Busy times

Popped up to Grimston after breakfast to view Tim Isherwood's Siberian Stonechat. I didn't realize it was in his garden! I had a good chat with him and his wife. We shared stories of Texas. The bird was distant but here's a record shot...

 

 

The rest of the morning was spent with the better half walking on the beach with Bud near the runnel. I still managed a quick look at 6 Ringed Plover.

 

I then drove down the road to see a few things...hopefully.

 

A pale Wheatear had been confirmed as an ISABELLINE, a great find by John Grist. I saw the 1990 bird (21st October) , yes, I am that old! This wasn't my priority however as a Spurn tick was on offer in the form of a Glossy Ibis (P.156, S.136). It was very mobile and the last report had me walking along Canal Bank scanning the saltmarsh.

 

It's out there somewhere...

 

 

There was no sign of the bird but messages on the radio told me it was still present. It was associating with a Little Egret, I could only see one so I concentrated on this area. After around 20 minutes it gave itself up, this was my 275th species for the Spurn Area...

 

 

The bird seemed agitated and sure enough a short time later it took off and flew south down the peninsular...

 

 

Just made it!

 

Bit peckish by now so I thought I'd call in at the shop, only to find that is was closed...permanently! There was a notice on the door thanking customers for there support over 40 plus years. I always found the owners very friendly every time I called in. I hope they enjoy their retirement.

 

Seeing as I was I Easington I decided to pay the superstar (found by Lance Degnan) another visit, reckoning the crowd by now would be much smaller, it was. It had moved location to the Gas Terminal perimeter fence (more secure!). It was difficult to view through the tiny mesh but I managed a couple eventually...

 

 

 

I bumped into Tony Dixon who'd travelled down from Brid' for the Wheatear. John Harriman was also present.

 

Onto the IW. I made my way along the coastal path after a quick word with Mick Turton. The crowd was small by now and the bird was distant. I wanted to spend some time studying the bird for when I find one at Holmpton lol! It's easier when you know what it is. It did seem pale and sandy but a pale female or young Wheatear especially of the Greenland race can look remarkably similar. The tail pattern is diagnostic showing a broad black band with a short T. Even at extreme distance the bird's erect posture and paler wings were apparent, also a peach throat...

 

 

I felt it seemed stockier and had a stronger bill...

 

 

Again I repeat...easy in Hindsight!

 

The strong bill and paler wings are clear to see here. Black alula not that apparent.

 

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR (P.157, S.137)

 I wanted to try and get a decent view of the Shorelarks that had been frequenting the Blue Bell car park. No sin on arrival but I was told by a few Birders they had been showing brilliantly earlier! I had a walk down the coastal footpath to the seawatching hide but no sign. On my return to the car park a Black Redstart was showing in the Caravan Park...

 

 

The rain arrived...

 

 

...so I decided to wait it out in the car park hoping they would re-appear. They did...

 

Shorelark (P.158, S.138)

 Great to see this wonderful species again after a dearth of records in recent years.

 

AMETHYST-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD -1st ABA record!

More here. I've had the good fortune to meet Carolyn and Kelly and visit their homes. Very friendly folk. I was taken there by the wonderful John.P.Gee, a remarkable man who is sadly no longer with us. Must have been quite a moment!

Patch Quality

Spent the whole day in Holmpton...and it paid off...eventually!

 

Started to the south as I was hoping the White-fronted Geese reported on Bauk Hill were still present...well, 16 were...I could just see them through the mist and heavy drizzle...

 

 

I left them be and made my way down to Old Hive. Thrushes were raining in (pardon the pun). This was the start of an amazing migration spectacle. The best I have ever seen. The path to Old Hive was littered with Blackbirds and Redwings...

 

 

A lone Fieldfare came in-off-the-sea and landed some 30 yards away. It stayed motionless in the stubble, obviously exhausted from the crossing. Great to see it had made it...

 

 

...I left it be.

 

I was hoping for better things in the Sycamores. It was immediately apparent that the trees were alive...with Goldcrests. Try as I might I couldn't turn one into something else. There were hundreds!

Then Bramblings! Lots of them. Hard to be precise but there were at least 50, which is the highest number I have personally found...

