Local Treasure

Now and again things transpire to reveal quality birds without much effort, which is quite relaxing and VERY handy!

Whilst watching the FA Cup game between Millwall and Crystal Palace a white apparition drifted across the field opposite. My first Village Barn Owl (H.36) of  the Year in the inner sanctum.

Last knockings saw me strolling down to the cliff with my lad. The lady who rents the paddock had mentioned she'd seen a "white bird" a  few days ago. I'd forgotten about it to be honest BUT there it was again, my Village Little Egret (H.37). I've visited this Paddock hundreds of times over the last 10 years, LE wouldn't have been a species I would have expected to see here. Hope springs eternal.

No effort required!

First Duff Sit

It was a bit fresh but I enjoyed a nice 3 hour session in the Geoff Smith Hide this morning (10-1)...

The good news was water was now "on" the Carrs, the bad news was it was frozen! Luckily there was a small pool at the far Western end of the Reserve were a decent number of Wildfowl was present including 66 Pintail. A wonderful sight. A lone Whooper Swan was also present on the riverbank at the North end.

A Stonechat popped up out of the Reedbed...

Eventually it came around in front of the hide...

Later I saw two birds together. Next I picked up a small flock of distant Dunlin (7) on the grassland together with a lone Ruff. 3 Stock Doves flew over the Hide. Around midday a male Marsh Harrier flew West at some considerable distance before turning South and ending up flying across my view...

Thoughts were now drifting towards the traditional  Mr C's chip butty in Selby as it approached 1pm. A final scan produced the hoped for quality sighting in the form of a male Peregrine resting on the ground. As I was packing up  I heard a familiar sound...WHOOPING! The next 5 minutes were magical as 3 seperate groups of Whooper Swans (52) flew South down the River and over the road onto Derwent Valley Farm...

36 species seen. I love this place!

Snow Buntings!

Another Year another trudge down to Old Hive via Mill Hill...and I mean trudge over soft clay. Throw in a sub-zero wind chill and the thought of finding one of "Richard's birds" was the only plus...oh, it WAS sunny!

After negotiating the large bites out of the Cliff I approached Mill Hill. I hardly recognised it from my last visit! The coastline here is ever-changing. A lone bird flew up and landed on the Cliff edge. It had to be...it was...

Bouyed by the sighting I continued down towards Old Hive Copse (I did waver for a while) enjoying a brief if frustrating view of what I considered to be a different bird (whiter). I wasn't rewarded for my efforts at the Copse as it was dead. I returned towards Mill Hill. As I approached a small flock (9) bobbed North along the Cliff? Fortunately they landed some 40 yards further up, allowing me get a better view...

I know I can harp on about species appreciation but it is sincere and I will never tire of seeing this species in my Village. I am blessed...

After yesterday's mooch around the Patch missing Coal Tit (on my feeders), Great Spotted Woodpecker, Linnet and Greenfinch amongst others...I saw them all this morning!! I still "need" Wren! That's Birding...

Off we go...

...or more accurately...off I go!

Dawn till dusk around the Patch today, to see how many species I might chance upon. No planning or previous recce, just a random jaunt on a wonderful crisp and sunny Winter's day. After an initial (failed) look for Barn Owl on Snakey I made my way to Skeffling as the tide was favourable for viewing waders and maybe I'd get lucky with Harriers and SEO? As I drove the track to the car park...yep...a Barn Owl flew over the car! A great start. The view East to Spurn was stunning...

Bud and I walked West to the Welwick gate but no Harriers or SEO were seen. However I did get lucky with a VERY distant flock of Whooper Swans (18)...

...and a surprise group of Barnacle Geese (8)...

...12 Pintail were also noteworthy, as was a hovering Stonechat. After returning to the car I decided to try and get closer to the Whoopers (to make sure a Bewick's wasn't amongst them) but despite trying a few tracks I couldn't re-find them. On the way out though I passed another small group of what I thought were all Mute's...I was wrong as this individual popped its head up...

1 of 3

I returned towards Withernsea,,,and Couplands! Nothing at the Sewage except Richard and Ringed Plover! A second look along Snakey produced the hoped for Red-legged Partridge...

