More Summer Surprises!

Whilst still recovering from my successful trip to Crail, I was checking my messages on Tuesday evening when I saw some interesting posts from the York Area Birders. As you know I'm still keen on my York Area List having resided in the area for 26 years. Since moving out to the South Holderness I've made several return visits to Twitch possible additions...as well as countless visits to the Mecca of North Duffield Carrs...of course!!

Wednesday morning one of the the locals made their way onto Strensall Common early doors to check the report out. "Lo and behold" it turned out to be positive news! Remarkably a Dartford Warbler was associating with a family of Stonechats! Great news but the problem was it was on MOD Land in a restricted area. There was no access between 7.30 and 4, Monday to Thursday and Weekends (hence the early visit).

Tough one?

I left the locals involved to deal with possible "News" options and made my way over to Duff for a Session, aiming to arrive at SC at 4. Now then I know of Strensall Common and had a rough idea of access to the area BUT I didn't know it THAT well. A combination of 32c and mobility issues meant a reluctance to venture far without precise directions! I followed the Google Maps PIN but ended up at an area with no access so I tried the car park I knew well. I also contacted a few locals who kindly sent me some maps. So, just after 4 I made my way onto the Common. The area where the Bird had been seen looked a long way. It was toasty!

I reached the gate into the Military Area and went through it. A few other Birders were on their way and had reached the spot (they were quicker than me). I rang one of them and he said there was no sign of the Bird. I continued for a while but I was struggling with the heat and the uneven terrain. I also wasn't sure where I was going!! A decision was made. I bailed out, which doesn't come easy to me. However I figured the Bird had been around for while as it had been seen feeding Stonechats!!! I planned to have a go on Friday when there were no restrictions and I'd have more time to plan my route. The Bird was seen that evening.

Onto Friday morning. I left home at 4.15 arriving at the Common at 6.30. I'd arranged to meet my Pals Haydn and Steve. After a brief chat we set off as it was already warming up! Once in the Military Area, I asked them to continue to figure out the route. They found the spot and Haydn returned to show me the way. It was a good distance (c1 mile). Once in the Area we spread out and started to search for the DW/Stonechats. It took some time (45 minutes) but we eventually found the family...and eventually the Dartford Warbler. The views were fleeting but conclusive as it flitted about the habitat. Success!

We arrived back at the car park around 11. It was now 32c!

News has been released now, hence this post. A remarkable record for the York Area and an even more remarkable series of events.

Summer Doldrums?

Last Tuesday I made my way over to Duff early doors to meet Haydn. We had a good catch up and shared a rare Bird for the Reserve in the form of a Jay. Only my 6th record! Context!

Later in the day on return, I managed to see the Marsh Tit at Spurn (first for 16 years apparently) and I finally recorded a Quail. A couple of Spurn Ticks to boot, taking me to 323. Who says mid-summer is "quiet"?

I have to admit the combination of Football, Cricket and Tennis...and hot weather has meant my local Birding has been limited recently. I am multifaceted lol!

Onto Sunday.

I picked my phone up at lunchtime after a slow morning to check my messages and realised I'd made a "schoolboy error" by leaving it on silent! I looked in stunned disbelief...

13.14. Fife LONG-TAILED SHRIKE at Crail, adult type in garden on track to Thirdpart House

My Word!!!!!!

I gave Louise "the look", gathered my gear and headed West... after a short discussion of course!

After the traditional pitstop on Hull, I made a couple of phone calls and waited for further news. It didn't come. There was some uncertainty over the ID also? I gave it a couple of hours before returning East. A couple of negative messages confirming my decision. I was still in that heightened state that Twitchers know so well!

It was now 4pm.

As I was out I decided to go down Patrington Haven for a while.

4.23. Fife LONG-TAILED SHRIKE adult-type again at Crail, adult type in garden on track to Thirdpart House

Oh dear...or words to that effect!

Too late now and to be honest even if I'd have carried on initially it would have been extremely tight to make the 341 miles before dusk?

Onto Monday. Positive news came through early, VERY early...5.04 to be precise! I headed for Wetherby to meet Steve Lawton, arriving just after 7. I joined him in his car and we headed for Scotland.

