Corncrake

I gave it 4 hrs this morning from 7 until 11. Not a muff! 8 birds have apparently been logged in the LDV now. An impressive total.
That's it for now BUT I might return when all the little Corncrakes start running about!!

I did have a good chat with Hull Birder Nigel Genn. Having reached retirement he's now enjoying his winters Birding in the Algarve. I hope to be spending mine in Cyprus.

Wishing my life away...!?


Another Sub-Alpine Warbler sp occurred at South Gare today? If it had been confirmed as a you-know-what I confess I would have gone. The combination of reasonable distance plus it being within the old Yorkshire boundary would have clinched a move. Slightly hypocritical... but there you go!

Another day...and all that

After a late start  gave it an hour at the Turtle Dove site. No sound nor sight today.

Around 2 I made my way back down to Kilnsea. A Savi's Warbler had been heard and occasionally seen. Unfortunately there was no evidence of the bird all afternoon. The Golden Oriole was still present but I didn't see it today. However, I did see quite a few familiar Birders, including Trevor Charlton and Steve Lawton. We caught up on things while forlornly waiting for evidence of the birds.

The weather today was better but the sightings weren't.

Stop press: I returned at 7.45pm and scored with a brief (what else) but conclusive view of the Savi's (P.116, S.85).

...........................................................................................

There's a MEGA in far NE Scotland at the moment, that I haven't seen...yet I'm not going? Prey why...I hear you cry...or not!! It's an ex-Subalpine Warbler that's now called a Moltoni's Warbler. There's been around one record a year since 2009 and who knows before that?! I've aired my personal views on recent splitting before so I won't bore you...again. Personally, I'm certainly not going to invest time, effort and money to travel for this bird. If one appears closer (which it inevitably will) I may go and take a peep...then again I may not. I wouldn't miss or regret it. Congrats to all who travelled and connected.

I have to WANT to go...not NEED to go...

A Golden Day!

Firstly a bit about Sunday. I had a few hours out locally with Phil, after lunch with Louise. After meeting him in Kilnsea Wetlands car park we decided to try for the Turtle Dove near Ottringham. After around 20 minutes we heard the bird strike up with strong purring. It was close. After another short wait we were treated to an explosion from the bush. It landed briefly opposite in the shadows of a conifer before disappearing...

Next it was time to try for Whimbrel on the Humber. We tried Skeffling which was teeming with birds on the fast incoming tide. Still lots of dapper Grey Plovers about. Having added Turtle Dove to his year list we didn't have any luck with Whimbrel here. I mentoned to Phil that I'd seen 10 at Sammy's Point a few days ago. It was getting late in the Spring but maybe with this crazy weather there may still be some lingering birds?

Within a couple of minutes of leaving the car we could hear the unmistakable sound of Whimbrel! Yet, we couldn't see them. Then there they were, flying straight towards us...

Just caught 2 of 4!

After dropping him off back at the car park, we parted ways, I headed home while Phil tried for the Marsh Warbler at the Warren.

.........................................................................................

This morning started with a super-optimistic local search for a Rose-coloured Starling. Needless to say I was unsuccessful...but I tried! As I was approaching Sammy's Point I could see a birder walking along the road towards me. I only realised after I'd passed him that it was John McLoughlin. I also didn't know that he'd just seen a Golden Oriole!!!  then received the news and saw a decent group gathering along the road. I decided to take Bud down the Humber shore and wait for developments. I had a brief scan for the female Red-backed Shrike but no joy there.

We did the loop around the bushes and I had a more determined look for the Shrike on my return but I couldn't find it. I did see a Spotted Fly'...

...and a VERY late Fieldfare..

News came through that a/or another Golden Oriole had been seen near the Warren, so I made my way towards Kilnsea. The fog was pretty thick at this stage and as I reached the gate I could see a few Birders on the Canal Bank. There were more in the hide apparently. I decided to pass and headed home for lunch with Louise.

Around 2pm I headed back for another go. As I made my way along the canal path from the Crown and Anchor I passed a birder who informed me that the GO had just flown towards the Church. After chewing it over for a few minutes I decided to try the Churchyard as he also told me it had been singing! It was still a BIG surprise that I could hear the bird singing clearly as I reached the churchyard. A rare treat indeed! I couldn't SEE it though so I tried the Kew viewing area were I was joined by another Birder. Just as he arrived the bird flew over our heads towards the Crown and Anchor...excellent! When we entered the C&A car park John was there and he told us they thought they'd seen it flying over but had lost it behind the Pub. I apologized for driving past him earlier and we had a brief chat before he re-joined his mates. It was good to see him again.

