Retired

I've taken the plunge...and it feels good!!!

A combination of factors including Covid 19 has led me to make this landmark decision. Fully endorsed by my better half, I feel it's the "right time". I've "done my bit" over the years. Cloth will be cut accordingly and we'll manage fine.

I won't miss anymore Birds now, at least through work, it will just be a question of selection, access and affordability! No plans at the moment, just a time to enjoy the superb Spring weather and garden out here on the East Coast.

Feels good...at the moment. I'm sure it will last!

My new staus should give me more time to develop my Blog and hopefully provide some interesting posts for you. Time will tell...

Been (VERY) quiet lately on the dicky-bird front.

Cheers...

Improving?

Having been a good lad since March 23rd (unlike some/many) I'm looking forward to when things improve (whenever that may be). Interpretation of "rules" seems somewhat grey to say the least!!!

I've really enjoyed doing a "full" Spring in the Village but variety IS the spice of life, so some trips furhter afield would be nice. Again...selective as always.

It will be interesting to see if some birds have been suppressed during this time. I realize it's academic but I'm a curious soul.

Let's hope things are more positive this Autumn? After all, I've (provisionally) booked my spot on Scilly for October. There's positivity for you.


I'm still busy transferring (and reminiscing) records from my beloved Bird Recorder to eBird. The perfect time to do it. Many great memories...and some gripping ones! It's funny when you look back and wonder why you acted...or didn't...on certain occasions. Hindsight eh...

Virtual Twitching!

Perfect Lockdown therapy!

I've been reading this book for a while now (I'm a slow/reluctant reader). I jumped on the Rare Bird Bandwagon in 1989 with the DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT at Charlton's Pond, Billingham. Not a bad introduction as it's turned out! Rarity value rather than aesthetic charm. My biggest regret is not going for the GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER later the same year? I guess that sums twitching up in a nutshell! It's ironic now looking back, as I was going to Norfolk and Suffolk, albeit as part of a team on occasional Sundays (young family and all that) but considered Kent too far to justify!? Ah well. The GREAT BUSTARDS of 87 are also still a painful if distant memory...although just to add balance, I did eventually score with the RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH in 89. After dipping it in the initial scrum, I connected the following Spring, in far more relaxed circumstances.

The book has some fabulous accounts of Rare Birds throughout the 80's, most of which I obviously wasn't involved in, as I was still kicking a ball about.

The book is fantastic. I've had it since it was published but never read it completely. I just dipped in. It's really helped during this suppression (in more ways than one). Terrific accounts from various sources throughout Britain, recalling special birds and memories from the all four corners. Some contributors are familiar, some acquaintances and some I even like to call friends.

A lot of the information, especially from the 80's and 90's is new to me. I guess I only became "serious" around the turn of the Century. So, I've not done too bad, especially as I've "let some go".
Always selective!

Anyway, if you're into Rare Birds and haven't read this book, it's thoroughly recommended.

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Locally I've managed to bump my Holmpton Year List up to 99. The latest addition was a Hobby over the garden this lunchtime while we were eating our salmon sandwiches. Felt like cheating in a way! STILL no Swift for me?

Let 'em come to you?

I say that after hoping to come across a Cuckoo (P.115, H.97). Of course, I hear one from the garden bench!

A late afternoon stroll North produced the unlikely sight of a Common Sandpiper on the cliff top grass...

A lone Dunlin shooting South brought my Village year to 98. We now have three Sand Martin colonies confirmed...which is great news.

Ebird building continues. Great memories adding my significant British sightings at the moment. It's interesting (at least to me) how some species have become scarcer and others far more common (inevitably, in fewer numbers). An example being Golden Eagle. I saw the last breeding English pair (sadly) at Haweswater in 1991 and then a remarkable record for Yorkshire at Gouthwaite in 1992. Happy days!

Wind of change

I guess you could say that the recent winds have been less than favourable for migration, here on the NE coast! Constant buffeting by the northerlies can be dis-heartening, especially with the lack of cover around the Village.

