Bits and Bobs

I'm aware that my routes may be becoming repetitive...that's because they are! Still, we're all in the same boat...or should be? North, South or West...East would be a challenge, especially for a poor swimmer.

All walks are being done from my Cottage. Chuffed to have lost over a stone, although there's still some work to do. The last couple of days have been slow but there's always something of interest, right?  A few Yellow Wagtails have popped up and the drift of Wheatears continues...thankfully...A jumpy male on the cliff footpath...

...and an extremely chilled female in the paddock...

A lovely individual

The first Swallow was seen singing in the Village yesterday...

A lone Pink-footed Goose was also seen South of the Village. It was flushed by Bud and glided down onto the sea. Unusual behaviour and maybe not in the best of health, unfortunately...

He also (inadvertantly) flushed a pair of Grey Partridges. Finally for now, a mini-kettle (if there is such a thing) of Buzzards (3) was a pleasant sight.

You've got to be in the right place...

A cold wind was blowing hard first thing. So, after breakfast I retired for a bedroom watch!

Eventually, it paid off as I added Gannet and Great Black-backed Gull to my "Lockdown List" #43
Both Garden "Lifers". Ironically this was the first Gannet I had seen since lockdown, so in context, it was a miraculous sighting.

A shorter walk today, early afternoon. I tried to find a Black Redstart in the paddock but no sign although 2 were reported? While I was down there a Heron (H.80) flew over the house...

...a Village year tick but it would have been a Garden Lifer...as would the brief flight of a Mistle Thrush. Ah well, two to look for...

I did manage a late addition in the form of a female Sparrowhawk #44

This is the first time since we moved here I've really concentrated on my "Garden" list...as you can tell by some of the embarrassing additions! However, as I've said many times...listing is a Marathon not a sprint and each addition is greeted with much satisfaction. What's next?

The Weekend

Yesterday I mixed things up a little...change is a s good...and all that. We needed bread and milk first thing so I drove Snakey to Patrington. Not before I'd heard a Chiffchaff chipping away as I opened the front door (Garden Lockdown #40). 3 Corn Bunting territories are definitely in operation, which is great to report.

My walk took place after lunch with a stroll North to the Sewage. Nothing of note at the farm BUT beyond that...Wheatears...4 together! As I approached the Sewage it became apparent that one bird was unconcerned by my presence, enabling me to get this image...

I spent a wonderful 20 minutes in close proximity to this individual...VERY unusual in my experience.

On returning home for a brew I joined Louise in the garden. We both heard a distinctive call. After some searching I locked-on to an extremely high Curlew (Garden Lockdown #41).


This morning I went South on a fabulous day...

No Shore Larks at Mill Hill

It was nice to see the Sand Martin  numbers building up nicely (c40) at Old Hive...

I checked out the Copse...

...and the scrape lol!...

Days are numbered

On passing back by the Copse I saw a small bird flitting about in the upper branches. After a fair few minutes I located it motionless on a branch at the back. Chuffed to grab this pic...

Willow Warbler (H.79, P.102)

The bird was silent throughout. Some of the locals were showing well...

Male Reed Bunting

Holmpton's Best

I promised I'd do a review of my best Holmpton sightings. So here's my TOP 10 pop-pickers...in decending order...no hard and fast criteria...just gut feeling.

At 10 - Twite 14/10/16
A late afternoon walk down to the sea on School Lane. After scanning the lifeless briny for quite a while, I finally turned to head home for tea (Lancashire for dinner) as it was getting dark. A bird caught my eye in the hedge, I lifted my Trinnies and I was "gob-smacked" to find myself looking at my first and only sighting for the Village.

At 9 - Crossbill 25/10/18
Another late afternoon trip down School Lane and South towards Mill Hill. Again I noticed a movement on the cliff below. I was amazed to be looking at my first and only sighting for Holmpton, albeit briefly, as it flew North.

At 8 - Water Rail 15/9/14
At the bottom of Seaside Lane there used to be a small pond, which has recently succumbed to the coastal erosion. I used to check it regularly. There had once been a Black-bellied Dipper here. Anyway, it finally paid off when on one visit I found...again...my first and only record for the Village.

At 7 - Osprey 14/5/14
Phil and I had just arrived at the Sewage when I noticed a large raptor off shore. Even I knew immediately what it was. Great excitement ensued and Phil got a nice pic...again, my only record.  Must do better! Great to share it with him.

At 6 - Great White Egret 27/8/18
I first heard about this bird through Richard on the 25th. A further 2 days of sweating before I connected. It frequented the ditch across the road from the Sewage and also made flights in the immediate area, sometimes standing in the middle of the stubble field! A fine bird indeed and an unexpected lingering addition to the Holmpton list.

At 5 - Cory's Shearwater 23/9/12
As you're aware sea-watching isn't a passion of mine! However, in the right conditions and time of year, I try to focus as best I can. A single bird (aren't they all in the North Sea) slowly meandering North early morning. I watched it for a good 15 minutes. A quality Village addition and needless to say my only record.

