Time for a breather

Firstly, just a quick but sincere thank you for the kind comments I've received regarding my latest ALBATROSS (still present) post.  They are very much appreciated.

A family weekend, Olympic viewing and thunderstorms has meant Birding has been limited the past few days.

Anyway, yesterday the Bud walk saw us heading South from the Sewage to the Llama Farm. Unsurprisingly there were plenty of juvenile birds around. A large flock of House Sparrows c200 were all over the now defunct Sewage Works ( a new one has been built at Hollym). It also became apparent that Yellow Wagtails were having a good breeding season with c20 youngsters present.

Plenty of hirundines about still with House Martins still repairing their nests and Sand Martins scattered along the cliff with c150 at Old Hive. Nice to relax...sometimes!

Black-browed Albatross - A Special Epoch of Time

A time for reflection. A summary of previous thoughts here

No apologies for potentially "over-egging" this particular record, as for me, it is THE ultimate species to see in Britain. Couple this with the fact it's just an hour up the road at the spectacular Bempton RSPB Reserve...what's not to like?

After Tuesday's yomp in the heat I felt I'd covered most angles with this bird. Reading the report on the Bempton Facebook site (as I mentioned in my last post) it got me thinking about a new strategy. I looked on the Yorkshire Belle website; there were tickets available on the 12-15 boat Thursday. I made a provisional booking.

So, yesterday morning I was up at 4.30 and giving Bud a good stretch (even though he didn't want one). I arrived at Bempton around 6.30 via McDonald's. I made my way down to an unfortunately foggy cliff. This wasn't part of the plan. I walked up to the Staple Newk viewpoint which thankfully wasn't crowded. I recognised Paul Doherty from Sherburn. It was his first visit and he told me the bird had already shown low over the promontory. He'd done well to see it...

The fog was patchy but with patience the ALBATROSS could be seen circling the rock...

I failed in my attempts to get a pic but it gave yet another almost surreal experience.

By 9 the bird hadn't been seen for some 45 minutes and one lady said she may have seen it heading out to sea, so I decided to go for a walk South along the path. The sun was trying to peep through but it was still quite foggy. I rang Phil who was considering joining me on the boat. I told him the current conditions and even as we were talking the visibility was improving. I reckoned the heat of the sun at this time of year gave a decent chance of a clear coast by lunchtime? He decide to make the trip.

I left Bempton at 11, made my way down into Bridlington and parked up. A short walk had me by the Quay for 11.45. Phil rang saying he was having trouble parking as the public ones were full. Not good.

I joined the queue, got my ticket and mentioned to the bloke my mate would be "on the minutes". I boarded the Yorkshire Belle...

...and kept my fingers crossed for Phil. Thankfully he appeared!

Once the boat was moving there was a lovely breeze as the sky was now clear and it was hot. The first bird I spotted as we left the Harbour was a Bonxie flying towards the Head. There were surprisingly few birds in the bay. After around 20 minutes we approached Flamborough Head...

Once around the Headland the number of birds started to increase dramatically. We were soon surrounded by Puffins (the most I've ever seen), Razorbills and Guillimots. The views were spectacular even if the Puffins kept diving! Then the Gannets started to appear in force as we passed Breil Newk...

This was the first time in all these years I'd "done" this trip and it was fantastic to see the Cliffs from the water and be surrounded by birds. The Skipper was very informative and had a great delivery as he gave out information on the area. Most people were watching the Cliffs while we were looking out to sea!

Now to the crux of the matter. My dream was to re-locate the ALBATROSS on the sea around the Reserve. Unfortunately after we rounded the Headland the sea became quite choppy which made viewing harder with the swell and the bobbing boat. We also didn't have the best seats for getting a clear view. Still, we had a chance and kept scanning. As we approached Staple Newk the skipper mentioned that the bird had been seen yesterday and if anyone spotted it, to give him a wave. More scanning.

The swell was still a problem, as was the boat movement and passenger heads. There was plenty of "action" on the water with large numbers of birds commuting. I then got on to a bird gliding very low over the water...large black bowed wings...then the underwing pattern...I'D FOUND IT!!!!!! It was only in view for a few seconds before I lost it. I'd no idea how far it had flown.

I waved to the skipper who relayed the news to the passengers. Some were excited...some indifferent...some asleep! I didn't notice any other Birders on board although there were plenty with people with cameras.

