On the Way

Back at the Ranch after a couple of days visiting Family in Bury and Leeds. Thursday morning I had a 3 hour session at Duff, to break the journey...you understand! Started well with an usually high, singing Willow Warbler...

The high water levels enabled better views of some of the Ducks...

Shoveler

Gadwall...a beautiful Species

Love is in the Air...

Still no luck with the Specialities but I managed 54 Species and 5 more Year Ticks. Namely...

Black-tailed Godwit

Whimbrel 5

Sand Martin c60

Goldfinch

Linnet

Haydn joined me and we had a good catch up after both visiting Cyprus. We had plenty to talk about. The Godwit and a single Whimbrel were on "the Bund" giving great views. The lone Whooper remained and looked healthy but obviously something is amiss? A drumming Snipe was also nice and the Common Tern remained. My Swift on the 27th theory didn't transpire. I'm determined to "get" Garganey this Year. I'll be over again on Tuesday. Time for a few Holmpy Ticks this Weekend...

Duff 86

Bread and Butter

Time for a Patch session encouraged by a light Southerly. No "stupid o'clock" start this morning... unsurprisingly! Soooooo glad I got there for dawn yesterday, as I don't think I'll be around for another 31 years!!

A Blackcap in the lane was a nice start, as was a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a feeder...

...and a lone Gannet gliding North as I reached the Cliff. A few Swallows headed South, somehow complimenting the improved Weather. The ground is finally starting to dry up which makes the walk a lot easier and the Dog a lot cleaner.

Being late to the domestic party after my Trip I was hoping for the iconic Spring migrant. I got two...

Welcome back

Familiar Silhouettes 

A message from Richard informed me of 1/2 Willow Warblers (scarce here) singing around my place (think I mentioned  the hearing). Sure enough I eventually managed to hear one on my return.

A nice easy morning session in proper Spring conditions...just!

Early afternoon I had a stroll down to Old Hive from Cliff Farm to see the Sand Martins. A Meadow Pipit allowed me a decent view on the way down...

As I arrived it became apparent that the Colony wasn't at home. Not a single Bird to be seen? As I was juggling various theories, out of nowhere they appeared in two distinct clouds, totalling c60 Birds. It was great to see them again. Welcome back...again!

As I was waiting I scanned the Sea and picked up 4 distinctive Birds coming "in-off"...

Through the haze

Luckily they flew down the Cliff...

and right past me...

Also while I was waiting (I must wait more often) I heard a Curlew to the South. I picked it up over the Sea as it circled round and headed back...

However it was now accompanied by two obviously smaller birds of similar shape...

Curlew/Whimbrel ID can be tricky, depending on quality of view and distance (at least for me). So seeing both Species together...helped! A first for me here...

Whimbrel

Together...heavy crop comparison...

Here, obvious...distant lone birds maybe less so...unless they call of course! A lone LBBG also joined the Party...

I popped up to the Sewage for a quick look and was surprised to see more Shelducks. This time a pair on the beach...

This is not a common sight!

Any Wader/Wildfowl "sticking" is very much appreciated. Although things are drying up somewhat there are still a few puddles around on the Farmland, which gives extra temporary Habitat. The Shelducks took advantage...

They were only present 5 minutes before continuing South. It made me lament for some permanent Habitat that would attract such Birds. Alas there isn't any. However, it does make their occurrence special...I keep telling myself! So, a surge of additions to the Year List...

Holmpton 86

Over to Lancs tomorrow via Duff of course. Migrants arriving all the time...hopefully some pass by...

Yorkshire 400 - Penduline Tit

 A message late last night...

19:41 North Yorks Eurasian Penduline Tit at Seamer Tip Pool this afternoon

Too late for a possible result BUT the cogs started turning. "Us Twitchers" have pretty good memories regarding Species and previous records. I'm not in the same league as some who can remember exact dates but most occurrences ring some sort of bell? This particular Species took me back to the early 90's when I was in my Twitching infancy and had a young family...pre-internet of course. A report of a Penduline Tit at Hay-a-Park Gravel Pits, Knaresborough (Sept 92) caused me some confusion (no secrets here) when I stupidly mis-interpreted it for a Bearded!!! By the time the penny dropped (I blame my lads) the bird had flown. Limited knowledge of the Site would also have counted against me...I like to think? A brief sighting at Wintersett (Nov 2011 I think) proved "untwitchable". Hence I still "needed" it. 

