Oak Woodlands

One of the VERY best habitats IMHO, especially on a glorious crisp, clear sunny morning, as was Wednesday. I was up at "stupid o'clock" (4am) which enabled me to take Budster a good walk before departure. A Blackcap was already in full song as I opened the front door.

I was heading down Snakey just after 4.30. Plenty of Wildlife evidence with Deer, Hare and various Bird species evident.

I'd arranged to meet Haydn at Howden at 6 for a Greggs breakfast. We both arrived 10 minutes early before enjoying a Latte and Bacon Roll. Thoroughly recommended!

He jumped in the flying wedge and we headed for the Peak District. I'd decided to try and bypass Sheffield by using the M1 rather than M18 and this strategy worked well. A combination of eBird and Google Maps found us at Wyming Brook car park just after 7.30. We were still in Yorkshire... just!

We both agreed we were VERY much looking forward to this.It had been several Years since we had heard our Target Bird sing.

We sorted ourselves out and headed North into the Wood. As we had never been here before we tried the right hand path. It dropped down to the stream, which was stunning but noisy so we decided to scramble up to the higher path. This was much wider, flatter and obviously quieter.

Following this path (VERY handy) we reached an area where Conifers started to appear (as mentioned on the eBird report). Sure enough we started to hear our Target Bird. The next hour or so was bliss as we enjoyed the bird constantly singing in a small territory at low level. Simply brilliant!

The bird was in view almost constantly remaining faithful to a small area which was thankfully just above the track. It was VERY vocal. It never gave itself away completely and we did not pursue it being content to view it from the path as it dodged in and out of the shadows...

After having our fill we strolled back to the car reflecting on how long it had been since we'd heard this special bird in song. Quite a few years! A big bonus was when I spotted this young Tawny Owl enjoying the early morning sun on an extended branch over the Gorge...

Scruffily Cute!

Several Nuthatches were also enjoyed. 

Time to move on to Site 2... namely Padley Gorge. It was only a 20 minute drive "over the tops" into Derbyshire. On entering the Gorge the very first bird we saw was this fabulous Dipper, another quality addition to the Year List...

Ringed

We walked further through this amazing Woodland...

Click for full effect

Haydn's hearing is much better than mine, and helped locate our first Pied Flycatcher...

There were a decent number scattered through the Wood no doubt due to the Nest Boxes. He then heard a Redstart. We reached the area and could still hear it high in the canopy. Haydn got a glimpse but despite giving it a good hour we never got a good view. He then heard a Tree Pipit (glad I brought him lol!) and sure enough as we reached the Moorland, we saw a bird singing from a tall isolated tree. We could both hear Green Woodpecker on several occasions but no views. 

It was approaching Midday and we headed back to the car, satisfied with our haul. There are worse places to spend a late May morning. The undoubted Star of the show was this little fella though...

BEE-EATER - Postscript

A few reflections on yesterday's personal milestone and my Village overall. It seems an appropriate moment. A tad self-indulgent BUT I hope you'll agree...it was rather special!

I've just returned from the morning constitutional, passing the scene of yesterday's triumph...

Cliff Paddock with Sycamores in the distance 

BOC "in the moment" pic

I managed a lone Fulmar (H.95) South.

As already stated when I moved here 12 years ago I had dreams of what I might see here. An isolated Village on the East Coast must offer great potential... right? The thing I like best about Holmpton is just that.... potential. Yes, there can be periods, sometimes extended, when things are...quiet, and to be honest the overall "haul" has been less than expected ("don't expect anything, then you won't be disappointed")!

Also, being adjacent to Spurn can be somewhat frustrating at times when the combination of location and coverage can blow little Holmpton out of the water. It doesn't matter to me these days, as it's all (well nearly) about finding my own.

The thing is (you'll especially appreciate this if you're a Patch Birder) YOUR sightings are just that... personal...and VERY satisfying. When I look back at my records here I'm more than happy... honestly!

So, back to yesterday. I guess it was a reminder how lucky I am to have the opportunity to discover birds in a quiet, secluded Village, giving ample opportunity to "find my own". I have had some help from Richard, Gavin and Jayne on occasions, for which I'm VERY grateful. Just this Year I've added Glaucous Gull, Hooded Crow, PALLID HARRIER and now BEE-EATER. I'm more than happy with that. The last being by far the most satisfying.

