Wet my Lips

News came through mid-afternoon that the Quail was calling again on Snakey. As I was driving along Richard was coming towards me, obviously being the source of the information! He informed me that he'd heard 2 birds.

After a brief location confirmation I continued and parked up in the said area. In no time at all I heard a bird calling, some 20 yards from my car! True to form I had no sightings but it was special to hear this Species so close to home. I contacted Jayne and she arrived promptly to enjoy the sounds.

So, yet another quality Bird locally.

Spurn - July Triple!!!

Wednesday...

A fine view looking North towards Withernsea. Just for the record!!!

Birders are already talking about Autumn "Birdwise" BUT hang on, we haven't had any Summer yet!!!

News that the Humpback Whale and calf had been seen again off Easington Gas Terminal yesterday after noon had me heading down there around 2. They had been touring the East Coast from Flamborough to Spurn for a while now but I hadn't managed a view. Alas I didn't connect but the Sea was full of Birds!!!

I had a wonderful hour enjoying the Sunshine...yes...Sunshine, while scanning through the plentiful  Gannets, Gulls, Terns, Waders and Auks. A single Puffin was a big surprise! Looking East in the afternoon helped!

I also tried Cliff Farm but still no sign of the Whales. I did add Mediterranean Gull, Little Tern, and Razorbill to the Year List.

Yesterday...

Whilst enjoying the Cricket/ Golf Combo...a message on the Spurn WhatsApp...

14.17: Pratincole Wetlands

Short and simple BUT significant. Had to be the Black-winged from Finningley. As I was heading down the road I was reflecting on the Border shenanigans earlier in the Month! This time there was no doubt about the authenticity. Also this would possibly be my 3rd Spurn Tick in 15 days. Remarkable!

Anyway, first things first. I arrived to discover the Bird had flown South. What to do? I waited 45 minutes but no further sign had me heading back home....briefly...

16.01: Black-winged Pratincole back on Wetlands briefly but flew towards Sammy's

As I was driving down Easington stright I could see 3 Birders on Long Bank looking...interested. I couldn't safely stop so I continued to the car park. Turned out they had the Bird but it was dropping onto the Wetlands as I passed. Could I have seen it?

I walked from the car park towards the Hide but I could see a small group watching from the gate. Mick Turton was one of the said group. Conversations confirmed it had indeed landed on the Wetland but was out of view in the channel behind the Little Egrets...

Again, looking East helped but the length of the wait was obviously unknown. I'd seen Jayne in the Village on the way down and she was now present with around 8 others. Birders were positioned in the Hide and on the Bank separating the Wetlands from Beacon Ponds...

Radios meant that the Bird would be "flagged" the moment it flew. After a wait of around 45 minutes...we had the Bird. It did a couple of brief low flights in a small area around the Egrets. Good enough and long enough to confirm the ID. It never ceases to amaze me how many Birds end up funneling through Spurn!?

Eventually it took to the skies and flew around the area taking in the area to the South as well as Beacon Ponds. It never came close but I managed a record shot of the Bird way up high beyond the Hide...

Other Species enjoyed while waiting...

Whimbrel

Great White Egret...

Avocet

Merlin

Mediterranean Gull

So...

3/7     Least Sandpiper

14/7   Gull-billed Tern

18/7   Black-winged Pratincole

A quality trio in anybodies book.

Spurn Life: 324

Moving out here 13 Years ago meant that I would be handily placed to "Cherry Pick" this Rarity "Hotspot". The last couple of weeks have emphasized this theory in spades. 

However, it's not rocket science...lol!

Gull-billed Tern - Spurn Tick!

I try to be "on the ball" regarding reacting to relevant messages. Fortunately this lunchtime I was in the right place and reacted immediately...

12.47 : Gull-billed Tern Kilnsea Wetlands 

I made it in 10 minutes and headed for the Hide. As I turned the corner I could see the locals looking high West. I looked up and saw 2 birds. The first was a Black-headed Gull...the second GBT!!!

The Bird continued South and was reported flying over the Humber. There have been no further reports as I write. Rather exciting!!!

This was my 323rd Species for the Spurn Area and the areas 3rd according to The Birds of Spurn. It was also my 3rd in Britain following on from my first at Seaforth July 1995 and my Yorkshire tick at Old Moor June 2015.

Change is as good...

I opened the curtains this morning to see yet another grey, wet day. I'd had enough. I had to try and find some better weather. I couldn't go on holiday so I headed inland, away from the North Sea.

News came through that the Black-winged Pratincole was still present in the Finningley area. There had been much confusion regarding messages and opinions since the Birds arrival as to exactly where the Bird was located. 