...and there was also a large flock of Fieldfares (c200)...

After around 15 minutes I managed to find a couple of Redwings...

The BIG sighting though was 2 Mute Swans next to the new Sewage Works towards Hollym. Less than annual in these here parts. I didn't see a Song or Mistle Thrush all day!

After lunch I had a drive down to Kinsea to pick up a few more Year ticks. I didn''t expect to see Pochard there, although the water level is very high. A quick look at Canal Scrape produced a Little Grebe but no luck with Water Rail.

I finished off at Welwick after snatching a Turnstone by the Crown and Anchor! Again, no luck with Hen Harrier and SEO (surprising that) but three Marsh Harriers in the evening glow were nice...

...grabbed the last one!

 A wonderful day in the much needed sunshine finishing with a spectacular sunset...

I managed a modest 62 species without busting a gut. Other highlights were StonechatMany embarrassing omissions like Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren and Greenfinch! Good fun though.

I liked it that much I'm going to do another one later in the week...with a bit more thought this time.Hope I beat 62!!

Steady Away

Louise is off till Tuesday so no mad gallivanting yet. A leisurely stroll with his Lordship this morning provided the first flock of Fieldfares (10)...

Star bird in the Yard so far is Coal Tit (2) with 4 Tree Sparrows also noteworthy. Richard had a couple of Snow Buntings on Mill Hill.

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

BIG news in my beloved Texas at the moment in the form of a BAT FALCON on the Mexican border. It's a FIRST for the ABA region. It is also present at my favourite reserve in the (Rio Grande) Valley;  Santa Ana. As the name suggests the species is partly crepuscular which has helped to narrow down the viewing options somewhat. Some of my Texan pals have already connected. I wonder if it will hang around till April?!

Twitch Texas style...

MEGA Party

Sunset view...

This SOCIAL FLYCATCHER is also still present in Brownsville which is the Southernmost city in Texas. It's been on the University campus since November... 

Many thanks to my friend Lorna Clevenger for granting permission to post the photos.

First Post

Sorted out my Bubo Lists...of course! Now then...Targets and Resolutions? Nah, too long in the tooth for all that. The belated Christmas Bird Count never materialized due to personal issues...no matter. Family comes first.

Bearing in mind I have followers from near and far I try to pass on a variety of opinion and information without being too self-indulgent...hopefully? This is an ego-free zone.

Having said that it would be nice to reach 150 for my Village Year List...that's not too much to ask but I haven't made it yet. My best is 138 in 2020. Certain habitats are limited/absent which makes the challenge a tough one but it will be fun trying. I also aim to visit other areas of the Patch more but there won't be any systematic structure to my visits...there never is! 200 should be easily within reach, especially if I nip down the road more. Hopefully there'll be a few additions.

The WHITE-TAILED PLOVER has turned up in Lincs very close to where my pal Phil used to live in Goxhill. What a find that would have been! The BELTED KINGFISHER is also lingering near Preston and a New Year visit isn't out of the question.

I sincerely hope that whatever plan you have (if you have one at all) for this Year will turn out to be enjoyable and won't be restricted too much...if you get my drift. Have a good 1...

Last Post

That's that then. Having already done my Review I won't be repeating all of the highlights...maybe a couple!

Managed a last minute tick down the road in the form of a family party (4) of White-fronted Geese...

...culminating my Patch Year total at a modest 146...which is fine. Long gone are my "must try for 'em all days" especially in the current climate. I still get about when I feel the urge mind you. The Village total was a disappointing 132 and Duff finished off at 86.

You don't need me to pontificate (as if I would) about the World we're currently living in, suffice to say life it somewhat restrictive, limiting and still uncertain.  Hopefully things will improve but I have to say I'm not that optimistic. VERY frustrating in so many ways! That's enough of that also.

Create ....your own World, as much as you can...and LIVE it...

Happier New Year to you all and thanks for viewing...it's appreciated!

I did say maybe a couple...

One from my boat trip from Bridlington with Phil

Classic Thrush pose

Take some beating those two...