 

 

On my return to the car the Geese had moved much closer but seemed unconcerned by our presence...

 

Adult and two juveniles

After lunch I did the Village loop. Redwings were still streaming in, it was amazing. Definitely four figures!! A truly amazing spectacle. They were everywhere, swirling over the trees, disappearing quickly into the vegetation. I managed to catch this one...

 

 

I bumped into a chap who told me he'd seen a Ring Ouzel. Encouraging. I made my way down School lane to the sea. A bird flew up out of the field and perched briefly in a bush...a male Ring Ouzel!

 

Then to finish the day off very well, a bird popped up off the deck and perched briefly in one of my lone sycamores. Twite...a Village Lifer! It was pretty dark by now but I miraculously (for me) managed to react quick enough to fire off a few shots. Not great but passable...

 

 

An excellent day!

 

What to do...and where to go?

It was reasonable to assume that it would be rather busy down the road this morning!!!

 

There's an ALBATROSS still lingering out there somewhere? Has to be Flamborough again. I arrived a little late around 8 and made my way down to the Fog horn station. I looked to my right and there was no-one looking for the Paddyfield Warbler, which I found strange? I peeped over and saw three stalwarts already in situ, Brett no doubt being one of them. I then changed my mind for no particular reason, although I'm not a great seawatching fan. I figured I'm in the right area and can hopefully respond if a sighting is made in the area. This wouldn't have helped much if it had been Flamborough itself!

 

Anyway I wanted to do some general Birding so I headed for the Shorelark spot. I was joined by a nice chap from West Yorkshire who was staying at Filey for the week. We looked and looked but couldn't find them, although we did see some good birds. We had Twite and some cracking Brambling. We also saw a Short-eared Owl...

 

 

and a Woodcock come in-off-the-sea. Then a flock off distant Geese. White-fronts!

 

 

23 in total.

 

I did eventually find the 5 Shoelarks but it took some time. I'm afraid I weakened and hit the café again. Thoroughly recommended. Good job I don't live nearby. A message...

 

Pied Wheatear Flamborough Head!

 

That's handy. It would have been if the bird hadn't flown off! Tony Dixon was on site however and he managed to digiscope the bird...

 

 

Ah well, time to head back South. My plan was to re-visit the SA when things had quietened down. I was tempted by the Bean Geese and eventually fought my way through the crowds to see them...

 

Another message...

 

Pallas's Warbler Holmpton at south end of Taylor Lane!

 

Time to return home. As I was passing the star bird I thought it would be rude not to take another peek. No crowd now, so I walked in and was right at the front...the light was poor but the bird was VERY close...

  

 

I was joined by Richard Boon who also lives on the lane. No, we didn't see it nor the Red-breasted Flycatcher that was seen by Graham Speight. Great to finally meet and talk to Graham after all these years. A great bloke. He told me how hard it was to work the Village as he had done so for many years. He also told me some of his better records and best spots to search. His words inspired me.

 

I also bumped into another Birder from Lancashire and we had a good chat about Patch Birding and the satisfaction of "finding your own". Another great lad.

 

Maybe tomorrow...

 

...............................................................................

My Bubo Patch has an usual look to it with a double SIBERIAN ACCENTOR update! I have to say that the Shetland experience and location was far superior to the Easington old school...if a tad more expensive! I also thought the Shetland bird was better marked and was generally brighter, even allowing for the better weather...

 

 

Not that anyone connecting with the latter bird will care about that. I wouldn't! Just saying...

 

SIBERIAN ACCENTOR - Lightening does strike twice!

Quite a day!

 

Left the house at 5.45am after taking the lad out in a deluge. He didn't want to go!

 

Arrived at Flamborough at 7.00am and made my way to "the site". Gavin was already there plus a few others. We scanned the field and bushes as the light improved...slightly. Steve Lawton then turned up and had my hat and gloves from the EASTERN KINGBIRD dip...they came in VERY handy. Then, an Olive-backed Pipit was claimed and most of the group followed the bird. We stayed put as it wasn't our priority. A minute later we were looking at the PADDYFIELD WARBLER some 20 yards away, on the path that led through the field! A Yorkshire tick! Tim Isherwood also clawed this one back. We saw the bird on and off for the next hour before moving around to Old Fall. My best view was my first on the path. I have a distant record shot from the hedge...

