10/12/23 Late Sunday morning an adult male Black-throated Thrush was seen brielfy at Tophill Low NR by O res near the Watton NR path by Russell Boland. Texted Roy and were on our way early afternoon. Lee Johnson was already on site scanning from the South Marsh West/O res viewing area. We went to Watton NR hide. There had been flooding on the road and Barmston Drain was the highest I could remember from the bridge at the reserve entrance so it was no surprise to see the borrow pit was very high. Not much wildfowl present but the drake Smew did drop in before flying off again with a drake Goldeneye.
♂.Smew at Tophill Low NR on Watton NR
With the rain easing we went to join the small number of birders who had turned out. Thousand of thrushes, mainly Fieldfare flying over so we weren’t too confident. A couple separate from the rest managed to see the thrush briefly in trees too distant for the rest to easily pick it out but no further sign by dusk.
11/12/23 While I was heading home from walking Wilbur, Roy rang to say Stuart Griffiths had relocated the thrush near where it was seen yesterday and managed to get John Leason on it. Getting there early afternoon we made haste to South Scrub but although it had been seen on and off since Stuart had seen it it was absent when we arrived. Pete Dove was already there soon joined by Chris Straw so the hardcore of the Tophill Low NR listers were on site at least. After a while I decided to check the bushes between O res and Barmston Drain where I could see several Blackbird.
Fieldfare and Blackbird at Tophill Low NR in South Scrub
Unfortunately they were flushed by Steve Webb coming the other way so I went back to the other birders. Not long after Roy went to check the bushes and shortly after he returned I had another look. Initially only Blackbirds but walking slowly back I saw the thrush briefly twice in the nearest bushes before dropping behind. Only the tail, back and head but I was sure of my ID and was close enough to beckon the rest. Shortly Stuart had it distantly in a bush but too far for my bins and it dropped before I could zoom in with the camera. However not long after It landed in full views and remained long enough for everyone to “fill their boots” as well as fire off a few shots.
Adult male Black-throated Thrush at Tophill Low NR- yesterday described to me as a reverse Ring Ouzel which the 2nd picture confirms 😁
Job done and with the light fading we headed back. I stopped to scan O res for the Red-necked Grebe.
Juvenile Red-necked Grebe at Tophill Low NR on O res. Taken when I found it on 23/10/23 as today’s images were even worse.
Had a quick look at the Whooper Swans and Pink-footed Geese on the way back opposite Watton Chicken Farm.
Update The Black-throated Thrush was still present on Saturday 3/2 but now elusive only seen occasionally from Watton NR hide.
8/4/23 Had a look at Swine Moor on Saturday afternoon. Took the easy route viewing from the flood bank on Weel Road as I wanted time to do High Eske NR. The duck numbers were well down with only Teal over a hundred and Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler and Shelduck in single figures. Had my first Ruff, with a few Redshank, Lapwing and a pair of Little Ringed Plover [not my first with three at High Eske NR on the Tuesday.
Three Little Ringed with a Dunlin-High Eske NR-4/4/23
Also a Yellow Wagtail was new for the year.
As it Easter Weekend I as was a bit apprehensive approaching High Eske NR. Wasn’t being pessimistic as the pit was almost empty of wild fowl. There were several anglers on the edge including one with a boat so large I couldn’t work out how it got there. The channel at the north edge has a “barrier” that should have kept it out and it would have been difficult to drag in over the bank at the south end. Boats aren’t allowed .
The barrier at the north end of High Eske NR
This is actually close season and although some may be pike fishing the bailiff seems to have given up trying to prosecute as despite the pit being connected to the river some anglers have managed to appeal being fined. There had been two pair of Great Crested Grebe and a regular pair of Oystercatcher but little manages to breed now. Fortunately I met Mandy, who I hadn’t seen for a few years, trying to photograph Kingfisher from a cruiser on the river and she managed to lift my mood. Also had a few Willow Warbler which have become scarce locally with the only regular records in Cottingham being on Middledyke Fields. Also a small flock of Swallow, my only previous being a singleton at Tophill Low NR on Monday. I walked right round the reserve but didn’t have any other migrants.
9/4/23 The weather was forecast to go off late afternoon but I thought I had time for a quick look on Swine Moor then High Eske NR. Didn’t have much on Swine Moor but did have my first House Martin. Approaching High Eske NR it again looked quiet but the first duck I saw I guessed Common Scoter and setting up my scope I confirmed it was female/immature and shortly after I found two males at the north end. There is currently a good movement of Common Scoter with strays on many inland waters.
