Return of a Wet Birder! (6 Viewers)

[brianfm]

Holy Island Part Two

One member took the long route to the café to find her walking pole with no success, only to return to the coach to find it in the rack above her head. Perhaps there was to be magic after all! Then we were soon off across the sunlit causeway to find that the magic was there too. It was all in the scene around us. That juvenile Grey Seal was still stretched out on the sand and I suspected that it hadn’t moved in the past few hours. Did it have a look of contentment on its face or was I imagining that? It would be moving soon however, as that tide was on its way towards it.

We soon reached Budle Bay, and for me this was the best part of the day. We had caught the tide coming in perfectly. In the distance there were thousands of Pink Foot Geese with a small number of Barnacle Geese in amongst the large flocks. In the foreground we had Black Headed, Common, Herring, Great Black Backed and the odd Lesser Black Backed Gull. There were Shelduck in large numbers right across the bay and waders included Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit and Ruff. The Shelduck and Ruff were new for the day’s list as were the Mute Swans. A Mistle Thrush was found in the trees behind us.

As the tide came in the Pink Foot Geese began to take off, in small numbers at first, and flew westward over our heads. Then as the sea water began to cover parts of the bay the numbers of geese above out heads began to increase in numbers, some in perfect V formation, some a little more loosely grouped, including small numbers of Barnacle Geese too. The calls could be heard. The channels of sea water in the bay began to join one another and the waders and gulls began to take off as the light began to fade slightly. Soon most of them had gone and the geese still flew overhead. That rainbow had certainly weaved its magic today and it was a wonderful way to end the trip. Over the years, I believe the group has stopped at Budle Bay on many occasions on the return from Lindisfarne, but I heard several of our long standing members saying that they had never had a better visit.

The group list came to 75 species of bird. My own personal list was 60 including a new one for the year list in Merlin. I’m hoping for a better view next time. We saw a few more Roe Deer on the return journey before we were all forced to stop for a leak. A leak in the coach water system I mean! As you can see we got home safely.

 

[Pam_m]

I enjoyed immensely your report on your return trip to Holy Island, Brian! Lucky you, 2 visits in as many weeks!

No wonder you have a waiting list for this trip, it sounds and looks such an interesting and productive place....2 coaches needed perhaps next time!

Those Pink Footed Geese must have been a sight to see....a pic next time would be good! A great species count too! Thank goodness the leak wasn't too much of an emergency however!:-O

Glad you all got home safely and thanks for sharing your day!:t:

 

[brianfm]

I enjoyed immensely your report on your return trip to Holy Island, Brian! Lucky you, 2 visits in as many weeks!

No wonder you have a waiting list for this trip, it sounds and looks such an interesting and productive place....2 coaches needed perhaps next time!

Those Pink Footed Geese must have been a sight to see....a pic next time would be good! A great species count too! Thank goodness the leak wasn't too much of an emergency however!:-O

Glad you all got home safely and thanks for sharing your day!:t:

Hi Pam

A couple of years ago we did take the 16 seater along with the 35 seater coach. We have no problem with getting the fieldtrips booked up. Our next trip to Teesmouth in Nov has 12 people on the waiting list at present and there would have been others I reckon but they realise they are too late. I know many groups have a problem filling coaches, but ours are just soooooo good!o

Glad that you enjoyed the read.

Cheers

 

[palval147]

I have read with interest your latest birding report, Brian. Gosh, you did see a lot of different species. That is a super place to go birding. I like the photo's, specially the rainbow.
I bet the person left behind was gutted. Next time hopefully he'll book for the trip.

There is usually a waiting list for coach places on our RSPB trips also, unless they can take two coaches, as they can to Slimbridge & some other places.

 

[brianfm]

I have read with interest your latest birding report, Brian. Gosh, you did see a lot of different species. That is a super place to go birding. I like the photo's, specially the rainbow.
I bet the person left behind was gutted. Next time hopefully he'll book for the trip.

There is usually a waiting list for coach places on our RSPB trips also, unless they can take two coaches, as they can to Slimbridge & some other places.

Hi Val

I'm glad your local groups fieldtrips are thriving too. It was a new member we had to leave behind which was a great pity, but it is the first time I can ever remember anyone just turning up without even making an initial enquiry. We have a good system. I wish we could get as much interest for our indoor meetings as we do for the fieldtrips.