At 4 - Hawfinch 8/4/19
My number one garden visitor without doubt...and what a visit it was. Richard had a sighting but I never dreamt it...or another...would end up spending a full 2 days in my little old back garden!!! No apologies for posting 5 pics...

You can never say never, BUT...I doubt if this experience will ever re-occur?

The magic bird bath at its best

At 3 - Nightjar 13/5/16
A bird was found by Cliff Farm, Out Newton. I joined the crowd and obtained great views of the bird...

Early afternoon in bright sunshine, I was driving up the hill towards the area when I saw a bird flying across the fields...it was the Nightjar!!! Not something you see every day. It crossed the road and disappeared behind the hedge. Luckily I managed to find it tucked up in the grass...

A truly remarkable record.

At 2 - Shore Lark 1/4/20
A topical addition as a solitary bird is still present as I write. Definitely not on the radar but I guess a lot of birds fall into that category...especially here! That's OK though, it makes them more special, something to cherish. This one is especially sweet as I thought "I'd missed the boat", so discovering them on my return from Old Hive was a special moment...

At 1 - White-tailed Eagle 2/11/18
Just had to be!!! I'd worked an early shift so I decided to take Bud a walk south to Old Hive mid-afternoon. Something I rarely do. Looking around, as us birders do, I saw a large raptor around 800yds offshore heading north, gradually becoming more distant as it veered east. It was BIG. I began to realize that incredibly, I was indeed looking at a WTE!!! Much jubilation ensued. Then a message saying a bird had flown over Spurn some 15 minutes earlier. I posted an update...

Sad I know...but worth saving for prosperity I felt. Fortunately/miraculously I had my camera with me...

Never say never...but I'm saying it...on this one! LUCKY...

Shore Lark - Resurrection!

Without harping on...as if I would...my SL success on April Fools Day was a significant record indeed. So after checking the paddock and failing to see the Black Redstart (Richard had seen it again the previous evening) I decided to have my "health walk" south towards Mill Hill. Birds had been reported over the previous weekend but I wasn't optimistic as I approached the area. I should have been more positive as a single bird was feeding on the path...

It then flew a short distance onto a bare piece of land...

...before flying off strongly north west. A nice surprise!

I finally added Linnet to my "lockdown list" (38) although this pic wasn't taken from the garden...

Meanwhile back in the garden things are a little slow on the feeders...

No wonder he's never caught anything!

Snakey (aka Raptor) Lane

The good lady and I went for a stroll down SL this morning on what was undoubtedly the best day of the year so far. It was glorious!

As always I had a birdy interest at the back of my mind. A ring-tail Hen Harrier has been lingering in the area for a few days now but I hadn't managed to connect. We did our 4 miles but nothing "different" was seen. Yellowhammers are always a joy though...

On return I was doing a bit of this and that in the back garden when I heard Geese.We've had a resident Canada Goose with our Greylags for quite some time? A distinctive call and there it was flying right over the garden with a Greylag. Garden Lifer and Lockdown 37 to boot.

We made the most of the garden today due to the superb weather but late afternoon I had to go to Patrington for a few essentials...bread, milk, dog food etc. I soon picked up a raptor approaching across the arable. Hen Harrier (H.78). I pulled over and managed a few pics...

The bird U-turned over the road and headed back North. Incredibly a male Marsh Harrier jousted with it for a few seconds as it continued on. A fine sight indeed...

I've said it before and I'll no doubt say it again. I'm VERY fortunate to be able to experience these birds locally...especially under the current circumstances.

Holmpton 2020 - a different feel

Having been laid off I guess I'm temporarily "retired"...so I might as well make the most of it...in a responsible manner...of course.

Bad luck for Richard and I yesterday as we waited at the end of Seaside lane for the hoped for Red-rumped Swallow heading South. We gave it till 1pm, then headed home for lunch. Of course it was seen down the road around 1.30...so we possibly missed it by minutes!!! Ah well.

This morning we headed north to the Sewage. Dreams of Osprey and/or Red Kite failed to materialize but as we walked along the edge of the rape field a Ring Ouzel (H.74, P.99) flushed and flew strongly South calling. A great start to the day!! This smashed my earliest record date which was previously April 20th.

As I reached the farm I noticed a decent amount of activity on the lawn. Two golden dots proved to be my FOY Yellow Wagtails (H.75, P.100)...

Another earliest record...by a day!

An impressive FOUR male Wheatears were also present. Another interesting sight...at least to me...was this Skylark singing its full repertoire from a dead stem...

I can't recall ever seeing this behaviour?

On our journey back I received a message from Richard informing me he'd found a Black Redstart in the clifftop paddock! This was a possible Village tick for me...so I amde my way back South...rather hastily. On arrival I saw him on the far side of the paddock but the bird had disappeared, almost ceratainly due to the horse owners arriving with their dogs! Richard headed for home but I remained...hopeful.

After around 30 minutes I re-located the bird but it was at the other end of the paddock...of course. My camera battery was flat so I returned home for another, dropped Bud off and returned. After another 30 minutes or so I managed to get close enough for a pic...

