Dashed up to Hartlepool after work yesterday, arrived about 6.10pm. Bird showing really well on the pavement & road next to the bowling green, down to 20ft at one point. Really nice little bird and the weather was lovely - really sunny & warm. Only about 20 birders there for the 50 mins or so we were there which surprised me a bit, expected there to be more.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jun 8 4:50 PM, 2011
Ok Ian
I'll give that a go :)
Paul
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Jun 8 4:04 PM, 2011
of course Paul, it would be welcomed on the website and it's galleries, which now hold over 7,000 images!
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jun 8 3:30 PM, 2011
oops posted a link to a pic here that I took, then saw Ians post asking that no links be posted as an anti-Virus measure, so removed the link, hope that's OK Mr Moderator
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 8th of June 2011 03:45:49 PM
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jun 8 3:22 PM, 2011
jason atkinson wrote:
It takes slightly longer that 30 minutes to get everybody in the country to the bird Sid.
cheers jason
Sure does, Jase, took me bloomin 3 days due to work comittments!!
Got it early this morning though on the edges of the lower bowling green down to a couple of metres Advice if anyone is going - get there early, once folk are about it returns to the Doctors Garden. They mow the bowling green am & it didnt like that. Also today the bloke in Mayfield House, Friar Street was letting folk onto his balcony for £3 & that overlooks the otherwise innaccessible garden (unless you climb on vans or use ladders!!). So if it is in the garden maybe he'll do the same tomorrow. Locals were generally very friendly although we got s******ed at by schoolkids, we were all v.uncool I suppose!!
Any extra advice needed please message me & I'll try to answer, just give me a days notice if poss as I can't access the site from all pcs I use
Good Luck Paul
p.s. the starred out word caught by the swear filter was s n i g g e r e d, I see why it caught that, no offence meant obviously!!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 8th of June 2011 03:46:12 PM
jason atkinson said
Tue Jun 7 8:41 PM, 2011
sid ashton wrote:
Mike Passant wrote:
Not 5 mins ago I had a call from Tony Armstrong; - he's off to Hartlepool to twitch a WHITE- THROATED ROBIN, caught and ringed just now and to be released in the bowling green area (he thinks).
Why didn't they just wait until all of the birders were present to release the bird on a nice clear area to save everyone having to scramble up there then in some cases standing on the tops of vans to look over walls etc. "OK folks? - scopes at the ready here we go".........
It takes slightly longer that 30 minutes to get everybody in the country to the bird Sid.
cheers jason
Henry Cook said
Tue Jun 7 1:06 PM, 2011
sid ashton wrote:
Mike Passant wrote:
Not 5 mins ago I had a call from Tony Armstrong; - he's off to Hartlepool to twitch a WHITE- THROATED ROBIN, caught and ringed just now and to be released in the bowling green area (he thinks).
Why didn't they just wait until all of the birders were present to release the bird on a nice clear area to save everyone having to scramble up there then in some cases standing on the tops of vans to look over walls etc. "OK folks? - scopes at the ready here we go".........
It wouldn't be a good British twitch without paying to go in someone's house or tip-toing on a ladder to peer over a 3m high garden wall!
But seriously, the bird's welfare comes first. If it was stuck in a bag until people travelled from around the country it would probably starve, having just travelled so far. Henry.
sid ashton said
Tue Jun 7 11:47 AM, 2011
Mike Passant wrote:
Not 5 mins ago I had a call from Tony Armstrong; - he's off to Hartlepool to twitch a WHITE- THROATED ROBIN, caught and ringed just now and to be released in the bowling green area (he thinks).
Why didn't they just wait until all of the birders were present to release the bird on a nice clear area to save everyone having to scramble up there then in some cases standing on the tops of vans to look over walls etc. "OK folks? - scopes at the ready here we go".........
Mike Chorley said
Mon Jun 6 10:23 PM, 2011
Rather more elusive this afternoon, following the bowls match!
