Pacific Golden Plover

The "quiet" spell continues? 

7.49: E.Yorks Pacific Golden Plover Spurn at the Warren

No time for Breakfast. A steady drive down the road, a sensible park and a stroll down to the gate. I passed John Hewitt who kindly informed me it could be viewed from there. Mick Turton and Frank Moffat were present and Frank soon had me "on" the Bird, albeit at distance. Martin Stanley, Ian Smith and Paul French were also in attendance.

It was with a large group of Eurasian GP and was roosting in the heat haze at around 200yds. Every now and again it would pop its head up revealing its distinctive "super". It also looked slightly smaller than the birds/blobs around it? Almost certainly the bird seen briefly previously.

After around 20 minutes it became obvious we weren't going to get a closer view, as the tide was way out. I returned to my car chatting with Frank about holidays and Burnley F.C. Very enjoyable. Richard appeared as I was leaving. News has just come through (11.46) that the flock has been flushed by a Peregrine. ASAP...as always!

My 321st Species for Spurn.

Green Woodpecker! - 194

After yesterday's context sighting and considering the time of Year I wasn't expecting a follow up...but I got one...in Spades!

An "incidental"sighting as Ebird calls it. Anyway, I was making my way along Snakey to fulfill an appointment when I noticed a large flock of Gulls feeding in the ploughed stubble. I didn't have time to stop but I did slow down hoping for a Mediterranean Gull. Then a lone bird flew West, low and quite close to the road. The flight was undulating and my first thought was Mistle Thrush. 

Fortunately it was heading in the direction I was driving and I was able to see...GREEN!!! It was a Woodpecker. My 192nd Species for the Village. Not bad for a "quiet" time of Year. Maybe another youngster? Unbeknown to me, Simon Brebner had one at Paul today and Tim Isherwood reported them present and breeding at Grimston. Twitter news. I also have this Species on my Spurn List.

A definite mid-summer bonus...

BVD

A new slant on a old favourite. Not the Bird but the habitats! Some of the fields on Snakey have been harvested, revealing...not much...BUT...hope for the coming weeks. A few Gulls have arrived and a gentle stream of youngsters of common Species, which is always a positive development. A young Sparrowhawk was a nice surprise on Seaside...but wait? The bird flitted around briefly in deep shade; fortunately I'd remembered my old adage..."always have your camera" (I do still slip on occasion). I managed a pic before it disappeared...

On returning home and downloading the pic', it transformed into a juvenile Cuckoo (106)!!! I can't remember having seen one before? I definitely haven't seen one in Holmpton, in fact I haven't had a decent view of any Cuckoo here since 2019! In my defence, a brief view of a darting, slim bird in heavy shade did strongly suggest the former. The white nape patch, bill shape, dark eye, hints of rusty brown and white feather fringes...suggested otherwise. In context a fine record for the Village to boot, especially considering the paucity of records here...unfortunately. I wonder where it was born? Anyway, a "First for the Village"...of sorts!?

BWK - My Tale

No regrets about my original decision. I'm getting sensible in my old age. I hoped justice would be done...but as we know, there is no justice in Life...the vast majority of the time! 

Yesterday...

9.59am: Norfolk BLACK-WINGED KITE again on East side of Horsey Road

I was back in the crazy game! This was a VERY pleasant surprise after yesterday's report from further North suggesting the Bird had moved on?  Circumstances were in my favour this time...and Bud was sorted. Google told me it was under 200 miles BUT the roads are poor and I was looking at 4/5 hours depending on traffic. A few updates helped as I headed South. However, reports then dried up as I approached Sleaford. Time for Lunch and a think. What to do? I was still 2+ hours away. Light wasn't a problem but another 5 hours round trip with no further reports was testing my resolve. It was now 2.30pm. I continued to wait. Then at 2.48...another report. Onward!

***If I hadn't have received this message I'd have turned back***

Thankfully there were no major hold ups and I arrived at Horsey around 5.30. Encouragingly there were plenty of Birders still around scattered far and wide. A few conversations suggested that the mid-afternoon sighting was questionable? A decent chat with a couple of chaps from Essex put me in the picture. Anyway I was here now and I was staying till dusk...if only for a rest!! The forecast of a sunny evening wasn't looking good...

After a while I decided to head up to the Mill car park on yet another rumour. In these situations you simply don't know what to believe. Plenty of stories from locals and Twitchers alike...you pays yer money...

