WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL - My Story

Well then...

I'm writing this as the good lady is driving down the M1 at the start of our annual pilgrimage to the Fortunate Isles, let's hope they live up to their fabled reputation. MOURNING DOVE present at the moment.

Around 2pm yesterday I set off with our wonderful Siamese Cat to take him to his holiday residence. Alas, he was on his own for the first time....

14.28 MEGA E.Yorks. WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL ESE of Watton at Tophill Low NR over O Resr early afternoon 

I sorted Smokey out by 3 and headed purposefully NW. THL isn't the easiest place to get to and isn't my favourite Reserve. A road closure didn't help. Anyway I arrived at the car park at 4...

Not very busy 

What to do?

Reports and spotty reception meant a drive to a more favourable location nearby. My (hopefully temporary) mobility issues helped me refrain from walking to O Resr, which was about to work in my favour.

It was now 5 and I'd had enough, I started to weave my way back towards the A614...

5.10 MEGA E.Yorks WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL Bempton Cliffs RSPB flew North over the Visitors Centre 

Google Maps gave me a travel time of 55 minutes. Through Hutton Cranswick onto the A614 and a queue at temporary traffic lights. Eventually through...and onwards... again with purpose. "Flew North" obviously didn't mean "still present" but I HAD to try... right?

Getting through Bridlington in the "rush hour" wasn't ideal but knowing the area well I had a couple of short cuts up my sleeve. These worked very well and I managed to knock a few minutes off my ETA arriving at the Bempton car park at 6.

I grabbed my trusty staff and set off for the Cliffs. It's at this point I may as well confess I didn't have my gear with me as I was originally returning to pack for Scilly! As I turned the corner it was disconcerting to see empty viewpoints and the realization the Bird was being seen far to the North was... challenging.

I'd missed the updates (I was concentrating) so the news it was still present encouraged me as I made my way as quickly as I could along the path North. The classic "setting sun scenario" was playing out...not so nicely. I passed a Birder and asked him if he'd seen it. He was surprised to hear the word Swift, commenting it was very late. I tried to explain (briefly) the significance but he continued on his way! Not everyone is a Twitcher.

I could see a couple at the Viewpoint I was finally approaching (I still couldn't see "the crowd") and I was now preying they were looking at it as I didn't think I'd make Bartlett Nab. I walked up to them and asked "Are you watching the Swift"? Their answer was music to my ears...Yes!

The Gentleman kindly let me borrow his bins...and there it was feeding off the Cliff to the North. I'd made it!!!

Things got even better. As I was getting my breath back the NEEDLETAIL moved towards us and flew low over our heads. Just THREE of us on the Viewpoint.

Simply Sensational!

I floated back to the car and somehow didn't ache as much...

If you're into this game you'll appreciate the significance of this sighting. A Species of Mythical proportions and one I have to be honest enough to say, I thought I would never see.

When I first got hooked on Rare Birds in the late 80's there were certain Species that formed the "Most Wanted" List. As mentioned before I've tried to leave a few for retirement, if I got there, which thankfully I have!

This beauty was right up there with VARIED THRUSH, BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS and BELTED KINGFISHER to name but a few. I'd also place GYR on this List. Of course, there are still Birds I haven't seen... Warblers, Vireos, Flycatchers etc BUT the stand alone Specials...are just that.

So, luck and a sprinkling of determination has enabled me to add this Dream Bird to my List. Maybe someone up there was helping...

Unfortunately it wasn't seen this morning, at least not at Bempton (seen near Aberdeen), which must have been gutting for the assembled troops, some of which would have travelled considerable distance. I've been there.

I've missed a few for various reasons I won't repeat but maybe I'll make 550 in the next 15 days? I was happy to reach 500!

PARULA please!!