Ball Rolling

Friday's visit to Duff didn't materialized as I figured the Hut would be more like the Freezer!

So after a Greggs Bacon sarny at Hedon I started my Patch Year at Stone Creek. It was a sunny yet "Baltic" day with thankfully little wind.

The whole area is still "under plough"... unfortunately...

...which meant an absence of Owls and Harriers. A dung heap I checked last year produced a Grey Wagtail...guess what...

A quality early addition in this area. Other additions included Lapwing (c100), Curlew (c50) and Redshank (4) in the Creek.

I moved on to Sunk Island adding Little Grebe and Little Egret in the "BLACK STORK" channel. As I was heading towards Patrington Haven I noticed a large herd of Swans...

Through the glasses I was sure some were Whoopers...it was time for the 'Scope. I tallied 28 with 20 Mute. Nice...and unexpected.

I spent the last 90 minutes of daylight watching Pat' Haven which has settled down nicely after the new sculpturing. A trio of Short-eared Owls kept me entertained...from the car! I notched a late Marsh Harrier but no Hen... unfortunately.

A small flock of Golden Plover (14) passed over among the many Lapwing (c200) and a pair of Gadwall was a bonus.

No surprises on Snakey BUT a Barn Owl by the Old Sewage and a calling Tawny as I entered the Cottage was a nice finish to the day.

Yesterday I had a cruise around the Village. No rush (as if there could be!), just seeing what came my way. A drumming GSW as I loaded the car was a nice start. A quality start at Cliff Farm with a Woodcock "in off" at the lamentable ruins...

A calling lone Curlew was soon picked up in flight. I drove down to Rysome Rd and located a decent flock of Lapwing which included a bonus 13 Golden Plover. The Farm was hosting a large flock of Chaffinch (c50) which included a lone Goldfinch...no Brambling unfortunately. My first Fieldfares (2) were also seen here.

My Barn Owl total increased to 3 with a couple on Snakey combined with an unexpected Little!

Patch - 43 Species 

Village - 29 Species

The Hut

First Trip to NDC tomorrow to get the List rolling. Forecast is for sunny but very cold weather. That's OK by me, as I love those conditions at my favourite view. It will be a picture.

The wintering YELLOW WARBLER remains in Kent despite the Arctic conditions. It seems it will be remaining with us for the "Winter". A couple of my mates (yes, I have a few) still haven't connected and I may have a trip down with one (or both) early next week for an English Tick. It would be my 502nd Species for England.

Hope things go well for you this Year...

All the Best

Always a time for reflection. Visiting over. Things have inevitably changed over my many years. I don't like taking my rose-coloured spectacles off as they're replaced by my cynical pair... which I don't like. Family are spread far and wide these days.

The old bones and replacement joints don't like the cold weather but I'm not complaining. It could be worse...much worse! However, walking distance is a problem at the moment...it helps me empathize with Bud! My lad is still healthy at 13.5 years.

So, my Year...all details in the diary of course. I added 2 Species to my British List, namely...

PALE-LEAF WARBLER 

SCARLET TANAGER 

Both handily in Yorkshire!

Other County additions were...

BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE 

STILT SANDPIPER 

SNOW GOOSE

Totals on my Bubo badge.

We "lost" a couple of Redpolls off our Lists with possibly more lumps/splits to come in the ever changing World of Taxonomy. I try to keep up!

The Village produced 3 additions...

Quail 

Little Ringed Plover

Spoonbill 

...taking me to 195. Must do more Seawatching!?

Just one overdue addition at Duff which was greatly appreciated...

Avocet

...taking me to 168

Long-tailed Duck and Great Reed Warbler were excellent York Area ticks taking me to 239.

Our visit to Cyprus produced 6 additions...

GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL

WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER

TURKESTAN SHORT-TOED LARK

ASIAN DESERT WARBLER 

SEMI-COLLARED FLYCATCHER 

Grey Plover

...taking me to 223.

My Scilly List rose to 246 adding...

Barnacle Goose 

Black Kite

Little Tern

Woodchat Shrike

I think that tidied the numbers game up.

...and so...it all starts again...

YELLOW WARBLER

A special Christmas present was delivered early on Christmas Eve, a somewhat inconvenient date to say the least, placing huge pressure on prospective Twitchers. Fortunately I could relax, having enjoyed my adventure to Tiree last year.

