BBA Memories

A year ago today. Gone but NEVER forgotten...

Filey Dams

Long time, no see...

Been around long enough to remember the opening of this place! The reason for my visit yesterday was a belated attempt to connect with the "summer duck". It had too long, with many fruitless visits to Duff included.

I gave it 3 hours, visiting all three hides ( I DO love a hide...if it's quiet)...

...but no sign of any of the 4 reported Garganey but the returning Wood Sandpiper was worth the visit, as was the Barn Owl in its nest box.

Coming across the memorial bench to Filey Stalwart Pete Dunn was a poignant moment which brought back memories of my Birding here in the late 80's. I can remember clearly hearing him discussing a twitch for the Bridled Tern on Anglesey and thinking... that's a long way!?

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

Glued to the Test Match today which allows me the chance to correlate a few of my Lists (multi-tasking)...eBird, Bubo, Old Thunderer. Always "fun" to be had with taxonomy of course!!

For the record...I finally settled on 236 for my York Area List...which was a surprise! I also finalized my Spurn List at 320. Both can be viewed by clicking the tabs above...if you're having a slow day. A consequence of age!

BLACK KITE - York Area Tick Number?

As we all know...things can change...QUICKLY! Seemingly after my "Lull" post!

On returning from my Mother's in Bury...

The garden I grew up in

...and after saying goodbye to my Son Robert, before he returned to Dubai...

...I was rather tired. Of course the Birding Gods don't take things like this into consideration! I was just about to enjoy my evening meal when...

18.10: North Yorkshire, Black Kite at Elvington over cut hay field

As you're aware, I'm still quite keen on my York Area List having Birded there since 1986...so, after making Louise aware, I grabbed my gear and headed for Hull and beyond. The traffic was thankfully light enabling me to reach the Site promptly. However, it wasn't clear (at least to me) where to walk having parked (which was also tricky). I gave Jono Leadley a call and he gave me excellent directions through the three fields. As I walked through the second field a Birder was returning and the pointed the way...which also eased the tension. I then saw Haydn waving and pointing along the far side of a hedge. I eventually made it (without falling) and thankfully the bird was sat in a Willow Tree...

BLACK KITE, Elvington

Now then...Provenance rears its ugly head...again. After the recent "Helmsley Bird" there HAS to be question marks...again. Is it the same Bird? I've no idea BUT it has to be a strong possibility. Time will tell. It's on my List...provisionally and will stay there until proved otherwise. I'm still in the process of finalizing my York Area List, which I've really enjoyed doing; going back over my records since 1986 has proved a challenge but with the help of my Old Thunderer aka Bird Recorder (floppy disc edition) I've been able to check historical sightings fairly easily. It seems I've accrued a decent list.

The bird was present early this morning today...

RND - Spurn Tick 317

After yesterday's "Lull post" things livened up this morning with a report of a Ring-necked Duck on Kilnsea Wetlands. I popped down late morning for an addition before heading West to Lancashire for a farewell meal with my son, before he returns to Dubai, my Mother and Sister also in attendance. A nice occasion.

Lull

Still here...but plenty else going on at the moment. My son Robert is over from Dubai. He surprisingly informed me that he wants to take up Birding and will buy my spare Bins! I could tell he was impressed with his Barn Owl sighting on his way to see me. Maybe we will Bird in the Middle East one day? That would be fun.

Plenty of Sport also. I'm glued to the Ashes, although I'm not sure about "Bazball". Entertainment before result doesn't fit with me. You play to WIN.

I'll be posting a half-time report soon but nothing of significance has happened lately on the Bird front...

Here and there...again!

Writing this from the Geoff Smith Hide whilst waiting hopefully to hear/see a Marsh Warbler. I passed Jono Leadley who reported no further sound or sight. This Species is a nocturnal singer in the main. I'm going to hang around but not sure for how long? Maybe I've used up all my luck. Time will tell?

Earlier I was walking down to the Cliff on Seaside Road to hopefully (again) see some of the passing Little Terns (P.117, H.104) that Gavin had reported (thanks pal) from the "Sewage". Jayne was already there and we enjoyed sharing a spectacular performance from c10 birds as some lingered to feed. A less than annual occurrence here! Almost certainly birds from down the road having a wander as most/all ended up going back South...

Another timely reminder of a quality Species that can be enjoyed locally 

Hopefully an update to come...?

Update: I gave it till 8.30 with Duncan Bye. No joy with the MW BUT a few blasts from a Grasshopper Warbler (165) was more than adequate compensation!!!

