Birding before Blogging!

It's my "tight", time of the week so I'll have to delay my "catch up" post.

 

This was one reason why today...I'm sure you'll excuse me!

 

Drake Smew, Hornsea Mere...

 

 

Always worth chasing...

 

Recently

Got drawn into a great film last night so didn't have time to post, so here's a summary of the last couple of days before graft tomorrow and Friday.

 

Sunrise at Welwick...

 

 

As you can see it was a bit...fresh, so we went for a walk towards Skeffling to warm up. On our return I saw a distant small raptor flying west along the waters edge...

 

Merlin (P.75)

 

Can be a tough bird to "get" so I was pleased with this sighting, even if it was distant and fleeting. We (that's Bud and I) continued West towards Pat Haven. The sun had burnt the last of the mist away and it was a lovely, crisp winter's morning. A male Marsh Harrier drifted by, at distance again unfortunately. Then the main prize which won the distant view award!

 

Pallid HARRIER...she had a better view!

As I was leaving 4 Yellowhammers by the gate were a nice surprise...

 

 

I then made my way to Easington straight to see if any Brents were present. They were...

 

c400

I parked the car and started to scan. The light was superb and it was fun trying to pick out the star bird After a round 20 minutes my eyes started to "go". Just a mass of moving black and white!

 

Eventually I found this striking goose. Below are a few images I hope you enjoy...

 



 

 

 

 

The birds kept feeding and my luck was in as they came nearer and nearer to the road...

 

 

Run out of time! More tomorrow...

 

Birding Generations

I guess now I've turned 60 I'm firmly in the "old fart" category. Changes happen. The older you get the more you see...obviously. I try to stay broad-minded...but it gets harder, maybe I never was! Just thought I'd share that with you! With the forthcoming switch in listing authorities it seems a fitting time to write this post.

 

From 2018...

 

Following the adoption of the IOC World Bird List on 1st January 2018, species-level changes will be made to the British List include:

 

Splits:

• Tundra Bean Goose from Taiga Bean Goose
• Desertas Petrel from Fea's Petrel
• Least Tern from Little Tern
• Thayer's Gull from Iceland Gull
• Red-tailed (Turkestan) Shrike from Isabelline (Daurian) Shrike
• Two-barred Greenish Warbler from Greenish Warbler
• Stejneger's Stonechat from Siberian Stonechat
• Eastern Yellow Wagtail from Yellow Wagtail

Lumps:

• Hudsonian Whimbrel with Whimbrel
• Lesser Redpoll with Mealy Redpoll

I'm no scientist...you've probably gathered that!!! So I won't pontificate, you'll be pleased to hear. This decision makes total sense to me. A standardised world taxonomy has to be a good thing...doesn't it? 

 

On a far less academic note I still have problems regarding my Birding. As is abundantly clear from this Blog...I like a tick! I'll travel the length and breadth of the Country (when available) to add a species to my list. I'll also travel to see a "good bird" as I did yesterday. A VERY good decision IMHO, I may add.

 

Are some birds "better" than others?

 

For me...most definitely. A well known character once said..."They're all one". That's very true BUT are some more worthy than others?

 

Examples...

 

Moltoni's Warbler and Iberian Chiffchaff. Just a couple plucked out. Not very inspiring!

 

There is an element of hypocrisy here I'll admit, as I've twitched birds that were confirmed retrospectively...e.g. ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. This doesn't mean I'm totally at ease with the tick, especially when our friends across the pond consider "Empids" unidentifiable in Autumn unless they call? The official line WILL be followed however.

 

DNA Birding isn't very...er...exhilarating!!!

 

There's also the question of provenance. Followers will (probably) remember I've turned down birds which I didn't rate e.g Chestnut Bunting (which was accepted). I can honestly say it doesn't bother me in the slightest. It's a personal choice. I do have a personal list which includes a few rejections...BOOTED EAGLE being one of them!?

 

So what AM I saying?

 

Simply this. From now on I'll decide what merits a trip. I'm as keen as ever to see new birds but I'll make my own decision as to what I consider worthy. I'll still follow the (new) "official" line but with a selective slant. It's (slightly) more relaxing and definitely more satisfying. It's also cheaper! Spending hundreds of pounds to go to see a bird I can't identify doesn't exactly get the juices flowing.