The ominous clouds had thankfully dissipated and it was a lovely evening. Lucky. A few familiar faces were present but everyone was...pre-occupied! I paid my dues at the NT car park with the help of a kind Birder from Norwich who gave me a quid to make the £4. He was heading for the Site where the Bird was initially seen on Tuesday morning...found by Dan Pointon apparently. He has an impressive track record of major finds. I first became aware of him running up the Quay on St Agnes in October 2008 as we ran for the ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. He kindly sent me a message late Monday which was very much appreciated.

As I walked the path I was torn between continuing and returning to the car park. The reason for this being I was reluctant to go too far from the car in case the bird was seen somewhere else in the area...as time was now getting...tight. After around 600 yards I turned back as I didn't know how much further I had to go. As I approached the car park I saw a couple approaching, it was Simon Slade and his Wife. I've known Simon for many Years, having twitched the CAPE MAY WARBLER with him on Unst in 2013. He's also a Scilly stalwart in October. We had a brief chat and this convinced me to turn around and head back to the viewpoint with them. Significant moment right here...a twist of fate?

The viewpoint turned out to be c800 yds from the car park. Around a dozen Birders were present.Viewing was difficult looking through the reeds but it wasn't too bad for me being tall...

Some locals pointed us to the roost area were it was seen on Tuesday morning. It was now approaching 8.  I'd heard some Cranes calling and sure enough just before 8pm they headed off to roost...

A fine sight!

Everyone continued to scan. I checked in with the Boss but I was still searching in all directions...

The sun briefly poked through again

It was now 8.25.  I was now contemplating where I would kip in the car and briefly considered a B&B/Motel. Then...some movement, a Birder was excitedly talking on his phone, his mate was looking at it from Stubb Hill!!! We all started to scan the area...and there it was...in the same group of trees it was seen in initially...

The above photo was taken at 8.30pm at a distance of c400yds. For me, it sums up the Twitch perfectly; an evocative view of a superb Bird in natural settings, late on a Summer's evening. Bliss...and WHAT A RESULT!!! I had great views through the scopes present. This is my 540th (542 really with the "Covid 2") Species for Britain...and to think I was happy getting to my initial target of 500!

I said goodbye to Simon and his Wife and strolled back to the car park...Euphoric!

A group of people were chatting by a boat and asked me if I'd seen it. I told them I had but they understandably didn't "get it". No matter...I/we do.

I passed the Mill...

Glad I went to Horsey not Hickling. Another

BLACK-WINGED KITE - YES!!!

 No words...till I get my breath back!

BLACK-WINGED KITE - NO!

A tale of woe...BUT good therapy in the form of a post! Last night...

21.54 Norfolk BLACK-WINGED KITE Stubb Mill, Hickling

I've a lot going on at the moment, even though I'm retired. The main concern is Bud's leg. He's 12 now and I have to watch how much he does. What does this have to do with anything I hear you cry. Well, I'd have to take him with me BUT he doesn't sit down in the car, preferring to stand no matter how long the journey. So, an 8/9/hour round trip to East Norfolk just isn't...on. Depending on timing of news, in the past I've managed to get him in his Kennel for a day or so while I twitch but on this occasion it wasn't possible. He's far to strong for Louise to handle...still. Besides, she's working.

So, it was a No-No. Obviously disappointed BUT some things are more important than a tick...even a First (twitchable) for Britain.The bird remained till just before 10 before circling high and departing. Amazingly it was seen shortly afterwards further North at the Bee-eater site at Trimingham! This gave some hope of maybe getting another chance? This particular Species range is expanding Northwards; so, if I don't see this one, I may get another chance in the future...if I live long enough!

As you know I'm quite keen BUT some things are far more important. This is one of them...

Birds!

After a rather lean spell, things changed today. I pulled up at the Sewage and it immediately became apparent that it was..."Birdy"...as they say Stateside!

I immediately picked up "a few" Gannets, some fairly close in. Then...Little Gulls, lots of them. A conservative estimate would be 200. In amongst them I picked out 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls. Then a couple of Falcons hurtled South...Hobbies! This was more like it!! Plenty of Auks on the sea also. I managed to convince myself a couple were Razorbills.

A shot in the arm for my Village Year List, boosting it up to 105. Still modest but it was encouraging and stimulating.

