Far and Wide plus Local Stuff

Infantries of Birders on Shetland now combing every habitat, on all three major Islands and some not so major. Good luck to all and sundry. No doubt some "crews" heading for Orkney, the Western Isles and Scilly. It's only a matter of time before the BIG 1 gets found. Where will it break? Who will find the Golden Nugget whilst Avian prospecting? Time will tell...

Two weeks before we set off SW for our annual sojourn. Obviously looking forward to it. If IT turns up on the Islands, that will be handy, if IT doesn't, so be it. There's always something to have a look at; the track record is rather impressive! 

Another personal anecdotes to accompany my NIGHTHAWK yarn. In 1996 I made a brief Twitch to Scilly during Half-Term to try for a BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER on Tresco. I arrived on Thursday October 25th. I took the inter-Island boat and made my way down the side of the Great Pool to the location. I was relying on local information (pre-internet and I didn't have a Pager). Incredibly I was on my own!!! The bird had been present for a few days but even so? I walked along the chosen path and there, feeding on a tree was...a BWW

Texas April 22

I also added BLACK DUCK. On the Friday I also scored with AMERICAN BUFF-BELLIED PIPIT on St Mary's. As I was leaving on Saturday morning news came through of a LITTLE BUSTARD on the Lizard which I managed to see before dark. A nice bonus. These are precious memories which tie me to Scilly. I'm content there. Hopefully there'll be some more magic this Year...

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

The last couple of days I've put the miles in for little reward. Good exercise though and a tired but happy Dog. Yesterday's walk North produced c10 Reed Buntings in the Runnel...

Just beyond the Runnel a couple of Stonechats played hard to get...

A couple of Yellowhammers on the way back were a bonus...

A flock of eleven Stock Doves on Snakey Lane mid-afternoon was a record count...

This morning produced another record count in the form of three Herons cruising South at 7.30. A Great Northern Diver (P.131, H.122) reasonably close, heading North was a FOY. A sinister looking cloud over Withernsea meant an early return...

 ...but not before I spotted a mixed group of Teal and Wigeon through the haze...

A drive up to Cliff Farm and a stroll down to Old Hive produced nothing of note, despite extensive coverage of the Copse...

As I was leaving along the track, I spotted a Buzzard by a hedge. I stopped the car, expecting it to fly off in the traditional manner...but it didn't? I then realized why. It was stood on its prey and was understandably reluctant to leave it. This situation enabled me to enjoy extended views of this fresh juvenile...

It did fly a short distance carrying its prey but this enabled me to get a parting shot from the road...

What a Beauty!

Eastern Promise?

I shared a nice mixed flock this morning with Richard on Seaside Road on my way back from the doggy walk. Decent group of L.T.Tits (c10), Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff (2), Blackcap (2) and my FOY Goldcrest (P.130, H.121).

Late afternoon on a brief stop for my pal, I spotted a bird stood on the track ahead of us. Fortunately, I managed to open the car door without it flying off, which for this Species isn't easy. I watched it for around 15 minutes as it slowly hopped along the track towards me. I've never seen this behaviour before...

Female Sparrowhawk

Eastern Thrushes turning up on the Northern Isles with a WHITE'S on North Ron' and a dead SIBERIAN on my favourite Island "up there" Papa Westray. More to come, no doubt...but where?

COMMON NIGHTHAWK

Topical addition with yesterday's sighting...In order to place this account in my Top Ten folder (see right hand column) it seems I have to post it again! Wouldn't mind another this Year!

I've written this piece before...but I've no idea where it is, so I'm repeating it! It was way before I started the Blog. I've decided to list my Top Ten...with yarns. 

Fortunately I can remember it like yesterday. Funny that! It was the 24th of October 1999. I was having my breakfast in my digs on St Mary's when a neighbour came round to speak to Gerry, the owner. He also drove the bus around the Island and was a grand chap, his wife Pat was also a lovely lady. The neighbour saw me (I was looking at a juv Rose-coloured Starling in the apple tree across the road!) and mentioned a report of a possible NIGHTHAWK around the Fraggle Rock Pub on Bryher!!!