Common Scoter at High Eske NR
Fortunately the Great Crested Grebes had returned. The Oystercatcher pair were also back on the island and as well as the regular but reducing flock of Redshank there was a Ruff, possibly the one on Swine Moor on Saturday,
Ruff at High Eske NR
Although it was clouding up I decided to head towards Leven Canal and see how far I could get. Checked the flock of Mute Swan to the north-west but couldn’t find any Whoopers. Did find a single Pink-footed Goose with a small number of Greylags. Started to rain so headed back. I don’t like leaving early evening as the traffic is too heavy. It took a while to get out onto the main and it was slow at Morrison’s road about but was wasn’t as bad as I feared and although it was raining it wasn’t too heavy.
22/10/22 High Eske NR/Leven Canal My first Saturday at High Eske NR since early 2020 and was expecting the worse as on weekend the the reserve is often trashed by so called fisherman, however this time despite a few at the northern end displacing the wildfowl to the other end things weren’t too bad. Nothing different among the reasonable number of ducks present but had a Dunlin and three Snipe on the summer islands. My intension anyway was to walk Leven canal. Good to see plenty of water but only Greylag Geese, Teal and Little Egret seen but at least one female-type Marsh Harrier was in the area. Walking further I had several Jay and Redwing then on reaching Waterloo Bridge two Cattle Egret flew up onto the cattle pen by the road to the airfield. Managed to get a few shots off before they flew into deep cover. I had been aware of Cattle Egrets in the area since summer but this was my first chance to see them. Possibly bred in the area but not heard officially.
Cattle Egret-Leven Carr near Waterloo Bridge
As well as two Marsh Harrier there was a Peregrine causing havoc. Walking back there were still good numbers of Common Darter and Migrant Hawker.
Common Darter-Leven Canal
Yellow-browed Warbler in Cottingham On Sunday 23/10 there was a good movement of birds through my garden including Goldcrest and Redwing but these were eclipsed by a Yellow-browed Warbler for a few minutes late morning. Wet in the afternoon but I saw it again on Tuesday 25/10, a day I also saw a Chiffchaff. This time it was closer and got a few shots through the window.
Yellow-browed Warbler in Cottingham
I hoped to see it again and get better shots but I’ve not seen it since.
24/10/22 Tophill Low NR Start off checking Watton NR from Barmston Drain where two Ruff were still present along the regular female-type Marsh Harrier. Continued on to Wilfholme Landing but had nothing much apart from c40 Pink-footed Geese flying south. Had intended walking further up the drain to get a look at Hempholme Meadows but the weather look threatening so went onto the reserve proper. A choice as it became very wet although drier when I set off home. Caught up with Jeff and Chris Barker then checked D res and managed to see three Arctic Tern as well as the Black-necked Grebe and three Red-crested Pochard but the Smew was again elusive. Walked down to South Marsh East where the Avocet and a moribund Pink-footed Goose were still present.
Avocet and Pink-footed Goose on South Marsh East
For a change there was something see from South Marsh East hide with several hundred Starling in a pre-roost gathering over the reedbed and tens of Redwing coming in to roost in South Scrub. Also Cetti’s Warbler singing and a female-type Marsh Harrier over. From back-2-back hide I had 2 Green Sandpiper and a Curlew but the best was at least three Marsh Harrier coming in to roost.
Curlew, Green Sandpiper and male Marsh Harrier on South Marsh East
26/10/22 Leven Canal The plan had been to park in Leven and walk at least as far as Waterloo Bridge but failed to find the car park and end up at the airfield where I parked up and walked the track to Waterloo Bridge. It says no public access at the gate but we used to drive down a few years ago and people still walk it. Kept an eye out for vehicles though. Nothing much on the marsh at the end of the road so continue walking west finding an elusive Great White Egret in tall vegetation then a bit further on five Cattle Egret in an area of open water.
Three of five Cattle Egret on Leven Carr
I walked east as far as Fox Covet Bridge but the land beyond look rewarding so headed back to the airfield. Still a female-type Marsh Harrier in the area and Common Darter, Migrant Hawker were still on the wing. There been a far amount of rain recently so thought it worth a look at Swine Moore from Weel Road the way back.
Swine Moor from Weel Road
As hoped there was some standing water with several hundred Greylag Geese, 100+ Wigeon, 50+ Lapwing and a few Pied Wagtail but no other waders or Teal.
Failing to see Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Kilnsea Wetlands On 27/10, but too late to do anything about it, an Eastern Yellow Wagtail was identified at Kilnsea Wetlands. Still there on Friday morning but with rain forecast I thought I’d wait for Roy. Getting there early afternoon we learnt it had last been seen about an hour ago before flying off. Checked the field then went to the Wetlands Hide. There were a fine interesting birds to see including my first Lapland Bunting for several years. However it was at the back of the scrape and sometime took an effort to relocate.
