Saturday at Spurn

Still playing catch up!

Yesterday I went down to Spurn...earlier. I found myself on Beacon Lane again after a report of a Wood Warbler. Plenty of familiar faces about with it being the weekend, a who's who of Yorkshire Birders!

The Icterine Warbler was re-located but dis-appeared before I could get "on it". The chaps had been toing and froing between the lane and Sandy Beaches Caravan site...the first time I'd spent any length of time in there as I wasn't sure about access? The IW seemed to have moved and so did the crowd. I wasn't that bothered as I'd seen it the day before. I decided to hang around a couple of trees near the office on the caravan site...I'm a strange man!

After around 15 minutes a Pied Fly...which soon disappeared. Than after a good 50 minutes I thought I got a glimpse of the the bird I was hoping to see. A bird that is sadly diminishing in numbers...like so many. I used to see them regularly at the wonderful Bolton Abbey but they've become very scarce over recent years, unfortunately. My perseverance paid off...

A typical will-o-the-wisp phyllosc...good sport though!

I waited some more...a decent crowd had assembled by now but the bird had disappeared again. Then news of a Barred Warbler along the canal...mass exodus! Not for me. I've seen plenty of Barred Warblers, Nice birds BUT I wanted more of this little gem. The trouble with August is that there are too many LEAVES! Fleeting movements but no clear view. Then my patience paid off, in spades.

Firstly through the branches...

Then a clear view...well nearly!

A lovely bird.

BIG DAY...Below!

Slight technical issue with posting. I started it a few days ago. Anyway it's below...dated 11/8! Hope you enjoy it.

Tricky Icky!

Meant to get down to Spurn early this morning due to the very favourable fall conditions. Failed miserably after a late shift! It cost me Barred and Wood Warbler...will I never learn? Probably not!

I eventually arrived at the Crown and Anchor around 10.30 and spent the next hour looking forlornly for the departed.

Things brightened up when news of an Icterine Warbler at Sandy Beaches came over the radio. When I arrived a few had beaten me to it but the bird wasn't showing. Too many leaves in mid-August! The finder was a regular who I've seen about many times but unfortunately I don't know his name. Great find pal.

After a short time we re-located it, first in the trees than along the hedge. The bird was VERY active and constantly on the move. It had a habit of hovering briefly above the vegetation before disappearing again, something I'd not seen before with this species. It was also obviously bigger than WW/ChCh in general flight.

I managed an initial record shot pic which was literally point and shoot. I wasn't even sure it was in the image taken...until I looked of course!

I didn't really give the camera a chance, still half asleep to be honest (I had had a late night). The bird appeared to have made it's way north down Beacon Lane but to be honest that was just an assumption, it had just disappeared again. I decided to hang around the Caravan Park entrance and it paid off when I saw a likely candidate fly from the hedge back into the trees. This time I was ready...

I hope to post my S.E.Arizona Big Day write up tomorrow. Bet you can't wait?!

S.E.Arizona - My BIG day 19/7/2015

I don't want time to drift to much before posting this. So I've made the effort to put it together asap. I hope you find it entertaining...if your interested..if your not, you'll have already clicked the x. This will be an unusually long post for me but I feel it's best doing as one for completeness. Believe it or not it's just the highlights, otherwise it would be much longer.

Again, excuse any repetition.

I had certain specific targets, as always. Namely...

ROSY-FACED LOVEBIRD

PLAIN-CAPPED STARTHROAT

RED CROSSBILL

BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR

WHISKERED SCREECH OWL

MEXICAN WHIP POOR WILL

TUFTED FLYCATCHER

I'd already connected (and written about) the RFL. Ditto the PCS. Red Crossbill was a "hopefully come across" bird!

That left my BIG FOUR.

I'd decided I needed some help this time due to a number of factors. THREE night birds being the major reason PLUS difficult and confusing locations. THE main "must see" being BCN. Time to call Richard Fray a Brit from Leicester now living in Rio Rico. We'd had various correspondence leading up to Sunday, a plan was agreed and I met Richard at the Pilot Truck stop at 5.30am. A nice bonus here was good views of Tropical Kingbird.