I didn't have a Pager and hadn't been to the Log the previous evening...tut tut! Also pre-internet...and all the better for it. Anyway this report was enough to make me shovel my Full English down and head for the Quay.  A surprisingly small number of Birders had the same idea? The day was spent walking the Island, hoping I...or someone else, might flush the bird...if it existed!? By mid-afternoon I was knackered after roaming the heather.

It was nearly time for the boat at 4.30 and there was still no sign of the bird. Some of the chaps had radios and there was still hope, especially as the light was fading. Then came the haunting call over the CB that has remained with me for 23 years..."IT'S HERE"!!!

The problem was...where?

 

Things were rather tense now, as around 30 Birders, spread over quite an area, scanned furiously to try and get "on it". Then...I saw it!!!!!! It was gliding low beneath me, as I was stood on the hill to the South. WHAT a moment that was...as I'm sure you can appreciate...if this is your "thing"!? It continued to hunt around the Pub as the light faded. MAGICAL!

My last memory was the eerie views of THREE boats approaching from St Mary's in the fading light with spotlight blazing. Quite a sight. One of many reasons why I love these Islands.

This enigmatic species is a much sought after bird and symbolizes the very essence of a MEGA. I think I'm correct in saying this was the last long-stayer in Britain (twitchable bird) as it stayed until the 30th! I don't DO Ireland. There have been others but all were one day brief sightings, Some retrospective. So, we ARE due another!?

I'm more than happy for this record to sit at the top of my chart with BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS and VARIED THRUSH.

What's to come?

On an extremely quiet morning here at Homlpy I just thought I'd share a few thoughts with you regarding the remainder of the Autumn. You may or may not...and all that.

In less than 3 weeks we'll be making our way SW for 14 days on the Fortunate Islands. Hopefully it'll be a good Year? I say that every Year! September has been quiet Rarity wise, very quiet. However, we all know things can change and something always turns up, it's just a question of where?

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (would I?), as previously stated, I won't leave Scilly but I WILL possibly chase before and after, as I did last Year, depending on Species. I was lucky... although determined...

My Utopia Twitch 1/11/2021

More here

As I was in 2013...

Cape May Warbler 29/10/2013

Again, more here

Ideally the BIG 1...or 2...will land on the Islands. I have to admit the thought of a long haul North doesn't enthuse me as the Years roll by. Best summed up as...Bleak. A chilled fortnight on Scilly connecting locally is my preferred/hoped for scenario. Alas, things rarely pan out as planned!

Having sampled Shetland for a week last year, I'm even more committed to Scilly than I've ever been. Let's just say it ticks all my boxes. If you're into Rarities I wish you well in your choices and hope you get lucky. You've heard all the "Pros and Cons" previously...more than once!

Ironically, as I complete this Post, the MEGA Alert has just sounded...

MEGA Oxon COMMON NIGHTHAWK juv Wantage 

Another one of my Top Ten encounters. Yet again...more here!

Mainland. This bird is sat on a fence apparently, so just a matter of getting there and waiting your turn. A tick but not a Stellar experience, I suggest? Still, it's a Tick for the younger/newer element. Hope that doesn't sound smug...its not intended to. Might be a bit of a queue!!!

I've witnessed this behaviour in Texas on more than one occasion. Here's one I saw earlier (in true Blue Peter style)...

Retillion Road, Bolivar Peninsular, Texas

Referring to my..."pays yer money"...Mantra, Many Birders have  gambled on Shetland, as I did last Year. You can sit at home waiting for the Alert or go on an adventure. I know which one I prefer. Mine starts on October 14th.

Que Sera Sera...

Early Start

I woke early this morning, which is a novelty and decided to have a walk down to Old Hive. Buddy didn't fancy it though, so we headed to the Sewage!

It was a warm morning with a light breeze. We headed South towards the Llama Farm. I was hoping for PFG and I got them in spades. A conservative estimate would be 300 in a series of Skeins heading North off the Humber. A fine sight and sound indeed. In fact, arguably, the most evocative experience in Birding, hence the header...

