To Tick or not to Tick (2)

Whilst trawling Bubo on yet another looooong evening. I discovered the facility to view other Birders Lists and what they have counted. Controversial ground I know but fascinating, at least to me. A history of their sightings, giving clues as to when they started this wonderful pastime/obsession.

My Twitching curiosity was fired in 1987 as I unfortunately dipped the Suffolk GREAT BUSTARDS!!! A one of Sunday attempt with John Walton and his mates from Stallingborough during my Footy days. I wasn't aware of the significance of this at the time. Still stings...a bit! I balanced this out with the DOUBLE -CRESTED CORMORANT at Gillingham. Again, totally clueless of the long term significance. It's been hits and misses ever since.

When to add?

Looking at various experienced Twitchers lists, it becomes clear that all (as far as I can see) add Species they have seen that have been added to Cat A even if an individual record hasn't been accepted by BBRC...eg Ross's Goose (Norfolk) and RED-HEADED BUNTING (Flamborough). I was unaware of this. 

Again for balance, the Snow Geese at Swine Moor and the recent SCARLET TANAGER seem generally acceptable already. Therefore I've decided to add them to my British List to come into line. Nothing is black and white as I am keeping the RHB as pending regarding Yorkshire!?

I have missed Birds in the past (provenance, taxonomy, COVID) that have cost me but that's my decision/s.

It's just a bit of fun at the end of the day... isn't it?

To Tick or not to Tick?

The (prove)nance debate is unsurprisingly raging once again, regarding the SCARLET TANAGER. Here's my two penn'orth...

Having been in the game for some Years now, I get a little tired of the inconsistencies and hypocrisy. Not that I'd ever exhibit such characteristics?! I try hard not to. 

I've seen a couple of extremely detailed and balanced accounts flagging up reasons for and against. It occurs to me that many/most points could be applied to many MEGA appearances?

Location - Inland? If the Bird was on an island or a headland would their be the same debate? 

Occurrence - They have occurred before!

Washing line - Wild Birds DO perch on them!

November - Many American Birds have turned up in this Month and later e.g CAPE MAY WARBLER and BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Some have Wintered e.g. COMMON YELLOWTHROAT

Weather - Not favourable BUT the find date isn't necessarily the arrival date! American BIRDS are still arriving in Europe.

1st Winter AND Unringed AND extremely elusive - All BIG pluses. Innocent until proven guilty.

Committee or Personal - I've always adhered to the Official Decision whether I agreed with it or not. You've probably gathered by now, I'm no Scientist! However, I have found some acceptances and rejections bizarre over the Years but I appreciate a decision has to be made. This time I've made my own decision and this Bird is on my Personal List.

Truth is, I don't know...no-one does!!!

This morning found me down Easington straight with a dual mission. A probable NORTHERN HARRIER had been seen along the South Lincs Coast yesterday afternoon...heading North! You never know? Whilst waiting with considerable optimism in the gloom a flock of Brent Geese landed close by. I wonder...?

Black Brant

Needless to say no sign of the NH or any other Harriers!

Snow Geese and SCARLET TANAGER

Blimey!!!

Been a whirlwind 36 hours. 

It all kicked off yesterday morning at 7.11...

East Yorkshire 2 adult white-morph Snow Geese at Swine Moor with Pink-footed Geese

These Birds had been seen on the Humber at Read's Island while I was on Scilly and had also visited Norfolk! There was conjecture over whether they had been IN Yorkshire whilst on the Humber. There is also the inevitable provenance issue!?

Anyway, they were worth a look. Unfortunately by the time I arrived around 9 they had left with what was considered to be c15,000 Pink-footed Geese!!! I could see a few other hopefuls over the River Hull including Steve Lawton and Rich Willison. I spoke to them both on the phone before Steve joined me in my car and we decided to have a drive around the area hoping to get lucky. With the days being short it made sense to hang around and hope they may return to roost if we couldn't locate them? We couldn't...so we returned to Swine Moor just after 1.

Richard was back in position with his mates. A few other Birders arrived as the afternoon progressed and the gloom intensified. Nothing by 3.30. All sorts of theories abounded. Had they moved on...was it just an overnight stop etc etc. Then the first wave appeared...

No white ones!

Then a second wave around 4.10. Still no joy.It was getting dark now and hopes were fading with the light. I said I was going to give it till 5. Then...Andy Holden picked up another large skein approaching!? Remarkably...he had them in his 'scope...at considerable distance!!!

A tense few minutes passed before I had them descending onto the Moor. This could be a candidate for my worst ever record shot...

It was 4.32!!!

We'll see what comes "out in the wash"...BUT they're as good as any for me?