 

 

Gavin saw the 5 Shorelarks but they had disappeared when I got there.

 

The weather was brutal at times with violent squalls. It did allow some amazing views of groups of Goldcrests being blown around like leaves! While sheltering from the wind our group which included Dave Hursthouse and Gary Taylor discussed the number of SIBERIAN ACCENTORS that were turning up on the near continent with one arriving in Denmark today. Could we get another? More later.

 

I had to get back to the car park for 12.30 as my time was up. I said goodbye to Gavin who was heading for Spurn to try for the Radde's Warbler. I headed for the café for a sausage and mushroom bap followed by a scone...very nice!

 

I was tempted to have another look at the PW and try again for the Shorelarks but I had to head home for Bud. I'd just left Brid' when a message changed things...as it often does...

 

MEGA N.Yorks BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS reported flew north past Filey Brigg at 12.10pm

 

U-turn.

 

I placed myself on the north side of the Headland and scanned. I was the only one there. I'd been there around 20 minutes when the phone went. It was Gavin. It went something like this..."Al, there's a SIBERIAN ACCENTOR at Easington!!!" Pardon? It was a bit windy! The Albert was soon forgotten as I tried to negotiate my gear...and myself, back up the slippery cliff and over the fence. I sent a text to a few pals. Haydn (who was watching the PW) phoned me instantly..."are you taking the ...". He then turned to the crowd watching the bird and passed the news on! Didn't get much response as understandable scepticism ensued. "I'm off" he told them. I was now nearly back to the car. The news must have now hit the information services as there was a mass exodus from the PW twitch. They must have been convinced now! The car park was now a very lively place to be, as you can imagine!

 

I made a decent pace from the car park but not as quick as some! My knowledge of the local road system has improved over the last four years enabling me to plot a fairly fast route to Easington once I'd left Brid'. The weather was still wild.

 

I arrived at Easington around 4.45. Haydn was just behind me, so I waited for him and we rushed to the site. The bird was on view immediately feeding "Dunnock like" on the old school playground around a yellow skip! The light was poor and the bird obviously wet but it showed brilliantly to everyone at very close quarters.

 

My camera decided it wanted to be set at 6400 ISO so I'm afraid the pics are...unusual! I'll chose one at random to prove I was there...

 

Has a certain appeal?

Never imagined a SIBERIAN ACCENTOR would be "just" a Yorkshire tick! Hope that doesn't sound smug...because it's not meant to. It's a fact! A similar thing happened with BOBOLINK in 2001. I saw the Devon bird at Prawle Point only for one to turn up at Spurn a couple of weeks later! Who's to know?...no-one! Get 'em while you can, if there's another...fine... see that one as well!

 

There'll be plenty of excellent images about I'm sure and as you know, I got some "last time".

 

Well, what an amazing turn of events! Spurn strikes again...what a place!

 

It's great to be able to enjoy them (well, some of them) these days without time pressures. At least for this Autumn anyway? It was great to see so many happy faces enjoying this great bird.

 

Am I slightly peeved having travelled to Shetland? Not at all. Especially pleased for Tony and Trevor who did the "hard yards" on the 12 hour Ferry...twice. Their elation must be doubled!! Haydn and Gavin scored two LIFERS while Steve also got two County ticks. Oh Happy Day!

 

An irruption or a trend...or something else? Who knows? What I do know is there's always a surprise around the corner in Birding. This was a particularly BIG 1!!!

 

Back on the Beat

Started at Out Newton this morning. Did the cliff area then walked down to Old Hive in a strong Easterly. I staked out the sheltered areas for an hour but could only turn up Goldcrests...not that there's anything wrong with Goldcrests!

 

 

 

...and the resident Tree Sparrows.

 

I then checked out the adjacent Model Farm area. There were good numbers of Redwing present (c40) commuting between the fields and the bushes. They stayed well hidden most of the time...

 

 

Eventually one gave itself away...

 

 

I then saw my first Fieldfare of the Autumn. It was only in view for a few seconds. Then a male Blackcap caught me by surprise, as the pic illustrates...