As we walked along the Cliff I spotted a couple of Shelducks coming "in off"...

Next a lone Lapwing doing the same. Waders were heading intermittently South and included my first Knot (H.120) of the Year and my second Redshank. When I reached the Farm I was pleased to see this Stonechat. c20 House Martins are still hanging on at Intack and Swallows were streaming constantly South (they were still very much in evidence early afternoon when I went to Tesco). As I reached the car, feeling pleased with my haul, my mood dipped somewhat when a text from Richard informed me he'd just had 6 Spoonbills South over his garden! Chuffed for him though.

Lately

You may...or may not, be interested in this...

Monday evening I came across some information regarding the A4 Locomotive Sir Nigel Gresley. It was to make its way North through York to Pickering to take part in the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Gala. The excellent website Mainline Steam gave a detailed itinerary of its movements early yesterday morning. I decided to make the trip.

Up at 5.20am and heading for Church Fenton Railway Station via Hull McDonalds (to save time you understand). I pulled off the M62 at Howden and checked the live feed. Last night it said the A4 would reach CF at 8.20 but when I looked at the update...it was 15 minutes EARLY at its latest marker! It was now 7.30 and I had 30 minutes to go according to Google Maps. This wasn't turning out to be the leisurely outing I envisaged. Fortune was with me as I negotiated the rush hour traffic around Selby. The country approach roads to Church Fenton were also straighter than anticipated which meant I arrived at the Station at 8.03.

A fingers and thumbs exit from the car and some slight confusion with the bridges found me on the platform some 5 minutes later. A quick check of my phone revealed the A4 was still to the South of me approaching Castleford. Phew!

There were plenty of commuters on the Platform but only one nerd...me! I set my phone and camera up...held one in each hand...and waited. I was getting a few curious glances and I joked with a couple of lads that there was a surprise coming very soon. With that, I saw smoke in the distance! Which platform though? I stood centrally and hoped for the best. Of course, it chose a different track...

Using my cat-like reflexes, I managed to position myself on the next platform just in time. Phone in one hand...Camera in the other...

A rare opportunity to see this classic in full steam on the Mainline. There are only 6 A4's left in the World and this is the only one still "working", as far as I'm aware? It was renovated in the National Railway Museum in York. Whenever I am fortunate enough to "catch" a Steam Locomotive I'm transported back to Bury as a teenager, when my pals and I used to ride the local area and beyond on our bikes, trying to glimpse these magnificent "living" machines.

Back to Bird spotting...

After leaving Church Fenton, it was onto Duff' for a 3 hour "sesh". Steady away but distant views of Red Kite (2) and Buzzard (5) were enjoyed. A circling Dunlin was an unexpected bonus. A late afternoon stroll down to the Cliff revealed a couple of Herons (not that common here) hanging around the pond at the rear of the Bungalow on Seaside Road...

Today didn't pan out as intended as I spent most of it trying to correct my "key left in the ignition error" which resulted in a flat battery. With the help of some good neighbours I eventually sorted it. It took a while! A brief afternoon visit to what's left of the Sewage turned out to be a good decision...

Long-tailed Skua S 

Mediterranean Gull 4

Yellow Wagtail...

Too close for the camera from the car!

House Martin c20 still around Intack

Plenty of Robins "in" now. I seem to have a particularly tame one hanging around the front garden. The resident Tawny Owls are still calling regularly throughout the day.

No sign of any Easterlies for the foreseeable future. Glad I pulled out of my Shetland trip. There...I've gone and done it now!

Timing

Just a quick one today to record my first Kittiwake (P.129, H.119) of the Year which flew North at Lunchtime on a brief visit to the Cliff. Always worth a Peep...or a Gull!

Osprey!

Just landed back from my Mother's after spending a couple of days with her on the dark...but friendly side. On route, on Wednesday morning, I diverted via the LDV arriving at Bank Island car park at 10.30 to meet my pal Haydn. The car park was strangely full, so I drove down to the bridge car park, which was thankfully empty. I had my friend with me, so we stood on the bridge for a while to see what my come our way. There had been a couple of Ospreys reported at Bank Island on Monday but no news Tuesday?