I thought I'd post a decent map of the area to make more sense of the day.

We took the 82 NE from the Nogales area towards Patagonia. The first notable bird of the day being this fairly distant Gray Hawk calling in the early morning light...

Next stop was the famous Patagonia roadside rest were I'd previously seen Rose-throated Becard on my previous visit in 2005. This time the attraction was a pair of Thick-billed Kingbirds...

...the bird was at the top of a tall tree.We passed at 6.24am. We also had further luck with a fly-by Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Onwards passed Sonoita and through Las Cienegas a simply wonderful restored grassland area. One of those "take your breathe away" moments as you come over the hill!!

Pronghorn are also present here and I was fortunate enough to see one which Richard had pointed out...

This amazing animal is capable of FIFTY THREE mph and can travel for miles at half that speed!!! I scored a bonus point by guessing that they are related to an African animal...the Giraffe! Richard was impressed.

We arrived at Ramsey Canyon spot on time at 8am. The walk was going to be a tough one due to incline, heat and altitude but I was determined to try and make it, so off we set on the Hamburg trail. A number of strategically placed benches certainly helped. Richard had obviously made the hike before which helped matters and took away the uncertainty of being in the "right spot". We arrived in the area around 10.30 and joined a small group of admirers who appeared to be looking interested.

The next hour was spent enjoying a pair of Code 5 TUFTED FLYCATCHERS...an ABA MEGA!

The canyon was very shaded but I managed this one when the sun caught it. Very rare and very smart. The 8th...and ninth records for the ABA. Initial story of the find here. Even more remarkable was that a nest was subsequently found! Breeding not proved yet but still possible.

We started to make our decent, birding our way back down the trail. I glimpsed a Red-faced Warbler through the vegetation...

Further down the trail Richard found a bird I was really hoping to see...a Mexican Spotted Owl! These birds are not difficult to SEE...just FIND. This was a juvenile, I'd seen adults in 05 so this was a real buzz for me. A couple of pics...

Initial view...

Front on...

What a bird...and cute! We continued down sharing stories of Footy when Richard heard a familiar call...Elegant Trogon. This is another iconic bird of SE Az and I was very keen to see one. The canyons can be frustrating as they are reasonably "open" BUT it can be very difficult to get "on" the bird. A real challenge. After around 5 minutes we had the bird in view...again in the shadows but conclusive...

Richard commented that we were having a lucky morning...I agreed! The luck ran out when we spent some time around the Bledsoe loop looking for the pair of Flame-coloured Tanagers, a small circular walk around the stream. A pair had been present all summer but we struck out on this one. I wasn't too disappointed as it wasn't a target bird as such as I'd seen the male at Madera Kubo in Madera Canyon in 05. Painted Redstart was also seen amongst others but my images are poor...very poor!

We lunched at Subway in Sierra Vista (love them!).

We now had a big drive west back to Rio Rico to swap vehicles as Richard was taking his 4x4 down the notorious California Gulch. We had some time to kill before the evening/night session and he asked me if there were any other species I'd like to see. Rufous-capped Warbler and Black-capped Gnatcatcher were both present in Pena Blanca Canyon and it was on our way so we decided to give it a go. As we turned off Ruby road we spotted a pair of Montezuma Quail...yet another iconic species. More luck! They soon disappeared into the undergrowth but I was quick with the trusty panasonic and managed a decent image of the male considering...

Gave me a real thrill to get an image of this elusive species...little did I know what was to follow however. We hiked down the thankfully flat canyon streambed to the spot were Richard had been seeing the birds. He asked me which one I'd rather see...RCW I replied...of course...we saw BCG!!

Well!!

Still a VERY rare bird north of Mexico.

On our way back to the car we heard a Northern-Beardless Tyrannulet (quite a name!) which we found perched some distance away...

I also obtained much better views of the wonderful Painted Redstart...

We had to move now. I was obviously in the more than capable hands of Richard but I ahd to admit I was getting slightly edgy as there was no guarantee I would connect with my main target...the BCN!

We continued west along Ruby rd enjoying yet more fantastic scenery and fortunately blue skies! We rounded another bend...BOOM (OK I've said it)...but it was a good view...

