Duff Tick

It was time for my fortnightly visit to my Mother's on Wednesday, so I stopped off at Duff on the way. I'd arranged to meet Haydn, although we hadn't confirmed. I was pretty sure he'd be there and sure enough I received a messages around 9. As I was waiting at Howden Level Crossing I received an update informing me he''d found a Cattle Egret with the Cattle feeding on the River bank!!!Over the past few weeks we'd discussed the chances of one turning up among this herd! This Species was high on the "What's Next" List.

It took me another 20 minutes to reach the Car Park and I made my way steadily towards the Hide. I was fairly confident it would hang around under the circumstances? On arrival Haydn and Oliver Metcalfe were looking at the Bird, doing what Cattle Egrets do! Fortunate timing! I have to be honest and say it would have been nice to find it myself but if I'm going to be "gripped off", I'm glad it was Haydn! I let Elaine know and she soon joined us to enjoy the Bird.

This was my 172nd Species for the Reserve and my 106th for the Year.

Haydn recently managed to grab a pic' of the "rare" Reed Warbler...

Only my 2nd record!

Inbetween my charging around recently, I managed a few pics of local stuff that I thought was worth sharing. A couple of Butterflies right in front of the Hide...

Painted Lady

Peacock

I also had a close encounter with a Leveret as I was driving through the Village. It ended up on next door's driveway before safely disappearing back into the fields...

Cute!

It's not ALL Birds...

BCBE - My Report

I'm writing this as I watch the Open whilst recovering mentally and physically! 

Wednesday morning I was still washed out but feeling better. Possibly heat exhaustion? A relaxing morning with another nap meant I was feeling more myself. Incredibly the Bird was still present!! They don't tend to linger.

I made some inquiries regarding transport, accommodation etc which fitted. I was getting "Twitchy". As already stated I have previous on this Island which was reassuring in my present state. 

Louise arrived home at 4 and I broke the news to her that I was going to make an attempt. As always, I had her full backing. My ASAP Mantra was still intact, which is vital. Trust me, I couldn't have attempted this drive earlier!

I left at 5.30pm fully aware of the solo drive I had in front of me (551 miles/11 hours). At least I'd have the Match to listen to!? Things went well as I headed up the East Coast towards Scotland. I usually turn at Scotch Corner and go across the A66 but due to my "new" addition XC70 which still hasn't got a turbo I chose the flatter East Coast route. 

The Match came and went with the usual outcome!!! I'm a passionate Englishman BUT when you've read this book sooooooo many times, it's hard to feel emotional either way? Personally, I'd accept defeat more readily if we actually took part in the game. There's a familiar pattern here... score a goal then drop back and defend and wait to get beat. We have never been able to keep the ball, that's why we lose as soon as we play a Top Team. They wear us down, then strike. I WILL put myself through the "visual" eventually.

A couple of road closures delayed my arrival in Edinburgh but I reached the Premier Inn by Midnight. My kipping in the car days are over. There were NO updates during my drive?

I rose at 5.45 and after the inevitable "Ronald" I continued over the Forth Bridge towards Perth. I was keen to receive an early message, hopefully positive. I then saw a message from David Roche who lives on the Island. The Bird wasn't seen in the evening and didn't roost in the usual garden. Not great. 

What to do? Carry on. The consequences of turning back too early were unthinkable at this juncture!!

Around 8 I received a message from Tony Dixon informing me some Birders were on Site and hadn't seen the Bird by 7.30. Definitely not good. I was now past Perth heading for Inverness. My Ferry from Scrabster was at 1.15 and I couldn't stop and wait for news or I wouldn't make it. It wasn't looking good obviously BUT what if it was relocated and I'd turned back!? I decided to drive on to Inverness hoping for a miracle. More refreshments on arrival and still enough time to make the Ferry BUT still no news... either way.

