Took Bud on the beach this afternoon and I were rewarded with a fine group of 8 Red-throated Divers relatively close in off Seaside Lane. I took a few snaps but none worthy of posting in the grim light...at this grim time of year!
I received another helpful message of David Roche on Papa Westray concerning the STELLER'S EIDER. Really appreciate the advice pal.
The perfect time for holiday planning I feel. Just over TEN weeks to Texas. Always good to have a target. Head down for a couple of days to help pay for it then out again on Sunday...
Thursday, 30 January 2020
Tuesday, 28 January 2020
Near and Far
Still re-adjusting after the car blow (in more ways than one!) VERY quiet here at the moment but Richard has seen "his" Firecrest again and the STELLER'S EIDER has left its puddle. David Roche the local birder on Papa Westray was kind enough to reply to my message, giving me some more detail on the area. I still have hope...
Papa Westray, male, 30th April to 1st July 1982; same as 1974, 1978-82 individual
Saturday, 25 January 2020
That was the week...then STELLER'S EIDER!
Plenty happening on a personal level this week, most of which I won't bore you with...you'll be pleased to hear!
Have to mention that my faithful old Volvo has finally gone to that great scrapyard in the sky...well, it will on Monday. Limited funds these days meant a quick look on the internet for another V70 (of course) in my price range. Took a gamble (isn't it always) on a 57 plate south of Birmingham. Hopefully she'll keep me going for a year or two...or more?
Of course, as my car transition is in progress the good old STELLER'S EIDER re-appears! Obviously wintering around the Island, a combination of inclement weather and (very) limited observer coverage. Encouragingly, history suggest it may be there for quite some time, as previous records on Scottish Islands reflect...especially Papa Westray. Also moult may play a part...can you hear straws being clutched?!
What to do?
I won't be dashing back! I'd like to but circumstances don't permit. Still maintaining my ASAP mantra...it's just not possible at the moment. My latest edition needs a FULL service before I consider putting 1100 miles on her and that can't happen until a week on Monday. I can't afford another blow up. I will then have the time?
An interesting forced experiment then. It might mean a tick but it won't have the excitement of my dip!!! Hopefully though...a positive outcome?
Time will tell...
Have to mention that my faithful old Volvo has finally gone to that great scrapyard in the sky...well, it will on Monday. Limited funds these days meant a quick look on the internet for another V70 (of course) in my price range. Took a gamble (isn't it always) on a 57 plate south of Birmingham. Hopefully she'll keep me going for a year or two...or more?
Of course, as my car transition is in progress the good old STELLER'S EIDER re-appears! Obviously wintering around the Island, a combination of inclement weather and (very) limited observer coverage. Encouragingly, history suggest it may be there for quite some time, as previous records on Scottish Islands reflect...especially Papa Westray. Also moult may play a part...can you hear straws being clutched?!
What to do?
I won't be dashing back! I'd like to but circumstances don't permit. Still maintaining my ASAP mantra...it's just not possible at the moment. My latest edition needs a FULL service before I consider putting 1100 miles on her and that can't happen until a week on Monday. I can't afford another blow up. I will then have the time?
An interesting forced experiment then. It might mean a tick but it won't have the excitement of my dip!!! Hopefully though...a positive outcome?
Time will tell...
Monday, 20 January 2020
High and Dry
Superb weather here at the moment. Slightly overdue!!!
Trying to make the most of it, we went for a walk North along the cliff this morning from the runnel. The fishermen had cut steps down to the beach but it was still pretty slippy, so we passed. Bud flushed a couple of Skylarks (P.74, H39) and 6 Reed Buntings (H.40) for the year list...
...followed shortly afterwards by my first Village Cormorant (P.75, H.41) of the year. On the return leg I noticed some interesting "lumps" in the plough, a quick scan revealed 9 Golden Plovers (P.76, H.43) having a nap...
I went down to Welwick for the last hour to enjoy the sunset and see if the SEO's were still around. Nothing for 30 minutes, then a single bird flew west...
I then noticed a distant wader that looked "different". It was. A bonus Greenshank (P.77) and a site first...
A "proper" if distant pic of the local star from yesterday...
Trying to make the most of it, we went for a walk North along the cliff this morning from the runnel. The fishermen had cut steps down to the beach but it was still pretty slippy, so we passed. Bud flushed a couple of Skylarks (P.74, H39) and 6 Reed Buntings (H.40) for the year list...
