PALLID Harraser?

If only...and not that I ever would, of course!

 

I've had quite a few close views but no decent pic. It's a (very) quiet time of year and today the weather was poor. My dog needs walking EVERY day though. So why not Welwick?

 

There was just a single car present when I arrived and I spotted the Birder way out on the marsh embankment. There was a strong, cold southerly wind which meant there was no shelter at all. From the car I saw the Harrier! It was making it's way along the near embankment and flew right past the entrance gate...what a teaser! Right place, right time? It's a hell of a big area though. It's been seen at Spurn and Stone Creek.

 

My brief view was enough to convince me to make the effort. I got the full clobber on and tried to find some shelter by the gate. There wasn't any. I started to scan. It was there again but of course very distant, as per usual...as I had my camera! My fellow Birder eventually made it back to the gate. Nice chap. He informed me he'd been close to the bird but his camera battery was flat! He'd also seen the Black Brant plus some White-fronts and 2 Bean Geese. Interestingly, he was also convinced he'd seen a Goshawk!

 

After he left I gave it an hour but today was another frustrating session.

 

My best efforts...

 

 

 

Maybe next time...

 

Local

I started down Seaside Lane this morning while the "girls" were getting ready. It proved to be a fruitful 30 minutes as I scored with Greylag Goose (H.51)...

 

 

Long-tailed Tit (P.82, H.52) and a close encounter with a Buzzard...

 

 

This species has (thankfully) become a much more common sight in the area over recent times. To see one so close to the house was a special treat.

 

The ladies eventually joined me! We made our way down to Welwick to have a walk along the Humber. It was overcast but dry with no wind. Some birders were already in place hoping for a glimpse of the PALLID HARRIER. Never to be underestimated that there's such a quality bird so close!

 

Se made our way to the west bank of the marsh and started to make our way to the Humber. My Mother is struggling a bit on her legs these days but she managed it...a real trooper at 85! A familiar noise...Geese...

 

 

Brents to be precise. They settled in the field to the west of the Marsh at around 150yds...

 

 

As I was with my non-birding family I didn't want to spoil the walk...if you get my drift. I was "allowed" a brief scan with the Trinnies.  There are hundreds of Brent Geese in the estuary throughout the winter and they obviously commute between sites. I'd seen the BLACK BRANT a few days ago as already posted. I wonder(ed)...

 

 

Chuffed to have found and photographed it under the circumstances...even though I say so myself!

 

It was high tide...

 

 

On our return I had another peep...

 

 

Fortunately it had moved to the front of the group...

 

 

 

Dapper.

 

After lunch I had to get some provisions. On the way to Tesco I noticed a white blob in the stubble by the sewage...

 

 

 

Again on my return with the "viddles" it was still present, right by the road...

 

 

Common(ish) down the road but still noteworthy here.

 

After dropping things off I returned to Welwick for the last hour. I've seen the PH many times now but it would be nice to have a decent pic. I didn't get one but I did find the bird ranging over the fields North of the bank. It was very close but by the time I could get sorted it had drifted off as per usual...

 

 

I will return...

 

 

Time for a breather

Where was I?!

 

Oh yes...Black Brant...

 

 

I finished off the day at Stone Creek searching for a Hen Harrier (P.77). I finally found one albeit briefly...

 

 

This was my eighth attempt to find this species at this site. They were almost guaranteed before Christmas with 2 birds seen regularly.

 

Wednesday morning found me on the beach at Holmpton. My favourite type of seawatching...walking Bud and scanning intermittently. This morning it paid off in spades as I connected with a Holmpton lifer in the form of an Iceland Gull (L.148, P.78, H.36). The bird was north of the sewage but then flew south distantly out to sea. An extremely pleasing moment! I also added Cormorant (P.79, H.44) and a pair of Gadwall (P.80, H.45) flying south.

 

Thursday was a long day at work. Friday was also supposed to be a day shift but I got a call asking if I fancied a late. I did. This allowed me to spend another few hours on the beach on a glorious morning. My luck was in as I witnessed the unusual sight of a lone Wigeon (H.46) having a rest on the tideline from my vantage point at Out Newton...

 

 

 

 

I entered the beach at the runnel and walked north again hoping to re-find the IG or maybe find a Glaucous. It didn't happen but I did experience a magical moment. As I approached the sewage I noticed a group of geese flying towards me, low along the beach. My initial thought was...local Greylags. I was wrong...as I lifted my bins I was looking at geese with White face plates! By the time I sorted my camera out they were going past me but I managed a decent pic...

 

White-fronted Geese (H.47)

After passing by they descended even lower and were virtually skimming the beach as they continued south into the mist ...

 

 

A wonderful experience.

 

Around lunchtime I drove to Hornsea for reasons already apparent. I parked by the fields on the south side of the Mere. It had been a long time since I'd visited this site...at least 10 years, probably longer. I slipped the lead on my pal and we made our way down the path to view the water. There were lots of birds present. I stared to search through them hoping for the "White Nun". I couldn't see it. I did manage to pick out a couple of distant Long-tailed Ducks. A truly horrendous record shot...

