY special bird after all.

I had a stroll along the Cliff this morning and had a good chat with Richard. I needed some air after a very long journey home. Worth it though.

So, a few images to record the occasion...

The Site at ...

Lea Gardens

The view over the pond from my bench. It was a long day...

Big twitch!

By early afternoon I still hadn't got a half-decent image. I intended to wait until dusk anyway. hoping for the dusk show (as already mentioned). As you can see below the sun was now a problem for general viewing, as a roosting Owl wasn't going far!



After another nap (I only got an hour coming over on the Ferry) I returned to my vantage point and waited some more. Eventually I managed to use the bird to block the sun to an extent enabling me to get this image of it regurgitating a pellet...

One or two of some of the birds present in the Lerwick harbour...

Black Guillemot with Crab

 

Long-tailed Duck

 



This was the best I could manage of the Star turn in its second roost site (shame about the twigs!) I was happy to get this to be honest. Restricted viewing!!

The bird is still present today and hopefully will remain undisturbed enabling others to connect until it decides to move on of it's own accord. Another slight concern would be if the owners became irritated with Birders standing on plants. If everyone behaves (a big ask) there shouldn't be a problem. I and many others made significant donations to their chosen cause.

I finish with my enduring image of a tiring but extremely satisfying four day adventure...

Just received a message that access will cease after Wednesday.......



TENGMALM'S OWL - Conclusion

OK. I'm on the East Coast flyer for 6 hours so I'm going to post a summary of an eventually successful twitch.

Quite a relief!!!!!!

2 days on Shetland gave me plenty of time to reflect... after I'd connected of course!

The roughing it on the Ferry proved just that...and more. I managed about an hours sleep. I wedged myself in a recliner, padded my arm and sat it out. I'd pre-booked a taxi to meet me and off we went around 7.45am Wednesday. I was first there as most of the other potential admirers were sorting their hire cars out.

I made my way up the short driveway and into the garden.

Around 30 birders eventually arrived. Over the next couple of hours the garden was thoroughly searched but the bird couldn't be re-located. The general mood became heavy and some even left, deciding to check out the original site.

I remained, thinking it was still here...somewhere. I gave Trevor Charlton a call and he described exactly where it had roosted yesterday by the rusty wheelbarrow...

I couldn't see it...

Thick cover!

It had reached that point were you start looking in "other areas".

It was gone 10 by now and I was making my way around the pond, which was teaming with Frogs. I've never seen so many!

I then noticed a Birder looking intently through a relatively open area. He then looked over to me and said the immortal words..."

It's HERE!!!

I made my way over and sure enough there it was...

 

FANTASTIC!!!

We were soon joined by the rest and everyone was obviously elated to connect. I didn't observe ANY poor behavior all day. Generous donations were forthcoming to the accommodating owners.

House in the garden

Trevor had told me Mark Thomas was flying up early morning and sure enough he duly arrived and connected. We remained all day hoping for the "dusk show" that Trevor got. It didn't materialize... unfortunately.

Mark dropped me at my B&B and I got some much needed sleep after the obligatory Fish and Chips. We'd agreed to wait for news the following morning then pop back up to see if it was roosting in a more viewable position.

Mark had stayed at his mates place and after picking me up on news around Noon we joined him in the harbour to look for white-winged Gulls...

We couldn't find any but I was more than happy with superb views of Black Guillemot and Long-tailed Ducks!

We then made our way back to Tresta. We struggled to find a parking space...

Not quite Mainland!

The TO was still tucked away...

We had a drive around the area and found a few Slavonian Grebes, which was nice. Also had to get the obligatory pic...

Mark then drove me back to Lerwick and we said our goodbyes. Time for celebration Cheesecake...

After a pleasant stroll through Lerwick...

...I boarded the Ferry around 6pm and headed for my cabin. Yes, the journey back was going to be FAR more pleasant... and it was. I had a late breakfast on a stationary boat and boarded my train at 9.52.

Job done. All's well that...

I'll post a few pics when I get back...

No words needed!