Anyway, I arrived on Site and immediately bumped into Gary Dayes. It was good to see him as I hadn't seen him for quite some time. After a chat I made my way the (thankfully) much shorter distance to the Pool by the Sewage Works...

The Bird was performing on arrival, giving decent views at c100 yards. Jonathan Wasse, a fellow Cyprus stalwart was present with his Dad. It was good to see him again. Maybe we'll meet again next Spring? 

Thankfully the rain had abated which made the 60 minutes I spent there enjoyable. I was treated to a couple of prolonged flight views as the Bird fed over the water. The rest of the time it rested on a spit to the right with the Lapwings and was hidden most of the time, although it did give itself away on a couple of occasions...

One of my classic hand-held Phone-scopes!

The views through the Scope were MUCH better. I managed a decent flight shot despite the gloomy conditions, distance and speed of the Bird...

I returned home to heavy drizzle. What a horrendous Year we're having!!!

This is only my second record for Britain and my first for England (probably my 500th). My British Tick was in Scotland at Monikie Country Park, Angus 16/8/1996.

BWP (2)

I made the trip over to Finningley yesterday afternoon as news came through that the Black-winged Pratincole was still in the area. The Bird performed brilliantly but unfortunately, it stayed South of the road, around the pool for the entirety of my 4 hour visit! Tantalizingly, it made a couple of flights VERY close to the Boundary at Fiftyeights Road BUT I couldn't be certain it had crossed it?!

However, the visit gave me chance to glean some information about it's previous movements. Having weighed up the opinions, I left at 6, clear on my strategy for the following morning.

I arrived early and retraced my steps. This was a strange scenario as most were just here to see it at the pool to the South. I was here to see it in Yorkshire! I tucked myself away in a spot that gave me a clear view North of the road in line with the pool. I needed to concentrate...not talk!!! I would have a much more time here as opposed to viewing over the trees from the South.

The tactics were simple...scan all Birds coming in from the North. It took a while but eventually I picked it up before it crossed the road. I had my Yorkshire Tick (402).

Local Proximity - Always a Bonus!

After last Weekends disappointment, I had another opportunity today to add a quality Bird to a List. Something always turns up...eventually.

As previously mention, when I moved out here to the East Coast, one of the advantages was going to be that I would be adjacent to Spurn. This would be rather handy if something "good" appeared. Today was such a day.

First news broke at 3.16 on the Spurn WhatsApp...

LONG-TOED STINT possibleadult (or LEAST SANDPIPER) photographed flying west through Kilnsea Wetlands

I've seen both in Yorkshire but neither at Spurn.

3.33 Another WhatsApp message...

The Stint Sp is currently on Kilnsea Wetlands

Time for a drive down. 20 minutes later I was approaching the busy Hide. A few familiar faces were present as I luckily found a space on a bench... and waited. The Bird had walked around the other side of a spit and wasn't in view, just to add to the occasion. Fortunately it re-appeared after some 15 minutes in the company of a Ringed Plover.

The Bird started to move around the scrape...

I was hoping the Bird would continue towards the Hide but alas it turned and headed away...and I headed for the car...

It transpired that the Bird was a LEAST SANDPIPER, my 321st Species for Spurn. I've seen a couple previously in Britain. My LIFE Bird was at Pagham Harbour in 1995 and my Yorkshire Bird was at Blacktoft Sands in 1999.

The Bird flew off South at 5.38.

So things have picked up as the week has progressed. After dipping the Pratincole at "Least" I connected with this one. Couldn't resist!

Inside Info - Always a Bonus!

News of a Black-winged Pratincole just outside the County at Finningley, Notts on Saturday got the Listing juices "sort of" flowing? There was one report from Potteric Carr...which is in Yorkshire.

A touch of dodgy detective work found me trying to figure out how close to the Border it was. I couldn't confirm the Boundary, so I retired on Saturday none the wiser. Early news on Sunday informed me the Bird was still present but I wasn't going to travel as I'd seen this Species elsewhere in Britain. I was still slightly uneasy as I wasn't familiar with this Site even using Google Satellite view.

7.39 Black-winged Pratincole, Finningley SOUTH YORKSHIRE!!!

My question was answered...VERY close!

Harry Hindsight kicked in. Could I have dug deeper for info? Maybe but being a private sort of chap with limited contacts I don't think so? Turns out the road along where the pools are is actually the Border! So basically it had flown North of the road and was now in Yorkshire! Oh dear I thought.