The skipper carried on with his talk for a while and I was now completely dis-orientated regarding my sighting? I just hoped he had some idea of the area in question. He then announced that we were now going to look for the ALBATROSS! Music to our ears.

He continued his commentary, giving accurate information about the bird. 10 minutes passed with no luck and his commentary had now drifted on to immature Gannets! Fair enough. I felt no pressure lol! I was 100% certain I'd seen it but another sighting wouldn't do any harm!

Then Phil shouted (a top moment)...IT'S HERE AL!!!!!! I looked to the starboard side and there, some 40 yards away, serenely drifting on the sea was the BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS...

My initial view...if Carlsberg did Birding moments.

I released the news immediately to the services. The next 10 minutes or so were pretty special, as I'm sure you can imagine. The ALBATROSS appeared totally unconcerned by the boat (I've seen similar behaviour like this off Wollongong in Australia - my first record 26/7/2003 - and Fort Bragg in California). They look so serene. Taking pics was a challenge as the boat bobbed about in the swell. I eventually found a spot were I could kneel on some rope but even then it was tricky...as some of the following pics will show. Still, the plan had come together...BIG STYLE! I was rather excited...we both were.

The boat then turned South and we headed back to Bridlington. We celebrated with an ice cream before saying our goodbyes and heading home. A day that will last in the memory for a VERY long time.

I've limited it to 5 that I got within the viewfinder. There were plenty of the sea!

The bird was not seen from the viewpoints as far as I'm aware.  The combination of distance and swell would have made it difficult to pick out. 

So there you go, that's my little tale. There's obviously no way of knowing how long it will remain. I've had a fair run of experiences with this bird...dipping, initial view, flying over my head, roosting, on the sea.

We have a lot of barren days, us Birders. So without labouring the point (hopefully), it's important to savour the quality ones to the full...circumstances permitting. This bird has lingered at the right time for me in my life...and I'm VERY grateful. No charging around before or after work. No expensive long distance endurance tests. No grotty immature. No dubious origins. A Bona Fide Superstar which just HAS to be FULLY appreciated whilst it's here. Could stay for weeks, could come back for years, may never be seen again. It's not present as I write? I hope it returns for all to enjoy some more......

Bits and Bobs

Local recently...

Peregrine

sp Common Gull

Little Gull smudges at extreme range

Little Gull on the beach

Soaked Rose-coloured Starling at Kilnsea

Yesterday I decided I needed to get somewhere cooler than a scorching Holmpton. Where could I go that might give me some relief from the heat. A place that still has the sea-influence but also has some height and hopefully breeze? Any ideas? Yep...Bempton!

This was a solo trip as I left the lad in the cool of the Cottage. Again the ALBATROSS had gone elsewhere just as I arrived. It had reportedly gone South towards Thornwick Bay. Time for some exercise. An hour later I arrived at TB and saw a lone Birder looking through his scope on one of the promontories. I was hoping he was looking at Albert. He was...it was John McLoughlin. It was good to see him. We had a long chat and also wandered up to Thornwick Pools to see the Great White Egret. The ALBATROSS was just a dot on the sea. Time to retrace my steps. As I set off I noticed another Birder scanning the cliff from distance. It was Brett Richards. After a brief chat i continued NW along the cliff path.

Bempton from Thornwick Bay...

As I reached the reserve again a message came through it was back at Staple Nook. I increased my pace (slightly) and arrived at the viewpoint which thankfully wasn't too busy. The bird was showing; above  the arch albeit at low level. I watched this magnificent bird circle for a good 15 minutes before it disappeared around the cliff to the North. I needed a drink...badly. I'd covered over 6 miles and there wasn't the amount of breeze I'd hoped for! The cafe was just closing but the owner felt sorry for me and allowed me to be the last customer. Much relief!!

I did manage an image from the viewpoint but I spent most of the time watching it through the bins. A wonderful experience that you simply cannot tire of...

The bird is unpredictable in its movements which can be frustrating but it makes the connections more satisfying somehow. How long it will remain is anyone's guess but I feel it will linger into next month at least. I hope that's not jinxed things!

This morning I had a pleasant hour at the Sewage (if that's possible). As I scanned the beach a smart adult Yellow-legged Gull appeared...

Also resting on the beach briefly were 3 Common Terns (P.120, H.113)...

Then 7 Bar-tailed Godwits (P.121, H.114) headed South, closely followed by 40 Oystercatchers. The Little Owl was peeping at me through the haze...

Whilst scanning Intack to see how many House Martins were present I noticed 5 Swifts swooping in and around the eaves?  A probable breeding record I feel.

