Lincolnshire Retrospective

Nearly forgot! Just a few words on my trip over the bridge last Friday!

I arrived at Phil's around 9.45; jumped in his car and we headed to Covenham Reservoir...

The first site on a nostalgic tour of some North Lincs sites I visited when I first started Birding in the mid-eighties, when I lived in sunny Scunny. Nothing significant was recorded here or elsewhere for that matter but I enjoyed the tour (thanks Phil). The best sighting was Peter Rowarth who I got to know when I lived at Duff. He was the Warden in the LDV and at Thorne Moors before that. We bumped into him near Rimac and we had a decent chat. He even complemented my pics and said he reads my Blog on occasion. I always liked him! It was good to see him again.

S'watching

A bit more effort at the Sewage first thing paid off with a decent view of a Pomarine Skua heading purposefully North (P.129, H.124). I also managed an Arctic and another close in Guillimot (maybe not that unusual) before the crashing waves coming over the cliff stopped play after a couple of hours!

WHITE-TAILED PLOVER

I prefer Plover! Another iconic species making its way onto the Yorkshire List. 

I was having another half-hearted Seawatch at the Sewage when I received a message off Phil...

Are you going for the Lapwing at Blacktoft? What Lapwing thought I? Then the news reached me...

MEGA East Yorkshire WHITE-TAILED LAPWING Blacktoft Sands from Townsend Hide

Ah ..THAT Lapwing!!!

I'd took Bud out and had all my gear so I took "Route 1" (a Quiz Ball reference from a programme long ago).

Traffic was predictably slow through Hull and the 40mph to the M62 didn't help!? As I wound my way down the narrow road from Goole I was hoping to get in and out before it got too crowded. Anyway I surprisingly found a space in the reserve car park and stumbled towards the hide in my dodgy sandals. The queue for the hide was thankfully small and within 5 minutes I was viewing the bird, albeit distantly...

I didn't overstay my welcome as there were plenty of frantic hopefuls pounding towards the hide! I passed plenty of familiar faces as the "who's who" of Yorkshire Birders were present. I left with Phil and returned home for Bud. If it lingers I could be tempted for seconds?

Looking at my records I was amazed to find out it was over 14 years since I saw my first at Caelaverock WWT. I remember getting a lift from School with a rather eccentric science teacher! An interesting, if frantic trip which included getting stuck behind some of the Appleby Fair caravans on the A66!! This beauty takes me to 395 for the County.

So, the incredible summer of 21 continues. Let's hope it continues into the Autumn...

A Good Walk

As you know, I try to avoid routine...especially since retirement!

Yesterday morning I set off for a solo walk North around lunchtime...and just kept going...until I ended up in Withernsea...well nearly.

Firstly I walked from the Farm entrance towards the Runnel...

Managing a Snipe, Buzzard, Willow Warbler...

How's that for "out of focus"!

and Reed Bunting. I then veered West to the Runnel Copse...

Nothing avian in there but I did see something new...

Then onto the Cliff by the recently ploughed pea field...

The view North to Wiv'

As you can see the tide was way out and plenty of hard sand, which isn't always the case. So, I made my decision to "do the walk". Since the sea defence improvements I'd been curious to view it from the beach. Today seemed the perfect opportunity. I might even see a decent bird!?

More evidence of pure sand here...

As I reached the southern end of the new defences, I took a few pics...

So the road has been saved...for now. Erosion will obviously continue from where the riprap ends. Time will tell how this change will affect things?

I made my way back towards Holmpton...

The view South with Cliff Farm iand the Gas Terminal tower in the distance. 

...still with no noteworthy sightings added. The exercise was good though and the weather was superb. As I approached Seaside Road I noticed a small speck on the sea close in. The bird was drifting South so I increased my walking speed (slightly) to enable me to try and catch up with it. I just managed to get level with it by the time I breathlessly reached the road...

Guillimot

The bird was remarkably close to the beach passing within 30yds of a couple of oblivious fisherman at one point...

So, a last minute notable sighting. Not a rarity but a very unusual record nontheless. Also a few calories burned off hopefully...

