Seconds

I returned to Beacon Ponds this morning, Phil picked me up from home after making his way down from Redcar. It's been quite a while since we Birded together; always great to see him. I knew Haydn was coming through from York, so I was hopeful of bumping into him also.

We arrived at the car park around 9.30 and we were pleasantly surprised to see a space. We collected our gear and made our way up towards Long Bank. There was a decent group of Birders presen KOt but I thought there'd be more for a Bird of this quality?

I didn't initially spot Haydn but eventually we connected and shared a pleasant hour chatting and watching. I added Black-tailed Godwit and Hobby to my Spurn Year List.

It was a fabulous crisp and clear morning spent in excellent company. We returned to the car park and said our goodbyes. Phil headed South (on his way to Cornwall and Scilly) and Haydn back to York.

A quality experience...

P.S. Ticking Robins are here!!!

STILT SANDPIPER - A tale of two ticks!

With Listing it's important not to take your eye off the ball. Obviously it's not always possible and luck and fate definitely play a part but never be isolated from the information for too long... especially with the chocolate factory down the road!

13.23 Stilt Sandpiper Beacon Ponds re radio 

Understated but VERY significant! The usual fingers and thumbs scenario ensued before I headed South. First thoughts included memories of my Yorkshire "miss" in July 1989 (sad but true) as I was on a family holiday. I also missed the BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER at Cowden!!! So much for naively thinking it was a safe time of Year!?

Anyway onward. I arrived at Kilnsea Wetlands car park and luckily (and surprisingly) found a spot before starting the march up to Beacon Ponds. I could see a couple of decent sized groups encouragingly looking "focused".

On arrival a kind gent allowed me a peep through his scope...to relieve the tension! The Bird was an adult and was feeding on the far side of the Ponds at some distance (c150yds). I had my Yorkshire...and Spurn Ticks!!

This continues the remarkable run of Summer Rarities at Spurn this Year...

LEAST SANDPIPER

GULL-BILLED TERN

BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE 

STILT SANDPIPER 

Decent!!!

I made my way further along the path to obtain a slightly closer view and a record pic...

There were quite a few Yorkshire stalwarts present including Frank Moffat and John Mcloughlin. It was good to see them again. I returned to the car chatting to Frank, mainly about Football before making my way home.

Depending on which way the wind is blowing this is my 401st Species for Yorkshire and my 323rd for Spurn... I think!? Lost a couple on both as there's only one Redpoll now...according to some authorities!?

It's all about Autumn really!?

Circumstances have meant a quiet Summer. However, there's still life in the old Dog...and yours truly!

My efforts will increase starting tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll have plenty to report. 

Scilly 24 has been finalised and will commence on October 11th, which is the earliest start to my Fortnight.

Ernesto

The first Hurricane of the Season made its way North offshore along the Eastern Seaboard over the Weekend and the remnants are now heading our way. Chance of an early Mega?

Still very quiet locally but things should improve soon... hopefully?

Signs

"A few" Willow Warblers on Seaside this morning plus a Blackcap on my lane.

Autumn

Seawatching is livening up and Migrants are on the move . Time to get my act together...