Water

Arriving...and lots of it!

Busy Weekend just passed as my Family helped me celebrate my Birthday. Paid a couple of visits to Duff where there is standing water now, which will remain. Far more on Bubwith Ings but that will fluctuate with the rainfall. The Wildfowl haven't moved in yet...but they will. We did see some distant groups disturbed by shooting over the adjacent Farmland. A Barn Owl was an unfortunate consequence as were 4 Pintail. All safe.

The 2 Great White Egrets are still about and show well on occasions. Haydn and I had 2 Water Rails showing briefly on the scrape. The striking Marsh Harrier is still present but there was no sign of the pale Buzzard. 

In the Village there is a Shorelark and 7 Snow Buntings along the Cliff to the North. I set off this morning but it was a tad greasy so "discretion was the better part of valour" on this occasion! I'll try again later...

Recently

Putting my Castle Howard Twitch to one side I made  a couple of visits to NDC. Last Wednesday I had a couple of hours with Haydn before he left for 10 days in Morocco. Just after he departed this pair showed up. This is my first sighting of 2 Great White Egrets...anywhere! On my Patch made it even more special!

One Bird made its way down the River to give much better views...

The lingering Water Rail finally showed up long enough for a pic...

Yesterday Louise had a Dental Appointment in York so I pinched a lift and had an afternoon "sesh"...

Cold but clear and little wind, it was good to be out in the fresh air. Water has finally made it onto the Carrs through the ditches and the River can now be seen. There's plenty on Bubwith Ings also. After around an hour I caught sight of an GWE flying up River from Bubwith...

It landed on the far Bank...

After a short while it continued North.

The seemingly resident pale Buzzard appeared and showed well in the afternoon sunshine...

It hunted the area for a good while as the sun dropped...

It was still present at Dusk...

I also had a brief view of a Peregrine, my first since the Spring. Ala no Owls unfortunately but a very enjoyable afternoon.

The forecast for today wasn't great and it turned out to be accurate. However I managed to get out for an hour before the rain arrived. Yesterday there were large numbers of Fieldfare on Snakey. Of course this morning I couldn't find any! I decided to have a run down the Southern end, as I was passing Rysome Rd I decided on a whim to check the bushes around the Bunker. Glad I did, as there were c200 Birds feasting on the berries...

Fresh in from Scandinavia, I never tire of seeing them arrive...

The rain came and I went for a trim. Love a Thrush. The day was a wash out so it was back to Oman planning...

York Area RTD - 243

There's nothing like a potential Tick to get the old boy fired up!

9.04 N.Yorks Red-throated Diver Castle Howard at Great Lake

I've been Birding the York Area...on and off...since I moved to Wilberfoss in 1987. I didn't consciously keep a List as I didn't know such things existed back then! As I accumulated Species over the Years I started to "add things up". My Yorkshire List being another late starter.

So, here we are in 2025...and I'm still counting/chasing!

Obviously aware of Sunday traffic I made my way steadily through Hull (no problem) and towards the dreaded A64.It didn't disappoint but thankfully most of the traffic was York bound enabling me to reach the Great Lake smoothly around 11.30. I asked a staff member if it was OK to park in the Caravan Site which thankfully it was and I made my way the short distance to the the Lakeside path...

As you can see it was dull but still which was going to help. I made my way steadily down the path which was more overgrown than I remember it. There were a few Goosanders present which were nice to see as they don't come my way very often. More scanning but no Diver. The path bent to the left and the Lake was partially obscured by a couple of small clumps of reeds. As I passed them and looked further down the Lake I saw a probable candidate briefly before it disappeared beneath. It popped up some 30 seconds later...

This Site is prime for this Species being a large Lake with plenty of fish! Almost certainly brought down by the recent storm, (another Bird is at the nearby Southfield Reservoir) it was a long overdue addition. I saw a Great Northern here way back in November 1991. 

The Bird was fishing reasonably close to the path but by the time I made my way along it had retreated  to the centre of the Lake...

I decided to wait a while and it paid off when the Bird eventually came closer...

As I made my way back to my car it appeared again briefly giving me a final view...

I enjoy re-visiting these Sites as they bring back many memories from the past. Twitching Birds gives me an excuse to do so...

Easy Birding

I continued my enforced "home watch" this morning with a couple of Hours and thoroughly enjoyed it! I took up my vantage point in the back Bedroom and watched for a couple of hours through the double glazing. The male Blackcap continues to enjoy the Bramleys...

Decent at 20yds

...and was joined by a few Blackbirds. Eventually a couple of Redwing and Fieldfare turned up...

Further afield 6 Tree Sparrows fed in the Paddock...