Last evening was spent planning. Big thanks to Tony Dixon, John Harwood and Kevin Grewcock for information on the Site (which I've never visited). Google Maps and Scarborough Birders Website also deserve a shout. By 10 pm I was confident I could find it...the Site that is.

Over the Years I've switched between "wait for news" and "get there for dawn". I've drifted from the former to the latter as opportunities have diminished! I never sleep well when I set my alarm and I woke at 3 and decided to prepare. A good surprise (he certainly was) walk for Bud helped me come round before I packed the car and headed North. As the first signs of twilight appeared I could see some menacing clouds in the distance. I looked at the car thermometer: it registered 2C! It then started to hail!! It didn't bode well.

Google Maps did the business and took me right where I wanted to be at the South side of the Industrial Estate. What it didn't show was the Barrier preventing access down Thornborough Road. I started to "park up" when another Birder got out of his car. It was Tim Isherwood. Fancy seeing him here!

We gathered our gear and started to walk South to the Pond as the light improved...slightly. It was now 5.15am. As I followed John Harwood's directions we found ourselves halfway down the North path. 

It was VERY cold and it was still raining/sleeting but fortunately there was little wind. Spirits were lifted almost immediately when Tim heard the Bird calling!!! A couple more hopefuls had turned up and one of them caught a glimpse. I made it just in time to also get a brief look...but far from satisfactory. The Bird continued to call intermittently, keeping spirits up. I could just about hear it...sometimes! A consequence of 23 years in the Sports Hall...not continuously.

Richard Willison turned up...I thought he would. It was great to see him as I hadn't bumped into him for quite some time. There were now 10 present, which was quite surprising considering the Rarity and beauty of the Bird concerned? More calling and more shuffling of the pack, as we tried to figure out exactly where it was coming from. Then around 6.20 one chap spotted it in the Willows below the path!

The next 5 minutes or so were a mixture of relief and excitement as we all tried to get a decent view and maybe a pic or two as it flitted among the branches. The Bird was around 30 yards away on the edge of the Pond...

Fortunately it ended up on the right hand tree and stayed long enough for everyone to get their Photos...before it (surprisingly) took off and flew high West into the distance at 6.25...

So, after my armchair Baikal Teal tick, I've followed it on fairly quickly with this little gem, bringing me to the magic 400 for the County.  It only took 37 Years!!! To be fair I didn't really concentrate on County Birding until the mid Nineties. Excuses, excuses! I was hoping for a "looker"...and I certainly got it! The plan worked well...

Holmpton Tick?

A message from Gavin this morning alerted me to a possible new addition. After taking his Lordship I made my way to Pine Bank Pond on the With' road. Gavin was still there talking to the owner Tom. 

I gave it an hour in heavy rain but no sign of "his" Kingfisher. Not much suitable habitat in "these here parts", so any opportunity has to be followed up.

Maybe next time...?

Spring Forward?

Still cool here but not quite as cool inland. Rain forecast so I headed for Duff where the hides provide insurance.

A FOY Willow Warbler (79) belting it out on the Platform path (despite the wind) was a good start.

The rain never materialised but a steady 3 hour session was highlighted by a passing Tern seen briefly heading steadily NE. I went for Common (80).

Nothing exciting on the water but more passage witnessed when 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (81) headed in the same direction 30 minutes later.

Other notables being...

Cormorant 7

Little Grebe (pair on scrape)

Whooper Swan (probably injured)

Little Egret

Swallow 8

House Martin 5

Had a nice chat with a chap called Peter about past records here and in the Valley. Even going back to the Summering Montagu's Harrier of 86!! Which I missed by a Year having moved to the region in 87. A showy Corncrake was also available at Wheldrake by Tower Hide the same Year! All our Yesterday's.

Duff 81

BLACK-WINGED KITE

A new Bird for Britain!!! Video evidence to Boot. I didn't travel...well, not all the way. I made it to Howden and waited for news till 11. Nothing transpired, so I headed for Duff. No surprise there.

Good chance it's still around somewhere?

A 3 hour session added House Martin but alas no sign of the "hoped for" Garganey.

Duff 78

Hooded Crow

I needed some inspiration to kick start the "Patch Birding". Yesterday evening I got it, thanks to the local WhatsApp grapevine...

