Not Quite Duff

After the car "fun" (both situations now resolved...hopefully) I needed a day out. So after exercising Bud I left at 6.30 for NDC. I'd arranged to meet Haydn at Bubwith bridge at 9 to look for the American Wigeon. After the obligatory Greggs Bacon Sarny and Latte at Howden, I was surprised to find myself ahead of schedule as I approached Bubwith. I then had an idea and rang him to see how far away he was. He was nearly at Duff so I asked him if he fancied going to Skipwith first to look for Woodlark. He'd told me previously they were already "back" and there's no-one better at locating them.

He jumped in my car and we headed to "Skippy". On arrival he could hear one immediately...I couldn't!  We walked a short distance and he pointed upwards through the trees. There was a Woodlark fluttering c100 yds above us. Very impressive!!

It was impossible to photograph through the trees and we hoped it would eventually descend into the field. Thankfully after around 10 minutes it did. We scanned the area where it landed but we couldn't see it amongst the furrows. Eventually I picked it up and got my photo...

A great start!

We returned to the car park at Duff, Haydn jumped in his van and we headed for Bubwith Bridge. Again we parked up and started to scan South from the West side. I regularly pass this spot but my "Patch paranoia" means I rarely stop! Today was the perfect day to correct this. The scene was spectacular with Wildfowl and Waders aplenty. Conditions were favourable with little wind and thin cloud. Almost immediately we witnessed a cloud of Waders...

Black-tailed Godwits and Dunlin

An unusual sight in this area...especially in such numbers...in February! Whooper Swans have been thin on the ground at NDC this Winter and when they do occur they're usually distant. So when this individual drifted by it was an opportunity not to be missed...

An impressive flock of Golden Plover (c120) then descended onto the temporary island. Ruff (10) and Redshank (6) were also represented. No joy with the AW.

We then decided to try another spot East of the River accessed through Bubwith Village... 

On arrival we set our stall out and scoped the large flock of European Wigeon. We gave it a good hour but alas it wasn't to be. Haydn left for home and I headed for Mr C's in Selby.

After the Chip Butty I headed for NDC and had a pleasant if quiet couple of hours in the company of Barry Bishop. I feel refreshed...

Local Action

Always wanted to highlight the humble House Sparrow (54) and today was that day, when I found 8 in the Clifftop bushes!? Migrants? Hard as nails and found in most habitats but understandably overlooked. 

Probably a repeat but I'll never forget the time I pulled up at a gas station in Texas way out in the Desert West of the Guadalupe Mnts. I was so relieved to make it as I was running on fumes. There was also a dust storm raging. As I was about to leave after enjoying the hospitality, I caught sight of a bird tucked away above the door. Yep...Amazing!!!

I also "had" a couple of GSW drumming simultaneously and three Song Thrushes belting it out. A flock of 12 Long-tailed Tits passed through and a pair of Blue Tits are showing interest in our porch?

A day calling Tawny Owl finished off the Dog walk.

I've finally got the V70 back! There's only one place to head tomorrow. Yep...NDC!

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! 

No award winner BUT I've learnt over the Years to get something...as soon as you can. This was borne out, as when we moved down the path it had disappeared and we couldn't locate it in the next 15 minutes? I decided to have another walk down the path towards the gate...

Around 3/4 of the way down I spotted it out in the middle. It seemed to be swimming my way!

I retreated to the bushes along the path and waited...and waited. Sadly I figured out it dived for c30 seconds, which allowed me to work my way down the path without disturbing the Bird. It paid off...eventually. A series of postures and poses...

The journey home was a nightmare also BUT it didn't matter. The middle part of my day was brilliant!!!

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...

Looking back on this marvellous occasion it makes me appreciate how lucky I was to be taken by ex-pat Dave Walker as I doubt I would have connected without his help. They have been seen before Christmas and hopefully they're still there? Good luck pal...

Springlike

For a "grumpy old git" I always try to be positive...well nearly always! It can be hard at times...especially on the umpteenth day of the latest "Monsoon". 

However, yesterday was different. Car problems are persisting on both vehicles BUT hopefully they will be resolved next week. Anyway that's our problem/s.

We set off around 11 in the replacement car and after some Lunch in Hull, Louise dropped me off in the Car Park at NDC at 2. I didn't try for the American Wigeon at Bubwith Bridge due to the circumstances. This gave me a 3 hour window before she returned from some retail therapy at the Designer Outlet.

A Birder was already in the Hut and he informed me he thought he'd had a female Scaup. He may well have but I couldn't find it during my visit, although there was a deceptive "Scaup-faced" Tufted present?

Levels still high!!!

As you can see the Riverbanks are just visible, allowing Birds to rest. I scanned the near Bank for quite a while and it paid off as I found my FOY Oystercatchers (59)...

A lone Snipe confirming its incredible camouflage...

...and a pleasing group of 10 Redshank...

Curlews have increased still further with c 50 now present...

More than I was expecting and all enjoyed in superb conditions. Just the job after a difficult week. I then caught sight of something landing below the Hide...

Here's where it was...a Barn Owl (60)!!! By the time I raised my camera it was a way...unfortunately. Still, I managed a few snaps, as it lingered a while before departing...

Little Grebes have now increased to 4...they're getting very vocal now and have paired up...

3 Shelducks made their way North along the River...

It was now 4.15, so I had around 30 minutes left. I started to scan further North looking for Raptors and I found a cc Marsh Harrier. The light was fading but I picked out a Goose in flight with a VERY distinctive wing pattern? I was confident of the ID but it was only in view for a few seconds and I wanted another look if possible. Fortunately after around 15 minutes it appeared again on the deck and came down to the water's edge for a drink...

