NYM (2)

 I contacted Haydn recently asking him if he fancied another trip up into the Moors. He was up for it so yesterday I rose at stupid o'clock (4.45), took Bud a good walk (when I could rouse him) and left the Cottage at 5.30.

Traffic was predictably light, barring passing the early shift heading to Easington Gas Terminal! I made my way through Hull and headed up the A164 towards Beverley...and breakfast at McDonalds (my day out treat). Everything in moderation! Unfortunately the posh people of Beverley mustn't need it at 6, as it didn't open till 7!

That put me back 20 minutes but I still made it to Pickering for 8 and Haydn arrived shortly after despite a closure on the A64. He hopped in and we headed North for "The Moors". I had a couple of Sites (courtesy of eBird) planned to try for our main target, namely Whinchat. It took us around 25 minutes to reach the Site, a lovely small Valley with a stream.

We set our stall out in the small car park and watched from there for the length of our visit (2hrs). After only 10 minutes..."we" heard (OK Haydn did) then saw one halfway up the hillside in a lone bush. I set my scope up but alas it flew off. Still, early success! Things went quiet for the next hour although Haydn heard another Bird low down by the stream but we couldn't locate it. We heard a Cuckoo and Haydn had a brief view of a Redpoll in fine plumage. A distant Raptor on the horizon was intriguing but again it disappeared as soon as I touched my scope. I was thinking Red Kite? A Pied Wagtail walked around the ford where we were hoping a Grey might be. 

Then another sighting, this time closer but still the Bird was understandably elusive. After a couple of glimpses Haydn managed a "record shot"...

It was great to see this Species in breeding habitat. We also had a brilliant flight view. 

We looped round and ended up at our second Site further East. It was now approaching midday and it was quiet. Still, we'd succeeded in our quest and had a wonderful morning in brilliant scenery and fantastic weather. The company was pretty good also. He leaves for San Francisco on Monday and will be visiting Yosemite N.P and surrounds. This brings back great memories for me of times gone by. I was fortunate enough to visit this magnificent Park three times in 1999, 2002 and 2006. Any excuse to show my fading pics of my "ultimate Birding moment"...

Finding a Great Grey Owl in Wawona Meadow one afternoon (9/8/06) was truly MAGICAL!!! I hope Haydn has the same good fortune.

Going for a Song

Late news on Sunday of a SONG SPARROW belatedly identified at Thornwick Bay, Flamborough Head!!! I saw the Seaforth Bird in Liverpool Docks, way back in October 1994!, so not a British tick but a potential County addition.

Due to unavoidable commitments I couldn't go Monday and the Bird wasn't seen, despite extensive searching. It seemed...that was that?

However, Tuesday morning...

East Yorkshire SONG SPARROW again Thornwick Bay, Flamborough Head 

Time to mobilise...of sorts. I arrived around 9.30 and made my way with my trusty hound to the Site. The Bird had been seen on a couple of occasions but only briefly. Several familiar faces were present.

After around 30 minutes someone picked it up in the brambles. I couldn't get "on it" before it flew across the gully.

It moved again and remarkably landed in a bush not 20 yards away. Handy! After some fumbling I managed a BOC record shot...

This is my 406th Species for my adopted County. A remarkable record of an American Species in Spring, especially on the East Coast! I even heard it singing!!!

Obviously pleased to connect, especially as I had a small window of opportunity due to family commitments.

A BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER was again, belatedly reported, this time on Iona, Argyll. I still "need" this Species for Britain but it was never a "goer" for me on this occasion. I'm just happy I sneaked the Sparrow.

Low and High

Duff drying up now and will get even drier soon when the pump is started! So...I made the car park yesterday for 8.30 and Haydn arrived shortly afterwards. It was still raining slightly BUT it was clearing from the West.

Once we'd settled in we started to scan. I picked up some Swifts...then more... and more! I estimated c60 Birds feeding VERY low over the Reserve...a fine sight! One advantage of inclement weather.

As it cleared, the Snipe became more apparent as they started "drumming" over many areas of the Carrs.

It's not all about ticks....far from it.

We left at Noon for lunch in Pocklington. We then headed North up into the Wolds to try a new Site for both of us. I'd received the information for this Site from a visitor to the Hide a couple of weeks ago. Having checked Google maps I was confident I could find the spot.

On arrival in the Valley we found a parking area and had a look around. The scenery on the journey was spectacular with long rolling hills and some steep ascents and descents. It was truly remote...and peaceful! We heard then saw a Mistle Thrush. Our target Redstart unfortunately eluded us, so we moved on to our second Site.

Once again in position we started to search the area. My contact had told me Raven, Peregrine and Redstart were possible here! After around 10 minutes we simultaneously picked up an approaching Peregrine which eventually landed on a prominent rock. A good start here. The weather was superb now and we were soon enjoying Red Kite and Buzzard also...in a wonderful setting.

Haydn (with his remarkable hearing) picked up the song of a Redstart deep below. Over the next 30 minutes or so he heard it frequently...needless to say I didn't! There were a decent number of mature trees in full leaf and I have to admit I didn't fancy his chances of finding it. He DID!!! We even had scope views on top of a dead branch before it flew off. Impressive!

No Raven ...but 2 out of 3 ain't bad...

Not so Swift arrival

Finally added Swift (H.63, P.91)) to the Village Year List this evening with 3 Birds seen on the Dog Stroll. Always special! Earlier a Bee-eater was seen heading South from Grimston. I made it up to Cliff Farm and gave it 30 minutes but no sign. Of course...it went through Spurn!