Depending on personal circumstances Christmas Day would have brought serious contemplation for some. Important to do the "right thing" if committed I feel. Some things are more important.

Quite a few of my pals still "need" this Species for their Lists. Hopefully it will remain over the Christmas week to enable them to connect? 

A remarkable "Winter" record, although not the first time an American Bird has done this. A massive bonus at this time of Year.

I am tempted to have a Trip down if it lingers long enough. It would be an "English" tick, although that's not a big deal. In the meantime a BOC of "my" Bird from last year...

There were TWO of us present most of the time. The BIG advantage of an Island twitch.

Winter Waterland

Last visit to NDC before Christmas on Thursday (getting busy now). I arrived at 8.15 to a wonderful sunrise...

View from the Platform 

I was soon joined by Haydn and we spent a very pleasant 90 minutes watching what came and went. He had a brief Grey Wagtail which would have been nice and a couple of skeins of PFG passed over. A few Reed Buntings (8) moved West plus a solitary Meadow Pipit which alighted briefly.

A Little Gull (105) had been seen recently at Bubwith Ings and NDC. After around 30 minutes Haydn picked it up from the Platform over the flooded scrape! Of course when we made our way around to the Hide the bird had disappeared. 

The morning session till 1 was very enjoyable. Constant action and plenty of Birds including c1000 Lapwing, c200 Dunlin, c150 Golden Plover. The Whooper Swans were viewable but very distant to the North. Marsh Harriers (3) and Red Kites (3) were also distant but clearly seen in the perfect light.

Duck numbers had increased but were confined to the margins due to the depth of the water. 

As we were packing up, a shout from Haydn..."it's back"!! Sure enough, the Little Gull was straight out in front of us at close range. A great finish...

A Bullfinch in the car park was another notable addition on departure.

Late Year Tick

A day out with the good lady. We arrived at NDC at 9.30 where she left me for 3 hours lol while she headed for the Designer Outlet!

I headed straight for the GS Hide and discovered the flood was extensive...

Garganey Hide is now aquatic!

Chris Gomersall was present and scanning intently. I then noticed a couple of unfamiliar shapes powering across the Carrs from the East before continuing North...a fine pair of...

Goosanders!! (104)

A fine addition to the Year List and my first record since April 21.

I was then joined by Stuart Rapson, it was good to see him once more. He told me he'd been checking out a few local spots and he'd had 40+ Pochard on Bubwith Ings.

Fortunately the Riverbank was still visible providing resting areas and feeding opportunities for various Species. Aerial action was still decent with Marsh Harriers (3), Lapwing (c500) and Dunlin (c50). Wigeon and Teal had increased and were active on the banks and open water. 9 Shelduck sneaked in undetected and the trio of Little Grebes were still present and probably wondering where the Scrape had gone!

The sun came out to enhance the already picturesque scenery. Stuart left to check a couple of other sites and I stayed till just after Noon. I picked up Pied Wagtail (2) and Stonechat around the car park field and enjoyed the Starling show (c300) before we headed for the Pub.

NDC Flood

Storm Darragh has certainly left its mark on my old Patch! As I waited at the lights at Bubwith bridge it was clear that the water has arrived.

As I got out of the car I could hear a roar? Lifting my glasses I could see multiple breeches of the Riverbank and significant amounts of water pouring onto the Carrs.

Good...and bad news. I spent an excellent 3 hours with Haydn in the Geoff Smith Hide enjoying constant action both near and far. Clouds of Lapwing (c500), Golden Plover (200) and Dunlin (c80). Wildfowl numbers had increased dramatically with c40 Pintail now present and Marsh Harriers were making the most of the rising waters, as were the Herons.

A male Bullfinch flew close by and landed briefly for us to enjoy, always noteworthy. Haydn picked up a distant Red Kite and there were at least 4 Stonechats feeding around the scrape that also contained a couple of Little Grebes.

Hundreds of Starlings were feeding on the Riverbank which was now more like an extended Weir! 

A few Mute Swans were present but the presumed Whoopers were viewed distantly on Ellerton Ings

So... what's the bad news?

From experience there's no doubt the flood will be significant and will almost certainly fill the whole area, covering Garganey Hide and limiting resting/feeding areas for many Species. It will become a vast lake!

Yes, it will attract diving Duck and possibly something unusual but I prefer it...shallower! Having said that a drake Smew would be most welcome!