Distant Lapland Bunting-Kilnsea Wetlands
Also a couple of Stonechat were flitting about just below the hide then later a Whooper Swan and a Spoonbill flew in.
Stonechat, Spoonbill and Whooper Swan from Kilnsea Wetlands Hide.
Also seen were a good number of Black-tailed Godwit, an Avocet, a few Mediterranean Gulls and a Barn Owl. Late afternoon Roy found a Fieldfare at the back of the scrape which was joined by an identified small passerine. He tried to get me on it but directions weren’t too good then almost as it disappeared, never to be seen again, someone identified it as the wagtail.
30/10/22 Aike to Watton NR On Sunday morning I went to Aike then took the path to the river bank where I saw my first Short-eared Owl for a few years.
Short-eared Owl-Aike Carr
Walked north along Barmston Drain to Wilfholme Landing then continued to Watton NR but nothing of note so back tracked. Had a Grey Wagtail at Wilfholme Landing then walked back to Aike along the road.
Grey Wagtail at Wilfholme Landing
31/10/22 Tales of the River [Humber] Bank chapter 1 I was getting a bit tired of travelling through/round Beverley so on Monday I went to Welton Waters. A few changes since I had last been but I’ll maybe cover these in a later blog dedicated to the area. One change, and the main reason I stopped going, was the main pit [watersports pit] had in recent years since the use of a dye to suppress weed, been devoid of wildfowl, but today it was packed. Mainly Wigeon which numbered circa a thousand but also 50+ Coot and 15+ Little Grebe. Reaching the river bank I walked west to the airfield. Had two Water Rail calling in the ditch and three Marsh Harrier over the marsh. Walking back I continued along the river bank to the southeast corner of the pit where I found a male Scaup with 16 Pochard and only three Tufted Duck. Also on site were several singing Cetti’s Warbler.
Male Scaup-Welton Waters on watersports pit.
4/11/22 High Eske NR On Friday I walked to High Eske NR from Hull Bridge.
Fieldfare at Eske Manor
Getting there found little wildfowl due I was told by two girls on paddle board earlier although there were also a good few anglers on site. However did have a family party of Whooper Swans.
Whooper Swans at High Eske NR
Walked north and had a Jay at the top end then continued to the canal but had very little from the river bank except a Stonechat again and the usual Buzzards and Marsh Harrier. Back at the pit had two Redshank and a Kingfisher.
Tales of the River [Humber] Bank chapter 2 Went to North Cave Wetlands on 6/11 primarily to get a new bins strap from In Focus but thought it would be daft not to have a look round. A Long-tailed Duck had been found at Welton Waters but with out a tripod decided to leave it until another day. Along the western path, although I saw the soil moving on a mole hill, I failed to see the animal. The only other picture I took was of a Robin.
Made it to Welton Waters on 8/11. Again there were a large number of Wigeon on Watersports pit. No initial sign of the Long-tailed Duck but walking east along the river bank I eventually located it feeding with Coot. By this time the wind had become strong not helping with a duck that was underwater much of the time but got a few shots then headed back before the wind got too bad.
9/11/22 New Ings, Cottingham The dog has been lacking in enthusiasm recently but on Wednesday he was happy to walk the length of Northmoor Lane to New Ings. As usual for a large area of “wilderness” with little regular disturbance it was unusually quiet but did have a nice Stonechat.
Stonechat-New Ings, Cottingham
12/11/22 Tophill Low NR Went to Tophill Low NR with Roy on Saturday afternoon. Started in the members hide where we finally managed to see the Smew reasonably close. It was also not constantly diving probably because it was moulting into a drake causing it to preen regularly. We got a few shots but the light wasn’t good. Then lost it likely having flown to the river.
First winter drake Smew on D res, Tophill Low NR
No hide yet but railings on the D res middle hide mound
We headed south but met John coming back having only seen Green Sandpiper of note on South Marsh East so did Watton NR from Barmston Drain. The Great White Egret was showing well. Also eight Little Egret flew in.
Great White Egret and Little Egrets on Watton NR, Tophill Low NR
A female-type Marsh Harrier was again in the area.
13/11/22 Swine Moor Set out on Sunday morning not sure if it was a good idea because of fog. Parked at Hull Bridge and walked south along the river bank to view Swine Moor. Although a little murky it was good enough to see everything on the ground although maybe not flying over. There were several hundred Greylag Geese but nothing else among them. Even better were over a thousand Wigeon which I scanned without luck for American. Further on I had several hundred Lapwing among which were 26 Golden Plover, 6+ Snipe and a single Redshank, as well as 30+ Teal. Walked back along Barmston Drain having Kingfisher over both river and drain.
