Locally Scarce

Checked on the PFG first...still present. I then carried on to Skeffling hoping for Whoopers...I was in luck...

Always great to see

An uninvited guest?

On to Stone Creek but not before enjoying a beautiful pale Buzzard in the sun at Sunk Island...

The sun was still shining as I reached Stone Creek. I took Bud a walk along the straight hoping for some "action" Almost immediately I saw a Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl having a disagreement. After around an hour 1 of the three HH present finally gave me an opportunity....

Love the wing pattern...

An excellent morning.

Mid-afternoon I did the Tesco run via Snakey. It paid off when I came across a Little Egret doing a balancing act in the Winter Wheat. Again, repeated scanning paid off...

After pinching a couple from the bedroom window 10 days ago, it was nice to "earn" one...

It soon flew off high to the South. Plenty around the Humber...not here!

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?!

Have I mentioned I like this Species? They looked like they were enjoying the sunshine...

I returned home with Bud and took him down Seaside Road to the Cliff. Yep, it's going to be another one of those "context" moments. As you are aware, I'm into most aspects of this wonderful pastime, from National Twitching to Patch Birding. As I approached the Cliff a bird passed by flying steadily North, a large bird of the Wildfowl family. Very common...but not here due to lack of suitable habitat. Any ideas? It was a Year Tick...at the end of November. Now then, bearing in mind the hundreds of occasions I'd "walked the walk" this Year, it gave me a real buzz to finally add this bird to my Village Year List. Answer at the end of the Post.

Flushed with success I returned alone to Cliff Farm and started my Coastal walk North towards Old Hive. A Skylark on the walk down was a surprise. As I reached the Copse the first of 3 Woodcocks exploded out of the grass. One only flew a short distance but unfortunately I couldn't pick it out before once again it flew off...low, silent and straight.

I continued on towards Mill Hill...

A hoped for movement in the stubble...

They really are little belters, especially in the sunshine...

I reckon there were 4 birds present over a 100yd area. A couple in flight and another out in the field...

Great stuff in ideal sunny and still conditions. As I returned to the car I had a panoramic view of the Goose flock...

oh...and the answer to the Quiz?

Mute Swan (H.130)

Patch Birders know...

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....

I don't intentionally trespass under any circumstances, as I want a relaxing experience, free from hassle and this was such an occasion, even though the weather was still poor.

As I was "up this way" I continued to Fangfoss to see if the Bewick's Swans were still present. A Rare Species in Yorkshire these days...unfortunately. Again with the help of Google Maps I was satisfied I found the correct location but alas there was no sign of the Swans.

After grabbing some lunch at the "maze" of a Services at Pocklington, I headed for the Carrs arriving at 1. The rain had stopped but it was still very dull as I headed out towards the Platform. It was great to see good numbers of Winter Thrushes (c200) still aboutbut there was nothing else of note. The water level had dropped around 6 feet. A quick scan over the gloomy Carrs revealed plenty of Wildfowl now in residence. Good numbers of Whooper Swans (c80) were present in the far distance on Ellerton Ings.

Easily three figures of both Wigeon and Teal now and both common Species of Goose were well represented. I picked out a few distant Pintail and was chuffed to spot two pairs distantly in flight...

Scanning the far end (c1 mile) it was pleasing to see 3 Marsh Harriers together...

The Goldeneye flock had increased to a personal record count of 16 which included two adult males...here's one of them...

I headed for the car park at 3.30 enjoying large flocks of Lapwings coming in to roost on the banks...

That was that then, or so I thought. As I turned the corner a Barn Owl flew across the field and over the trees towards the Platform. I pursued it but couldn't re-locate.

Sunshine forecast tomorrow, so some coastal stomping will be the order of the Day...

South End

Firstly, back to yesterday afternoon. On checking my pics I DID manage an image of my VERY unusual Wader "flock"...

Redshank (2), Knot, Grey Plover and Lapwing (2)

No big deal on the Humber BUT a rare gathering here, making them far more special. Almost as rare as the scrape!!!

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

I started along Rysome Road on an overcast morning in my continuing search for Waxwings. No joy but there were some pristine migrant male Blackbirds in evidence...

On the way back I checked for Little Owl...

I then drove slowly further down the road. I saw a shape deep in the bushes...

Wow!

Quite a surprise. Again, an excellent record in context. I'd never found one in bushes before! It was only seen for a few seconds thanks to my friend in the back!!