Anyway, we definitely have water now!!! I'll be back early next week to see how it's looking...

NDC Quality

I didn't make it Monday as life got in the way, so I made my way over yesterday, arriving just before Noon.

The Platform and Car Park proved unproductive but I was encouraged by the distant sight of a significant number of Swans. Surely there were some Whoopers... maybe a Bewick's?

I moved on to settle in the Geoff Smith Hide and started to scope the Swans. Sure enough there were Whoopers present. Three scans made me settle at a pleasing 90 which included 12 young birds...

No sign of any Bewick's though.

I was joined by a couple from Howden and we enjoyed Little Grebe, 6 Marsh Harriers (including this male which flew close past the hide)...

Kingfisher (performing brilliantly on the Scape in the sunshine...yes sunshine!) and Stonechat, 

There was an impressive flock of Lapwing present (c500) which included c60 Dunlin...

I also "had" a lone Snipe. However the expected Peregrine never materialized. It was great to see my first Pintail (10) of the Winter and a Little Grebe remained on the "scrape". A lone Fieldfare perched on a lone bush...

...and I had a group of 8 over the River later.

Local pair Chris Gomersall and Oliver Metcalf joined us for a while before heading down to Garganey Hide. Chris said he was after a Merlin for his Year List.

It was now approaching 4 and the late sunshine was still bathing the Carrs in wonderful golden light. Chris and Oliver re-appeared asking "did you see the Short-eared Owl?!!! I answered in the negative and felt a thump in the gut. They informed me it has flown down the River chased by a Marsh Harrier. The sunshine had ceased now and it was getting gloomy, I reckoned I'd had my chips. Then, a shout from Oliver "Alan, it's flying up River left of Aughton Church"! I picked it up in my scope and gave a sigh of relief after thanking him. The Short-eared Owl (103) then landed on a riverside fence post and remained there for some 15 minutes before flying high around the far end of the Reserve giving decent scope views. A memorable moment no doubt.

This was only my 5th record and first sighting for 13 years! A red letter day. I always feel this is a Species I should see more often here. Still, I guess it makes the sightings I get more special! I'm sure you"get it", especially if you're a Patch Birder.

Always a bonus to enjoy an afternoon like this towards the end of the Year...

December

A welcome sight at Bubwith Bridge last week as water returns to the Valley. Always "first on" here but thankfully "last off" Duff! A couple of quiet yet enjoyable visits, which included a nice chat with John Heaton from "up the road". 

The Kingfisher/s are still around the "scrape" and I estimated at least 4 Marsh Harriers present. The Whooper Swan herd have moved up to Ellerton for the moment...unfortunately! Lapwings have started to return to the fringes but Wildfowl is still almost completely absent.

The final month of the Year is upon us. Time to mop up some omissions from the Year Lists.

An American Wigeon has been present in the Valley for some time, having been seen at East Cottingwith and latterly Bubwith Ings. I'm obviously hoping it might end up on NDC? Over tomorrow.

I'll be covering the Coast and Humber during the week...

V

Birthday visit to Duff on Wednesday via the Dentist in York. I know how to have a good time!

Still dry but I had a pleasant couple of Hours. Highlight was a record count of FIFTEEN Cormorants South in V formation which I initially mistook for Geese tut tut...hence no record shot. I had a nice chat with a retired couple from York, the Lady went to my old school! A male Peregrine, Stonechat and three Snipe were also noteworthy.

As I returned home a Woodcock flashed across my headlights on Snakey.

To Tick or not to Tick (2)

Whilst trawling Bubo on yet another looooong evening. I discovered the facility to view other Birders Lists and what they have counted. Controversial ground I know but fascinating, at least to me. A history of their sightings, giving clues as to when they started this wonderful pastime/obsession.

My Twitching curiosity was fired in 1987 as I unfortunately dipped the Suffolk GREAT BUSTARDS!!! A one of Sunday attempt with John Walton and his mates from Stallingborough during my Footy days. I wasn't aware of the significance of this at the time. Still stings...a bit! I balanced this out with the DOUBLE -CRESTED CORMORANT at Gillingham. Again, totally clueless of the long term significance. It's been hits and misses ever since.

When to add?

Looking at various experienced Twitchers lists, it becomes clear that all (as far as I can see) add Species they have seen that have been added to Cat A even if an individual record hasn't been accepted by BBRC...eg Ross's Goose (Norfolk) and RED-HEADED BUNTING (Flamborough). I was unaware of this. 

