I said...I'd be back!

Finally sorted. No war and peace tale. Lets get on with it...

Plenty to catch up on. After the excitement and controversy of the MEGA twitch...

All good boys on the Hill

Not so good...

Good fieldcraft?

I took this pic, hand held, from "the hill"...

and this as it soared away...

It was seen again today in East Sussex, it's third county visited! Yorkshire next please!

Plenty of breeding evidence around the back yard now...

I've even got singing Linnets, caught them at it yesterday!

Other species present are House Sparrow (breeding in the porch), Tree Sparrow, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pheasant, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Tawny Owl, Great-Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Jackdaw, Crow, Swallow, Starling and Goldfinch...

On our TV aerial!

The Eagle has landed!

Things have been a bit crazy here since the return from the States. As already mentioned I lost my internet signal as O2 decided to sell to Sky. Unfortunately Sky tell me they can't provide me with a service so I'm waiting for my BT service to kick in on the 9th.

I'm writing this from Starbucks in Hull (bijou) whilst waiting for my locking wheel nuts to be drilled out due to the local garage over-tightening them!

Anyway, that's my problem.

Quite a bit to catch up on when I'm re-connected. For now though I thought I'd share a few pearls of wisdom with you regarding my weekend twitch to see the SHORT-TOED EAGLE in Dorset.

News broke on Saturday afternoon...I was driving ...for a change!

I didn't see the first record on the Isles of Scilly in 1999. I was living another life then. So, I was keen to connect with this one. Problem. I was working Sunday!! A few hurried phone calls at the finish of my shift and I'd managed to do a swap with one of the lads. Thanks Ian. I'd just done 4 long days and I'd been up since 5.30am (cue violins) but that was incidental as Tony Dixon picked me up at 10pm from home. We carried on to Hull to pick up Richard George and Erich Hediger. Through the night we (well Tony) drove.

We arrived around 4.45am. It seemed as long to drive through Dorset as it did the previous 250 miles! We parked in the allotted field and waited. It was very misty and the bird (not surprisingly)wasn't in view. We were assured it had been seen however?

Around 7 the mist lifted and fortunately the bird was in full view sat on a branch in a pine tree.

courtesy of Tony Dixon

There was the usual performance regarding twitching behavior. I posted my thoughts (maybe foolishly) on Birdforum! A copy is posted below. The great thing about my blog is I have full censorship control!!!

"Hello All,

I was there on Sunday morning from dawn. Initially everything hunky dory on the hill. Mist starts to clear allowing superb views with little heat haze. Looking through my mates Swarovski with 45x eyepiece I had fantastic views down to yellow eye. Wow...what a bird!!!

Then things start to go pear shaped.

The inevitable (and sadly predictable) slow creep started to take place. Initially one or two bodies appeared below us…then 20, then 50 etc etc. Once the floodgates are broken it's only natural that others will follow, feeling their good behaviour is somehow futile now as the majority are closer, enjoying "better" views. I can understand the pull to do this. Just for the record I remained with the righteous minority on the hill with a strange mixed feeling! We all wanted to see it fly...we all did.

Let’s face it the optics these days are amazing. At least part of this encroachment is driven by the need for closer photos...there I've said it! My optics comment did include cameras. Even I can take a decent pic for my blog with my point and shoot Pany.

This isn't about the moral high ground (excuse the pun!)...it's simply about being unselfish. Many write on here about camaraderie...I'm all for it BUT this scenario doesn't fit...does it?

Later I heard comments like "it wasn't bothered". A classic hindsight comment.

My point is this...

IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN!!!

Consider this...

If you were traveling down to see this magnificent bird but couldn't make it for dawn for various reasons i.e. family, work, traffic etc. you'd be hoping/praying it wasn't flushed before you got there, we’ve all been there right? The bird leaving of its own volition...no problem…well, maybe a little!

The birders who went down the hill (sounds like a song!) could NOT possibly have known they wouldn't flush the bird...how could they? If you arrived to find out it had been unnecessarily disturbed...how would you feel? Dare I suggest you might be a tad irked!!!

Nothing will change...but maybe things will improve...I live in hope!

I'm sure some will no doubt disagree. Hope no-one gets too upset. It's just my opinion you understand. We're all entitled to one...

Good birding to you all

Alan Whitehead"

I managed a decent if distant flight shot as it took off. I must admit I'd fell asleep in the morning sun!

I'm still alive!

Massive problems with my internet connection at the moment i.e I haven't got one!

Whilst away on holiday, unbeknown to me, SKY took over my provider O2. No problem?

I'm afraid it's not that simple...what is?

They also cut my signal and are now telling me I can't be re-connected as there is no room on the exchange. The same exchange that I had a space on with O2?...Nice!

So I'm using my mate Phil's to post this.