 

[pie]

Aww, what a great trip with excellent wildlife Brian, you are lucky to have such well organised group meets.
pretty jealous of the Merlin, well done!

 

[palval147]

Hi Val

I'm glad your local groups fieldtrips are thriving too. It was a new member we had to leave behind which was a great pity, but it is the first time I can ever remember anyone just turning up without even making an initial enquiry. We have a good system. I wish we could get as much interest for our indoor meetings as we do for the fieldtrips.

Our group is the same, Brian, they don't have many at ours either, but they changed our group indoor meeting to a Wednesday instead of a Friday & as we go to visit my Mother on Wednesdays, no way can we do the indoor meetings, sadly. I used to be on the committee.

 

[NIK III]

Hi Brian,

Having just returned from a spell at my Berwickshire base I've only just caught up with your Holy Island reports. It's one of my most visited sites. I never got there this trip, but I'll be up there again soon. A very interesting set of reports with lots of interesting birds. I'm glad to hear you caught up with the Short-eared Owls on your first trip. I'd almost given up on them. My last sighting was almost 2 years and 12 visits ago. I thought the days of seeing several in the air at the same time were over. Fingers crossed for my next trip. Nice to see your pics of familiar places.

 

[brianfm]

Hi Brian,

Having just returned from a spell at my Berwickshire base I've only just caught up with your Holy Island reports. It's one of my most visited sites. I never got there this trip, but I'll be up there again soon. A very interesting set of reports with lots of interesting birds. I'm glad to hear you caught up with the Short-eared Owls on your first trip. I'd almost given up on them. My last sighting was almost 2 years and 12 visits ago. I thought the days of seeing several in the air at the same time were over. Fingers crossed for my next trip. Nice to see your pics of familiar places.

Hi Roy

Glad that you enjoyed the reports. I was blessed with some really good weather, especially on the first trip, although as you know good weather means less in the way of migrants and rareties, but no problem, as there were plenty of birds and I didn't get wet, too any extent!

Sounds like you know the area better than I do Roy.

 

[brianfm]

1st Nov. Today my visit to the Cumbrian coast was not to be a birding day, but a family get-together. The journey through the Tyne valley was wonderful with areas of mist still hanging over the River Tyne and the trees a multitude of colours. No time for photography today however. The weather in the west was wonderful too and I guess a few degrees warmer than on the east coast.

Anyway before lunch my friend and I could not resist a short walk up too the red sandstone cliff tops to look out over the Irish Sea and the Solway. We were close to the RSPB St Bees Reserve. The views were excellent in the clear if somewhat biting clear air. Kestrels were hunting in the area where the cliffs drop to the sea below and two Ravens made an appearance giving me a new species for the year list. Stonechats were about near to the cliff top footpath which is part of the ‘Coast to Coast’ route eventually leading through the Lake District, over the Pennines and onward to Robin Hood Bay on the east coast. By necessity it had to be a quick visit so we soon made back for our lunch, finding a male Bullfinch on the way. A male Sparrowhawk flew past the house on our return.

I could not resist taking a shot of the view towards the Lakeland fells when we drove down to town in the afternoon.

I’ve been visiting this area since a babe in arms and much remains the same although change to many things has also been inevitable. I suddenly realised that I was over looking the sea from an area I had never been able to do so before! The large chemical factory that has been there all of my life had been erased from the earth, no doubt taking with it the employment prospects of many in this already rather opportunity starved area. It was a poignant moment even though the place had always been a blot on the landscape.

 

[pie]

Some nice Birds for a non birding day Bri. It is a shame your spectacular new found views are bitter sweet. I bet it was nice to meet up with family & manage a brisk walk.

 

[palval147]

Lovely view, Brian. Sad so many jobs are lost through factory closures.

 

[Pam_m]

A great pic of the view, Brian! It sounds and looks such an idyllic area, it must be a joy for you to return and visit your family. Nice to have a non birding day and see a Raven too!

 

[brianfm]

Thanks for your comments.

One thing I had meant to say was that my cousin pointed out a House Martin nest. Of all the years I have visited I have never seen one on this house. I suggested that she put some artificial ones up to encourage more visitors next year, but she didn't seem too keen. lol I'll be interested to see if she has more next year.