It's not all about ticks (believe it or not). I'm blessed with some breeding Species that are scarce or nonexistent (sadly) in many areas...Marsh Harrier, Grey Partridge, Little Owl, Barn Owl, Sand Martin, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting amongst others. Autumn gives hope of Yellow-browed Warbler and maybe even a Pallas's. Snow Bunting is annual and we've even had Shorelark! Crazy records like Nightjar and Hoopoe. Then there's the Sea which offers unlimited potential, as proven by 2 fly-by White-tailed Eagles for example! Even my humble back garden has landed a Hawfinch and Pied Flycatcher in the Birdbath! As I'm writing this I'm surprising myself lol!

Bee-eater is annual in Britain and has bred on more than one occasion. To think though, that after reading the report on Thursday I would be looking at some 300yds from home the day after stretches the boundaries of possibility. The fact they chose my Village to stop off at...is truly incredible! 

I definitely appreciated it!!!

BEE-EATERS!!!

A message yesterday, as I was on my way back from my Mother's...

East Yorkshire: 12 Bee-eaters flew towards Bell Mills area, Driffield late afternoon

Like any self-respecting Patch Birder, I had the usual brief dream that they might turn up in Holmpton. It was quickly dismissed. Last night was spent watching the truly incredible performance from Sheffield Wednesday (always had a soft spot for this great club). I have to admit I stupidly turned the lounge TV off on 97 minutes, only to find out they'd equalized in the 98th to make it 4-4 and take it to extra-time!!! I watched the rest unfold in bed and it was truly amazing. 33,000 plus there isn't too shabby.

This morning I did a few jobs and took Bud a walk along Snakey but it was fairly quiet. After lunch I decided to have an early afternoon stroll along the Cliff (which I rarely do) as the sun had come out and the wind had dropped. As I reached the end of Seaside Road I sat on the bench for a while with my mate on guard... 

Then...I heard something? It was distant noise BUT it sounded...interesting. Then it stopped? Surely not! I decided to walk down the hedge to School Lane to check the area out. Unfortunately as I was half way down a couple form the Village appeared with their two Dogs. Bud isn't very sociable. I ahd another scan and listened but nothing unusual so I turned around and headed for the first Pill. More Doggies around so I turned back towards Seaside. A familiar occurrence.

As I reached the Bench again I could see a Blackbird singing in the distance and thought this was maybe the noise I'd heard briefly. Yesterday's sighting was still nagging though...always optimistic. I then heard more noises...this time I was sure...and extremely excited. I even ran down to the entrance to the Paddock and turned in by the open gate. I scanned down the field to the Sycamores by the far gate. I could see some shapes sat in the top of the small trees...

YES!!!!!!!

A moment that will live long in the memory...especially when I'm seeing nothing for days/weeks! The dilemma now was...if I walked closer I'd flush them but if I went back and walked around the hedge they could have gone by then? They decided for me by taking off and flying West up School Lane. With the trees in full leaf now I wasn't going to get any decent views along the Lane so I decided to drive to the main road and head just South of the Village to see if they had landed. This time my tactic worked out...

They were a good 400 yds away but they were still here. As I took this pic they rose high in the air and headed South West. It was all over in 10 minutes...but it happened! I put the news out and they were seen shortly afterwards going through Spurn.

When I first moved out here in 2011 this was one of the Species I'd dreamed of finding here. Today my dream came true!

Wood Warbler

Not seen one for Years...well 5 and that was a migrant at Spurn. So, after a few hours at Duff where the two Hobbies were still performing well...

47 species seen

...I diverted on my way to my Mother's and tried a couple of spots in the West Peak District.

Firstly to..

I took the short nature trail where the bird had been reported on eBird...

I strolled a couple of laps and hung around for an hour. No joy. Granted it was early afternoon but I thought I had a good chance. I thought wrong!

Nice quiet spot though...

...and a lovely drive over the Pennines. The second site was Stalybridge C.P. It proved to be a Site too far as a combination of a heavy population area and limited access meant a failed attempt. Never mind. I'll try again...but not here!

PITBS

...or Present In The Breeding Season.

I have to say...it's quiet. I won't harp on about the lack of Birds these days...although it's true! I hate NEGATIVITY of any description but it's an inevitable fact that with an increasing World population and consequential reduction in natural Habitat, the future looks grim indeed. There are some positives...but sadly...not many!

Enough.

A few positive local examples...

Marsh Harriers are being seen regularly...

Sand Martins back in force at Old Hive.

House Martins are back at Intack.

Corn Bunting...

Grey Partridge...

and Yellow Wagtails present on Snakey plus Yellowhammers...

and Linnets ALL in good numbers. 

