Always great to see |
Wednesday 29 November 2023
Locally Scarce
Tuesday 28 November 2023
Patch Gold?
I intended to walk the Southern Cliffs this morning but as I reached the sharp bend at the bottom of the hill, I could see Geese...lots of them!
It was a crisp, sunny morning with excellent light. I pulled over and started to "go through" them. It was a fine sight and maybe the chance of something...else? I spent a good hour with them and couldn't turn any into Bean Sp although I did find a White-fronted Pinkfoot?!
Mute Swan (H.130) |
Patch Birders know...
Monday 27 November 2023
York Area
Filthy weather here this morning, so I decided to head inland...through the filthy weather! Traffic was slow through Hull but I needed diesel. I eventually made it to Howden for breakfast...Greggs style!
It was still persisting it down as I reached Bubwith so I decided to head for Melbourne to see if the Waxwings reported there yesterday were still about? I pulled upon the main road by the Pub, gathered my gear and had a stroll. Access is always an issue in residential areas, as is privacy! Google Maps can help though these days and I found a footpath which led to Pocklington Canal which gave me a great view over the area. Almost immediately I spotted them in a tall bare tree around 100 yds away. As I raised my camera they flew off!
I walked back to the car and looked up an alleyway...there they were again not 30yds away. However it seemed to be a driveway to a house. I walked gingerly up the driveway looking for signs of life which came in the form of a couple of barking dogs but no sign of anyone? I retreated and walked around the other side but I still couldn't see anyone. As I reached the alleyway again I could now see a man near the door. He opened it and I asked him if he was aware of the Waxwings? He said he was and I asked him if it was OK for me to get a photo or two. He said it was fine, so I thanked him and walked back up the alleyway and fortunately a few of them were still there....
Sunday 26 November 2023
South End
Redshank (2), Knot, Grey Plover and Lapwing (2) |
Wow! |
Saturday 25 November 2023
Seawatch 2
Yep, I made it down again for 8...bet you're proud of me lol! Gavin was in situ this time. He informed me it was "quiet" so far. I positioned the car at a favourable angle, both for shelter and hopefully Birds!? 30 minutes past with nothing of note...I checked with Gavin!!
Then...a male Goosander (P139, H.126) flying North...a fine sight indeed and...at a reasonable distance. I was brought back down to earth when Gavin came over to inform me he'd "had" a couple of Goldeneye followed shortly by a Little Auk. Ah well.
Gavin left just before 10 but I stuck it out till 10.30. Glad I did as I got my Little Auk (P.140, H.127)!!! A surprisingly quiet session considering the conditions. Still...there's always something out there...well nearly always!
GOT to make the most of the daylight at this time of Year...so...out again after the Footy. I had a drive up to the Cliff/Model Farm at the South of my Village Patch. As I approached the high point, I pulled over to check out the flooded area in the farm field, that has remained, despite things getting relatively drier! As mentioned before (I've probably mentioned most things before by now) give Birds some water and they will come. This was proved yet again as I viewed Lapwing (6), Redshank (2) Knot and my Year Grey Plover (H.129). Timing is everything as a local buzzard proved by sending them high South moments later! Really chuffed to find this group of Waders on the deck. It doesn't happen often...context.
Checking through my "needs" list, I realized I had seen Bullfinch (P.141, H.128) this year, as I had a fine male munching on my Pyracantha berries some time ago.
Friday 24 November 2023
Plan B...again!
Grey Partridges (4) |
It was late! |
Thursday 23 November 2023
BIG Blow!
Strong Westerlies today cleaning the Sea, so I'm deep in future Trip planning. However tomorrow's North-Westerly looks VERY promising for my favourite pastime...Seawatching! I HAVE to have a go, it would be sacrilege to ignore this opportunity. Hopefully there'll be some significant additions to my Year List and some quality viewing generally?
I'll be tucking myself away on the Clifftop from dawn...
Tuesday 21 November 2023
Deep Water
I arrived at NDC at 12.30. We took a walk out to the Platform. As we emerged out of the bushes by the bridge...a HEN HARRIER flew directly over my head!!! I may have peaked too soon? The usual fumbling meant it was up, up and away before I managed a "grab". Still, at least I got something in focus...
Patient...and protective as ever! |
Monday 20 November 2023
A Good Day
Nice stroll with Louise and the lad up past the Bunker this morning to have a look over the Humber. Nothing of note on the outward leg. However Geese were heard on the turn and eventually spotted heading strongly South in an uncharacteristic straight line...well nearly...
PFG (51) |
The Little Owl at the Bunker popped its head out of the Pipe briefly and a Snipe decided to leave the flooded field as we passed. The morning was finished off nicely when I spotted a Coal Tit (P.138, H.124) in the hedge from the lounge.
My Birthday treat...apart from the upcoming Pub Meal of course!
Sunday 19 November 2023
Little Egrets
Saturday 18 November 2023
What's Left?
Saturday 11 November 2023
Sundown Birding
Wednesday 8 November 2023
Waxwings
Tuesday 7 November 2023
Quality
Whooper Swans - part of a herd of 31 |
Industrial Immingham in the background |