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  drove to the Cliff a sinister shape 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...

Taking a fresh look

Birds on the move now and it's time to freshen things up. I'm adapting a more consistent approach to my Patch coverage to build a fuller Annual picture both Coastal and Inland. The reward of finding a "good" Patch Bird far exceeds the completion of a Twitch in my Book. However I will still venture when I feel the need. Selective... and all that. Age is definitely affecting my perspective (3 months to the BIG 70) and that's fine. Things change. I'm just glad I'm still here! I'm still interested in most aspects of this wonderful Pastime and will continue to pursue them with vigour.

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is still present on North Ronaldsay 

A slow week locally with a few health checks involved. All done now. I met Haydn on Friday at Duff (I did have a VERY quiet couple of hours on Wednesday). Before he arrived I had a walk out towards the Platform...

View from the Bridge

Little was seen on this occasion BUT much potential for the coming Months.

Quiet again which was expected but always a pleasure enjoying the view and the company. Watching a Hare chase a mobbing Marsh Harrier for a good 5 minutes was "different" We managed a brief viewing of a Cygnet with a Parent through the thick vegetation on the Scrape.

Most of the hay has been collected now and it was "Corvid City" out on the Carrs. We discussed possible migrants that may appear (as Birders do). Much checking of fence posts took place without any luck. Green Sandpiper was also mentioned, although chances here are slim with no exposed mud. Always the chance of a flight view though?

Around 12.30 that's exactly what Haydn got as a Bird flew low, briefly, just above the Riverbank! Of course yours truly didn't get "on it". Gripped again...but no big deal.

I left for the Coast at 1 and headed for the Cliff. Low tide was later now (6pm) so nothing of note on the Beach. I gave it till 5 but still no joy. I had a stretch before leaving and noticed a small Bird flying low across the shingle, flicking its wings. Only my 5th Common Sandpiper (P.87, H.66) for the Village and my 3rd August record. It flew around the Cliff and I couldn't relocate it.

The downs and ups of Patch Birding in a Nutshell.

Into the Autumn we go...

Beach and Sea

After sorting a few things out in the Garden we headed for the Tip and then Tesco. Louise loves a "Meal Deal" so I ended up joining the Prawn Sandwich brigade! We then headed for the Cliff to enjoy our Lunch. A few Hirundines were about with both Sand and House Martin alighting on the Clifftop right by the Car. Gannets were feeding spectacularly offshore.

After dropping her off at home ...I returned for another session...this time with Bins and Camera...

The tide was on the turn and there were some nice sandbanks showing by the waters edge. After around 30 minutes a large group of Terns arrived from the North. Mainly Sandwich (with many juveniles) but they included a few Arctic (P.84, H.63) and Common (P.85, H.64). They landed a few hundred yards to the North...

I was hoping they may eventually move further South as the tide started to come in. Eventually my wish was granted as they settled directly out from my car at c40 yards...

I then heard a familiar repeated note but I couldn't see them? Then...there they were...

7 Whimbrel (H.65)

Things were going well regarding my new initiative! Things got even better when another flock of Whimbrel appeared...

This time they numbered 13...or so I thought? They landed on the beach directly opposite the car...

Clearer on this cropped photo

You may have noticed my error? I only noticed the rogue Bird when I downloaded my pics. I have a Bar-tailed Godwit amongst the Whimbrel. In my defence the flock came in quick and I was trying to get photos. Also, when the Bird was on the beach it had its Bill tucked in. Honest!

Today fueled me for the Autumn to come. Some fresh tactics will be employed to try and freshen things up and unearth new records...

August

Got the ball rolling for the Month by visiting various locations in the Village and Patch.

More enhancements to the Car mean I'm more confident exploring further now! I found a way to get to the Cliff by the Old Sewage, which was pleasing.

I struck early with a fine female Peregrine heading purposefully North offshore...

Just!

Followed shortly afterwards by a Hobby over the set-a-side. Both Year Ticks. There were a few Gannets and Sandwich Terns feeding also, some giving great close views.

After grabbing a Coffee and Scone I headed down to Pat' Haven to enjoy them. I was hoping for views of Marsh Harriers but surprisingly I didn't see any? I gave it a good hour before moving on. Just before I did I heard a "peep". There was a small gap in the reeds...

Greenshank

Another FOY.

I finished off at Old Hive enjoying the thriving Sand Martin Colony and seeing my first Mediterranean Gulls of the Year...

VERY locally the Herring Gull youngster is developing well on our Chimney...

The dawn chorus can be a bit strong but the Parents have done a sterling job.

The BCBE is BACK...yet again, as it tours the Orkneys. This time it's on North Ronaldsay. Yet again inquiries were made but on reflection that "boat has sailed" for me. the mobile nature of the Bird plus the Bank Holiday traffic means a no no. Maybe it will stop off on it's way back South? I'm not holding my breath! One for my 70's...

BCBE (2)

"It's back"...as they say. Well, not quite!? It's turned up on an adjacent Island, namely Sanday!!

As usual, initially thinking 100%...NO. Then after chewing it over I started to look at the logistics. After missing it by a day on Papa, I'd understandably dismissed the chances for another year. Lamentable.

I made several enquiries both online and over the phone and it became clear it was a "Bridge too Far" for yours truly. I could have made it onto the Island sometime tomorrow afternoon but too many variables meant no attempt would be made. I like to think I'm made of strong stuff BUT there are limits on occasion and this is definitely one of those.

Basically it would have meant a c12 hour solo drive to the North Coast of Scotland. Then a Ferry to Orkney ((c90 mins) plus a taxi to Kirkwall (30mins). Then, a 2 hour afternoon Ferry to Sanday plus a Bus to the area... eventually!!! When I write it down, it seems even more crackers lol!

It IS my "most wanted" BUT this Scenario is beyond my compass. As I write (6.45pm) the Bird has disappeared BUT I reckon there's hardly anyone looking and it's a BIG Island. So, it could still be there, somewhere? Time will tell. If anyone has made the Trip, you deserve it!

That's twitching for you. No guarantee. Haydn texted me reminding me of the "enjoyment" factor. He's spot on. This would have been an ordeal NOT an adventure...

Duff Tick

It was time for my fortnightly visit to my Mother's on Wednesday, so I stopped off at Duff on the way. I'd arranged to meet Haydn, although we hadn't confirmed. I was pretty sure he'd be there and sure enough I received a messages around 9. As I was waiting at Howden Level Crossing I received an update informing me he''d found a Cattle Egret with the Cattle feeding on the River bank!!!Over the past few weeks we'd discussed the chances of one turning up among this herd! This Species was high on the "What's Next" List.

It took me another 20 minutes to reach the Car Park and I made my way steadily towards the Hide. I was fairly confident it would hang around under the circumstances? On arrival Haydn and Oliver Metcalfe were looking at the Bird, doing what Cattle Egrets do! Fortunate timing! I have to be honest and say it would have been nice to find it myself but if I'm going to be "gripped off", I'm glad it was Haydn! I let Elaine know and she soon joined us to enjoy the Bird.

This was my 172nd Species for the Reserve and my 106th for the Year.

Haydn recently managed to grab a pic' of the "rare" Reed Warbler...

Only my 2nd record!

Inbetween my charging around recently, I managed a few pics of local stuff that I thought was worth sharing. A couple of Butterflies right in front of the Hide...

Painted Lady

Peacock

I also had a close encounter with a Leveret as I was driving through the Village. It ended up on next door's driveway before safely disappearing back into the fields...

Cute!

It's not ALL Birds...