Belated Year Tick

Kept my promise to myself and made it to NDC for 11 yesterday. It was one of those magical late Autumn days, clear skies and light wind. The light was special. I could immediately see Winter Thrushes. Duff always does well for them as there's plenty of food for them. I decided to park in a favourable spot and wait. Eventually they obliged...

Then the peace was shattered by the Open Reach workforce arriving for lunch. Fair enough. Another car then pulling, it was Barry Bishop. We had a brief chat then he made his way to the Hide while I continued to try and get some pics.

Eventually I joined him. The view was clear and panoramic, albeit rather...dry!

My intention was to stay till Dusk. The outstanding Sighting of the session was made by Barry. Mid-afternoon he commented that he "had" a thin white line high and very distant. I got "on" the line which turned out to be 24 Whooper Swans (a fair presumption) heading East!  Nothing wrong with Barry's eyes...or mine come to that. You've never seen it all, thankfully!

Other highlights included a pair of Stonechats, 5 Red Kites (always a treat for me living on the Coast), 2 Marsh Harriers, 6 Buzzards...

...c100 Fieldfares and c20 Redwings.

The crop in front of the magnificent Landmark that is Aughton Church has grown again, giving hope of a possible Murmuration this Winter...

Around 4 Barry decided to have a walk down towards Garganey Hide. Earlier we'd discussed the weekend sighting of 2 Short-eared Owls (rare here). Within a couple of minutes of Barry leaving I picked up a Barn Owl (116) at the far end of the Reserve. Barry returned in time to connect before leaving...

I gave it till 4.45 before leaving...

Alas, no sign of any SEO. Another Birder appeared just before I left. After a short chat it became apparent he'd seen the Owls on Saturday! Timing...and Luck!

Today I checked out the Sea for an hour. No Birds...just the Sea! Just kidding BUT it was quiet. The afternoon was spent covering the Humber Sites, hoping for Owls and/or Harriers? The Avocets appeared briefly over the Bank, which was nice. It seems they are Wintering? A small group of Curlews looked well in the amazing light...

My last stop was nearest to Spurn. It was past 4 now and the light was fading and it looked like I'd drawn a blank when...

I was thinking of a visit tomorrow BUT a forecast of 0C in the Hut didn't appeal! I might have a look for the Snow Buntings seen on the North Cliff found by Richard today...

Back Endish...

I've done a bit of "tidying up" lately. I managed a view of the Bonelli's Warbler and the Amur Stonechat in the Easington Area. Both potential Ticks...of some description? I won't go into the finer detail here. Pending!

This morning I finally added Hume's Leaf Warbler to my Village List. I have to confess, this ISN'T my favourite type of Birding...and that's putting it mildly!! I won't be looking at another Sycamore leaf for a while...

I reiterate that the stunning male Desert Wheatear was my Autumn highlight... along with "my" Wryneck.

Time to readjust now. A trip to Duff is in order...

Changing Times

Unfortunately I had a "flare up" in my Hip on returning from Scilly, so I'm laid up at the moment. 

A flurry of late Autumn activity down the road, which included a couple of potential Spurn Ticks, is obviously very frustrating but there you go...I have to reluctantly accept it! Hopefully it will settle...soon!!

Hence no Birding this week. I'll be back!

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I wrote the above early this morning. 11.10 changed things...

East Yorkshire Male Desert Wheatear on rocks at South End of Easington Gas Terminal

I wasn't sure how far I'd get but once I'd got ready and sat myself in the car, I felt OK. I'd been going "Stir Crazy" sat in the house waiting for it to...settle? I made my way down to Easington and parked up by the BONELLI'S WARBLER Twitch. I could see the crowd through the bushes but there was no further sightings so I waited in the car for a while. By Noon I'd had enough and I headed for the Gas Terminal to try for the Wheatear. Fortunately the parking spot I knew about was free which enabled me to be much nearer to the Footpath to the Cliff...