No more Magic

It seems "my" Merlin has made its way down the road. I did have a look on a few occasions today but my assumption was reinforced. This dapper Med' Gull eased the blow somewhat...

An adult LBB Gull was to quick for me!

Closer to home I had an unexpected visit from a Song Thrush to the bird bath...

Spent some time scanning the adjacent vegetation but no luck with migrants...yet?

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An amazing record in Cornwall. Another RUFOUS BUSH CHAT has been found after last October's record in Norfolk!!! The previous record was 1980!

One of those Days

If you watch a Patch you'll know how unpredictable sightings can be...I guess that's one of the attractions. That's what I keep telling myself anyway lol!

I try to vary my trudging as much as possible and my protective/territorial companion has a definite influence on proceedings.

Today started at Cliff Farm which is at the far South of my elasticated boundary. As we left the car to walk down towards Old Hive I noticed a dark "lump" in the freshly cut wheat field (I love stubble). It turned out to be my FOY Peregrine (H.121), a juvenile and possibly one of the Easington birds? It had no doubt already seen me and it immediately disappeared North and out of view. After a look in the copse (nothing of note) we made the return walk. Scanning the beach as ever I noticed another unusual "lump" in the distance...

Brent Goose (H.122)

Not a rare bird BUT definitely a special sighting when put into context. Things were going well. They go even better when a raptor flew over the car as I was leaving. A strikingly plumaged male Marsh Harrier...

...it veered North...

then West past Old Hive...

...things were going VERY well but the best was yet to come as I drove North to "the Sewage". We walked North towards "Intack" which is the Northern limit of my Patch. Still plenty of House and Sand Martins around which may have accounted for my major sighting of the day? 

I suddenly got the feeling I was being watched...

Merlin

No "Magic" pun...ah, too late!

The next 45 minutes or so were special as I observed this quality bird at various distances and angles as it switched positions along the Cliff. I feel the Sand Martins were definitely an attraction, which distracted it from my/our presence...

At one point it landed on the Cliff edge and remained there for quite some time. We had to eventually walk back past it and I was surprised (and pleased) that it never moved, allowing me to get some decent pictures...

Eyes of a Falcon

This was by far and away my best ever views of this fabulous Species, made even more special by its proximity to home. A memorable and VERY enjoyable day indeed!

Bempton

Simply that. Having had various encounters with the magnificent BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS this summer I feel it's only right to dwell a while on this fantastic site so close to home...

View North to Filey and beyond

Speaking to various people during my visits it brought it home to me how much effort some people had put in to connect with this bird. It's not a "given". Also it's not just the fact of whether you actually "see" the bird; it's the quality of view you get. A combination of long absences, roosting on a distant cliff and spending significant time out on the sea, kept the challenge worthy.

I know of one Birding Pal that made 4 visits from Dorset before finally connecting. Well deserved Steve! 

I normally make my annual pilgrimage in May but my multiple visits this year have enabled me to see the young developing...which has been fun. Especially viewing the enormous Gannet juveniles...

Feeding like a Gannet!

I finally managed to "catch" a Fulmar...

Incidental

Sometimes they come to you. A mid-afternoon stretch for Bud coincided with a heavy shower. That was the bad news; the good news was I was alerted to a fluty Wader call. I was soon viewing...10 Curlews circled overhead plus a Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit (H.120). A glut of Waders!!

Some good luck after last night's bad...

Seawatch Timing

The East Coast Grapevine is strong, which gives increased hope of a connection and is fully appreciated. Tonight was an example when a Cory's Shearwater was seen flying North at Spurn. It was also seen at Withernsea and Grimston. Other "things" were also seen. I saw nothing from the Sewage between 5 and 7. I should have stayed longer.

Never mind...I'll try again!

Auk Confirmation

Most Auks pass Holmpton at quite some distance...like most things to be honest! Now and again, especially at this time of year, a few birds linger on the sea and the occasional one or two come close enough for ID confirmation. Yesterday morning was such an occasion. I only had my bins and camera but I picked out a few "auks" on the sea. The "crux of the matter" as always are they Guillimot or Razorbill? 

A few Gannets have been fishing quite close in the last couple of days...

