Red-flanked Bluetail in Yorks - Breaking news from RBA (11.12am 20 Oct)

[Rare Bird Alert]

Breaking news from Rare Bird Alert: Red-flanked Bluetail in Yorkshire.
Click here to see the location on the Free Rare Bird Map (http://www.birdforum.net/sightingsmap.php)

Click here for information about Red-flanked Bluetail in the Opus. (Please feel free to contribute to this page)

[bitterntwisted]

Trapped & ringed at Flamborough. To be released at Old Fall at 11:30. Hope it doesn't fly straight off. If it doesn't, that's my afternoon decided.

[marklhawkes]

A friend of mine, present when it was trapped, said it was showing again around midday in Old Fall Plantation. £1 donation for parking in field

[Jonathan Williams]

On Southerlies too, bizarre, but there is a big anticyclone stretching over the north sea to Scandinavia so nothing stopping stuff drifting across the north sea. I know that's easy to say after what has turned up in Yorks today, but just look further ahead!!

Just check the weather charts for mid week onwards. I'm starting to work my pods off the second i'm in on monday morning and prepare the ground for getting the end of the week off!!!

VAST anticyclone stretching way east out of Scandinavia and a nice low moving up to squeeze the isobars and suck in easterlies from so far east they go off the map!!!

I'm no expert, but it looks like CLASSIC Siberian mega weather.

Anyway, more importantly, COME ON ENGLAND!!!!

[wolfbirder]

Is the bird a 1stW ?

[marklhawkes]

Yep

[bitterntwisted]

Is the bird a 1stW ?

1st winter male according to the chap who ringed it. Smashing little bird that showed very well at times mid-afternoon. Crowds not too bad - another pleasant and very well-organised twitch. Good luck to anyone going tomorrow.

Graham

[rokermartin]

On Southerlies too, bizarre, but there is a big anticyclone stretching over the north sea to Scandinavia so nothing stopping stuff drifting across the north sea. I know that's easy to say after what has turned up in Yorks today, but just look further ahead!!

Just check the weather charts for mid week onwards. I'm starting to work my pods off the second i'm in on monday morning and prepare the ground for getting the end of the week off!!!

VAST anticyclone stretching way east out of Scandinavia and a nice low moving up to squeeze the isobars and suck in easterlies from so far east they go off the map!!!

I'm no expert, but it looks like CLASSIC Siberian mega weather.

Anyway, more importantly, COME ON ENGLAND!!!!See what you mean about the weather forecast for next week, it does look very interesting for Sibs to come in,certainly expecting Pallas's Warblers turning up and a few good rarities with them.Think Shetland will do well again.Excellent autumn for Red flanked Bluetails this one in Yokshire is the 5th one.

[vwxyzen]

Glad to report that this bird was moving after catching up with spurn's dead-flanked bluetail earier on this year!

[Mark A Spedding]

Glad to report that this bird was moving after catching up with spurn's dead-flanked bluetail earier on this year!

Very glad to catch up with this one after dipping the Easington bird by about 10 seconds back in March.

[scottishdude]

well I went today, about a crowd of 50. I was one of 4 photographers. The bird was very elusive, but at one point it landed on a fence post near me abot 10 feet away. I was at the front of the twitches so I raised my hand and asked the twitchers to hold on whilst I focussed on it, it flew away as I got a lock ;-(. When I turned around all and I mean all the twitchers were next to me and going about 12-15 feet into the field.
So what happened to the twithers code ????? One guy left in disgust and said 'these guys don't want optics; they want to step on it' I left 5 minutes later....

[Bubbs]

well I went today, about a crowd of 50. I was one of 4 photographers. The bird was very elusive, but at one point it landed on a fence post near me abot 10 feet away. I was at the front of the twitches so I raised my hand and asked the twitchers to hold on whilst I focussed on it, it flew away as I got a lock ;-(. When I turned around all and I mean all the twitchers were next to me and going about 12-15 feet into the field.
So what happened to the twithers code ????? One guy left in disgust and said 'these guys don't want optics; they want to step on it' I left 5 minutes later....

Now you know how we feel...you lot are a bloody nuisance!

[scottishdude]

my thoughts exactly!!

[Bubbs]

my thoughts exactly!!

The photographers I meant.

There was a day when you could enjoy birds in peace. All you hear now is motor drives, expletives, who's got the biggest, not to mention the criminal disturbance you guys (photographers) actually cause to the waifs and strays from distant lands, and all for that one shot to get your name in print. Some of you should hang your heads in shame.