Lately

Breeding Season in full swing now, helped by the increase in Temperature...at last! After endless NE winds (over THREE weeks) we lost the North in it and it finally feels like Summer! Vegetation is high, so viewing is difficult...as it should be. Leave the Birds in peace while they procreate! 

Not seen much to write home about lately but I've been enjoying seeing the copious amounts of fledglings dotted about both here and at Duff.

A few examples...

This female Shoveler is in residence on the edge of the scrape by Garganey Hide. As you can see she  and her NINE young are in full view of predators. This pic was taken on the 6th. Haydn went down today and all were present and correct. She's doing a grand job; I guess that bill helps...

Plenty of Goslings scattered around hiding in the long grass...

Canada

I had another stroll down Patrington Haven this morning. There were plenty of young Avocets in evidence (c15) on the new scrapes. A fine sight.

Reed Warblers were dotted along the fringes of the drain, I got lucky when a couple gave themselves away on the near bank...

A message...

13:14 Shetland BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER Foula at Ham

Memories of 1989...BAD ones. I was on holiday and missed the Cowpen Bird (8th - 10th July)...in YORKSHIRE!!! I've been trying to "get it back" ever since! I made some preliminary enquiries but it wasn't seen again (although it was photographed). Foula is yet another VERY difficult place to access BUT it is possible with planning. Maybe it will turn up again although there are no flights tomorrow. I couldn't get Bud in a Kennel either! There'll be another!?

Pat Haven

Had a stroll down to the Humber from Patrington Haven late morning. Still fresh here with an annoyingly persistent NE wind which is definitely not enhancing the Summer feel! Just over two weeks to the longest day.

I logged 37 species in two hours with more evidence of Breeding success. Species with young...

Mute Swan 6 

Greylag Goose 4

Mallard 6

Avocet 6 (no doubt more hidden from view)

Oystercatcher 2

A Cuckoo was heard and other highlights included...

Marsh Harrier 4

Merlin - on the Estuary

A couple of Corn Buntings have been noted on Snakey with another this morning at Keyingham as Bud did his duty...

I also saw 3 Little Egrets...while I was waiting! The Little Owl was seen again on Snakey...

Always a bonus to have at least one around the Village...  Wish it would warm up...

BVD - SQUACCO HERON

After a lunchtime report of a sighting from Geoff Smith Hide (which did make me wonder if it would follow yesterday's routine...honest!)...a further report...

North Yorkshire:  Squacco Heron again at North Duffield Carrs from Garganey Hide

Enhanced by some pics on Twitter...I HAD to go back. After cleaning myself up as I was in the middle of a Gardening session, a walk for Budster then West through Hull to Howden and North to Duff. I arrived at 5.30 to a full car park. Haydn was already there as I got a message informing me he'd just connected. I made my way down the path to Garganey Hide. It felt weird passing Birders on my Patch, as I usually see only the odd one, if any at all!

Fortunately there was room in the Hide and a spot was available next to Haydn. The Bird was still showing, feeding along "the Bund" at around 50 meters. It stood motionless for a while but eventually started feeding, moving along the water's edge. It was obscured much of the time, but it did show well intermittently. It's a beautiful Species and it looked wonderful in the bright sunshine. I was so pleased I'd made the effort to see it again much closer in perfect light...on MY Patch! It was still hard to believe to be honest. A high quality addition.

We spent a good hour with the Bird before we'd had our fill. It flew high North at 7.15. A VERY good decision...

First view...

A few more...

There's always something in the way!

Maybe not!

A sighting that will live long in the memory...

Better View Desired...and Achieved!

A Special Day

I have to confess to having a lie-in this morning, so when I finally surfaced around 9 (I know) this coincided with a significant message...

N.Yorks. Squacco Heron at Bank Island, Lower Derwent Valley

No need to check this one, definitely a First for the York Area! I showered and dressed and took Bud a good walk...then...I was OFF! The customary stop at Hedon for a Greggs bacon sarny and latte and I was fully charged as I headed West along the A63. I knew exactly where I was going (having lived in the York Area for 23 Years) which always helps, so as I passed Duff and turned right through the Village I knew I was now only 15 minutes away. A few positive updates helped keep things reasonably calm. As I reached the car park I was pleasantly surprised to see a space, which I duly filled. I could immediately see a group of Birders up on the Platform...which was encouraging. I grabbed my Bins and Scope and climbed the steps to join them. Good news, the Bird was still present albeit distant. At least it was "on the List". Phew!