My Pallas's never turned up BUT I wasn't disappointed as I wasn't expecting it! 

Grounded

Migration always continues into November, which thankfully extends the interest beyond the dreaded clock change. 

I had a session at Duff on Wednesday and was joined by Haydn. As we walked down the path to the Hide we saw a Treecreeper briefly which was a nice start. Only my second record this year. Still no sign of water on the Carrs but there's always something to see and the view has been improved with the recent management. I now have a clear view down to Garganey Hide. Bodes well for the Winter sessions.

The highlight of our 3.5 hour watch was the constant Westerly movement of Fieldfares. I always see good numbers at this time of Year but it's usually a temporarily "resident" flock of c100. We conservatively estimated c500 Birds.

I briefly picked up a distant "White Egret" that looked large but quickly disappeared into thick cover. I was pleased when Haygn picked it up over Bubwith Ings confirming it as a Great White...

...a Little Egret was also seen...

There were at least 3 Stonechats present which are always good value. Other notables were a lone Pink-footed Goose...

Raptors were represented by Marsh Harrier (2) and Red Kite. The two new channels through the reeds paid off when we eventually SAW a Water Rail. It showed on three occasions but was two quick for me to record.

The loyal Whooper Swan Herd (or at least part of it c70) was present distantly on Ellerton Ings...

Always a heartwarming sight to see these returning Birds.

It wasn't all Birds...

So, a good morning. Unfortunately the afternoon went "pear shaped" when I had er...a mechanical issue! I managed to get her to Hull and hopefully things can be sorted?

As a consequence I'm now "Birding from Home"...it's all the rage! I've put 5 hours in the last couple of days encouraged by an influx of the jewels that are Pallas's Warblers. I've never seen one in the Village in 14 Years despite my location being favourable. You've heard about my near misses but no connection...yet. I'll keep trying. My mate Phil had better luck at South Gare...

The Humber

Not one but two MALE Hen Harriers have been seen on the Humber recently. This and an amazingly mild day for the time of Year tempted me to "have a go" today. This morning I gave it an hour at Patrington Haven without success. Water levels were very low so general viewing was difficult but I like to think I would have spotted a HH.

After a coffee and a brief visit home I made my way back to the Humber and the superb Outstray Reserve. A good start as a SEO was flying around the car park. It eventually settled on a nearby post...

Wonderful Birds!

The tide was rising and the number of Birds was incredible!!! 

I was joined by Neil from Beverley and we shared a few stories while we viewed. The spectacle continued as the tide rose further. Huge numbers of Waders of many Species. Pintail, Black-tailed Godwits and Marsh Harriers were on view amongst the regular fayre. I had a panoramic view from Skeffling to Welwick. Alas no sign of any Hen Harriers of any description in 2.5 hours. However this was more than adequate compensation...

I left at Dusk (4.30) enjoying a balmy Novemeber sunset?

Ton Up!

Had a pleasant session at Duff on Wednesday morning with Haydn. Arrived around 9.30 and had 3 hours. Some maintenance work was taking place by the Staff and we had a chat with Ben and Craig. The viewing will be much improved for the Winter and hopefully some more work on the Scrape.

Still quiet due to the lack of water but there were Birds "about". The highlight came in the form of a single Goldcrest right in front of the Hide briefly, bringing up my 100 for the Year.

No sign of any Whooper Swans or Pink-footed Geese on this visit but a few Raptors showed up namely Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. No luck with Peregrine.

I intended to another visit on returning from Lancashire but time ran away and I headed back to the Coast to avoid the Friday afternoon madness. Instead I headed down to Welwick for an hour but it was VERY quiet. Admittedly I didn't venture up to the viewpoint BUT I've often seen Harriers and Owls form the track. I shall return...

Scilly 25 - Summary

That's it then for another Year! We managed to get off early on Friday which was a relief due to the strong winds and spent Saturday making the long drive home, after a nice overnight stay at Helston.

First thought is that I made it and managed to negotiate my way around the Islands (St Mary's except for the first day on Agnes). Could have been better, could have been worse but ALWAYS enjoyable. I was obviously restricted in where I could get to...but I did my best! This affected my Total for the Visit but that's just a side issue and has never been a major consideration...just a fact!

A high intensity opening after travelling down, culminating with an exciting day on St Agnes enjoying MOURNING DOVE, AMERICAN PIPIT and Hoopoe. The young lad at the Cafe asked me if I'd "been for a run" when I met Louise off the boat!! Good fortune eventually, after perseverance, with the Old Town Rose-coloured Starling was satisfying. 

Other notables for various reasons were...