[scottishdude]

well you would have been proud of your "twitchers' today they were causing more noise and disturbance than the photographers, as well as walking into the filed. One twitcher even brought a dog and let it crap on the path without even cleaning it up. looks like there are bad types in both worlds!!! I came away without a photo as I stuck to the code and I am glad to have seen it, it was beautiful ;-)

[Richard Abr]

well I went today, about a crowd of 50. I was one of 4 photographers. The bird was very elusive, but at one point it landed on a fence post near me abot 10 feet away. I was at the front of the twitches so I raised my hand and asked the twitchers to hold on whilst I focussed on it, it flew away as I got a lock ;-(. When I turned around all and I mean all the twitchers were next to me and going about 12-15 feet into the field.
So what happened to the twithers code ????? One guy left in disgust and said 'these guys don't want optics; they want to step on it' I left 5 minutes later....

I was there today also this afternoon and I agree the RFB was extremely elusive and only giving brief fleeting views - most of the time being hounded by the local robins.
I saw it myself on that post but only briefly - also saw it fly acroos the field and perch - where it could be scoped in a low hedge and it flew back to Old Fall plantation shortly afterwards.
Only my 4th RBF , having seen the Winspit, Yarmouth cemetery and Skegness birds but by far the poorest views.
It is true birders did go into the field a few feet onto a newly sown crop - not right I know - but I don't think any serious damage would have been done -
probably happened because it was the only way people at the back would have had any chance of seeing it by moving further out into the field.
There was also one photographer who stationed himself for some time only ten feet from the favoured post - someone did say to him about standing too close to where the bird might perch.
Overall though I don't think too much blame should be put on any birder or photographer today. The bottom line is that with the bird being so flighty and elusive people were bound to get frustrated and agitated, and it was really a case of being in the right place at the right time.
Richard

[Bubbs]

well you would have been proud of your "twitchers' today they were causing more noise and disturbance than the photographers, as well as walking into the filed. One twitcher even brought a dog and let it crap on the path without even cleaning it up. looks like there are bad types in both worlds!!! I came away without a photo as I stuck to the code and I am glad to have seen it, it was beautiful ;-)

Well perhaps they have just had enough of being bullied by you guys. Why is it some photographers think they have a god given right to push to the front of the waiting line of eager birdwatchers.

If you stuck to the code, then good on you, but you will be in the minority of photographers who set a good example.

Perhaps we birders have just had enough.

[Bubbs]

One twitcher even brought a dog and let it crap on the path

Has anyone got the number of the Flamborough cop shop? That really is unforgiveable...get real for gods sake!

[steveandsue]

John Barclay you are an idiot

[garry1366]

[quote=Richard Abr;1033840]
It is true birders did go into the field a few feet onto a newly sown crop - not right I know - but I don't think any serious damage would have been done -


It may not damage the crop but what about the relationship with the farmer?

After many years Flamborough is now open to the public (thanks to the efforts of a few local birders with the right attitude) How sad it would be if the farmer didn't allow his field to be used for parking for the next good bird and withdrew the access to old fall plantation and his fields surounding it.

It says on the pagers KEEP OUT OF THE FIELDS this is for a good reason Richard unlike yourself it's not because they're bored and just want to type more words for each message!!!!!

[Bubbs]

John Barclay you are an idiot

At last, a compliment 8-P

[Bubbs]

The farmer/s who own or rent this bit of Flamborough (I'm not sue which) deserve a medal.

These guys really show how land management and birdwatchers can co exist. I know that some of the land margins have been damaged but in the grand scheme of things it really is minimal and I don't think they are too concerned..... (he says hopefully).

[Isurus]

It may not damage the crop but what about the relationship with the farmer?

After many years Flamborough is now open to the public (thanks to the efforts of a few local birders with the right attitude) How sad it would be if the farmer didn't allow his field to be used for parking for the next good bird and withdrew the access to old fall plantation and his fields surounding it.


What he said. I think people need to understand how someone with little or no knowledge of the hobby would see their behaviour and apply that to their actions to have a bit of a think about maintaining relationships with those who potentially control these key sites.

[Lawts]

When it is showing along Old Fall Hedge, it will always be awkward with any kind of crowd because of the angle - only a small number will see the bird. When it has been showing since Saturday though, it has to be a matter of patience. You will see it without entering the fields. It's a narrow minded view to break the rules to see this one, and potentially damage relations for future rarities.

As for photographs, I can understand it is frustrating to leave without a shot, (as I did on Saturday) and especially when you see some of the shots taken, but sometimes it has to be the case.

I'm a birder first, and digi-photographer second, and if I can get a shot all well and good. So, I can see both views but this issue isn't going to go away, so deal with it. I suspect in the future we'll all be looking down scopes, where you have a built in camera, and we'll all be going home with a shot, so I'd try to close this apparently widening gap between those who do and those who don't.

I witnessed some complete clowns with big lenses on Saturday, flushing the bird and being totally selfish. Ironically, actually flushing the bird for other photographers including myself. However, the problem is the people and not photography.

