Gulls Galore!!

As I'm more than happy to tell most of my birding friends, I don't do gulls. I've never had a good track record of twitching new gulls, so far I've managed to dip Ross's(several times), Ivory, Audouin's (several times), Thayers, Slaty-backed and Glaucous-winged, even though I've managed to catch up with all but the last 2, you can understand my lack of desire to travel too far for gulls full stop! However, as I'm trying to do a bit of a year list, I've got to at least have a go and with the vast number of gulls present at Rufforth, on the outskirts of York, I thought I'd have a go.

Having never visited the site before, I did a bit of internet trawling and it seemed that the airfield itself was a good bet so I headed here first. On arrival there were only a few Herring Gulls so I headed to the fields near the tip.

I could immediately see the massive flocks of gulls flying over the tip itself and roosting in the adjacent fields.

The search begins!

Despite the huge numbers of gulls present, I was fairly confident that I'd be able to pick out one of the many Caspian Gulls that had been present in the area recently and if I got lucky, hopefully one of the Glaucous Gulls would still be about. Unfortunately there were no other birders around when I first arrived but started to scan. Viewing from the adjacent footpath, the gulls were easily spooked but soon settled again. Within half an hour, I'd managed to pick out a Caspian Gull in one of the smaller side flocks so was quite pleased.

Caspian Gull

After a while, several other birders arrived and soon more Caspians were picked out, none of which I actually managed to get on, but also a Glaucous Gull and apparent 'Viking' Gull, that one I definitely had to leave to the experts, as distinctive as it was.

Glaucous Gull (second bird from back)

Apparent Viking Gull (Herring x Glaucous) 

central bird above adult Herring Gull

Having to be back for the school pick up, I thought I'd better make a move and headed off. With the Great Skua still present nearby at Wheldrake, I thought I'd have time for a little detour! 

Having never visited the reserve before, I was fairly lucky to bump into some locals who could point me in the direction of the first hide, where it had last been seen. I headed off along the muddy paths as quickly as I could without slipping over, with one eye constantly on the watch, worrying I wouldn't make it back in time for pick ups! On the way I bumped into Duffbirder, it was good to talk to Alan, if only briefly, hopefully catch up one day on a twitch. He said the skua was still present, so I carried on. Although not on view straightaway, the Great Skua soon flew in and rested on the water in front of the hide, also present were huge numbers of duck which included quite a few Pintail. 

All in all a good day, four more year ticks to keep the lists going, 2 of them gulls and I even made it back in time to pick the kids up, phew!!

British Year List: 98

Yorkshire Year List: 82

Yorkshire Life List: 271 (Caspian Gull and Glaucous Gull)

A Busy Year Ahead?

Although 2015 was for many, a fantastic year birdwise, with most birders getting at least one new bird and most getting a lot more than that, for me it was my worst since I'd started birding 31 years ago. My only new bird came in May with the Hudsonian Godwit in Somerset after a frantic drive from Yorkshire having just got off the ferry from a family holiday to EuroDisney. I'd made plans to go for several of the other birds but for one reason or another, it never happened, most of them will come again as with all birds but some I already regret not trying a bit harder for. The biggest one of these was the Wilson's Warbler on Lewis, even though it was the second British record, proving that they all can come again, this was the first (British) record since the Rame bird in 1985, that could really be hard to get another crack at. It wasn't just the fact that I didn't get more lifers but that I didn't actually get our that much at all so I've decided to have a go at a British and Yorkshire year list, crazy eh?

I've set myself a target of 250 British and 200 for Yorkshire, relatively modest targets but I'm hoping it'll motivate me to go for things that I've already seen before and at the very least, get out a little more.

Sunday 3rd January
Being down in Norfolk for a few days over New Year, gave me an opportunity to make a start on the year list. We started at Weybourne for the large mixed Redpoll flock before moving on to Kelling, Salthouse and then onto Choseley. As we had to be back just after lunch, we weren't able to connect with everything we'd intended to but had at least made a start.