I then headed up towards Cliff Farm, checking yesterday's "Wader pool". Nothing there this morning except the usual Gulls. I had 30 minutes from the Clifftop which proved unremarkable. I checked the pool for Snipe without success but a chestnut bullet in the form of a Woodcock was adequate compensation.

A couple of runs along Snakey paid off as I picked up a decent covey of Grey Partridges (8) in the Winter wheat, making them much easier to see!

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.

Plan B...again!

Well...I made it down to the Cliff just after 8 to find Richard already in situ. I gathered my clobber from the car including my historic Texas Chair and joined him in the shelter of the increasingly strong North-West wind. Surprisingly it was quiet...VERY quiet. I had a RTD South but NOTHING else. After around 20 minutes Richard picked up a distant Sooty Shearwater (P.139, H.125) heading quickly North. Fortunately it passed close to the Canada Buoy enabling me to connect...briefly. Unfortunately a heavy shower (that wasn't forecast) arrived which meant an abrupt end to my relatively brief session! Still, a late Year Tick I wasn't expecting. Maybe tomorrow?

A phone call from Louise had me dutifully in Keyingham, so I continued to Hedon, then Hull, then Duff. I had to return early but I had a good couple of Hours. It was more like the sea than a flood plain and the wind was whistling through the shutters... but I managed. Unsurprisingly NOTHING out in middle but a decent amount tucked up by the bushed to the NW including c 80 Shelduck. Raptors were represented by Red Kite and Marsh Harrier. I also counted 12 Herons scattered around the edges. I kept scanning the perimeter hoping for something different and eventually succeeded when I located a small flock (c20) of Pink-footed Geese (102) through a small gap in the bushes...

After getting the new shoes for the V70 and completing the Tesco run, I stopped off near the Sewage for some light refreshment. It was now gone 4. I movement in the twilight...

Grey Partridges (4)

It was late!

What will the Sea reveal tomorrow?

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...

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...

Great to see this Bird is still around, despite the deep flood limiting hunting opportunities. It disappeared South East towards Bubwith...

I didn't see it again during my 3.5 hour visit. We had an hour on the Platform and the highlight was a male Marsh Harrier distantly over the flood....

Patient...and protective as ever!

The rest of the visit was spent in the Geoff Smith Hide. On entry another Birder was present. He informed me there were some Goldeneye at the far end. I had hoped the deep water might attract some diving Ducks and it seems it had. I soon located them with Ben's help. A record shot...

You'll have to take my word for it! This flock of 8 is the largest I've seen here.

I could see a large herd of Whooper Swans in the distance at Ellerton...but they don't count! Fortunately a lone Bird flew steadily West across the Reserve calling constantly. I just "caught" it...

The water level is still extremely high limiting habitat and therefore Species. The fringes are still attracting some Waders mainly Lapwings and some Wildfowl but not much actually OUT on the water. Still...what a view...

29 Species recorded

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)

Almost certainly "new" Birds at this height. One of my favourite avian spectacles, as you can tell from my Header.

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!

Little Egrets

A lazy one today; two actually. While watching the Cricket Final a couple floated South past my bedroom window (H.123). Almost felt like cheating...but I'll take it, especially on a rainy day.

What's Left?

OK, it's THAT time of Year...a kinda "mop up" I guess...in a fun way of course! After a quiet week due to commitments I'm refreshed and ready to attack the remainder of the Year.

There are 72 Species I've seen at Holmpton that I haven't seen this Year! Granted there are quite a few Rarities in that number BUT there are also plenty I might still connect with...

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)European 

White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)Gadwall (Anas strepera)

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

Goosander (Mergus merganser)

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)

Great Crested Grebe (Podicepscristatus)

European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Red Kite (Milvus milvus)

Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)

Little Auk (Alle alle)

Shore Lark (Eremophila alpestris)

Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus [spinoletta])

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus

Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)

Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus

Coal Tit (Parus ater)

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)

Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)

Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis flammea cabaret)

Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)

Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)

Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus)

plus maybe a new addition...or two?

Same applies to Duff...

Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii)

Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)

Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris)

Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus [fabalis])

European White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)

Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

Goosander (Mergus merganser)

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)

Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)

Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)

Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major

Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus [spinoletta])

Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)

Marsh Tit (Parus palustris palustris

European Jay (Garrulus glandarius)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)

Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis flammea cabaret)

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra)

There you go...

Sundown Birding

Well...nearly. 

Once the clocks have "gone back"...things can get limited. However, I DO like a late afternoon session on a still, clear Winter's afternoon. This afternoon was one such occasion.