Again for balance, the Snow Geese at Swine Moor and the recent SCARLET TANAGER seem generally acceptable already. Therefore I've decided to add them to my British List to come into line. Nothing is black and white as I am keeping the RHB as pending regarding Yorkshire!?

I have missed Birds in the past (provenance, taxonomy, COVID) that have cost me but that's my decision/s.

It's just a bit of fun at the end of the day... isn't it?

To Tick or not to Tick?

The (prove)nance debate is unsurprisingly raging once again, regarding the SCARLET TANAGER. Here's my two penn'orth...

Having been in the game for some Years now, I get a little tired of the inconsistencies and hypocrisy. Not that I'd ever exhibit such characteristics?! I try hard not to. 

I've seen a couple of extremely detailed and balanced accounts flagging up reasons for and against. It occurs to me that many/most points could be applied to many MEGA appearances?

Location - Inland? If the Bird was on an island or a headland would their be the same debate? 

Occurrence - They have occurred before!

Washing line - Wild Birds DO perch on them!

November - Many American Birds have turned up in this Month and later e.g CAPE MAY WARBLER and BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Some have Wintered e.g. COMMON YELLOWTHROAT

Weather - Not favourable BUT the find date isn't necessarily the arrival date! American BIRDS are still arriving in Europe.

1st Winter AND Unringed AND extremely elusive - All BIG pluses. Innocent until proven guilty.

Committee or Personal - I've always adhered to the Official Decision whether I agreed with it or not. You've probably gathered by now, I'm no Scientist! However, I have found some acceptances and rejections bizarre over the Years but I appreciate a decision has to be made. This time I've made my own decision and this Bird is on my Personal List.

Truth is, I don't know...no-one does!!!

This morning found me down Easington straight with a dual mission. A probable NORTHERN HARRIER had been seen along the South Lincs Coast yesterday afternoon...heading North! You never know? Whilst waiting with considerable optimism in the gloom a flock of Brent Geese landed close by. I wonder...?

Black Brant

Needless to say no sign of the NH or any other Harriers!

Snow Geese and SCARLET TANAGER

Blimey!!!

Been a whirlwind 36 hours. 

It all kicked off yesterday morning at 7.11...

East Yorkshire 2 adult white-morph Snow Geese at Swine Moor with Pink-footed Geese

These Birds had been seen on the Humber at Read's Island while I was on Scilly and had also visited Norfolk! There was conjecture over whether they had been IN Yorkshire whilst on the Humber. There is also the inevitable provenance issue!?

Anyway, they were worth a look. Unfortunately by the time I arrived around 9 they had left with what was considered to be c15,000 Pink-footed Geese!!! I could see a few other hopefuls over the River Hull including Steve Lawton and Rich Willison. I spoke to them both on the phone before Steve joined me in my car and we decided to have a drive around the area hoping to get lucky. With the days being short it made sense to hang around and hope they may return to roost if we couldn't locate them? We couldn't...so we returned to Swine Moor just after 1.

Richard was back in position with his mates. A few other Birders arrived as the afternoon progressed and the gloom intensified. Nothing by 3.30. All sorts of theories abounded. Had they moved on...was it just an overnight stop etc etc. Then the first wave appeared...

No white ones!

Then a second wave around 4.10. Still no joy.It was getting dark now and hopes were fading with the light. I said I was going to give it till 5. Then...Andy Holden picked up another large skein approaching!? Remarkably...he had them in his 'scope...at considerable distance!!!

A tense few minutes passed before I had them descending onto the Moor. This could be a candidate for my worst ever record shot...

It was 4.32!!!

We'll see what comes "out in the wash"...BUT they're as good as any for me?

I arrived home around 6.30...rather tired. I checked my messages...

17.46 West Yorkshire SCARLET TANAGER 1st winter male reportedly photographed at undisclosed site in recent days

Interesting!!! VERY Interesting. Thoughts immediately returned to October 2011 when I had possibly my worst ever dip. I've just checked my Blog to recall the events but it isn't there? I must have erased it from my memory lol! So, here's a brief summary...

We were travelling down for our week on Scilly and I'd obviously booked our flights months earlier. We were booked on the first flight across on Saturday the 22nd. Trouble was a SCARLET TANAGER had turned up at St Levan on the 20th and was still present on the 21st!!! For a small fee I was able to change our flight time to lunchtime, to enable me to try for the Bird first thing. A good plan...I thought?!