We made good time with no delays arriving early afternoon. It was quite a hike to the Site but I made it.

We joined the group and waited. The Bird was present in the hedge but VERY elusive!. The wind didn't help. There were brief glimpses in the bottom of the hedge but nothing satisfying.

Experienced Scottish Birders around me had their scopes trained on the area but it just wouldn't "show well"...as they say! The Birder next to me had been there some time and had seen the Bird. Eventually he had it again, so I asked him if I could "take a peep". I looked through his large Swarovski and there deep in the hedge was the Bird. A truly breathtaking view!!! I thanked him profusely.

Steve managed to get a record shot, which was impressive under the circumstances...

Another mate, Tony Dixon, who travelled overnight also managed a pic...

We decided we were both happy, so we headed home. Definitely an unexpected addition for both of us...then again I guess every MEGA is!? Some more than others though and this one was definitely "left field". Interestingly, a Species of the same family, namely Red-tailed Shrike has turned up at this time of Year on more than one occasion...but not this one, which is definitely in the "extreme" category.

Driving back we had plenty of time to chat. We swapped stories about Twitching from the past, as Birders do. We both agreed how fortunate we were to have a Hobby we enjoy so much and the adventures it allows us to have. We also reflected on the fact that even after decades of Rarity chasing, new Birds STILL turn up.

Here's to the next one...

Meaningful Visits

Scorcher today (28c) so I headed for the hut despite an inevitable increase in temperature? At least I have shade and a gentle Northerly breeze to moderate things. In my continuing efforts to balance my annual visits I'm putting the Summer hours in to see what I can discover.

A Quail would be nice and is possible with the current influx. Hobby would be an excellent consolation.

Nationally 2 MEGA alerts this morning with the WRH relocated in South Wales and a BOOTED EAGLE in Devon! Not bad for a "quiet" time of Year?

Back here I'm relying mainly on flight Sightings for obvious reasons. Still good fun and it keeps me alert... hopefully! My ears can still ick up most frequencies, I like to think.

I did pop across Sunday evening on the strength of a report of FOUR Glossy Ibis being seen by the Warden Craig Ralston. Elaine from the Village came down straight away after I contacted her. She rang me as I passed Hull to give me negative news. I decided to carry on anyway. I gave it an hour but no joy. This Species is high on my "Expected Additions List" along with Cattle Egret.

For many of my early Years coming here, I didn't really "get it". As I approach 70, I definitely do now. It's the whole experience really, the History, the Birds, the location and especially the view. No more dashing around (well maybe occasionally), just more appreciation of what I've got here. Watching the Birds come and go and fully taking in the changing of the Seasons.

I left at 3. Had to give the car five as it was rather toasty...

22 Species recorded in 3.5 hours.

Not so Old Friend

A special occasion yesterday as I'd arranged to meet my old Buddy Nige from my past life as a PE Teacher! He's 15 years younger than me lol! I arrived at 8.30 and gave it some time around the car park hoping for my GSW Year Tick...it didn't materialize.

Once ensconced I yet again started to enjoy my favourite view (just tops my bedroom window vista). The Meadow is just starting to turn now with just a hint of Autumn starting to show...he says optimistically. Birdsong has understandably dropped off significantly now as the residents (some temporary) go about their breeding business. I then heard a Cuckoo...then even better, I saw it...

I just caught it before it disappeared, never to be seen...or heard again.

A Scottish chap then appeared and started a conversation(doesn't always happen). He mentioned my new acquisition in the car park and we had a discussion on old Volvo's and a few other brands. Then some 30 minutes later Nige appeared. Great to see him again. I managed to point out a few Species for him as we had our "catch up" and he finished off by spotting a cc Marsh Harrier which he was understandably chuffed about. Nice. The Reed Warbler was still giving the occasional scratchy blast.

32 Species were recorded before we headed for the St Vincent's Arms for an enjoyable lunch. 40 years since my first visit!