18.49 Hooded Crow on Hollym Airfield per Tim Isherwood 

Definitely high on my "There'll be another" List. 

Grabbed my gear, into the "shootingbrake", up Seaside and along the With' road. It' was a VERY gloomy evening here but fortunately still light enough. As I approached the Sewage a single bird was on the Main road. Fortunately it's not a busy one. I've seen a lot (far too many) of Crows over the Years BUT not many like this...in England of course. I pulled over and the Bird flew onto an adjacent field...

The situation was ever so slightly surreal, having still got the "Cyprus vibe" (I'd seen plenty there), driving through the gloom and immediately coming across a Holmpton Tick (190...I think!). Fortunately it only flew a short distance onto the side road to Hollym Village. I pulled into a convenient layby and noticed the bird ahead of me at some 50 yds distance. There was another car facing me in the next layby. I wasn't sure if it was another Birder. I took a few more pics and then the car came past me flushing the Bird. I didn't recognize the driver. I couldn't relocate it although I did try till dusk. Gavin (thanks again pal) also had a go but no joy.

It will never cease to fascinate me, how these precious moments occur in the most varied of circumstances. Time allowed, distance involved, chance sighting etc etc. Our secret world never fails to amaze!

Holmpton Year 77

Back in the Saddle

Have to admit I find it more difficult to re-adjust after a Trip with each passing Year. It's like shopping at the Hypermarket then popping to the Convenience store!

However, it wouldn't be special if I was there all the time... would it? The Weather would always be better though ( it's been horrendous this week)...and the colour of the Birds! The old bones definitely felt better also in the higher temperatures.

Ah well, it's great to see my wonderful pets again.

I broke the ice with a 3 hour session at Duff on Friday, recording 8 Year Ticks and a Rare Site Record in the form of a pair of passing Common Scoters out on the flood...only my second record...

I was beaten to the sighting by Mark Fewster......who spotted them immediately as we entered Garganey Hide. We'd never met previously which is surprising as he lives in York. Also added...

Tufted Duck

Oystercatcher

Snipe

Swallow

Sedge Warbler

Blackcap

Chiffchaff 

We were joined by Elaine from the Village and Barry Bishop...a mini twitch! Nice that everyone connected with this rare sighting. The weather deteriorated by 1 (again) and I left for home.

I also added a couple of Holmpton ticks on the Tesco run. A Swallow (75) on the wires and a pair of Oystercatchers (76) on the Cliff at the Sewage.

The Snooker has just started. I usually miss it on my Texas Trips, so it will be nice to enjoy it in its entirety.

Duff 76

Holmpton 76

Synchronicity!

Cyprus 23 - Overview (2)

What else?

Familiarity

I improved my knowledge of the Island and its Birds; which was one of my main aims. This obviously enhances the experience and saves time. Google Maps was invaluable when linked to eBird, although it did take me along some interesting tracks at times! It saved me hours. Ebird is a wonderful resource. By selecting the Cyprus map with all Sites, I was able to check (when needed) recent and historical sightings from all areas.

Old friends and Acquaintances

It was nice to see Birders I'd met in the past again. Ian and Kate Bloomer, Jonathan Wasse, Matt Smith, Jane Stylianou, John Lovatt and Colin Richardson. I also spoke to Bill Stacey over the phone. I also got to know a few new faces like Jarrod Hadfield, who found a Cinereous Bunting and the Bar-tailed Lark, amongst others!

ID Issues

Hard to believe I know but I made a few errors! The best way of learning in my book. In my defence, trying to identify tricky birds in the field can be...tricky. Looking later at photos on the laptop in your armchair is much more conducive to a correct outcome...hopefully! Inexperience with certain Species also can lead to confusion, as can the amazingly bright light which can change the appearance of certain Species. Tiredness can also play a part if I'm honest...which I like to think I am. Is that enough excuses? ...lol!

A few examples...

1) A Strange Lark/s

Whilst watching the Collared Pratincole at Lark's Corner, Mandria a couple of Larks dropped in, fairly close to the car...

I like to think I'm pretty familiar with Skylark BUT this bird didn't look like the Skylarks I see at Holmpton, granted photos can be deceptive. It looked smaller (scale can always be an issue...at least for me), paler (bright light) and round-headed. It did suggest Lesser Short-toed Lark (which has now been split Turkestan/Mediterranean) with the streaked breast. Granted on reflection the bill is a problem? All told the combination of factors and my inexperience with LSTL combined to cause a headache. These two birds even caused headaches for local Birders, so I felt better about that. An interesting learning experience which will hopefully help in future?Oh, they were Skylarks!!

