Early Start

I'd arranged to meet Haydn (my ears) at NDC for an early attempt to see the wintering Willow Tit. I was chuffed to make it for 8.15 and I could see him as I pulled up. We made our way over the Bridge and headed towards the Platform. It was misty rather than foggy and was clearing slowly... 

Atmospheric

No wind which helped Haydn listen for the Bird. After around 15 minutes he picked it up and had a couple of quick glimpses, unfortunately I didn't get "on it". Maybe next time? As we returned over the Bridge we were talking about the recent Redpoll...and there it was...showing better than ever...

We headed for the Hide and the Carrs was now clear. Unfortunately it was still frozen solid despite the increase in temperature, so Birds present were still on the River and Bank. Haydn had to go around 10 and I lingered till 1. It was a steady session, I added 5 Species to the Year List, this Male Bullfinch being the pick...

A thaw soon hopefully...

Year List - 52 Species

Winter Birding

 Love it...when it's sunny!?

Haydn made the trip over on Monday when he'd made it through the Hull traffic. He jumoed in my car and we headed for the Humber to check out a few spots along the Humber. We started at Skeffling where we were greeted with this...

An unfortunate Sperm Whale which had expired some time ago! A remarkable yet sad sight. Nothing of note seen "Bird-wise". We moved onto Weeton and then Welwick, eventually connecting with a ring-tail Hen Harrier at the latter. No luck with Owls though. We had a coffee break in Patrington after checking out the Outstray. We then had a drive down to Spurn just missing the escaped Lesser White-fronted Geese in Well Field! They ended up in Holderness Field but we resisted the mild temptation. 

A sign of Spring...

Then it was back to the Village to see if the Snow Buntings were still around after the cold spell. Haydn walked the walk and I waited for positive news...

...unfortunately it didn't come. We finished off back at Welwick but still no Owls and no further sign of any HH. A good day and it was great to show him around. Always great company.

Wednesday I was over at NDC, surprise surprise! Thick fog till Howden and I must admit I was starting to consider the merits of my visit. Glad I didn't as a few miles North the sky was clear and blue and remained so throughout my visit.

A couple of White-fronted Geese had been in the area for a few days and I was hoping they might visit the Carrs. News told me they had BUT as I entered the Hide I was informed they'd just flown off South. I did see a flock of Geese in the distance as I got out of the car! Ah well.

The Carrs was still mainly frozen but looked a picture, as always, in the sunshine...

The highlight of the visit was the arrival of a skein of Pink-footed Geese that decided to land on the ice...

Always special. 

This afternoon I headed to Welwick. A marvelous last hour with Male and Ring-tail Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared and a Barn Owl.

Duff early doors tomorrow, with Haydn...

Redpoll

Thankfully one Species now which saves one ID headache! A Rare Bird at Duff.

After a stop off at Keyingham on Friday for the lad and to enjoy the Sunrise...

...I arrived at 10 and headed for the Platform, unfortunately the ice was thick and the bridge was dodgy for the old boys, so I waited by it to see what turned up....

Quiet for a good 15 minutes then a few Blue Tits appeared. I then noticed another tiny bird low down in the grasses by the water. It was dark in there and the bird was obscured by vegetation. It then flew off into the adjacent trees? I strongly suspected something "good"? I waited.

Some 20 minutes later the bird returned to the same area, this time giving better views and enabling me to get some photos...

Lucky to grab one of the head in the sun...

This was only my 5th record, so quite a moment. The reward of Patch Birding illustrated once again.

Elated, I headed for the Hide. Stuart Rapson appeared as I grabbed my Scope. Pity he was leaving but he'd been in the deep freeze since Dawn...a brave man. We had a 15 minute chat before he moved on.

I set my stall out after scraping some ice off the windows! Unsurprisingly the Carrs and Bubwith Ings were solid but the River was high and was acting like a narrow lake for the thousands of Wildfowl present. It was a spectacular scene in the Sunshine...

The frozen conditions have some benefits, bringing some secretive Species out into the open...

Snipe. Dancing on Ice!

Others seek food in the Reeds...

A pair of Stonechats graced the Scrape also...

I made till 1 before I bailed out to thaw out!

39 Species

Hen Harrier

After my first visit to my Physio this morning (highly recommended) I needed some air. So after grabbing lunch at Couplands in With' I headed for the Prom to enjoy my Sausage sarny...and the Turnstones (5) that were feeding on the grass. It's a regular site. I also had my FOY RTD.

Next it was Cliff Farm where we both had a stretch. I managed another RTD and 6 Mallards close in on the Sea.

Onto Skeffling...

Plenty of frozen flooded fields, one containing a healthy c200 Golden Plover feeding in the Sunshine...

Huge numbers of Waders at High Tide...

View looking South East with Spurn Observatory and the Crown and Anchor in the distance

Smaller numbers of Lapwing (c50) were also present. Beautiful Birds...

Last stop was Welwick...

I declined the walk to the screen and waited in my car, I was a tad sore after my manipulation! I have seen both SEO and Hen Harrier from here so I reckoned I still had a chance. Sure enough around 3.30 a Ring-tail drifted over, mobbed by a couple of Crows. To "quick for a pic" but no matter. No SEO but fabulous views of a hovering Barn Owl as I left...

White Ghost

This was my 5th this Year already!

Back to Duff tomorrow...

Patch - 56

Holmpton - 31

Spurn

Popped down the road for a few hours today. I started at Sammy's...

As you can see it was clear and bright but VERY cold! The tide was in so Waders seen were in flight...

Oystercatcher

Redshank

Dunlin

Grey Plover

Curlew

I also saw a few groups of Brent Geese. 

Easington Straight produced many more Brents (c300) and a family of Mute Swans. Also many more Redshank (c100) were present in the flooded fields. Blue Bell corner produced a Little Grebe on the pool and I managed a lone Bar-tailed Godwit and 8 Shelduck from the gate.

Steady away but enjoyable.

Spurn - 32 Species

Life in the Freezer

Made it, albeit a tad later than originally planned. Haydn was already present, scanning the path to the GS Hide as I pulled up. He'd already been out to the platform and connected with the wintering Willow Tit with the mixed flock which included some LTT. Of course, I saw neither on my visit.

We headed for the Hide to find Stuart Rapson in situ. It was now 10. The water level had dropped which was pleasing to see enabling some "edging" for Waders. Haydn picked up a lone Black-tailed Godwit in flight, which disappeared high North. We also located 3 Redshank on the grass. A flock of c60 Dunlin flew East towards Bubwith Ings.

Yours truly chipped in with a Peregrine on the grass at the far end, unsurprisingly being mobbed by Crows and Lapwings. 

Pintail (c120) numbers had increased noticeably. Pink-footed Geese (c200) were represented by several fly-by Skeins.

A pair of Stonechats performed well and a couple of Song Thrushes were a nice surprise. The light in the final hour was superb, giving us a spectacular finale.

37 Species 

Ball Rolling

Friday's visit to Duff didn't materialize 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!