Friday 15th January
First stop was Filey Brigg, where the Surf Scoter was soon found close in shore, being flushed by a group of birders down on the rocks, it then flew further into the bay, giving better views.

Surf Scoter (Honestly!!) - Filey

Other birds of note were several Great Northern and Red Throated Divers, Shag and a Rock Pipit. I then headed up towards Scarborough, stopping in at Holbeck carpark for the regular Mediterranean Gulls, which were nearly run over when parking the car!!

Mediterranean Gull - Holbeck

Onto the Scarborough harbour, the Black necked Grebe was soon picked out, fishing in between the fishing boats.

Friday 22nd January
Basically, the wettest I've ever been whilst birding.  No sign of any of the Richard's Pipits at Flamborough in driving rain for the 2 hours I was there, of course by the time I'd driven home and the rain had stopped, they were back!!

British Year: 90
Yorkshire: 73

Friday 29th January
After last weeks wash out, I headed back to North Landing, Flamborough in much drier conditions, even if it was a little windy to say the least. Arriving on site, I opened the car door, only for everything to be blown out by the gale force winds, not to be put off, I grabbed my bins and coat and headed to the first field along from the carpark. However, within about 5 mins I was again soaked to the skin by the torrential downpour that was streaming down the coast. I carried on but struggling to stand up, I decided to head back to the car. 15 minutes later and the rain had eased so I decided to give it another go, now with my waterproof trousers on, I headed back. Immediately, I was greeted with one Richard's Pipit flying into the next field and one still showing in the main field. Although I was a little disappointed not to get all 3 pipits together, I was just relieved to finally connect.

"The Field" at North Landing, Flamborough

3 Richard's Pipits (Photo by Andy Hood)

Next, I headed south to Barmston, hoping to connect with the Kumliens Gull, but with the wind as strong as at Flamborough, there were very few gulls on the beach, a lone Sanderling kept the list ticking over.

Needing to be back for school pick up, I headed home, getting a large mixed flock of Redwings and Fieldfares on the way.

British Year List: 94
Yorkshire Year List: 78

Fair Isle At The Second Attempt!!

After a particularly unsuccessful trip to Fair Isle for the Siberian Rubythroat, several years back, I vowed to never return. That was all set to change back in July 2013, with the trapping of not one but two Swinhoe's Petrels, the second bird was retrapped several times, allowing 20-30 birders to twitch it, with the final trapping occurring in early September. At the time, it hadn't really occurred to me to actually consider going for it, but after a successful twitch for the American Herring Gull in Campbeltown earlier this year, it seemed that there were several other people who may also be interested in giving it a go.

Fast forward to 7.30am on 9th July 2014, I was just getting the kids up and ready for school, when my phone started going crazy:

MEGA ALERT 
Shetland - Swinhoe's Petrel again Fair Isle re-trapped at 1.45am, individual first trapped in 2013

Aaaarrrrggghhhhh! That threw a spanner in the works, panic mode, that was nearly two weeks earlier than last year and not what we were expecting just yet. With the kids finally sorted, Amy off to school and Toby out with mummy for the day, plans were hatched. With the new BTO regulations in place, making the birds welfare the priority, we knew that things weren't going to be as straight forward as last year. After several telephone conversations with FIBO, it seemed that it was do-able but would require a lot of luck.

Things came together and with a couple of retraps, we decided that it was now or never, we had to do this before the entire petrel ringing season was cancelled for the year.

We all met up at an airfield in Nottinghamshire on Tuesday 15th July and flew up to Fair Isle, arriving just a couple of hours later, where we were met by David the warden of FIBO, who kindly transported us to the observatory. We still weren't sure that there would even be any actual petrel ringing that night as the weather wasn't perfect. At 11.30pm, it was decided that the weather had improved sufficiently and the conditions were now looking ideal, game on!!!

