Balancing the Visits

My quest for even coverage at my beloved North Duffield Carrs continued on Friday. I'm really enjoying the challenge of tryingto find Birds at a less than optimal time of Year. The only water I have is the Scrape (nothing else of note has arrived) and the River. As I crossed the bridge I noticed a small Tit perched in an adjacent bush. I saw it long enough to convince me I had my first Marsh (114) of the Year. This was only my 4th record. Yet another nice surprise! 

I started at the Platform on an overcast morning, around 11...

The View North

I was hoping to enjoy some Pink-footed Geese but alas none arrived for me. Thousands had been reported over Shetland. Guess it will take a while longer for them to filter though, although a few Skeins have been seen locally already. Then a whirring of wings as a lone Partridge arrowed across the field? Yes!..I had my Grey (115). This was my 7th Year addition in September, combined with a couple of Lifers! After lunch in the car park (where I had a chat with Elaine) I made my way to the Hide. Nothing significant was seen in a couple of hours but I was well pleased with the morning. 

A few more pics of the Spotted Flycatcher from Monday morning...

This morning my first sighting was the youngster on our roof...

Understandably still thinking it's home and still being chaperoned by the wonderfully responsible parents...

More Grey Partridges (4) just South of the Village...

...but still no more PFG...

Robins still arriving...

NDC Lifer x2

Due to an administrative error by yours truly I didn't have to return home from my Mother's as early on Monday. So I had a lie in. The down side of this was I then entered the M62 car park...for an hour and a half! 

I eventually arrived at NDC around Noon to discover the Spotted Flycatcher was still present. I enjoyed even better views in bright sunshine.

Yesterday I returned, arriving at 11. No sign of the SF. Still hoping to add Whinchat or Wheatear but alas no joy. Nothing on the Scrape except a pair of eclipse Mallards and 3 Pied Wagtails. Alas no Yellow...still. I then had a "Sign of Winter" sighting in the form of c100 Lapwings at the far end of the Reserve by the River. Obviously "fresh in ".

The fields have been covered in Corvids the past few weeks. As I was scanning to the left of the Hide I noticed a lone Bird BUT it was bigger, much bigger. I had my first Raven...at long last!!! 

This is my 174th record for the Reserve.

Again maybe my reward for more even coverage this Year? I like to think so.

Back on the Cliff this morning...

There's worse places to be. No sign of any PFG...yet...

Surprise Addition

First visit to Duff on Wednesday. I thought Haydn would be preparing for his Trip to Morocco tomorrow but his car was in the car park as I arrived! I figured he'd be out on the Platform and sure enough he was. It worked out well as he picked up a Great Spotted Woodpecker (110) on call and we eventually saw it briefly on top of a Riverside hawthorn. An unusual scenario!

Thursday was very quiet as I did the rounds on my Coastal Patch. A couple of Ospreys went through Spurn, which gave some sort of hope? I only have one record for the Village and I also saw one at Patrington Haven. 

Yesterday I arrived at NDC at 10. A later start after a night out with the Good Lady. I made my way to the Platform seeing little on the way...

Once in situ I started to scan hoping to maybe add Kingfisher or Grey Wagtail to the Year List? No luck there but the GWE was still feeding along the River. After a drink back at the car I made my way to the hut. The weather was deteriorating and there was a good chance of rain which I was hoping might bring something "down"?

The Scrape was empty apart from Adult and Juvenile Mute Swans. A couple of Herons then joined them. Nothing else of note was seen before the rain arrived around 2. As previously mentioned the area to the left of the Hide has been dramatically cleared (as has the front), giving excellent views of the trees and bushes...

You may recall earlier in the Year Haydn and I had discussed the chances of a Cattle Egret  joining the cows on the Riverbank, which eventually happened (22/7)!! I'd hoped a particular Species might find the above area to it's liking...one day?

I couldn't see anything by 2.45 and was thinking about leaving when I noticed some movement. A small Bird was dropping down from some dead snags before returning to its perch. Characteristic behavior?

I watched the Bird for some time and managed some decent pics despite the poor light. I then wondered how many previous records I'd had here? It's been a long vigil!! I thought it wouldn't be many but I was elated to see a ZERO on my eBird!!! A schoolboy error but one I'm happy to admit. 

I had my 173rd Species for the Reserve...