I arrived home around 6.30...rather tired. I checked my messages...

17.46 West Yorkshire SCARLET TANAGER 1st winter male reportedly photographed at undisclosed site in recent days

Interesting!!! VERY Interesting. Thoughts immediately returned to October 2011 when I had possibly my worst ever dip. I've just checked my Blog to recall the events but it isn't there? I must have erased it from my memory lol! So, here's a brief summary...

We were travelling down for our week on Scilly and I'd obviously booked our flights months earlier. We were booked on the first flight across on Saturday the 22nd. Trouble was a SCARLET TANAGER had turned up at St Levan on the 20th and was still present on the 21st!!! For a small fee I was able to change our flight time to lunchtime, to enable me to try for the Bird first thing. A good plan...I thought?!

We arrived at dawn and waited with the other hopefuls. The Bird didn't materialize. However another...or the same(?) did...ON SCILLY!!!!!! Of course, by the time we arrived the Bird had disappeared. 

OUCH!!!

This was personal. Would I "get even"? More news came out as the evening progressed and a location was given. Game ON! A strange location and question marks BUT no hesitation from my perspective. Alarm set for 4am.

An early walk for Bud, then car loaded and off West. I arrived at 7.10 via McDonald's after an aborted Greggs! I decided to park on the main road and walk the short distance to the Site. Steve obviously had the same idea as he was getting out of his car as I prepared...so was another mate Simon Slade. Talk about co-incidences! We walked onto the exclusive estate and joined a small group of other "Early Birds"...pardon the pun! The group included Lee Evans...no surprise there! No-one really knew where to concentrate their efforts and Birders were just roaming around scanning in hope as dawn broke. A few rumours circulated but nothing definite. We walked to the end of the cul-de-sac and joined 4 Birders which included Lee. They were looking intently into a distant bare tree. They could see an interesting Bird but they weren't sure what it was. One of them took a photo and enlarged it. BINGO...

7.50

This was incredibly fortunate as the area was large and there was plenty of cover. Still I'll take it. 

I had my redemption!!!

The Bird soon dropped down into a large garden and out of view. Google Maps came into force with some checking the layout of the immediate area. Apple Tree was mentioned! Time went by and there was still no further sign. Tony Dixon arrived, he'd been caught in traffic and was obviously disappointed to miss the sighting. Anyway, eventually it popped up again into the same tree, although I couldn't get on it this time...but thankfully Tony did!

It was past 9 now and the crowd was understandably increasing as positive news was out. Many familiar faces were seen. Steve had left and I was thinking about it. Then I/We got lucky as the Bird flew across the back of the adjacent house and landed in another tree, albeit still distant...

Then, it moved again to a better spot. Unfortunately my camera starting playing up and I had to restart it. Fortunately the Bird hung around JUST long enough for me to get my pic...

A magic moment and THIRTEEN Years of hurt washed away. The Bird was unringed and is already on my List! It almost certainly arrived earlier in the Autumn and has probably filtered through Britain ending up in West Yorkshire. Handy!

Who'd have thought it?...not me...BUT that's what makes it special. Never underestimate November...

This Week

Monday had me over at Duff hoping for more Winter action. Dull conditions on arrival and things deteriorated further when I saw workmen and pumps on the Carrs as I entered the Geoff Smith Hide. The little water that was present was being drained into the River. No surprise that Birds were at a premium!

It later transpired that a faulty pump was being repaired. Unfortunate that the work couldn't have been done earlier?

The session was saved by the appearance (just after 4pm) of this gem...

Tuesday morning produced 4 Yellowhammers down Seaside...scarce at this location...

I had a couple of Hours on the Humber in the afternoon. No luck with Hen Harrier BUT plenty with this SEO...

It flew right past me and landed in the grass with prey...

Fortunately it lingered long enough for some better images...

Always special.

A couple of Great White Egrets were also present...

As I reached the car...a bonus at 4.35...

Thursday had me back on the Humber. Still no Hen Harrier...or SEO...BUT...a flock of 23 Twite more than compensated...

Record shot through the gloom

Back to Duff on Friday. Still no luck with the Willow Tit but a trio of Stonechats was a good opener. c50 Redwings circled around the Platform, eventually landing in the Riverside bushes...

No sign of the workmen thankfully BUT no sign of much avian activity! With a dry Carrs it was hardly surprising! I managed a couple of Marsh Harrier sightings and 5 Fieldfares. Again, I had a late result...I deserved it lol! A distant call alerted me to 8 Swans flying purposefully down the Valley and alighting on Bubwith Ings....

Whoopers

Water!