 

 

After lunch I spent 3 hours walking around the Village. Nope, still no YBW's but as I started to walk down Seaside Lane I spotted a superb male Brambling (H.95) in a nearby tree. I waited for it to re-appear which it eventually did, but again it was frustratingly too quick for me to get a pic.

 

Still, a great find and addition to the Year list.

 

.................................................................................

 

Late news this evening of a PADDYFIELD WARBLER at Flamborough Head. This will be my destination for first light as it's a potential Yorkshire tick!  The track record for this species sticking isn't great BUT if I don't go...and all that...

 

SIBERIAN ACCENTOR

My tale begins as I'm half-way through my meal at Louise's birthday lunch in Beverley on Sunday afternoon. There are certain occasions (not many) when it's prudent to silence the pager...this was definitely one of them! When we planned the date I was hoping Murphy's Law wouldn't kick in...but it did...again!

 

A text? Leave it...

 

I was deep in conversation with my better half, her daughter and partner (who's birthday we were also celebrating). Sub-consciously I decided to check my phone in the toilets...

 

MEGA Shetland SIBERIAN ACCENTOR Mainland NE of Scousburgh north of Mossy Hill in 1st quarry on west side at 3.18pm

 

Have you ever been listening to a conversation and yet not hearing a word? (tactfully of course!). No-one noticed (which was slightly worrying) but I suddenly felt hot and slightly nauseous. No way was I going to let it affect the occasion however. Louise being the star she is thanked me for that later, although she didn't have to.

 

We finished the meal and said our goodbyes and headed for the car. I then gave her "that look". "What is it?'' or more accurately "Where is it?" she asked. I answered both her questions. I don't have a smart phone (mistake) and besides I was driving, so we headed home. It was now approaching 5.30pm. Large logistical dilemmas were looming large. First one was Bud...again, poor lad! If I don't get him...you know this one!! I made it. I'm so lucky (sometimes) there's a Kennel near enough that's open on Sunday evening. He has a great life generally but I can't leave him at home as Louise is at work.

 

What next?

 

How about how to get there and with who? I made the usual enquiries before contacting Tony (Dixon), Trevor (Charlton) and Steve (Lawton). The upshot was that Tony and Trevor were going to go on the Ferry Monday evening and Steve couldn't get the time.

 

The charter options didn't pan out which was hardly surprising as I was 3 hours "down". This was one bird that I needed to give this (expensive) option serious consideration.

 

After all, is was a(nother) FIRST FOR BRITAIN!!!

 

7.28pm. I received a call from Steve Webb saying there was a place available with them and they were flying from Aberdeen early tomorrow. Decisions, decisions...again. Remember ASAP. I contacted Tony, Trevor and Steve to say I was taking this option and they wished me well. That's the kind of chaps they are.

 

Steve and John (Hewitt) were on the 6.50am flight but it was now (unsurprisingly) FULL! The next one was 10am and I counted 21 spare seats on the website. It was now 9pm. I had a chat with John's mate Kevin and we decided to wait for news before booking in the morning, therefore potentially saving the air fare if the bird had gone. Risky I know.

 

So, the plan was in place and I packed my bag.

 

Steve pulled up shortly afterwards and we headed West to pick up Kevin near Ferrybridge services. Into the night and North to Aberdeen. After a few hiccups we arrived at departures to be greeted with a who's who of British twitchers. One of the first faces I saw was Andrew Kinghorn followed shortly afterwards by Chris Bromley, both of which I'd twitched with before. I recognised many others but don't really know them that well.

 

Steve and John checked in and they joined the rest while Kevin and I sat and waited on our own!

 

7.30am. Pager wake up time, although it was still pretty dark were we were. The early troops would be landing shortly and there would be Birders already on site looking.

 

As you can imagine...the waiting was quite tense!!!

 

7.42am. Shetland SIBERIAN ACCENTOR still Mainland NE of Scousburgh north of Mossy Hill in 1st quarry on west side.

 

We booked our seats.

 

The plane was only half full with I'd say around a dozen other Birders present, which I found quite surprising? Kevin had contacted Steve and he said he'd pick us up and take us to the site when we landed, which was great and eliminated a few other logistical problems. I saw him straight away in arrivals and off we went...