Just booked another couple of weeks to the Fortunate Isles in October. A later visit this year due to a quirk of the Calendar...but no matter. It will bring back memories of earlier visits when I was "restricted" to "Teachers Week". I've also secured Louise's favourite flat for both weeks which scored big points! As you probably know "Good Birds" can turn up any time in the "Magic Month" and well into November come to that depending on the vagaries of the Autumn Storms. A few examples of MEGA connections in the "Twenties" ...

Common Nighthawk 24/10/1999

Chimney Swift 23/10/1999

Upland Sandpiper 26/10/1999

Solitary Sandpiper 20/10/2000

Aquatic Warbler 26/10/2006

Ovenbird 28/10/2004

Northern Waterthrush 22/10/2011

Common Yellowthroat 23/10/1997

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 25/10/2007

Indigo Bunting 25/10/2020

1999 was a good year!!!

also...

Snowy Owl 29/10/2008

Red-eyed Vireo 27/10/2011 

Mobility issues continue unfortunately (I'm working on it) BUT that won't stop me from making my annual homage to Scilly. There's History involved here. It's now 35 years since my first visit...and counting!

Quiet?

... and rightly so. Deep into the Breeding Season now with sightings at a premium. Leave them be.

So what can I tell you? I have Herring Gulls nesting on my Chimney!

...and a pair of Blackcaps visited my Birdbath...

Avocets and Marsh Harriers are still performing well at Patrington Haven.

On a whim I visited Duff yesterday for a few hours. Hopes weren't high considering the time of Year...but you never know...

Haydn had been earlier and had a Great Spotted Woodpecker, which would have been a Year Tick. After around 45 minutes of seeing very little I heard something VERY significant. Earlier in the Spring there had been plenty of Sedge Warblers around the scrape giving great views. This sound was slightly different. I had my second record of Reed Warbler for the Reserve. I eventually got a glance but no chance of a pic. A three hour watch revealed just 21 Species, the last of which was another Year Tick in the form of a Common Tern feeding along the River. It only appeared as I was packing up! As I left a Blackcap struck up from the copse at the side of the Hide bringing me to three figures for the Year. Maybe not so quiet after all. I need 6 more Species to beat my best Year Total.

I've been doing my Half-time team  talk today whilst watching the Test Match. I've kept the pace at Duff but deliberately hung back at Holmpton to give myself an extended run for the rest of the Year. As you know I like the second half on the Coast much better!

100+ possible!

Quail listening?

Three reports in the Spurn Recording Area on Monday. One by the Lighthouse on the Point, one on Easington Straight and one at the North end of  Easington Gas Terminal. The Recording Area has stretched over the Years!

I still need this Species for Spurn and I admit to being slow off the mark due to commitments and the nature of the Bird. I'd settle for a listen! Anyway I had a "good go" on Tuesday and Wednesday morning but not a whisper at Sites 2 and 3. I gave the Point a miss! The hail thunderstorms didn't help and I couldn't linger by the Gas Terminal for obvious reasons. So, my wait continues. However, I did sneak a Hobby and a noteworthy 22 Shelducks. I did try Snakey Lane also for a Holmpton Year Tick but no luck there either. Still time I guess with plenty of reports this Year.

After a coffee and scone in Patrington I made my way down to Patrington Haven to try and photograph Reed Warbler. You may remember I didn't manage any pics at Skeffling when Robert was here. I parked up by the bridge and waited. There were still a few thunderstorms around but they were isolated and infrequent. No hail today!

With vegetation high and a flat topography sightings were mainly limited to flight views. I managed Marsh Harrier (male and female), Mute Swan (20), Black Swan...

Shelduck (6), Tufted Duck (3), Avocet (10), Little Egret (8), Stock Dove...

I drove down to the bridge which gave me the best view of the reeds. I remained in the car and this paid off when a Kingfisher alighted on the bridge momentarily. Frustrating, as I was as ready as I could be with the camera. Exceptional eyesight...the Bird that is!

I could hear Reed Warblers and there was plenty of activity with young no doubt having fledged by now This gave me a better chance, Eventually they gave themselves away...

I gave it 3 hours, enjoying what came and went, recording 30 Species. Later on, between the downpours, I sat on the barrier by the Bridge, so I could view both sides of the channel. Things had quietened down somewhat BUT again with patience, I got better views...