A pair of Little Owls on territory.

There that's positive! Plenty to enjoy...still!

Over to Lancs again tomorrow...

Holmpton 93

Snakey on Fire!

We can all get a bit blase about our local area...can't we? When you've not seen anything...significant for quite a while...there's sometimes an element of ...same old, same old. However, Birding always gives hope of a surprise or two.  This morning was a case in point.

I had to pop to Ottringham to the Post Office. I set off along Snakey and it was obvious from the offset it was ..."Birdy" There's definitely more Linnets around this Year and a good sprinkling of Yellowhammers.

As I was around half-way along a Male Marsh Harrier crossed the road in front of me...

...and disappeared North...

As I was pulling over I noticed a pair of Grey Partridges in a recently sown field...

Definitely a BIG surprise to 'see' them at this time of Year. They seemed totally relaxed as they fed. Using the car as a hide I waited hoping they would come closer. They eventually did...

Male

After having my fill I continued West. As I reached the Corn Bunting area...yep...

I finished the Lane with a Stock Dove on the road. Not a bad haul on a 3 mile stretch of road. "Count yer blessing" and all that!

On my return I couldn't see the Grey Partridges...but 3 Yellow Wagtails together at the Eastern end, more than made up for it!

After lunch I decided to have a ride down to Patrington Haven. Again I drove along Snakey and blow me down one of the GP was on the road! It was dangerously oblivious to my car, probably more concerned with its partner! I pulled over and managed to get a closer shot as it called...

I can safely say this is my best ever pic of this Species. Definitely a refresher on how fortunate I am to see these Birds so close to home.

After lunch I had a couple of hours down Patrington Haven. Nothing new but great to watch the Avocets (C30) coming and going between the islands and at least 4 Marsh Harriers patrolling. Speaking of MH I saw the male again on the way back from Tesco!

Back to NDC in the morning...

Good Morning

Arrived at Howden around 9 and stopped off for refreshments. A phone call...it was Hayden. "Little Gull at Duff from Geoff Smith Hide"!

Cue hasty exit from Greggs. On arrival I grabbed my bins and camera and headed for the Hide. It had moved across the far side BUT it was still present! Only my 3rd record here. After thanking him for the shout we settled down for a good session. He told me he'd had a Tawny Owl in the car park also but it had flown off.... somewhere out of sight. Not a bad start!

After around an hour a couple of Hobbies appeared. Quite a morning! They gave a fantastic prolonged display over the scrape and river before eventually being joined by the Little Gull. Magic!! They were still present when I departed at 2...

Things got even better when a couple of Common Terns appeared along the River.

So, even though viewing the water is getting difficult due to the emergent vegetation the reserve is still "catching" viewable Birds. There were also decent numbers of Warblers present including 2 Lesser Whitethroat.

Swifts came and went and the "summering" Whooper Swan remains.

Year 93

The Day got better...much better!

You're aware of the local grapevines by now...North and South. This morning it was South, as a report of an Osprey came through...heading North!?

As I reached the Cliff another report informing me it had U-turned...then, it landed on the Breach. The Dog walk was sorted and we headed for the "Second Pill". I gave it 3 hours but no joy...unfortunately. I'd had a good run...

Hooded Crow

Penduline Tit

GREY-HEADED LAPWING

Pallid Harrier

Time for lunch.

Around 1 I had to go to Patrington, so I continued down to the Haven. My first visit this Year. After parking I walked South down to towards the Pumping Station. The new habitat East of the Drain was looking well...

The landscaping work is excellent IMHO. I counted 24 Avocets (obviously more around). As I continued South a large, silent bird flew low along the drain...

A surprising but VERY welcome May Short-eared Owl. I watched it head down the drain and then  fortunately it landed on the bank...

I think I'd been rumbled. What a great bird! It continued South towards the Humber. I then heard a Cuckoo, always special. I followed the sound but couldn't find it...or hear it! Then, it struck up again...and again. It seemed to be coming from an isolated bush...

A couple more blasts but no sign. Then, it popped up on top briefly before flying off...

The next 30 minutes were spent trying to re-locate it despite no further calls. Eventually I found it...

One of my main aims in Spring is to get good views of this special bird. Today I achieved it...

Calling Cuckoo

As I was taking pics another Birder appeared. It was Mike Pilsworth (apologies for not recognising you initially). I hadn't seen him for years!