Knot
Cattle Egret
Merlin
Kingfisher (x2)
Yellow-browed Warbler (photographed)
Spotted Flycatcher (photographed)
Mistle Thrush
Firecrest
Red-backed Shrike

Always the possibility of a BIG ONE throughout...and it happened as described. VERY disappointing I can't lie BUT when I reflect on the Month as a whole the Gem was no doubt...the NEEDLETAIL...I thank the "Birding Gods" for my connection late on the 8th!!! The BLACK-FACED BUNTING didn't sting much at all...and I AM keen on my County List? There'll be another.

I've managed to secure both weeks at Louise's favourite residence next year (large points scored). This will mean our visit will be put back a week and our "window" now becomes October 16th - 30th. So, full circle to include..."Teacher's Week". It doesn't matter to me, as plenty of "Good Birds" have turned up late in the Month. I just have to make sure I'm in better "nick".

I'm aware of repetition although I don't always succeed, so I'll leave it there. You never know, I could be back down to the "Fortunate Isles" again this Year yet?!

Scilly 25 - Day 14

Sam from Toots Taxis kindly agreed to pick me up at 7.15 this morning to take me back to Sophie's Walk. The wind was howling as I waited for her to arrive spot on time. It was still dark as she dropped me off but that was fine as I enjoy an "early one"... now and again...

Around 7.45 I made my way slowly across the boardwalk and took up my position, I was first there.

I was joined by 3 others as 8.03 (the time of yesterday's first sighting) came and went. A few more hopefuls turned up including Dick Filby and Simon Slade. I had a good chat with Simon as we waited hopefully. The wind remained strong throughout the morning as most eventually moved on as the outlook became more pessimistic. I gave it till Noon before departing...

Another Dip Site etched in my memory 

Coulda, woulda, shoulda once again. A combined effort of 12 hours over 3 days for no reward. A combination of bad luck and some questionable strategy meant this one got away. I was aware it was seen again yesterday, early afternoon as I returned from Hugh Town in the rain from lunch with Louise after a long morning vigil. I WASN'T aware it was on view for c1 hour!!!

I DID go back...but it has gone and wasn't seen again!

 

Obviously gutted to miss this quality Bird, especially as its one from my favourite Family. I gave it everything I had which is consolation indeed. It just wasn't to be.

Back to strategy and planning. A couple of things that may help, if you're planning a visit. Network coverage is variable. I have EE and Louise has O2. Being a regular visitor I was aware that the latter has better coverage with Vodafone. I considered switching to O2 but as Louise has it and I also have a radio (coverage also variable) I didn't want the hassle. BIG mistake. I'm not saying it cost me the Thrush BUT it may have done? Information is key... right?

I did enjoy my stake out, if not the outcome. I was in a place I love to be with a chance of seeing a "Great Bird". I saw many locals and others from further afield coming and going. The atmosphere was cordial throughout. That's the thing about Scilly, it reeks of History and I love it. So many memories for me.

It appears the BLACK-FACED BUNTING has also departed Spurn, another "one that got away". Always a possibility when you "commit". No matter, I'm in the right place.

Thoughts are now switching to our departure as the Forecast looks dodgy with continuing Gale Force winds into tomorrow. We're scheduled for the last flight but there's no predicted decrease. At least we have accommodation if we can't get off. Time will tell...

Trip Total - 66 Species 

Scilly 25 - Day 13

I've had better days!

I considered "going for dawn" to the EYEBROWED THRUSH Site...but I declined! The taxi service didn't start till 8 and I didn't fancy the "crutch walk" in the dark.

Of course the Bird was seen at 8.03...briefly!

I stayed till 12.30 before leaving for lunch with Louise in Town as the rain started. There were a couple of brief sightings but it was only seen by the initial observer/s.

Whilst having lunch at Kavorna (highly recommended) the rain set in. We decided to return to our Flat. Louise went on ahead. As I was approaching the Lady driver of the Taxi I had returned to Town in recognised me and shouted out of the window..."It's been seen again feeding on apples"!

At this moment there was no way I was going back!?

Once in our Flat I took my soaked gear off and reflected. I read the messages, looked out of the window at the rain...and thought...why not, I didn't have any other plans for the afternoon.

Back in the Taxi and back to the Site. The rain was heavier than ever as I took my place with the small group of Birders present. They included Mark Jones and Simon. I could see the apples that had been placed in the open as the rain became torrential. It's at moments like this I question my sanity! Maybe this is the balance for my luck with the NEEDLETAIL...as Simon pointed out. I wouldn't swap. He also offered his condolences for my recent loss...a mark of the man. Much appreciated pal.

Another Simon (Slade) appeared, he'd just arrived with his wife, it was good to see him again albeit under trying circumstances. I gave it till 4 then returned after a chat with both Simon's. That's around 8 hours worth of Dip and counting.