Mike Passant said
Mon Jun 6 5:37 PM, 2011
White-throated Robin:-
Just to clarify for anyone contemplating going; - "Friar street" as I mentioned in the earlier directions, is one and the same as "Moor Parade," simply being the south end of that street. The Robin is still showing mid afternoon, but is commuting via Olive Street from time to time a short distance of perhaps 150 yds to the "Doctor's Garden" which is not accessible. I can only imagine the crowd size by now, but hopefully all will be seeing the bird and hopefully there will be a high turnover of visitors. Cheers, Mike P.
Mike Passant said
Mon Jun 6 1:40 PM, 2011
The White-throated Robin (a female) was quite settled and feeding along the grassy surrounding margin to the bowling green mid morning when we arrived. Only about 50/60 birders were there, but numbers were building rapidly when we left as more birders from further afield were arriving.
Directions for those interested are:
Take the A1049 towards Hartlepool Headland as normal, but150 yds before reaching the immediate vicinity of the imposing St Hilda's church and the Croft area near Verrill's chippy, cut off left (i.e. east/ seaward) along Union Street, which, with a slight dogleg, becomes Friar Terrace. Follow this short street to the T junction and turn right. You are now on Friar street and you will see a mass of parked cars, park anywhere you can here. the bowling green is obvious and on the seaward side of Friar Street. To the north and east beyond the bowling green perimeter fence is the open expanse of grass (Town Moor) covering some hundreds of yards, it may be possible to park further along the road on the edge of this (if birders nos. are in the thousands!)
If you're going, I'd go sooner rather than later!
Good Luck, Mike P.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jun 6 1:31 PM, 2011
The female White-throated Robin has shown on & off since release. Directions are that it is at Hartlepool Headland by the inner bowling green near Olive Street, access from the S.end of Moor Parade.
Work commitments mean I cannot go until Wednesday, probably a long shot that it will stay, ah well :) Anyone want a lift on Wednesday then PM me & we'll see what we can do.
Cheers Paul
Mike Passant said
Mon Jun 6 9:19 AM, 2011
Where does the drama end??? - The answer is, it doesn't!!
Not 5 mins ago I had a call from Tony Armstrong; - he's off to Hartlepool to twitch a WHITE- THROATED ROBIN, caught and ringed just now and to be released in the bowling green area (he thinks). I'll follow soon. ( Today I was supposed to get on with jobs following my jaunt into Manchester yesterday; the divorce lawyers will be on standby if this continues!!) Up dates will follow.
Cheers, Mike P.
Rob Smallwood said
Sun Feb 27 1:39 AM, 2011
I gave in to temptation too on Friday. Better views of the RTD (OTD) than I've ever had of Turtle Dove, fantastic hosptitality and fairly good behaviour all round.
Sad to see that some residents have had enough, not helped by some isolated incedents of bad behaviour.
Photos from Friday on the Out of County Gallery.
Henry Cook said
Thu Feb 24 9:01 PM, 2011
24/02/2011 - Myself and Sid Ashton finally caught up with the long-staying Oriental Turtle Dove today. It was still present in the area of 'The Leys' and eventually gave itself up to us properly in the back hedge of house number 41. No access to that house today but the view from the welcoming garden of 33 was enough to clinch id. There might be access to house 41 again on Friday and perhaps Saturday for anyone thinking of going but the owners request that everyone tries not to visit on Sunday (onwards?) so the street and a number of disgruntled residents can get back to some sort of normality. Early morning still seems to be best if allowed into 41 and the following few hours the bird visits mature trees viewed south from the ISIS access track at the bottom of 'The Leys' or occasionally comes back to the garden when disturbed from here as it was today by a Buzzard. Also about in the gardens and environs were:
Decided to have another go this morning for the Oriental Turtle Dove along with Jason Atkinson.
On arriving at 7.45am, only a few birders were present when the owner of the house - Steve, kindly invited us in.
After 30 minutes or so of seeing some great action on the feeders with Brambling, Siskin, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Wooodpecker, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove and Jackdaw all noted, along came the Dove landing at first on the trellis and straight onto the lawn giving us unbelievable views down to just 12 feet and definately a case of the "Wow" factor!!