Having heard the bird singing and enjoyed great flight views I was hoping to get a decent view of the bird perched. Never satisfied!

I returned to the canal path but the bird didn't return In the next hour so I headed back to Sammy's to try again for the RBS. John had given me a tip regarding the best area to look. It paid off...

P.116, S.85

Yep...back to the triangle for one last go. It was now gone 4 but the fog had lifted, albeit slightly. I joined a couple of other hopefuls and then saw Steve Webb purposefully walking towards me. He continued on to the Churchyard and we said we'd contact each other if either of us had a further sighting. I then decided to try further along the path, leaving the other two chatting. I then saw a shape through the mist in the distance perched on a small bush. It looked VERY promising...

P.117, S.86

The above image is more conclusive than my initial view. I then beckoned to the other chaps and gave Steve a ring. My radio had died so I asked him to put the news out of this latest sighting. I managed to get slightly closer by using a bush as a shield...

Obviously the conditions didn't help but to be honest I was just glad to see it perched...

 

The bird then flew further down the path but was still viewable in a distant bush. We all managed to get a view before the bird flew right across the triangle and back towards the Church.

 

It took me 19 years to get Golden Oriole on my Yorkshire list, so I like to think I fully appreciate EVERY sighting of this elusive and scarce bird that I get. I gave it another hour but I didn't see it again. I did have a good chat with Gordon Beck. I'd heard the name before but this was the first time we'd met. We put the world to rights, then headed home...

 





A day out at Flamboro'

After a couple of days in London I needed to see something "decent". The adult Rose-coloured Starling was still finding the North landing area to it's liking. As I made my way up St David's Lane I could see a few hopeful birders/photographers waiting outside it's favourite garden....

 

 



 

After around 15 minutes I picked the bird up further down the lane. It was perched on a concrete post not 10yds away. Unfortunately my camera hadn't woke up...

 



 

 

It wasn't to be. I was happy to spend some time in the area and I was confident it would return. I then bumped into Steve Lawton who informed me he'd been there since 6am! We had a good chat while we were waiting for the RCS to return...which it did. I got close views of it on a wire but the pics were rather disappointing...

 

Around an hour later it was posing n a bush, allowing slightly better images...

It was also good to see Simon Slade, a fellow twitcher who I'd met on several occasions over the years including time on Scilly. He told me he was going on the Yorkshire Belle with his wife. I decided to leave around 2 and try for the Dotterel at South landing. I eventually found the site after following two other birders!

The bird was tucked down in the crop out of the wind but eventually it had a stretch...

It was nice to have a change of scenery, see a couple of quality birds and some Birding pals...

Times gone by....

No Birds?

That's what I know. A message from Gavin yesterday informed me of a possible Turtle Dove site near Ottringham. I did check it out and gave it an hour before heading for Duff but I didn't hear or see anything in a strong North-east wind.

So, this morning I returned for another go. I parked up and as soon as I opened the door I could hear a wonderful sound of summer's gone by...the purr of the Turtle Dove (P.114). It didn't seem far away, although sound travel can be deceptive. There was a lot of thick vegetation by the old railway line but fortunately it had chosen a prominent perch...

Great to SEE this declining bird so close to home. Big thanks to Gavin. It soon flew from it's perched and although I heard it again several times I didn't get another view in the following hour.

After lunch I was tempted down to Kilnsea to try for the Temminck's Stints (P.115, S.84) that had been reported this morning. The cold NE wind was still blowing strong as I made my way towards the hide. I passed a Birder who informed me that birds had been showing well but had just flown off down the scape! I walked down to the screen and scanned. The wind was directly into my face and after sticking it out for 5 minutes I made my way back towards the hide. I looked through both screens but couldn't see anything. The hide is very small and I could hear several voices. One conversation included the word..."stint". That was my cue to enter. Fortunately a chap had his scope trained on the birds and asked if I'd like to take a look!! Handy...

Keeping company with an Avocet and Dunlin

Seeing this species took me back to the eighties (sad but true) when I saw 4 birds on my first trip to Spurn. I think it was May 87.

I'd contacted Richard Boon earlier and he texted me mid-afternoon to take me up on my offer to show him the site. Again as we arrived the bird was singing from the aerial! After he departed I stayed until 5pm. I did see the bird again distantly (c100yds)...