We arrived at dawn and waited with the other hopefuls. The Bird didn't materialize. However another...or the same(?) did...ON SCILLY!!!!!! Of course, by the time we arrived the Bird had disappeared. 

OUCH!!!

This was personal. Would I "get even"? More news came out as the evening progressed and a location was given. Game ON! A strange location and question marks BUT no hesitation from my perspective. Alarm set for 4am.

An early walk for Bud, then car loaded and off West. I arrived at 7.10 via McDonald's after an aborted Greggs! I decided to park on the main road and walk the short distance to the Site. Steve obviously had the same idea as he was getting out of his car as I prepared...so was another mate Simon Slade. Talk about co-incidences! We walked onto the exclusive estate and joined a small group of other "Early Birds"...pardon the pun! The group included Lee Evans...no surprise there! No-one really knew where to concentrate their efforts and Birders were just roaming around scanning in hope as dawn broke. A few rumours circulated but nothing definite. We walked to the end of the cul-de-sac and joined 4 Birders which included Lee. They were looking intently into a distant bare tree. They could see an interesting Bird but they weren't sure what it was. One of them took a photo and enlarged it. BINGO...

7.50

This was incredibly fortunate as the area was large and there was plenty of cover. Still I'll take it. 

I had my redemption!!!

The Bird soon dropped down into a large garden and out of view. Google Maps came into force with some checking the layout of the immediate area. Apple Tree was mentioned! Time went by and there was still no further sign. Tony Dixon arrived, he'd been caught in traffic and was obviously disappointed to miss the sighting. Anyway, eventually it popped up again into the same tree, although I couldn't get on it this time...but thankfully Tony did!

It was past 9 now and the crowd was understandably increasing as positive news was out. Many familiar faces were seen. Steve had left and I was thinking about it. Then I/We got lucky as the Bird flew across the back of the adjacent house and landed in another tree, albeit still distant...

Then, it moved again to a better spot. Unfortunately my camera starting playing up and I had to restart it. Fortunately the Bird hung around JUST long enough for me to get my pic...

A magic moment and THIRTEEN Years of hurt washed away. The Bird was unringed and is already on my List! It almost certainly arrived earlier in the Autumn and has probably filtered through Britain ending up in West Yorkshire. Handy!

Who'd have thought it?...not me...BUT that's what makes it special. Never underestimate November...

This Week

Monday had me over at Duff hoping for more Winter action. Dull conditions on arrival and things deteriorated further when I saw workmen and pumps on the Carrs as I entered the Geoff Smith Hide. The little water that was present was being drained into the River. No surprise that Birds were at a premium!

It later transpired that a faulty pump was being repaired. Unfortunate that the work couldn't have been done earlier?

The session was saved by the appearance (just after 4pm) of this gem...

Tuesday morning produced 4 Yellowhammers down Seaside...scarce at this location...

I had a couple of Hours on the Humber in the afternoon. No luck with Hen Harrier BUT plenty with this SEO...

It flew right past me and landed in the grass with prey...

Fortunately it lingered long enough for some better images...

Always special.

A couple of Great White Egrets were also present...

As I reached the car...a bonus at 4.35...

Thursday had me back on the Humber. Still no Hen Harrier...or SEO...BUT...a flock of 23 Twite more than compensated...

Record shot through the gloom

Back to Duff on Friday. Still no luck with the Willow Tit but a trio of Stonechats was a good opener. c50 Redwings circled around the Platform, eventually landing in the Riverside bushes...

No sign of the workmen thankfully BUT no sign of much avian activity! With a dry Carrs it was hardly surprising! I managed a couple of Marsh Harrier sightings and 5 Fieldfares. Again, I had a late result...I deserved it lol! A distant call alerted me to 8 Swans flying purposefully down the Valley and alighting on Bubwith Ings....

Whoopers

Water!

I added Red-legged Partridge (101) and Redpoll (102) to the Year List.

Sunshine is required...

Double Duff

2 visits, Wednesday and Friday. The main news being a flock of magnificent Whooper Swans (45) were present, albeit distantly...

I was hoping some would have returned by now. Even better tosee them actually ON the Carrs, as they can spend long periods on Ellerton and the Farm fields over the road. I was joined by Haydn on both occasions. Friday was the better day weather-wise and we enjoyed a good hour out on the Platform. I "had" 26 Pink-footed Geese going South on arrival...