Dusky Warbler at Wheldrake

A York Area tick to boot...218. A brief visit (as I was in the area) enabled me to strike lucky with a totally underwhelming glimpse. Never a favourite of mine, along with Radde's but an excellent find by Jono Leadley. A nice nostalgic visit though.

Last knockings tomorrow, so time to get off my posterior (and semi-hibernation) and have a last rip around the Patch...a belated Christmas Bird Count! My lad departed for Dubai today; ironic that he really enjoyed the gloom...and mud lol!

I was hoping the Bewick's Swan would be available but the bird scarers sent it off East, unfortunately. The family of White-fronts are still around though...I think.

Review of the Year 2021

In the traditional manner...

British List (all reports are viewable by clicking on the bird)

Where to start then? Makes sense, at least to me, to have a chronological feel to it, so I'll start after the third Lockdown with my NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD sighting in Devon on March 29th . I was lucky how it turned out but I like to think I deserved it for being a good boy...in fact I know I did!

Onto Independence Day and a celebration in the form of an ELEGANT TERN in Wales at Cemlyn. A nice "grip back" after missing a few for various reasons.

Into the "Autumn" and a major surprise locally on September 10th in the form of a handy GREEN WARBLER at Buckton (news broke as I was watching the PLOVER). A bird usually associated with off-shore islands, so VERY handy indeed. Incredible to think you could possibly see this bird, the ALBATROSS and the PLOVER in East Yorkshire...in the same day!!! My decision to take THIS boat trip was one of my better decisions!

With the annual Scilly pilgrimage looming a long-overdue LONG-TOED STINT at St Aidan's RSPB, West Yorks increased the heart rate somewhat on October 9th. After a tense hour or so the bird materialized for all to enjoy. Probably the most over-due Wader on the British List after the 1982 Teeside bird.

Whilst firmly planted on the Fortunate Isles bombshell news broke on Wednesday October 27th. An almost mythical VARIED THRUSH had been found by David Roche on Papa Westray, Orkney. A species you dream of seeing when you flick through the Rare Bird annals. After my previous visits the combination of a fantastic bird on my favourite Scottish Island had me crossing everything for the next few days. I wasn't leaving Scilly though. Fortunately it hung on for me allowing me to connect on Sunday the 31st after an exhilarating late afternoon dash, followed by a far more relaxed FULL day with the bird on Monday in pleasant weather. A day that will remain in my memory forever. 

I was more than happy with my yearly haul but it wasn't over yet. Incredibly another top tier, longed for MEGA was found in Preston, Lancashire in the form of a BELTED KINGFISHER. This bird is still present as I write and seems to have settled in a more accessible area. It was still one of my better decisions to make the trip over the Pennines with Phil and Steve pre-dawn on November 26th, even if the access was a tad precarious. In many other Years this would have been Bird of the Year! Very satisfying to get this one "back".

I have one or two "Pending" records that I haven't added to my "Official List" yet, although I obviously have my own views on them.

Yorkshire List

A Turtle Dove at Easington in Rich Swales's back yard turned into an ORIENTAL on July 2nd. After a short period of tension the bird re-appeared and all connected with the help of the locals. A Spurn Tick to boot!

Fast forward to August 26th when a dapper WHITE-TAILED PLOVER turned up at Blacktoft Sands RSPB. After the initial scramble the bird settled down and is STILL there as I write! It's been 14 years since I saw my first at Caelaverock WWT following an after work dash on June 6th.

GREEN WARBLER - already covered

As I was still getting my breath back from my Papa Westray escapade a or another TAIGA FLYCATCHER was located at Flamborough Head. One was initially seen whilst I was on Scilly so this was a major bonus, especially as I'd missed the Spring bird of 2003. A Red-flanked Bluetail was a significant bonus.

Holmpton List

I managed 4 Village ticks with the Black Stork on August 8th the undoubted highlight. I also added Greenshank, Tree Pipit and Red-necked Grebe. It would be remiss of me not to mention my SECOND record of White-tailed Eagle for the Village on May Day. Incredible really, as I'm still getting over the first one in November 18!