I often photograph birds further back than some birders simply viewing a bird. It's just about right and wrong behaviour.

[Richard Abr]

[quote=Richard Abr;1033840]
It is true birders did go into the field a few feet onto a newly sown crop - not right I know - but I don't think any serious damage would have been done -


It may not damage the crop but what about the relationship with the farmer?

After many years Flamborough is now open to the public (thanks to the efforts of a few local birders with the right attitude) How sad it would be if the farmer didn't allow his field to be used for parking for the next good bird and withdrew the access to old fall plantation and his fields surounding it.

It says on the pagers KEEP OUT OF THE FIELDS this is for a good reason Richard unlike yourself it's not because they're bored and just want to type more words for each message!!!!!

Hang on a minute, what are you trying to say?? accusing me of being bored and wanting to type more words?? That's a bit unfair. I'm simply reporting what I saw and passing an opinion. I AGREE BIRDERS SHOULD NOT HAVE WALKED EVEN ONE FOOT ONTO THE NEWLY EMERGING CROP.
But I can understand why they did it. One chap - who probably DID NOT walk on the field said this was the 4th RFB he had been for - having dipped 3 other birds - he'd been there several hours and failed to see it despite others nearby seeing it - he did finally thankfully got to grips with it but up till then he must have had a frustrating day.
The only conclusion I can draw from yesterday and comments since is - its not really worth all the hassle to try and see a mega rarity, particularly one you've seen well before and you need to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding to go for a particular bird.
Richard

[Binocularface]

well I went today, about a crowd of 50. I was one of 4 photographers. The bird was very elusive, but at one point it landed on a fence post near me abot 10 feet away. I was at the front of the twitches so I raised my hand and asked the twitchers to hold on whilst I focussed on it, it flew away as I got a lock ;-(. When I turned around all and I mean all the twitchers were next to me and going about 12-15 feet into the field. ..

Surely if you travelled to see the bird, you are also a twitcher (even if you are a photographer as well)?

[scottishdude]

Yes I am, and a twitcher first. Although I have been guilty of selfish behaviour. I am trying my best not to. Anything I do I usually seek permission first, and if the permission is not granted, then I leave it alone. I don't think that all photographers and all twitchers are the same, but a lot of people are classing them as the same. I remember walking to a site to see some nightingales and the land owner had a sign saying 'No photography please" I approached him and asked why and he said that the majority showed less respect for the bird than twitchers,so I just watched instead. I still don't have a photograph of a nightingale and I'm not bitter about it either.

I am not sure how to fix the dilema, all I was trying to say is they we are all guilty of something and we ought to try and work together, or we aAll may loose the opportunity to see anthing.

[changer400]

[QUOTE=garry1366;1034000]
One chap - who probably DID NOT walk on the field said this was the 4th RFB he had been for - having dipped 3 other birds - he'd been there several hours and failed to see it despite others nearby seeing it - he did finally thankfully got to grips with it but up till then he must have had a frustrating day. Richard

This thread is great ;) its the Long tailed Skua all over again ;)

Assuming your info is from an earlier post , the quote was "this is only my 4th RBF" , i.e he had seen 3 previously ;) so probably not as frustrating as you think ;) I love revisiting rarities , as its a much easier time then needing the bird ;) and for what its worth I would probably set fire to a field if I needed a bird , certainly wouldnt think twice about walking in it (!), indeed if a rare looking pipit lands in one - straight out there ! - Please start a new thread with the words - Simon is a big nasty twitcher and all farmers are poor and twitchers give birdwatching a bad name etc ;), but please dont try and make me feel guilty ;) ( My wife tries daily without success - you guys wouldnt even dent my armour ;) )( BTW before anybody bleats on about revoked access and trusted relationships and future supressing - its only a game ;) )

Si

Seen 3 or 4 RBF's ;)
All photographers should be hung drawn and Quartered or something, Long live twitchers , we will fight them in the beeches

Post Script ! I have just been told off by "The System" for too many Smilies - Sorry ; - )

[sideshow bob]

[QUOTE=Richard Abr;1034163]
and for what its worth I would probably set fire to a field if I needed a bird , certainly wouldnt think twice about walking in it (!)

You're a real hero! Looking forward to pushing you towards irate Scilly landowners to explain why you've set fire to their beloved crop, as I run away towards the nearest pub. Will you be so excited about Cerulean Warbler when you're in ICU?

[changer400]

[QUOTE=changer400;1034269]

You're a real hero! Looking forward to pushing you towards irate Scilly landowners to explain why you've set fire to their beloved crop, as I run away towards the nearest pub. Will you be so excited about Cerulean Warbler when you're in ICU?

As long as I have seen it ;) Oh no , you don't trespass on Scilly ! only Yorkshire

And like I said , I am getting a bike this year ;) So they wont catch me anyway ;)

Si.