On arrival, it was obvious the Bird was performing well, which is typical for a Wheatear. It was happily feeding on the Rocks and hillside. It was a stunner. I stood in my chosen spot and waited for it to come to me...which it eventually did...

After some much needed fresh air sat on a nearby bench I returned to the car...VERY happy! There had been a female down towards the Point which was a non-starter for me, so...for another one to turn up in a far more accessible area, was extremely fortunate. I think I read somewhere there hadn't been one since 1966!?

To balance out the luck...I couldn't make it yesterday, late afternoon, for the TAIGA FLYCATCHER which was found on Beacon Lane around 4pm. Even if I'd have been 100%, I would have struggled to make it in time. As I was, there was no chance.

Regarding the BONELLI'S WARBLER, the substantial crowd was already dwindling when I left but there was a further report mid-afternoon?

As I was driving home a report came through of a Rough-legged Buzzard at Skeffling, which was rather handy! I soon found the small group of admirers and managed a view through the November gloom. Thanks to the anonymous reader that pointed out I'd posted a pic of the wrong Bird! Honesty here...as always! Still learning. I've since seen pics of the said Bird and it's pale-headed (there are dark-headed examples). The power of suggestion... again!

Never presume.

So,a day that promised little turned out rather well. I may venture down tomorrow?

Today's Star...

Spurn 324

Scilly 26 - Summary

The journey back to East Yorkshire doesn't get any easier as the Year's pass. We didn't exit Cornwall until Noon on Saturday due to the "Road Improvements" on the A30 at Launceston. They "improve one section only to dig up yet another. It's never completely clear! So ONE lane on a Saturday isn't ideal with many returning after half-term. I was aware it would be busy but we weren't "killing ourselves" with an early rise. We arrived at my Mother's around 6pm. After a good rest we continued home Sunday, without too much trouble.

A few final thoughts...

The above cemented my opinion of future holidays on Scilly. I won't revisit the other factors, suffice to say I won't change my mind. I've had a very good run and thoroughly enjoyed it, as has Louise. IF I visit again, it will be built around a "Twitch"?

The "Theory" didn't pan out this Year. We got the hoped for Storm with long Westerly "pulls" and lowered Jet Stream BUT it didn't bring anything with it. NEVER any guarantees in Birding, that's what makes it fun?! 

My Trip Total was VERY poor but as you know, it's a "record of events"...nothing more. No Ticks either. I didn't go "off Island" and the supporting cast of Migrants was almost non-existent? Cue a bumper haul next Year!!...

My self-found Wryneck was the obvious highlight...

Any excuse!

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Birding never sleeps, as news of a BLYTH'S PIPIT at Spurn this morning proved! I made an attempt but it wasn't seen again. I did have a nice chat with Frank Moffat, so the journey wasn't a total waste of time. Another one of the "Good Guys". I also had a brief view of a Short-eared Owl on Easington Straight plus a few Redwings at Model Farm. I drove past the area the Shrike sp was seen. Long gone now, unfortunately! 

Easterlies for the foreseeable...so hopefully some arrivals from that direction? It's not over yet. I'll be out locally tomorrow, then over to NDC on Wednesday...

Scilly 26 - Day 15

Final effort. We're out of our place now and I'm sat on Porthcressa once more...

I use the word effort lightly as we won't be venturing far before our flight. I'll do the usual Summary on return. A nice male Black Redstart has just appeared and a lone Gannet fished briefly in the Bay, which was unusual...at least for me!

As I was trying to get a pic', Spider turned up. It was nice to have a good chat with him at last. We shared travel stories, including Oman. Nice guy. He's about to leave on his travels. We wished each other well. A lovely moment at the end of our Trip.

A couple of Black Redstarts showed well on Porthcressa lawn by the old Hub in the 80's. A fitting end...

As was the passing of the Scillonian as she left for Penzance...

No late news, so that's about it. I hope you enjoyed my ramblings?

Trip Total - 60 Species 

Scilly 26 - Day 14

 Last full Day...and Cart!