 

As we approached the site Steve said it had been showing well most of the time in the first quarry but I could see the group were now standing at the second quarry, further up the hill?..which was slightly worrying! He drove us further up the hill and we got out while he parked the car. I could see John gesturing that he had it in his scope, so I made it over to him eventually and there it was! It was partially hidden in the stingers but I could see the head pattern clearly. A great moment indeed.

 

We stayed with the bird most of the afternoon before adding a nice Ortolan Bunting on the way to the Ferry. John later informed us that the bird flew strongly away from the site a good distance just prior to our arrival! I'm SO glad I found this out in retrospect.

 

I'm certain there are many images all over the internet by now. A few of my humble efforts...

 

Head pattern

 

To think this species is in the same family as our humble Dunnock. This has to be one of my "best birds. Considering the rarity, looks and recent bad run I'd place it at number 5 in my all time Rush Birds list (see left hand column). A fantastic adventure and a stunning bird.

 

I was in illustrious company on this trip. Many thanks to Steve for doing all the driving and most of the organisation.

 

Sincere commiserations for all those who travelled today including Tony and Trevor, I'm gutted for them. I know the feeling well. That's the game we play.

 

So my bad run is over in spectacular style. Triumph at last...

 

 

Western Isles (2)

So my first excursion to the Western Isles was over. I hope to return one day for a holiday, not just a twitch. I liked the look of Barra.

 

Having driven past hundreds of pools on the Uists, I passed just one with the magnificent Whooper Swans present...a family unit...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not everyone's cup of tea...but certainly mine! Probably/certainly the Duff connection. I returned the same route an hour later and they were gone.

 

Time to head home...

 

 

On the clifftop from dawn tomorrow, hoping for the return of the BBA which has been circling Norfolk today?

 

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Controversy over my "Greenish" pic. More tomorrow...

 

The Western Isles

My first visit.

 

It seemed the right thing to do...you've read the aftermath! A sickener but no regrets. Many other Birders have made their choices regarding Autumn destinations. Some get lucky, some don't. Unst was a good choice with 2 Zoothera Thrushes in the past 2 days!!! It's not just the location though...it's the timing. Pro-active or re-active, that is the question. The former can leave you marooned, the latter can leave you with that "after the lord Mayor's show" feeling. I've experienced both...many times...as have many others.

 

Anyway, off I went on Sunday. Through the night for my flight from Glasgow to Benbecula on the Uists. Could I re-find the EASTERN KINGBIRD? Highly unlikely...but possible...just! My hire car was waiting for me, which was very impressive considering the location. The wind was still VERY strong as I made my way South to Bornish. Might as well start there and head North I thought.

 

The Pottery...

 

 

...there was an EASTERN KINGBIRD here once!

 

Miraculous really that the owner was a Birder who recognised the bird allowing Birders stationed locally to connect. I gave it an hour before moving North.

 

I didn't tick the Great Auks in the garden...

 

 

I spent the rest of the day checking any suitable habitat...

 

A typical example

Tuesday morning was spent exploring the North end of the Uists, again checking mainly gardens and plantations. Little was seen. The wind was still strong and with limited cover Birding was difficult. I chose some sheltered spots and staked them out. At least it wasn't raining!

 

There were large numbers of Plovers present on the Island...

 

 

 

...and Stonechats...

 

 

I gave it around 18 hours but alas it wasn't to be.

 

I awoke Wednesday morning to more strong wind and I decided to leave. I made my way down the Uists to the Ferry for Barra, passing some interesting Cottages...

 

 

 

 

As we set off to cross the Sound of Barra I received a MEGA alert...

 

East Yorks ALBATROSS sp flew SE past Bempton RSPB at 9.20am

 

Life can be cruel sometimes. If (that word again) I'd stayed at home I'd have been at Bempton trying for the ECW and would have seen what turned out to be a BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS. This would have been a British/Yorks tick. I repeat myself!

 

I fluked a lift to the Airport and waited. I did have the presence of mind to ask if there was a seat on the earlier flight...which there was! We got the shout to depart and this was the surprise view when I turned to leave the building...

 

 

Never took off from a beach before!

 

I have one further post to make regarding my trip but that will have to wait till tomorrow.