I gave it till 10 then reluctantly bailed out as by now I wouldn't make the Ferry. Plenty of time to chew things over on the long drive home. I arrived home at 9pm. If you're into this crazy "game" you'll appreciate the tension of checking subsequent messages knowing that you now can't get there! All good "fun"? Feeling fine now I'm asking myself why I didn't go earlier? Answer...I physically couldn't. Just bad timing. My desire and determination hasn't diminished and the age thing is irrelevant really (well mainly)...I was at a low ebb writing my previous Post. Yes, I'm struggling to get around (I won't mention it again) BUT I can still get there... eventually! 

Twitching the Long-tailed Shrike and the Dartford Warbler in the extreme heat took it out of me. Both involved long walks. So much for Summer Doldrums!

The Car performed beautifully which was VERY pleasing and a great relief! I feet MUCH better for having tried, if unavoidably belatedly. 

So, mixed feelings. I knew exactly what to do, I just couldn't do it earlier. Rather frustrating! That's enough excuses lol!

I managed to recoup my travel and accommodation costs which was some consolation and I did manage to have a chat with the people I know on this wonderful little Island. It would have been VERY special to see this beautiful Bird here but alas, it wasn't to be. The VARIED THRUSH was arguably my favourite experience and this was probably my biggest Dip. I had both here with the STELLER'S EIDER experience! Triumph and Disaster and all that. This one cut deep. On reflection I couldn't have got over Tuesday and I'd have landed after it departed Wednesday afternoon. Which would have been worse. Some relief!

So, not the best 48 hours, coupling the Bird with the Footy!!!

There have been 4 records in the last 7 years which gives hope that I'll get another shot. "There'll be another". I need something to look forward to in my 70's!!! Congratulations to all who made it!

BCBE

It happened yesterday...and I haven't travelled!

15.20. Orkney Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Papa Westray 

My most wanted on my favourite Scottish Island. Why not?

Well, a few factors at present...

Limited mobility with challenging solo logistics 

Car not 100% for TWENTY hours of driving 

Age and energy!

EXTREMELY frustrating but I'll just have to take it on the chin.

The Bird is still present as I write (it would have cleared off if I'd travelled). All the VERY best to the intrepid hopefuls who have made the Trip. 

As you probably remember I've made 3 visits to the Island and thoroughly enjoyed them, despite mixed results. I'm still not sure how I did the Varied Thrush (click) Twitch!!! So, I am experienced in how to get and stay there.

This is the 4th record in the last 7 years so maybe I'll get another shot before I depart. Hopefully a Mainland Bird. I missed the Yorkshire Bird in July 1989 due to a family holiday.

I've seen plenty on Cyprus BUT I'd still LOVE to see one in Britain. Here's to the next one...

More Summer Surprises!

Whilst still recovering from my successful trip to Crail, I was checking my messages on Tuesday evening when I saw some interesting posts from the York Area Birders. As you know I'm still keen on my York Area List having resided in the area for 26 years. Since moving out to the South Holderness I've made several return visits to Twitch possible additions...as well as countless visits to the Mecca of North Duffield Carrs...of course!!

Wednesday morning one of the the locals made their way onto Strensall Common early doors to check the report out. "Lo and behold" it turned out to be positive news! Remarkably a Dartford Warbler was associating with a family of Stonechats! Great news but the problem was it was on MOD Land in a restricted area. There was no access between 7.30 and 4, Monday to Thursday and Weekends (hence the early visit).

Tough one?

I left the locals involved to deal with possible "News" options and made my way over to Duff for a Session, aiming to arrive at SC at 4. Now then I know of Strensall Common and had a rough idea of access to the area BUT I didn't know it THAT well. A combination of 32c and mobility issues meant a reluctance to venture far without precise directions! I followed the Google Maps PIN but ended up at an area with no access so I tried the car park I knew well. I also contacted a few locals who kindly sent me some maps. So, just after 4 I made my way onto the Common. The area where the Bird had been seen looked a long way. It was toasty!