...followed shortly afterwards by 3 Whooper Swans off the Farmland to the South, low over my head!

Haydn mentioned he'd had a Willow Tit on his way out but we couldn't locate it on our return, although he heard it. However I did score with Stonechat (97)...

...Goldcrest (98) and Bullfinch (female).

Once in the Hide Haydn picked up FIVE cc Marsh Harriers hunting just beyond the far end of the Reserve on Ellerton Ings. We later had a male on Duff. Not bad for an Inland Site! A superb large, female Peregrine was present on the grass for a good hour. A couple of Red Kites circled over the Poplars. Buzzards (4) were present throughout, including one pale individual in a bush, standing out like a sore thumb in the Winter sunshine.

An uplifting 4 hour session in ideal conditions. Sunshine throughout which is much appreciated in Dullvember. I'll be back next week.

Eastern promise for the weekend. Maybe a late result?

Duff - 98

VARIED THRUSH - 3 Years on...

A combination of a relatively "quiet" Autumn and the start of "Wintertime" had me reminiscing somewhat. On this date 3 years ago I spent the whole day with a VARIED THRUSH on Papa Westray. A truly monumental experience for yours truly.

So, to cheer myself up I thought I'd revisit the occasion and give a condensed version of events leading up to and during my visit. The full original report is in my Top Ten in the right hand column. 

The first thing to say is that I may struggle to do a similar Twitch in the future? Reading back through the post I sometimes wonder how I managed it!!! Also, I was lucky it remained present (first seen Wednesday) until I left Scilly on Friday afternoon. It seems we drove to Bury (354 miles) arriving early Saturday morning (smart Motorways getting another mention). An afternoon drive back to Holmpton (110 miles) then North into Scotland in the evening. A few hours kip then onto Scrabster (501 miles) for the Ferry at Noon. Basically Lands End to John O'Groats...ish. Taxi across Orkney, then plane to Papa (72 miles), just connecting before Dusk, thanks to David Roche picking us up at the Airport. Crackers but adrenaline filled!!!!!!

Having experience of the Island (STELLER'S EIDER) and the Hostel made Sunday evening and night VERY relaxing and satisfying. The only question now was...would it be there tomorrow? Thankfully it was.

On reflection I'm leaning towards this Twitch being my favourite. The combination of distance covered, location and Species...is hard to beat. The NIGHTHAWK and ALBATROSS will remain very special as both were surprise flight views...as well as being charismatic. I DO love a Thrush though...especially a Zoothera (always will be to me)...

Roll on Spring...

Scilly 24 Summary

Back home now after another memorable visit. An interesting return after a bonus night. We enjoyed Saturday morning and left on time at 1.50. We made good progress to Gloucester Services arriving at 6.30. However, things went pear-shaped after that as we encountered another section of "Smart Motorway". I had my rant earlier, suffice to say this was worse, as we obviously encountered it in darkness. We lost around an hour (seemed like three) before arriving at my Mother's at 10.30. We returned over the Pennines early Sunday afternoon and I picked the boys up Monday morning. Still adjusting after pushing it, as usual, BUT...just glad I could get around OK after earlier mobility issues. Hilly Scilly is definitely a challenge and getting more so each Year!!! I'm still going and proud of it...considering. I reckon I topped 80 Miles during the visit and Louise wasn't far behind. We visited all five Islands at least once and enjoyed some stunning Weather (too nice?) and Scenery. The Apartments and Pubs were up to their usual high standards...as were the Pasties!

As for the Birds?

The BIG moment was a brief sighting of a COMMON NIGHTHAWK over Longstones Cafe, which unfortunately didn't develop later in the day/week.

I added 3 Species to my Scilly List, reaching a personal landmark 250. Namely...

BLACK KITE

Little Tern

WOODCHAT SHRIKE

Other noteables...

Barnacle Geese - deemed to be wild Birds

Osprey

Dotterel

WILSON'S SNIPE - maybe?

Hoopoe

Wryneck

Short-toed Lark

BLYTH'S PIPIT

Olive-backed Pipit

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher

Firecrest

Raven

Misses

LESSER YELLOWLEGS - no specific attempt. 2 commuted between Tresco and Bryher

Spoonbill - where is Green Island?!

YBW - Do they really exist?!