I grabbed my gear and headed West. Would it wait for me? Answer...No! A message at 9.15 informed me the Bird had flown back South of the Road and remained there all day before flying of South mid-evening. The Bird didn't return and hasn't been seen since.

Apparently a few made it but must have had early info from Birders on Site. Fair enough.

Years ago I set a target of trying to reach 500 for Britain and 400 for Yorkshire. I've lived long enough to achieve both. So I'm happy. I'll still give it my best shot for both Lists depending on circumstances but dipping doesn't sting these days. I've mellowed with age lol!

VERY quiet locally at the moment...

Heard but not Seen?

Have to admit I'm fully involved in the Football and Cricket at the moment! Despite England's performances!!!

However, after flagging up the "Full Cover" state of affairs at the moment, that doesn't exclude hearing Birds! Richard heard a Quail down Snakey on Friday. My 197th Species for the Village. I managed to hear a couple of blasts over the weekend which enables me to add it to my Holmpton List. He's also had a Jay frequenting his garden feeder which I'm yet to catch up with. I also had my first Cormorant of the Year over the Peninsular as I was walking Bud. Embarrassing I know!

Eeking

Tough going at this time of the Year. Full leaf and high crops. However there's always something to enjoy.

An early stroll down Seaside produced a surprising record (the best type). The remaining puddle...

...attracted a Grey Wagtail (P.102, H.88) albeit very briefly, partly due to an unintentional interruption by Bud!

Snakey produced with a soaring Lesser Black-backed Gull...

...Red-legged Partridge and male Sparrowhawk.

Late afternoon, another surprise with a flock of 20 Common Scoter off Seaside...

...plus a single Sandwich Tern.

Keeps me happy...

Songsters

Hello!

Still here but nothing much happening here at the moment, mainly due to...you guessed it...the Weather, which remains, shall we say...unseasonal!!!

An example... I heard my first singing Skylark...yesterday! The Sea is completely dead. On a positive note the Sand Martin colony is battling on at Old Hive with plenty of activity...in all conditions. House Martins are also hanging in there at Intack. Marsh Harriers, Yellow Wagtails, and Yellowhammers are still present (in the breeding season) on Snakey...amongst others.

Just to prove there's always hope while we continue to wait for Summer...Richard had a Jay at his Feeder early this morning! You never know...

The British Weather!

I may have mentioned this topic before!!!

Notorious for its unpredictability...that's being polite (as I like to think I am). However, this Year so far (and the back end of last to be honest ) has been truly HORRENDOUS! As I write it's 10C with a Northerly wind giving a "feels like" of 8.  I'm aware (and very grateful) that I have followers from different parts of the World but this Year the Weather here has excelled itself. It's now June 10th, we're 10 days from the Summer Solstice..the nights will start "drawing in" lol! 

This situation does test ones resolve, as we've been waiting for  a prolonged spell of decent Weather for over FIVE MONTHS!!! I've aired my thoughts previously on where I'd rather be...if my circumstance were different...but they're not!

So, I'm waiting to enjoy my Summer...if it ever arrives!?

On the Birding front, as you can imagine, it ain't been pleasant. It must be tough for the chicks. At least I had my Big Day locally, which was highly enjoyable. I added a few Year Ticks and locating some "common" Species for the List was challenging and rewarding. I've updated my Lists accordingly.

Hopefully things will improve...?

Big Day Reflections

Phew! I enjoyed it immensely...which surprised me somewhat?

Visiting ALL areas of my Village Patch (some many times) was enjoyable. No rushing around, just spending time at various locations and habitats. I realize I was maybe a bit late for my attempt and the Weather while improved was less than optimal with a 20mph cool/cold Westerly for most of the day...I couldn't wait forever. At least it didn't rain!

There will be some inevitable repetition from yesterday's "diary posting" but hopefully it will be kept to a minimum? I hope to give a flavour of the "ups and downs" of a Bird Race, highlighting how much luck (both good and bad) is involved amongst the limited planning and hopefully plentiful local knowledge?

So, here we go. A pic of my only Fulmar on the first walk to the Sea...

I could hear a Collared Dove and eventually I found one...

The same applied to this Greenfinch deep in a Tree...

Some Species you hope to see rather than expect too...

Marsh Harrier

Grey Partridge

Really chuffed to pick the latter out at the edge of an emerging crop. Ironically it was still there in the evening! This didn't lessen the moment though...it just gave me the opportunity for a better photo...

Always nice to see a Yellowhammer well...and in song...

The highlight of the early afternoon was finding a lone Black-headed Gull on the remaining pool on Snakey. The only one I saw all day...a real context moment...up there as "find of the day"!!!