...followed shortly afterwards by my first Village Cormorant (P.75, H.41) of the year. On the return leg I noticed some interesting "lumps" in the plough, a quick scan revealed 9 Golden Plovers (P.76, H.43) having a nap...
 |
| Understated and under-rated |
I then noticed a distant wader that looked "different". It was. A bonus Greenshank (P.77) and a site first...
A "proper" if distant pic of the local star from yesterday...
Sunday, 19 January 2020
The Humber
Two visits today after the early success.
Family walk this morning at Skeffling. Scored with another Merlin sighting and a male Marsh Harrier.
Last hour on my own, firstly at Welwick which produced three Short-eared Owls. Onto Skeffling again for 3 more!
Lucky to have such quality close by. A top day in the sunshine...
...........................................................................................
Made it to Duff after the Dentist yesterday after failing to find the Iceland Gull at Ricall. The water level is still high with mainly diving ducks present. The bonus being the presence of 6 Goldeneye including a fine drake. I scanned the Whooper Swans on Bubwith Ings regularly but couldn't find the Bewick's.
Family walk this morning at Skeffling. Scored with another Merlin sighting and a male Marsh Harrier.
Last hour on my own, firstly at Welwick which produced three Short-eared Owls. Onto Skeffling again for 3 more!
Lucky to have such quality close by. A top day in the sunshine...
Made it to Duff after the Dentist yesterday after failing to find the Iceland Gull at Ricall. The water level is still high with mainly diving ducks present. The bonus being the presence of 6 Goldeneye including a fine drake. I scanned the Whooper Swans on Bubwith Ings regularly but couldn't find the Bewick's.
Firecrest - YES!
I'd arranged to go round to Richard's for 8.45am. As I was wrapping up I received a message informing me it was showing! I made my way round the corner but of course, it had dis-appeared.
He made me a brew and we waited. Around 10 minutes later, I was looking at my Village Firecrest... 169...
I also added Coal Tit and Goldcrest (H.39) for the Year...
He made me a brew and we waited. Around 10 minutes later, I was looking at my Village Firecrest... 169...
 |
| Always special! |
Friday, 17 January 2020
Village tick?
Fellow Birder and neighbour Richard Boon has had a Firecrest visiting his garden for a few days now. I had a brief attempt to no avail on Thursday afternoon and hope to try again this weekend, with Richard's approval of course!
Dental appointment in York tomorrow morning so a visit to NDC is definitely on the cards.
Dental appointment in York tomorrow morning so a visit to NDC is definitely on the cards.
Tuesday, 14 January 2020
The "other" Swan?
Spent the morning looking for the elusive Bewick's Swans (at least for me) around the Bubwith area. I gave it till the rain arrived at Noon, checking out the Whoopers on Bubwith Ings (28) and Derwent Cottage Farm (89). I also tried Ellerton but no Swans present there. I'll try again.
I also tried for the Iceland Gull at Riccall but no joy there either.
Over to Lancs to see my Mother via Birstall to see my Son and Grandchildren. Couple of workdays then out again Saturday.
I also tried for the Iceland Gull at Riccall but no joy there either.
Over to Lancs to see my Mother via Birstall to see my Son and Grandchildren. Couple of workdays then out again Saturday.
Monday, 13 January 2020
Bird Cruise
...as opposed to bird race. It's an age thing!
The forecast was promising, well at least until early afternoon when the wind was going to "pick up". No pre-planning, no specific route, just an ad-hoc day on the Patch relying on experience. I did check the tide times which weren't favourable to a wader fest. Also, I had obviously noted what had been seen recently that was "unusual". Unfortunately there had been a clear out of "rare Geese" but no matter...let's see what I can see. I felt 70 was a reasonable target.
I started pre-dawn down Snakey (after picking up GS Woodpecker outside the Cottage) hoping for Barn Owl. 3 runs and no luck. On my final run back towards Holmpton I saw a pale shape disappearing over a hedge. I took the side road and there was "my" Barn Owl quartering the meadow. Nice start! I also added Kestrel and Buzzard....I reckon I saw at least EIGHT birds at various locations, how times have changed...
Yet more luck with a pair of Mistle Thrushes high over the Village.
Next it was up to Out Newton to check the sea. As I got out of the car I could hear Pinkfeet! Two decent skeins were heading north out to sea...
More good luck. I counted 10 Red-throated Divers on the sea. Otherwise it was dead apart from the usual Gulls.