I added Red-legged Partridge (101) and Redpoll (102) to the Year List.

Sunshine is required...

Double Duff

2 visits, Wednesday and Friday. The main news being a flock of magnificent Whooper Swans (45) were present, albeit distantly...

I was hoping some would have returned by now. Even better tosee them actually ON the Carrs, as they can spend long periods on Ellerton and the Farm fields over the road. I was joined by Haydn on both occasions. Friday was the better day weather-wise and we enjoyed a good hour out on the Platform. I "had" 26 Pink-footed Geese going South on arrival...

...followed shortly afterwards by 3 Whooper Swans off the Farmland to the South, low over my head!

Haydn mentioned he'd had a Willow Tit on his way out but we couldn't locate it on our return, although he heard it. However I did score with Stonechat (97)...

...Goldcrest (98) and Bullfinch (female).

Once in the Hide Haydn picked up FIVE cc Marsh Harriers hunting just beyond the far end of the Reserve on Ellerton Ings. We later had a male on Duff. Not bad for an Inland Site! A superb large, female Peregrine was present on the grass for a good hour. A couple of Red Kites circled over the Poplars. Buzzards (4) were present throughout, including one pale individual in a bush, standing out like a sore thumb in the Winter sunshine.

An uplifting 4 hour session in ideal conditions. Sunshine throughout which is much appreciated in Dullvember. I'll be back next week.

Eastern promise for the weekend. Maybe a late result?

Duff - 98

VARIED THRUSH - 3 Years on...

A combination of a relatively "quiet" Autumn and the start of "Wintertime" had me reminiscing somewhat. On this date 3 years ago I spent the whole day with a VARIED THRUSH on Papa Westray. A truly monumental experience for yours truly.

So, to cheer myself up I thought I'd revisit the occasion and give a condensed version of events leading up to and during my visit. The full original report is in my Top Ten in the right hand column. 

The first thing to say is that I may struggle to do a similar Twitch in the future? Reading back through the post I sometimes wonder how I managed it!!! Also, I was lucky it remained present (first seen Wednesday) until I left Scilly on Friday afternoon. It seems we drove to Bury (354 miles) arriving early Saturday morning (smart Motorways getting another mention). An afternoon drive back to Holmpton (110 miles) then North into Scotland in the evening. A few hours kip then onto Scrabster (501 miles) for the Ferry at Noon. Basically Lands End to John O'Groats...ish. Taxi across Orkney, then plane to Papa (72 miles), just connecting before Dusk, thanks to David Roche picking us up at the Airport. Crackers but adrenaline filled!!!!!!

Having experience of the Island (STELLER'S EIDER) and the Hostel made Sunday evening and night VERY relaxing and satisfying. The only question now was...would it be there tomorrow? Thankfully it was.

On reflection I'm leaning towards this Twitch being my favourite. The combination of distance covered, location and Species...is hard to beat. The NIGHTHAWK and ALBATROSS will remain very special as both were surprise flight views...as well as being charismatic. I DO love a Thrush though...especially a Zoothera (always will be to me)...

Roll on Spring...

Scilly 24 Summary

Back home now after another memorable visit. An interesting return after a bonus night. We enjoyed Saturday morning and left on time at 1.50. We made good progress to Gloucester Services arriving at 6.30. However, things went pear-shaped after that as we encountered another section of "Smart Motorway". I had my rant earlier, suffice to say this was worse, as we obviously encountered it in darkness. We lost around an hour (seemed like three) before arriving at my Mother's at 10.30. We returned over the Pennines early Sunday afternoon and I picked the boys up Monday morning. Still adjusting after pushing it, as usual, BUT...just glad I could get around OK after earlier mobility issues. Hilly Scilly is definitely a challenge and getting more so each Year!!! I'm still going and proud of it...considering. I reckon I topped 80 Miles during the visit and Louise wasn't far behind. We visited all five Islands at least once and enjoyed some stunning Weather (too nice?) and Scenery. The Apartments and Pubs were up to their usual high standards...as were the Pasties!

As for the Birds?

The BIG moment was a brief sighting of a COMMON NIGHTHAWK over Longstones Cafe, which unfortunately didn't develop later in the day/week.

I added 3 Species to my Scilly List, reaching a personal landmark 250. Namely...

BLACK KITE

Little Tern

WOODCHAT SHRIKE

Other noteables...

Barnacle Geese - deemed to be wild Birds

Osprey

Dotterel

WILSON'S SNIPE - maybe?

Hoopoe

Wryneck

Short-toed Lark

BLYTH'S PIPIT

Olive-backed Pipit

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher

Firecrest

Raven

Misses

LESSER YELLOWLEGS - no specific attempt. 2 commuted between Tresco and Bryher

Spoonbill - where is Green Island?!