After 5 minutes the bird then walked to the side of the garden and out of sight, giving a few more birders their turn to see such a magnificent bird for the UK.
From there we headed to Rainham Marshes for the Slaty Backed Gull but despite continuous searching, unfortunately the bird did not show to those present with a couple of Yellow Legged Gulls being the highlights amongst the usual commoner Gull species.
Still, we went home really pleased after a great day out!!
John Rayner said
Sat Feb 19 11:33 PM, 2011
An interesting day today, beginning with a ridiculous 03.30 start, found Mr Rigby and myself in Chipping Norton at 06.15, an hour before dawn. There were already about 60 birders before us in the queue at no. 41 The Leys and it was raining quite heavily. Not a good start. Dawn broke and one of us (OK me) even managed to fall asleep crouching under an umbrella whilst leaning against a low wall. Young local entrepreneurs were out in force selling cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee to raise money for the local swimming baths and any money raised by entry to no. 41 was to go to Birdlife International and Birdlife Malta. Unfortunately the Rufous Turtle Dove did not show on cue and a great fund raising opportunity was almost missed. The crowd grew to around 400, which could have been a problem in a quiet suburban street but birders and residents got on very amicably. When the Dove did eventually show it could first be seen from the road by a fortunate group and later by everyone as it preened in an Ash tree across a field. Easy public viewing here which rather thwarted charity fund raising. However, some hundreds of pounds have already been raised for worthy causes so everyone is a winner
Pete Hines said
Sat Feb 19 11:11 AM, 2011
Several people attempted the double yesterday, scoring the OTD in the morning (decent prolonged scope views from 3 doors up ) though the SBG failed to show in the afternoon . I've just noticed my boat-race in the BGs weekly review picture of the crowd from last Tuesday, I'm stood infront of the black car outside the house (in a static queue for 8 freezing hours ).
Henry Cook said
Wed Feb 16 2:18 PM, 2011
Slaty-backed Gull back on Rainham tip today. Could make a good double with the Oriental Turtle Dove for a twitch were both much more showy, as it is it's a highly risky journey at the moment.
Rob Smallwood said
Wed Feb 16 1:02 PM, 2011
Frustratingly it's there today but no access, other than for a TV crew who were able to broadcast live images this morning. It has just been reported from the trees by the garden.
sid ashton said
Wed Feb 16 9:35 AM, 2011
sid ashton wrote:
Not long back from Chipping Norton where Henry Cook, Phil Owen and myself made an unsuccessful attempt to find the Rufous Turtle Dove. We arrived late morning having found out on the journey that the bird had not been seen since 08.45 ish, despite this we took our places in the queue which was at that stage some 300 folk strong. The theory being that it would return to the private garden where it has been feeding for the past 3 or 4 days. With that many birders ahead of us in the line we quickly calculated that for us to get a chance to hand over our £5 entry fees the bird would need to be back in the garden by 2pm. This of course didn't happen and like many others we took turns at walking around the surrounding area trying to locate the bird - all to no avail. We did find a Peregrine on the local mill chimney but that was about it.We left as evening came in after checking the possible local roost sites but still no sign.
Nevertheless an interesting day in good company - Henry and Phil were OK as well
Typical, the bird is reported as being present this morning
John Rayner said
Tue Feb 15 10:28 PM, 2011
Mike Passant wrote:
John Rayner E-mailed to me a photo of people queuing to see the RTD.
I wasn't one of those queuing I hasten to add - I too was accumulating many brownie points by decorating. I understand only the first 15 or so out of a queue of some hundreds actually saw the bird. A shame for the birder in whose garden the Rufous Turtle Dove had settled for the previous 3 days. Having made the brave decision to open his house at a fiver a time (proceeds to Birdlife International and Birdlife Malta) he deserved to make a bit more for charity.