Still plenty of time for things to pick up...a Cuckoo and/or a Swift would be a good start!!

The only time I've been in my car is to Tesco and the Post Office, so the fact that the official line is now "local journeys are now permitted for exercise" means I can consider visiting other (remote) areas of the Patch...infrequently. Some variety at last. I'm happy birding the Village but you can have too much of a good thing!

A decent bird, that is in the public domain, namely a BROWN SHRIKE turned up at Bridlington yesterday (still present today). Various opinions on-line (surprise,surprise) regarding the releasing of news. For me...it's keep yer head down and mind yer own business. I always keep myself to myself...

Time for a breather

As the wind and rain battered against the window this morning I simply turned over and went back to sleep. Bliss!

A slow day was had reminiscing over past trips and sightings...another one of those "things to get around to". I'd always wondered exactly how many times I'd been to Texas and Stateside in general? Well now I know. After cranking up the old computer it appears I've had 13 trips to Texas (471 sp) and 26 all told including Alaska (686 sp) which has taken us to 40 plus States. No wonder I'm skint! I've had one helluva time though!!!

These facts are not aired in any boastful way...just a statement of fact...for the record. Just think of the other places I may have travelled. It really doesn't concern me though, as I'm VERY satisfied with my choices.

World Birding has never interested me. Yes, I've been a few places including Australia but nowhere gives me the "buzz" that I get Stateside. It's not just the Birds. I love the history, hospitality, infrastructure, scenery etc etc. Many friends have been made over the past 20 years and I hope we have some more adventures to come, after missing out this year.

The advent of eBird and Internet resources in general has no doubt enhanced Birding but I try to keep it "Old School" as much as possible. I still use a notebook!

I've really enjoyed the hard yards of the last few weeks. If nothing else it's helped me lose 20lbs! Quite pleased with amassing 96 species so far, although friends up and down the coast will find that "modest" to say the least. It's a marathon not...

My best Holmpton year total is 130 (don't laugh) which I acheived in 2018, so hopefully I can top that this year with all the extra hours I have at the moment. We are lacking certain habitats here.

Anyway, enough for now...this is getting rather long-winded. I'll leave you with a couple of birds to brighten the prose which I saw on my winter trip to Texas in December 16. You know how it is...you hope to get lucky and I certainly did with these two...

AMAZON KINGFISHER. Laredo...(3rd record for Texas and the ABA)

Lewis's Woodpecker...(a western species, scarce in Texas in winter)

My favourite 'pecker!

An even better morning!

Acting on Richard's message that he'd heard a Cuckoo first thing, I made my way to the SW corner of the Village for my walk. It was the best day so far and there was definitely a hint of Summer...at least for today!

I didn't have any luck regarding the Cuckoo but I enjoyed the local Yellowhammers...

Another species we are fortunate to have in good numbers locally and shouldn't be/aren't taken for granted.

As I was over this section I decided to take a stroll along Rysome Lane by the underground Bunker...

An appropriate day

I've not walked along here since "lockdown" began. As I passed the area and started to ascend the road to the crest, I spotted a medium sized bird with a distinctive flight...and a WHITE-RUMP!!! No, bigger than a Wheatear...

My first Jay for the Village and self-found to boot. After missing "Richard's bird" this was doubly sweet. I love the nuances of Birding. The fact that I was in an unusual area and scored with a top find. This was my 177th species for the Village. It was only in view for a few seconds and I couldn't re-locate it.

You can actually scope the Humber from the crest. Now that's optimism for you!

Decent Morning

A few notable sightings this morning on our walk South to Cliff Farm, so I thought I'd share them with you.

Things started well with a couple of Yellow Wagtails in the paddock...

Even at 7.18am they looked like they'd been plugged into the mains!

As I approached Old Hive it was obvious that the Sand Martin colony had increased in numbers...significantly. 120 was a conservative estimate...great news! I've also discovered a small colony near the Sewage. Definitely more about this year.