TENGMALM'S OWL - the journey

No hitches early doors. An hour to Leeds on a boneshaker then another 6 to Aberdeen on a superb Virgin flyer, arrivibg at 5.10. Definitely the quietest compartment I've ever travelled in. Made conversation with an intelligent lady which helped pass the journey. A fascinating conversation. She'd certainly led an interesting life!

A short walk across the Mall from the Station and I was in the Ferry Terminal. After a brief wait we made the less than salubrious plod through the car deck to the main area..

Having had Weetabix for breakfast and a pastry at York, it was time for dinner...

The bird was active before dark and hopefully will be roosting in view tomorrow morning. Let's hope it's a dark night...if you get my drift!!!

TENGMALM'S OWL - Ressurrected!

Twitching is not for the fainthearted!!!

After a week of on-off sightings the Owl was found again this afternoon...after much searching. Incredible really, as it was over a mile from the original site!!!

Some Henry Kissinger style negotiations have enabled me to at least have a crack.

How?

Management is driving me to Hull...then train to Aberdeen...and Ferry over to Shetland for Wednesday morning. Forecast looks favourable BUT it could obviously take some finding especially as there won't be that many there. At least it sits out in the open on occasions.

Time will tell...

TENGMALM'S OWL - Aftermath!

So, no sign again this morning. My potential travelling buddy is on site and I'm praying it turns up for him and his brother...and the rest, some of which are still travelling. Been there..,know the feeling!!! Not pleasant.

Is it over? Who knows!

Having been Captain Sensible on this occasion (believe me it was hard) at least I scored MEGA points on the home front. As mentioned many times before I've "got away with murder" for many years for which I am eternally grateful, so when the good lady says no...it has to be no.  Another of my Dad's sayings...

"If the Queen's not happy the King is in trouble"! (or words to that effect).

She's right of course but boys will be boys...just not this time. In the past I've beat myself up over poor strategy, this time I had it sorted, I just couldn't put the plan into operation.

Detached thumb ligaments isn't ideal...

Guess I could always draw a TO on it! Ironically it's called a BLOCK!!!

Roll on Texas...

UPDATE: 9.20 !!!!!! MEGA Shetland TENGMALM'S OWL again Mainland

 

That's the game we play....tough sometimes...



TENGMALM'S OWL - A Cathartic post

Seeing as I'm laid up I have time to post some reflections...

I woke this morning to the news the TO was back, after the storm, in the same location! IF I'd travelled I WOULD have gambled on last nights Ferry and would be looking at it NOW!!! (Cue Violins). I CAN assure you I'm STILL as keen as the next twitcher...and always will be...BUT some things ARE more important and my present circumstances prohibit travel. Let's just leave it at that.

Tough one, especially considering it's an Owl and it's almost certain to be seen.

I know of some chaps who turned around yesterday on negative news. Another tough scenario. Many congrats to those who gambled or are travelling today and beyond. No sour grapes here I can assure you. I'll get the next one!!!!!!

In such circumstances my mind inevitably travels back to similar (thankfully not many) occasions...

WILSON'S WARBLER
THICK-BILLED WARBLER
PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER

To name but three.

Each bird has its own unique set of circumstances. The WW arrived when I was on Scilly and Louise was happy for me to leave and travel to the Outer Hebrides to try for it. I didn't.

The TBW arrived just after I'd cancelled our booking for our holiday on Shetland due to my leg. I'd have seen it on our first evening.

The PG Tips was missed by minutes at Spurn. You've probably heard that one!

Rarity value or experience? Both preferably. The first of the three would be my choice considering my strong bias towards the New World. The other two are frankly...rather boring IMHO.

Got me thinking about "Type of twitch". As you can see I have a "Rush Birds" list. The twitches that have been the most...exciting. In fact I've just had another look. I guess I'm happy with the order "Pop Pickers".

Even though I've place it at No 3 my solo AMUR FALCON twitch will take some beating for adrenaline rush. I guess the NIGHTHAWK and CLIFF SWALLOW have an element of nostalgia built in but were truly exhilarating moments I can assure you.

As previously stated I came into the game fairly late, opening with a GREAT BUSTARD dip!!! So from a lifetime perspective I was quite a few down from the start. Never bunking off School cost me many from 1990 through 2011 as well as holidays abroad. I'm still dipping them lol! I guess I'm an Everton rather than a Manchester United/City. As my Dad used to say..."There'll always be better, there'll always be worse".

