More To Catch Up On

Monday 9th May

Foolishly had a go at the Red footed Falcon at Thorne Moors, but with very little details on the bird and never really being sure of the best place to park, I dipped. Really good views of at least 5 Hobbies (181), were some consolation for the long walk out on to the moors, also had a Cuckoo calling, my first this year in Yorkshire.

Tuesday 10th May

Dropped the kids off at school and immediately set off for Cleveland. News broke on the way of a Citrine Wagtail also in the area which would be useful for the year list. Arriving at Saltholme, the Whiskered Terns (182), were immediately on view on Saltholme pools from the main road along with a 2 Black Terns (183).

Whiskered Tern

With the wagtail still present, I then headed off to Zinc Works road and after a short wait, the Citrine Wagtail (184) was added to the list, also present was a really bright Yellow Wagtail.

Citrine Wagtail

Next up was a short detour back to Saltholme RSPB, 2 Garganey (185), were on Paddys pool and 5 Spoonbills (186), were on Back Saltholme along with a Barnacle Goose(!) and at least one of the Whiskered Terns still present.

It was then time to head home, but still managed to cram in a quick trip to North Cave for the 2 Little Stints (187), from Crosslands Hide, also present were 3 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper.

2 Little Stints (just below the Avocets)

Friday 13th May

Having dipped last year, I was relieved to get another go at the Montagu's Harrier (188), at Blacktoft. With the male bird only making a very brief visit so far, it was the female who was showing as soon as I entered the hide.

Female Montagu's Harrier

Very little else on the reserve, other than several Cetti's Warbler, which seem to be every where I go this year.

Sunday 29th May

With news breaking of 2 Glossy Ibis (189), at North Cave, a picnic was quickly assembled for the kids and we headed off, bribery always works!!. Both birds were on view as we arrived and even the kids managed a view through the scope, a welcome addition to the Yorkshire list.

2 Glossy Ibis - not my usual standard admittedly!! (Photo with thanks to Stav Sinclair)

Tuesday 31st May

With several good birds at Spurn on Monday, I decided to head there for the day as Liz was out with the kids. Unfortunately, on arrival, it was evident that birding was going to be hard, with strong winds and at times torrential rain. Still managed to add 2 new birds to the year list, with Spotted Flycatcher (190) and Red backed Shrike (191) around Canal scrape.