Related?

Some bods can be sure of ID at considerable distance...I'm not one of them! Most of my sightings go down as Auk sp or Guillimot. So, this morning was a red letter day when a pristine bona fide Razorbill was drifting South c 0.25 miles off Old Hive...in the company of a Guillimot...for comparison!! A nice moment...

A few Willow Warblers have started to arrive and the last couple of evenings have produced a nice show of Hirundinnes and Swifts over the field opposite the Cottage.

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After my dismissal of the BBA it was inevitable it would re-appear!!! Louise hasn't seen it, so if it's still "about" on Monday, that's our day out sorted!

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I'd been building up to my Autumn proposal to the good lady...no, not that...we're married! A "Bucket List" item (I have a few) is to spend a week on Shetland in late September. My request has been granted...I chose well! As you will be aware, Scilly is and always will be my "first love"...regarding sites that is! However, it's about time I added LANCEOLATED WARBLER to my British List and this will be my best chance (there, that's jinxed it). 

Of course, I'll be committed if something turns up elsewhere. No matter. On the other hand, if something does turn up "up there", I'll be handily placed. A more chilled approach in my latter years...at least in theory! My time window co-incides with the presence of two tour groups which should enhance my chances of connecting with something "good".

I'm looking forward to having a good look around the Islands, as I've only done "whistle stop" twitches in the past. More nearer the time.

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I've just noticed my "visits counter" has gone through the 500,000 mark; granted I have been blogging for 12 years. I'd just like to say a BIG thank you to anyone "out there" who has taken the time to follow my ramblings over the years. It's very much appreciated. 

A Different Approach

I tried new tactics this morning regarding the now defunct Sewage Plant. The tide had just turned, so I was able to dodge the receding waves as I headed north along the beach from the Runnel. It was a beautiful day with little wind and temperatures in the low 20's. A good day for a dog to go swimming. He needed no encouragement!

As I approached the extinct outlet pipe...

...I remembered Richard's message from Monday informing me he'd seen a Common Sandpiper here. As I scanned a small wader came into view with a distinctive "flicking wing" action. No doubt...a/the Common Sandpiper (P.126, H.119)...

The erosion throws up some interesting shapes...

Not quite Monument Valley!

Early then Late

Covered as much of the Coast path as I could this morning starting at Cliff Farm and an early result when a male Marsh Harrier flushed out of the grass right in front of me. The Sand Martin colony at Old Hive is buzzing (see what I did there). An estimate of 300 birds now wouldn't be over-zealous I feel...a fine spectacle! I finished off at the Sewage after the Runnel and returned home for a coffee at 11.30.

A message at 12.21...

Osprey flew South over Beacon Ponds then Kilnsea

I like to think it came along the Humber!!!

I had to travel to York for a Dental Appointment this afternoon. As I returned via Tesco I stopped of at the Sewage again for a break. The tide was in and I wasn't expecting much although I thought some Terns might pass and maybe another accompanying Skua? Sandwich Terns were moving South close in but the "smaller stuff" was way out. There were hundreds of Gulls loafing on the water and I managed a belated Med' Gull (P.125, H.118)...no rush...

The big surprise was, that in 30 minutes, I had 2 Redshank, 2 Turnstone and 5 Dunlin all flying South close in. You never know. Wish I'd seen the Osprey though!

On the Move

Definite evidence of return passage here now. Tonight's stroll to the cliff saw many Terns heading South c 1 mile out. I admit I haven't got into gear yet regarding a proper grill through the scope (lazy). However, I was able to pick out my first admitedly distant Arctic Skua (P.124, H.117) on the sea...

...typically chasing a Tern briefly before heading South...

This is my earliest record beating last year by 5 days. 

I also had a Whimbrel on the beach earlier at the Sewage which was pleasing, as my sightings are usually "in flight"...

It's looking like the BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS has moved on. So, I feel it's appropriate to say..."thanks for the memories"...they are some of the best I will ever have the fortune to look back on. Hopefully it will return next year?

A few "catch up" images...

Bempton

Juvenile Skylark in a local pea field...

A Wood Pigeon that would easily break the speed limit...