 

 

I then noticed 2 more birders approaching. It was Steve Exley and his mate. Steve shouted over that he's found a Glaucous Gull, which was good of him. I had a look through his scope and was pleased to see it was a "biscuit bird". Very distant on the ice but a great sighting. We moved further down the Mere and Steve eventually picked out the Smew with his 'scope. The Drake obviously stood out amongst the raft of coots but it was constantly diving and was very elusive. I eventually left the chaps and took Bud a walk further along the path. Fortunately I picked out the Drake again with a "redhead"...

 

 

Following on from my trip for the WHITE-BILLED DIVER this was also very special. Connecting with this spectacular bird just down the road was extremely satisfying...

 

 

What a beauty!!!

 

The day finished off with my umpteenth drive down Snakey lane in search of Partridges. It was extremely gloomy by now but I managed to find a pair of Grey (P.81, H.48). Back to basics!

 

Lists up to date

 

 

...and there's more! I have to do something while Louise and my Mother watch what ladies watch!

 

Yesterday I set off for Bury to my Mum up. As usual my mind switched to birds. Now is there anything I could take a peep at while I'm over in the red rose County? Of course there is! I passed Bury and headed up the M61 and onto the M6. I was hoping to see a bird that I hadn't seen for many a year. Using my newly acquired "smartphone" sat nav (very impressive and not annoying) I arrived at the site around midday. The weather was grim, heavy cloud and continuous rain. A few bods were present and they seemed focussed, which is always good news.

 

Typical habitat..and weather!

 

 

With over 6,000 Pinkfeet in the area I needed all the help I could get. After lining up my bins with the scopes I found my quarry feeding with some White-fronts...

 

100 yds

I hoped for better views. I sat it out in the car as the rain belted down. I had to leave the shelter though when the birds took off and flew over the road...

 

Through the gloom...

 

Where had it gone in this vast area? Again, luckily, it hadn't gone far...

 

 

The weather improved marginally, throwing some improved light on the rarity...

 

RED-BREASTED GOOSE

Well worth the detour!

 

 

 

Birding before Blogging!

It's my "tight", time of the week so I'll have to delay my "catch up" post.

 

This was one reason why today...I'm sure you'll excuse me!

 

Drake Smew, Hornsea Mere...

 

 

Always worth chasing...

 

Recently

Got drawn into a great film last night so didn't have time to post, so here's a summary of the last couple of days before graft tomorrow and Friday.

 

Sunrise at Welwick...

 

 

As you can see it was a bit...fresh, so we went for a walk towards Skeffling to warm up. On our return I saw a distant small raptor flying west along the waters edge...

 

Merlin (P.75)

 

Can be a tough bird to "get" so I was pleased with this sighting, even if it was distant and fleeting. We (that's Bud and I) continued West towards Pat Haven. The sun had burnt the last of the mist away and it was a lovely, crisp winter's morning. A male Marsh Harrier drifted by, at distance again unfortunately. Then the main prize which won the distant view award!

 

Pallid HARRIER...she had a better view!

As I was leaving 4 Yellowhammers by the gate were a nice surprise...

 

 

I then made my way to Easington straight to see if any Brents were present. They were...

 

c400

I parked the car and started to scan. The light was superb and it was fun trying to pick out the star bird After a round 20 minutes my eyes started to "go". Just a mass of moving black and white!

 

Eventually I found this striking goose. Below are a few images I hope you enjoy...

 



 

 

 

 

The birds kept feeding and my luck was in as they came nearer and nearer to the road...

 

 

Run out of time! More tomorrow...

 

Birding Generations

I guess now I've turned 60 I'm firmly in the "old fart" category. Changes happen. The older you get the more you see...obviously. I try to stay broad-minded...but it gets harder, maybe I never was! Just thought I'd share that with you! With the forthcoming switch in listing authorities it seems a fitting time to write this post.

 

From 2018...

 

Following the adoption of the IOC World Bird List on 1st January 2018, species-level changes will be made to the British List include:

 

Splits:

• Tundra Bean Goose from Taiga Bean Goose
• Desertas Petrel from Fea's Petrel
• Least Tern from Little Tern
• Thayer's Gull from Iceland Gull
• Red-tailed (Turkestan) Shrike from Isabelline (Daurian) Shrike
• Two-barred Greenish Warbler from Greenish Warbler
• Stejneger's Stonechat from Siberian Stonechat
• Eastern Yellow Wagtail from Yellow Wagtail

Lumps:

• Hudsonian Whimbrel with Whimbrel
• Lesser Redpoll with Mealy Redpoll

I'm no scientist...you've probably gathered that!!! So I won't pontificate, you'll be pleased to hear. This decision makes total sense to me. A standardised world taxonomy has to be a good thing...doesn't it? 