Next it was Withernsea. No sign of any Sanderlings or Turnstones but I did score with a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Sewage produced Pied Wagtail (no Grey) and Meadow Pipit (no Skylark - which was a surprise). A big bonus here was a flock of 10 Ringed Plover flying North.
I then decided to head for Skeffling. Still decent numbers of waders around but I couldn't find any Godwits. A pair of Pintail sneaked onto the daylist. Here I was to connect with the bird of the day...MERLIN!
I also had a distant cc Marsh Harrier. I pushed my luck hoping for a Hen but it didn't materialize.
Back home for a quick bite and another check of the roadside hedges. This paid off with a lucky strike...Long-tailed Tits! While I was watching them I noticed a movement in the hedge by the car...
Time for a trip down the road. I checked out Kilnsea Wetlands (after picking up the Whooper Swans on Easington straight) for some "Duck ticks" but I couldn't find the Scaup. I did see Goldeneye. I made the walk west from Sammy's for "last weeks" Yellowhammers...of course, there was no sign today!
The wind was strong by now which didn't bode well for further sightings and so it turned out with no sign of Hen Harrier or Short-eared Owl at Welwick. However, I did fluke a late group of Red-legged Partridge to finish off. Well nearly, as the hoped for calling Tawny Owl performed on cue on returning home...despite the wind!
That was that. Some nice surprises and some glaring omissions (winter thrushes). Fun though.
Species seen 63
The forecast was promising, well at least until early afternoon when the wind was going to "pick up". No pre-planning, no specific route, just an ad-hoc day on the Patch relying on experience. I did check the tide times which weren't favourable to a wader fest. Also, I had obviously noted what had been seen recently that was "unusual". Unfortunately there had been a clear out of "rare Geese" but no matter...let's see what I can see. I felt 70 was a reasonable target.
I started pre-dawn down Snakey (after picking up GS Woodpecker outside the Cottage) hoping for Barn Owl. 3 runs and no luck. On my final run back towards Holmpton I saw a pale shape disappearing over a hedge. I took the side road and there was "my" Barn Owl quartering the meadow. Nice start! I also added Kestrel and Buzzard....I reckon I saw at least EIGHT birds at various locations, how times have changed...
Yet more luck with a pair of Mistle Thrushes high over the Village.
Next it was up to Out Newton to check the sea. As I got out of the car I could hear Pinkfeet! Two decent skeins were heading north out to sea...
More good luck. I counted 10 Red-throated Divers on the sea. Otherwise it was dead apart from the usual Gulls.
Next it was Withernsea. No sign of any Sanderlings or Turnstones but I did score with a lone Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Sewage produced Pied Wagtail (no Grey) and Meadow Pipit (no Skylark - which was a surprise). A big bonus here was a flock of 10 Ringed Plover flying North.
I then decided to head for Skeffling. Still decent numbers of waders around but I couldn't find any Godwits. A pair of Pintail sneaked onto the daylist. Here I was to connect with the bird of the day...MERLIN!
I also had a distant cc Marsh Harrier. I pushed my luck hoping for a Hen but it didn't materialize.
Back home for a quick bite and another check of the roadside hedges. This paid off with a lucky strike...Long-tailed Tits! While I was watching them I noticed a movement in the hedge by the car...
 |
| Can you see it? |
 |
| Song Thrush |
The wind was strong by now which didn't bode well for further sightings and so it turned out with no sign of Hen Harrier or Short-eared Owl at Welwick. However, I did fluke a late group of Red-legged Partridge to finish off. Well nearly, as the hoped for calling Tawny Owl performed on cue on returning home...despite the wind!
That was that. Some nice surprises and some glaring omissions (winter thrushes). Fun though.
Species seen 63
Saturday, 11 January 2020
Whatever the Weather?
Weather conditions affect birds...and Birders!
Unusual conditions raise hopes of new arrivals BUT are they conducive to "Good Birding"?
Time of year also relevant. Winter movements less regular but still occur. When will that Starling turn into a NUTCRACKER?!
So, conditions for bird movements...but what about conditions to bird IN?
VERY windy here today. Personally THE most frustrating conditions. Granted, can be excellent for seawatching but generally grim as it can be dry and bright yet getting good views is difficult. There are strategies you can use i.e. finding a shelter belt, woodland or hide. It is limiting though. Heavy rain ...I just put the kettle on!
Unusual conditions raise hopes of new arrivals BUT are they conducive to "Good Birding"?
Time of year also relevant. Winter movements less regular but still occur. When will that Starling turn into a NUTCRACKER?!
