A Birder's Evolution

I've found 2026 a Year in which to reflect on my Birding priorities. As you know I enjoy most aspects of this wonderful Hobby and I'm not going to dwell on the few that I don't! Has it really been 40 years?!

I've never believed in "carrying on regardless" despite the importance of any particular aspect of Birding...at any particular time. Going from a Robin in the Garden to a VARIED THRUSH on Papa Westray (I'll never top that one), I've experienced and enjoyed it all.

Foreign holidays in Europe and Stateside have been my main focus further afield. I'm sooooo glad I covered most States in my 50's, completing 25 visits to 44 States. My 15 trips to my beloved Texas were extremely memorable. I was fitter then. I met some amazing Birders all across the Continent, some of which I am still in touch with. We've received a kind offer from one in Texas that may be a consideration in the future. I quite like it there!

There's an inevitable slowing with age and as I'm deep into my 70th Year I'm aware of my limitations! I must stop thinking someone looks old and then realise they could be younger than me!!! My mind is thankfully still sharp and my body is trying to keep up! This doesn't mean my enthusiasm has diminished; far from it. I crave quality experiences now, not endurance tests. Many of my adventures in the past were exhilarating and are extremely memorable (I may revisit some on the dark Winter evenings). Some weren't. That's life.

So, what does the future hold? The good news is I'm still here!!! I focus mainly on my Patches now. I find it far more rewarding "finding my own"...or at least trying too! I will still Twitch on occasion depending on the Species, circumstances and location. Fuel costs are an increasing consideration. There has been a certain understandable mellowing, which I'm very comfortable with. I have nothing to prove to myself or anyone else for that matter. It seems I've come full circle. Just glad I've been able to complete it.

As I write we have 2 weeks on Scilly next Month and April in Cyprus next year. I may squeeze in a visit to the UAE in January (this is still under negotiation). Beyond that...who knows?

What I do know is that I have the perfect retirement pastime for me and I intend to make the most of it. Starting today...

Variety

Last Tuesday I made my first visit of the week inland. A couple of Jays over Bubwith Bridge was a good start.

Fairly quiet session but 3 Snipe were noteworthy and the Greenshank remained...

Thursday evening had us at a very nice local Pub for a meal. A Barn Owl on Snakey on the way home was only my 2nd Village record for the Year. A welcome sighting.

Yesterday Haydn came across for a visit. He sorted a plumbing issue for us (many thanks pal) before we headed for the Sewage. This turned out to be a VERY good decision as it was VERY "Birdy". A pleasant surprise!

The highlight was a pristine Red-throated Diver close offshore in full summer plumage! I've never seen such a smart example here. Unfortunately my pics don't do it justice...

...we had great views through Haydn's 'scope. 2 distant Mute Swans on the Sea was unusual and a Village Year Tick. I'd never seen this Species on the Sea here before...

15 Scoter went North and a couple of distant Skeins of Pink-footed Geese went South. Highly anticipated.

3 Ringed Plover and a single Dunlin gave great views on the beach...

Best Buddies

Mediterranean Gulls were very noticeable. I seem to see more with each passing Year? At least 30 were present, coming and going...

Decent numbers of Sandwich Terns were fishing offshore and a few landed on the Beach...

A decent haul in 45 minutes half a mile from home.

After a coffee we covered the Humber sites. A lucky sighting of 4 Spoonbills briefly popping up above the Floodbank was special. We then had a Wheatear...

and a Whinchat...

This morning I got some better views of arriving PFG on the Humber...

This afternoon I had a ride down to Sammy's Point and managed to find a Greenshank...

Back inland tomorrow...

Twitching Times

Firstly, sincere congratulations to all who made it on Sunday. Well planned. No envy here. It always intriuges me how they get there so quickly? A "Dip" is character building!

If you've followed me for any length of time you'll know I've had some wonderful adventures and have great memories chasing various MEGAS over the last 40 years (Wow, is it THAT long?). Hopefully you've enjoyed some of my Tales?