 

On a far less academic note I still have problems regarding my Birding. As is abundantly clear from this Blog...I like a tick! I'll travel the length and breadth of the Country (when available) to add a species to my list. I'll also travel to see a "good bird" as I did yesterday. A VERY good decision IMHO, I may add.

 

Are some birds "better" than others?

 

For me...most definitely. A well known character once said..."They're all one". That's very true BUT are some more worthy than others?

 

Examples...

 

Moltoni's Warbler and Iberian Chiffchaff. Just a couple plucked out. Not very inspiring!

 

There is an element of hypocrisy here I'll admit, as I've twitched birds that were confirmed retrospectively...e.g. ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. This doesn't mean I'm totally at ease with the tick, especially when our friends across the pond consider "Empids" unidentifiable in Autumn unless they call? The official line WILL be followed however.

 

DNA Birding isn't very...er...exhilarating!!!

 

There's also the question of provenance. Followers will (probably) remember I've turned down birds which I didn't rate e.g Chestnut Bunting (which was accepted). I can honestly say it doesn't bother me in the slightest. It's a personal choice. I do have a personal list which includes a few rejections...BOOTED EAGLE being one of them!?

 

So what AM I saying?

 

Simply this. From now on I'll decide what merits a trip. I'm as keen as ever to see new birds but I'll make my own decision as to what I consider worthy. I'll still follow the (new) "official" line but with a selective slant. It's (slightly) more relaxing and definitely more satisfying. It's also cheaper! Spending hundreds of pounds to go to see a bird I can't identify doesn't exactly get the juices flowing.

 

Still enjoying the memory of yesterday's trip...to see a PROPER bird...hope it makes it...

 

White-billed Diver (Yellow-billed Loon)

 

WHITE-BILLED DIVER

Took my eye off the ball (again) this morning with a nice lie-in. In my defence I'd done a decent shift the day before and I'm no chicken!

 

Anyway, I woke around 9 and checked the pager...amongst other messages was this one..

 

Lincs WHITE-BILLED DIVER west of Woodhall Spa on River Witham 1mile North of Kirkstall Bridge

 

Now THAT'S what I call a bird!!! Definitely tempting.

 

It was a clear cold morning in Holmpton and I hoped it would be the same in south Lincs. Only one way to find out. I grabbed my stuff and headed for McDonalds in Hull. A quick Latte and Sausage Mc and onto the Humber Bridge and South.

 

The roads of Lincolnshire are always a challenge and I eventually weaved my way to Woodhall Spa. I picked the right chap to help me fine tune my final approach to the River. I found a parking spot, sorted out my stuff and headed down the riverbank with Bud.

 

There were plenty of fisherman by the bridge. Thoughts strayed to the unfortunate 1996 bird in the same County that perished after swallowing a hook. More on that later.

 

Birders were coming and going along the river...

 

 

It took us around 20 minutes to reach the area. I could see a few people looking out onto the river. I was amazed how few there were? Anyway after a few minutes up it popped...

 

I spent a wonderful hour with this magnificent bird as it fed along a half mile stretch of the river. It really was special. I think I can safely say I'll NEVER get a better view. A few teams came and went quickly. Dashing onto the next bird. Some spending less than 5 minutes!? I had a smile to myself. How could you not spend a decent amount of time with this special Arctic visitor, especially when it was so close?

 

I'm old enough to have seen the Yorkshire bird off Flamborough Head in September 1987! I also saw one in Barrow, Alaska in 2007. I realise there have been plenty of records over the years but this one ticked my boxes...

 

 

There was some debate over material drooping from the birds mouth. Weed or fishing line? Hopefully the former...

 

List changes?

News came through today that the BOU will adopt the IOC list from January 2018. I might just have figured out the changes to my list by then!!! More on that later.

 

Today was a slow day in the wonderful winter sunshine. Pre-dawn I added Barn Owl (H.35) down Snakey Lane. a stretch for Bud on the clifftop at Easington produced my first Cormorants (3) of the year (P.73, S.25). I then drove down Easington straight through the fog hoping that the Whooper Swan was still present (and viewable), it was, with another...

 

P.74, S.26

 

Always a pleasure to see.

 

After lunch I decided to drive down to Stone Creek to see if I could add Hen Harrier to my year list. On the way down I noticed a shape right next to the road. I approached slowly expecting the usual departure but was surprised as the bird remained totally unconcerned by the cars presence...

 

Grey Partridge P.75

As I drove down the straight at Stone Creek I was greeted by a Sparrowhawk sat on the hedge...

 

 

I spent all afternoon waiting for a HH to show but it didn't happen. I was entertained by at least 3 Short-eared Owls...a few images...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other notable birds seen were Buzzard, Marsh Harrier (male), Kingfisher, Stonechat (2), Tree Sparrow (c20), Curlew (115). Skylarks (c10) were also disputing territories which was uplifting.

 

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My interest in Cyprus Birding had me checking my regular sites. A GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL (prefer the name to Pallas's Gull) was present at Larnaca Sewage Works today. Pity I couldn't find one last January! Maybe this March? An adult would be nice!

 

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