Spurn List

As well as the ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE I added Mandarin Duck (I know) and Purple Heron. A cracking Golden Oriole on May 6th is definitely worth a mention as is an adult Rosy Pastor in July.

York Area List

A  Savi's Warbler at Heslington East in May was an unexpected but welcome addition.

Summary

The Spring holiday to Texas didn't materialize for the second year running which was obviously a massive blow. My first stay on Shetland in September was a quiet affair Rarity wise. I amassed a modest 65 species but included KING EIDER and Greenish Warbler early on with a sting on the tail on the final day, when my decision to visit Unst paid off handsomely with my 3rd ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

Scilly is always special in my book (you've probably guessed that by now). No BIG ONE this Year but just a magical place to be in October. It was great to have a couple of weeks there this time. I managed to make 100 species and miles. I added Eider, Spotted Redshank, Hoopoe, Woodlark, Cetti's Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher bringing my Scilly List up to 232. I also saw my second Spotted Sandpiper. My June trip hoping to connect with the EGYPTIAN VULTURE would come to nothing BUT I did add Red-footed Falcon, Puffin and Iceland Gull. Oh and I saw a WALRUS!!!

The uncertainty of the Pandemic remains with us all but life goes on. I'm not opening that door here. Suffice to say that the future is uncertain. 2020 cost me some (3) Lifers as already discussed but I hope free movement will be permitted in 2022; time will tell. I've made provision for Texas in April and I've got everything crossed...third time lucky...hopefully?

So, it's time for my Bird of the Year. Yorkshire had one hell of a Year which kept the fuel costs down. An ALBATROSS is the Holy Grail for many, yours truly included BUT it was present, albeit briefly in previous Years and I had great views LAST year. It spent all Summer at Bempton this Year....and it could well return next Year! It was never taken for granted though, I can assure you!  

So, for me it just has to be.........

 The Zoothera VARIED THRUSH  

WHAT A BIRD!!!

The combination of the adventure, the location, quality time spent, Rarity value and stunning looks, nails it beyond doubt...this Year or any Year...

Here's to 22...hope it's a good one for ALL of us...

Holmpton Omissions

Still no late additions to my Holmpton Year List, although I admit I haven't been "hammering it" lately due to family commitments...even I can't be that unsociable! Below is a list of species that I haven't seen this year that I arguably should have. Some are long gone now but some are still more than possible in the remaining days...

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
Gadwall (Anas strepera)
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
Red Knot (Calidris canutus)
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
Little Auk (Alle alle)
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)
Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
Common Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)
Siskin (Carduelis spinus)

I'll have a "last blast" next week. Just wondering if there are any BELTED KINGFISHER photos about!!! Just kiddin'.

Feeding Time

The Station is fully stocked now and I intend to keep it that way. No excuses these days. Already I've had a Coal Tit (which I've never seen around the Village), 3 Tree Sparrows and 5 Goldfinches amongst the usual suspects...late update 7 Long-tailed Tits at 3.30pm. Easy Birding close to home. I've also just heard a Tawny Owl (2.10pm) from the lounge and I've seen Barn Owl the last two trips along Snakey, early evening. Fortunate indeed.

The BELTED KINGFISHER has given itself up on the shortest day, which is a great early Christmas present for some who are late to the party. It doesn't diminish our escapade, although I may have another peep if it lingers into the New Year.

A Couple of Things

As the Year draws to a close, a "couple of things" spring to mind. Firstly, my traditional Review of the Year which I will give the attention it deserves. Inevitably much debate on Bird of the Year; I obviously have my own opinion and will be sharing it presently. A clue for me is..."Year". The BELTED KINGFISHER is still being reported from ever-widening locations. I can't help feel this record is being somewhat undervalued? It's an elite status rarity in my book and having missed the 2005 bird while ironically being in Texas (watching one as the news broke!!!) it has special significance for me.

I also aim to my version of a Christmas Bird Count of my Village and Patch. I like to put it down in writing so it commits me to it. When is another matter, as I have my son Robert here at the moment from Dubai and I intend to have some quality time with him. 