14/11/12 Leven Canal Monday morning I went to Leven and this time manage to park near the beginning of the canal. Although I wanted to cover the whole canal [although not in one day] I was bothered that the section between Leven and Fox Covet bridge might be a bit dull [although I thought summer would be interesting with singing migrants] and but it was interesting from the start with singing Cetti’s Warblers and as I continued west good numbers Redwing, Fieldfare, finches and tits. In fact it was the area near Waterloo Bridge that was let down with the only egrets being a small number of Littles. From the track to the airfield I managed to find 6 Redshank and seven Teal but no sign of any Marsh Harrier in the area. Walking back had a few tens of Pink-footed Geese at Hall Garth but many behind the hedgerow and using my camera as a “scope.
Pink-footed Geese at Hall Garth, Leven
Tophill Low NR is again open all week but with some areas still off limits. See the Tophill Low NR blog for details.
Unfortunately another birding War and Peace but now I’m up to date and with long dark nights I should be able to post more regularly.
Headed to North Lincolnshire with Ricky on Thursday morning.
Risby Warren
First call was Risby Warren and although fairly overcast we had plenty of butterflies but nothing new initially.
RingletSmall Skipper on Viper’s-buglossMeadow BrownSmall HeathSmall White
Also my first Cinnabar caterpillars on Ragwort but only one moth found.
Cinnabar caterpillars on Ragwort
Also had Brown Silver-line.
Brown Silver-line moth
We headed to the sand hummocks where we saw Grayling last year and I put up a butterfly which I couldn’t immediately say was one but which looked different from anything I’d seen that day. Fortunately it landed nearby and its id was confirmed.
Grayling
Only saw one other but mission accomplished and managed to see in Yorkshire.
Walking back through longer grass we put up a few large orange butterflies. We had seen Dark-green Fritillary here last year and eventually found a few, including a pair, on the ground and confirmed our initial suspicion.
Dark-green Fritillary Grasshopper species, possibly Mottled. Any suggestion appreciated.
Walking back we came across a pair of Stonechat, presumably feeding young.
Male Stonechat
Headed to Crowle where fortunately Crowle Waste is well signed as the route was like a maze. Cloud had built up and rain looked likely but there were still plenty of butterflies on the wing but again the usual fare.
Green-veined White
Having only seen Common Hawker at time when I wasn’t too interested I was on the look for dragonflies. Had two darters which on closer inspection were both Ruddy rather than Common.
Immature male Ruddy DarterMale Ruddy Darter
Had a few damselflies including Blue-tailed.
Also a few moths including Common Carpet and my first Clouded Border of the year.
Clouded Border moth
Eventually made it to Thorne Moors. Had a look on a large area of water where there were a good number of “hawker-type” dragonflies. Likely Emperor but too distance to identify. Only bird seen was a Tufted Duck. Leaving the hide Ricky picked out a butterfly on the path which then flew to nettles. Our only Large Heath of the day as well as my first since I took a serious interest in butterflies.
Large Heath butterfly.
We tried to get closer to the water to try and get closer to the dragonflies but didn’t manage. Decided to retrace our route before we got lost. Had a Black-tailed Skimmer on the Crowle Waste boardwalk.
Late morning on Thursday 26th May a pale morph Eleonora’s Falcon was identified from photographs in Kent flying over Sandwich Bay mid morning. Early afternoon it was seen over nearby Worth Marsh. As has been the pattern in the UK however it wasn’t seen again that day. For more details check RBA round up [my only be available to subscribers}.
However on Friday it was seen again mid morning again over Worth Marsh. This time however it lingered. I was out with the dog in Cottingham walking up Northmoor Lane to view New Ings. Found a Clouded Silver moth, only my fourth record, in my garden trap 20.5.11, Tophill Low NR 8.6.14 and at Millbeck Wildlife, Cottingham 12.6.17. Otherwise nothing unusual bird wise. The falcon was still lingering and I was thinking about contacting Tony but couldn’t believe it would linger much longer.
Clouded Silver moth-Nortmoor Lane, Cottingham
It was still hanging on when I went out with Roy. Mentioned it but he showed no real interest. Started off doing a seawatch off Hornsea but as expected in late spring we had little of interest then moved to the 1st field of Hornsea Mere late afternoon. Three birders from Suffolk were looking for Little Gull. Eight had flown through early morning and John returning from the west end had seen one near Decoy Bay. I picked up what I was sure was a Little Gull distantly on a “dirty” buoy. Went the edge of 2nd field and eventually it flew showing the characteristic W on the wings of a first winter. It slowly drifted east where it was joined by another six that presumably had in come off the sea. Didn’t see any Hobbies this time though.