Our view was limited with the riverbank being lined with mature trees. A lovely setting though. It was nice to see a couple of Jays. It was now approaching 11 and we were thinking of heading down to Duff. We both looked up simultaneously to see...an Osprey flying towards us, over the trees and South down the River Derwent!!! Miraculously, I managed to sort myself out to record the moment...just...

The old camera did well

It was great to share the moment. This was my 4th sighting for the LDV with two previous records here and one at my beloved NDC. Quite a moment. We gave it another 30 minutes but we didn't see it again.

Onto Duff where we enjoyed an excellent 90 minutes Raptor watching. We accrued...

Hobby 2

Red Kite 4

Buzzard 10

Marsh Harrier

Sparrowhawk

Kestrel 4

Around 2, I said my goodbyes to Haydn and headed for Lancashire. Top Birding in top company...

Autumn Equinox

Autumn is officially here on the 23rd but again Birds don't listen.They DO depend on wind direction though, at least the majority of the time. A drop or two of rain increase our chances of seeing a few or in Holy Islands case...a lot!!!

September 10th...

Not bad!

It was nice to see that decent numbers can still be seen in 2022, albeit far less frequently. The Migfest down the road has been and gone with a Pallid Harrier being the star of the show yesterday. The bird is possibly lingering at Welwick?

Inclement weather here today but I still saw a decent bird before as more rain set in...

Stonechat

Brighter tomorrow...

...and the Robins are here...in force! I counted 15 from the Cottage to the Cliff (c300 yards and decreasing!). Arrivals...and...departures...but some not quite yet...with c 30 House Martins still attending nests at Intack (North end of Village). An inspiring sight!

Approaching THAT time!

A few thoughts whilst watching the Test Match...which is going rather well!

As we approach mid-September thoughts are inevitably focusing on what's to come Rarity/MEGA wise. Depending on your preferences I guess you'll have a few thoughts of your own. Personally, I WILL chase, with all my usual (diminishing) gusto, depending on Species and Location. The body is trying to keep up with the mind. I'd initially booked a week on Shetland but on reflection, cancelled my booking. I did this once before due to unavoidable circumstances...and missed a THICK-BILLED WARBLER!!! That's the way it goes.

I didn't enjoy last Year's visit, if I'm honest. OK, the Birds didn't appear, (although I did finish with my third RBG)...

...but that wasn't "it".

I found the large distances involved and the grim weather (granted Scilly can have some) far from conducive to a "good time ". Too much wasted time due to both (so much wind and rain and c3 hours from one end to the other!). Strolling and sailing the Islands fits the bill for me/us. Great exercise as well. Hope that doesn't upset anyone!? 

It seems that in general the "Young Guns" prefer Shetland whilst the "Old School" gravitate to Scilly. There's ALWAYS exceptions...of course! There's always Banter...but the birds don't listen. The "Scilly has had its day" line just doesn't wash, as the 2020 INDIGO BUNTING on St Agnes proved. Ironically, NOT a tick for me!

Having said that...I WILL be "up there"though...to Twitch, if appropriate...but not to stay.

My adventure will be as far away as possible...yep...the "Fortunate Isles" with the good lady. A couple of weeks of bliss, just enjoying what turns up. I'm loyal. Many great memories. Maybe something will wait for me till I get off, like last year? If it doesn't...so be it, I won't be leaving early...although Louise would let me.

A reminder of why I go...HERE.

Redstarts - a Good Year!

I completed my Skua set today with a Long-tailed (P.128, H.117) North, reasonably close in. A Duck addition came in the form of 4 Pintail (H.118) South. A tight flock of Sanderling South was also noteworthy.

This afternoons walk produced yet more Redstarts! I had two together in the plough by the Paddock Hedge.

Damp Start

Rainy morning and unsurprisingly, no sign of yesterday's Redstarts! 