Evening update: An evening stroll with Bud to the second pill box, produced a bonus trio of  Turnstones (P.122,H.115) flying North.

The weather is about to change. Some got lucky from the Yorkshire Belle today. Mmmm....

BBA - Not today

Monday is Louise's day off. The forecast was good, so I asked her if she fancied a ride out...to Bempton!

Well, it's local...ish, a great place to walk Bud and the chance she might see an ALBATROSS. What's not to like?

We arrived around 10 and left at 3. No luck unfortunately but we enjoyed the Reserve to the full. Of course Albert left before we got there and re-appeared after we departed! That's the way it goes. I bumped into a few familiar faces as usual at this focal point including Jonathan Wasse who I'd met in Cyprus in 2018.

Plenty of developing young on the reserve now, which is a fine and uplifting sight to see. I prefer positive news...

Albatross

It's a fine balance between enthusiasm and obsession. I like to think I'm somewhere in the middle...ish!

I DO know that there's a fantastic bird lingering an hour up the Coast from me and I'm going to continue to enjoy it...intermittently. This morning was one such opportunity as the forecast was favourable. After a dawn stroll with Bud I packed up and headed for Bempton...again.

I arrived at 6.30 and headed for "Roll Over" viewpoint. I messaged Trevor to see if he was on site. He replied saying he was on his way but may have some car park duties. I found a spot and waited. Someone mentioned the bird had been seen but had drifted South past Staple Nook. I didn't fancy this particular spot...

I was happy this was a genuine sighting so I decided to go for a stroll. I'd done enough standing around on my previous visits. I passed the "Staple Nook" viewpoint and continued South out of the reserve. along the coastal path. I couldn't see a soul by now and the weather was superb. I started to scan the sea.

After around 15 minutes another Birder appeared out of the sun from the South. He stopped around 50 yards from me. After around 15 minutes he casually called..."the Albatross is coming this way"!!!

...but where?

I was about to scan the sea again when I decided to look where the Birder was looking. He was just looking above him? The nearest bird, right above the Cliff...was the Albatross! It passed right over my head at c10 yards. Magical.

Too close for my camera...until it drifted North...

Classic bowed wings

The King of the Cliffs drifted back towards Staple Nook...

Love the perspective on this one

Bloody Marvellous! 

On reflection this was yet another "Nirvana" moment...can you have two?...lol!  This was all about appreciation. Another indelible memory etched into the ageing grey matter. I've watched thousands of Herring Gulls drift along the modest cliffs at Holmpton over the years...plus a couple of Gannets! Coupled with countless Gannets at Bempton. Then..an Albatross. My walk had paid off...in spades.

A super optimistic further wait of an hour for another pass proved fruitless but I had a bit of fun with the Gannets...

Trevor then messaged me around 9 to say he was on the Staple Nook viewpoint so I made my way back North. I stayed and chatted for a while then we went for a much needed coffee before I made my way home. A brilliant morning.

Seawatching Season

I kicked off my "favourite" type of Birding with a 2 hour watch from Cliff Farm. Plenty of Gannets fishing (c50) and a lone Guillimot on the sea. Yet more Scoter North (45). Then the highlight. A couple of Manx Shearwaters (P.119, H.112) cutting North through the waves. A good start!

Summer

First day of Summer here today!!! Anyway, I made the most of it by sorting the garden out. It's going to be a short season this year. We deserved better after the last 18 months.

Not much Birding then but a detour to the Sewage on the way to Tesco revealed a couple of lingering Sandwich Terns (adult and juvenile). The tide was coming in, so I waited a while and they were pushed towards me as I had hoped...

Eventauly (again as I had hoped for) they ran out of beach and took off...

More evidence of Scoter movement with 11 North.

On the MEGA scene...The EGYPTIAN VULTURE has re-appeared in Northern Island. I don't "DO" Ireland but there's still hope of a connection if it wanders East? The BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS is still at Bempton intermittently and I'd love to see it again. Maybe Friday if it's still around. The ELEGANT TERN seems to be liking the colony at Cemlyn...maybe paired up?

Back 2 Birds

I spent a couple of hours watching from the Sewage this afternoon. The weather is still unsettled with a moderate Northerly and overcast sky. Things are promised to improve tomorrow as a High moves in. I managed a couple of Year Ticks as a couple of Whimbrel (P.117, H.110) flew South and 11 Sandwich Terns (P.118, H.111) including 6 juveniles were resting on the beach. The highlight though was an adult Gannet flying low over my head along the Cliff! There was a raft of Common Scoter (oh for a Velvet) on the sea to the North and c30 Teal flew South. The beach held 6 Sanderlings, a Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers and 11 Sandwich Terns (6 juveniles).