Little Gull-Hornsea MereLittle Gull-Hornsea MereLittle Gulls-Hornsea MereMallard with one surviving chick-Hornsea Mere
On the way home Tony texted to say he would go overnight for the Eleonora’s Falcon. After a worrying wait for dark incase it flew off high we set off, after picking up Richard, just before midnight confident it would be around on Saturday. Arriving at the car park in Worth early morning we took the track to the marsh to join an increasing number of twitchers but never excessive as presumably many will have made it yesterday. Just before seven it was located in a distant hedge and after walking a bit further and some frustration getting on it I was watching a very distant falcon shaped blob. It was darker than a Hobby and the closed wing tips were level with the tail tip which was good for Eleonora’s but it was almost motionless even when attacked by Magpies and kept it back to us. Walked further to cross the railway line where you got another angle and although not much closer it was head on showing the characteristic orange breast, another good feature. Also had a short flight. Walking back saw the female Red-footed Falcon although too distant to be worth photographing. Went back to our earlier position where I photographed Scarce Chaser, a new species for me as it lives up to its name but like most dragonflies is expanding its range with climate change. Also had several Banded Demoiselles.
Scarce Chaser-Worth, Kent
I had started to think the falcon was moribund but if it was going to fly would do mid morning when insects became active on what was a cool day for late May and almost on cue it got up and flew across to Great Wood giving close over head views. It had a longer wings and tail making it obviously different from a Hobby. Although distant it regularly flew over the wood occasionally perching in view.
Second summer female Eleonora’s Falcon-Worth, Kent
Great Wood, Worth, Kent
Also had my first Cuckoo for two years with Avocet and a very distant fly past Spoonbill year ticks.
Early afternoon we decided to move on but it performed [possibly better?] for all comers until dusk.
I’ve seen Eleonora’s Falcon before in May 2000 on Cyprus so maybe it wasn’t as exciting for me as for Tony and Richard and anyone else for whom Eleonora’s Falcon was a totally new bird but I felt a bit underwhelmed wishing I’d had the sort of views had on Friday. Not the first time admittedly in recent years I’ve felt this way when a twitch has been less about enjoying great views of an unfamiliar bird rather than just enough to say I can put on a list.
Twitchers watching the Eleonora’s Falcon over Great Wood, Worth, Kent
The Eleonora’s Falcon was late seen mid morning Saturday 4th June. With the Platinum Jubilee holiday hopefully everyone who wanted got a chance to see it.
Somehow seem to have forgotten this was my 500th for Britain & Ireland. Need one more for Uk only. Maybe that will mean more?
Due to early lockdown and later self restriction this year has been, with the exception of local “green” birding, my worst year since I started birding although I did manage to see a few good birds with the help of a small number of friends, making this year not a total wide out with one lifer [plus an “armchair” tick-Ross’s Goose] and three Yorkshire ticks as well as a new butterfly and several new moths. Hopefully worldwide and personally things will improve in 2022.
January Start the year with my reliable Cottingham Little Owl at Burn Park Farm
February The possible Siberian Chiffchaff at Haltemprice Farm, Willerby. Thanks to Roy Lyon as mine just weren’t good enough. Looked good but never called for us although the finder reported hearing a good call and I heard what I thought was a Bullfinch on site before I knew the bird was present. See below for a full account.
March No contest this month with, a now rare, Hawfinch in Cottingham at Eppleworth Road Cemetery. Unfortunately this bird caused me some grief with the conflicting issues of respect for the finders wishes and the concern over large numbers of birder, particularly those trying for the best picture, in an active graveyard particularly in the times of Covid 19, against informing those who I believed had the right to see it. Doesn’t help when people who tried to reduce the “publicity” of this bird were spotted on site.
April A low flying Red Kite over the centre on Cottingham on the 2nd is this months pick.
May With the demise of my Nikon P520, for a few weeks I was only taking pictures of moths with my Canon IXUS 130 compact and this month was cool with few moth trapped and a Scalloped Hazel [a pretty regular moth] was the best of them.
June Again a moth but at least Pale Prominent trapped on the 10th was a new one followed by a 2nd on the 18th August.
July First of the good birds and my first time out further than I could walk with Oriental Turtle Dove seen on 3rd in Easington (East Yorkshire] being a Yorkshire tick for most. The picture is again thanks to Roy Lyon.
