Gamble reconsidered!

Things transpired against me; mustn't be greedy The NORTHERN PARULA was thoroughly searched for by (amongst others) Adam Archer (Thursday) and Paul Freestone (Friday) with no joy. Hence an aborted mission. I'm keen but not stupid (debatable).

Still plenty of MEGA/Rarity interest Nationwide with many troops now on Shetland at peak time. I flirted with a trip but declined for reasons already aired. 

So, we've reached the end of an unprecedented September. October to come...bring it on!

Scilly Gamble?

Time of Life I guess. I have an opportunity for a day trip on Saturday...so I'm taking it. Why? Well...

1.There's a chance the NORTHERN PARULA is STILL on St Martin's. It IS my "most wanted". The fact it's on Scilly makes it far more special to me.

2. Storm Agnes has passed through and MAY have brought something else?

3. I love an adventure, ESPECIALLY to Scilly!

I'm over on the first plane (8.15) and off on the last (17.45) giving me chance to make the most of my day on the Islands. Obviously a lot can happen before Saturday but I'm going regardless. You've read all my "hits and misses" stories by now, suffice to say it'll be another roller-coaster ride in this El-Nino Year.

Back again on October 13th for a proper 2 week visit!

Autumn 23 - the story so far

Not bad!!!!!!

STILL recovering to be honest. I covered some ground to be fair...solo. Things are STILL lively and it's still September! The "Superstars" are lingering, as they tend to do in Autumn. All still present...except the PHILADELPHIA VIREO. I'd love to try for the NORTHERN PARULA on Scilly BUT Storm Agnes (how appropriate) is hurtling towards the Archipelago as I write.

Today...a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER has joined the Party on Shetland.

News this evening of an "unidentified" American Bird on Scilly? El Nino is definitely having an effect. A perfect Year to do a Big One as Sandy Komito figured out when attempting an ABA one. The usual Shetland/Scilly banter online which I stay well clear of. I had to laugh when a picture of the large crowd at the BW was captioned with "more Birders here than on the whole of Scilly". Firstly, that would be hard to prove and secondly that suits me fine.

ANY MEGA will obviously attract a large crowd BUT Islands have less Birders than the Mainland and Scilly has less than Shetland. Also more chance to "find your own" in a MUCH smaller area. I live in hope!

As exciting as this unprecedented influx is...a word of warning...especially to the younger element. Gobbling them all up can have repercussions in later life. I'm trying to balance things as I near 67. The problem is...I don't know how long I've got left...then again who does!?

I strive for quality experiences. A memorable adventure with a top Bird at the end of it...as was my visit to Ramsey Island for the BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. Unfortunately the CANADA WARBLER experience was the opposite end of the spectrum. An unavoidable circumstance.

I hope there are more of the former than the latter in the future...

AMERICAN WARBLERS 3-2-1!!!

Blimey!!!

I've done (click the number if you missed it)...

3rd for Britain

On my way back along the M4 on Thursday afternoon (I think it was Thursday!) I pulled into a services for a break and refreshments. I sat in the car for a while hopefully appreciating the magnitude and beauty (always been one of my favourites during my Texas visits) of the Bird I'd just seen...

10.55: BAY-BREASTED WARBLER Ramsey Island, Pembrokes

A tad of overlap...but never mind.

2nd for Britain

As you are aware having driven through the night from East Yorkshire, I was hoping for an easy cruise back. Fortunately or unfortunately news soon followed that there would be no boats till Saturday which made my mind up for me! I'd been to the Island once before in 1995 for the INDIGO BUNTING...we've done that one also. What to do? I tried ringing Blue Shark Charters the company that takes a boat out there but I couldn't get through...time is the essence in these situations as there "might be" others attempting the very same thing! You should be able to read through my words by now?

I then tried the website and sure enough it was possible to book a place for Saturday...so I did...10am. Definitely worth a gamble.

Other MEGAS present on Thursday

BOBOLINK - Skomer

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER - Gwynedd

TENNESSEE WARBLER - Barra

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER - Scilly

Note: I don't "do" Ireland

I took it easy Friday!!!