I returned to the car and collected my scope. I then walked along the road to another vantage point (historical knowledge). The gate was closed and the sign informed me that there was no entry beyond this point...which...being a good boy, I adhered to. I walked back towards the car park. I then noticed a Birder down another narrow track, so I joined him. He had decent views of the Bird but it was still very distant (c200yds). Fortunately there was a footpath right along the fence which I was unaware of, so there was plenty of room to view...

The Bird was feeding well although it was being pestered by Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings on and off. It did a couple of short flights to try and shake them off...

Eventually it flew further East towards the open water and disappeared in the vegetation.  Fortunately it re-appeared in the original area and was joined by a Great White Egret...

Buff dot, far right centre

...not the average pair. 

A closer view

I messaged Elaine who lives in North Duffield and she joined me. We watched it work its way towards the near edge of the marsh.  As Elaine left it suddenly took off and flew high South at 12.10. I joked it may be heading to Duff!? It was worth a try. I grabbed some lunch at the local shop and headed for NDC.

On arrival the car park was empty. I collected my gear and headed for GS Hide. This was obviously a long shot, especially as the vegetation was now high with little open water and edging in view. Still, who dares and all that...

There were (unsurprisingly) very few Birds in view. A few Geese, Shelduck, Mallard, Tufted Duck on the scrape. Then, another Great White Egret! More scanning. I'd been there around 45 minutes now. I guess all Patch Birders hope that a "good bird" in the area might drop in on their Patch. It rarely happens BUT it IS possible and you will only see it if you are THERE...statement of the blindingly obvious I know!

More scanning. I then noticed a small buff blob way out in the centre of the Reserve. A stained Swan neck? I zoomed my Scope...and nearly fell off the bench...

THERE IT WAS!!!!!

Best I could manage...but who cares!!! I'm sure you can appreciate the magnitude of the moment. My gamble had paid off...in spades. 

I'd relocated the Squacco Heron on my beloved NDC. 

The odds of it...firstly...being present and secondly...being in view...well...were looooong to say the least. Again, I messaged Elaine and I also put the news out. She joined me just before the Cavalry arrived. Eventually the Hide was full and I let those who wanted to take an initial insurance look through my Scope...I'm good like that. The Bird eventually took off and flew to the back off the Reserve...and disappeared. A couple more flights saw it move off towards Thorganby.

Later reports revealed it was still present and showing well from Garganey Hide this evening. This little beauty was my 164th Species for the Reserve. What a Day!

Oak Woodlands

One of the VERY best habitats IMHO, especially on a glorious crisp, clear sunny morning, as was Wednesday. I was up at "stupid o'clock" (4am) which enabled me to take Budster a good walk before departure. A Blackcap was already in full song as I opened the front door.

I was heading down Snakey just after 4.30. Plenty of Wildlife evidence with Deer, Hare and various Bird species evident.

I'd arranged to meet Haydn at Howden at 6 for a Greggs breakfast. We both arrived 10 minutes early before enjoying a Latte and Bacon Roll. Thoroughly recommended!

He jumped in the flying wedge and we headed for the Peak District. I'd decided to try and bypass Sheffield by using the M1 rather than M18 and this strategy worked well. A combination of eBird and Google Maps found us at Wyming Brook car park just after 7.30. We were still in Yorkshire... just!

We both agreed we were VERY much looking forward to this.It had been several Years since we had heard our Target Bird sing.

We sorted ourselves out and headed North into the Wood. As we had never been here before we tried the right hand path. It dropped down to the stream, which was stunning but noisy so we decided to scramble up to the higher path. This was much wider, flatter and obviously quieter.

Following this path (VERY handy) we reached an area where Conifers started to appear (as mentioned on the eBird report). Sure enough we started to hear our Target Bird. The next hour or so was bliss as we enjoyed the bird constantly singing in a small territory at low level. Simply brilliant!

The bird was in view almost constantly remaining faithful to a small area which was thankfully just above the track. It was VERY vocal. It never gave itself away completely and we did not pursue it being content to view it from the path as it dodged in and out of the shadows...

After having our fill we strolled back to the car reflecting on how long it had been since we'd heard this special bird in song. Quite a few years! A big bonus was when I spotted this young Tawny Owl enjoying the early morning sun on an extended branch over the Gorge...

Scruffily Cute!

Several Nuthatches were also enjoyed. 