I've just stocked my feeders and already have Tree Sparrows (4) in attendance. I also had some Winter Thrushes on Snakey yesterday as I drove along, they looked like Fieldfares at a glance. The striking pale Buzzard is still about but infrequent.

Finishing Straight

Not much of the Birding Year left now, especially with family commitments and all. Still, there's time for an addition or two yet. I used to check "what I needed" but I don't bother anymore...I'll see what I see...or not! My lad Robert is over from Dubai on Thursday; it'll be great to see him. We have a quiet Christmas these days but I still enjoy it...not like many of my peers.

It's very mild today and the forecast looks favourable for the coming week, so no excuse not to get out there and find something...decent...or even better!

Still the odd report of the BELTED KINGFISHER but nothing definite. I noticed an on-line poll that had the WHITE-TAILED PLOVER beating the afore mentioned? Not in my book!

Wind Down

I'm keen but not totally obsessed,,,thankfully! There are other things in my life; important things. I find this time of year a time to take stock...no, I won't be doing my annual review yet! However, I admit I have found myself starting to look back on some memorable moments. 

No luck locally with WW Gulls, although both Iceland and Glaucous have been seen down the road recently. We've had some grim weather here recently with another Storm (Barra) forecast for tomorrow. I haven't given up on a few late Year Ticks but I don''t think I'll be venturing far tomorrrow!!

Still no further sign of the BELTED KINGFISHER on the dark side, which makes our spontaneous effort more and more rewarding by the day. I still feel it could be around though. It will also be finding its way into my Top 10 after further thought. After much deliberation the VARIED THRUSH goes in at joint No 1...as I can't really split the top 3!!!?

BELTED KINGFISHER - Reflections

I combined a visit to "me Mum's" with a walk on the Ribble...funnily enough! The forecast for Wednesday morning was poor and that's how it panned out. My decision to arrive at Noon was a good one. It still wasn't great but our walk along the Riverbank from Brockholes was a pleasant one. When I arrived there were a few hopefuls present...

I gave it till 3 then headed back to Bury.

Onto Thursday morning. A much better forecast had me up and out at 6am. This time I headed for the area above the dreaded Red Scar Wood BUT there was no way I was decending the slope. I continued along the footpath and ended up in the same spot by the River at the old weir...

A crisp morning

As you can see I was on my own this time...well almost! A few more hopefuls came and went but I'd had enough by 11 and I was taking my Mother out for lunch so once again I left the site. On the way back to the car I paid my respects to "the slope" I'd slid down then grappled back up last Friday morning...

A slippery slope indeed!

Seeing it again felt good in a strange sort of way...it enhanced the achievement...and success somehow?  I passed a few Birders and a couple asked me about the slope. I didn't underestimate my description!! No further sign as of writing. For me, it's probably still about but obviously very unpredictable in its movements. One thing for sure, whoever sees it will definitely have earned it...we did!!!

BELTED KINGFISHER - River Ribble 26/11/21

BELTED KINGFISHER

Once upon a time in the West...Preston to be precise!

I met Phil at 5.35am at the Humber Bridge Country Park. After an initial hiccup regarding access he found a spot and joined me. We headed for Eggborough to pick Steve up. No problems there, so the 3 of us headed over the Pennines on a busy M62. The M60 was mercifully kind and we arrived at Preston by 8.

With a little help from Google Maps we negotiated our way towards the River Ribble, although we weren't 100% sure of the access. We were definitely aware of the difficulty we were about to experience getting to the River!

As we walked a bit further down the footpath a Birder appeared out of the Woods. After a brief chat he confirmed that the bird was still present, so we took his route through the trees. We found a path of sorts and followed it. It soon became steeper and slippier. After my third fall I decided to slide down certain sections on my backside...plenty of padding there! Eventually we all made it to the riverbank. Steve was there first and gave us the news that we were in the wrong place, as he could see a group of Birders at the confluence of the Tunbrook further East!

As Steve turned I suggested we gave it a while here just in case we could pick it up from our current vantage point. To be honest I didn't fancy climbing back up straight away...more on that later!!!