As I reached the Copse I could hear a Willow Warbler singing.Unusual for these here parts. I also had a Chiffchaff...that wasn't singing! A couple of Whitehtroats and a Lesser completed the action. As I started to walk up to the Farm I could see a copuple of Wheatears on the path. Unfortunately they were "into the sun" but I managed an image of one...

Further up we (inadvertently) flushed a pair of Grey Partridges. Another fine male Wheatear greeted us at the Farm...

On our return...

...I spotted yet another Wheatear, this time below the path on the cliff...Nice to get a different perspective...

Early afternoon I sneaked a Bullfinch for the Garden Lockdown List, taking me to 53.

Still no Swift...

Marching on...

More walks, mainly North with my mate. Added a couple of FOY...namely House Martin and Grey Plover...

...taking me to 92 for the Village. ANY wader here is noteworthy!

Still no Swift for me?

Prolonged sessions in the garden have meant some intensive study of the local avifauna. I've really enjoyed it, especially the Robins ability to mop up all the scraps!

A bent-tailed Tit...

Cutey Blue Tit...

Just a Starling...

All going on above our Siamese!

Local Hero

Our local Barn Owl is still performing well. Definitely worth posting...

Always been one of my favourites. So lucky to enjoy this bird from the Cottage...

Groundhog Day...ish

Have to say it's getting that way for me now. Definitely wouldn't suit me being couped up long term. Still, has to be done for the foreseeable...and I'm fortunate to be located where I am...and appreciate that.

Daily diary updates are out now...even I'm bored with that!!

I've decided to mix things up with some posts on past incidents/adventures and intermittent posts on local happenings...when something I consider significant occurs. Seems reasonable?

Made it to 90 for the Village this morning when a lone House Martin got mixed in with the local Sandies.

I've been passing time with jobs (the ones I've put off for years) around the house plus transferring my records from my Bird Recorder programme to eBird. Bringing back some great memories while safeguarding my records. Secured my Village records and just finished adding my Scilly sightings. Good fun! Texas next...

Daily sightings of Great Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Sparrow at the feeders are not to be taken for granted.

Stay safe...and stay tuned...

Tough going

Yesterday morning's walk North in yet more Easterlies started quietly but as I reached the farm it became apparent that there had been a fall of Wheatears. I like to think I'm conservative with my counts BUT I was happy that 6 birds were present...

Things got even better when a scan over the road produced a distant ringtail Hen Harrier fast disappearing west. This was almost certainly the lingering bird that had been present in the area for over a week now. The lone (and possibly ill) Golden Plover was still present, although it seemed spritely enough as it fed in the farm garden...

On the return journey something caught my eye on the beach as I approached Seaside road...

Common Sandpiper (P.109, H.89)

This is only my second record...but maybe not my second sighting?!

This Tree Sparrrow lingered long enough at the feeder for a pic mid-afternoon....

Lockdown update

So, what's been occuring?

Richard made another top find yesterday when he came across a Jay on Seaside Road. A Village tick for him...unfortunately not for me, as it soon disappeared never to be seen again. I had an extended watch from my bedroom but no joy. I was going to say at least he's not crowing about his double...but I thought it may be to corny!

No new "Garden additions" but nice views of some common stuff in unusual circimstances in and around the Village...

Red-legged Partridge in the Churchyard...

Chiffchaff singing on a wire...

Magpie on the fat balls...

I actually SAW a Lesser Whitethroat...just!

Terrific prolonged performance by a Sparrowhawk over the garden this afternoon...

That's all folks...

Check every bird!

Birding excitement can come in many guises. We all like a Rarity...don't we? An addition to a list, a foreign trip etc etc.

Today's exercise brought much excitement (I'm easily pleased). Herring Gulls are almost a constant sight cruising the cliffs here at Holmpton. Sometmes joined by Greater and maybe Lesser Black-backs. I've also had a few Fulmars (one today). I like to think I'm fairly thorough when checking the birds?