What can I say about this...not a lot. A great moment in it's own right. Love the clown like features. He just sat there basking in the sunshine, a stonking male Montezuma's Quail. I felt privileged, very privileged.

We turned into California Gulch (great name, one of many) and I left it to Richard to negotiate the track. He told me it had been improved due to the need for access for the Border Patrol...handy for Birders too! As we approached the southern end of the Canyon the light was beginning to fade...

I have to make a confession here. Five-striped Sparrow is another very rare bird found only in a few canyons in S.E.Arizona. Richard takes many clients here specifically to see this species. I'm afraid I didn't pay it the respect it deserved...for two reasons...
1. I was focussing exclusively on the Nightjar by now...it WAS 7.15pm!
2. I'd had great views of this bird in 2005 on my previous trip. I'd set my camera up to hopefully get an image of the BCN but I still somehow managed a record shot of "the Sparrow" as it popped briefly into view in the fading light...

We arrived at the Nightjar site and took up our positions. A large herd of cattle complete with loud mooing added to the tension! Might be difficult to hear the Nightjar me thinks?! Thankfully they drifted away over the next ten minutes. It was pretty much dark by now and Richard commented that he'd usually seen it by this time (7.50pm). Then we heard it at 7.52!! Only once, then silence again...apart from the mooing of course.

8.15...nothing. It was now VERY dark. At this juncture I was trying to stay positive...but it was hard. My mind drifted back to 05 when I'd tried previously with Melody Kehl to no avail at the nearby Oro Blanco mine. Was I going to strike out again ten years later? Richard had done his bit but it looked grim. I asked him if he'd ever seen it this late...unfortunately he answered "No". I knew he was waiting for me to make the call to leave, which I appreciated.

8.30...nothing.

This may sound corny but it is how it was I assure you. I made the call to leave at 8.45pm. We turned and shone our torches one last time around the site. We saw this...

BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR

If your into this game (or even if your not) I'm sure you can imagine my elation!!! I didn't kiss Richard...but ti was close! We did do a high five instead of the british handshake. I honestly couldn't believe it. there it was, sat on a branch, totally unconcerned by our presence. One of THE best moments of my Birding. I'll leave it there.

I was on a high now. Exhausted (we'd been at it for 15 plus hours) but extremely happy and with a sudden injection of adrenalin...funnily enough. . I'd have understood if he hadn't fancied trying for the Whiskered Screech Owl in Madera Canyon but he said it was fine, so we headed back to Rio Rico along Ruby rd.

Note: I wouldn't have liked to have found my own way out of California Gulch in the dark.

As we travelled back east along Ruby rd the fun continued in the form of a Great Horned Owl...

It kindly hung around while we got it in the car headlights. Not bad with no flash at half-a-second exposure. This next image emphasizes the fact...

Another great bird.

I asked Richard if I could follow him north in my car to Madera, again for two reasons.
1. It would save me heading back south.
2. I was slightly concerned about going through the border control without my passport.

He agreed.

We arrived at Santa Rita lodge around 11.30pm. We soon heard a couple of WSO calling but we couldn't locate them in the dense foliage. It took us around 20 minutes but eventually we spotted one hiding in the branches...

WHISKERED SCREECH OWL

The final bird was Mexican Whip-poor-Will. Again we got lucky as we clearly heard a bird reasonably close to the car park.

So...what a day! I'm glad I've taken the time to write this monumental day up. I hope you enjoyed it...I certainly did! I think my decision to hire Richard was a good one! Cheers pal.

That takes my ABA total to 675

Black Stork (2)

The trouble with trying to start a holiday trip report is that "home" birding continues! It was great to get out with Buddy again and I took him up to Easington for a good stretch.

Then, down to Spurn.

I was hoping to get lucky with some flight views of the BS. As I approached Kilnsea Wetlands I could see a decent crowd that could only be looking at one thing...

After around ten minutes it took off and headed towards Sammy's. I followed. As I approached the car park I could see the bird over the stubble. Now was my chance.

Bingo...