Songsters and Siblings

That time of Year. Quite a few Species striking up again in the Lane. Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blackcap, and Greenfinch...

...plus the local Pigeons and Doves of course! Fleeting glimpses of young birds that can sometimes cause confusion. None here at Filey Dams recently...

I have to admit topics are hard to dig out at this time of Year but I like to keep the old Blog rolling, as you know. Seabirds are starting to appear and returning Waders are picking up in numbers. My particular piece of coastline is still resembling Vietnam; coupled with the fact that the Cliff is cracked and crumbly which is a risky prospect with Bud...and yours truly to be honest!

I'm using the quiet period to transfer my records from the "Thunderer" to eBird. One of the benefits of modern technology, enabling me to have a mobile record of my sightings. Handy. I've enjoyed going back over the (many) Years (36) which has brought back many great memories...and a few dodgy ones! As a committed "eBirder" I enjoy the simplicity and ease of use of the programme. Having it "to hand" is a great benefit for checking records quickly. Having said that, I never use it to record whilst Birding, as I'm an Old School notebook man, still.

Things will pick up soon...

Green

Stopped of at NDC on the way to Lancs. Always worth a try. Deadly quiet as expected but a wonderful view as always.

Nearly finished standardizing my Lists. Riveting stuff eh! Important though for us Birders right? Very confusing at times with different authorities involved. I thought I'd inadvertently retired the "Old Thunderer" aka Bird Recorder at one stage but a lucky recover click brought things back to normal. The "Relief of Mafeking" I can tell you!!! I've been using it since 1991! 

Time to focus on Headingley now...

Half Time

Seems an appropriate moment. I needed a distraction after witnessing our second Ashes Test defeat. It's part of the "process"...apparently!? We need to "execute" better!!? How about just...winning!!!

So, some highlights and thoughts from the first half of 2023. A few numbers to follow, I'll admit! Some links clickable.

A couple of British ticks up the NE, namely STEJNEGER'S SCOTER and GREY-HEADED LAPWING...both "pending" of course. They would put me on 539 (541 really but I was a good boy during COVID missing Tennessee Warbler and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher).

My County List finally reached the magic 400 when an early trip to Scarborough on April 25th landed me Penduline Tit. The bird departing high West at 7.25am reinforced my decision to get there for dawn, despite the near freezing conditions!

My Village List increased by 4 to 192 with Glaucous Gull starting the Year of nicely on New Year's Day. A late evening dash to the Sewage fuelled by the local grapevine on April 17th finally added Hooded Crow. Into May and a quick response to another message on the 2nd bagged me a quality addition in the form of a fine PALLID HARRIER at Cliff Farm. However, my latest addition on the 19th was the icing on the cake, as I found a flock of 12 Bee-eaters in the Cliff Paddock. What dreams are made of.

I made one trip down the road to add Ring-necked Duck to my Spurn List bringing me to 319.

Duff netted me 5 new birds with a couple of long overdue "Acros", namely Reed and Grasshopper Warblers, Bar-tailed Godwit and a Willow Tit. The highlight though was my Squacco Heron re-find, after initially connecting at Bank Island which takes me to 165. Another dream moment. The York Area List increased further with news of a Black Kite near Elvington. Another late evening dash saw me connect with local help. A quality addition taking me to 236.

Then there was my wonderful Trip to Cyprus in March, which didn't disappoint. I added 12 Species here including some remarkable records. The stand out was the DIEDERIC CUCKOO (which I'd never heard of). A Twitch across the Island saw me eventually connect with the help of Matt Smith (thanks again pal). Other gems were...

Menetries Warbler (Rarity value if not looks)

Black-bellied Sandgrouse

Bar-tailed Lark

Mourning Wheatear

Also added...

Spotted Redshank

Broad-billed Sandpiper

Sanderling

Jack Snipe

Goshawk

Hume's Warbler

Savi's Warbler

Life List 217

Full report starts here

I think that's it. Other highlights included seeing (and hearing) Wood Warbler for the first time in many years in a beautiful South Yorkshire woodland. A trip up into the N.Y.Moors to see a Black-throated Thrush and a distant Goshawk in February was also notable.

So, hear's to the second half. I've given myself a team talk and I'm ready for what's to come. More than happy with the first half but the second half always promises more..?

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!