Cheers, John
Mike Passant said
Tue Feb 15 10:02 PM, 2011
John Rayner E-mailed to me a photo of people queuing to see the RTD. It made me feel quite fulfilled that I've spent the last few days decorating and watching a few old films on tele. I think the dip on the Slaty-backed Gull last month (at that incredibly depressing rubbish tip) has actually done me a power of good, as I'm feeling refreshingly sane and well adjusted.
sid ashton said
Tue Feb 15 9:04 PM, 2011
Not long back from Chipping Norton where Henry Cook, Phil Owen and myself made an unsuccessful attempt to find the Rufous Turtle Dove. We arrived late morning having found out on the journey that the bird had not been seen since 08.45 ish, despite this we took our places in the queue which was at that stage some 300 folk strong. The theory being that it would return to the private garden where it has been feeding for the past 3 or 4 days. With that many birders ahead of us in the line we quickly calculated that for us to get a chance to hand over our £5 entry fees the bird would need to be back in the garden by 2pm. This of course didn't happen and like many others we took turns at walking around the surrounding area trying to locate the bird - all to no avail. We did find a Peregrine on the local mill chimney but that was about it. We left as evening came in after checking the possible local roost sites but still no sign.
Nevertheless an interesting day in good company - Henry and Phil were OK as well
Jon Taverner said
Tue Feb 15 7:36 PM, 2011
According to Birdguides and RBA, it flew off around 11am this morning and had not returned by late afternoon.
Paul Heaton said
Tue Feb 15 8:24 AM, 2011
Tis only a bird Rob... I am in the same boat... also I hate queuing and paying to see a bird, it somehow feels wrong,.
Remember thou shalt always bird...( on u tube.)
Good luck
Rob Smallwood said
Mon Feb 14 9:56 PM, 2011
£5.00 entry to the garden tomorrow (Tuesday) but no access Wed or Thursday. Guess which two days I can take off this week...
Phil Owen said
Mon Feb 14 7:33 PM, 2011
Rufous Turtle Dove - Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
Rob Smallwood said
Fri Jan 14 4:15 PM, 2011
Probable Slaty-backed Gull - Rainham...
Henry Cook said
Fri Oct 29 5:24 PM, 2010
Cancel that. Looks like it might not stay now, what with anecdotal evidence from the site suggesting tick-hungry twitchers flushed the poor bird repeatedly all morning. Henry.
Paul Heaton said
Fri Oct 29 1:03 PM, 2010
Makes you feel so much better when you come off the Isles of Scilly, and drive past a mega.
Keep Birding.
Henry Cook said
Fri Oct 29 9:59 AM, 2010
AMERICAN BITTERN present south of Zennor, Cornwall - been there at least 5 days already so looks to be quite settled in and given the pattern of recent records it might stay around a fair while yet!
Paul Heaton said
Sun Oct 10 8:28 PM, 2010
Gentlemen, never give up! remember its in your local patch, look at last years beauty
Eastern Crown Warbler, or Kents handsome Golden-winged warbler in tesco's car park, found by a birder going to post a letter.
History is made by looking at every bird.
But it is nice to be on St Agnes in October.
Keep Birding
Pete Hines said
Sun Oct 10 8:11 PM, 2010
John Barber wrote:
Paul Heaton wrote:
Well well things are picking up don't you know
Solitary Sandpiper Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Black Eared Wheatear Red Flanked Bluetail Hermit Thrush Isabelline Wheatear
Red Eyed Vireo Raddes Warbler Blackpoll warbler among others, so where do you go.......
Helps a bit if you are in Shetland, Cornwall, the Scilly Isles or on the East Coast !
Or the west coast of Ireland ( if you do BOU / IRBC )
-- Edited by Pete Hines on Sunday 10th of October 2010 08:12:51 PM
John Barber said
Sun Oct 10 7:58 PM, 2010
Paul Heaton wrote:
Well well things are picking up don't you know
Solitary Sandpiper Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Black Eared Wheatear Red Flanked Bluetail Hermit Thrush Isabelline Wheatear
Red Eyed Vireo Raddes Warbler Blackpoll warbler among others, so where do you go.......
Helps a bit if you are in Shetland, Cornwall, the Scilly Isles or on the East Coast !
Paul Heaton said
Sun Oct 10 7:26 PM, 2010
Well well things are picking up don't you know
Solitary Sandpiper Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Black Eared Wheatear Red Flanked Bluetail Hermit Thrush Isabelline Wheatear
Red Eyed Vireo Raddes Warbler Blackpoll warbler among others, so where do you go.......