The Havens - the large stones on the grass are used to weigh down the nets

We all assembled in the generator hut and waited for the petrel ringing to start, several European Storm Petrels, were trapped in quick succession, but as the time passed, the tension grew. As a part of the sessions, members of the public are allowed to release the birds once they've been rung, so I volunteered to have a go. While letting the stormie rest on the palm of my hand, before flying off into the night, David announced that the Swinhoe's was calling and by using your bins, you could make out it's larger shape, flying around the nets, it was here and we just needed it in the nets. I ran back into the hut and just minutes later it was caught and  processed.

Swinhoe's Storm Petrel (Photos by Mark Rayment)

Swinhoe's doing it's thing!!

What a truly amazing trip it had been and couldn't believe we had pulled it off. Massive thanks have to go to all at the observatory for all of their fabulous work and patience with the daily phone calls. Hope to be back soon, perhaps to lay the ghost of that Rubythroat!!!!

What A Year?!?!

2013 will go down in most birders memories as one of the best ever for rarities and not just the run-of-the-mill stuff that you'll catch up with every few years, but Monsters. Pine Grosbeak, Dusky Thrush (or hybrid, depending on whether you saw it or not!!), Pacific and Needle-tailed Swifts, Bridled Tern, Ascension Frigatebird, Swinhoe's Petrel, the list goes on and on.

For me, it has been one of my most difficult years, being unable to get away for most things, it had left me with only one new bird for the year, the Bridled Tern on The Farnes. A fantastic bird to finally catch up with after 2 previous dips in the eighties.

Going in to the autumn, I hadn't really held out much hope of anything new and with everything seemingly turning up on islands or in Ireland, it looked as I was right. Half term started and Liz had a few days off so I planned to go if something decent turned up.

Sunday 27th October 14.52pm **MEGA ALERT**
Co.Cork - Ruby-Crowned Kinglet - Cape Clear

No!

Monday 28th October 12.05pm **MEGA ALERT**
Devon - Myrtle Warbler - Lundy

Saw one on The Scillies in '85

Monday 28th October 14.46pm **MEGA ALERT**
Highland - Mourning Dove - Isle of Rhum

Maps out and plans were being hatched, then it dawned on me that this wasn't actually going to be straightforward. Twitching a Scottish island need a bit more planning than a mainland twitch. After checking Bird Forum, I noticed a lift being offered from Ipswich, so sent a message. Six hours later, I left home to meet up on the A1 with Steve, Paul and Chris, for the long journey north. What a journey it turned out to be, roadworks and diversions everywhere, getting lost around Glasgow, but we finally arrived in Mallaig harbour just before 8am on the Tuesday.

As soon as we got out of the car, news came in online that the Dove was still present - and relax!!! After a trip to the local café for breakfast, we headed to the quay, where we had 2 Golden Eagles flying above the adjacent hillside. The ferry was late arriving in Skye, but it didn't matter did it, the bird was still there, so everything was good. Then ...

Tuesday 29th October 10.12am **MEGA ALERT**
Cornwall - Hermit Thrush - Porthgwarra


Oh bugger!!! We couldn't really be further away but people were immediately making plans to head south as soon as we arrived back on the mainland. I was just concentrating on the dove for now. The crossing was pretty rough, quite a few people were being sick and then news came through that the dove hadn't been seen since the first sighting this morning, marvellous!!! There was an instant mood change with the birders on board. Could we really be about to dip something that seemed so nailed on?

We arrived on the island later than expected and were told by the captain that we would have less than 2 hours before the return journey. Rock Cottage was about a 15 minute walk from the quay, so we set off in the rain. Arriving on site we were immediately told that the bird had been seen within the last half hour so at least it was still present, just not on show. We were allowed to view from inside the house, where tea, coffee, soup and scones were being offered by the islanders, amazing hospitality.

Then the bird was found to be roosting in the conifers, above the feeders, and after a bit of jostling, everyone connected, what a relief!!