The England Football Team

Just my personal view on the Euros...feel free to move on!

I love Football, when played attractively and positively and I have fortunately lived in an epoch which has allowed me to watch and remember us winning the World Cup in 66. I was nine. I also saw the best World Cup, Mexico 1970 and the best team (Brazil)/and player (forward line Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostao, Pele, Rivelino) plus classics in West Germany in 74 (Johan Cruyff , Franz Beckenbauer) and tickatape Argentina 78 (Mario Kempes et al). A dream period that I like to think I was aware of at the time?

Moving on...

I hope my words come across as an honest appraisal of our performance in the Euros rather than a negative diatribe, although I grow more cynical with each passing year. The phrase "lessons learned" has to be one of the more irritating comments that's re-gurgitated after every defeat, closely followed by "fine margins". We must be slow learners after FIFTY-FIVE years! Excuses given, apply to ALL National teams...

• They're under great pressure
• The expectancy level is very high (why I don't know!)
• They're tired
• Injuries
• Suspensions
• Tactics
• Manager

...etc etc

Like every Englishman I want to see us win something. For me, this was undoubtedly our best ever chance. Home advantage (all games except one at Wembley); favourable draw; elite teams not at their strongest...including Italy.

A few examples of a familiar pattern from the past...

World Cup 1970 England 2 West Germany 3. We were 2-0 up when Alf Ramsey took Bobby Charlton off to "save him". Granted we did have bad luck with Gordon Banks illness.

World Cup 1998 England 2 Argentina 2 (Lost on penalties). After Micheal Owen's wonder goal we sat back struggling to maintain possession (sound familiar). Granted we were down to 10 men after David Beckham got sent off.

Euro 2000 England 2 Portugal 3. We got off to a flier (like last night) only to throw away a 2 goal lead to a Figo inspired team.

Euros 2016 England 1 Iceland 2. Again off to a flier with a Wayne Rooney 4th minute penalty. What followed was arguably the worst of the lot as we couldn't put three passes together!

See a pattern? That's enough, I'm feeling queasy.

Despite all the fine words and statesmanlike comments has anything really changed after watching last night's game? We started well scoring a great goal, then slowly but surely retreated to try and "hang-on" for the rest of the Final. Is that we we want to watch? Not me! Can we really say that was entertaining? Some will say who cares as long as we win. Fair enough...but we play like that and lose!!

For me we should let the opposition worry more about us. By being more positive and taking the game to the opponent (in a controlled way) you lift the crowd and put them under pressure by making them uncomfortable. We have the talent we just didn't us it. TWO forwards in a Final at home?! Would any other elite team start with such a negative line-up? It sends out the wrong message and encourages the opposition.

We've always played in moments but they're few and far between. International Football at the elite level relies on controlling midfield, we are sadly lacking here. It doesn't help when we had two against 3 quality Italians. This was compounded by the fact they can't receive, turn and create. We were chasing shadows after half-time and the goal was inevitable. Southgate should have reacted to that.

No-one can critisize the desire and attitude of the players, they seem a good set of lads with big hearts and their behaviour has been exemplary. For me it comes down to the tactics and how you react "in game". We didn't do that. It's VERY tiring chasing the ball for long periods. The players need help from the coaching staff. The Italians didn't mess about changing their players, bringing off some star names when they were "done".

I must admit that by the time it got to the lottery of penalties I was somewhat blase about the proceedings...maybe an age thing! I'd watched us sit back passively, kicking the ball anywhere at times, not being able to string passes together. No excitement, just desperation.  Not the actions of a cup-winning team.

Then, we lost on penalties, again, after all the talk of how we were going to deal with them! Bringing young players on last thing when their first touch is going to be to take a penalty of that magnitude...is a BIG ask!!

Life is all about grabbing the opportunity when it arises. We didn't and the circumstances of 2021 will not come around again. Pains me to say it BUT...it ain't coming home...

There and Here

I decided to see if any Little Gulls were passing yesterday morning after Richard had seen a few the previous day. I made my way up to Cliff Farm, set the scope up and scanned. It soon became apparent that LG were present albeit distantly. The sea has many moods but today it was in a good one. I spent a wonderful hour watching c200 birds. Many feeding daintily on the glass-like sea. Magic!