Anywhere cause they were found by birders out in the field, so stop reading this and get out there.
Ps anyone on Scilly oct 18th-25th I will be in the cabin, please call in for a whiskey or two.
Keep Birding
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Oct 2 10:21 PM, 2010
I'm surprised no one has mentioned it but despite the Rufous-tailed Robin found on North Ronaldsay, Orkney today being discovered deceased it's still an amazing bird no less. Surely a sign of what might be lurking out there somewhere.
Either way, the Manchester Birding website has some pretty exclusive photos of the unfortunate vagrant.
dave broome said
Sun Sep 26 4:15 PM, 2010
The Wigan Parula now lives in Liverpool Museum if anybody fancies twitching it... I think it's probably stored in collection rather than being displayed.
Paul Heaton said
Sun Sep 26 8:05 AM, 2010
Mike Passant wrote:
Play it cool... Parula Warbler is overdue nearer to home (maybe sooner than you might suppose).
November 2nd 1982 Wigan now that would be nice if it happened again
It looks likes it may be a good Autumn.
Keep Birding
Henry Cook said
Sat Sep 25 10:27 PM, 2010
Mike Passant wrote:
Now the Empidonax sp. that's a different matter....perhaps once in a lifetime in Europe?
What with two empi's in the UK in just the last 3 years, they are slowly becoming the new Blackpoll Warbler or Red-eyed Vireo to British birders. No doubt there will be more to come. At this time it is still a staggering find though, now someone's just got to i.d. it!
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Saturday 25th of September 2010 10:28:38 PM
Mike Passant said
Sat Sep 25 10:05 PM, 2010
Play it cool... Parula Warbler is overdue nearer to home (maybe sooner than you might suppose).
If you were to go up to Tyree, that might be the best way to guarantee one turning up again in Gr. Manchester. (That plantation by Castleshaw looks tailor made for a Parula). I recall going for a certain Short-billed dowitcher in N. Scotland only to see it again shortly afterwards on Teesside
Now the Empidonax sp. that's a different matter....perhaps once in a lifetime in Europe?
Simon Warford said
Sat Sep 25 8:12 PM, 2010
Really would like to see a Parula, was tempted enough to look at the logistics of getting there, 604 mile drive, 4 hour ferry trip from Oban at £16 return foot passenger, taxi to the bird, 6 mile from ferry, 1 nights b&b, then all the way back! Fancy it Riggers?
Think I will have to stick to the big vis mig up on moors.
Henry Cook said
Sat Sep 25 7:08 PM, 2010
It's all kicking off now! Pics of Empidonax sp on Surfbirds stop-press gallery. Some great looking winds crossing the atlantic over the next week too with fairly calm conditions on the coasts at times to search out those megas.
Mike Passant said
Sat Sep 25 6:55 PM, 2010
Putative Yellow-bellied Flycatcher found this afternoon on Blakeney Point, Norfolk; if i/d is correct, - a first for the West. Pal. Also, as support evidence it seems to have arrived in good company; a Parula Warbler is on Tyree, (Argyle and Bute).
I wonder if on its way south, the Flycatcher flew over Co. Durham....?
Info. thanks to John Rayner.
Good Hunting, Mike P.
Mike Passant said
Tue Sep 21 1:10 PM, 2010
Update re Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. The bird has been showing well through mid-morning period but has moved from last night's site by about 3/4 Km. inland, (apparently it was flushed by someone at about 7.15!)
Amended directions are :
From the car park, proceed 300m. to the bridge over Greatham Creek, not now crossing the road, but cross the bridge instead and take the signed footpath just after (north of) the bridge walking inland some 200 metres. If still in the same spot you should see a huddle of birders. The bird this morning was feeding on exposed mud of the north side of the creek with 5/6 Dunlin and Bl. H. Gulls. If not here, just look for any local birders for info.
Cheers, Mike P.