There...I feel (slightly) better. Adding to this my plane crash I consider myself very fortunate to still be enjoying this wonderful hobby/obsession...in fact life at all!!

 

 

There'll be another...

TENGMALM'S OWL!!!

Well, it's happened!

Spurn '83 and all that.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to pass. My (latest) injury plus a lot of "other stuff" going on at the moment means it's a "No No". Not much luck at the moment!!! The bird showed brilliantly all day yesterday but no sign at dawn in atrocious conditions?

All the VERY best of luck to those that have travelled. Back to historical eBird recording for me...

Productive walk

Has a nice stroll down Snakey late morning in the wonderful February sunshine.

I'd looked for my Partridges many times from the car with no luck. Inadvertantly flushed both today! Result! (P.76, H.35).

NDC Raptor fest!

The hoped for Noah's flood didn't materialize today. It's always last to flood but I thought the recent wet spell may have done the trick.

No matter, it was a bright afternoon and the view was as special as ever...

Throughout the afternoon I enjoyed prolonged views of an adult female and two juvenile Marsh Harriers and a very lively juvenile Peregrine...

I added Shelduck, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Dunlin, Snipe, Fieldfare, Redwing and Bullfinch.

Fresh Air!

Clocked up 4 miles today with my mate. Felt good.

We started at Easington Beach were an hours vigil failed to produce any sightings of the wintering Shore Larks.

After lunch we visited Kilnsea Wetlands were I paid my first visit to the new hide. A definite improvement. I couldn't locate the Green-winged Teal unfortunately.

Things were going well!

The day was saved when I did manage a brief view of the Black Redstart (P.74, S.39) at the North end of the Gas Terminal. The bird flew down onto the beach and wasn't seen again in the next 45 mins. It looked in cracking plumage, so a return visit will be made.

Rising water levels mean a visit to Duff will be the order of the day tomorrow...

BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS

Made it to Cornwall by 4.30am and grabbed an hours sleep. Another 90 minutes found me at the National trust car park at the Lizard. the southern tip of Britain. Extremities and Rare Birds eh!

It was still dark but a few cars were starting to roll up. The one next to me contained Dan Pointon who I'd last seen at Bempton... again involving an Albatross twitch. We were hoping for better luck this time.

We made our way down to the watch-point and set up our gear...

By 9am my dream of a BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS shearing through the surf was starting to fade...slightly.

By 11 I needed a stretch and some refreshments, so I walked back to the V70 and bought her down to the cliff car park.

I reckon around 50 intrepid hopefuls had made the trip but by now some were leave.

Time for a much needed kip. Risky I know but unavoidable under the circumstances. I figured I'd hear the commotion if something occurred!?

I was back in the game by 3pm and gave it till 5 but it wasn't to be...again. Got back home at 1.30am after completing 940 miles

Obviously a difficult species to connect with...but I'll keep trying. Three sightings definitely made the trip worthwhile. At least it's in the North Atlantic and hopefully will turn up again this year. Bempton would be nice Trevor!

BBA?

In 1987 I was a novice Birder stood on the end of Filey Brigg when a shout went up..."Albatross"!!!

I didn't see anything BIG.

There was a returning bird for many years at Hermaness in the Northern Isles but that was way beyond yours truly with a young family.

A couple of misses at Bempton relatively recently. One when I was on the Outer Hebrides and the other when I was working, mean I still haven't seen this species in Britain.

I now have another chance!

A bird was seen off the Lizard on Friday afternoon. It was then (surprisingly) seen again this morning AND late afternoon!!!

Obviously lingering/roosting.

After a tough week I'll be driving down tonight... fingers crossed...

FALCATED DUCK

As stated many times before I follow the "official line" but don't necessarily agree with it!

We now have another example of this.

The BOU have just decided (after 32 years) that a bird that toured Norfolk and Northants between 1986 and 1988 has been deemed worthy.

I saw the bird in Northants in February 1987 in my twitching infancy.

Do I feel any satisfaction? Not really...but I'll take it!