YBW - Do they really exist?!

Jack Snipe - usually guaranteed

Merlin

Peregrine

Hen Harrier - would have been a Scilly Tick

It was nice to have a few conversations with some of the characters that grace the Islands in October. We bumped into Viv Stratton and his loyal Sheepdog on more than one occasion. Dick Filby did his usual excellent job of relaying information over the radio. Meeting Ron Johns was also a nice moment. We also had a conversation with Alan Hannington on the boat over to Bryher to see the BLYTH'S PIPIT. Bumping into Scilly stalwart Martin was also an annual pleasure.

It wasn't a classic Year and I don't want to repeat what I've already said in the daily diary...hopefully! You can't see a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER every Year!! The first day was the most exciting as I went from one Bird to another with a fly-over BLACK KITE thrown in for good measure. Yet another "radio" assist.

My second trip to Bryher connecting with the Dotterel at such close quarters was special, as was my incredibly close views of Whooper Swans. I intend to do a separate post on this marvellous day later with some photos, when I've been through them.

This was my 30th visit to the Islands and I'll hopefully be back again next October...if not before? I know I've said this after previous visits BUT where else could you see these Species in a fortnight within a few Miles of each other? Answer - Nowhere!

Trip Total - 85 Species

Scilly 24 - Day 16

Writing this on the A30...Louise is driving!

My bonus session started at dawn at Porthloo. 3 Black Redstarts but no sign of the reported Redstarts. Plenty of Waders on the deserted Beach including my first Bar-tailed Godwit, c50 Sanderling, c10 Ringed Plovers, Curlew, and Whimbrel.

Also present were a couple of "Dunlin". A White -rumped Sandpiper had been seen the previous day, so they were worth closer scrutiny. Especially when a Birder appeared next to me saying he'd seen a "white rump"!

The Birds were very active and partly obscured by the large pebbles plus I didn't have my 'scope. He had to leave for the Airport and the Birds flew down the far end of the Bay. He said he'd put news out and I moved on to Lower Moors. I was undecided. I have some distant photos which I'll take a look at on return. There were no further reports.

My last hour was spent around Shooters Pool. Unfortunately there was no sign of the Spotted Crake or the hoped for YBW!

A Common Rosefinch was reported in the allotments near the Dump but my time was up!

Trip Total - 84 Species 

Scilly 24 - Day 15

A "none" day!

We woke to Gale force winds and heavy rain. Excellent possibilities for Rare arrivals but not for getting off the Island!!!

A couple of hours of tense negotiation had us remaining in our accommodation "rent-free" which was obviously greatly appreciated.

We should have been on the last flight off but ALL flights for the day have been now been cancelled. We had a record 5 minute stay at the Airport to unload, get our flight time and get back in the Taxi!

Birding conditions were rather er... challenging, so nothing else to do than have a bonus early trip to the Atlantic and a long morning's Birding tomorrow before we leave at 1.50 (much calmer tomorrow).

So, another chance for a BIG finish. You never know...?

Trip Total - 83 Species 

Scilly 24 - Day 14

My intention today was to visit Tresco to see the 2 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2 Serins. I was tempted by a report of a possible Marsh Warbler (a potential Scilly tick) on Bryher but it didn't get me on the edge of my seat!

Anyway a report of a Woodchat Shrike near Old Town Churchyard on St Mary's sorted that particular quandary out...and saved me yet another boat fare!

So, another yomp up the hill and down to Old Town. I soon found the hopefuls peering into the Pittosporum. The bird has been seen just prior to my arrival. The cover on Scilly is extensive. Then a report over the radio that the Bird was higher up on the permissive path. Another yomp. The group were now positioned on a steep slope looking North to another hedge and included my pal Simon.

Good directions allowed me a brief but clear flight view for my 250th Scilly Bird. A landmark I was hoping to achieve this Trip.

I gave it another 90 minutes but it wasn't seen again. However I did have a chat with Ron Johns, another legend in Birding circles who still visits the Islands. He was previously the Number 1 Lister for Britain before deciding to take up World Birding. He also told me he was on the 2 BOOBY boat trip!!! Another example of the magnetism these Islands possess...

After a rest (it was tough going zigzagging up and down the East side of Peninnis) I checked out Porthcressa in case the mobile White-rumped Sandpiper showed up. It didn't!

If it's coming...it better hurry up! Last chance tomorrow...?

Trip Total - 83 Species 

Scilly 24 - Day 13

The landmark 23rd has failed to produce this Year?