So, conditions for bird movements...but what about conditions to bird IN?
VERY windy here today. Personally THE most frustrating conditions. Granted, can be excellent for seawatching but generally grim as it can be dry and bright yet getting good views is difficult. There are strategies you can use i.e. finding a shelter belt, woodland or hide. It is limiting though. Heavy rain ...I just put the kettle on!
Tuesday, 7 January 2020
January Birding
What to do?
Having been around a while now, I've started the year in different styles over the year. So, what to do this year...albeit belatedly. Up to now I've peedled (an old Lancashire term) around the Patch and LDV just ENJOYING the birds I've come across. What a novel idea! I've always got the "don't gobble 'em up to soon" adage in the back of my mind. Spring is a long way off! Yes, numbers and targets give incentive and motivation but aesthetic appreciation is ALWAYS high on my list...as is CHALLENGE. I do like the odd rarity BUT endless photos of the same bird?
Birding can be hard going after the initial burst of New Year optimism. However, there's ALWAYS something out there, if you're prepared to look hard enough for it. I'll just have to try and find 'em.
Hope you've got your plan sorted...that's if you need one...
Having been around a while now, I've started the year in different styles over the year. So, what to do this year...albeit belatedly. Up to now I've peedled (an old Lancashire term) around the Patch and LDV just ENJOYING the birds I've come across. What a novel idea! I've always got the "don't gobble 'em up to soon" adage in the back of my mind. Spring is a long way off! Yes, numbers and targets give incentive and motivation but aesthetic appreciation is ALWAYS high on my list...as is CHALLENGE. I do like the odd rarity BUT endless photos of the same bird?
Birding can be hard going after the initial burst of New Year optimism. However, there's ALWAYS something out there, if you're prepared to look hard enough for it. I'll just have to try and find 'em.
Hope you've got your plan sorted...that's if you need one...
Ings Birding
Back to the LDV yesterday. A great and VERY unexpected start at Duff' when Bud flushed a Jack Snipe from the edge of the car park! He has his uses.
NDC was still to deep for the dabblers with only Pochard (52) and Tufted Duck (30) present. I was hoping to see the Bewick's Swans that had been present in the Valley for a while now. I scanned Bubwith Ings from the Geoff Smith Hide but I could only see a small proportion of the flock from here. After around an hour I decided to try Ellerton Ings. No Swans BUT a VERY impressive count of Pintail (152)...
I then drove back to Bubwith Bridge, parked up and walked North again along the flood bank.
Duller conditions today with a moderate westerly wind. I spent 2 hours scanning the Swans but I couldn't find the Bewick's (reported again today!). Still a great experience being relatively close to the birds...
I hope to try again. Be nice if they dropped on Duff later in the month which is quite possible once Bubwith dries up...maybe?
NDC was still to deep for the dabblers with only Pochard (52) and Tufted Duck (30) present. I was hoping to see the Bewick's Swans that had been present in the Valley for a while now. I scanned Bubwith Ings from the Geoff Smith Hide but I could only see a small proportion of the flock from here. After around an hour I decided to try Ellerton Ings. No Swans BUT a VERY impressive count of Pintail (152)...
 |
| A sample...distantly! |
Duller conditions today with a moderate westerly wind. I spent 2 hours scanning the Swans but I couldn't find the Bewick's (reported again today!). Still a great experience being relatively close to the birds...
I hope to try again. Be nice if they dropped on Duff later in the month which is quite possible once Bubwith dries up...maybe?
Sunday, 5 January 2020
Wild Goose Chase
The old ones are the best!?
The family walk at Skeffling this morning produced distant but prolonged views of a juvenile Hen Harrier.
Early afternoon found me down at Sammy's Point walking west towards Skeffling. It's unusual to have decent flocks of various species of Geese in the area, so I wanted to make the most of it. I bumped into Lance Degnan who was on his way back to the car park and wished him a Happy New Year. He told me the flocks were still present so I continued below the flood bank. A flock of small birds flew from the stubble to the nearest bush. Yellowhammers...I counted 52! Very encouraging.
The first Geese I came across were White-fronted (44)...
The family walk at Skeffling this morning produced distant but prolonged views of a juvenile Hen Harrier.
Early afternoon found me down at Sammy's Point walking west towards Skeffling. It's unusual to have decent flocks of various species of Geese in the area, so I wanted to make the most of it. I bumped into Lance Degnan who was on his way back to the car park and wished him a Happy New Year. He told me the flocks were still present so I continued below the flood bank. A flock of small birds flew from the stubble to the nearest bush. Yellowhammers...I counted 52! Very encouraging.