WESTERN REEF HERON

Below is a post I started on Friday but didn't complete!

Took a trip over the Pennines to see my Mother. I stopped off at Duff but the weather and circumstances meant I didn't linger.

Migration is all but over now, although June 6th has produced some amazing MEGAS over the Years...eg WHITE-THROATED ROBIN!

...I NEED TO GET A LOTTERY TICKET!

Yesterday morning I left Bury at 7.30 to return home before the M62 became lively. A steady and thankfully clear run had me pulling up around 10.45.

Time for a cuppa and some Test Cricket. Unfortunately not...as it was raining at Lords. Disappointing.

However at 11.20...

Gwynned Western Reef Heron, Foryd Bay, Caernarfon 

My backside had just hit my armchair! A First for Britain deserved the maximum respect. I returned my gear to the XC70, said goodbye to Louise (understanding and supportive as ever) and started my return towards the M62!

I then messaged Steve Lawton, asking him if he was going. He rang back and said he was. We arranged to meet at Eggborough by the M62. Steve drove which I was grateful for having already done 174 miles. We hit some expected traffic around Manchester but the rest of the journey went well as we made our way West along the M56 and A55.

Regular updates informed us the Bird has moved from the Estuary to a marshy area further West. It seemed the Bird was pinned down but had only been seen in flight a couple of times. We reckoned the Bird had moved due to the high tide.

This was confirmed on arrival. Parking was a challenge on the narrow coastal road but we found a spot and walked the thankfully short distance to the viewing area. After a wait of around 45 minutes one of the hundreds of scopes picked the Bird up distantly with a couple of Little Egrets. The view was poor, at distance, through the heat haze. I got a dubious view through someone's Scope.

Then...it took off! Gaining height it flew in the direction of the Estuary. Sure enough it wasn't long before we got a message of confirmation. Once back at the car, we drove the short distance to the Estuary. Parking was easier than expected again it was only a short distance to view. It was an understandably popular occasion. It was a "who's who" of the Twitching World obviously being a Tick for everyone...

This time we saw the Bird properly. It was feeding around 100 yards away and gave great views through Steve's scope. I also got my pic...

So, a nice late surprise after a frankly abysmal Spring Rarity wise. There was a beautiful PARULA WARBLER on Fair Isle (which I need) but circumstances precluded a connection. I'll get one on Scilly this Autumn!?

It was nice to have the adrenaline rush once again. There's life in the old dog yet...

Been a While!

I'm finally mobile again! I have a car that is. Fortunately the thorough going over coincided with the visit of my Son Robert from Dubai. I drove over to York last Thursday to meet Haydn who'd kindly agreed to free-up a Day to go Birding while the XC70 was at the Garage. We then met Robert close by, who'd been dropped off by his Mother.

Next stop was Skipwith Common to try for Green Woodpecker, a Bird Robert particularly wanted to see. Unfortunately we couldn't find...or hear one. Haydn did manage to show him a couple of Tree Pipits though.

I treated them both to lunch at the St Vincent's Arms (highly recommended) before we drove back down to NDC for a couple of hours. Again it was quiet but I think he enjoyed the day before we picked the car up at the Garage, said goodbye to Haydn and returned to the Coast. Hobby would have been nice.

He did particularly like Whitethroat and Reed Bunting...

We started reasonably early on Friday as I gave him the "Grand Tour" of my main Patch Sites. We started down at Spurn then made our way along the Humber visiting Skeffling, Weeton and Welwick. We had great flight views of Reed Warbler at the first Site but couldn't manage a pic. We spent the most time at Weeton making our way up to the Floodbank to view the inlet. I was pleased to see around a dozen Avocets present which gave him great views...

...and a couple of Barnacle Geese were a nice bonus...and a Year Tick!

After lunch at Cakey Bakey in Patrington (again, thoroughly recommended) we headed down to Patrington Haven. As we parked I noticed a couple of large white Birds taking off from the first pool. "Spoonbills" I informed him. They circled a couple of times before descending back to the same area. We made our way over the bridge and approached the pool slowly. 