It's all good "fun". Maybe tomorrow?

Scilly 25 - Day 12

 Well "IT" arrived!!!

9.39 Scilly EYE-BROWED THRUSH St Mary's at Porthloo near the Duckpond

Something ALWAYS turns up here...eventually. There was personal good and bad news. I'd booked a Cart for the day but we were at the Pharmacy attending to a minor matter and I had no signal of any type. On returning to the flat briefly I saw Alan Hannington and Higgo hastily jumping into a car, so I knew something was afoot? After sorting ourselves out we headed for the Duck Pond. It was quite busy!!!

A few false alarms but no further sign by the time we left at 11.45. In hindsight I maybe could have arrived earlier BUT it's irrelevant now. It would turn up on the one morning we had something "on". It's NOT all good luck here. Fortunately its not a British Tick as I saw the Auchmithie Bird in Spring 95. Maybe it will be relocated? The scale of the Rarity (31st record) brought most Birders to the Site c100. I saw many familiar faces including Simon another stalwart who informed me he'd seen the 1987 Bird! You must have started young pal! The last record here was 1993 and this is the 8th in total. There was a record in 1991, my first visit but it was earlier in the month before "Teachers Week".

So...a BIG dip. After returning for some lunch I decided to try for a few Trip ticks that were on offer around the Island, making the most of our transport. We started in Old Town where our target was a GWE. Sure enough the Bird was feeding happily in the Bay...

A particularly fine Specimen I thought.

Next it was the Churchyard, Louise walked down to a familiar bench while I checked out the field the Spotted Flycatcher had been reported in. The visibility was limited from the gate but I stood and waited hoping for some movement. I saw a couple of "flickers" that looked promising...then there it was, fortunately performing in the near corner of the field...

We then moved up the Island to Telegraph passing a group of Birders on the way. Turns out they were watching a Red-backed Shrike, so a quick U-turn in the "mobile" and a bit of help getting into position had me getting great views through a Scope...much obliged! The Bird was distant and into the Sun but I managed a record shot...

As we ventured further another small group were waiting for views of a Little Bunting but a combination of wind and no recent sightings had us moving on once more...BUT not far...as just down the road another small group were staking out a Yellow-browed Warbler. This is a Species I don't have much luck with but the area the Bird had been seen in was quite open, if somewhat distant. An adjacent Birder said it was calling constantly... I took his word for it! I concentrated on a lone Sallow which was quite open in habit. After around 10 minutes, up it popped...

c50 Yards

Complete with out of focus heads in front of me as I was sat on the Cart! Four quality Birds within a Mile!

Alas, no further sign of the Star Bird despite extensive searching. Could still be around though?

Trip Total - 66 Species

Scilly 25 - Day 11

We made our way through Town this morning to the Mermaid Car Park by the Harbour. A Common Scoter had been lingering there for a few days. After a lively night I figured it may be tucked into the Bay...it was...

This was only my 2nd record for Scilly.

A couple of snippets of MEGA news this morning...

09.22 Shetland GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER last week at an undisclosed site but no sign since

My Word!!! Not just a first for Britain BUT a First for the Western Palearctic! Also it's a Myiarchus  Species...a cracking Bird to boot! Alas, it was photographed by a non-Birder some days ago and no sign since. Obviously frustrating for Birders on Shetland at the time. Speaking of frustrating...

11.12 MEGA E.Yorks BLACK-FACED BUNTING Spurn south of the Breach

A Yorkshire Tick in prospect for yours truly just a few miles down the road from home. You know the drill by now and so do I. You make your choices and enjoy it...OR you don't commit and stay at home waiting for the Alert. I prefer the former. So many variables in Rarity hunting, that's part of the "fun". NOTHING will stop us coming to Scilly in October, it's part of our Year, besides I've still got 4 days for the BIG ONE to arrive here? Imagine the scenario where I left to twitch the BUNTING only to find it had departed overnight and a "Whopper" had arrived on Scilly...and couldn't get back because of the Weather! That HAS happened to Birders.The Good Lady would let me go with her blessing BUT...that's not going to happen.

My luck ran out there BUT I'd MUCH rather have seen the NEEDLETAIL. You can't win 'em all. There'll be another..?

The afternoon was spent around Town and Porthcressa with 5 Swallows being the highlight. Another visit to the Atlantic tonight and then our second "Cart Day" aka Twitchmobile tomorrow, hopefully coinciding with a significant arrival...

...for a splash of inspiration...

October 21st, 2000 SPECTACLED WARBLER Tresco

Trip Total - 62 Species