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!

One last look...

VERY relaxing

I packed up and headed back to the Car Park. A charm of 10 Goldfinches (62) flew over. Louise hadn't arrived yet, so I watched the Meadow from the Gate as the sun made a welcome last show...

Memories came flooding back from over the 38 Years, especially regarding my 4 GSD's, who all enjoyed this place. The Barn Owl made one last pass...maybe a sign from my previous lads...

A special afternoon...

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

I was hoping to head for Duff tomorrow on the strength of an excellent forecast. Unfortunately it's bad news regarding the flying wedge, which will need major surgery. Not ideal just before the Holiday. So Birding for the foreseeable will be on foot...not sure how far that will take me. My Hip will let me know I'm sure...

Garden Tick!

Yesterday's visit to Duff consisted of a couple of hours in the hut...not this one...

Garganey Hide

You know my thoughts on location. 

Plenty of aerial action with huge numbers of Lapwings spiralling over the flood making a fabulous spectacle. Limited action IN the water with a couple of Little Grebes still close to the Hide. I checked the Wigeon but nothing from the New World.

I'd borrowed the good lady's ve-hi-cle (as they say in Texas) and had to pick her up in Hull at 3, so I had 30 minutes by Bubwith Bridge searching for said Wigeon. I wasn't 100% sure of the location of yesterday's sighting, so I rang Elaine and she kindly came down to show me. No sign unfortunately. I finished off on the East side of the Bridge. A Birder was "in situ"...

...it turned out to be Chris Gomersall! We scanned for a while longer in the strong wind but couldn't locate it. We enjoyed some unusually close views of Pochard though...

Of course, as I reached Hull he tweeted he'd found it South of the Bridge!! I'm still hopeful it will end up at NDC?

Today started extremely well. As I was sat in the lounge I caught sight of a Raptor over the hedge. Buzzards are seen regularly BUT this wasn't no Buzzard. I surprised myself by grabbing the camera quickly enough to obtain a "record shot" as it disappeared over the trees...

Red Kite (8.40)

I know you would've believed me? An excellent Patch (80) and Village Year Tick (52) and an even better "Garden" (83) Lifer! Only my third record for the Village.

Bird Song

A Song Thrush (P.80, H.51) was belting it out this afternoon in unusually (but very welcome) mild conditions. Spring bulbs now breaking through and definite signs of "Bud burst". 

The American Wigeon was seen again today at Bubwith Bridge. Seems like a good enough reason to pop over again tomorrow...

Slooow!

Hence the lack of reports. Maybe I should throw a few (hopefully) interesting topics in during this less than inspiring time of Year? I'll think about it.

A beacon through the gloom came in the form of a Long-tailed Duck at Castle Howard Lake. This was my 240th Species for the York Area...a consequence of Age!!

Locally it's quiet...no Dead! A few hints of Spring as the local GS Woodpecker is tapping away. I could travel further afield to see some "other" Birds but I'm not that bothered these days as I prefer to "work" my Patches. However, I don't rule it out completely?

I have to admit my thoughts are starting to turn to Cyprus as the first Migrants are being reported on WhatsApp...namely Great Spotted Cuckoo and Isabelline Wheatear.

Be nice to see the Currant Bun...

Cyprus 24 - Preliminary thoughts

I received an email yesterday informing me of a change in the Bird Sighting system. I was aware there was a WhatsApp group last year but never joined as I found the Google Groups information, coupled with messages from friends to be sufficient. Anyway I've joined now as it looks the Google Groups "avenue" is closing. I also received a message form Phil, informing me he'd just booked for the fortnight before we arrive! Looks like I won't be "in the dark" regarding arrivals!!

As you know I prefer to find my own but it's always re-assuring to have information, then you're not concerned about "missing something"! Just over 4 weeks to go now and with the continuing horrendous weather I thought I'd write an initial Post regarding my upcoming trip...to cheer myself up.

Checking eBird I discovered that this will be my 7th trip having been previously in 1995, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2023. The 95 trip was a family holiday. The 15 and 16 trips were one week visits in December and January respectively. The other 3 were 3 week Spring visits.

The best visit without question was 2018 (see history for details). I enjoyed the amazing sight of both CASPIAN PLOVER and CREAM-COLOURED COURSER on the same small piece of land (picnic area) at Mandria five days apart. Showing well doesn't cover it! I'll never forget returning there the morning after everyone had seen the CP to look for it. I drove slowly round the area for quite some time when it suddenly appeared right next to the car!!! Re-locating the CCC after following it along the Coast with Ian and Kate Bloomer was also VERY special.

Couldn't resist...

Images to brighten up yet another dull English Winter's Day. A couple of incredible Birds I think you would agree?

Most things are in place now including payments! We're staying in the same Apartment just West of Paphos which gives easy access to all Sites in the area and the (extremely quiet) Motorway to all points East.  

Every trip is different and I intend to mix things up more this Year. Obviously my knowledge of the key Sites increases with each visit, which in theory should save me some time. eBird will always be of use as well. The weather is another variable as always, I hope its not as windy as last Year especially for Louise's sake! She needs to be by the Beach Bar at Mandria...so do I come to that!

My Cyprus List stands at a modest 217 so there's still a chance of adding something to it.

As I look at the rain running down the window for the umpteenth time I'm counting the days (33) till we depart from Manchester. We'll get there. I hope you've got something to look forward to? We all need it...

Male Rock Thrush amongst the Cyprus flowers