Turned out there were three...in superb breeding plumage...

The other bonus as well as sharing the moment was the fact they were on grass...and awake!

Probably my best ever views of this Species, considering the setting and company. More Avocets were nearby...

Saturday morning we ried the Sea for a while. It was incredibly hot for late May on the East Coast of Yorkshire! 24c at 9am.

We had a look off the Gas Terminal at Easington. A few Shelduck were resting on the Sea...and...another Bird? Difficult to view through the haze but...

Drake Eider

A real surprise considering the date! Again, great to share it with Robert...a Lifer for him! We drove further up the Cliff to try and get a better view but the Bird had disappeared!?

We checked out a few spots on the Humber before lunch then returned to Patrington Haven early afternoon. No sign of the Spoonbills alas but we enjoyed prolonged views of at least SIX Marsh Harriers...

A grand end to our Birding. Sunday morning I drove him to Hull Station as he had to leave for London. Priceless time.

RFF - Re-visited

I arrived at Duff at 8.15 on Friday and followed the usual procedure. I'd arranged to meet my pal Phil Jones. I'd seen his car in the car park and presumed he was in the Hide or out on the Platform. After a text it turned out he was still in his car. He soon joined me with his Dog Sandy.

It was cold (7c) due to the moderate NNW wind. It was bearable, although far from pleasant! We stuck it out as Birders came and went hoping to connect with the Red-footed Falcon. We could see a small group out on the Riverbank by the gate but as the morning drew on there was no apparent focus on anything in particular? A steady stream of Birders also visited the Hides. We were kept entertained by various Species visiting the "Magic Bush"  this Whitethroat...

Notable Birds were Egyptian Goose (2), Snipe (drumming), Ruff, Swift (c50), Sedge Warbler, Song Thrush (2) and my FOY Cuckoo...seen and heard...

It was wonderful to see four freshly hatched Cygnets with their Mother keeping them warm on the Scrape Island. Dad was dutifully nearby...

Then at 12.34, a message...

North Yorkshire Red- footed Falcon 1st summer male North Duffield Carrs 

No views for us? We continued searching. Then around 1, Phil suddenly shouted "Falcon". I looked to my left just in time to see a small Raptor disappearing over the trees. Fortunately it soon returned flying low right over the Scrape giving us great views before continuing North. A real surprise as most/all sightings recently have been exclusively over Bubwith Ings. Really chuffed to see it ON the Reserve.

We left at 2. Phil was on his way to Leeds and I headed East.

Update: NO confirmed sighting of 2 Birds.

Re-adjusted with a Patch Tick

After gorging myself on the Birds of Cyprus, I needed something special to kick start my British Spring...and yesterday afternoon...I got it! I'd had a 4 hour watch till Noon being joined by Haydn around 9.30 after he'd had a session on Skippy. On arrival this youngster was munching away happily oblivious to my presence. ..

Highlights of our morning were a couple of non-migratory Whooper Swans, a few drumming Snipe, a FOY Collared Dove and c10 Swifts. There were many Birds in song which was great to hear and the small hawthorn bush in front of the Hide was the perfect Site to watch them...

Still no sight or sound of a Cuckoo sadly.

I landed back home around 2.30. Then at 3.25...

North Yorkshire RED-FOOTED FALCON North Duffield Carrs perched in trees on bank on River Derwent viewed from Platform

Oh Dear, I thought! I HAD to go back. 

I arrived at a crowded car park around 5 and made my way to the Platform. Encouragingly, there were still Birders present? I recognized Chris Gomersall who kindly set his scope up for me to get an initial peep. I had my Tick 171.

I gave it another 45 minutes but the Bird never came any closer. It was a good 800 yards away. It did make several flights over the River and onto the Reserve whilst feeding. Another first was my 2 visits in a day!! A superb addition to my Duff List and one that wasn't really on my Radar. That's the beauty of a Patch...it means something.

For the record...