This image came out remarkably well!

...but it never returned to the aerial.

A good day...

The North wind doth blow

As if the Winter weather wasn't bad enough, after a nice spell, things have gone pear-shaped...again!

Great weather...no birds. North wind...no birds!

Well...migrants at least. The Swifts know. I saw half-a-dozen at NDC today as I staked out the Corncrake again. Not a sound nor sight. Sightings and photos occurred over the weekend but nothing today...not helped by the strong wind. The/a bird was reported by the English Nature staff. I did enjoy great views of a cc Marsh Harrier plus a couple of Little Egrets. I had a good chat with a couple of Durham birders and guided them in the direction of Wheldrake to look for Hobby.

Larking about

Had an hour down at Sammy's Point yesterday afternoon. I like it down there. The weather was glorious, not too hot, just fresh and clear.

As I got out of the car I could hear Whimbrel. The birds were very wary out on the mudflats but I counted 10 in all. We did the circuit and as I was returning along the man path a bird flew over my head and landed some 80 yds down the path. It was a lark but it appeared to have a short tail? My first thought was Woodlark. I managed a distant image before the bird flew off high east.

I tweeted (hate that word) the news out as my radio was dead and that was that. It later transpired that some thought that the bird maybe/was a Skylark with no tail...others didn't...at least initially. I don't get involved with on-line debate as people can make of it what they will. Besides I don't really fully understand how Twitter works....and don't want to! The important thing is to let other birders know...which I did.

I would expect other Birders to release news of birds they thought "of interest" whether definite, probable or possible. Ah but what about the fallout if you are proved wrong? Who cares...everyone makes mistakes...

..................................................................................

Big gardening day today. Setting the stall out for the summer. Hanging around the house enabled me to enjoy prolonged song from Blackcap, Goldfinch, Blackbird and Song Thrush (2). I also enjoyed views of a displaying Sparrowhawk over the back yard while having a coffee. Easy Birding...

Bluethroat

A significant moment happened today. This species has proved elusive to me over the years. I've spent many hours in various parts of Britain and abroad trying to get good views or any view of this secretive species.

A bird had been seen at Cliff Farm late on Thursday evening. I could have made it down but...I didn't! News came through mid-afternoon that the bird...or another, had appeared in John Hewitt's back garden at Driftwood. Not a bad garden tick!!

With it being a Saturday I reckoned there'd be quite a group of admirers queuing for a hopeful view, so initially I was again going to pass, especially bearing in mind my track record. Anyway around 3.30 I cracked and set off for Kilnsea. Maybe this time?

As I arrived  could see a couple of cars parked by Driftwood so I pulled up and walked round the back. There were just 5 Birders present and there was only one bird on John's lawn...

Rather surprising...to say the least!!!

Incredibly the bird started to move down the lawn towards the small group of admirers...

The bird kept close to the edge of the lawn and dipped in and out of the shadows...but it kept coming...

...and coming...

It was again...almost surreal. I couldn't help but think back to all the hours I'd spent waiting in anticipation to see this species...well. Yet there it was right in front of me. It was a timely reminder to me to treat each situation with a clean slate. Guess it was my lucky day...

I was only there 10 minutes as the bird then made it's way back up John's lawn. Not before I managed one more though...

Bluethroat (P.112, S.84)

Many thanks to John for putting the news out and allowing access to his garden. It was certainly a good decision...this time.

Earning a Cuckoo

If I'm going to the Gym is has to be...EARLY. The two man reasons are...1. I don't really realize I'm there and...2. I don't want to be thinking about going later.

I was back home by 9. I sorted some domestic issues out and then it was time to take on the car. More exercise...and it saves a fiver!

Around 9.40 I heard it...the Cuckoo (H.74) was close. I grabbed my gear from the house and drove down Taylor Lane in my half washed car. Richard was talking to a neighbour so I let him know...assuming he hadn't heard it!? Of course when  reached the cliff it was singing much farther away to the North. A quick turn round and back down the lane and onto Seaside lane. As I approached the end I could see the bird characteristically wobbling on a wire. I slowed up and angled the car for a pic but it flew off South and wasn't seen (or heard) again.

The up side was that if I hadn't been cleaning the car I would have missed it. Hard work paid off!

.......................................................................................