I'd lined up an attempt yesterday once news came through that the Bird was roosting on a small beach close to the Airport (handy). I must admit I was surprised it stuck it out in poor conditions? Not very arid! A truly remarkable record...Ship assisted? This enabled all with good connections to achieve a "Slam Dunk" as it was sat there in the rain all day, wondering where the hell it had ended up...poor thing. I have to say, not the most thrilling of scenarios (this does come into my thinking) BUT...a Tick is a Tick right...and a Whopper at that!

Whilst contemplating the logistics I started to reflect on the outlay needed to make my attempt. I have the will and time but...

I simply can't justify it these days 

When I was teaching (more flush)) I did a couple of Charter flights for CAPE MAY WARBLER and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. Both with the FULL backing of my wonderful Wife (as it was yesterday). Being mainly a lone wolf (I do have some valued pals) I'm not as well connected as some... and that's my choice. It can obviously be to my detriment regarding logistics and speed of attempt.

I've done fine over the Years as my list shows but on some occasions it can prove costly. That's OK though I've gone way beyond initial expectations.

As previously stated I'm never going to win the Champions League! Europe will do lol! It has to be on my terms. Comparison is futile.

As I approach 70 (just glad I'm still here to be honest) I'm more aware of my responsibilities and budget! Yesterday I thought long and hard before rejecting my attempt, which was just as well as the Bird wasn't seen today!!! The thought of mooching around Sumbrough doesn't bear thinking about. I've been in this situation on more than one occasion.

Personally, I've never enjoyed Shetland (no offence meant) on my visits, although I've seen some great Birds there. Large distances and poor weather doesn't appeal. The stand out for me was the TENGMALM'S OWL. Not just the Species but the whole scenario. A magical Trip. I prefer the other end, as you know. 

I won't be going there again

This will obviously limit my opportunities for future additions. That's fine. Did I mention the Ferry?!

I'll still look to add new Birds to various lists and hopefully something will drop on Scilly this October, preferably when I'm there...16th - 30th.

Here's to the next one...

This Week

Due to circumstances I'm reluctantly reporting weekly at the moment. I try to mix things up as much as possible but it is what it is.

Couple of visits last Friday and Sunday combined with a visit to Bury. The Scrape...has had some attention, as promised...

As you can see the visibility has improved. A further "swipe" in front of the Hide was made on Wednesday. Unfortunately my Friday visit revealed the small bush had been removed with it! Hopefully it will grow back? I did finally add Green Sandpiper (109)...

Back to Thursday. Haydn came over for the day and I gave him the full tour. We started at the Sewage which was quiet. We then tried the Cliff Top off Seaside and scored with my first Cormorant (H.78)...I know...and Red-throated Diver (79)...again, I know...of the Year!!! Best to leave a few. On the way to the Southern end we picked a few Med Gulls out of the Black-headed...

We visited the Cafe then carried on down to Stone Creek. I was curious to see if the Green Sandpiper was still around the Dung Heap...it was! Too quick for a pic...again. This Snipe was a decent replacement...

Eventually we made our way back to Patrington for lunch. Afterwards we tried some sites along the Humber. We had a walk up to the screen. This turned out to be a good decision as we were confronted with a wonderful sight...

I'd seen a decent number from the South Bank some years ago near Reeds Island BUT nowhere near this many. We estimated 300+. This was the undoubted highlight of the day although we also had a Whinchat, a couple of Wheatears. and a few Yellow Wagtails here.We saw plenty of Marsh Harriers in various locations and a kettle of 8 Buzzards at Patrington Haven.

The weather was remarkably mild throughout, which is always a blessing on the Estuary. A great day.

Saturday a message from Haydn had me back at NDC to try for the Greenshank he'd found earlier. 1hr 40 minutes later I had it on my Year List (110)...

The Scrape is producing...