 

Fall

Yes, I actually experienced this phenomenon this morning as I walked the Northern part of my Patch. The thrushes (Song) were streaming in, as were the Blackbirds, there were hundreds! I even saw birds on the Cliff top, including a male Blackcap.

A walk North to the runnel produced a lone Knot (H.93) sheltering from the wind at high tide. I took a different route back and ended up at the bench on Seaside lane were I sat for a while. I'll let them come to me!? A Goldcrest (H.94) eventually did! This area has definite potential...really!

Exciting times...

Buzzin' Bempton

After catching a few hours much needed sleep I headed for Bempton this morning, arriving at 7.30am. The first Birder I saw was Phil. I parked next to him and we set off to find some birds! There was also a very slim chance the BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS was still in local waters.

 

The morning's Birding was superb. I also enjoyed some excellent company. The trees and bushes were hopping with migrants...it reminded me of Holmpton!

 

After an initial mooch around I spotted Trevor (Charlton) and we joined him for a coffee. News then broke of a Bluethroat on the coastal footpath. When we arrived it had typically disappeared but it eventually showed superbly out in the open...

 

 

In a five minute spell by a small area of water I saw Greenish...

 

 

and Yellow-browed...

 

 

Then an Arctic Warbler was located! I managed reasonable if brief and fairly distant views.

 

It was now time to look for the Star bird. I had plenty of time and the weather was good. I'd also seen 2 previously. I enjoyed a good hour following the little gem around. It was in almost constant view and gave a fantastic show. It's behaviour was very distinctive, often flicking up from branches and circling back to cover. It also perched, stationary on several occasions. It's "whiteness" was very apparent in the strong sunshine.

 

A few of my EASTERN-CROWNED WARBLER efforts...

 

 

I've blown these 2 up somewhat to show the features...

 

 



 

 

A final effort...

 

 

MEGA'S bursting out all over this evening. A Stellar male SIBERIAN THRUSH on Unst this evening. Twitchable? Not in my book...but my book's looking a little frayed at the moment. Yorkshire Birder Johnny Holiday has connected. He made the right choice. I'll have to ask him where he's going next Autumn!!!

 

Back on the Patch tomorrow...

 

 

If

I was at Bempton today early. Bumped into Phil in the car park. More later if I've got the energy. There'll also be a summary of my Western Isles trip...some time soon.

Below are some thoughts on departure...

I need a refresh on Rudyard Kipling. Not much triumph but PLENTY of disaster this Autumn. No sob story, just the cruel facts…

Minutes from the Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler at Spurn. Two trips to West Scotland…Oban and the Uists dipping the EASTERN KINGBIRD while a RC Starling lingered in my Village…and to finish things off a BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS past Bempton while the troops were watching the EASTERN-CROWNED WARBLER!!! I’ve seen 2 ECW’s BUT the Albert would have been a British and obviously Yorkshire tick/s.

No stress here…of course?

I write this while waiting for the plane from Barra to Glasgow. Just a note to say that it’s “only” £75 compared to nearly £200 from North Uist! More on the logistics (if you’re interested) when I get home.

After questionable errors already mentioned I feel BAD luck has taken over…and don’t mention “who dares wins” at the moment!!

Balance, balance, balance. I think my scales have broken. Character building stuff. I wouldn’t change a thing, I thrive on disappointment? It would be nice to see something before Winter descends.

I just can’t sit by the pager waiting for “something”. I have to be “out there”…somewhere!

I hope now I’m fully familiar with the Western Isles. I’ve picked up lots of information and contacts which will hopefully allow me to maximise my chances next time…and there WILL be a next time, hopefully this month.

Again, at the risk of repetition, I will hopefully be ready to go and make the correct calls. I aim to continue grilling my Village in the hope of turning up something decent.

Many congrats to Trevor for co-finding the ECW with Dave Aitken. Just reward for many, many hours in the field…proper Birding.

If you’re thinking of going to Scilly this year…GO!!! If you get my drift.

EASTERN KINGBIRD - the fullish story

I often question my sanity! This could be a long one...

5.13pm Thursday 29th September...

MEGA EASTERN KINGBIRD Barra at Eoligary opposite churchyard

I was checking out the churchyard and rectory in the Village when the news broke. Decisions, decisions.