I spent some time distance scanning and this paid of in style when I locked on to a Red Kite!! It was drifting South over Beacon Hill with a sprinkling of Swifts (not guaranteed) for company. Probably my luckiest sighting was the Gannet from the lay-by whilst having a late lunch.

Another walk down Seaside Road around 4 produced my only Kestrel sighting...

The Sea was VERY disappointing throughout. However, I did score with a couple of distant Sandwich Terns...

One here

They came North but U-turned as they reached me.

After making the good lady's  meal I returned to Old Hive around 8 hoping for a couple of late results, which I duly collected...

Meadow Pipit

Reed Bunting

This duo put me on 49. As already mentioned I was now thinking...Owl as it was gone 9. I tried Model Farm and the Bunker but no joy. I felt my best bet now was Barn, so I headed for  Snakey once more. I did a couple of runs but couldn't find anything. I'd seen Little Owl some months ago between East Field and East End Farms, so I headed back down there...and waited. I still had a chance of Barn as  was prepared to wait beyond dusk. I scanned the wires and poles around both Farm entrances. Then at 9.30 a familiar shape to the rear of East End Farm...

Little Owl (50)

That will do me! I headed home content with the day. For the record below is a full List of Birds seen...

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)

Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

Red Kite (Milvus milvus)

Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)

Lesser Black-backed_ Gull (Larus fuscus)

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus argentatus)

Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis)

Rock Dove (Columba livia)

Stock Dove (Columba oenas)

Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)

Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Little Owl (Athene noctua)

Common Swift (Apus apus)

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

House Martin (Delichon urbica)

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)

Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)

Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)

Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)

Great Tit (Parus major major)

Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica)

Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

Rook (Corvus frugilegus)

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)

Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Misses - (Species probable)

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

Common Guillemot (Uria aalge)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)

Yellow Wagtail (Montacilla flava)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

Misses - (Species possible)

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)

Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

Coal Tit (Parus ater)

Common Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)

Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra)

Some are debatable and obviously anything might pass by above or over the Sea. Remarkably no Waders were observed!? The thrill of finding a "common" Species in a "rare" context was fulfilling...and fun. All within 3 miles of home to boot. All in all I was pleased with my haul and the experiences I had throughout the 16 Hours! The most pleasing thing was that I lasted the course!!

Holmpton Big Day

9am update 

I decided to narrow things down!

I started at 6. Sunny but a ridiculously cool 9c...feels like 6!!! I don't do "stupid'o'clock" these days...well, not often anyway.

Things going rather well. Early highlights on Bud walk down Seaside produced GSW, Blackcap, Fulmar, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Song Thrush. There was a constant stream of Sand Martins North also.

Snakey was on form . My best sighting considering the crops was a lone Grey Partridge tucked in a field margin. Other notables were Heron, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard Greenfinch and Yellowhammer.

Just added House Sparrow at Cliff Farm. Time for a Seawatch.

Total 37

Stay tuned...

1pm update 

Things have inevitably slowed down somewhat...and that's putting it mildly! I've added Great Tit, Starling and a lone Black-headed Gull on the remaining Snakey pool. The wind has picked up...yet again and the Sea is...dead.

Quite a few glaring omissions, so plenty still to "go at"

Stay tuned...

Total 40

5pm update 

The hoped for "Rarity" (contextually) appeared...and promptly disappeared South at 3pm in the form of a Red Kite! It was accompanied by c10 Swifts. I celebrated with a quick visit to Tesco. While having a bite in a layby I had a quick scan out to Sea and "jammed" a Gannet.

A return home for Bud coincided with the startling sight of a Heron on our back fence as I put the rubbish out. As I caught sight of it, it took off and flew low over my head!! A stroll down to the Sea notched Kestrel and a couple of Sandwich Terns.

Can I break 50? Bet you're on the edge of your seat!?.

Total 46

Stay tuned...

9.45 pm update 

A surprise Lesser Whitethroat started the evening session off well. I made my way down to Old Hive hoping for and succeeded in seeing...Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting. So... one to go. Gone 9 now, so into Owl territory. I tried my go to Little site yet again but no joy. Onto Snakey for Barn Owl. Again no joy...but wait...another Site helped me out with Little for my half-century!

A really enjoyable day, despite the unfavorable Weather. I'll put some meat on the bones tomorrow...

Total 50

Tuning out...

Big Walk/Drive

Just for a bit of fun!

Tomorrow I'm going to have a mooch around the Patch, seeing how many Species I can come across on my wanderings. The Forecast is favourable, so let's give it a go!