 

Still enjoying the memory of yesterday's trip...to see a PROPER bird...hope it makes it...

 

White-billed Diver (Yellow-billed Loon)

 

WHITE-BILLED DIVER

Took my eye off the ball (again) this morning with a nice lie-in. In my defence I'd done a decent shift the day before and I'm no chicken!

 

Anyway, I woke around 9 and checked the pager...amongst other messages was this one..

 

Lincs WHITE-BILLED DIVER west of Woodhall Spa on River Witham 1mile North of Kirkstall Bridge

 

Now THAT'S what I call a bird!!! Definitely tempting.

 

It was a clear cold morning in Holmpton and I hoped it would be the same in south Lincs. Only one way to find out. I grabbed my stuff and headed for McDonalds in Hull. A quick Latte and Sausage Mc and onto the Humber Bridge and South.

 

The roads of Lincolnshire are always a challenge and I eventually weaved my way to Woodhall Spa. I picked the right chap to help me fine tune my final approach to the River. I found a parking spot, sorted out my stuff and headed down the riverbank with Bud.

 

There were plenty of fisherman by the bridge. Thoughts strayed to the unfortunate 1996 bird in the same County that perished after swallowing a hook. More on that later.

 

Birders were coming and going along the river...

 

 

It took us around 20 minutes to reach the area. I could see a few people looking out onto the river. I was amazed how few there were? Anyway after a few minutes up it popped...

 

I spent a wonderful hour with this magnificent bird as it fed along a half mile stretch of the river. It really was special. I think I can safely say I'll NEVER get a better view. A few teams came and went quickly. Dashing onto the next bird. Some spending less than 5 minutes!? I had a smile to myself. How could you not spend a decent amount of time with this special Arctic visitor, especially when it was so close?

 

I'm old enough to have seen the Yorkshire bird off Flamborough Head in September 1987! I also saw one in Barrow, Alaska in 2007. I realise there have been plenty of records over the years but this one ticked my boxes...

 

 

There was some debate over material drooping from the birds mouth. Weed or fishing line? Hopefully the former...

 

List changes?

News came through today that the BOU will adopt the IOC list from January 2018. I might just have figured out the changes to my list by then!!! More on that later.

 

Today was a slow day in the wonderful winter sunshine. Pre-dawn I added Barn Owl (H.35) down Snakey Lane. a stretch for Bud on the clifftop at Easington produced my first Cormorants (3) of the year (P.73, S.25). I then drove down Easington straight through the fog hoping that the Whooper Swan was still present (and viewable), it was, with another...

 

P.74, S.26

 

Always a pleasure to see.

 

After lunch I decided to drive down to Stone Creek to see if I could add Hen Harrier to my year list. On the way down I noticed a shape right next to the road. I approached slowly expecting the usual departure but was surprised as the bird remained totally unconcerned by the cars presence...

 

Grey Partridge P.75

As I drove down the straight at Stone Creek I was greeted by a Sparrowhawk sat on the hedge...

 

 

I spent all afternoon waiting for a HH to show but it didn't happen. I was entertained by at least 3 Short-eared Owls...a few images...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other notable birds seen were Buzzard, Marsh Harrier (male), Kingfisher, Stonechat (2), Tree Sparrow (c20), Curlew (115). Skylarks (c10) were also disputing territories which was uplifting.

 

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My interest in Cyprus Birding had me checking my regular sites. A GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL (prefer the name to Pallas's Gull) was present at Larnaca Sewage Works today. Pity I couldn't find one last January! Maybe this March? An adult would be nice!

 

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BTT

Managed a distant, brief and VERY unsatisfactory view with Phil around 11.

The afternoon was spent seeing very little at Fairburn!

Ah well...

Out of bounds

A Glaucous Gull reported at Hornsea Mere was tempting enough for me to make the trip. A quick chat and scan revealed nothing. I did see Tim Isherwood leaving but didn't realize until it was too late. Sorry pal.

 

News then came through that the Black-throated Thrush had re-appeared in South Yorkshire. Why not? I gave Phil a text to see if he fancied it. He answered in the affirmative and I met him at Wooley Edge services on the M1. Unfortunately the bird had decided to fly south over the River Dearne at 11.30!

