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.