Black Redstart (H.76, P.101)

Yet another great find from Richard...I need to up my game...lol! You called it Tim, although I couldn't add it to the garden list...I tried...hard. My 173rd species for Holmpton.

I had another look for it between 6 and 7 but there was no sign of the bird. The walk did pay off though as I had 8 Teal (H.77) flying "in off " and continuing inland. You just never know...

Lockdown Birding

Still glowing from my Shore Lark connection! Never say never but I reckon that may have taken some getting back!?

Anyway, the last few days highlights locally. Corn Buntings (like many species ) are scarce these days, so to have birds locally is a real privilege and NEVER taken for granted. They frequent the same area every year on Snakey Lane which is handy, especially when visiting the shop in Patrington for "essential supplies". Not the most spectacular species BUT I've always liked them for some strange reason..."Fat bird of the Barley/jaggling keys" and all that...

On my return I enjoyed double Partridge action. After searching throughout the winter without success, I encountered both species within 100 yds! I feel amorous advances may have had something to do with it.

Grey

Red-legged

...and then...my FOY Lesser Black-backed Gulls...in their normal passage field...

2 adults present with Herring Gulls

As mentioned before, I find this species strangely engaging...it having a far gentler expression than its larger cousin. One of my favourite Gulls...I don't have many! So. not a bad 20 minute trip for milk and spuds.

What about "Garden Lockdown" I hear you cry...maybe not!

View from my bedroom... a sea view...just!

It's amazing what a little scope can show you though...

Canada Buoy c1.8 miles

I managed a RTD and I'm sure I can add a few more. I had a couple of hours mid-afternoon and enjoyed it immensely. Maybe I should have done it years ago?

I had my first GSW visit of the Year...

I even joined in the Common Scoter nocturnal passage "fun" with a definite audible record at 22.50 on Friday evening. Further additions are Greylag Goose, Kestrel, Swallow, Magpie, Pied Wagtail and Blackcap. Total now 36...strictly in and from Garden only. Village total now 73.

First Dates

No sign of the Shore Larks this morning...unfortunately. My 172nd species for Holmpton...apparently. Emphasising my lucky connection yesterday...although I feel I earnt my sighting. Nice to see some of our common birds performing well at the moment and nice to have some time to enjoy them. Plenty of Wrens singing their hearts out. The first Blackbird belting it out this morning. A small Rookery has formed on Taylor Lane by Richard's house (10 nests). A nice selection of Thrushes in the cliff top paddock with a couple of fine Mistle Thrushes showing regularly...no Ring Ouzel yet. The Garden is producing now the feeders are stocked. I've managed 28 species so far with Tree Sparrows and Long-tailed Tit being the latest to join the party.

I got the "old thunderer" out this afternoon aka my Bird Recorder programme which I have on my old Laptop. I've told this one before, like many others I'm sure. I can't transfer it, as it's THAT old!! It works for me though....literally. As it's a bit delicate these days I only fire it up occasionally which means I miss adding certain records, although my eBird back up is building up nicely. Anyway, I assembled a list of first dates for "Lockdown Year". There are some glaring ommisions but at least it should provide some fun in the coming months...and we all need that...I've already beaten my Swallow and Chiffchaff dates.

Chiffchaff 18/3/20
Wheatear 20/3
Swallow 25/3/20

Sand Martin 30/3
Sandwich Tern 31/3
Yellow Wagtail 8/4
Blackcap 8/4
Willow Warbler 15/4
Cuckoo 20/4
Ring Ouzel 20/4
Lesser Whitethroat 20/4
Whitethroat 20/4
House Martin 25/4
Pied Flycatcher 2/5
Swift 6/5
Hobby 23/5

Whimbrel 23/5

Garden Warbler 20/6
Little Tern 28/6

Hope to complete a review of my best Holmpton sightings soon...

SHORE LARKS - YES!!!

Holmpton List review postponed!

As promised I made my way down to Mill Hill for 7 this morning. Nowt...again! Much scanning and hindsight regret. Then around 7.50 three birds flew a short distance from the path into the field...SUCCESS...I had my tick! Try as I could I couldn't re-locate them? Rather pleasing though!!!

I continued to Old Hive to check for Sand Martins of which there were none. It was now gone 8 and dog walkers would soon be on the march, so I made my way back to Mill Hill hoping they may have returned to the path where Richard had seen them previously.

As I approached I scanned ahead...as you do. A fine male Wheatear was bobbing around and then... some more birds further towards the brow of the hill...SIX!!!

4 of the six SHORE LARKS present

A VERY special moment for a few reasons. Firstly I thought I'd had my chips. To have this now rare species in my Village is truly remarkable! To finally connect after Richard's initial sighting (thanks pal) last Thursday is...fortunate...to say the least. The fact I can walk here from my house is also lucky in these troubled times. A bona fide quality tick for the Village List...171.

On a (much) lower level I added Long-tailed Tit (28) to my "Garden Lockdown List".

The day belongs to the Shore Lark though. A morning that will live long in the memory...