 

After a quick chat we decided to head for Swillington Ings. We stopped off at Lemonroyd Sewage Works and eventually managed to find a Water Pipit...

 

 

After a Glaucous Gull "scare"at Astley Lake we moved onto the main reserve and Phil took me to the pool where a Long-tailed Duck had been frequenting. The bird was diving continually but I eventually managed a record shot through the ever increasing gloom...

 

 

We agreed we would try for the BTT again tomorrow morning if it was re-located...

 

Ross's Gull demise

News has just come through that this Arctic gem was taken by a Peregrine. Nature it's true...but also sickening...

 

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We had a trip to Filey Brigg today despite the gloom. Wrapped up well we took Bud out to the end. No luck with Glaucous Gulls but I gave it a go.

 

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Texas pic...last one...

 

Reddish Egret

 

California (MEGA) Gulls!

Exciting times in the Golden State at the moment.

 

ROSS'S GULL 2nd record

 

BLACK-TAILED GULL

 

Not forgetting the recent EURASIAN KESTREL 2nd record.

 

Back to Earth.

 

I tried hard today to locate a Glaucous Gull but there was a distinct lack of large Gulls around. I managed a few year ticks the best being a Stonechat at "the sewage" The prize came late afternoon as I drove Snakey. I saw an owl in the distance, great, my Barn Owl year tick. No wait...wings look long and appears dark? A closer inspection revealed a cracking Short-eared Owl!!!

 

Texas pic...

 

American Kestrel

 

 

 

Bird Jog!

My racing days are over. It was my first day off this year so I wanted to have a decent look at the Patch.

 

It made sense to start on the sea...at least to me. Wind direction wasn't great and it panned out that way with only 4 Red-throated Divers seen in an hour!? Tesco next for my pack-up then the Sewage. Some nice birds seen around here. Pied Wagtail seen immediately...I wonder? Yes! Grey Wagtail, always a good addition in January. 3 Song Thrushes were definitely noteworthy! We took a walk along the cliff. The main hope was Snow Bunting which alas didn't materialize. I did however add Sanderling (2) and Ringed Plover (16).

 

It was approaching lunchtime now, so I dropped my four-legged friend off at home, checked the feeders...Goldfinch (4), Tree Sparrow (2) and Wren and continued down to Spurn. I drove down to the entrance gate then slowly made my way back. Nothing of note was seen but I did add some common Year birds including Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit.

 

After lunch at Easington boatyard (still nothing passing on the sea) I moved back to Kilnsea Wetlands and went for a walk which included Beacon Ponds. 3 smart male Goldeneye were present plus a decent number of Wigeon (c120). Beacon Ponds produced the best sighting of the whole day. A glorious fly-by of 33 Black-tailed Godwits! VERY nice. 8 Little Grebes were also seen.

 

Three attempts at my Little Owl site all failed to produce a sighting. 

 

Stops at Skeffling and Welwick produced surprisingly little although the weather had deteriorated significantly. On the way though I stumbled on 5 Teal on the main drain near Outstray lane...my only sighting of the day...that's Birding! I finished off in the gloom at Stone Creek. Things were brightened by Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl (3) and a lone Fieldfare finishing off the much depleted berries. No Hen Harriers were seen.

 

After my series of very early mornings recently I was flagging, so I headed home satisfied with my tally and sightings.

 

Texas pic. Vermilion Flycatcher, Estero Llano S.P...

 

 

Yes...they are this red!

 

BIG Lists

Just sat down after completing my re-training...always tougher than training I feel! I checked my e-mail and noticed one from Phil referring to a World BIG Year. An impressive total no doubt!

 

It got me thinking...always dangerous. Would I like to do it? No thanks. Seeing that many birds in that period of time wouldn't do it for me. Many places I would never consider going for many different reasons. The sheer magnitude of learning to ID that many species?

 

I prefer to build a list for a chosen area. It's pretty apparent which from this Blog. I have no desire to blast around the continents...besides I can't afford it!!

 

I've read many accounts of extreme Birding endeavours and hats off to those who try but I'm happy trying to build the lists I cherish and that's what I'll continue to do.

