Black-tailed Godwits and Dunlin |
Thursday 29 February 2024
Not Quite Duff
Wednesday 28 February 2024
Local Action
Monday 26 February 2024
Long-tailed Duck - Revisited
After "getting my tick" 11 days ago at Castle Howard...
A fine Building |
...I was still hoping to "get my pic" of the 8th York Area LTD. Today I had the opportunity to try...despite continuing car issues! The V70 was back on the breakdown truck by 9am...heading to a different Garage I hasten to add. I loaded up Louise's Kia substitute and headed for Hull. After a frustrating journey behind a "Convoi Exceptional" all the way to the M62 I finally arrived at Howden, having also driven through a hailstorm. Things could only get better but of course they didn't. The joys of modern car warning lights now kicked in and a couple of stops for dubious tyre pressure issues put me further behind schedule.
Finally I arrived at CH around 1! Things have changed around here with the car park and footpath no longer present. I was aware of this but it meant a longer walk from Coneysthorpe...once I'd found somewhere to park. I got the definite impression strangers weren't welcome in this area.
I made my way up onto the now overgrown dam footpath and at last, I was Birding!! Thankfully the Weather had improved and it was now a lovely afternoon. I walked the path to the end by the gate but I couldn't see the Duck. There were around 20 Goldeneye and c60 Tufted Ducks. Other Species present included Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon and Mallard. A couple of dubious origin Barnacle Geese were also present?
As I retraced my steps another Birder appeared with the same intentions. We decided to split up and walk the path in opposite directions. Within a minute he was waving to me...he'd found it!
Sunday 25 February 2024
Wallcreeper Memories
My pal Phil has just arrived in Cyprus for 2 weeks. He's trying for Wallcreeper tomorrow in the Avakas Gorge. Always a "most wanted" Species for Birders. He asked me to send him some of my pics from December 2015. Gives me an excuse to post my pics again. In no particular order...
Saturday 24 February 2024
Springlike
Egyptian Goose (61) at c1 mile |
Only my 3rd record after single Birds in March 2011 and May 2021. It looked better through the scope...just!
VERY relaxing |
Thursday 22 February 2024
Barney
Twin Car issues at the moment...young and old. No prizes for guessing who's got the old one! This meant an early start to Hull for both of us. As I opened the bedroom curtains I was delighted to see (once I'd focussed) a beautiful Barn Owl quartering the meadow opposite. One of the most ubiquitous Species in the World and definitely one of the most stunning. That's why I chose to Sponsor it for the Spurn Book. What a privilege, especially following on from the Red Kite. The Weather may be horrendous BUT quality Bird sightings always lift the Spirits...
7.09 through the Bedroom window |
Tuesday 20 February 2024
Garden Tick!
Red Kite (8.40) |
Sunday 18 February 2024
Bird Song
Thursday 15 February 2024
Slooow!
Friday 9 February 2024
Cyprus 24 - Preliminary thoughts
Male Rock Thrush amongst the Cyprus flowers |