We grabbed a coffee and headed up to the Garrison. We then headed around the Northern Bays and ended up at Porthloo again. There was no "breaking news" so we stayed for an hour. I looked for the Black Redstart and Louise read. There seemed to be an increase in Rock Pipits although they may just have been more apparent, as the Storms had redistributed the Seaweed!

More scanning, more Rock Pipits but no BR. Then...

Through the Windscreen!

That ain't no RP!!! It quickly disappeared back into the Rocks. We turned the Cart and waited. Fortunately, I got my moment as it briefly popped up and perched on the bench...

Wryneck (60)

ELATED to find something decent after all my efforts. To get the pic was a bonus! Undoubtedly "Bird of the Trip"...so far? I'm pleased to say other Birders re-located it later in the day.

The Whimbrel was still present and it was nice to get a better pic with the Bar-tailed Godwits...

After lunch we tried a few more spots including but nothing was seen. However we eventually returned to Porthloo and I found a Black Redstart in the Boatyard...

Another sighting was the Legend that is Viv Stratton on the Beach...

We finished off in Carreg Dhu Gardens...

No luck with Firecrest but this pristine male Blackbird kept us company. I LOVE Thrushes...

Last effort tomorrow as we leave late afternoon. Still time. 

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 60 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 13

News of a Wryneck at Little Porth found by Andrew Holden early doors decided our first "Port of Call"...

Finally made it to another favourite bench! No sign of it in an hour but a relaxing start in superb weather. We did see a young Seal making its way back to the Sea after resting up.

Next it was Porthloo once more. Far better conditions today with a gentle breeze and a VERY low tide...

Larger numbers of Oystercatchers (45) and Turnstones (30) taking advantage of the excellent feeding opportunity.

I then heard a Curlew but couldn't locate it. A Little Egret was easier to spot. I was hoping for better views of Black Redstart but there was no sign of any. Then, another familiar 7 note call...a Whimbrel (58). I caught sight of a probable landing way out in the Bay under Taylor's Island. I managed to locate it with my camera and confirm the ID...

The Bird was in the far Bay c300 yds

Sighting and Bird of the Day.

After lunch we tried the Airport car park but nothing of note was seen...

...the view is spectacular though. we watched the Scillonian leave at 2...

Next was Old Town Bay which was also quiet, a familiar tale! We then moved on to Carn Gwaval...

A nice sheltered spot with some decent habitat which brought back more memories. I saw a Red-breasted Flycatcher here once. I gave it an hour but all I managed was a solitary Chiffchaff!

We ended up back at Porthloo to enjoy the late afternoon atmosphere. Still no Black Redstart. However, I did record my first (overdue) Kestrels (59). An inquisitive Robin was cute...

...as was this showy Wren...

The pair of Stonechats remained...

Inter-Island boats ran today but nothing significant was reported. Our last FULL day tomorrow, so still time for "something"? If that PARULA WARBLER is coming...it better hurry up!

The mainland MEGAS have disappeared. My Autumn isn't panning out as hoped...to say the least!!!

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 59 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 12

We're still going...still trying...still searching...but not seeing...much!

A clear sunny day with a decreasing, moderate wind. We started on Porthcressa with a Coffee. A decent number of Pied Wagtails had arrived (c10)...

A fine example

I also noted Stonechat and Rock Pipit amongst the usual fayre. There was no sign of the reported Guillemot in Little Porth from Sunday.

We visited Porthloo briefly but the wind was "wrong" so we tucked ourselves away at Rocky Hills...

... where I added Stock Dove (57). The mature appearance of this area now was another reminder of how long I've been coming here! I remember when they planted some of these Trees. Nothing seen. I bumped into another Birder who'd been here 3 weeks and he lamented on the lack of common and scarce Migrants this Autumn. "Very strange" was his comment.

We then tried Holy Vale...

Again no luck.