I had appointment in Hull Friday evening so I loaded up the V70 and headed in for 7. Louise happy and Buddy sorted. Excellent Fish and Chips in Anlaby before I headed West the South, retracing my previous route. I knew the way now! Fortunately there were no road closures and I settled down for a few hours on the A449...again. I awoke around 5 and continued to the M4 before heading West once more. These days I like to allow more time...just in case?

As I approached the Site...this was the stunning view over St Brides Bay at 7.30...

Click for a bigger pic...as always

As you can see it was a beautiful calm, clear morning....fortunately! I continued to the parking area, along the usual winding narrow roads and found a parking spot. It was now 8.30. Plenty of troops already there... 

The queue had formed

...no doubt some had slept overnight having stayed down in the area. My Dog is worth it! The first boat left at 9.30 and as I joined the chaps...THIS happened...

9:14: CANADA WARBLER St Govan's Head, Pembrokes

As already stated the queue contained many experienced Twitchers...but there were looks of genuine disbelief at what was unfolding (including yours truly) and it hadn't finished yet!!! Some present were on the midday boat which left them with a dilemma. Could they make the c35 mile there and back in time. I doubted it! Another fascinating twist of events. As far as I'm aware nobody left, after all, there was a BAY-BREASTED WARBLER waiting. First things first!

The boat returned...

The on-board procedure was thorough and professional as the 40 hopefuls boarded...4 boat loads went during the day...

It was a "who's who" of Britsih Twitchers as EVERYONE "needed" this Species! The first record was seen by non-Birders briefly at Land's End on October 1st 1995. Positive news had come through early off the Island, which calmed nerves to an extent BUT still no guarantee...until seen for oneself...of course.

Once landed, we had the introductory talk from the RSPB staff before Birders started to make their way up the steep slope to joint he first group who were apparently viewing the Bird...on and off. I lingered  a short while as I wanted to find out the arrangements for our return...understandably!!! I was informed it would be "first come, first served at 12.30 when the next boatload came across.

The next hour was bliss as we all enjoyed cracking views of this VERY special Bird in wonderful surroundings...

The bird was mobile but on view most of the time. It was below us for a while...

c40 yards

...but eventually it flew up the hill, even landing by the path briefly. There was an understandable flurry of activity at this point. I did manage to fire a few off once I'd got a clear view but alas...

If only!

It flew off up the slope and landed in the brambles by a wall...

It then actually perched on the wall. I'd seen a very similar picture online the previous day, so it was obviously part of its routine...

Down the hatch

Having had my fill I descended back down to the Quay to make sure I was on that boat. The word must have got around...

A perfect twitch.

As the others arrived a decent number stood with me on the lower Quay. Reception was iffy but this is the sequence of news we were treated too which again left us in all in disbelief...

10.50: PHILADELPHIA VIREO - Barra

11..36: NORTHERN PARULA - Scilly

12.07: OVENBIRD - Rhum

12.49: EMPID FLYCATCHER - Gwynedd

I've run out of superlatives!!! 

I still "need" the top two. This sent some of the younger element into overdrive regarding the logistics of reaching some of these locations. Phones were red-hot trying to arrange access to Barra, Scilly and Rhum. It was fascinating to watch them in operation...and it passed the time.

Once back on the Mainland, I made the steep accent to the car park, took my gear off, keyed in my next location and off I went to negotiate the narrow roads of West Wales back towards St Gowan's Head...where it all started early on Thursday morning! I believe the SAME Birder found both Birds!!!!!!

1st for Britain

I found myself on Site around 3. It was a slightly different scene to the one I'd just left. In a word...chaotic! A single track road to the coast car park with cars parked on both sides! It was an understandably popular location, unfamiliar with Birders coming and going. I found a spot and headed towards the bushes. I couldn't see many Birders...because they were all IN the bushes! I negotiated a spot and waited. Viewing was VERY difficult as I'm sure you can imagine. The bird kept to a small area but was very skulking, showing briefly in various areas. You had to be there. I was once...briefly. No pic and not an enjoyable experience BUT a first for Britain on my List, so I'll take it!

So, in THREE days I'd seen THREE American Warblers. All new to my British List. Incredible!!!