Tom McKinney said
Tue Sep 21 12:13 AM, 2010
The Sharpie was found by north-east birding legend Dave Britton. Just a few weeks ago he found a White-rumped Sandpiper at South Gare. Amazingly this is Dave's second self-found Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, after one he bagged in Cleveland in 1977.
Mike Passant said
Mon Sep 20 11:03 PM, 2010
I'm not quite sure if Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (on Teesside) counts as a "Mega" these days, (though apparently Rare Bird Alert so considers it).
I have put details earlier of where to go on the "North East Invaded" thread for any Mancy birders who might venture forth.
Cheers, Mike P.
Henry Cook said
Mon Sep 20 5:55 PM, 2010
BOBOLINK present in Glamorgan at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. Would be nice for a mainland bird to stick about for a few days.
I'll give that a go :)
Paul
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 8th of June 2011 03:45:49 PM
p.s. the starred out word caught by the swear filter was s n i g g e r e d, I see why it caught that, no offence meant obviously!!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 8th of June 2011 03:46:12 PM
It takes slightly longer that 30 minutes to get everybody in the country to the bird Sid.
cheers
jason
It wouldn't be a good British twitch without paying to go in someone's house or tip-toing on a ladder to peer over a 3m high garden wall!
But seriously, the bird's welfare comes first. If it was stuck in a bag until people travelled from around the country it would probably starve, having just travelled so far.
Henry.
Just to clarify for anyone contemplating going; - "Friar street" as I mentioned in the earlier directions, is one and the same as "Moor Parade," simply being the south end of that street.
The Robin is still showing mid afternoon, but is commuting via Olive Street from time to time a short distance of perhaps 150 yds to the "Doctor's Garden" which is not accessible. I can only imagine the crowd size by now, but hopefully all will be seeing the bird and hopefully there will be a high turnover of visitors.
Cheers,
Mike P.
Only about 50/60 birders were there, but numbers were building rapidly when we left as more birders from further afield were arriving.
Directions for those interested are:
Take the A1049 towards Hartlepool Headland as normal, but150 yds before reaching the immediate vicinity of the imposing St Hilda's church and the Croft area near Verrill's chippy, cut off left (i.e. east/ seaward) along Union Street, which, with a slight dogleg, becomes Friar Terrace.
Follow this short street to the T junction and turn right. You are now on Friar street and you will see a mass of parked cars, park anywhere you can here. the bowling green is obvious and on the seaward side of Friar Street.
To the north and east beyond the bowling green perimeter fence is the open expanse of grass (Town Moor) covering some hundreds of yards, it may be possible to park further along the road on the edge of this (if birders nos. are in the thousands!)
If you're going, I'd go sooner rather than later!
Good Luck, Mike P.
Work commitments mean I cannot go until Wednesday, probably a long shot that it will stay, ah well :) Anyone want a lift on Wednesday then PM me & we'll see what we can do.
Cheers
Paul
Where does the drama end??? - The answer is, it doesn't!!
Not 5 mins ago I had a call from Tony Armstrong; - he's off to Hartlepool to twitch a WHITE- THROATED ROBIN, caught and ringed just now and to be released in the bowling green area (he thinks).
I'll follow soon. ( Today I was supposed to get on with jobs following my jaunt into Manchester yesterday; the divorce lawyers will be on standby if this continues!!)
Up dates will follow.
Cheers,
Mike P.
Sad to see that some residents have had enough, not helped by some isolated incedents of bad behaviour.
Photos from Friday on the Out of County Gallery.
Also about in the gardens and environs were:
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
2 Skylarks
7 Stock Doves
1 Goldcrest
2 Siskins
5 Bramblings
Whoops!!!
Pictures of the Dove here.
cheers
jason
On arriving at 7.45am, only a few birders were present when the owner of the house - Steve, kindly invited us in.
After 30 minutes or so of seeing some great action on the feeders with Brambling, Siskin, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Wooodpecker, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove and Jackdaw all noted, along came the Dove landing at first on the trellis and straight onto the lawn giving us unbelievable views down to just 12 feet and definately a case of the "Wow" factor!!
After 5 minutes the bird then walked to the side of the garden and out of sight, giving a few more birders their turn to see such a magnificent bird for the UK.
