Star Tern

After some deliberation I headed West then South this morning. A63 - M18 - A1. The Caspian Tern at Misson was seen first thing but had then flown off, so I continued down the A1 to try for the Great Reed Warbler at Langford Lowlands RSPB. As I passed the CT site news came through that it had returned, so I U-turned and headed back. Of course, on arrival I was greeted with the news that the Bird had disappeared again! I cleaned the inside of my car and waited.

I then started to walk the track to view the Reserve.

It was approaching Noon now and still no sign. A car pulled up, it was Lance Degnan. We had a chat for a while before he moved on. It was good to see him. Then some movement by a few Birders further down the track. The BIG one had returned. A class Bird. I had a play with my phonescope device, as the bird was c100 yds away. This was my best effort...

CASPIAN TERN

I continued down the A1 to try for the GRW. After a serious walk to the Site, I had a brief possible sighting in 90 minutes before returning home.

Isabelline Shrikes?

It seems I don't have a tick?

Life used to be much simpler, a consequence of age...no doubt! The longer you live, the more change you see...an inevitability. I saw an immature Isabelline Shrike at Spurn in 1988 which was considered to be a Daurian? The bird was trapped but this was way before the species was split. Confused...I am! So, I have IS on my British and Yorkshire Lists and I ticked the Daurian box on Bubo. Last night I unticked Daurian and ticked Turkestan!!! Even more confused...I definitely am!

Joking apart (hopefully you've got used to my dubious dry humour by now?) this WAS a weird state of affairs. If I've got this correct, the Bempton adult, which seems to be generally accepted as Turkestan/Red-tailed (even more confusing) will now be my tick and I'll have to wait for a confirmed Daurian? Checking RBA records I haven't seen any of the birds listed as accepted Daurian. Hope that's clear!?

You've heard my thoughts on splitting/lumping on too many occasions...so I won't go there....and as fr provenance...well! I tow the line though regarding listing...like a good lad.

Even though "The Shrike" wasn't re-located yesterday morning, somehow it didn't seem to matter when the Superstar is present. I spent a wonderful couple of hours at Staple Nook (after walking Cliff Lane) enjoying crippling views of Albert in glorious conditions. The viewpoint was quiet with plenty of room. It was perfect. I had a good chat with a nice guy from down South which reminded me how far people are travelling to pay homage. So lucky to have him on my "doorstep".

He circled Staple Nook around 8 times from 6.30 before heading off towards the Head mid-morning...a selection...which hopefully gives a feeling of how deceptively fast the bird glided...

Doesn't get any better than this for me. Amazing to have this Bird residing in Yorkshire. Never dreamed it would happen. Well maybe!

As my thoughts drifted towards a "power nap" on returning home my phone informed me the Shrike had been re-found! Take two. On arrival the Bird had disappeared but after a tense 30 minutes it was re-located along the track and everyone had good views although the Bird was very active and mobile...

Another amazing day along the Coast...

Dream Bird

Quite a Day!

Things didn't pan out as intended but that's OK, in fact it enhanced the day. I was tempted to go for the Caspian Tern in North Notts but things changed with the discovery of an adult Isabelline - Turkestan/Red-tailed Shrike? Found by Bempton stalwart Trevor Charlton (reward for many hours in the field). The bird appeared after heavy rain and quickly vanished.

I figured it made sense to "be around" this morning. I gave it till 11 from 6.30 but no sign or news. Massive compensation came in the form of Alberto who performed magnificently. What a Bird!!!

On walking through the door on reaching home, news came through that the Shrike has been relocated!!! Oh dear I thought. 

Back I went...and connected after a brief scare. It seems I have a double tick...I think?!

More tomorrow...I'm knackered!

Cherry Picking

As Diesel prices pass £2 a Litre and Electricity also reaches an all time high, one has to take stock of ones Budget!...doesn't one?!! In fact, taking stock full stop...but let's not go there. On the other hand, one still has to enjoy oneself...and that's what I intend to do!

What quality is there to "go at"...within a reasonable distance of course? Well, I can think of a couple of quality Species within a "good hour". The forecast is dodgy but looks OK early doors...so, an early jaunt then back for the Cricket. Sounds good...in Theory?

