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!