WTE at NDC!

After seeing the Eagle twice at Thorganby I was determined to continue to try and add it to my Patch List.

Yesterday I left home at 6.20 arriving at the car park at 8.15 after stops for breakfast and supplies for the day. I intended to give it the full attention it deserved!

Still buzzing from seeing this Species in the York Area, a sighting at Duff would be the icing on the cake. I first saw this Species at Burton Constable 7/11/1999 and will never forget the first time it came into view through the trees. Breathtaking! Maybe you were there?...Steve was. I've also been fortunate enough to have a couple of sightings at Holmpton BUT this wouldn't diminish in any way a sighting here.

After setting my stall out I started to scan directly to the North, I was the only one present. After some 10 minutes or so I picked up a sinister shape gliding low across Ellerton Ings coming in my direction. It could only be one Bird!!! This was a VERY specail moment for me, to see this magnificent heading towards my Patch was unforgettable. Would it continue far enough though? I grabbed my camera and when I looked again it had disappeared. Fortunately it soon reappeared on the Riverbank (to my GREAT relief) at the far end of the Reserve. I had my Tick (169).

YES!!!

8.44

I was joined by Stuart Rapson and we continued to enjoy the Bird. It was his first sighting. I then contacted a few pals who decided to make the journey. After around 45 minutes it moved out of view down the far side of the Bank but could still be seen from Aughton Church... apparently. Haydn and Steve Lawton arrived followed shortly after by Nigel and his lad. Elaine from the Village also joined the fun. It was quite a gathering! Local Birders also came and went as did Birders farther afield. I'd never known the Hide so busy.

As you can hopefully appreciate it was hard to remember exactly who was there at any particular time throughout the day but everyone connected with the Bird eventually although the views varied.

Late morning the Eagle did a full circle of the Reserve before flying North again...

I was still in shock. Eventually all departed and I was left with a few Birders from various parts. The Hide was still busy but there was room for all. 

 

Other Species seen during the morning...

Goldeneye - 3 drakes and a female/immature 

White-fronted Geese 10

Pink-footed Geese c200

Great White Egret

Peregrine 2

Marsh Harrier 2

Lapwing c3000

Pintail c80

There has been a huge increase in Goose and Duck numbers. This was the closest to the Hide I'd ever seen Wigeon...

Common BUT very Dapper

The afternoon session was quieter initially, although there was something of interest to look at but around 2.30 the "Big One" re-appeared through the gloom. The flight views were spectacular as it wheeled around low over the water for a good 15 minutes fishing (confirmed later) beyond the Riverbank, before flying up into the Poplar nearest to the River...

c1 mile

This was the Site where it was first seen on Boxing Day! Somewhat fitting I thought. Inevitably it was bothered by Corvids but they eventually thought better of it! The size comparison was stark. A Magpie looked like a Pied Sparrow!

It then dropped down onto the Riverbank again for a while...

... before flying off North at 3.40 to roost, presumably in the Thorganby area. I've seen and found some great Birds here over the Years...BUT none better than this. Maybe I had a little help...