It headed back towards Kilnsea Wetlands and incredibly landed on the small pool right next to the car park...

It was obviously doing the rounds and next it was Kilnsea Wetlands briefly. Up, up and away heading towards the C&A.

It was nice to see a few familiar faces including Joe from the NE, Karl Dutton and my pal Vince from Selby.

I drove past the pub and started heading down towards the Blue Bell when I saw three women pointing...up! The Stork passed right over my car on it's way to it's favourite resting place on Well Field.

Louise was having car issues so the next few hours were spent sorting it out including a drive to Hull...for a change!! Then it was home to watch Liverpool...not a fan, but I've always had an attachment to the club and like the way they play...most of the time. It was nearing half-time when the pager informed me of a Black Tern at Beacon Ponds. A "good" bird but not worth missing the second half for. Another message...White-winged Black Tern at Beacon Ponds...definitely worth missing the second half for...besides there's Sky plus.

As I started the walk from the car park a birder was looking through his scope...at a Pectoral Sandpiper!! Nice bonus. I said that was a stroke of luck. He agreed but told me my luck had ran out as the WWBT had just flown off. I gave it an hour but it didn't return. Nice to see Lance Degnan though.

It was getting late but I had one more idea...I don't get many. Last night the BIG ONE roosted on the heligoland trap in Church Field...I wonder?

I sat on the bench around 7.45 and waited. Nothing by 8. 8.15 still nothing. Then...in it came...

and took up it's perch for the night...

A nice end to the day...

Getting settled again

After a whirlwind trip I'm finally getting adjusted. A couple of monumental lie-ins seem to have done the trick...I hope!

I managed to fit in a trip to Spurn yesterday morning and got lucky with the juv Black Stork which was showing distantly in Well Field. Could have been luckier as it was flying around the field 5 minutes before I got there.

Having a yawn

Plenty to tell regarding the holiday which I intend to do in diary form. Might take a few days to get started though...

Too busy!

Just a quick one to apologies for the lack of posts. A combination of poor internet access and charging around I'm afraid...

Got to go...

Snowy Plover

Managed to re-find this S.E.Arizona rarity at Lake Cochise, Willcox this afternoon. Spent a VERY enjoyable 3 hours honing my American wader ID. Superb!

Also seen...
American Avocet
Black-necked Stilt
Long-billed Dowitcher
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Willet
Long-billed Curlew
Willet
Western Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Wilson's Phalarope
Killdeer

Not forgetting this wonderful Eastern Meadowlark...

Update

I've been to all three major areas now as I approach half-time! I've met some very interesting and friendly birders...as usual over here.

The Birding, scenery and sunsets are stunning. I'm deep in planning mode at the moment but I'll try and post a few pics soon. The tales will have to wait I'm afraid. Got to go...Birding!

Striking the balance?

Time for a breather!

Internet issues and another long day yesterday in the Chiricahua Mountains at the eastern end of the area, close to the New Mexico border meant posting was not possible. As I'm sure you can understand the priority is to be "out there" rather than in here!

To do my BIG DAY justice I've decided to save that particular yarn until I return. I like surprises. The trip so far as exceeded my expectations...and that's not easy to do! Some wonderful birds seen, interesting mammals and fantastic scenery. The high plains here are 4,000ft plus!! The sunsets are breathtaking.

Birds...I've had great views of some of the rare hummingbirds including Violet-crowned at the Paton's feeders in Patagonia...

 and Blue-throated at the Southwestern research Station in the Chiricahuas...

Pleased to have picked this out in the bushes.

Still on a high after Sunday. Down Mexico way today...

A day out in S.E.Arizona

Just woke up after my 19 hour day with Richard.

I'd thought long and hard over the past few weeks as to whether or not to hire a guide for my target birds? Yesterday certainly confirmed I'd made the right decision!!!

Re-visiting many spots after 10 years was magical, especially California Gulch. I intend to do a comprehensive write up of this memorable day...but NOT now! A Slooooooooooooow day will be had today. It's Louise's day

It was certainly a day to remember. Hope you'll enjoy reading about it?

Plain-capped Starthroat - YES!

