Subtle Changes

One of the many joys of watching a Patch regularly are the subtle changes that occur throughout the Year. They can be slow, especially in late Winter...but they ARE there.

I arrived at NDC at 8 and had 45 minutes out by the Platform while I waited for Haydn. Very quiet in the trees and bushes but a few groups of magnificent Whooper Swans powered over low, heading for the Farm across the road. I'm always fully aware of how special this experience is...or I like to think so!

A sight to brighten up yet another extremely dull and cold Winter's Day. We moved on to the Geoff Smith Hide...to warm up...slightly! The Swans were still heading South along the River from Ellerton Ings in groups of various sizes...

A few groups came in low over the water before rising over the Hide...

The deceptive power this Species exudes is remarkable and is illustrated well when trying to follow them with the camera. A few more...

Pintails were well represented and a conservative estimate would be 120. Fortunately a few had ventured closer due to the welcome drop in water level...

Clouds of Lapwings were present at the far end with a sprinkling of Dunlin....

A young chap called Ed entered the Hide. He was understandably a tad apprehensive of Bud initially but after some reassurance he moved up the Hide to sit nearer. The next hour or so was a great pleasure as we chatted about various aspects of our wonderful hobby. I enjoyed his enthusiasm and candid outlook. He also found me my FOY Great White Egret...

The Bird worked its way towards us before flying South...

Always nice to get a surprise sighting.

The "Bund" was now exposed allowing Waders to congregate and rest on it. The "fresh" habitat paid off as 3 Ruff were attracted for another Year addition. Curlew numbers rose to 8 and we were treated to some song. I'd seen a couple of Oystercatchers on arrival, this increased to 3 around Noon. As I was leaving...

Subtle changes. I can't remember seeing 4 together here before. 

I left at 1. On the way home I detoured via Welwick hoping for a SEO or HH. No luck there but I did enjoy a superb performance by this beauty...

At one point it landed on a post right by my car...but I was too slow! Still, it showed well until I left at Dusk...

A cold, dark yet heartwarming day...

Slowly, slowly...

It can be slow going in February after the initial rush of Year Ticks. I don't rush anywhere these days! Forced changes in approach allow me to see things from a different prospective which I quite like. Bitter cold weather isn't conducive to prolonged periods in exposed locations so my preferred inland location suits me down to the ground. Hunkering down in the Geoff Smith Hide is bliss to me, just watching what comes as goes. Its a good hour from home but that's no problem and isn't that big a deal to me...I've got plenty of time these days! I always remember my old mate Pete Piringer relocating back to Thorganby from Bridlington after spending his younger Years in the York Area. I can see why. Don't get me wrong, I'm fine living out here on the Coast BUT I still VERY much enjoy my dual Patch Birding!!

Hence my latest visit on Thursday. I arrived at 8 to see that Haydn was already in situ. We made our way out to the Platform and gave it an hour. No luck with the Willow Tit but we enjoyed regular passes of groups of Whooper Swans flying low from Ellerton to the Farm over the road. MAGIC!!!

We headed for the shelter of the GSH.

There was a lone Whooper present on the Carrs but the remainder were distant on Ellerton Ings. However they were still commuting to the Farm...

 

Classical Power

We estimated around 80 Birds. Goldeneye had risen to 7. The pair of Stonechats are remaining loyal to the Scrape.

Another indicator of Spring appeared in the form of a mobile trio of Oystercatchers...

Curlew was also added. Three Marsh Harriers playing together was a fine sight as was the pair of Red Kites. All gave relatively close views.

I stuck it out till 1, then the East Wind won...

Year Total - 64 Species

PFG X 2

After the excitement of a Village Tick further interest was provided by the appearance on Sunday of a stunning flock of Pink-footed Geese. I nearly missed them; it was only the old "final look" that had me discovering them to the South of the Village viewed from the now (unfortunately) old Cliff Farm site. Initially, they blended in perfectly with the plough...until someone turned the lights on...

Monday found me over at the Water Meadow. Fortunately the level had dropped, still a tad high for my liking and optimum conditions...but it was still a fine sight...

I picked up an immediate Year Tick in the form of an adult Great Black-backed Gull on the Riverbank...

Taken from the Platform

Checking through the limited Swans revealed a lone Whooper...

...eventually chased off by a territorial Mute in full attack mode! The male then joined its partner on the scrape, no doubt the beginnings of a breeding attempt...

A pleasant 4 hour watch with Long-tailed Tit also added, otherwise quiet.

Yesterday I checked on the Geese in the Village and fortunately they were still present. They were nearer the road but as I drove down from Out Newton they took off! However it did allow me the opportunity to get some flight shots. The aspect was favourable and they looked great swirling over the Village...

Finally settling back down, this time further away from the road unfortunately...

They were still there late morning but had moved on by mid-afternoon. So glad they stopped by!

A few images taken locally recently...

Buzzard

Curlew

Red-legged Partridge

Little Owl

This Week

Monday afternoon found me down at Welwick. I arrived at 3 and stayed till dusk. The first hour was uneventful bar the usual suspects. Using the car as a Hide I drove slowly back and forward every so often to very my viewing angles. A traditional Site for Owls and Harriers, I didn't see any of the former BUT...

...A brief but welcome pass at distance just below the flood Bank. Very pleased with the image considering the light and distance.

Tuesday at Duff produced the fine sight of thousands of Ducks that had now (thankfully) re-located here after the thaw. It was marvellous to see the Carrs crammed with Wildfowl...

A Red Kite flew West at mid-distance. Again pleased with the image being in focus considering it was a "late grab". Living on the Coast a sighting of this Species is always noteworthy...

The water level was still significant and had attracted a Species I was hoping for...

Goldeneye

No Raptor action at during a return visit to Welwick late Wednesday but a cracking Stonechat and Yellowhammer were adequate compensation...

Yesterday involved my second trip of the week to NDC. As I left home a Red-legged Partridge was posing nicely in the sun on Snakey...

I arrived at 1 and had a pleasant couple of hours enjoying the view...

Landmark Poplars in the Distance...

15

Whooper Swans in the extreme distance on Ellerton Ings...

Three Shelduck powered North along Bubwith Ings and over Aughton Church...

It was now 3pm. A message form Richard...

Little Grebe on Broadland Pool

A potential Holmpton Tick!? I ruminated for a few minutes....

Could I make it back before dark?

Would it be there tomorrow - probably?

I decided to give it a go. I arrived back on Snakey at 4.50, Parked up and walked with Bud to the Pond. The sun had almost set but there was still enough light...

The pond was tough to view being partially obscured by Reeds and Grasses. I was going to need some luck...quickly! A pair of Mallards were present and a single Moorhen but no sign of the Grebe as it approached 5! My hopes weer fading with the light. Then a ripple...

Try not to laugh. I wouldn't even dare to call it a record shot but there it was...honest!! Just a bit of fum but I enjoyed the chase and obviously the result. This was my 197th Species for the Village if my calculations are correct and an excellent find by Richard as there are hardly any Ponds in the Village...unfortunately.

This morning I had a walk down again with Bud. After some 45 minutes I managed a better pic in the gloom...

In context...a Mega!