We discussed the new habitat and it turned out he'd been one of the advisors on the design. Job well done! We walked back to our cars and departed. He left first but parked someway up Outstray Lane. As I approached his car I caught sight of a large bird above me to my right. Surely not...

I love this pastime!!!

Only my 4th record for the Patch after a couple at Spurn and one at Holmpton. A good decision...

This and That

Health check for the "Old Girl" this morning...that's the Car! It was no hardship pulling myself away from the coast and a stiff Easterly! A nervous hour resulted in a clean bill of health and a new MOT Certificate. As I was in Hull...yep...onward to Duff. Still glowing from the positive result, I was soon brought down to Earth when a passing Lorry leaving a building site, deposited a stone on my Windscreen, cracking it. Triumph and Disaster and all that. That's life!

Time to clear the head. The perfect tonic was the sight of c10 Swifts (87) hawking insects over the scrape in front of the Geoff Smith Hide. Wonderful! Nothing else of note in 30 minutes so I had a walk down to Garganey Hide...no Garganey again but a singing Garden Warbler (88) was a BIG surprise.

A pleasant couple of hours was spent. Highlights being...

Hobby
Little Egret 3
Dunlin 6

Curlew 12 - some displaying.

Common Tern 2

House Martin c30

Sand Martin c20

Sedge Warbler

Willow Warbler 4

Chiffchaff 4

Returning home meant a good walk for the lad. As I reached the Cliff Paddock I checked for...anything! What greeted me was another first. I'd never seen a Whimbrel here before...

Another one for the "I wouldn't be out if I didn't have to take Bud" List!

Quieter

3 singing Whitethroats (H.90) this morning plus (finally) a Yellow Wagtail (H.91) on Snakey this afternoon.

Hopefully a trip to Duff tomorrow after an MOT. Fingers 🤞

GREY-HEADED LAPWING

 

A grand day out. More tomorrow...

A bit more...A message...

9.33 Northumberland GREY-HEADED LAPWING Low Newton-by-the-Sea

New one on me?

***Hold that thought***

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

Another message just now...

11.36 Pallid Harrier North along Beacon Lane

The Post will have to wait!!! I drove to the bottom of School Lane but then changed my mind and headed for Cliff Farm...just in time to see the Bird flying North over the House (memories of my second White-tailed Eagle sighting). Rather chuffed. A brief fingers and thumbs moment before I managed a record shot as it headed down towards Old Hive...

A BOC pic for more atmosphere!?

A fantastic moment after a virtually Birdless Dog walk. How the mood can change! Again, chuffed I reacted so quickly...as I'd only just sat down after the walk. A quality Village addition...(191).

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

Where was I? Oh yes...the Lapwing. Never heard of it BUT I was leaning towards an attempt...Insurance? I didn't have time to weigh things up or research the Bird as every second can counts. I was going and let's see what develops as I travel. Made sense to me. A brief pit stop at Hull for a coffee before heading West along the A63/M62 to Ferrybridge and the A1 North. A brief chat with Steve Lawton at the stop meant he was "in" so I picked him up at Wetherby and we continued North. Thankfully the Bank Holiday traffic was kind and we reached Low Newton around 1.45. We found a parking spot and headed for the Site which was some 600 yds away...

A decent number of admirers were present but there was plenty of room for all. Thankfully the area was fenced off and the bird was feeding happily in the grass. A quick initial look through a Birders scope is always wise I feel...you never know! It relieves the tension!! My first view...

A bit of a surprise as it was the first time I'd seen the Bird!!! Have to say the head at first glance did suggest Pigeon...did I say that? It did have some positive aspects...it was an elegant bird with long yellow legs (hints of White-tailed) and bill. It also looked lovely in flight (from photos) although we weren't fortunate enough to see this aspect. It suited the setting in the grass, the green background setting the Bird off nicely. We spent a good hour with the Bird before heading South again...happy...

There will no doubt be the usual debate on Provenance? Having had a quick dip into a few sources including eBird it seems there is a recent record of a Bird from 2019 on the "Near Continent" that did the rounds in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. I overheard that a record from Turkey (still a fair way off granted) has recently been accepted. Time will tell? 

Whatever the outcome, it was an exciting experience. 

...and yet...there's EVEN more...you lucky readers! Mid-afternoon a message from Jayne informed me that the Little Owl (88) was showing at the Bunker. I sneaked a quick peep for a Year Tick. A couple of runs along Snakey hoping for a Yellow Wagtail...or something, produced a cc Marsh Harrier and a...Hobby (89)! My luck will run out soon...?