I've learnt to my cost over the years NOT to delay when trying for key birds so first stop this morning was Santa Rita lodge feeders to try for the PCS.

The weather obviously hadn't heard of my plans as the heavens opened just as we arrived at the feeders. An extremely pleasant lady in the gift shop made us some coffee as we waited for things to improve. During our chat she said the "star" bird often came to the feeder right outside the shop window. She had only just finished her sentence when there it was, albeit briefly, not 12 feet away!!

ABA 669

Note: Bubo shows 668. This is because they haven't added Hawaiian Petrel yet which is countable.

Despite waiting another couple of hours I didn't see it again and therefore didn't manage a photo. I will return. In between showers we did manage to see some great stuff coming to the various feeders.

White-winged Dove

Arizona Woodpecker

Black-headed Grosbeak

Magnificent Hummingbird

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Things to do after lunch to prepare for tomorrow's BIG day with Richard. The weather didn't improve but I had an enjoyable hour on the approach road to Madera late afternoon. The overcast conditions made rooting around the Cacti surprisingly pleasant. I was hoping for a Gambel's Quail...I got lucky...

I also puzzled over a few Sparrows? I need more practice!

Dawn till dusk tomorrow so no post. I'll hopefully have good news regarding "the Flycatcher" and my "night birds" to report on Monday. Wish me luck...

Great start!

We found Encato Park easily after leaving our Airport Best Western. It only took 20 minutes. We pulled up in the main car park and I sorted my gear out. I could hear "the Lovebirds" as soon as I opened the car door!

After a short scan I picked one out...

Rosy-faced Lovebird (ABA 669)

It was already getting toasty but I was chuffed to grab this image of the bird against the dark background. Introduced I know BUT...countable...and cute!

I tolerated around 30 minutes more before the temperature said it was time to leave!

A few more...

They spent a lot of time hidden in the trees...but I found these two watching me...

The rest of the day was spent making our way south towards Green Valley, our base for the holiday. We stopped off on the way at the amazing Saguaro National Park home to the largest Cactus in America.

That's not a Cactus...THIS is a Cactus!!!

A truly unique experience as we drove the loop through these giants. I even managed to get a pic of classic desert bird in the form of a Cactus Wren Took a few snaps before diving back to the a/c!

It popped up on top of this Saguaro...which was fitting...

Pic came out well from that distance in the heat...

As we approached Tucson a Roadrunner...ran across the road! Louise pulled over , the bird was in view and close...no power! Gutted. By the time I'd changed batteries it had moved on. All I got was this...

Honesty is the best policy!

More tomorrow hopefully...

Safe landing!

Arrived safe and sound after a terrific flight on a Jumbo from Heathrow.

First target this morning (8 hour time difference) being the Rosy-faced Lovebird in downtown Phoenix, an introduced but now self-sustaining addition to the ABA list. Shouldn't be too difficult to find?

And we're OFF!

Working tomorrow then over to Mother's for a kip before flying to Phoenix on Thursday lunchtime for EIGHTEEN marvelous days in S.E.Arizona's birding Mecca. I remember the long dark winter. THIS is what got me through it!

I've hired a guide for a day on Sunday to help with my main targets...

BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR

WHISKERED SCREECH OWL

MEXICAN WHIP POOR WILL

TUFTED FLYCATCHER

PLAIN-CAPPED STARTHROAT

I don't normally do this as I like to "find 'em myself". On this occasion though I feel I need some local expertise in the form of Richard Fray...a Brit! I feel it will be money well spent as you can see from his website which is packed with great information.

As already mentioned I dipped on the first three in 2005 so I have unfinished business. Richard can hopefully pinpoint these birds for me and stop me getting lost or even worse stuck on one of the many dodgy roads! California Gulch where the Nightjar is located is a nightmare spot unless your familiar with it.

I love this area with it's three distinct "Sky Island" mountain ranges. Giving much needed respite from the desert heat. They are teaming with great birds and the start of the rains in the form of afternoon thunderstorms kicks a lot of them off singing again... a second Spring!

Anyway, enough for now, I've got some packing to do. I hope to post trip highlights at fairly regular intervals. So...stay tuned!