Here on Scilly or to be more precise Bryher we had a superb day but not before enjoying brilliant views of a couple of Stonechats at Little Porth whilst waiting for Louise...

On the way to the Harbour I bumped into Martin, another stalwart who I used to Bird with here some 20 years ago. It was great to see him again.

We managed 5+ miles of effort (plus hills) on the Island starting (after a coffee) on Shipman Head Down at the North of the Island...

The target?...a Dotterel. Getting harder and harder to see now on the Mainland or anywhere else for that matter!

On arrival there was only one Birder present...Viv Stratton, with his loyal sheepdog of course. He pointed the Bird out which was motionless some 20 yds away, allowing the opportunity for some nice photos...

Only my second here after one on St Mary's Golf Course in 1997.

Further along the Headland were some wild Barnacle Geese (9). It was interesting to view them in this setting...

After returning to Fraggle Rock for another coffee (has to be done when with the good lady) we headed down to Hell Bay Pool on the strength of a report of 11 Whooper Swans being present. We bumped into Viv again and I had to ask him how long he'd been coming. His answer...SIXTY THREE YEARS! Consecutively!!!  An inspiration to us all as he approaches 80. Lovely man.

Thankfully they were still there on arrival...

The next hour was bliss as I enjoyed watching and photographing these magnificent Birds from a grass bank down to 30 yards!!! Context. They included a family of 5 which is always nice to see. Constantly feeding and calling in the sunshine, it was a privilege to be there which I hope I FULLY appreciated...

I have more BUT were back to the Atlantic tonight for the final time. I'll do this Species full justice on my return home.

Trip Total - 82 Species

Scilly 24 - Day 12

As previously mentioned I'm now on 249 for the Fortunate Isles.

There's a Bird or possibly 2 on St Martin's that would be a nice landmark Species... namely Hen Harrier.

We hadn't been over there for a few years... although I twitched my second ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK there, after connecting with my long anticipated YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO on St Mary's in 2019...in the same day!

Anyway we cruised over there on a VERY slow boat, arriving at 10.45 on yet another superb day.

After a coffee we made our way to what I considered would be a good vantage point. We passed the Post Office so we grabbed a few things for lunch and I asked the owner if she knew such a spot? Her excellent directions had us in place at 11.30...with extensive news to the East and West...

I gave it 3 hours but alas it wasn't to be. Thoroughly enjoyed the Island though, as the scenery was once again stunning...

I realize the daily reports are more views than Birds at the moment but that's because I'm not finding any!!! I did add Raven in my defence.

It was another decent yomp to Lower Town Quay  but we made it and enjoyed yet another stunning view before departing for St Mary's...

3 days left for something special to land. I'm keeping the faith as always.

22 Species seen on the Island.

Trip Total - 81 Species

Scilly 24 - Day 11

Always honesty on here. It was quiet today...VERY quiet!!!

That's OK. I'm trying to find something and I'm here if someone else does.

For the record the morning was spent around Porthcressa where I enjoyed photographing FOUR Black Redstarts. There were c50 Oystercatchers and c30 Turnstones present also. There was a rumour of the NIGHTHAWK on St Martin's?

The afternoon was spent checking the bays to Porthloo. I found a Grey Wagtail and another Black Redstart.

No Bird pics tonight as we're back to the Atlantic. A view of the Harbour late afternoon...

Another stunning day weather-wise 

Trip Total - 80 Species 

Scilly 24 - Day 10

Spent the morning around Old Town. Highlight was a GWE...

Still no luck with the Pied Fly.

An unusual yet familiar alert...

11.01 St Mary's, Isles of Scilly COMMON NIGHTHAWK one flew low over Longstones cafe towards Holy Vale/ Higher Moors 

I may have spilt my Coffee!!!

Memories of 1999 came flooding bay. Full account in right hand column.

It's now 4.10 and I've made the trek to Higher Moors adding Grey Wagtail and Snipe...

... wouldn't it be nice if I experienced a similar moment?

7.50

I didn't BUT the magic was still there. A mixture of locals and regular visitors had assembled at various vantage points in hope of a sighting. It was a clear evening which obviously helped viewing but the Bird didn't show. 

I feel the Story may not yet be over?

The walk back to Hugh Town was eased by the company of Simon from Kent. He's a regular visitor and we first met at the ELEANORA'S FALCON twitch. We shared stories of past "hits and misses" and we were back before I knew it. It was interesting to hear which Birds he'd seen. As he started younger than me, we seem to have started seeing MEGAS around the same time (late eighties/early nineties) Hope it re-appears for you pal.

Trip Total - 80 Species