2) Black and White Flycatchers

I was hoping to see a SEMI-COLLARED...I think I may have mentioned that! The power of suggestion struck again at Androlikou. Having seen a stunning Collared here (still present on this visit), I returned a few days later hoping to see one. Matt Smith had seen two the previous week! After a fair while I spotted a B&W Flycatcher briefly, without a full collar. I've seen a few Pied over the Years (although not THAT many) and started the re-find. I eventually saw it again briefly before it disappeared.

Pied Flycatcher

How much collar? The point being, when you know there's a chance of "something else" you can convince yourself..."it might be"? On reflection the markings on the body suggest otherwise. Another good learning experience. Large white patch on primary bases and more white on outer tail...apparently.

3) Black and White Wheatears

A glimpse of one at Anarita Park. The bird appeared completely Black and White in the (again) blazing light.

A white wedge was clearly seen. Hints of Finsch's? Then...

Better views later. A stunning bird nonetheless...

(Pale- throated) Eastern Black-eared Wheatear

The Balance?

The crux of my Trips I guess. I like to chase BUT I also like to wait!? So I do both... with Louise's kind approval...of course. According to my dubious counting, I "twitched" SIX birds, 2 were of significant distance... DIEDERIK CUCKOO and BAR-TAILED LARK. I also had a couple of days out with Phil to East and Central areas. We visited 5 main areas on our days out. I totalled around 2,500 miles in 23 days. Some would say too much, some not. I must admit I pushed it on occasions...but I certainly enjoyed it regardless...as I have the full backing of my wonderful Wife. 

Full List

151 Species

Cyprus 23 - Overview (1)

Had some kip now, done some Housework (modern man...ish) and most importantly, picked my lads up from the Kennel/Cattery. My pets are more important than ANY Birding Trip...the bill tells me that!

As already mentioned, it was a great Trip. For the/my record I recorded 151 species on reflection and saw 3 Lifers...namely...

DIEDERIC CUCKOO 

MENETRIES WARBLER 

BAR-TAILED LARK

I added 11 Species to my Cyprus List...in addition to the above were...

Jack Snipe
Spotted Redshank
Sanderling
Black-bellied Sandgrouse
Northern Goshawk
Hume's Warbler
Savi's Warbler
Mourning Wheatear

...bringing my total to 220.

Sites I particularly enjoyed were...in the... 

West...

Baths of Aphrodite

Androlikou

Agia Varvara

Central

Phasouri/Akrotiri Reedbed

East

Cape Greco

Rather than "Best Birds" I'm going to do a "Best Experiences" summary (in chronological order)...which will obviously include Birds....but not necessarily the rarest or "lookers".

Blue Rock Thrush - I had birds at 4 Sites. My first sighting was at Anarita Park on the 17th. This Species oozes class for me. A wonderful indigo blue Thrush that changes shade as the sun catches it. The views Phil and I had on the beach near his Hotel were by far the best I had and was a fantastic shared experience in the sunshine, with no-one else around. The bird performed brilliantly...

Citrine Wagtail - again as previously mentioned, finding birds was my main aim and this was undoubtedly the Rarest bird I unearthed at Agia Varvara on the 19th. I was making my way back to the car having seen very little when this gem appeared right in front of me. A great moment...

Ruppell's Warbler - Always a class act this one. I saw quite a few during the trip but my experience with this bird across the road from our apartment on the 20th was by far the most memorable and satisfying; took a while...

Black-bellied Sandgrouse - a call from Ian Bloomer (thanks pal) on the afternoon of the 22nd around 2.30, alerted me to the fact he'd found a single bird at Mandria. Fortunately we were only 10 minutes away! Excellent directions from Ian enabled me to locate him...and it...fairly quickly. An excellent addition to my Cyprus List and a cracking Bird to boot. An exciting "twitch"...and so close...

I obtained far better views with Phil the next day, when we came back from Akrotiri...

Wonderful Bird and experience

Garganey - before we left for the BBS we had amazing views of a large flock off the West side of the Peninsular. After "eeking" out singles every once in a while back home (time I had another at Duff) the sight of a huge flock was really something...