Spotted Flycatcher

The satisfaction of acquiring/finding a new Patch Tick is as pleasing as any MEGA...and that's the truth...

Despite the poor conditions, one Bird can brighten things up considerably, especially when it's a Patch Lifer!

This morning I started in the South of the Village. My "magic hedge" paid off early when this little cracker popped up on it from the weeds...

Whinchat (H.84)

It flew off high shortly afterwards. Timing. A lone Guillimot was swimming strongly North close in...

A Birder's Evolution

I've found 2026 a Year in which to reflect on my Birding priorities. As you know I enjoy most aspects of this wonderful Hobby and I'm not going to dwell on the few that I don't! Has it really been 40 years?!

I've never believed in "carrying on regardless" despite the importance of any particular aspect of Birding...at any particular time. Going from a Robin in the Garden to a VARIED THRUSH on Papa Westray (I'll never top that one), I've experienced and enjoyed it all.

Foreign holidays in Europe and Stateside have been my main focus further afield. I'm sooooo glad I covered most States in my 50's, completing 25 visits to 44 States. My 15 trips to my beloved Texas were extremely memorable. I was fitter then. I met some amazing Birders all across the Continent, some of which I am still in touch with. We've received a kind offer from one in Texas that may be a consideration in the future. I quite like it there!

There's an inevitable slowing with age and as I'm deep into my 70th Year I'm aware of my limitations! I must stop thinking someone looks old and then realise they could be younger than me!!! My mind is thankfully still sharp and my body is trying to keep up! This doesn't mean my enthusiasm has diminished; far from it. I crave quality experiences now, not endurance tests. Many of my adventures in the past were exhilarating and are extremely memorable (I may revisit some on the dark Winter evenings). Some weren't. That's life.

So, what does the future hold? The good news is I'm still here!!! I focus mainly on my Patches now. I find it far more rewarding "finding my own"...or at least trying too! I will still Twitch on occasion depending on the Species, circumstances and location. Fuel costs are an increasing consideration. There has been a certain understandable mellowing, which I'm very comfortable with. I have nothing to prove to myself or anyone else for that matter. It seems I've come full circle. Just glad I've been able to complete it.

As I write we have 2 weeks on Scilly next Month and April in Cyprus next year. I may squeeze in a visit to the UAE in January (this is still under negotiation). Beyond that...who knows?

What I do know is that I have the perfect retirement pastime for me and I intend to make the most of it. Starting today...

Variety

Last Tuesday I made my first visit of the week inland. A couple of Jays over Bubwith Bridge was a good start.

Fairly quiet session but 3 Snipe were noteworthy and the Greenshank remained...

Thursday evening had us at a very nice local Pub for a meal. A Barn Owl on Snakey on the way home was only my 2nd Village record for the Year. A welcome sighting.

Yesterday Haydn came across for a visit. He sorted a plumbing issue for us (many thanks pal) before we headed for the Sewage. This turned out to be a VERY good decision as it was VERY "Birdy". A pleasant surprise!

The highlight was a pristine Red-throated Diver close offshore in full summer plumage! I've never seen such a smart example here. Unfortunately my pics don't do it justice...

...we had great views through Haydn's 'scope. 2 distant Mute Swans on the Sea was unusual and a Village Year Tick. I'd never seen this Species on the Sea here before...

15 Scoter went North and a couple of distant Skeins of Pink-footed Geese went South. Highly anticipated.

3 Ringed Plover and a single Dunlin gave great views on the beach...

Best Buddies

Mediterranean Gulls were very noticeable. I seem to see more with each passing Year? At least 30 were present, coming and going...

Decent numbers of Sandwich Terns were fishing offshore and a few landed on the Beach...

A decent haul in 45 minutes half a mile from home.

After a coffee we covered the Humber sites. A lucky sighting of 4 Spoonbills briefly popping up above the Floodbank was special. We then had a Wheatear...

and a Whinchat...

This morning I got some better views of arriving PFG on the Humber...

This afternoon I had a ride down to Sammy's Point and managed to find a Greenshank...

Back inland tomorrow...

Twitching Times

Firstly, sincere congratulations to all who made it on Sunday. Well planned. No envy here. It always intriuges me how they get there so quickly? A "Dip" is character building!

If you've followed me for any length of time you'll know I've had some wonderful adventures and have great memories chasing various MEGAS over the last 40 years (Wow, is it THAT long?). Hopefully you've enjoyed some of my Tales?