As well as Rare Birds there are Rare Weather Systems...and this could possibly have been the best EVER! A fast moving system dropping Birds in a specific area of Wales...and beyond. I would have been happy to see one of these in my Lifetime, to see all three...well!

MAGNOLIA WARBLER - 3rd for Britain!

1st: 1981 Isles of Scilly Barnaby Lane, St Agnes, 27th and 28th September

2nd: 2012 Fair Isle, Lerness, male, 23rd September 

...and then...

Scrolling through the news on Wednesday evening...

PALLAS'S GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Foula

CLIFF SWALLOW - St Mary's, Scilly

Empid FLYCATCHER - Skokholme

BROWN BOOBY - South Gare

19:03: MAGNOLIA WARBLER - St Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire

MY WORD...I thought!!!

Could I sort a visit Thursday morning. I won't bore you with the minutiae; suffice to say I did to the satisfaction of my conscience...which is paramount...and Louise of course...which is Mnt Everest!!! 

I left home at 9pm. There was no problem...until the Sat Nav told me the M4 was closed and there was no alternate route!? I found one. I arrived at 6am (after grabbing a couple of hours on the A449) to a packed car park. Fortunately I managed to squeeze her in. I've changed my approach as returns diminish with age. "Wait for news" isn't an option these days as previous dips are etched into my consciousness! Notably the HERMIT THRUSH at Porthgwarra in 2013.

I sorted myself out and stood in the twilight as the troops assembled. We then headed off along the Coastal path...

6.25

Figuring the locals knew the route I followed the chaps, trying not to trip! We ended up in a small valley with (thankfully) plenty of room for everyone. The opposite hillside was being grilled as the light improved...

7.22...focussed

Amazingly someone picked it up at its roost site!!! I didn't. Plenty of directions being given...some more useful than others...but all well meaning. Some of the more humorous remarks...once you'd seen it...

"It's above the red berries"

"It's in the hole"

"It's in the bracken"!

I recognized plenty of faces and had a chat with Andrew Kinghorn who helped me locate the elusive and wide ranging target. It was good to see him again.  The bird eventually came down nearer the path and moved up the Valley, meaning it was inevitably followed by the admirers. It ended up at the top of the Valley in an open area, again, plenty of room for everyone...

I left around 9.30 as I had to get back for Bud. No doubt some cracking pics were obtained but for the record, here's a few of mine...giving a flavour of its elusive nature lol!

A BOC I sent before returning

Definitely yet another top-drawer MEGA (you know my preference for the West). Most come around again eventually BUT some are FAR more significant and memorable than others...THIS is such a Species.

Anyway, I can't hang around...

9.19: BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire - still behind white building

I've got to plan tomorrow's Twitch (Site of my 1995 INDIGO BUNTING). Back down to South West Wales...only 35 miles from my last visit! Only ONE previous record, again in 1995 at Land's End which was "untwitchable".

The latest "system" has dropped an unprecedented number of American birds in Britain. Fortunately it's happened during my retirement...all part of the master plan! Yes, I've missed a few (did I mention that?!) BUT I'm more than happy with this Year's haul so far...and it's STILL September! I booked a place on a boat yesterday...optimistically. Fingers crossed...

Just one more...

Those twigs!

BROWN BOOBY - Gallery

Without hopefully "over-egging the pudding" I thought I'd post a few more photos from yesterday's successful and lucky trip to Teeside, now I've got my breath back!

Monsoon and frankly dangerous conditions early doors, through Hull and beyond and steady rain as I reached home at 3pm. We fortunately had a calm and dry 3 hour "window" whilst we were "on site". The fact the bird was on the Pier and not a Buoy was also rather lucky!

A typically scenic view!

I'll limit it to 6, of varying quality. Hopefully they give more of a flavour of the event...

9.24...

10.07...

10.15...

10.17...

10.19...

Pity the light wasn't better but it didn't matter. 

We also had a try for the adjacent Wryneck. Haydn managed to get on it before it disappeared into the undergrowth. Yours truly was too slow, just managing a "flight blur". I did find a rather smart Wheatear for him, his FOY...

A great morning, sharing a top Bird...