August Added another new bird for my Yorkshire List with a first record of the extreme rarity, White-tailed Lapwing at Blacktoft Sands RSPB which I eventually saw on the 29th thanks to Ricky Fisher. This time my own photograph with my new Nikon P1000. See the full account below.
September Another Blacktoft Sands RSPB bird with Bluethroat taken on the 19th when I went for a second view of the W-T.Plover with John Hirschfield. See the full account below [Blacktoft Sands RSPB and North Cave Wetlands YWT].
October This is a really awful picture but Long-toed Stint on Astley Lake at Swillington Ings on the 9th was my only lifer of 2021. Also little else to compete with it? We choice to view from below the old private hide instead of going to the RSPB reserve which would have involved a long walk and potentially giving closer but limited viewing due to the crowds present. It is in there somewhere but very hard to make out!
November This month I go for Stonechat at Haltemprice Farm, Willerby on the 6th. Photographed this species at this site on countless occasions but somehow despite the distance and obstructing vegetation this one helped by a quantum improvement in camera is one of my best. See the full account below.
December I end the year with a perennial favourite, drake Smew, this one at Tophill Low NR on Watton NR on the 21st. Full account below.
Top ten blog posts
My second viewing of the White-tailed Lapwing as well as a Bluethroat and my only 2021 visited to North Wetlands YWT.
Went to Tophill Low NR with RL this morning. The draw was the Smew on Watton Borrow Pit. Once seen in good numbers but now lucky to see just one bird. They have moved from Uk “Birds of Conservation Concern” Green status in 2002 to Red in 2021 as well as IUCN Critically Endangered status but milder winters may also mean they don’t move as far from their breeding range. Access around O res is still restricted, although no sign of any work today, meaning access over the bridge in O wood needing the code for gate, but fortunately got it from some friends returning north who confirmed the Smew was still present although the hide patched. However it wasn’t too bad when we got there with most present the regular Tuesday nest box team and managed to get sat down. SAGE members may have had some concerns above lack of social distancing but at least there was good ventilation 😉. The Smew had flown out of view to the north corner but the Great White Egret was visible although distant and a bit hidden [also the light wasn’t good}. Shortly it got up and after flying north briefly, flew off south.
Great White Egret on Watton NR
Also two drake Pintail were present near the island.
Pintail with Greylag Geese on Watton NR
I noticed the ducks were moving out of the north corner and were happy to see the noisy dog that had annoyed us earlier walking from the house and past the lagoons, but now giving us the chance to see the Smew.
Drake Smew on Watton NR
Also a female-type Marsh Harrier over.
Moved on to South Marshes. Only Mute Swan, Mallard, Coot and Gadwall on South Marsh West with even less on South Marsh East [not unusual in winter though] and no sign of the recent three Egyptian Geese . Did get a look at O reservoir from L-shaped though with the viewing screen currently inaccessible. Good numbers of Wigeon, Coot, Goldeneye and Tufted Duck with a couple of Great Crested Grebe and I found the three Red-crested Pochard unfortunately at maximum range below the screen [also mostly asleep].
Two of the three Red-Crested Pochard on D res [2nd male also present].
Had a look at D reservoir. Good number of common wildfowl including the only Little Grebe today but no sign of any of the recent Scaup or any other rarer ducks or grebes.
I find this image on Watton NR strangely seasonal. Happy Christmas everyone with hopefully a better year to come with no restrictions on site and plenty of good birds.
Footnote
The bird services are giving directions from Wilfholme Landing. I would suggest only using this route if you know the area, otherwise you may end up somewhere where you can’t actually view the site [the hide on the west shore is locked] or trespassing on the reserve and flushing everything. From the public footpath along Barmston you have a restricted view through trees and at a lower level than Tophill Low NR. In the end Tophill Low NR is worth the entry fee even with out a Smew on site. However from 6th January Watton NR hide my be closed. More detail on the Tophill Low Blog and best to check with the wardening staff on site. The latest information on birds was a Slavonian Grebe on O and Red-necked Grebe on D res with but no sign of the Smew on the 4th.
“An adult at Plex Moss, Lancashire, from 5 December 1970 to 17 January 1971 becomes the first record for Britain. The same bird spent consecutive winters at the site until January 1974.
Ross’s Goose had been placed in Category D of the British List for many years, as there have been uncertainties about the origins of birds found in Britain because the species is kept widely in captivity and escapes are known to occur.
However, the species is a long-distance migrant in North America and there is much precedent for Nearctic wildfowl, including geese, to cross the Atlantic naturally and be found in Europe. Furthermore, the very significant growth and expansion of the population of Ross’s Goose since the 1950s has increased the probability of such trans-Atlantic vagrancy.