I had a drive up to Cliff Farm and walked Bud down towards Old Hive...complete with Scope. A flushed Woodcock was a good start. I had a decent look through the Geese hoping for something "different". I couldn't see anything "unusual" as I scanned the c250 "Pink-feet". A fine sight nonetheless.

I then drove around the corner to Model Farm...nothing doing. I started my return and as I turned the second bend I caught sight of something...an Owl...a Short-eared Owl! I pulled over and tried to re-locate it. Fortunately I found it again, just as it dis-appeared over a hedge...

I then picked it up again hunting along the Cliff before it made its way North towards Old Hive...where I'd been 30 minutes earlier!

It's a good Year for them but finding one hunting locally was special. A nice end to the Day...

Waxwings

After a morning in Hull I made my way along the A1079 from Beverley for a change, due to circumstances. As I passed Market Weighton a message came through informing me the Waxwing flock was still present in Pickering. I was tempted, especially as the forecast for the afternoon was good. Plan B was put into operation.

I arrived just after 2 but there was no sign of any. I'd been to this site in previous years and it was no coincidence to me as they favour historical sites. It's in the Genes!

A few Birders came and went including Jono Leadley and his assistant from Yorkshire Wildlife. He informed me he'd seen some in the morning when he stopped by briefly. 3 came and went. The light was starting to fade as were my hopes. There were just 2 other Birders still present at the back of the Sports Hall. They were staking out the 2 berry bushes that the Waxwings frequented regularly and where I'd seen them some Years ago.

I was going to give it till 3.30 as I had a 2 hour drive home and the light would have "gone" by then. One chap had mentioned they'd been in the large bare tree at the front of the car park. I was still positioned so I could see the tree and the berry trees to the rear. I'd also had a walk to the main road and checked out a few other likely spots/trees with no luck.

Then, out of nowhere...

There they were!!!

Quite a moment. I waved to the couple at the rear of the Sports Hall and they came running. They'd never seen Waxwings before and I shared there excitement. Fortunately the flock remained in the tree for a good 20 minutes enabling us to get some photos. It was very gloomy by now unfortunately, BUT at least we'd SEEN them! They were mobile within the branches, I estimated 25.

I fiddled with the camera settings and was surprised with what I got when I downloaded the photos, considering the poor light and distance...

The way the afternoon panned out was just the way I like it. A decent wait but reward in an eventual "show".

Before I left I mentioned the Stone Creek show to the couple. Guess where they're going tomorrow...

Quality

The forecast was set fair, so I headed back to Stone Creek hoping for a special day. I arrived around 8.30 to the sight of a RT Hen Harrier flying directly over my car. An omen?

I scanned the West side of the road and picked up a male Marsh Harrier. I then spotted a movement to the East...

Whooper Swans - part of a herd of 31

My first sighting of the Autumn. Always special.

I then noticed a/another Hen Harrier hunting just beyond the roadside bushes. I managed to fire off a few "shots" but they didn't "grab"...unfortunately...

Another car then pulled up and parked next to mine. A young Birder got out and sorted his gear out. We got chatting. Turned out he was a fellow Lancastrian from Clitheroe called Tom. He'd set off early to try for the RLB before continuing to Flamborough Head. I gave it till 10.15 before leaving for Greggs! There was no sign of the Star Bird unfortunately, I wished him well. Really enjoyed the chat pal, if you're reading this (he did ask). As I was leaving I passed a car, it was Karl Dutton, I hadn't seen him for a long time. Unfortunately we couldn't talk as a lorry was coming.

After refreshment I returned as the sky was still clear and I wanted tot ry and get some photos of the RLB. This time I parked further up the road as I wanted to check out all the habitat and give Bud a good walk. Immediately I saw FOUR Marsh Harriers in close proximity...

Industrial Immingham in the background

As I approached the entrance to Sands Farm I passed a couple of Birders who informed me "The Buzzard" had been showing...well! I could see Karl with his friend in the distance, so I joined them. The afternoon was sublime. One of those occasions when everything goes to plan. Constant Avian action in superb conditions and company. Bliss.

The main attraction showed for me at 1.55...

So glad I came back...in more ways than one. The "Bird from the far North" hunted over the set-a-side in the sunshine. What a sight!!!

Accurate numbers are VERY difficult to accurately assess with Birds moving around and disappearing from view. I estimated 3 RT Hen Harriers...

The Short-eared Owls appeared in force around 3. I had SEVEN Birds in one scan!!! A Great White Egret graced us with a fly-by and a Barn Owl was also seen on the way back to the car. Just a brilliant day, 20 minutes from home...with no hassle!

Classic behaviour...