The SONG SPARROW is still on Fair Isle but more elusive today. A couple of chaps have taken the long route. Driving to Aberdeen, then flying to Shetland followed by an afternoon flight onto the island. They should be on the island as I write. A massive effort which deserves success. Here's hoping they connect...

Twitching over time

You've probably noticed I've got the twitching bug!

A purple patch on Shetland/Fair Isle at the moment has brought MARMORA'S WARBLER, CRAG MARTIN and SONG SPARROW to our shores. Thankfully I don't "NEED" any of them...pressure off!

When MEGAS turn up though, it still gets the old cogs turning...I guess it's in the blood. It also makes me ponder what I will do when something turns up (and it inevitably will) on some far flung island that I "NEED"? I've took the plunge 2 and a bit times for what I considered high quality...namely:-

CAPE MAY WARBLER
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO
AMERICAN REDSTART

No regrets there...and I did manage to eventually get the latter.

Factors such as:-
Cost -£500/£600
Time
Stamina
Determination...etc etc come into play.

Answer...for me it's now selective and (slightly) more sensible...I hope. My unfortunate escapade last September hasn't put me off chartering but the cost does make me more selective. Looking on-line some chaps seem to have limitless time and money to go at will. I admit I'm (slightly) curious as to how some of them actually manage to do it? Good luck to them!

Again for me I'll just cross that bridge...or not...when the time comes. I have to admit I'm finding it harder to justify such an outlay when comparing it to say 3 weeks in Texas. Again, if you've got the time and the funds...off you go. I've got more of the former these days...but less of the latter!!

Corncrake

Yesterday morning found me in the Geoff Smith hide not so bright but definitely early! I was in place by 6am and gave it the "long sit" until noon. Multiple bursts of song were heard from the comb-stroker but it just wouldn't show. Very hard to estimate distance and virtually impossible to pick out of the vegetation. Some chaps got lucky the other day when it decided to take a bath in the pool. I wasn't so lucky. On the positive side at least I heard it and the weather was glorious. A few Black-tailed Godwits in summer plumage were still around and Cuckoo and Water Rail were heard.

After recovering from my flora study I decided to head for Wheldrake Ings for an afternoon stroll. I had the accompanying song of Willow Warblers all along the riverside path. It was the first time I'd heard any this year.

It was a nostalgic walk for me and one I'm grateful I can still make. Many memories came flooding back of my times here in the 90's. Making countless visits after work and at weekends. I entered the Andy Booth Tower Hide and scanned. The Great White Egret stood out like a sore thumb, albeit distantly...

I continued down to the wind pump were I heard multiple Garden Warblers singing. Great to hear this species as it's been a few years since I'd heard this song. Just then a photographer appeared and so did a Hobby...

Onto Swantail hide were a couple more Hobbies were seen plus a Red Kite...

...and three Common Terns.

.....................................................................................

This morning I joined Phil for a walk round Kilnsea. Another lovely day but not much of note seen although we both added Spotted Flycatcher (P.111, S.83) to our year lists...

Quality at NDC

The morning walk to the cliff proved fruitful this morning when I heard the seven note call of a Whimbrel (H.73). Despite extensive scanning I couldn't get a view of the bird down below.

After my Gym sesh I took Bud to Out Newton hoping for my first Swift...it wasn't to be. This is definitely the latest I've been "without one" on my year list?

Off to Duff. News of a singing CORNCRAKE in front of the Geoff Smith Hide added a little spice to the journey. No joy on my first sit but I did spot a male Garganey (72) briefly in front of Garganey hide! I didn't see it again.

After walking down to GH I was really chuffed to add a spectacular species to the year list. A speeding Hobby (73). Really pleased to grab an image...of sorts!

At last I added my first Swifts (74). I reckon there were around 50 over the reserve. Always great to welcome back this iconic species. Definitely an indicator of a late Spring! A grounded Whooper Swan has been sadly left behind but it seemed perfectly happy with its commoner cousins...

It was also great to see the once rare Little Egret on the reserve. It fitted perfectly...

Another stint n the GSH failed to produce any evidence of a Crex Crex. It was nice to see a pair of Mute Swans working in perfect harmony as they finished off their nest...

A stray Red-legged Partridge (75) on the path on my way back to the car was a bonus.

Cuc-koo

Forced myself to the Gym this morning to build the old knee up. It's good for me...apparently!? As I was leaving I heard a certain familiar bird singing. Another iconic sound of Spring. I tried to figure out the general direction this far carrying song was coming from. I drove home and collected the lad for his morning constitutional.