I then decided to try the Sewage in the hope that some may have decided to rest there. Well, one did...

P.114, H.108

Good decision! A brief adult Yellow-legged Gull (P.115, H109) was a bonus.

After a nice lunch in Hull with "the Boss", I decided to make the pilgrimage to Bempton once more. I left home at 5 with the prospect of a decent evening weather-wise. It looked good as I parked up and made my way down to the Cliffs.

As you are aware I've had some stunning views of this bird and my "Nirvana" moment last year!!! Still, you can't have too much of a good thing and it could move on, for good, at anytime? I was hoping it would come into roost on Staple Nook as it had done previously. The sun was shining directly onto the cliff and there was no heat haze now. I set up my 'scope and waited...and waited. A few chaps had it very distantly on the sea but I didn't try too hard to pick the dot out. I figured I'd wait for them to give the "it's flying" shout.

Sure enough, around 7pm it started to head in towards its roost site on Staple Nook. I enjoyed prolonged flight views as it wheeled around the cliffs before eventually settling at its chosen roost site...

c800 yds

The views through the scope were stunning. I'd had my fill by 8 as the light became diffuse, so I headed home, very happy. I reflected once more on the magnitude of this record and the pleasure it has given to thousands. Surely THE most photographed bird.

Last night's decision was re-inforced as I awoke this morning to heavy drizzle and mist. Also the BBA left its roost at 7 and flew North and hadn't been seen again as I write?

There's been an adult Rose-coloured Starling lingering at Kilnsea. I didn't fancy a local stroll in the drizzle so I headed down in the car and parked up by the row of houses where the bird had been frequenting. It was raining now! I didn't have long but there were some very bedraggled Starlings around. John Hewitt stopped as he passed on his bike. We had a chat about tomorrow's game and whereabouts the bird had been seen. A few Starlings gathered on a nearby roof...there it was! Absolutely soaked...but there you go...

P.116, S.54

I have been looking hard here...but no luck...yet!

Mandarin Duck - Spurn 316

Quickly brushing over the provenance issues, I made it down to Kilnsea Wetlands to finally add this species to my Spurn List. John Hewitt and Ian Smith were present in the hide and they gave me the good news that the bird was showing off the spit. I "grabbed" a record shot and had a chat about tonight's game before the bird drifted out of sight behind the spit...

I must admit that driving past Birders in Easington waiting for the ORIENTAL/RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE was er...different! Priorities. The purple patch continues...

ALBERT has departed North but hopefully he/she will return after its wanderings. My last view on Monday morning, again through the vegetation from the path...

ELEGANT TERN

Did I say Doldrums?!!!

June 3rd LITTLE SWIFT Scilly

June 4th RIVER WARBLER Somerset

June 5th RED-NECKED STINT Northumberland

June 8th SULPHUR-BELLIED WARBLER Devon

June 12th PACIFIC SWIFT Northumberland

June 14th EGYPTIAN VULTURE Scilly

June 23rd GREEN WARBLER Shetland

June 27th PACIFIC SWIFT Glamorgan

June 28th BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS Yorks

July 1st SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL Various East Coast Sites

July 2nd ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE E.Yorks

Blimey. Seems I was wrong...again! THREE MEGA ALERTS in 5 minutes this morning!!!

As already stated I chased the SBW and EV without success. On reflection I should have gone to see the summer plumaged RNS and maybe the RW. Also, I might have to start chasing these mystery PETRELS?

Anyway, after Friday evening's excitement, I kept a low profile on Saturday as I figured it might get a bit busy "down the road" regarding the DOVE. After an absence the BBA thankfully returned to Bempton yesterday and remains as I write. 

As news broke of the return of the ALBATROSS I'd just returned from a brief visit to Easington after Steve Lawton had informed me the OTD was sat in a tree on Vicar's Lane. Of course as I arrived the DOVE flew off. A minite LATER news was confirmed of an ELEGANT TERN on Anglesey at Cemlyn Bay NWWT. Simply INCREDIBLE!!!

It was my Grandson's Birthday.

Mmmmm...

Family before Birds...EVERY time.

We left home around Noon and arrived at Birstall at 2 after some lunch. It was great to see everyone after difficult times. I'd hatched a cunning plan. They'd arranged to take Daniel out for a meal at 4, so we said our goodbyes. Louise headed back home and I headed for Anglesey! I always find a trip to North Wales somehow "easier" than North or South...for some strange reason? The A55 is also much easier to negotiate these days and is also quite scenic.