Part of the BOURC remit and procedure is to periodically re-examine species in Category D. Following published BOURC guidelines created to judge the status of wildfowl (British Birds 113: 46-53), BOURC considered a number of records of Ross’s Geese. Following these criteria, this 1970 Plex Moss record was found by the majority of BOURC (7:1) to be eligible for Category A. This record occurred during a period of rapid population growth of the species, and in circumstances highly suggestive of wild origin. Another important part of the process was to confirm the identification of this 50-year old record on the basis of the original field notes along with photographs. These documents were located and BOURC decided unanimously that the identification was secure. Hence the 1970 Plex Moss was accepted as the first British record and the species accepted to Category A.
Ross’s Goose breeds in northern Canada and migrates to winter in southern and western USA and northern Mexico. A significant and dramatic increase in the population has occurred since the 1950s, an estimated 8900% over the past 40 years, with the species now classified as Least Concern by IUCN.
Upon publication of these changes, the British List stands at 628 species (Category A = 610; Category B = 8; Category C = 10).”
Following the above BOURC statement that puts my British List on 499. Pre-Covid 19 I was realistically expecting to reach 500 for Britain by the end of 2020. However a combination of legal restrictions and a current lack of personal transport and lack of desire to use public transport or get a lift has seriously limited my twitching as well as avoiding crowds with only Long-toed Stint added since early 2020. My first Ross’s Goose was at South Ferriby Lincolnshire 10/11/02. This is assumed to be the same bird I saw in Norfolk at Wighton on 5/1/03 which had moved north because of bad weather in Norfolk. As far as I’m aware this is as close to Yorkshire as this species has got although there was a feral bird seen at several sites including Paull on 29/7/07 [the date doesn’t help!]. Also i’ve seen a Ross’s Goose hybrid on a later date at Tophill Low NR. Prior to my first record I attempted to twitch one at Caerlaverock WWT with RL [can’t remember the date!!] which was identified as a known escapee before we got there. I don’t remember whether we actually saw it but do remember fortunately taking the Brough/Scotch Corner route back despite a weather warning and avoiding major snow related delays on the M62. Yorkshire doesn’t have a good record for rare geese with the only good Lesser White-fronted Goose in early 1996 at High Eske NR then Hempholme as well as visiting Tophill Low NR, initially accepted by BBRC then removed in a later report, although still accepted by the YNU. A similar thing happened to a Red-breasted Goose seen at Tophill Low NR which was initially accepted in Cleveland but not at Tophill Low NR before BBRC realised the ambiguity and deleted the record. However a Red-breasted Goose in north Lincolnshire did do a fly past for the lucky few at Spurn Point. With the annual movement of Pink-footed Geese between Scotland and Norfolk there has to be the possibility of Ross’s Goose being picked up over flying the county and with large numbers commuting between the Wolds and the Humber maybe one will make it onto the Yorkshire List some time.
A full article on “The Ross’s Goose in Britain’ was published in British Birds Vol,116 p12-25. My sighting in Lincolnshire and Norfolk was included under “Potential wild birds in Britain” and presumably will appear in a future BBRC annual report.
Ross’s Goose near Paull Holme Strays
BOURC does seem to have taken a more favourable attitude to wildfowl in recent years. Hooded Merganser is given a sympathetic consideration although most records still are dismissed fortunately not mine at Barr Loch, Renfrewshire with GD on 21.1.17 which got through.
Hooded Merganser-Bar Loch, Renfrewshire
However still not made onto the Yorkshire List including a bird seen early this year at Hornsea Mere and Tophill Low NR which despite being considered the ringed bird seen at the first site in early 2019 gave many a false hope before it was confirmed to be the same bird at the latter site. Hornsea Mere is a plastic magnet not helped by the collection at nearby Strawberry Gardens with a earlier Bufflehead which, not helped by it being distance, was pencilled in before relocating to Bransholme sewage works where it’s ring was seen. This leads me to Baikal Teal which I twitched, more for the day out, at Minsmere RSPB on 25.11.01. This remained in Cat D until isotope analysis of a Baikal Teal shot in Norway made wild origin likely, led to BOURC upgrading it to Cat A with the more cautious not waiting long for one at Flamborough Head on 15.4.13. However this species has spoilt itself with one seen at various site including again Hornsea Mere in spring/summer 2019 deemed “uncertain or not to be wild”. I missed this bird as it clashed with a trip to Romania where my serious concern was it following the pattern of several previous rare ducks and moving Tophill Low NR. Another one turned up at Hornsea Mere [found by Dale Middleton] on 9/1/22 then relocated at Tophill Low NR by Roy Lyon at 12/1/22. It was seen on Swine Moor, Beverley on 13/1/22 where it was seen to be un-ringed and fully winged, then back at Tophill Low NR on 14/1/22. 15/1/22 was foggy and it wasn’t reported. For further updates check here.