I'd lined up an attempt yesterday once news came through that the Bird was roosting on a small beach close to the Airport (handy). I must admit I was surprised it stuck it out in poor conditions? Not very arid! A truly remarkable record...Ship assisted? This enabled all with good connections to achieve a "Slam Dunk" as it was sat there in the rain all day, wondering where the hell it had ended up...poor thing. I have to say, not the most thrilling of scenarios (this does come into my thinking) BUT...a Tick is a Tick right...and a Whopper at that!

Whilst contemplating the logistics I started to reflect on the outlay needed to make my attempt. I have the will and time but...

I simply can't justify it these days 

When I was teaching (more flush)) I did a couple of Charter flights for CAPE MAY WARBLER and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. Both with the FULL backing of my wonderful Wife (as it was yesterday). Being mainly a lone wolf (I do have some valued pals) I'm not as well connected as some... and that's my choice. It can obviously be to my detriment regarding logistics and speed of attempt.

I've done fine over the Years as my list shows but on some occasions it can prove costly. That's OK though I've gone way beyond initial expectations.

As previously stated I'm never going to win the Champions League! Europe will do lol! It has to be on my terms. Comparison is futile.

As I approach 70 (just glad I'm still here to be honest) I'm more aware of my responsibilities and budget! Yesterday I thought long and hard before rejecting my attempt, which was just as well as the Bird wasn't seen today!!! The thought of mooching around Sumbrough doesn't bear thinking about. I've been in this situation on more than one occasion.

Personally, I've never enjoyed Shetland (no offence meant) on my visits, although I've seen some great Birds there. Large distances and poor weather doesn't appeal. The stand out for me was the TENGMALM'S OWL. Not just the Species but the whole scenario. A magical Trip. I prefer the other end, as you know. 

I won't be going there again

This will obviously limit my opportunities for future additions. That's fine. Did I mention the Ferry?!

I'll still look to add new Birds to various lists and hopefully something will drop on Scilly this October, preferably when I'm there...16th - 30th.

Here's to the next one...

This Week

Due to circumstances I'm reluctantly reporting weekly at the moment. I try to mix things up as much as possible but it is what it is.

Couple of visits last Friday and Sunday combined with a visit to Bury. The Scrape...has had some attention, as promised...

As you can see the visibility has improved. A further "swipe" in front of the Hide was made on Wednesday. Unfortunately my Friday visit revealed the small bush had been removed with it! Hopefully it will grow back? I did finally add Green Sandpiper (109)...

Back to Thursday. Haydn came over for the day and I gave him the full tour. We started at the Sewage which was quiet. We then tried the Cliff Top off Seaside and scored with my first Cormorant (H.78)...I know...and Red-throated Diver (79)...again, I know...of the Year!!! Best to leave a few. On the way to the Southern end we picked a few Med Gulls out of the Black-headed...

We visited the Cafe then carried on down to Stone Creek. I was curious to see if the Green Sandpiper was still around the Dung Heap...it was! Too quick for a pic...again. This Snipe was a decent replacement...

Eventually we made our way back to Patrington for lunch. Afterwards we tried some sites along the Humber. We had a walk up to the screen. This turned out to be a good decision as we were confronted with a wonderful sight...

I'd seen a decent number from the South Bank some years ago near Reeds Island BUT nowhere near this many. We estimated 300+. This was the undoubted highlight of the day although we also had a Whinchat, a couple of Wheatears. and a few Yellow Wagtails here.We saw plenty of Marsh Harriers in various locations and a kettle of 8 Buzzards at Patrington Haven.

The weather was remarkably mild throughout, which is always a blessing on the Estuary. A great day.

Saturday a message from Haydn had me back at NDC to try for the Greenshank he'd found earlier. 1hr 40 minutes later I had it on my Year List (110)...

The Scrape is producing...

A slightly jumbled report this time as I'm somewhat distracted at the moment by a Bird on Shetland!!!

MEGA EGYPTIAN NIGHTJAR Shetland Pool of Virkie Mainland 

I'd lined it up but I'm not going. Various reasons which I won't bore you with. I see things differently these days. Still keen and determined as ever but more measured. As stated previously I prefer the "thrill of the chase". I'm never "gonna see 'em all"...right? I never dreamed I'd see as many as I have. I'm more than happy with my total and my decision. 

All the very best to those who travelled.