BROWN BOOBY - Revisited

VERY early start this morning (5am), with good reason! It was time to try again for Better View Desired of the superb BROWN BOOBY which is settled in the Tees Estuary. A message from Haydn yesterday informing me he was going this morning clinched it. After taking "his Lordship" for a walk, I left around 5.30 in torrential rain which continued unabated until I reached Greggs at Howden for the traditional Bacon Roll and Latte.

I reached Haydn's house at 7.35 and he drove the rest of the way to South Gare, for which I was VERY grateful as it's 3 hours from my house in this enormous County! Thankfully the rain had stopped (as forecast) as he parked up and we gathered our gear, although it was still overcast with heavy cloud cover. We could see a lone Birder on a hill who informed us he "had" a Long-tailed Skua. We couldn't locate it but then asked about the BOOBY? He pointed to the South and we could then see a small group of Birders looking West into the Bay. We took the path to join them. As we approached the group Haydn picked up the BB in flight at fairly close range!

First gloomy view at 9.12

Over the next hour we enjoyed superb views of this MEGA Rarity perched, in flight and feeding. 

Absolutely superb!!!

After my bad luck with the fog on my last attempt (and the loooong day at Hunmanby Gap) it made the views this morning all the more sweeter!

American Warblers

It's THAT time of Year!

A time for reflection as I take an enforced breather from my Twitching adventures due to circumstances already aired. Two Species I "need" have already turned up this Autumn; namely YELLOW WARBLER (7th Record) on Foula and TENNESSEE WARBLER (7th Record) on St Kilda. I'm recovering well from the "Cold Turkey" lol! I've missed 2 records of each now, so hopefully third time lucky...for both? 

Despite having a strong compulsion to "chase" these birds, I've tempered my desire by looking at the "big picture". It also made me think about reviewing my previous British connections. So, out of interest (hopefully) here they are...

1996: BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER, Tresco, IOS. 26th October.

1997: COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, St Mary's, IOS. 23rd October.

1997: BLACKPOLL WARBLER, Tresco, IOS. 24th October. 4 records altogether including one in Yorkshire.

2004: OVENBIRD, St Mary's, IOS. 28th October.

2011: NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, St Mary's, IOS. 22nd October.

2013: CAPE MAY WARBLER, Unst, Shetland. 29th October.

2014: YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, High Shincliffe, Co Durham. 9th February.

2017: AMERICAN REDSTART, Barra, Outer Hebrides. 13th September.

2022: BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, Bryher, IOS. 14th October.

Misses...

1989: GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, Kent...too far at the time with young family.

2014: NORTHERN PARULA, Tiree...mid-week Bird...working.

2015: WILSON'S WARBLER, Lewis...on Scilly.

There you go then. There have been other Species BUT I wasn't "in the hunt", as they were before my time or "untwitchable".

Looking to the future one thing IS for sure...they'll keep coming and I need some to go for...maybe later this Year...on Scilly preferably! I WON'T be leaving Scilly (October 13th - 27th) and will be hoping at least one...comes to me...like last Year. I can hope, if not expect. I'm more than happy with my haul these days BUT I still want to add some birds depending on circumstances. I prefer the thrilling encounters. The "turn up knowing it's there" twitches are more of an obligation with little adrenaline produced. Uncertainty is the key. More difficult these days with technology BUT still possible.

I WILL still travel North to Scottish Islands (bleak and grim) and have done so on many occasions BUT I much prefer the South West, a much more fulfilling and enjoyable region with great memories for me. I DO love Papa Westray to be fair but the brutal weather, logistics and huge distances on Shetland I found...limit Birding time far too much. Much more pleasant IMHO to stroll around Scilly with the wonderful Inter-Island boats to take you there. Recent Years have certainly quietened the "Scilly has had its day" brigade! Twitch North...Holiday South West. Louise would definitely agree with that!!

Here's to the next one...Cheers!

A Tale of two Patches

A pleasant couple of Hours at Duff yesterday afternoon, if a little toasty (26c).  As previously mentioned I'm trying to put a few more Autumn visits in since I retired. The habitat is rather dry at the moment...

The bridge area revealed a couple of Bullfinches and Blackcaps in 30 minutes. The warmer Autumns mean very little "leaf fall" yet which doesn't help observation. A small skein of Pink-footed Geese flew east calling through the heat haze...always a pleasure and the true sign of Autumn...