NDC

Spent a pleasant, if quiet 3 hours at Duff yesterday, as I had a few things to do in York. Bit of a jungle at the moment but that's OK, as the Breeding Birds get on with their business undisturbed. The Scrape is lush with few bare areas...

...but there was some interest on the water and surrounds. A Sedge Warbler was typically active and noisy...

Coot and Moorhen had young BUT the real surprise was a pair of Little Grebes with four young...

Positive news!

No repeat of my previous visits Hobby sighting but 3 Little Egrets weren't to be sniffed at...and NEVER to be taken for granted. 20 Species seen.

After a trip to the Garden Centre I "lucked in" on this Red Kite floating over the road near North Cave. Bonus...

My Postman gave me the good news that he'd seen another Little Owl by the Bunker on Rysome Road. Nice!

Breeding Bee-eaters

Who'd' have thought it?

It brought back memories of my delayed trip to Bishop Middleham Quarry in 2002 (yes, TWENTY years ago). I went the day AFTER they fledged!! I was working then...still, no excuse.

My four-legged friend and I left home at 6.30am arriving at Trimingham at Noon. A long haul through the narrow Norfolk byways. Somehow seeming longer as the Years go by? No matter we were here and after a couple of minor problem when I firstly ended up in a Caravan Park, then took a lane at the rear of the quarry (revealing necessary CCTV and barrier tape) we found the designated field set up by the RSPB...

Looking back towards the car park

The weather was superb and a gentle cooling breeze off the sea definitely helped (22C). I could see a couple of the Birds on wires over the Quarry as I got out of the car. We found a suitable position with some shade and waited. There were around 100 people present but there was plenty of room...

The Quarry

The birds were using wires to hunt from some 100 yards away...

Everyone was hoping for better views but the Birds stayed faithful to the Quarry through out my 3.5 hour visit. However, I enjoyed great flight views and lovely scope views in the glorious sunshine (although the heat haze was an issue). I even had a fiddle with my phone-scope device...

Copulation

Fluked a dodgy flight shot...

Remarkable with phone at that distance...for me?

A couple with the Camera...

Perched on a bush by the Nest Hole

Entering the Nest Hole

Glad I went but have to admit to being slightly disappointed with the views. No matter, as long as the birds are safe and undisturbed, that's all that matters.

A bonus on the return as I came across a Little Owl on Snakey Lane at 9.45pm...

A quick play with my settings produced something with a tad more detail...

Technology never ceases to amaze!

Padley Gorge

That's where we went Yesterday morning...early. We left just after 6 to get through Hull  and after a McDonald's Breakfast we were soon on the M18 and heading for the "other side" of Sheffield. We arrived at the car park at 8.45. Now then; I was aware that I was a bit "late" in the Year having only just become aware of this Site BUT I was curious to explore the Gorge. It didn't disappoint...regarding the scenery that is. Bird wise it was ...quiet. Some views...

 

A fabulous Ancient Woodland.

We only had a couple of Hours as Louise had a Doctors appointment mid-afternoon but we had time to stroll the length of the Gorge (c 1 mile) and return. The Gorge is very shaded and I have to admit the time we had made it  slightly hurried although "the Boss" was as patient as ever...

The Birds...

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Nuthatch c5

Treecreeper c12 (including 2 family groups)

Mistle Thrush

Grey Wagtail

Spotted Flycatcher...

A distant glimpse

Pied Flycatcher 2

No luck with Wood Warbler or Redstart...which was disappointing but unsurprising. I'll go earlier next Year! We got back to the car for Noon and headed the short distance to the Pub for a well earned Lunch...

Thoroughly recommended

 

Locally Notable

A common Bird that is ALWAYS a good sighting in the Village...

Second Half

Team talk over...

If you remember I promised myself a nostalgic re-visit to certain key species...if possible?! It's US Open Golf weekend and I'll be soaking it up BUT Monday morning bright and early, the good lady and I will be heading for the Peak District. I'll be visiting a "famous" beauty spot which I didn't even know existed! Maybe you can figure it out?