A slightly jumbled report this time as I'm somewhat distracted at the moment by a Bird on Shetland!!!

MEGA EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR Shetland Pool of Virkie Mainland 

I'd lined it up but I'm not going. Various reasons which I won't bore you with. I see things differently these days. Still keen and determined as ever but more measured. As stated previously I prefer the "thrill of the chase". I'm never "gonna see 'em all"...right? I never dreamed I'd see as many as I have. I'm more than happy with my total and my decision. 

All the very best to those who travelled.

Village Action

On Monday afternoon I had a couple of hours down at Welwick. No sign of any Wheatears or Whinchats. I tried various spots along the track. Eventually I got lucky when a couple of juvenile Yellow Wagtails landed on adjacent posts right next to my car...

Tuesday I had an hour at the Sewage. As I drove to the Cliff a sinister silhouette glided low over the "rough stuff" and landed on the fence...

Sparrowhawk (P.100, H.72)

Long overdue!

The local Kestrel showed better...

Yesterday we had a Trip over to York after dropping Louise's car off in Hull for a minor repair.

I took her to Monks Cross for some retail therapy before returning South to Duff. I concentrated on the bushes but alas, no joy. I didn't fare any better from the Hide! A disappointing session BUT important to mention as a question of balance? It can't always be exciting!

Today we had to return to Hull to pick her car up. Whilst driving down Snakey I noticed some movement in the stubble...Grey Partridge (P.101, H.73)

On returning home I received a message off Richard informing me he'd had some Birds on School Lane. I'd tried the area many times before without much luck...

Today that changed. Within 30 minutes I had Redstart (P.102, H.74)...

Pied (P.103, H.75) and Spotted Flycatcher(P.104, H.76)!!! There were also several Willow Warblers (P.105, H.77) including some cracking juveniles. A couple of Meadow Pipits was a surprise...

I will return!

Over to Lancs tomorrow, so the obligatory detour to Duff early doors. The rain has arrived at last, so hopefully something decent to help the journey?

Movement

Had a cruise around the Patch on Monday hoping for a few Migrants. I had to go to the Post Office at Ottringham to post my lads Birthday card, so I carried on down to Stone Creek. I'd not been down there for some time as the Farmers had ploughed the whole area. The drought had made sure there was little interest for Birds. I did record a Marsh Harrier and a single Curlew.

Halfway up the long straight of Cherry Cobb Sands Rd, I noticed a large "Dung Heap",... always worth a look! After a short while I spotted the hoped for Species...

Juvenile

4 were seen in total plus a Wheatear (P.97)...

I saw another Yellow Wagtail (P.98) by the Creek as I left...

Pat Haven was VERY quiet so I moved onto Welwick. This proved to be a good move as on arrival I immediately had 2 Whinchats (P.99) on the fences and bushes!

A trio of Year Ticks!

A surprise if brief Short-eared Owl finished the visit off nicely.

A quick check of Cliff Farm on the way home produced a pair of Collared Doves (rare here)...

and a Whitethroat.

An excellent day.

Tuesday meant a trip to NDC. I started on the Platform in pleasant conditions as I wanted a view overhead. This paid off early with sightings of Peregrine and Hobby. No luck with Passerine migrants though. I gave it 90 minutes.

On returning to the car park I had another Hobby sighting. The Hide proved quiet on this visit although a big surprise was the appearance of this Great White Egret briefly at the Northern end...

Thursday had me back down on the Humber. I returned to Welwick curious to see if any of Tuesday's Birds were still around. Almost immediately I had a SEO briefly along the Floodbank. I concentrated on the fenced off area and soon had a Wheatear and a Whinchat. Possibly all the same Birds as Tuesday? I stayed around for a couple of hours finishing with 2 Whinchats. The undoubted highlight of this visit was my first Green Sandpiper in Britain for FOUR years!!! The bird flew out of the drain and over the hedge infront of my car. A VERY distinctive Species. On the way home I checked the fields and finally got close enough to a Mediterranean Gull for a decent pic...