 

[brianfm]

15th Nov. Well now, with tales of stormy skies and Potteric Carr behind me I’ve decided to get back onto the ‘rails’ and I have returned to the usual thread of things and today went on my pond, wood and coast walk in wonderful weather, sun, blue skies and all. Mind you, the forecast for warmth was a little optimistic I felt as soon as I entered the cold north east air!

The first significant bird of the day was a Sparrowhawk which flew along side the hedge and off into the area of trees without giving us a really good sighting. There was initially a dearth of smaller passerines which seemed to be seeking warmth in each others company in the hedges. By the end of the day I felt like seeking the company of someone in a hedge, but I perhaps ought not to go there! The numerous House Sparrows which frequent the area around the village could be seen and heard in their shelter long with Blackbirds. There was a mass of Blackbirds throughout the walk today and I couldn’t help but feel that there had been a large influx from Scandinavia. I took photograph to mark the beginning of the walk.

On arrival at the pond we found it very quite indeed. Even the feeding station with feeders recently filled had only Greenfinch and Blue Tit visit whilst we were in the hide. A solitary Goldeneye was on the water with Mute Swan, Mallard, Teal, Moorhen, Coot and Greylag Geese. I found that the flock of Greylag include what first thought may have been Bean Goose, but I ended up putting it down as Pink Footed Goose. There were Black Headed, Common, Herring and Great Black Backed Gulls on the water. We walked down to the public hide and found the first Kestrel of the day. The water was very high and there was little chance of finding any waders here today.

A dearth of waders, but not of dog walkers! One owner letting his two large dogs run loose in the reserve and down to the water. He had the damn cheek to have a pair of binoculars with him and ask us if we had seen much. I felt like saying that there might be more about if people kept their dogs on leads! By this time he was I think embarrassed to find us and had put leads on his dogs which were quickly taken off as he got away from us. At least this guy was able to control his pets, which is more than I can say for one or two other owners out today! I must say I have noticed once or twice that owners have taken to tying the collected dog crap bag to trees! Good God, do they do this at home I wonder?

Anyway we were soon into the woods and a wonderful autumnal scene it was too, and much warmer in here. There was quite a lot of Hogweed in flower. In contrast to the pond the water in the burn appeared to be quite low. Also in contrast to the feeders at the pond, the feeders in the dene were empty! We soon had Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren and Treecreeper on the list. A Grey Heron flew down to the burn before circling at tree top level for sometime and at least one more Kestrel flew at the same height. Despite the number of walkers about the atmosphere in the dene, with sunlight shining through the trees onto the multi coloured and thick layers of fallen leaves, was grand.

I seemed to tire quickly today and began to feel a possible cold creeping on so I was pleased to get along by the saltmarsh area and onwards towards the fish and chip café. Not before finding Redshank and Grey Wagtail by the burn. The fish and chips went down a treat as per usual and seemed to fill me with new life!

I had timed it so as to meet the cliffs as the tide came right in but to me it looked as though the tide was almost as high as it was going to get and I realised right away that it was going to be more difficult to find the waders. What we did find easily was 100+ Common Scoters whish were very active. I think I’m probably underestimating by quite some number as they kept flying in from the sea in groups. Apart from the odd male they were all females and juveniles. I had good views of one Velvet Scoter amongst them. After this short sea watch during which we also added Cormorant, Eider Duck and one lone Guillemot to the list we were off at a brisk pace. I say brisk pace as I wanted to ensure we were at St Mary’s Island before the light began to go as I believed we might find a rarity there. I didn’t tell my mate until we were nearly there as I hadn’t wanted to build his hopes up. Anyway we bumped into a photographer who asked if we were after the rarity and told us just to look out for the twitchers.

We added a pair Stonechat and some Meadow Pipits as we walked and found flocks of Curlew and a few Lapwings in the fields. With the scope I could see the flock of Golden Plover on the island with Oystercatchers, Sanderling and Ringed Plover. Not especially good views, but my mind was on finding this rarity by now.

