LITTLE CRAKE (2)

One of many fascinating aspects of our wonderful hobby is the continued occurrence of something..."different/new".

This Autumn has already produced a first for Britain...BROWN BOOBY and an unexpected addition to everyone's Yorkshire List...CHOUGH.

On Tuesday morning as I doing some honest toil a message came through about a possible rare CRAKE at Blacktoft Sands RSPB. I'd seen some debate over a Spotted Crake seen there but I was obviously busy and didn't delve into the sighting too much. Anyway at 10.47am...

E.Yorks LITTLE CRAKE Blacktoft Sands RSPB from Marshland Hide

Another potential Yorkshire Tick...if I could get there? My shift finished (very fortunately) at 4.30. It was going to be tight, especially negotiating the Hull traffic in the "rush hour"! I left With' at 4.45 with some help from the lads at the depot and headed West. An inconsiderate tractor driver didn't want to pull over for a good few mile on the way to Hedon, which spiced things up a bit.

Hull also didn't disappoint and it seemed like an eternity before I was under the Humber Bridge and away. On the plus side the A63 was flowing and once on the M62 I was able to make good progress. Also on my side was the fact it was a beautiful clear evening and the light was superb.

Through Goole and down the south bank of the Humber to the reserve arriving at 6.15. The car park was unsurprisingly busy but I found a spot and gathered my gear. A quick word with Pete Greaves and off I sped (well walked) to Marshland Hide. Fortunately there was room in the hide, so I took a seat and set up my scope...and waited.

The bird hadn't been seen for 20 minutes or so and there was talk of it being flushed etc etc...

It was now 6.40 and I was...concerned!!

Then at 6.45 there it was, VERY distant but OK through the scope in the sunshine. Brilliant!!! I watched it come and go until the sun faded then made my way home...happy. Unfortunately the bird departed overnight.

So, I had my 391st tick for the County. Another amazing and totally unexpected addition. Fingers crossed for the pending BAIKAL TEAL? You never know, if I keep taking the tablets, I may even make the magic 400 before I bite the dust!?