Glossy Ibis (198)

News broke yesterday evening at 6.31...

East Yorkshire 7 Glossy Ibis Flamborough Head flew SE over Golf Course and continued over Bridlington Bay

They ended up roosting at Hornsea Mere. I set my alarm for 6...then figured I'd wait as Birders would no doubt be present at Hornsea. Lazy maybe...but I prefer shrewd!

Sure enough the Birds were still in residence at 7.10. I had my car booked in locally for 8 so I was hoping there'd be no "action" till I returned home with Louise. I should be so lucky...

7.52 E.Yorks 7 Glossy Ibis Hornsea Mere till 7.50 then flew South 

I'd arranged a courtesy car but now wouldn't need it as Louise had the day off as she wasn't feeling great. More on that later.

At 8.21 I received a WhatsApp message on the Withernsea group from Tim Isherwood informing me they had just passed him at Grimston! We headed back towards the Coast in Louise's car along Snakey and continued up to Cliff Farm as I'd have a panoramic view from there. 

We waited... and waited. It was now 8.40 and no sign. The usual dodgy calculation ensued trying to figure out what time they may arrive, if at all. Louise joined me on the Clifftop as it was a pleasant morning. I was focussing mainly on the view North along the Cliff towards With', while also being aware they might fly below it! Then at 8.55 Louise pointed inland shouting "what are they"? There they were, heading SW towards the Humber in a line at some distance!!! It's quite possible I could have missed them if I'd been alone. Also I definitely would have missed them if Louise had been at work as the courtesy car was out of action!!

All's well that ends well and all that. This was my 198th Species for Holmpton.