We finally got to the area we were after and found a small group of twitchers, at least two of whom had the obligatory mega sized cameras which seem to go with twitching parties. I found one of the mega cameras quite useful as it was pointing into the trees at the bird I was after and yes there it was in all of its glory. I eventually had very good views. The twitchers were clearly there for the duration. My mate and I enjoyed our good sightings for a short time and decided to move on although not before I was almost tempted to call Long Tailed Tit! I somehow thing the guys would not have been interested! Oh yes, your wanting to know what the rare bird was. I nearly forgot to mention that. It was Hume’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei. Named after Allan Octavian Hume who is well worth reading about as is the bird itself which is from the Central Asian Mountains. It is closely related to the Yellow Browed Warbler and only slightly larger than a Goldcrest. To be honest a very plain little bird, but a very interesting one. Fascinating to imagine where it has flown from and that these birds may be the forerunners in an evolutionary change and finding a new area to over winter. It was a lifer for Brian.

Anyway we moved on to fine the wetland area devoid as usual of anything exciting, but we did find large numbers of Turnstone and Redshank at the tides edge. After a while of looking for Dunlin I gave up but found a Purple Sandpiper instead. There was a good number of Rock Pipits in amongst the waders too and flocks of Lapwing flying over the sea..

The light was starting to fade now and so we made for the crematorium and I took a photo to mark the end of another good birding day. I get my transport at the crematorium if anyone is wondering. We had a look around the grounds but found only Coal Tit and Blue Tit on the feeders. As we left the grounds we were no sooner out and a guy drove out locking the gates behind him. Now after my excursion to Leeds on by 1st class rail I think people would have began to wonder if I was making my stories up had I been forced to climb over the walls of the crematorium in semi darkness! Creepy or wot?

Anyway I ended the day with a list of 60 species, not at all bad I reckon as the pond was devoid of birds and the tide was up. Included were two for the year list, my lifer Hume’s Leaf Warbler and Velvet Scoter. A great ending to an interesting week!

 

[palval147]

You had a good walk, Brian, dispite the dog walkers. A rare accidental to add to your list too, can't be bad.

 

[Pam_m]

Another wonderful report from you, Brian! Some super birds too! I have never seen Common or Velvet Scoters, it must have been great to see so many coming in from the sea.
So you also went on a twitch and didn't dip! Well done! Hume's Leaf Warbler is a new one to me. I will read up on it later. Yellow Browed Warbler I had heard of as I was hoping to see one in Norfolk recently. You must have been well chuffed with your latest lifer! :t:

You were very lucky with the Autumnal weather, a great time of year for a walk, especially so when you can get a species list of 60!

Thank gawd you didn't get locked in the cemetery..:eek!::-O

Hope your cold has been kept at bay and thanks for a great report!

Forgot to add your photo's are super! They compliment your walk perfectly. The Cemetery photo especially is very atmospheric!:t:

 

[pie]

Aww! Well done Brian, what a tick!
As a failed Warbler chaser, I can honestly say I'm thrilled to bits for you, well done Bri!
Fantastic report of another good mix of Birds, did you manage to get a pic of the V'scoter or P'sand btw? would love to see them, spesh the Scoter.

Shame about the tree decor, some people's behaviour is down right grim!
On the up side, I'm relived to know you decided to seek shelter & warmth in the chippy! :eek!: (with the economic crisis we'd struggle funding your bail bond!) :'D

Thanks for taking the time to post a marvelous report Bri :t:

 

[bill moss]

HI Brian,

An excellent addition to your List, congrats.

As I said on the other thread, I looked up Hume in the book (Biographies for Birdwatchers by Barbara & Richard Mearns, Academic Press ISBN 0-12-487422-3. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the birding pioneers.

The interesting point about Hume is that my copy gives 3 species under his name, a Tawny Owl, Wheatear, and Lesser Whitethroat, but does not give the Leaf Warbler, probably because the species was not split until 2002/3 and my copy was printed 1988, maybe it is in a later edition.

Bill.

 

[brianfm]

Hi Bill

I have that book too Bill, as I got a hold of it when I became really interested in bird names, which I have to say was due initially to your quizzes. It's not that easy to find now, nor does it come cheaply when you do find it! I also have the Audubon to Xantus book which covers North American species by the same authors. Another excellent book by the same authors is the more recent Bird Collectors. I came to realise some time ago that there is much more to 'birds' and 'birding' than simply identification and the interest can take you in all sorts of directions as I know you fully appreciate.

Take care