I then had a walk down to Garganey Hide...

...where I spent a relaxed hour. Highlights...

Marsh Harrier 3cc

Red Kite

Over the Derwent

Buzzard

Sparrowhawk fem

Whinchat

...can't complain! 

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

This morning I was down on the cliff edge at 6.30! I know, uncharacteristic!! Fortunately it was a lovely daybreak...as you can see...

It was immediately apparent that there was a movement of RT Divers South. I logged 45 in the first hour, then someone turned the tap off. Among them was a rather smart Black-throated. Plenty of Gannets and Scoter about and I managed to squeeze a juvenile Kittiwake out of the Black-headed Gulls.

It was approaching 8 and things had quietened down, then...

7.59: East Yorkshire UPLAND SANDPIPER Spurn. One flew South over the Warren and continued South towards the point

I wonder if it flew over my head?

It was definitely worth a trip down the road...just in case? As I drove down Easington Straight I remembered a message on the WhatsApp from yesterday referring to a Turtle Dove sighting on Peters Lane. A modern Rarity...unfortunately. As I was passing I thought I might as well take a peek. I approached the entrance to South Farm and noticed a large flock of "Heinz 57" Pigeons on a wire. I checked them out; nothing doing. I then passed the entrance and noticed a group of Collared Doves gathered around a telegraph pole. I stopped and scanned. A couple of birds were partially obscured, so I edged along the road, still in the car...

Stay safe

Great to catch up with one during the Year if possible and so close to home.

Auks offshore

I've never seen as many as this Year. Large groups at all distances, some very close. 

More Guillemots than Razorbills but all nice to see locally.

The BROWN BOOBY continues in the Tees Estuary and is being admired from both shores, as well as from boats going out for closer views. As you can imagine this is generating some strong comments on antisocial media! As you know I say well clear!!

The YELLOW WARBLER is, of course, having an extended stay on Foula. It's history for me due to current circumstances. The main issues are payment for Scilly and my wonderful German Shepherd.

The RED-FOOTED BOOBY is still around but is becoming more and more unpredictable, coupled with the fact there are less trips out to search for it.

Local(ish) Twitch

I couldn't manage the BIG ONE but I "needed" a run out yesterday, especially as my neighbour was doing some DIY and the fog was lingering. Where to go?

I wanted to stay in the County; trouble is, it's a BIG County! News came through that the Adult female BROWN BOOBY was still in the Tees Estuary on a Buoy and viewable from South Gare. That'll do I thought...maybe I'll get a closer view and a better pic? A fair hike from here but there you go.

A63 - M62 - A1 - A168 - A19...simple as that?! My decision was enhanced by this news...

12.03: Cleveland Buff-breasted Sandpiper Saltholme RSPB on causeway

Quite a bonus! Probably my favourite wader, especially after seeing an unforgettable large flock (c100) displaying in Texas in Spring 22...

I arrived at Saltholme and parked up and joined the small group of Birders along an extremely busy main road. Less than ideal! I was greeted with the unfortunate news that the bird had just been flushed by a Peregrine and had flown off high. I set my scope up and scanned the birds present, only Lapwings and Black-tailed Godwits remained. I gave it 30 minutes but the bird didn't return.

Phil got a rather nice shot of the Marizion Bird!

I then drove the relatively short distance to South Gare (this site is in Historical Yorkshire and is counted as so for Listing purposes). I drove the long narrow entrance road and parked as close to the end as possible. This area is not aesthetically pleasing, particularly when you're passing the demolished Steelworks!!!

As I gathered my gear a lady appeared with hers. She told me the best place to view and how to get there. I made my way to the end of the concrete promontory and set up my scope. I could see a couple of buoys and sure enough on number 5, there it was...

The above pics were taken without the converter to give some perspective on the Estuary. I thought that was a good idea until 2 minutes later out of nowhere...this!

I DO have bad luck sometimes! Needless to say it didn't clear in the next 45 minutes, so I headed home. At least I'd seen it...but not as well as I had hoped for. Oh...and it was still in Yorkshire for me!