Time to move on to Site 2... namely Padley Gorge. It was only a 20 minute drive "over the tops" into Derbyshire. On entering the Gorge the very first bird we saw was this fabulous Dipper, another quality addition to the Year List...

Ringed

We walked further through this amazing Woodland...

Click for full effect

Haydn's hearing is much better than mine, and helped locate our first Pied Flycatcher...

There were a decent number scattered through the Wood no doubt due to the Nest Boxes. He then heard a Redstart. We reached the area and could still hear it high in the canopy. Haydn got a glimpse but despite giving it a good hour we never got a good view. He then heard a Tree Pipit (glad I brought him lol!) and sure enough as we reached the Moorland, we saw a bird singing from a tall isolated tree. We could both hear Green Woodpecker on several occasions but no views. 

It was approaching Midday and we headed back to the car, satisfied with our haul. There are worse places to spend a late May morning. The undoubted Star of the show was this little fella though...

BEE-EATER - Postscript

A few reflections on yesterday's personal milestone and my Village overall. It seems an appropriate moment. A tad self-indulgent BUT I hope you'll agree...it was rather special!

I've just returned from the morning constitutional, passing the scene of yesterday's triumph...

Cliff Paddock with Sycamores in the distance 

BOC "in the moment" pic

I managed a lone Fulmar (H.95) South.

As already stated when I moved here 12 years ago I had dreams of what I might see here. An isolated Village on the East Coast must offer great potential... right? The thing I like best about Holmpton is just that.... potential. Yes, there can be periods, sometimes extended, when things are...quiet, and to be honest the overall "haul" has been less than expected ("don't expect anything, then you won't be disappointed")!

Also, being adjacent to Spurn can be somewhat frustrating at times when the combination of location and coverage can blow little Holmpton out of the water. It doesn't matter to me these days, as it's all (well nearly) about finding my own.

The thing is (you'll especially appreciate this if you're a Patch Birder) YOUR sightings are just that... personal...and VERY satisfying. When I look back at my records here I'm more than happy... honestly!

So, back to yesterday. I guess it was a reminder how lucky I am to have the opportunity to discover birds in a quiet, secluded Village, giving ample opportunity to "find my own". I have had some help from Richard, Gavin and Jayne on occasions, for which I'm VERY grateful. Just this Year I've added Glaucous Gull, Hooded Crow, PALLID HARRIER and now BEE-EATER. I'm more than happy with that. The last being by far the most satisfying.

It's not all about ticks (believe it or not). I'm blessed with some breeding Species that are scarce or nonexistent (sadly) in many areas...Marsh Harrier, Grey Partridge, Little Owl, Barn Owl, Sand Martin, Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting amongst others. Autumn gives hope of Yellow-browed Warbler and maybe even a Pallas's. Snow Bunting is annual and we've even had Shorelark! Crazy records like Nightjar and Hoopoe. Then there's the Sea which offers unlimited potential, as proven by 2 fly-by White-tailed Eagles for example! Even my humble back garden has landed a Hawfinch and Pied Flycatcher in the Birdbath! As I'm writing this I'm surprising myself lol!

Bee-eater is annual in Britain and has bred on more than one occasion. To think though, that after reading the report on Thursday I would be looking at some 300yds from home the day after stretches the boundaries of possibility. The fact they chose my Village to stop off at...is truly incredible! 

I definitely appreciated it!!!

BEE-EATERS!!!

A message yesterday, as I was on my way back from my Mother's...

East Yorkshire: 12 Bee-eaters flew towards Bell Mills area, Driffield late afternoon

Like any self-respecting Patch Birder, I had the usual brief dream that they might turn up in Holmpton. It was quickly dismissed. Last night was spent watching the truly incredible performance from Sheffield Wednesday (always had a soft spot for this great club). I have to admit I stupidly turned the lounge TV off on 97 minutes, only to find out they'd equalized in the 98th to make it 4-4 and take it to extra-time!!! I watched the rest unfold in bed and it was truly amazing. 33,000 plus there isn't too shabby.

This morning I did a few jobs and took Bud a walk along Snakey but it was fairly quiet. After lunch I decided to have an early afternoon stroll along the Cliff (which I rarely do) as the sun had come out and the wind had dropped. As I reached the end of Seaside Road I sat on the bench for a while with my mate on guard... 