Anyway, I was crossing the Menai Bridge at 6.30. The Sat Nav helped me to the reserve but I ended up at a disconcerting empty car park! I'd been here recently for an EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL. Fortunately I had a second set of co-ordiates and 5 minutes later I was at the other side of the bay. It was still quite desolate with only 4 cars present? I was puzzled and rather concerned. Then, I looked along the shingle ridge and I could see Birders...only 4...but that was a start. I sorted my gear and dog out and started to walk through the sapping shingle (brought back memories of Blakeney Point). As I reached the first Birder I asked the time honoured question..."Hi, is it showing"? "Yep, it's in my scope, do you want a look"?

"YES PLEASE"!!!

The bird was tucked up in the vegetation but you could see its bill clearly. I thanked the chap. Now I knew it was present and whereabouts to look, I settled by the rope and got my camera out. Luckily the bird appeared out in the open (apparently it had spent long periods out of view) allowing me to get my pic...

Quite a day and a satisfying "grip back" after dipping the bird that toured the South Coast in June 2017 due to being on holiday in the Pyrenees. ET came home. There WAS another...or is it the same one?

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

Today I headed back to Bempton hoping it would be quieter. It was...but there were still plenty of hopefuls...understandably. The BBA was thankfully present and I enjoyed watching the star turn circling over Staple Nook for quite some time. A awesome sight. I had a good chat with Trevor and I also bumped into Gary Dayes. I also saw Ian Barber and his wife who I'd seen the previous evening at Cemlyn...small world the Birding one! Thanks for reading the Blog Ian! The Albatross went for a stretch just after Noon and hadn't returned by 3.30 when I left. It did return this evening though. Hopefully it will be around for some time?

This magnificent seabird must have attracted most Birders by now and is my personal 

Number 1.

ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE

I was enduring a rather boring Euro quarter final yesterday evening when things suddenly got far more exciting!

17.40: MEGA E.Yorks ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE Easington

I love my Football but...

When I arrived it turned out the bird had been seen in a Birders garden but had been flushed by an irate neighbour who doesn't share our interest! The hopefuls waited outside but time passed and no further sign after around an hour. Another even louder bang didn't help matters!! A peaceful pursuit.

Then...much relief as it was re-located nearby and all present happily connected. A rather large Yorkshire (394) and Spurn Tick (315). 

As mentioned previously, strategically placing myself adjacent to this hotspot was a shrewd move...even though I say so myself!

Another juicy cherry-pick. Proving once again that birds can turn up anywhere. Must get some more seed.

A big thank you to the locals for their help.

Update: 

13.51: E.Yorks ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE still Easington on Vicar's Lane

There you go...

Tern for the worse

I'd arranged to meet Phil at Southfield Reservoir this morning. I arrived just before 9 and he was already there. The bird (one of them) had just flown off! We set our stalls out and waited...and waited. Rich Willison turned up, it was good to see him. Then another familiar face, a twitching pal, Simon Slade. He'd been tempted back over from Lancs for the ALBATROSS but alas the bird has flown. He'd seen it on Tuesday but the pictures from Wednesday understandably made him return. Again it was good to see him.

We gave it till around 10.30 then headed fror the nearby fishing ponds to try our luck there. Of course the/a bird was then showing back at Southfield! No matter and no show. Phil departed for the NY Moors and I returned home.

On return a message informing me a CT was now at Swillington via Fairburn...maybe. Mobile!! Makes me wonder how many birds are involved here? Gives me a decent chance of a connection soon. Definitely a "good year" for an erratic species.

Bempton

After yesterdays excitement I thought I'd post a few images of some of the other stars. I NEVER tire of my trips here. To have this mainland Seabird colony "just up the road" is truly a blessing. A "double whammy" this year with the superstar present. Everbody likes to see a Puffin...and why not...but the Razorbill is my favourite...

The Darth Vader of Auks...

The increase in Gannet numbers over the years has been quite remarkable...and very pleasing...

No sign of the BIG 1 today sadly. So much for my prediction! Hopefully it will return to give further pleasure to many? The chance to see a Southern Hemisphere species of such quality in Britain is truly exceptional.

Reflecting on yesterday and without wanting to labour the point (hopefully), the image I snatched through the vegetation, from along the footpath with only a few seconds to react, was one of my better moments...and my little cameras...

An indelible memory...