Anyway that's my problem.

I hope to see some decent stuff over my 6 day break.

Things started poorly, dipping on the Bee-eaters and Red-backed Shrike at Flamboro'. This morning things picked up when I found a Ring Ouzel in the village. Not a great pic' but I only had a split second...

I also recently popped down to Spurn to see the Sub-Alpine Warbler in Canal Hedge.

Cuckwho?

Had a couple of distant views last night and heard frequently. Had 90 minutes around Holmpton, Patrington and Hollym this morning. Nothing!

Nice Yellow Wagtail though...

Masses of Whitethroats around here this spring. Great to see...and hear...

Back to basics

Had a walk down Beacon lane last night. The weather is improving and we managed to avoid the heavy showers.

Not a soul in sight as I took the new permissive path towards Kilnsea Wetlands. The pool in the meadow hosted the "resident" Brent Goose. At least it had some company with the Greylag flock. I then noticed some movement in the distance through the long grass. The distinctive jizz of Whimbrel came into view. I used to see them fairly regularly in the lower Derwent Valley but it was great to find a couple on my new patch...

Depends where you see 'em?

Time still very limited post trip. Back at work etc etc. Think it's called...life! Still, can't complain. Still on a high after the Osprey sighting locally. I'm sticking to my delayed trip report but I thought I'd post a parallel sighting from across the pond. They're far easier to see there, allowing close views...and photos...

Everglades, Florida

The most significant sighting was obviously locally. Cracking views in the Sunshine State though!!

Welcome back...with an Osprey!

photo courtesy of Phil Jones

Decided to meet Phil this morning to bore him with holiday yarns! Weather very poor but we had a walk to the cliff at the sewage works. Whilst chatting and throwing what was left of Bud's ball I glanced out to sea...

OSPREY!!!

What a brilliant bird to return too and a Village tick to boot!

I've decided to delay my trip write up until spring migration has ended. I'm hoping there'll be plenty to write about here until then...

Just landed!

Well, that's it!

Plenty of miles covered, sights seen and birds observed. I'll be doing a write up eventually when I've got my breath back!

As for my target ABA birds? You'll just have to wait and see. I'm sure you'll survive!

CUCKOO D-day!

Lots of miles and sightseeing = few posts but I'm back in Fort Myers and ready for another shot at 

MANGROVE CUCKOO

Wish me luck...

Walking in Memphis!

Top day yesterday.

We visited Graceland...home of the KING. As usual the presentation and quality of tour was outstanding.

Memphis is a vibrant city with Beale Street the hub. We ate in B.B.KINGS place and strolled the street listening to "the Blues".

Earlier we had visited Sun Studios the birthplace of Rock and Roll!

Great days indeed...

Next stop...the Big Easy...

New Orleans!

AMERICAN WOODCOCK - YES!

Finally connected! Due to a combination of wrong place at wrong time over the years I'd failed to connect with this species. Last night put things right with the help of Marilyn Westphal and Mark Simpson. They went to great lengths to help me see this bird for which I am very grateful. Thank you both. The location was high up on the Blue Ridge Parkway...

• 469 MILES connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia

Amazing views and a fabulous sunset.

Onto Nashville today...

DEEP SOUTH...the story so far

I'm writing this from Hendersonville, North Carolina. We travelled here through heavy Good Friday traffic from the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia...we did the tour.

The reason we're here is that I'm trying to add AMERICAN WOODCOCK to my ABA list! I've had to travel north to the mountains to find a "micro climate" that means the birds are still displaying at this time. I have a good contact and I'll be trying this evening. The weather has been poor here but it's improving gradually.

The first day in the Miami area proved fruitful with 2 ABA ticks. Firstly I saw a LA SAGRA'S FLYCATCHER on Key Largo. The fact that I saw it at midday in 100 degree heat was VERY fortunate!
We then spent a wonderful afternoon/evening in the Everglades. Excellent views of many species plus sightings of Crocodile and Alligator! I finally managed to add SHINY COWBIRD to my ABA list.

Next it was onto the Ft Myers area. Another superb location and a sighting of EURASIAN WIGEON!

My MANGROVE CUCKOO efforts have so far proved unsuccessful...although I have tried...hard. Ding Darling, Sanibel Island and Bunche Beach were scoured but to no avail. I have a contact for my return trip and 4 days down at Key West, so plenty of time yet? You can only stare into mangroves whilst getting eaten for so long!

No pics as too time consuming. I'll save those for later.

That's it for now...

The Last Post...before a Busman's Holiday!

Two cliche's! Not bad...terrible!!

...and I missed the CRAG MARTIN. At least I was in the country (not like last year)...alas I was on the Buz. I missed the previous Yorkshire bird (18/4/1999) as my 2 young boys were playing football. I had seen it the previous day in Leicestershire however.