Then...I heard something? It was distant noise BUT it sounded...interesting. Then it stopped? Surely not! I decided to walk down the hedge to School Lane to check the area out. Unfortunately as I was half way down a couple form the Village appeared with their two Dogs. Bud isn't very sociable. I ahd another scan and listened but nothing unusual so I turned around and headed for the first Pill. More Doggies around so I turned back towards Seaside. A familiar occurrence.

As I reached the Bench again I could see a Blackbird singing in the distance and thought this was maybe the noise I'd heard briefly. Yesterday's sighting was still nagging though...always optimistic. I then heard more noises...this time I was sure...and extremely excited. I even ran down to the entrance to the Paddock and turned in by the open gate. I scanned down the field to the Sycamores by the far gate. I could see some shapes sat in the top of the small trees...

YES!!!!!!!

A moment that will live long in the memory...especially when I'm seeing nothing for days/weeks! The dilemma now was...if I walked closer I'd flush them but if I went back and walked around the hedge they could have gone by then? They decided for me by taking off and flying West up School Lane. With the trees in full leaf now I wasn't going to get any decent views along the Lane so I decided to drive to the main road and head just South of the Village to see if they had landed. This time my tactic worked out...

They were a good 400 yds away but they were still here. As I took this pic they rose high in the air and headed South West. It was all over in 10 minutes...but it happened! I put the news out and they were seen shortly afterwards going through Spurn.

When I first moved out here in 2011 this was one of the Species I'd dreamed of finding here. Today my dream came true!

Wood Warbler

Not seen one for Years...well 5 and that was a migrant at Spurn. So, after a few hours at Duff where the two Hobbies were still performing well...

47 species seen

...I diverted on my way to my Mother's and tried a couple of spots in the West Peak District.

Firstly to..

I took the short nature trail where the bird had been reported on eBird...

I strolled a couple of laps and hung around for an hour. No joy. Granted it was early afternoon but I thought I had a good chance. I thought wrong!

Nice quiet spot though...

...and a lovely drive over the Pennines. The second site was Stalybridge C.P. It proved to be a Site too far as a combination of a heavy population area and limited access meant a failed attempt. Never mind. I'll try again...but not here!

PITBS

...or Present In The Breeding Season.

I have to say...it's quiet. I won't harp on about the lack of Birds these days...although it's true! I hate NEGATIVITY of any description but it's an inevitable fact that with an increasing World population and consequential reduction in natural Habitat, the future looks grim indeed. There are some positives...but sadly...not many!

Enough.

A few positive local examples...

Marsh Harriers are being seen regularly...

Sand Martins back in force at Old Hive.

House Martins are back at Intack.

Corn Bunting...

Grey Partridge...

and Yellow Wagtails present on Snakey plus Yellowhammers...

and Linnets ALL in good numbers. 

A pair of Little Owls on territory.

There that's positive! Plenty to enjoy...still!

Over to Lancs again tomorrow...

Holmpton 93

Snakey on Fire!

We can all get a bit blase about our local area...can't we? When you've not seen anything...significant for quite a while...there's sometimes an element of ...same old, same old. However, Birding always gives hope of a surprise or two.  This morning was a case in point.

I had to pop to Ottringham to the Post Office. I set off along Snakey and it was obvious from the offset it was ..."Birdy" There's definitely more Linnets around this Year and a good sprinkling of Yellowhammers.

As I was around half-way along a Male Marsh Harrier crossed the road in front of me...

...and disappeared North...

As I was pulling over I noticed a pair of Grey Partridges in a recently sown field...

Definitely a BIG surprise to 'see' them at this time of Year. They seemed totally relaxed as they fed. Using the car as a hide I waited hoping they would come closer. They eventually did...

Male

After having my fill I continued West. As I reached the Corn Bunting area...yep...

I finished the Lane with a Stock Dove on the road. Not a bad haul on a 3 mile stretch of road. "Count yer blessing" and all that!

On my return I couldn't see the Grey Partridges...but 3 Yellow Wagtails together at the Eastern end, more than made up for it!

After lunch I decided to have a ride down to Patrington Haven. Again I drove along Snakey and blow me down one of the GP was on the road! It was dangerously oblivious to my car, probably more concerned with its partner! I pulled over and managed to get a closer shot as it called...

I can safely say this is my best ever pic of this Species. Definitely a refresher on how fortunate I am to see these Birds so close to home.

After lunch I had a couple of hours down Patrington Haven. Nothing new but great to watch the Avocets (C30) coming and going between the islands and at least 4 Marsh Harriers patrolling. Speaking of MH I saw the male again on the way back from Tesco!

Back to NDC in the morning...