Year - 95

Cyprus Review (3)

Chaffinch

DESERT FINCH - My only Lifer of the Trip. Seen at Sunset Point, Paphos 26/3

Trumpeter Finch - Another rare Finch for the Island. Took some time but I eventually re-found it at Timi Beach and had great views. I changed my mind regarding this Species after watching it for quite a while. Subtle plumage and quite a character! 4/4

Greenfinch

Linnet

Goldfinch

Serin - Only one seen at the Goat Farm, Androlikou 3/4

Corn Bunting - far fewer seen this Trip? Only seen at Anarita Park

Cretzschmar's Bunting - only glimpses at Mavrokolympus Dam and Agios Georgios Chapel, Akrotiri.

Coal Tit - Troodos Village 8/4

Great Tit

Bimaculated Lark - One near Timi Beach at the same time as the Trumpeter Finch

Calandra Lark - flight views at Perivolia 1/4

Greater Short-toed Lark - easily seen at Mandria. One flock was 40+

Skylark

Crested Lark

Fan-tailed Warbler - seen well at Agia Varvara

Sedge Warbler - one at the Motorway Pools, Agia Varvara 9/4

House Martin

Red-rumped Swallow - seen on several occasions

Swallow

Sand Martin

Eastern Bonelli's Warbler - easily seen at Asprokremmos Dam Wood

A wet one!

Wood Warbler - seen at Asprokremmos Wood and this one at Anarita Park which provided me with my best ever prolonged views 5/4

Willow Warbler

Chiffchaff

Cetti's Warbler

Blackcap

Lesser Whitehetroat

Cyprus Warbler - only seen at Mavrokolympos Dam BUT seen well! 29/3

Ruppell's Warbler - Great views at "Lark Corner", Mandria 23/3

Eastern Subalpine Warbler - a wonderful encounter at Agios Georgios Church, Akrotiri  26/3

Sardinian Warbler - common

Whitethroat

Spectacled Warbler - Again, I enjoyed fabulous, prolonged views of a singing Male at Larnaca Sewage Works 

Spotted Flycatcher - a welcome addition to my Cyprus List, admittedly overlooked! I thought I would have seen one on my Family Holiday in April 1995. Another part of a wonderful afternoon's Birding at Agia Varvara 9/4

Robin - an unexpected sighting in the car park at Oroklini North Hide. Turned out not to be THAT unusual BUT still noteworthy.

Nightingale -  a few glimpses here and there but I did manage a pic when one popped up next to the BCBE at Pervolia!

Can't be many photos with these two together?

Ficedula Flycatchers - so here we are. My best ever haul by far. Ironically they turned up early this Year as I decided to come later! I saw all three Species with some confusing females amongst the stunning Males. Some of the Males were confusing also...at least to me! Hopefully I've got them right? They were seen at various locations including Androlikou, Cape Greco Wood and Agia Varvara.

Pied Flycatcher

Semi-collared Flycatcher

Collared Flycatcher - this was the most numerous Species 

...the most remarkable encounter was at the magical Site of Mandria. I was trying to photograph Yellow Wagtails when this little chap landed right by the car...

I also thought this one was worth sharing although its not in focus. Collared and Semi-collared in the same tree at Cape Greco Wood!

Common Redstart - male and female seen well at Cape Greco Wood 30/3

Black Redstart

Rock Thrush - Paphos Headland 23/3

Blue Rock Thrush - Paphos Headland 23/3

Whinchat - Incredible views of this beautiful Bird at Agai Varvara 9/4

Stonechat

Siberian Stonechat - one at Paphos Headland 23/3

Northern Wheatear - more seen later in April

Isabelline Wheatear - more seen earlier in March. yep...this one at Mandria!

Desert Wheatear - a fine Male at Mandria 7/4

Eastern Black-eared Wheatear - a fair few seen of yet another beautiful Species

Black-faced

Sticking my neck put here...female?

Cyprus Wheatear - common but smart!

Finsch's Wheatear  - Paphos Headland 23/3

Song Thrush

Blackbird

157 Species for the Trip. A Previous post has the additions and misses. It took some time but I enjoyed re-living the moments. That puts me on 240 for Cyprus. Target 250 next Spring...I've already booked!! Hopefully there was something of interest for you and maybe even an incentive to visit? Till next time...