Firstly I had to get Bud to the kennels for 6 for another unscheduled stay...he'll forgive me! I couldn't get through on the phone so I just took him and hoped they had a spare place...they did! The chap who runs it is great and gets on well with my choosy four legged friend.

Back home for 6.30 and a few phone calls made. It's a first for Britain and an American so I'm VERY interested. No charters available (that I knew of) so that was out. Flights from Glasgow were full (probably taken during the time it took to take Bud). I'd made Tony (Dixon) and Trevor (Charlton)  aware previously that I may fly if I could but also that I would rather go with them if it was feasible. I'd also had a good chat with Steve Laughton from Wetherby. The discussions were long and complicated. Louise was out till ten so I also had to break the news to her after she'd got over not being greeted by Bud!

Tony had sorted out the Ferry on many occasions so we left him to it while I sorted the house out and packed my stuff.

The plan - It seemed we had to go for the afternoon Ferry from Oban which arrived in Barra at 6.25pm!! Not great but a slim chance as we were around 20 mins from the site and sunset was 7.05pm. Also if the bird stayed we'd (hopefully) connect first thing Saturday morning. It seemed to be our only shot.

Trevor pulled out as he though it was too risky. I could understand that! Tony said he'd get someone else and be at my house at 4.30am.

3am - I got a fortunate text as I'd forgot to turn my phone off as I'd set my alarm. It was Tony informing me he wasn't well and wasn't going!! What to do? GO!

I arrived at Wetherby around 6 and phoned Steve. He gave me directions and I picked him up at a roundabout near his house. He was obviously puzzled. I explained and off we went.

News came through early that the bird was still present, great! Around 9 Steve booked us on the Ferry, no problem. Further positive messages lifted the spirits. Time to try and get a B&B. Steve tried a few numbers. Eventually he got through. during the conversation I could see he wasn't happy. I could gather there was a problem?

THE FERRY WAS STILL IN BARRA!!!!!!!!!

The gent who'd booked us on had failed to mention it wasn't sailing from Oban till 5pm.

What to do. We were already north of Glasgow. Carry on!

I then got a text off Trevor informing me that Dave Aitken was just about to board the Ferry at Uig, Skye...

Oh dear. I felt sick all of a sudden. I'm not the sharpest but even I could work out they were going THE OTHER WAY!!! It later transpired that Tony had tried the routes but for a car. They couldn't get their car on, so they went as foot passengers and hired a car. SMART. It was still tight as they had to drive the length of the Uists and get the Ferry to Barra at 1pm...but they made it and connected! FULL marks chaps! Must have been exhilarating!

Meanwhile, our mood wasn't great. This twitching game isn't stressful at all!?

We reached Oban with plenty of time to spare...now! After grabbing some lunch we made for the Ferry and joined the queue.

2.55pm Western Isles EASTERN KINGBIRD Barra till 2.50 at Eoligary around garden opposite St Barr's Cemetery then flew high ENE over sound of Barra

Oh Dear!!!

After a brief discussion we headed for the Booking Office and got our money back.

We headed home...nuff said!

There is more but that's more than enough for one post

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I've spent 16+ hours looking for the EK with no luck or other Birders seen. A loooooooooooooong shot I know but I've enjoyed the Islands (prefer Scilly) and I've finally spent some time here. Still time for it/something else to turn up?

Rose-coloured Starling in Holmpton today...OUCH!!! EASTERN-CROWNED WARBLER at Bempton (co-found by Trevor and Dave Aitken). Maybe it's time to head home...

I've stopped!

I'm writing this from North Uist in my B&B. Struck lucky as it's superb and great value. This is my second attempt at the EASTERN KINGBIRD after certain logistical errors resulted in me missing it on Barra. Full marks again to the young guns including Andrew Kinghorn who sussed out a way to get there from Skye...I should have rung him!

I've had a very long day to get here from Holmpton. I set off at 11pm yesterday and flew from Glasgow at 10am today.

The wind was VERY strong all afternoon as I searched (in vain) the target area and worked my way North (the direction in which the bird flew).

I thought I'd do a write up of both attempts tomorrow, after I've seen it!!!?

EASTERN KINGBIRD

I am involved in this, but I haven't seen it...yet? I will do a full write up...eventually, either way!