JWN Andrewes
Poor Judge of Pasta.
October 15th
I must say Rob, you have a much better half term than we do in Wales; we have two weeks yet to wait :-C
A morning at Spurn, seeking and failing at one of my tartiest list gaps; Arctic Warbler. Had a couple of goes, but to no avail although I gather it was seen (we clearly lack Rob & co's persistence). Hoofed around looking for migrants but pickings were thin, highlights being incoming Redwings and departing House Martins and Swallows, as well as very good views of Bearded Tits, despite the stiff breeze.
We fared somewhat better with Rose-coloured Starling at Easington. While our first go drew a blank a second attempt came up with the goods. We arrived to find a handful of folks staking the place out, where the bird was occasionally seen in bushes behind one of the bungalows, as well as up on the wires. After twenty minutes or so of waiting the crowd had grown to thirty plus, with still no sign. Another twenty minutes of waiting and the bird finally popped up in the bush behind the house, by which time the three of us were the only ones left waiting! It was the first time in the day that I couldn't see another birder anywhere! We tried to beckon the last three to have left as we arrived back at our car and they were driving off but they didn't notice us (should've checked their mirrors more). Nothing else of note for us, Arctic Warbler will have to wait for another day.
The year list has now reached last year's final total of 207.
I must say Rob, you have a much better half term than we do in Wales; we have two weeks yet to wait :-C
A morning at Spurn, seeking and failing at one of my tartiest list gaps; Arctic Warbler. Had a couple of goes, but to no avail although I gather it was seen (we clearly lack Rob & co's persistence). Hoofed around looking for migrants but pickings were thin, highlights being incoming Redwings and departing House Martins and Swallows, as well as very good views of Bearded Tits, despite the stiff breeze.
We fared somewhat better with Rose-coloured Starling at Easington. While our first go drew a blank a second attempt came up with the goods. We arrived to find a handful of folks staking the place out, where the bird was occasionally seen in bushes behind one of the bungalows, as well as up on the wires. After twenty minutes or so of waiting the crowd had grown to thirty plus, with still no sign. Another twenty minutes of waiting and the bird finally popped up in the bush behind the house, by which time the three of us were the only ones left waiting! It was the first time in the day that I couldn't see another birder anywhere! We tried to beckon the last three to have left as we arrived back at our car and they were driving off but they didn't notice us (should've checked their mirrors more). Nothing else of note for us, Arctic Warbler will have to wait for another day.
The year list has now reached last year's final total of 207.