I have to be honest, by mid-afternoon the enthusiasm had faded somewhat as we'd tried most sheltered spots that the Cart could access. No rain again but the blustery cool wind was a problem. Louise enjoyed driving the Island and we saw a few Birders nobly working the spots. Out for a meal at our favourite Pub tonight, then an early start tomorrow to try yet again.

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 57 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 11

As today is..."dead", I thought I'd post a few thoughts from a "Senior" Birder as we enjoy the mild afternoon temperature on Town Beach...

I've just secured a Cart for the next 3 days due to the helpful attitude of the staff. They officially closed for the Season on Saturday. It comes with an excellent driver. After last Thursday's mass exodus, there's not many of "us" left now, bar the locals. No arrivals still and the coming days are still uncertain. If the Scillonian sails on Wednesday it's going to be quote..."uncomfortable"!!!

Some gamble on location, as I do. Some stay at home and wait for Alerts. Like all Island Hotspots there can be quiet periods. These can last for several days. With the limited number of local Species available, this can test the resolve of the intrepid searchers. It doesn't bother me, "hope springs eternal". I've put a few shifts in here over the Years, some have done more, some less. I guess if you love a location, you stay faithful to it.

Louise has always supported my Birding and the sacrifices she has made over the past 20 years need acknowledgement. I've took her to Rubbish Tips, Sewage Works etc and never heard a murmur (well maybe once or twice). She's also put up with less than optimum temperatures early in our Cyprus visits. I've also always departed on a crazy Twitch with her full blessing, which makes all the difference.

Now, it's time for a change...A time to pay her back. 

This will be my last visit to the Fortunate Isles...at least for our holiday. Again...Time of Life. The hills are tough enough and we've trod them for many Years. I will miss them hugely but it's the right shout, I feel. I may still throw the odd solo visit in. 

A "Place in the Sun" is now required. 

I hate the dark Winter night's with every passing Year and any time I can escape I will, budget and commitments permitting. All being well, I'll be going to see my Son Robert for 3 weeks in Dubai in the New Year and we have a month in Mandria, Cyprus in April. Later this time for hopefully warmer temperatures for her. Next Autumn, I'll remain at home until the clocks change. Then we'll be off to Mallorca for 3 weeks. 25c is my "comfort limit" and these locations suit us perfectly at this time of Year. More "Birds for your Buck"!

The rest of the time I'm happy enjoying Birding my 2 Patches. "Enjoyment" being the Key word.

Hopefully there'll be something significant to talk about from here before our Friday afternoon departure. I'd like to sign off with a "Biggy"

Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 56 Species

Scilly 26 - Day 10

"Morning after" report after a great night at the rejuvenated Bishop and Wolf...

We started yesterday at Newford Duck Pond continuing to dip Yellow-browed Warbler...

A Grey Wagtail was a nice surprise as was the sight of water in it! A few Redwings (c10) went over as did some very late Swallows (8). I bumped into another pair of "Scilly stalwarts" and had yet another good chat about possibilities and great memories...as you do. They're here for the rest of the week also, so I hoped I'd see them again...if you get my drift.

Sunday, so Hugh Town refreshments not an option. It was Longstones last day so we popped in a couple of times during the day. A great spot. Apple Pie was top notch!

We checked many spots around the Island but it was tough going. The wind was still strong as it was throughout the Country. We found some sheltered spots, including Old Town Churchyard...

...and Porth Hellick/Higher Moors but nothing was seen...

I saw a BLACKPOLL WARBLER here in 2007

 I did find some more Redwings (8) on the School Playing Field...

So, no new Trip additions. No rain lately but still strong wind. You may have noticed I haven't been "off Island" this Year, a combination of Sea State and circumstance. I WILL venture for a Big 1 but otherwise I'll remain on St Mary's. I've booked a Cart for the next 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) as the weather improves and hopefully brings some "good stuff" in. Time will tell? Slow morning today but I'll be out this afternoon.

A couple of good mates have connected with the NUTCRACKER in Norfolk. I'll take a peek if it's still there on return. As for the Flamborough Bird?

Stay tuned...

Trip List - 56 Species