After lunch I had a walk North. I was joined by Richard as the weather improved dramatically. Much fresher now, making the walk a stimulating one. An early scan saw Richard pick up a distant Great Skua (P.127, H.116) a Year Tick for both of us...

Adult

As we approached the "first pill" Richard spotted a Wheatear some 50 yds away. It was a dapper individual considering the time of Year...

Holmpton twitch

Today was a good day.

An early walk North was enlivened when I bumped into a nice chap from Bristol. Turns out he'd been staying in the Village. He'd seen the elusive RN Parakeets which I have yet to connect with. I'm not holding my breath!

He set off ahead of me but I joined him on the return. On my way out I spotted a lone, medium sized Wader flying leisurely South along the shoreline. It looked interesting...it was...

Bar-tailed Godwit (H.114)

Really chuffed with the record, view and pic... even though I say so myself lol! Wader context right there. I also had a close group of Wigeon (H.115) and my first Autumn RTD. After saying goodbye to Les I headed home to sort a few things out. 

After lunch I was giving the car a treat when I noticed a flash of red in the hedge. We have breeding Robins in the lane but I was thinking Redstart. A couple of views of Robins diluted my interest and I carried on working on the car. Another flash of red, this time I was sure. I put my bins and camera in the back of the car and waited. Over the next hour or so I enjoyed great views and gained a Garden tick to boot!

A male Blackcap and Garden Warbler were also present. I was initially joined by my neighbour Geoff but eventually there were 4 of us as Richard and Jayne also turned up! The bird became more elusive but everyone saw it, thankfully.

Late afternoon stroll to the Cliff and a scan of the Paddock hedge. Incredibly, there in the plough stood my SECOND Redstart of the day...

My views of the former were better though...

Sloooow Twitching

Made the early swim...for Bud that is! A Yellowhammer near the Cliff at the Runnel was unusual...

A few Dunlins and Ducks heading South. Nowt else but a nice opener on another warm morning.

After sorting him out back home I decided to finally have a couple of Hours down the road. First port of call was the defunct Riverside Hotel to try for the lingering Citrine Wagtail. I pulled up, walked around the back, joined 4 Birders and enjoyed great views of the bird feeding on the grass...

Forgetting all the plumage detail...what about that TAIL!

Next, it was back to Kilnsea Wetlands car park. The 2/3 Red-necked Phalaropes had been commuting between here and Beacon Ponds for a few days now. I asked a couple of departing Birders who informed me they were still present and on Beacon Ponds. When I reached the Ponds...

...I joined a small group who told me they had been close by the wall but had just flown out into the middle of the water! Rain was forecast but it still looked quite bright so I sat on the wall and waited.

3 Ruff kept me entertained giving superb close views...

Curlew Sandpiper was mentioned but I didn't see any. The RNP were always in view but very distant and their diminutive size didn't make things any easier. Still, it was great to see them feeding and preening together. The third bird must have moved on. They were active and mobile but remained distant. It was great to observe this Species at length though. Then, I got lucky. One bird flew closer, allowing me to get a decent pic...

A successful belated Twitch...

Patch 124, Spurn 92.

Whinchat - Yes!

We decided to have a stroll South from Sammy's this morning...for a change...I like a change! I spared Louise a slow, lingering death by not dwelling at the Paddocks or Bushes, despite a Wood Warbler being present. I did scrape a couple of Whinchats though.

We reached the Riverside but I didn't look for the Citrine Wagtail for the same reason; although she wouldn't have minded. I've seen one here before and also at Filey. I may have a peep tomorrow and combine it with the 3 RN Phalaropes?

The weather was fantastic, a warm 22c with a gentle breeze off the Humber. The views were extensive in all directions. We were out for a good couple of hours...

Around 3 I set out with Bud intending to give him a swim in the Sea to freshen him up. He's been having trouble with his skin almost certainly to do with the extended hot spell we've had. I then realized he didn't have a ball, having lost yet another, so I had a walk around the Cliff Paddock instead. Luck was with me as I turned to look at the boundary hedge. As I scanned I could see a couple of birds around 80 yards away perched on the tallest branches. They were characteristically fly-catching, returning to the same branch each time. They HAD to be Whinchats (H.113)..