I aim to post it as a running diary. You may wish to follow...you may not!!

This morning we had a stroll down to Old Hive...

The Sand Martin Colony is in FULL swing, despite the Weather. One of the Highlights of the Year...

It was nice to see House Sparrows present in both houses on the approach road. A lone Swift drifted over Cliff Farm as I left.

Birdsong

As if to herald the start of Summer (Spring was a write off here), I heard Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Chiffchaff this afternoon, whilst tidying up the front garden (I still haven't been in the back!). Hopefully things are finally on the "up".

The continuous North Wind did have the benefit of stirring up some Seabird activity. I added Gannet (81)...

...and Kittiwake (82) to the Year List and enjoyed close views of Fulmar, Guillimot and Common Scoter...

Hopefully, there's still time for some late "Spring" Birding...in pleasant conditions!?

Duff Developments

I had to go into Hull yesterday morning...yep...I carried on to Duff...possibly for the last time this Spring (I use that word loosely!).

Water lower, vegetation higher...not a great scenario...

I gave it a couple of hours. c30 Swifts low over the Reserve was the highlight.

The adjacent field acquired by The Friends of the Lower Derwent Valley Conservation Group has been ploughed and seeded...

Potential for the future.

The afternoon Dog walk on return produced a single Fulmar (P.97, H.80). The only Bird I saw!

Great Reed Warbler - York Area #241

Yesterday I awoke to news of a GRW at Bank Island, LDV. This made the day preparations a tad more swift than usual as it was a potential addition to my York Area List. It was indeed a 1st for the area.

After Bud's exercise I set off and arrived at BI just after 10. Haydn was already in the Hide with a few other hopefuls. He told me he'd just missed it. The other hopefuls drifted away and Haydn left around 11.30. I gave it till 1, I heard it...BUT didn't see it...

I succumbed to a Chip Butty in Selby at Mr C's...surprise, surprise, risky I know but I needed a break and besides I was hungry. Of course, as I was eating it in a lay-by, news came through...it has been seen again!! Schoolboy error.

I arrived back at the car park to be greeted by Duncan Bye and a young Birder with big grins on their faces. I returned to the First Hide and continued my vigil... 

One of the Birders from the morning has also returned plus a couple of new faces. We got brief snatches of song intermittently but we couldn't SEE it.

It was obviously difficult to pinpoint the area the sound was coming from. Then, we had it...in the Willows...

Willows beyond the scrape on the Riverbank

After 4+ hours, I suddenly felt much better!! The icing on the cake was a 5ish second circular flight view, which revealed the obvious size difference. Hints of Song Thrush?

Whilst waiting for a peek, I was entertained by (late) Whimbrel (2)...

...and Curlew...

Garganey (pr)

Little Ringed Plover...

Common Tern (4)...with Oystercatcher...both on nests...

Hobby...

and Kingfisher...

...at the impressive scrapes. Wish I had something like this at Duff!

This cygnet was high on the Cuteometer also...

A great day...eventually!

RBS - No

 No...not the Royal Bank of Scotland!

A conservative estimate would be 10 Hours of effort over 2+ days. Just a statement of fact, no pat on the back needed. I covered ALL areas of my elastic Village boundary (it stretches even more when there's a chance of something "special)!

I started on Wednesday morning at Old Hive...It was great to see the re-established Sand Martin Colony (c100) in full swing after the Winter erosion...did I mention the horrendous weather?!

Tough Birds

A cracking LBB Gull cruised along the beach...

...and this Reed Bunting was in full song...

 

I checked all the bramble clumps...

No RBS

Next it was the Cliff Paddock...

Plenty of perching opportunities? Alas no luck nor on the Clifftop...

Although a brief flight view of a small brown Bird with a russet tail strongly suggested Redstart (P.95, H.78)...Nightingale did cross my mind...briefly...Thrush Nightingale even less so!!

After lunch it was onto Snakey...

Male Marsh Harrier through the continuing gloom

...then the picturesque Sewage...

Still no RBS. I did get great views of a couple of Yellow Wagtails...

I ended up back at the Paddock around 6 but still no luck...until a Barn Owl appeared...

Yesterday I checked all the above areas again and marched along the Cliff to the Runnel via the now precarious First Pill...

Sadly, an inevitable demise

Patient as ever

A few Swifts (P.96, H.79) were brought down by the poor weather. Another check on Snakey Lane produced another pair of Yellow Wagtails in the Arable...

There have been 20+ Red-backed Shrikes reported between Spurn and Redcar in the last few days. I felt this was my best chance since moving here (2011) to add this Species to my Village List. It wasn't to be.