I returned to Duff early on Friday arriving around 8. I was going to try the Platform again but a Mobile home was parked in the corner, so I headed for the Hide. I'd only been in there some 10 minutes when a Hobby flew into my Scope view. I got stunning views as it flew over the Carrs and Trees to my left. Magic! Haydn then arrived with a bang, he'd just had a Redstart!!! Unfortunately despite a good search we couldn't relocate it. I only have one record here and it was a Tick for Haydn. An excellent find. It made me think if I may have seen it, had I walked to the Platform?

There were a few young Buzzards about some showing reasonably closely...

Just before Haydn left another Birder appeared. It was John Heaton who lives locally. It was great to see him as I hadn't bumped into him for quite some time. After Haydn left we had a good "catch up" discussing various topics. He conveyed his condolences regarding Buddy which was greatly appreciated. I could feel his genuine empathy. 

He said some kind things about the Blog which meant a lot coming from a person of his stature. After he left I scoured the car park and surrounds for the Redstart after a heavy downpour but no joy. Maybe next time?

We enjoyed the appearance of a family of Deer which proceeded to roam the Carrs for quite some time...

Yesterday I had a run down to the Cliff... metaphorically speaking of course. This paid off when I picked up an Arctic Skua (P.100, H.71) chasing a Black-headed Gull. After a coffee and scone I had an hour down at Welwick. Much quieter today but nice views of Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and plenty of Meadow Pipits.

Two Ticks

...not seconds!

I dropped in at Duff yesterday morning on my way over to Lancs for "The Mother" visit. I arrived before Haydn and had some luck with Blackcap (male and female), Whitethroat (family of 4) and Song Thrush around the car park Rowans.

Once we were in the Hide we started to search. It was tough going as the drought continues but there's always hope... right? 

Remarkably there's still water on the Scrape! A couple of Herons were present and a Little Egret was attracted later. We enjoyed a pleasant 2+ hours. Highlight for me was a Lesser Whitethroat by the Hide, which was a Year Tick (107). Stock Doves came and went and 3  Snipe lifted briefly across the Scrape just before we left. Haydn had a couple of Collared Doves which are scarce here.

As we reached our cars a pair of Bullfinches flew over the field, another Year Tick! (108).

Not so quiet after all...

Amazing news of a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER at Liverpool Docks. A First. Obviously Ship-assisted...(I won't open that door). No further sign makes it academic. We all have SA records on our Lists?

The Summer of 26

It's been a hot one! I'm old enough to remember the Summer of 76 which I enjoyed as a Waiter on the Isle of Wight at Sandown in the Grand Hotel. Great days!

However FIFTY years on and hopefully without sounding like a grumpy old man (as if I would), I struggle with the heat. Fortunately I live on the Coast which moderates the temperature somewhat but it can still get "toasty". Great for holidays though.

On Sunday I had my first flock of Scoter (P.88, H.69) South (still no Velvet). After my recent "Tern Fest" things have dried up apart from the constant presence of Sandwich offshore.

A VERY quiet session at Duff on Monday with Haydn was finally livened up with a feeding Hobby over the Scrape giving fantastic close views as it swooped low over the Pool!

The views were better than this!

After Haydn left I had a visit from Site Manager Craig Ralston and his Assistant. They were eyeing up the Scrape...

Looked promising! They eventually made there way up for a chat. My hopes were confirmed when they told me they intended doing some work on it. Hopefully it will take place shrotly to enable Birds to use it this Autumn. Fingers crossed.

Yesterday a Bar-tailed Godwit landed briefly on the Beach before continuing South...

A Rare sight if not a Rare Bird

Like most Waders they seldom linger...why would they?! You have to BE there. I also had my first returning Dunlin (H.70). The only Birds of note around the car were Meadow Pipits...

and House Sparrows (c30)

A few Pied Flys have arrived down the road but I haven't found one here ...yet...