 

I'd still like to go to Attu though...

 

2016 Part 1   2016 Part 2

 

Texas pic...Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, McAllen...

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Great White!

I don't think I'll have a better chance of adding Glaucous Gull to my Holmpton list. There's been a BIG influx into Britain in the past few days. No better example than 37 on Unst! Granted that's a tad North of year but it's still a good indicator of movement...me thinks.

 

I'm still sorting myself out for the year BUT I'll be out on Thursday. Might even do a BIG (Patch) DAY?

 

Another image for your perusal from the lone star State...

 

Beep beep

 

ID?

Another maelstrom whipped up online over the past day or so. A putative (Western or maybe Eastern) ORPHEAN WARBLER was found at Newmarket. Many making a judgement on a single photo. It has since transpired that the bird is indeed a Lesser Whitethroat! This scenario has happened many times in the past. Personal insults are not the way forward but are unfortunately inevitable. Pressure that even leads to experienced Birders changing their opinion. Debate on ID is fine BUT personal abuse ISN'T.

 

The Internet is a wonderful tool but it obviously publicizes all kinds of behaviour. Genuine errors are fine (we all make them) BUT I've no time for "experts" who ridicule others and take the misplaced "high ground".

 

Tonight's Texas image is of my favourite Warbler. It's not the sharpest but it was the best I could manage this trip...

 

The peerless Black and White

 

PALLID HARRIER

I returned to Welwick this morning after a much needed lie in. The pager had already informed me that the bird had showed...unlike yesterday!

 

I texted Phil and met him in the car park around 10am. There was a decent crowd of admirers present. I joined Phil and he told me the bird was showing "on and off". He had some pics...

 

PALLID HARRIER (P.49)

Over the next hour we enjoyed distant but extended views of this rarity which was gracing my Patch. It's easy to forget sometimes when there's something so special, so very close.

 

I was meeting Louise at 1 for lunch and Phil was heading back to Leeds. I had another 3o minutes before I had to leave so I decided to try the road that continued form the car park. I'd seen SEO, Sparrowhawk and even had a fleeting glimpse of the disappearing PALLID. I didn't connect with any of the above but I did add Stock Dove (P.50) to my year list...

 

 

I rang Phil who'd only reached Patrington and he returned to connect...just! They flew twice but he managed a glimpse.

 

After lunch we had a walk with Bud west from Skeffling to the gate at Welwick. Birds seen included SEO, Buzzard and Little Egret. On our return we bumped into John Hewitt, Mick Turton and Mick Mayer who were doing a bird race. I told them I hadn't seen anything "unusual", wished them luck and continued back to the car. We'd been blessed with an excellent day weather-wise.

 

Another image from my Texas trip. Mountain Bluebird at Big Spring S.P...

 

 

A Start

Spent most of the day locally with Phil, it was good to see him again. We started at dawn at Welwick hoping for the PALLID HARRIER. We gave it till around 11 but had no conclusive sightings. We did have distant views of a ringtail through the mist but it couldn't be confirmed. We did have decent views of a male Marsh Harrier and a Short-eared Owl.

 

After lunch we added a few local species to our Year list including Tree Sparrow. We finished up connecting with a White-fronted Goose on Easington straight.

 

48 species seen.

 

I've been re-visiting my Texas pictures as I thought I'd post a few more of my better efforts. While waiting for the AMAZON KINGFISHER to show I had some great entertainment from a group of Great Kiskadees.

 

Here's one of them...

 

 

There and Here

Another beauty found in Texas today...pity I couldn't find one last month!

 

RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN

 

Work done...now time for play...

2017 - New challenges

What do you want for your Birding?

 

Maybe nothing more than enjoying watching birds! Then again. maybe it's more about just collecting ticks? How about visiting new sites/countries? Whatever floats your boat...I hope you enjoy it. Otherwise, what's the point?

 

For me?