I drove through Hollym and down to the old railway line. I drove as far towards Withernsea as I could then started to walk the rest. Within 5 minutes I'd picked up the song again.  A scan of the wires found a different shape amongst the Wood Pigeons...

A bit of stealth- like manoeuvring enabled me to get closer despite taking some impressive nettle stings...

After having my fill I left the bird still singing on the wire and headed back towards the car. As  was half-way back the bird landed on the wire right in front of me...

Always nice to get a decent view of a Cuckoo...

Reterning

Nice walk north along the beach from Kilnsea this morning in glorious sunshine. The sound of Little Terns added to the spectacle. At least 50 birds were active over and around Beacon Ponds. Another wonderful indicator of better times ahead. Let's hope they have another successful season. A couple of Sandwich Terns (P.111, S.83) were also noted.

Swifts are being reported at last. I expect to see my FOY tomorrow...

LEO

A bit of a garden tidy up this morning. It's the first time we've been able to inspect the casualties from the winter of doom! Some pleasant surprises with most things OK including my Dahlias. Birds included singing Blackcap, Goldfinch, Linnet (a first) and Blackbird plus Swallows on the wires and displaying Wood Pigeons from the bedroom window.

I managed a quick walk down to Sammy's again mid-afternoon to try for the Long-eared Owl (P.110, S.82). I was pleasantly surprised to find it was still present and everyone was admiring the bird from a "sensible" distance...at least while I was there?

The bird was deep in the bush and the view wasn't great but it's always nice to see an Owl...

I was tempted to try for the Wryneck near the Bluebell but never made it. Maybe tomorrow...

Cherry Picking

I've brought my Mother back for a few days and it's fortunately coincided with some glorious sunshine! As we made our way along Snakey we had fabulous views of a local Corn Bunting...

Very fortunate to have this declining species breeding locally.

Yesterday afternoon a report of another declining species, a Wood Warbler (P.107, S.79) had me heading down to Sammy's Point. Who was Sammy? On the way I came across a male Marsh Harrier at Out Newton...

Bud and I had a walk down Sammy's. A couple of circuits revealed a fall of Wheatears (c20)...

and Whitethroats (c10). No sign of the main target though. A few other searchers were milling around and after around 20 minutes a shout went up that the bird had been re-located. Over the next hour I managed to enjoy great views of this distinctive Phyllosc...

This afternoon I cherry-picked again with a brief sorte down to Kilnsea Wetlands/ Beacon Ponds. Richard Boon was in the car park with the same intentions. We had a pleasant stroll and connected with both targets quickly...

Sleeping Drake Scaup (P.108, S.80)

Drake Goosander (P.109, S.81)

SNOWY OWL

A change of plan took place.

Initially I spent some time in the Village but the singing Whitethroat on the cliff was all I could muster. I then got a text off Richard informing me he'd seen a Pied Flycatcher (H.72) and a Ring Ouzel in the field behind his back garden. I asked if I could take a peep and he answered in the affirmative.

My luck was in. Within 10 minutes I'd seen both birds!

I thanked Richard and then headed for NDC.

I'd not been there long, although long enough to convince myself the pair of Garganey had departed. A message...

11.53 SNOWY OWL 1st winter female Frampton Marsh RSPB near Tabb's Head late morning

Having missed the bird earlier due to my Cyprus trip I thought I'd give it a go as I could be at Frampton in under 2 hours. I took the A1/A17 route and thankfully avoided any jams. Now for the walk. I'm increasing my distances but this was going to be a tester! Still, I had a target...a BIG 1.

I had to walk around the perimeter of the reserve as I had my friend with me...surprise, surprise! The reserve looked a picture...

Avocets everywhere!

Onward...

I was heading for the trees to the right!

After negotiating a couple of fair-sized herds of cattle (they don't like Bud) I arrived at the viewing point. I wasn't expecting crippling views...and I didn't get them. She was sat out on the saltmarsh at around 400yds. At least it was still there....

Naked eye perspective

I gave it an hour (mainly to recover!!!). She had a few stretches but stayed in the same spot...

My Pedometer informed me I'd covered 7.2 miles and it felt like it. Worth it though. Just glad I can walk that far again.

My previous experiences with this species are...

Wainfleet, Lincs - January 1991

Barrow, Alaska - August 2007. At least 20 birds seen on the tundra.

St Mary's, Isles of Scilly - October 2008