From there we headed to Rainham Marshes for the Slaty Backed Gull but despite continuous searching, unfortunately the bird did not show to those present with a couple of Yellow Legged Gulls being the highlights amongst the usual commoner Gull species.
Still, we went home really pleased after a great day out!!
I wasn't one of those queuing I hasten to add - I too was accumulating many brownie points by decorating. I understand only the first 15 or so out of a queue of some hundreds actually saw the bird. A shame for the birder in whose garden the Rufous Turtle Dove had settled for the previous 3 days. Having made the brave decision to open his house at a fiver a time (proceeds to Birdlife International and Birdlife Malta) he deserved to make a bit more for charity.
Cheers, John
John Rayner E-mailed to me a photo of people queuing to see the RTD. It made me feel quite fulfilled that I've spent the last few days decorating and watching a few old films on tele.
I think the dip on the Slaty-backed Gull last month (at that incredibly depressing rubbish tip) has actually done me a power of good, as I'm feeling refreshingly sane and well adjusted.
We left as evening came in after checking the possible local roost sites but still no sign.
Nevertheless an interesting day in good company - Henry and Phil were OK as well
Remember thou shalt always bird...( on u tube.)
Good luck
Henry.
Keep Birding.
Eastern Crown Warbler, or Kents handsome Golden-winged warbler in tesco's car park, found by a birder going to post a letter.
History is made by looking at every bird.
But it is nice to be on St Agnes in October.
Keep Birding
Or the west coast of Ireland ( if you do BOU / IRBC )
-- Edited by Pete Hines on Sunday 10th of October 2010 08:12:51 PM
Helps a bit if you are in Shetland, Cornwall, the Scilly Isles or on the East Coast !
Solitary Sandpiper
Eastern Olivaceous Warbler
Black Eared Wheatear
Red Flanked Bluetail
Hermit Thrush
Isabelline Wheatear
Red Eyed Vireo
Raddes Warbler
Blackpoll warbler among others, so where do you go.......
Anywhere cause they were found by birders out in the field, so stop reading this and get out there.
Ps anyone on Scilly oct 18th-25th I will be in the cabin, please call in for a whiskey or two.
Keep Birding
Either way, the Manchester Birding website has some pretty exclusive photos of the unfortunate vagrant.
I think it's probably stored in collection rather than being displayed.
What with two empi's in the UK in just the last 3 years, they are slowly becoming the new Blackpoll Warbler or Red-eyed Vireo to British birders. No doubt there will be more to come. At this time it is still a staggering find though, now someone's just got to i.d. it!
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Saturday 25th of September 2010 10:28:38 PM
If you were to go up to Tyree, that might be the best way to guarantee one turning up again in Gr. Manchester. (That plantation by Castleshaw looks tailor made for a Parula).
I recall going for a certain Short-billed dowitcher in N. Scotland only to see it again shortly afterwards on Teesside
Now the Empidonax sp. that's a different matter....perhaps once in a lifetime in Europe?
Think I will have to stick to the big vis mig up on moors
Some great looking winds crossing the atlantic over the next week too with fairly calm conditions on the coasts at times to search out those megas.
I wonder if on its way south, the Flycatcher flew over Co. Durham....?
Info. thanks to John Rayner.
Good Hunting,
Mike P.
The bird has been showing well through mid-morning period but has moved from last night's site by about 3/4 Km. inland, (apparently it was flushed by someone at about 7.15!)
Amended directions are :
From the car park, proceed 300m. to the bridge over Greatham Creek, not now crossing the road, but cross the bridge instead and take the signed footpath just after (north of) the bridge walking inland some 200 metres. If still in the same spot you should see a huddle of birders. The bird this morning was feeding on exposed mud of the north side of the creek with 5/6 Dunlin and Bl. H. Gulls. If not here, just look for any local birders for info.
Cheers,
Mike P.
I have put details earlier of where to go on the "North East Invaded" thread for any Mancy birders who might venture forth.
Cheers,
Mike P.
Would be nice for a mainland bird to stick about for a few days.