DIEDERIK CUCKOO - after a mini-twitch with Phil, this was a full blown one for an exceptionally Rare Bird on the 24th. The FULL story is here but worth repeating the "jist" for this summary. After a tense hour help from Matt Smitth enabled me to connect with the Bird. Phew. It's still around as I write. Not to know that though...obviously! This pic sums up the elusive behaviour of the bird; I have to say that because it's the best I could get...

This Species seems to have several different spellings!

Audouin's Gull - I tried two Sites with the help of Jane Stylianou on the way back from the Cuckoo and the second one at Kermia Beach paid off...

Better views were obtained with Phil on the 28th...

A smart, scarce and distinctive Gull

Also on the 28th at the Cuckoo site, Phil found this gorgeous Woodchat Shrike. Definitely worth another mention...

Collared Pratincole - Back to the 25th (if you're still with me). This Species was another that was going to be "on the cusp"...or so I thought? A message from Jonathan Wasse (thanks pal) informed me there was a bird in the newly ploughed field (Larks corner) at Mandria. Being local (fortunately), I made the journey in no time and connected with this superb bird. It sat in the field for a while (looking remarkably pale in the bright sunshine) , it then gave stunning flight views over the area for a good 20 minutes. Brilliant!

Northern Goshawk - A trip North West on the 27th found us heading through Androlikou on our way to the Baths of Aphrodite. As we passed the Goat Farm we stopped for a break. This was Louise's "What's that"? moment...as she spotted this in the distance, gliding low over the trees...

Any Goshawk sighting is a good sighting. Right?

A major surprise.

Griffon Vulture - I HAD to try for this Species at Kensington Cliffs on 30th. I'd read reports that there were double figure numbers present now (re-introduction scheme?). I only found a single bird during our 5 hour stint... but one is better than none!

Collared Flycatcher - A return trip to Androlikou on the 31st acting on information, again, from Matt Smith, found me searching the trees in front of the Goat Farm where I managed to find this stunner...

No luck with SCF but honestly I couldn't have cared less after spending time with this corker!

Great Spotted Cuckoo - First bird I saw at Agia Varvara on 1/4. At last! A species I'd had great difficulty in connecting with until now. Made it all the sweeter...

Black-eared Wheatear - Had some fun with this one, as initial views suggested Finsch's (more on ID in the next post). There are two forms...black-throated and white-throated (for the uninitiated). This individual on April 1st was white-throated and seen well...eventually! A superb individaul first seen around a house then remarkably seen later on the lower track...HAD to be the same bird for me...

Showing well...

Hume's Warbler - more on-line news next day revealed the discovery of a Yellow-browed Warbler at Paphos Headland on the Archaeological Site. Later it became clear the bird had been present for several days? With some help I managed to see and photograph the bird. It was later revealed that the bird was in fact a Hume's Warbler, the first for Cyprus. My pic even made it onto Tarsiger...fame at last...lol!

Cyprus Scops Owl - Good fun at dusk on 3/4. I returned to a Village North of Paphos where I'd previously seen this Species. The site "came back to me" on arrival and the Owls struck up around 7.30. I flight view was followed by great views of two birds by a dead tree stump...

Purple Heron - I was hoping to see something dramatic regarding Vis Mig. On April 5th I got it. I was having a steady stroll around the Headland when a group of 15 appeared and cruised the area for over an hour! A truly spectacular sight.

Bar-tailed Lark - BIG finish day on the 7th started with a rather early drive across the Island to Cape Greco. A walk along the Nature trail was rewarded with a Lifer!!!

A tame bird with a subtle plumage. A very smart bird indeed.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater - The final sighting of my Trip and what a Bird/s. Nine of these beauties on wires at the Lower Esousos. A fitting and spectacular finale...

As well as the Hits, I'll also mention the "Misses" (birds I had a good chance of) for balance!

Ruddy Shelduck - on the cusp

Bittern

Avocet

Ringed Plover

Little Ringed Plover

Greater Sand Plover - very few reports

Whimbrel 

Curlew

Pallid Harrier

Buzzard

Little Owl

Siskin

Short-toed Treecreeper

Sand Martin

Rock Thrush - biggest miss

Song Thrush

There were other possibilities but these gave me the best chance during my "window" IMHO.

My next post will contain ID issues, plus more reflections on my 6th visit to this great Birding Island. Stay tuned...