 

Well, my goalposts have moved somewhat! My planned trip to the sacred ABA ground of ATTU has been postponed/cancelled. My knee just isn't in a fit state to risk that kind of money. I deliberated long and hard over the holidays but it IS the correct decision. Maybe I'll still make it one Spring in the future before my time is up? I've managed to amass a total of 686 species from my holiday visits over the last 16 years and ATTU would almost certainly have pushed me through the 700 mark, which was my bucket list target. I guess it's the equivalent of breaking 500 for my British list. Once achieved I'm still keen but not manic! Especially with some of the recent odd decisions which I strongly disagree with. No matter.

 

My trip to Cyprus in March is still very much ON however. I'm looking forward to finding some migrants from the 8th to the 29th. There should be plenty of movement North throughout this time window...and hopefully a lingering Wallcreeper or two.

 

Personally I like the idea of regular destinations to watch and Cyprus is my chosen country for an early Spring/late Winter holiday...despite the problems there. It's also the warmest place in Europe for Louise at this time of year! Winter breaks are DEFINITELY the future for us.

 

Later in the year I have thoughts of maybe finally spending some time on Shetland in September and maybe finally adding LANCEOLATED WARBLER to my British list...and maybe one or two more?

 

We aim to conclude the year with another trip to our beloved Texas.

 

So, there you are.

 

No Birding this week as I've been on a re-fresh for a part-time post which will help to pay for some of the above!!!

 

Whatever you decide to do I wish you well and please...ENJOY IT!

 

ABA news...BLACK KITE and BIG YEAR results

First ABA record...here

 

...and while I'm on the topic here are the results of the 2016...

 

BIG YEAR

 

 

The record has been smashed. I guess it's inevitable with more and more instant sources of information plus PLENTY of money. If I win the Lottery I might have a go!!!

TEXAS...last knockings

December 18th

 

Another early start for our drive across the "Metroplex" aka Dallas/Fort Worth. Our destination was Lake Tawakoni..

 

 

 

The target bird was SMITH'S LONGSPUR, which would be an ABA and of course, a Texas tick. I'd tried for this species on it's breeding grounds on the Denali Highway, Alaska in the summer of 2007. The month was August however due to school holidays and the birds had departed. If birds had arrived after yesterdays temperature plunge this was my best bet. Birds had been reported from this site on this date the previous year. My contact couldn't make it due to work commitments, so I was on my own. I found the country road and the relevant field...but there was a problem...

 

 

Fencing!

 

Most of Texas is fenced and that means ...NO TRESPASSING. Quite a dilemma! My only chance...and yet?

 

I had to let it go...extremely reluctantly. Oh, and it was -2 with a gale force Norther! We headed South to Houston.

 

December 19th

 

Still smarting from yesterdays disappointment, things took a turn for the better when I checked eBird in the Motel. A Black Scoter had been reported at a reservoir in east Houston. I joined the rush hour Houston traffic and made my way across this huge City. Quite an experience in itself! I arrived at Highlands Reservoir at 8am. It was still cold but clear. I set my scope up and scanned the water. There weren't many birds on the water...but there was a male BLACK SCOTER!! (463). This bird was a real bonus on the morning of our departure. I drove back to the Motel. We checked out and headed for Bear Creek Park. Last time I was here in March it was under 2 feet of water! Thankfully things were better today and we enjoyed a pleasant couple of hours. The Pileated Woodpecker failed to appear however.

 

It was now time for my final target bird. I realised this was cutting things fine but I'd convinced Louise we'd get to the airport on time! We parked up by the path to Addick's Reservoir. Louise read her novel in the car and I promised her I'd be back by 6pm. I made my way to the site and I convinced myself I was at the right spot. I concentrated hard until the sunset but alas, I couldn't see an AMERICAN WOODCOCK...

 

 

We DID make it to the airport.

 

So, there we are. Another marvellous visit to my favourite State. I managed to see twelve new species, one of which was an ABA tick.

 

AMAZON KINGFISHER

Eurasian Wigeon

Lewis's Woodpecker

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Anna's Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbird

Common Merganser

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Chestnut-collared Longspur

Purple Finch

Fox Sparrow

Black Scoter

 

By my dubious calculations I managed to amass a total of 195 species. Always good to miss a few as it gives me an excuse to return again...

 



Number crunching

Lists re-freshed and ready for another year...

I'll tie up my Texas report later this week, together with my 2016 totals. Bet you can't wait!?