Slowly, slowly...

It can be slow going in February after the initial rush of Year Ticks. I don't rush anywhere these days! Forced changes in approach allow me to see things from a different prospective which I quite like. Bitter cold weather isn't conducive to prolonged periods in exposed locations so my preferred inland location suits me down to the ground. Hunkering down in the Geoff Smith Hide is bliss to me, just watching what comes as goes. Its a good hour from home but that's no problem and isn't that big a deal to me...I've got plenty of time these days! I always remember my old mate Pete Piringer relocating back to Thorganby from Bridlington after spending his younger Years in the York Area. I can see why. Don't get me wrong, I'm fine living out here on the Coast BUT I still VERY much enjoy my dual Patch Birding!!

Hence my latest visit on Thursday. I arrived at 8 to see that Haydn was already in situ. We made our way out to the Platform and gave it an hour. No luck with the Willow Tit but we enjoyed regular passes of groups of Whooper Swans flying low from Ellerton to the Farm over the road. MAGIC!!!

We headed for the shelter of the GSH.

There was a lone Whooper present on the Carrs but the remainder were distant on Ellerton Ings. However they were still commuting to the Farm...

 

Classical Power

We estimated around 80 Birds. Goldeneye had risen to 7. The pair of Stonechats are remaining loyal to the Scrape.

Another indicator of Spring appeared in the form of a mobile trio of Oystercatchers...

Curlew was also added. Three Marsh Harriers playing together was a fine sight as was the pair of Red Kites. All gave relatively close views.

I stuck it out till 1, then the East Wind won...

Year Total - 64 Species