A quick check on eBird informs me that my BIG THREE are present here in decent numbers. So, a great morning in prospect. Quality birds, beautiful scenery and a historic Pub to enjoy a nice Steak and Ale Pie lunch. What's not to like?

Doldrums

Definitely Half-Time...Birdy-wise! Time for a rest...especially after my mad week..which I quite enjoyed! I also enjoyed a wonderful day at Trent Bridge on Monday; my first visit. Plenty of room and up in "the Gods" away from the...noise...

Great memories out the back also...

Name drop Alert: I played against Gary Birtles there, many years ago.

It was great to see Joe Root bat...

...plus James Anderson get his 650th Wicket...amazing!

Congrats from his team mates

Broad in full flow...

Under Lights

A very peaceful watch and a great win on Tuesday watched from home. Well done lads! I won't mention the Football!!!

Texas 22 - Summary 3

...and so to my Final Post.

What makes a best moment? Difficult! Personal choice I guess, so it's over to me. Rather than repeat what's gone before I'll link the choices to the posts. After much deliberation these are my 5 choices. The common theme being excitement plus surprise element...

5. Fall Day

4. Brazos Bend Day -  List

3. Buff-breasted Sandpiper experience

2. Cape May Find - List

1. Magnificent Frigatebird

Hope you enjoyed it? Here's to next time...

Here and There

This here Blogging ain't all about reminiscing past Trips you know!

Today I had to pop over to York which meant a Trip to NDC...of course. As I left a daytime Barn Owl on Snakey was a pleasant bonus. The bird was flying directly towards me so I pulled over and waited...

Fortunately it continued my way...

It turned and came back again...

Pleased to get something. What a great Bird!!! Further along a just managed to snatch an image of this Hare...

I arrived at Duff at Noon and settled down in the Geoff Smith Hide for a couple of Hours. Pretty overgrown now with little visible water except for the "scrape"...

...whose margins are also overgrown. Birds present were Canada Goose, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard Heron, Swift, Sedge Warbler and Little Grebe...

Thoughts started to turn to Year Ticks. What could I add? After I'd reigned my expectations in I decided that Hobby was my best bet. A Mistle Thrush (76) flew across which changed all that! It was nearly time to go and I watching the Swifts hunting over the Scrape and along the River. A Kestrel had been present throughout. I then noticed something...slimmer?! The bird was keeping low along the River bank at around 200 yards. Fast moving and elusive but I was sure it was a Hobby(77)! Anyway, after around 10 minutes I managed to grab a pic...

Mission accomplished!

Texas 22 - Summary (2)

On this Post I thought I'd try to do a (reasonably) concise outline of the Species seen...and missed, overlooking the  "nailed on". I was open-minded about this Trip, having a decent amount of previous experience, I was hoping to mix previously visited Iconic Sites (of with a few new/less known ones. I feel this was also achieved. The intention is to give a  of the Birds available on a decent Visit to this wonderful State

Below is a List of Key Species seen. I've spiced it up with a few photos... 

Seen (photos posted smaller to keep post concise. (Click to enlarge, as always, )

Least Grebe

Yellow-billed Cuckoo...

Black-billed Cuckoo

Common Pauraque...

King Rail...

Purple Gallinule...

American Oystercatcher

Snowy Plover...

Upland Sandpiper

Buff-breasted Sandpiper...

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD...

Anhingha...

LIMPKIN...

American Bittern...

Reddish Egret...

Mississippi Kite

Harris's Hawk

Ringed Kingfisher

Green Kingfisher...

Pileated Woodpecker...

Tropical Kingbird

Philadelphia Vireo

Fish Crow (Local)

Olive Sparrow

BOBOLINK

Audubon's Oriole

CAPE MAY WARBLER...

Cerulean Warbler

TOWNSEND WARBLER

PAINTED REDSTART

Painted Bunting

Missed

Groove-billed Ani

Hudsonian Godwit

Red Knot (scarce)

Glossy Ibis (scarce)

Swallow-tailed Kite

HOOK-BILLED KITE

Zone-tailed Hawk 

Barn Owl

Golden-winged Warbler

Canada Warbler

I ended up seeing 25 species of Warbler! My final Post will contain my Top 5 experiences from the Trip.