This will be my last riveting post before we leave on Sunday morning.

My final thought involves my little friend down the lane. He's kept me entertained morning and evening for the past 10 days, belting out his wonderful song with amazing enthusiasm. If any bird deserves to find a mate, then this bird is surely it.

Hats off to the SONG THRUSH...

Time running out...

Busy day tomorrow. Got to get sorted for Sunday...lots to do as I'm working Friday and Saturday.

Exciting though! 

Hard to believe we'll wake up Monday morning in Miami. As stated previously I'll try and post some highlights on the Blog if possible. I've got plenty of info' regarding my target birds and I'm pretty confident I'll connect with them all...except one? 

AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER will be a miracle sighting on the trip to the Dry Tortugas...but it is possible! I would definitely get it on one of the three day trips. Three reasons this isn't happening. 1. Louise! 2. Seasickness!! 3. Cost!!!

Locally, I took Bud down to Sammy's again this evening. We spent a pleasant hour in lovely Spring-like conditions and I managed to finally locate another Wheatear...

Sneaked out again!

Shift finished earlier than expected so I was down at Sammy's again by 5.45! I couldn't relocate the Kingfisher. Tim Jones had been down looking also.

Within 5 minutes though I'd found THREE Wheatears (P.94, S.57)!

2 distant males

One closer!

Within minutes they'd disappeared and weren't seen again!

On the way back to the car a Little Egret drifted over on it's way to roost...

My mate was showing in the evening light as I passed the barn...

It allowed me a closer look...and I heard noises and hoots...a first for me!

Last day?

Probably my last session before we head for the States on Sunday, so I wanted to make the most of it! Things started well with a local Song Thrush belting it out from the treetops...

Next stop was Easington were I took the lane down to Sammy's. This was the area I saw some Fieldfares the other day. Today there were more thrushes but this time it was the turn of the Redwings. They were very skittish and when they did land it was only very briefly.

With patience though I managed to grab a few shots...

There were at least 500 between the Cemetery and the car park at Sammy's. A fine sight indeed!

The afternoon was spent packing my case (under orders) as time will be limited before we leave. I managed to escape again around five and I decided to return to Sammy's to see if the flock was still about. It wasn't! They'd obviously moved on. It was however great to have witnessed this obvious visible migration of thrushes returning north.

I parked the car and made my way with Bud down the path by the Humber. Dark clouds were threatening heavy rain but we carried on. Once I reached the main group of bushes I cut across towards the main ditch. As I reached it I looked along and there perched right in front of me was a Kingfisher!!! (P.94, S.57)

It flew off down the ditch but fortunately landed some 50yds away...

Very dark by now but this perched image is passable, considering...

After a couple of minutes it flew swiftly passed again and disappeared towards Kilnsea...

This was the first record for the Spurn area this year.

The heavens had now opened and we headed back towards the car. My efforts were further rewarded when a Swallow (P.95, S.58) flew over my head, followed almost immediately by 3 Sand Martins! (P.96, S.59). Possibly brought down by the heavy rain?

Great stuff.

Driving back I passed the usual haunts including Out Newton. I timed it just right as the Barn Owl was just emerging for it's evening patrol...

A much better day than anticipated. You just never know...do you?

Dull...but birds are returning!

Another day of gloom! Never mind...at least I wasn't at work.

I managed to pick out the local Song Thrush down the lane, although it was singing high in the tree tops...

Snakey lane is livening up nicely. Meadow Pipits, Yellowhammers and singing Corn Buntings...

So lucky to have these birds locally.

A pair of Goldfinches were prospecting for nest sites...

A (very early) Wryneck was seen at Spurn today. I'll probably pop down tomorrow if it's reported again.

Hopefully it'll be SUNNY!!!

Misty

The weather didn't cooperate today as it stayed gloomy all day. At least it wasn't windy! It soon became apparent that Fieldfares were on the move. The first evidence was at Out Newton...

They soon disappeared into the mist...

I counted 11 birds.

Next sighting was at Easington Cemetery. At least 300 birds present here...

Another large flock was seen down at Sunk Island mixed in with Starlings...

A conservative estimate would be 500 birds seen.

I paid two visits to Sammy's. My first produced a smart female Blackcap (P.91) which managed skilfully to avoid my camera. A flyover Snipe (P.92) was a well overdue first of the year.

My visit late afternoon was based around a second attempt to photograph the Blackcap. Alas it failed but compensation was found in the form of this Chiffchaff (P.93)...

ABA first?

A Shelduck has been found in Newfoundland. Always questions over wildfowl origin but this particular record is gaining momentum. More here

Return of an old friend...happily!

Little Owl, Out Newton

Out early tomorrow...if I can see anything?