Jack Snipe - usually guaranteed

Merlin

Peregrine

Hen Harrier - would have been a Scilly Tick

It was nice to have a few conversations with some of the characters that grace the Islands in October. We bumped into Viv Stratton and his loyal Sheepdog on more than one occasion. Dick Filby did his usual excellent job of relaying information over the radio. Meeting Ron Johns was also a nice moment. We also had a conversation with Alan Hannington on the boat over to Bryher to see the BLYTH'S PIPIT. Bumping into Scilly stalwart Martin was also an annual pleasure.

It wasn't a classic Year and I don't want to repeat what I've already said in the daily diary...hopefully! You can't see a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER every Year!! The first day was the most exciting as I went from one Bird to another with a fly-over BLACK KITE thrown in for good measure. Yet another "radio" assist.

My second trip to Bryher connecting with the Dotterel at such close quarters was special, as was my incredibly close views of Whooper Swans. I intend to do a separate post on this marvellous day later with some photos, when I've been through them.

This was my 30th visit to the Islands and I'll hopefully be back again next October...if not before? I know I've said this after previous visits BUT where else could you see these Species in a fortnight within a few Miles of each other? Answer - Nowhere!

Trip Total - 85 Species

Scilly 24 - Day 16

Writing this on the A30...Louise is driving!

My bonus session started at dawn at Porthloo. 3 Black Redstarts but no sign of the reported Redstarts. Plenty of Waders on the deserted Beach including my first Bar-tailed Godwit, c50 Sanderling, c10 Ringed Plovers, Curlew, and Whimbrel.

Also present were a couple of "Dunlin". A White -rumped Sandpiper had been seen the previous day, so they were worth closer scrutiny. Especially when a Birder appeared next to me saying he'd seen a "white rump"!

The Birds were very active and partly obscured by the large pebbles plus I didn't have my 'scope. He had to leave for the Airport and the Birds flew down the far end of the Bay. He said he'd put news out and I moved on to Lower Moors. I was undecided. I have some distant photos which I'll take a look at on return. There were no further reports.

My last hour was spent around Shooters Pool. Unfortunately there was no sign of the Spotted Crake or the hoped for YBW!

A Common Rosefinch was reported in the allotments near the Dump but my time was up!

Trip Total - 84 Species 

Scilly 24 - Day 15

A "none" day!

We woke to Gale force winds and heavy rain. Excellent possibilities for Rare arrivals but not for getting off the Island!!!

A couple of hours of tense negotiation had us remaining in our accommodation "rent-free" which was obviously greatly appreciated.

We should have been on the last flight off but ALL flights for the day have been now been cancelled. We had a record 5 minute stay at the Airport to unload, get our flight time and get back in the Taxi!

Birding conditions were rather er... challenging, so nothing else to do than have a bonus early trip to the Atlantic and a long morning's Birding tomorrow before we leave at 1.50 (much calmer tomorrow).

So, another chance for a BIG finish. You never know...?

Trip Total - 83 Species 

Scilly 24 - Day 14

My intention today was to visit Tresco to see the 2 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2 Serins. I was tempted by a report of a possible Marsh Warbler (a potential Scilly tick) on Bryher but it didn't get me on the edge of my seat!

Anyway a report of a Woodchat Shrike near Old Town Churchyard on St Mary's sorted that particular quandary out...and saved me yet another boat fare!

So, another yomp up the hill and down to Old Town. I soon found the hopefuls peering into the Pittosporum. The bird has been seen just prior to my arrival. The cover on Scilly is extensive. Then a report over the radio that the Bird was higher up on the permissive path. Another yomp. The group were now positioned on a steep slope looking North to another hedge and included my pal Simon.

Good directions allowed me a brief but clear flight view for my 250th Scilly Bird. A landmark I was hoping to achieve this Trip.

I gave it another 90 minutes but it wasn't seen again. However I did have a chat with Ron Johns, another legend in Birding circles who still visits the Islands. He was previously the Number 1 Lister for Britain before deciding to take up World Birding. He also told me he was on the 2 BOOBY boat trip!!! Another example of the magnetism these Islands possess...

After a rest (it was tough going zigzagging up and down the East side of Peninnis) I checked out Porthcressa in case the mobile White-rumped Sandpiper showed up. It didn't!

If it's coming...it better hurry up! Last chance tomorrow...?

Trip Total - 83 Species