No award winner but the super' CAN be seen...just!

I messaged Richard. They were in view for a couple of minutes before disappearing over the hedge into the Paddock. I walked the path and looped around into the Paddock but I couldn't re-locate them? Richard joined me but despite extensive searching they weren't seen again. After yesterday's "Dip" at the Sewage, this more than made up for it!

I don't usually go out at this time of day...maybe I should more often! It seems the birds just passed through quickly on their way South. All part of the "fun".

Sewage

...will soon be no more...

I was tempted down this morning by a message from Gavin informing me he'd seen a Whinchat. He'd also had a Great White Egret South earlier! I hadn't seen him for some time, so it was nice to have a chat. He has his dog Buddy with him. Great name choice!

We did share a Hobby (P.120, H.112) and a Fulmar. A few flocks of Teal headed South with a dribble of Dunlin. Alas the Whinchat didn't reappear in the Hour I gave it. A later walk at the Runnel with Louise produced another Hobby sighting, almost certainly the same bird plus a flock of 27 Golden Plover blending in perfectly in the ploughed field.

CLIFF SWALLOW

OK, last one of the "All our Yesterday's" to complete my Top 10! See right hand column.

We're back in 1995. I was teaching in the York Area and it was the October Half-Term week. A CLIFF SWALLOW had been found by Lance Degnan and Dale Middleton on the Sunday morning (22nd) between 9.10 and 9.30am at Spurn. It was followed down the peninsular and was seen disappearing South over the Humber towards Lincs. Remarkably it was seen again late afternoon at Sandy Beaches Caravan Site!!

I took the gamble on Monday morning the 23rd. I joined a small crowd at the Caravan Site around 8am which included the late Pete Piringer, Tony Dixon and Gary Dayes. At 9.07am Pete made the call...IT'S HERE!!! The bird flew leisurely past the now ecstatic group of admirers. We jumped in our cars and headed for the Narrows were we once again saw it approaching before flying low right past us. 

A truly BRILLIANT moment. 

It continued South and wasn't seen again despite being searched for all day by the ever increasing crowd. Once again remarkably, it flew South past the Narrows at 10.15am on Saturday the 28th!

Definitely gave me a RUSH...

Redstarts

I needed a few things from Hull yesterday, which meant a visit to Duff was in order. I arrived around 10. Richard had messaged me earlier to inform me he'd "had" a Redstart on Seaside Road. Having seen one last month I wasn't disappointed. 

Settling down in the GS Hide I surveyed the scene, enjoying once again the panoramic view North. The vegetation was lush making ground viewing difficult. Thinking my sightings were going to be mainly aerial!

Having more time these days, my strategy wil be to incorporate more Autumn visits to this wonderful site. Maybe I could add something to my List...a Redstart?

An enjoyable 4 hours was had incorporating both hides. As I approached Garganey Hide I heard a Chiffchaff which was eventually seen. Then a slim raptor caught my eye in the distance. A Marsh Harrier...no...a Red Kite...

The bird circled the fields to the West for a good 10 minutes before drifting off North. 

I spent a good hour down here. The other significant sighting was a Hobby which was hunting over the Northern perimeter of the reserve (c1000 yds). Chuffed to pick this dot out...

Having returned to GS I settled in for the final hour. An entomologist patrolling the scrape was a surprise, he did flush a couple of Snipe and a Mallard. Then a small passerine flew across...a REDSTART!!! Brief but conclusive. My word, I thought. A Patch Tick (159). My first addition for over 3 Years.

It was a quality, not quantity visit.

A couple of extras from recent jaunts. Checking through my pics I came across this interloper amongst the Oystercatchers. Never assume...

Whimbrel

A VERY successful Family of Mute Swans at Patrington Haven...

SEVEN youngsters

Another one of the wonderful Wryneck soaking up the sun at Sammy's Point...