I reached the gate into the Military Area and went through it. A few other Birders were on their way and had reached the spot (they were quicker than me). I rang one of them and he said there was no sign of the Bird. I continued for a while but I was struggling with the heat and the uneven terrain. I also wasn't sure where I was going!! A decision was made. I bailed out, which doesn't come easy to me. However I figured the Bird had been around for while as it had been seen feeding Stonechats!!! I planned to have a go on Friday when there were no restrictions and I'd have more time to plan my route. The Bird was seen that evening.

Onto Friday morning. I left home at 4.15 arriving at the Common at 6.30. I'd arranged to meet my Pals Haydn and Steve. After a brief chat we set off as it was already warming up! Once in the Military Area, I asked them to continue to figure out the route. They found the spot and Haydn returned to show me the way. It was a good distance (c1 mile). Once in the Area we spread out and started to search for the DW/Stonechats. It took some time (45 minutes) but we eventually found the family...and eventually the Dartford Warbler. The views were fleeting but conclusive as it flitted about the habitat. Success!

We arrived back at the car park around 11. It was now 32c!

News has been released now, hence this post. A remarkable record for the York Area and an even more remarkable series of events. It was my 241st Species for the Area.

Summer Doldrums?

Last Tuesday I made my way over to Duff early doors to meet Haydn. We had a good catch up and shared a rare Bird for the Reserve in the form of a Jay. Only my 6th record! Context!

Later in the day on return, I managed to see the Marsh Tit at Spurn (first for 16 years apparently) and I finally recorded a Quail. A couple of Spurn Ticks to boot, taking me to 323. Who says mid-summer is "quiet"?

I have to admit the combination of Football, Cricket and Tennis...and hot weather has meant my local Birding has been limited recently. I am multifaceted lol!

Onto Sunday.

I picked my phone up at lunchtime after a slow morning to check my messages and realised I'd made a "schoolboy error" by leaving it on silent! I looked in stunned disbelief...

13.14. Fife LONG-TAILED SHRIKE at Crail, adult type in garden on track to Thirdpart House

My Word!!!!!!

I gave Louise "the look", gathered my gear and headed West... after a short discussion of course!

After the traditional pitstop on Hull, I made a couple of phone calls and waited for further news. It didn't come. There was some uncertainty over the ID also? I gave it a couple of hours before returning East. A couple of negative messages confirming my decision. I was still in that heightened state that Twitchers know so well!

It was now 4pm.

As I was out I decided to go down Patrington Haven for a while.

4.23. Fife LONG-TAILED SHRIKE adult-type again at Crail, adult type in garden on track to Thirdpart House

Oh dear...or words to that effect!

Too late now and to be honest even if I'd have carried on initially it would have been extremely tight to make the 341 miles before dusk?

Onto Monday. Positive news came through early, VERY early...5.04 to be precise! I headed for Wetherby to meet Steve Lawton, arriving just after 7. I joined him in his car and we headed for Scotland.

We made good time with no delays arriving early afternoon. It was quite a hike to the Site but I made it.

We joined the group and waited. The Bird was present in the hedge but VERY elusive!. The wind didn't help. There were brief glimpses in the bottom of the hedge but nothing satisfying.

Experienced Scottish Birders around me had their scopes trained on the area but it just wouldn't "show well"...as they say! The Birder next to me had been there some time and had seen the Bird. Eventually he had it again, so I asked him if I could "take a peep". I looked through his large Swarovski and there deep in the hedge was the Bird. A truly breathtaking view!!! I thanked him profusely.

Steve managed to get a record shot, which was impressive under the circumstances...

Another mate, Tony Dixon, who travelled overnight also managed a pic...

We decided we were both happy, so we headed home. Definitely an unexpected addition for both of us...then again I guess every MEGA is!? Some more than others though and this one was definitely "left field". Interestingly, a Species of the same family, namely Red-tailed Shrike has turned up at this time of Year on more than one occasion...but not this one, which is definitely in the "extreme" category.

Driving back we had plenty of time to chat. We swapped stories about Twitching from the past, as Birders do. We both agreed how fortunate we were to have a Hobby we enjoy so much and the adventures it allows us to have. We also reflected on the fact that even after decades of Rarity chasing, new Birds STILL turn up.

Here's to the next one...