The first Geese I came across were White-fronted (44)...
Next came Pink-footed (50)...
...and then the Tundra Bean Geese (7)...
A wonderful afternoon in the winter sunshine. On y return walk I bumped into another Yorkshire stalwart Karl Dutton. More Happy New Years and then home for the Merseyside Derby...
Saturday, 4 January 2020
Slooow Birding
I made it down Snakey pre-dawn and the first significant sighting was...
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| One of 3 Fieldfares |
Then the main reason for the choice of venue fortunately appeared...
I watched the bird for around 15 minutes hunting the ditches at close quarters. Great bird....great start!
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| Barn Owl |
They don't look quite as regal in the stubble!
I spent the last hour down at Welwick. No Hen Harriers but a single male Marsh and a couple of SEO's made the visit worth while...
Nice and steady...don't want to peak to soon!
Friday, 3 January 2020
2020 - Time to get Cracking!
Topped up the holiday fund, so now it's time to play! No real plan, just a mooch around the Village and Patch to see what I might see and get the numbers rolling. There's been an influx of Wildfowl, possibly/certainly lingering due to the amount of water present at the moment. Be nice to find something in the Village.
Having totted up my totals for 2019 I've been looking at potential additions to my Holmpton List which stands at a modest 168. Just for a bit of fun I'm going to list TEN possible additions for this year and see how many come to fruition...
Pochard
Red-breasted Merganser
Greenshank
Green Sandpiper
Glaucous Gull
Turtle Dove
Kingfisher
Black Redstart
Firecrest
Pallas's Warbler
We will see...or not!
Forecast looks great for tomorrow. Can't wait...
VERY encouraging news regarding Barn Owls. I've had FIVE incidental sightings at various local sites already this year!!
Having totted up my totals for 2019 I've been looking at potential additions to my Holmpton List which stands at a modest 168. Just for a bit of fun I'm going to list TEN possible additions for this year and see how many come to fruition...
Pochard
Red-breasted Merganser
Greenshank
Green Sandpiper
Glaucous Gull
Turtle Dove
Kingfisher
Black Redstart
Firecrest
Pallas's Warbler
We will see...or not!
Forecast looks great for tomorrow. Can't wait...
VERY encouraging news regarding Barn Owls. I've had FIVE incidental sightings at various local sites already this year!!
Wednesday, 1 January 2020
End of a Decade
I decided to finish off with a trip to were it all started...well nearly!
I arrived at NDC around 9 yesterday and was greeted with bright sunshine and still conditions...if a little nippy. PLENTY of water...unsurprisingly. Actually too much! The depth not being conducive to Wildfowl...
Still, I had a pleasant hour watching the comings and goings. I dug out a few winter thrushes amongst the hawthorns...
The sound of distant Whooper Swans drifting across the river from Bubwith Ings was a constant feature. Just wonderful...
I was chuffed to pick out the reported 2 male Scaup on Bubwith Ings. The temperature had risen slightly (0 - 4C!) by 11 so I decided to have a walk up the river from Bubwith with Bud. I walked around 600 yds...then there they were...
For me ...there couldn't be a better setting for these noble birds. I am biased! Returning year after year since time immemorial to this natural landscape. Bliss...
Encouragingly there were many family parties present. I estimated around 30% of the c120 present...
I got lucky when 2 birds drifted over towards the river...
I couldn't find the reported Bewick's Swans (2) but somehow that seemed incidental. Just the perfect Birding scenario to end the Decade. Here's to the next one...
I arrived at NDC around 9 yesterday and was greeted with bright sunshine and still conditions...if a little nippy. PLENTY of water...unsurprisingly. Actually too much! The depth not being conducive to Wildfowl...
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| An unexpected feature this Winter...hay islands1 |
Still, I had a pleasant hour watching the comings and goings. I dug out a few winter thrushes amongst the hawthorns...
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| Fieldfare |
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| Redwing |
 |
| View over the river from the Geoff Smith Hide |
For me ...there couldn't be a better setting for these noble birds. I am biased! Returning year after year since time immemorial to this natural landscape. Bliss...
Encouragingly there were many family parties present. I estimated around 30% of the c120 present...
I got lucky when 2 birds drifted over towards the river...
I couldn't find the reported Bewick's Swans (2) but somehow that seemed incidental. Just the perfect Birding scenario to end the Decade. Here's to the next one...
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