He started scanning as we attempted to join him. Then came the momentous shout..."I'VE GOT IT"! Somehow the difficult terrain was forgotten as Phil and I ended up next to him and within seconds we were all viewing the BK perched on a large branch some 80 yards East of us, on our side of the River...

First sight at 8.59

It was overcast so the light was poor...but who cares?! After a short period of back-slapping we settled down to enjoy the bird...

Last of the Summer Wine!

...which remained in view most of the time between the odd fishing sorte...

The morning progressed and more admirers made it down to the River. It was past 10 now and the bird had flown across to the other bank a couple of times before returning to its original spot...

At 9.55 the bird flew down the River...

A record shot!

The bird was still viewable distantly till 10.40 when it flew further down the River towards Brockholes. We gave it till Noon but we didn't see it again. We decided to leave and face the steep climb which we had all been dreading but had put to the back of our minds. This was going to test the knee replacement! The initial few feet  involved a steep step which I was struggling to negotiate...to say the least. I grabbed a vine to try and pull myself up...it snapped...sending me backwards with a thump! It gave some entertainment to the waiting crowd including Paul Herrieven (hope you finally connected pal). A couple of chaps helped me to my feet and I managed to find another way up the intial rise.

The next 45 minutes or so were a challenge to say the least. A slippery slope indeed...

At times we (mainly yours truly) were on all fours...

Steve seemed to be doing OK to be fair!

...grabbing any decent sized tree we could to pull ourselves up the steep hill. Eventually we made it...quite a relief...helped by the fact we'd connected.

So, success after two previous failed attempts, which made it even sweeter. The vagaries of twitching are amazing. After last months unforgettable trip to Papa Westray it would have been inconceivable to think I'd be looking at a BELTED KINGFISHER less than a month later!!! Rather nice though.

Despite an hour plus delay on the M62 on our return journey we made it back over the Pennines before dusk. A brilliant day with great company, a positive outcome...and a good laugh to boot.

Brothers across the Pond

BELTED KINGFISHER - At Last!

Full write up next week (Wedding this weekend) but just to say today was a good one. Stupid o'clock start but we (Phil, Steve and I) were rewarded with great views of this very special bird...

Brothers across the water

BELTED KINGFISHER - Continued

We have confirmation...

That's shut this Old Cynic up!!!

They say things happen in 3's. I've had about 10 in the last week including my beloved Volvo V70 being written off in an unfortunate accident...not my fault I hasten to add. Anyway, shit happens. Tomorrow I'll be making my third attempt for this Belter (couldn't resist). Over the Pennines with Phil and Steve with everything crossed. I've got my crampons for the descent to the river!

Wish us luck...

***Late afternoon I was sorting out another issue regarding our heating. The "up side" was I had a decent view of a "dull" Chiffchaff on the magic Bird Bath. Looked good for Siberian to me***

Sloooooooow Birding

Deep into November now. Significant sightings hard to come by...but always possible! Richard found a Lapland Bunting on the coast path yesterday. Unfortunately I couldn't re-find it. I did see 6 Ringed Plovers and 4 Sanderlings. 

Time to concentrate on Winter Birding now...which I love. Short days concentrate the mind. I have some cracking sites locally especially on the Humber plus NDC of course.

Got a few personal issues to deal with at the moment, including losing my beloved V70. Not having the best of luck...but that happens to us all at some time or other. 65 today as well! Time for a day out tomorrow to celebrate. Strange how you percieve things at different stages in your life. My Dad only made it to 59...now that IS bad luck. Miss you Dad...

Local Hero

A stroll North this morning with my lad. I wasn't expecting much...so I wouldn't be disappointed! On the return leg a small chunky bird flew up from the path and disappeared over the Cliff. I only saw it briefly but it was "interesting". Luckily, it soon returned and landed in the plough...

It soon flew back to the path and it became apparent that it was unconcerned by my presence. The low sun to the South probably helped...

Love this one through the grass...

Sooooooo fortunate to have this species locally...

Snow Bunting...it's actually a Longspur!