 Mourning Dove - Isle of Rhum (Chris Bromley)

Having been told that we would be leaving for Mallaig at 2.30pm, we headed back to the quay and then waited for over an hour for the ferry to arrive, thankfully we had seen the bird and didn't need that extra hour on site. The return journey was a lot smoother and pretty uneventful, arriving back in Mallaig at 4.30pm, we immediately set off on the long journey south, just not to Cornwall!

How long has it been?!?

Haven't updated for a while, but last year was pretty much a write off! Started off with good intentions and even started a year list. This all fizzled out after a few months and several dips, luckily not at a great distance though! Only managed 3 lifers in the end, but that's about par for the course and I was quite happy with those to be honest. Common Yellowthroat has always been a longed for bird ever since that fateful day in '84 on the Scillies. The Thayer's was completely unexpected and the Orphean Warbler, well not much to say about that apart from, UNBLOCKED!

Think this year is going to be pretty poor as well, only tick so far would have been the Grosbeak on Shetland and that's out of the question at the minute. Time is pretty much taken up with looking after Toby and Amy and trying to work from home now that I've closed the shop. I've still got the desire to go for these things and I even like reading other peoples trip reports, sick or what?!?

I did manage a trip up to Barmston for the Kumlien's Gull a couple of weeks back, Toby behaved himself in the back of the car with a constant supply of breadsticks and rice cakes to hand.

Honestly guv!! Saw it closer than this at one point

 

I know it's never going to be a separate tick but for some reason I've always wanted to see a Kumliens, not really sure why, but was never going to travel any distance for one. Even though I got this one at the first attempt I'm still not a fan of gulls!



 

Rolling on - slowly

Took a family day trip up the coast to Sewerby Hall and decided to take a slight detour on the way home for this little beauty...

Roller - Aldbrough, East Yorkshire

Was slightly tempted when this bird was at Spurn last Tuesday but then we had the slight distraction of a certain Sylvia warbler in Hartlepool. Anyway, not having seen one since the slightly bedraggled bird at Badicaul, Highland back in 1996 which managed to help me salvage something from a disappointing dip for the Ivory Gull in Inverness, I couldn't turn this oppurtunity down. It also finally provided me with a Yorkshire tick, haven't had too many of those this year, must try harder!!! 

Next year's hols booked!!!

Nothing fancy or exotic, just a week covering the last few days of May and the first few of June, in the sunny resort of Hartlepool!! It would be nice to be a little closer when the news breaks of the latest MEGA to be pulled out of the net by Chris Brown. Two years running he has managed to deliver a real unblocker, last year it was the infamous White Throated Robin which made the headlines and national press, this year it was the turn of a Western Orphean Warbler to create panic in our house!!

29th May 2012
8.20am - Happily feeding Toby his breakfast as Amy is getting ready for school and leaves a few minutes later with Mummy. Planning a few things around the house and a trip to the accountants followed by an appointment with Amy after lunch.
8.35am - Finished feeding Toby and checked my phone for emails and realise that it was switched onto silent - whoops!! Also notice that there is a couple of missed calls and a text message from Rare Bird Alert. Expecting the usual dross or worse still one of my blockers which are rapidly diminishing quickly, my mood was changed somewhat when it turned out to be a Western Orphean Warbler at Hartlepool Headland, Cleveland, a real MEGA by anyone's standards and less than 2 hours from my house.

Phone calls were made and plans were changed fairly quickly and by 9am I was on the way to the petrol station. Had a call from Jonnybirder on the way saying he was stuck at work until this afternoon so I offered to pick him up enroute. An hour later and we were heading north and another hour later and we arrived at the bowling green to a crowd of about 100. The bird was still present but was sitting motionless in a bush on the opposite side of the bowling green. Views weren't fantastic but by moving positions we were able to piece together the bird.

Bottom photo: Chris Bell

The bird continued to sit almost motionless for the next few hours before perking up and giving a few latecomers the runaround for a while late afternoon. Happily though, I had long departed and was back in Hull by early afternoon.

Roll on next year, what will it be? White Crowned Black Wheatear anyone?!?!