Baikal Teal-Tophill Low NR
Falcated Duck has also been upgraded to Cat A but I’ve not seen this species with no good examples being seen in my active twitching time. The next will be popular.
Continuing with the more lenient attitude to wildfowl, BOURC are assessing records of White-headed Duck and Ruddy Shelduck. No Yorkshire records of the former and the BOURC review came out rather ambiguous with the likelihood of a wild birds not dismissed but none of the current records accepted [see here]. The latter has a habit of turning up with post moulting Shelduck, with several personal records on the Humber at Brough Haven. Also one seen at Tophill Low NR in 1995 at least. Whether this gets on the site list is questionable although as the current “keeper of the list” I may have to make the final decision. Two mobile birds have been around East Yorkshire since 2021 spending some time at North Cave Wetlands YWT as well as Pickering Park in Hull. I finally saw them in March 2023, initially on the 7th on Priory Road, Cottingham, but don’t have good credentials for me unless from a self sustaining Continental population [if such a thing exists!]
Ruddy Shelduck-Tophill Low NR by John Harriman [copied from Tophill Low Wildlife Group Annual report 1995]
However a lot of dubious records as well as other pure and hybrid Shelduck species about including Cape and Australian, but even if none pass the test in Yorkshire I still hold out for some I saw in Cornwall.
It has been a fairly quiet autumn on the carrs this year but was messaged by PS on Friday morning that there were two Stonechat at Haltemprice Farm [I had just seen one myself at the opposite side of Cottingham at New Ings] so decided to have a look Saturday morning. Starting along the path south of Abbots Walk I was surprised to see eight Golden Plover so close to housing [the species used to be seen in large numbers in the fields north of Springhead GC last century but only seen in small numbers, usually in winter, now].
Golden Plover just south of The Garth.
Reaching Haltemprice Farm I scanned the rough ground but didn’t see any Stonechat so I started looking for the Little Owl that had reappeared in the bushes a few week back. Eventually located it but as always hard to find and even harder to photograph.
Little Owl-Haltemprice Farm
Good to see owl boxes now mounted on the renovated farm house.
Owl boxes at Haltemprice Farm
Scanning further I finally located a Stonechat. Mobile and usually perching on stems too low to get a good shot but it eventually settled on a slightly higher bush.
Stonechat-Haltemprice Farm
The Canada Geese [c150] were still on the flood prevention scheme but initially couldn’t see any Greylags only seeing two later viewing from the path behind the golf course.
Canada and Greylag Geese on Springhead Flood Prevention Scheme
However the rest of the Greylags were at Willerby Carr Farm with others in the paddocks off Priory Road. The weather was looking to go off so decided not to look on the golf course but head straight back along Wood Lane.
Dark clouds over Springhead Flood Prevention Scheme
Six Teal had returned to winter at Willerby Carr Farm with fourteen Mallard.
Teal-Willerby Carr Farm
Otherwise the only thing of note along Wood Lane were two Roe Deer.
Ringlet-Middledyke FieldsRinglet-Middledyke FieldsSpeckled Wood-Snuff Mill LaneCommaCommon Carpet-Millbeck Wildlife AreaBrown Argus-fields by Waterworks Cottages-unfortunately YWA saw fit to cut the vegetation a few days later destroying the only colony of this butterfly in Cottingham [had previous bred on Middledyke Field up to 2019] Gatekeeper-Millbeck Wildlife AreaGatekeeper-Millbeck Wildlife AreaMale Myothropa florea-a Hoverfly -Millbeck Wildlife AreaCommon Darter-Southwood FarmMarmalade Hoverflies-Millbeck Wildlife AreaYellow Shell Moth-Millbeck Wildlife AreaEristalis pertinax-Millbeck Wildlife Area [Male above. Female below] Honey Bee-Millbeck Wildlife AreaUdea lutealis moth-Millbeck Wildlife AreaRed Admiral-Millbeck Wildlife AreaCinnabar caterpillar-Millbeck Wildlife AreaMale Volucella zonaria-a Hoverfly-Millbeck Wildlife Area
Holly Blue butterflyPair of Small White-Haltemprice FarmMigrant Hawker-Haltemprice FarmHawthorn Shield Bug
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