Anyway today provided a major surprise. As I was walking back South towards Seaside Road a "Gull" was cruising towards me at a leisurely pace. No surprise there I hear you cry. Except it wasn't a "Gull"...it was a Gannet!!! By the time I'd realized and sorted my camera out, it had passed by me and was contiuing North towards Withernsea...

Evocative?

I also saw my FOY Whitethroat (H.87, P.108)...

First picked up singing in Old Hive copse

Eventually it showed closer. Full of vigour and expectancy...

Cute!

Crows were still much in eveidence moving mainly south...I keep checking! Whilst checking on one occasion, 2 Shelducks (H.88) bulleted South.

House Martin would be nice tomorrow for an earliest date addition?

***I've just realized some of the posts I'd added to my labels section (see right hand column) weren't showing. Included here are past trips, significant twitches plus some personal stuff. Anyway for the record...they're all showing now***

Holmpton Lockdown...so far.

Just got back from a "quiet" walk with Bud. Crows passing South...none with hoods...alas. A couple more Wheatears were nice...and never taken for granted.

Yesterday morning yielded a couple of Curlew and Fulmar South plus 2 male Goosanders North. BIG bonus came in the form of a Peregrine South over the paddock, as I was heading home...

A surprisingly decent cropped image...

A powerful profile

An hour before lunch from the bedroom proved very productive with a late flurry of "Lockdown" additions....and Garden Lifers to boot. I added Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant and Sand Martin. I also had great views of a female Blackcap at the bird bath...

A blur of bird and water

You may be wondering why its taken me seven years to add these species to my Garden List? Simple, I've never looked from the bedroom window with any real intent, before this enforced confinement! I'm enjoying it.

So, Lockdown so far.

Basing it on a March 23rd start I guess the first significant sighting was a Marsh Harrier (25th) seen from my front door courtesy of a knock on it by Richard! Later that morning I failed to reciprocate as I had my earliest Swallow on our walk but couldn't get him "on it". Daily sightings of a beautiful Barn Owl in the field opposite at dawn and dusk around this time, is also definitely worth a mention.
Fortunate indeed.

Next comes the undoubted highlight so far...Shore Larks. Initially found by Richard the previous week I evenually scored on April Fools Day when I found a flock of 6 on Mill Hill!

4 of them

Corn Buntings back on Snakey Lane on the 3rd was a welcome sight...



...with the first returning Sand Martins seen at Old Hive on the 4th. A singing Blackcap on the 5th was followed by brief views of a Ring Ouzel in flight on the 7th...another earliest record to savour. Another quality addition to my Holmpton List on this date was a Black Redstart, again found by Richard in the paddock...



Yellow Wagtails also joined the party on this date at the Llama Farm...



A stunning Hen Harrier that had been lingering on Snakey Lane was finally seen well on a "bread and milk run" on the 8th...




A silent Willow Warbler was a decent find at Old Hive Copse on the 12th. Turnstone and Fulmar were added on the 16th. Whimbrel fell on the 17th and the first Lesser Whitethroats were heard yesterday evening on Taylor Lane.

All birds seen/heard on walks from my house or trips to Patrington and Withernsea for supplies.

Plenty more to come...hopefully...

East Winds continue...

...and limited sightings ...continue!

A lone Whimbrel calling as it headed high South was the highlight of this mornings walk North. I finally managed a decent pic of a male Linnet...

We have a decent number now but they are very flighty.

I had an hour from the bedroom between 11 and 12 adding a lone Stock Dove to my "Garden Lockdown" list #47. It was also my 59th species for my developing "Garden Life" List.

As I was wallowing in my latest addition I received a message informing me a Hooded Crow had flown South past Holmpton. The message came at 11.38 but no time was given for the actual sighting. Still...rather galling nonetheless. I'll get one...I keep saying that?

Arctic Terns starting to pass by. None here...yet...

This male Chaffinch spent some time at the Niger seed this morning..

My attempt to beat some of my "earliest records" failed miserably...although the weather didn't help...