**Breaking news** RED FLANKED BLUETAIL Spurn, awesome.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Oct 7 10:38 PM, 2009
John Rayner wrote:
Ian,
No sooner do you say that North Ronaldsay is devoid of megas (see Sept mystery bird answers) and within minutes an Eye-browed Thrush turns up.
In the hope that lightning will strike twice could I just mention that Greater Manchester has been devoid of megas (barring the un-twitchable Rose-coloured Starling) for quite a while now.
Cheers, John
no sooner had Paul found it and he was winging the photos to prove it directly to my computer! My how we laughed at the coincidence of it all, well Paul did anyway. Im not generally an envious man and finding my own Eye-browed in China was mega enough but the species remains so high as a wanted find on my personal UK self-found list that I couldn't help the teeth gnashing when I heard about it.
Craig Higson said
Wed Oct 7 10:28 PM, 2009
Baillons Crake at Spurn if anyones heading over that way. If only they'd left it two weeks before finding the little blighter.
John Rayner said
Mon Oct 5 2:24 PM, 2009
Ian,
No sooner do you say that North Ronaldsay is devoid of megas (see Sept mystery bird answers) and within minutes an Eye-browed Thrush turns up.
In the hope that lightning will strike twice could I just mention that Greater Manchester has been devoid of megas (barring the un-twitchable Rose-coloured Starling) for quite a while now.
Cheers, John
Paul Heaton said
Thu Oct 1 5:39 PM, 2009
VEERY Foula Shetland this afternoon.
A tad bit North for my liking considering I have booked The Scillies again.
Keep Birding
Simon Warford said
Tue Sep 29 6:33 PM, 2009
Sandhill Crane left South Ronaldsay at 10.12am heading south then over Brora following the A9 at 12.25, thats 70 miles in just over 2 hours. Amazing stuff watching it being tracked down the coast, wonder where is next for the beauty.
Simon Warford said
Tue Sep 29 1:32 PM, 2009
Lets hope it goes straight to Holland without stopping, oh wait its actually heading our way! Wheres it going to turn up next?
Had an excellent weekend in Orkney. Bumped into Phil Rhodes at John O Groats he just arrived in time for the ferry but he hadnt booked his car on, luckily they let him on. Funniest moment was the convoy from the car ferry to the Sandhill Crane a journey of approx. 3 miles, 30 cars speeding down the main road on South Ronaldsay, locals wondering what was going on. It was follow my leader that went wrong, the lead car had no idea where he was going and we all ended up stuck down a single track dead end road to a farm, luckily we were in the middle of the convoy so managed to turn round and were on site soon after watching the Sandhill Crane.
Another humorous moment was at the B&B on Saturday night, the owner said he was going out for the evening and the door would be open for us to get in after we went to the local for food etc. But when we got back to the place it was locked up and in complete darkness, no owner in sight and we couldnt get in! One of our group disappeared round the back of the building only to emerge a few minutes later to say "ive kicked the back door in" well we couldnt believe it, "youve done what?!" we replied. But it transpired he was only winding us up the owner had in fact left the kitchen door open for us but had only forgot to tell us!
Bird wise, too much to mention really, apart from the Sandhill Crane, 2 smart adult American Golden Plovers were particularly obliging. As you would expect at this time of year, lots of birds on the move, with good numbers of Pink footed geese arriving and flying south, ducks much in evidence with Wigeon everywhere, plus Scaup, 2 Surf Scoters & Long Tailed Ducks. Also several Slavonian Grebes, 60+ Black Guillemots, all 3 Diver species, Bonxies, Hen Harriers, Merlin & Short Eared Owl. Gutting that the Yellow Billed Cuckoo didnt make it till the morning, thats 2 ive dipped now
One of the best twitches ever, not as good as the Wallcreeper twitch though
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Tuesday 29th of September 2009 01:36:09 PM
Rob Thorpe said
Tue Sep 29 12:38 PM, 2009
pete berry wrote:
Looks like the Sandhill Crane is on the move,its now on mainland Scotland,makes it a lot easier to twitch,it could be on its way southward
it's quite interesting keeping track of it's adventure via the birdguides website, although I am supposed to be working. Its certain to pass through Greater Manchester
-- Edited by Rob Thorpe on Tuesday 29th of September 2009 12:49:15 PM
pete berry said
Tue Sep 29 12:10 PM, 2009
Looks like the Sandhill Crane is on the move,its now on mainland Scotland,makes it a lot easier to twitch,it could be on its way southward
Pete Hines said
Mon Sep 28 10:15 AM, 2009
Many folk didn't sleep for two nights getting there and back . A couple of photo's of the crane now in the 'out of county' photo gallery . Myself & Tom McK spent an hour at the Gloup car park 13.30-14.30 on Friday, grilling mobile GP's, only a few metres from the Y-b Cuckoo that nobody knew about, news came out when we got on the returning 17.00 ferry
The NE beckons once more with a TAIGA FLYCATCHER on Fetlar, Shetland, present for it's 6th day (3rd British record) ferry departs Aberdeen 19.00 this evening.
-- Edited by Pete Hines on Monday 28th of September 2009 11:09:48 AM
Ian Woosey said
Mon Sep 28 9:00 AM, 2009
WELL ???????...................We`re waiting !.............I`ve not slept for two neets worrying !!!
Paul Heaton said
Sat Sep 26 9:04 AM, 2009
Gm birders have landed! the assault pary led by Warfy has gone into the wilderness, the Crane is still there,however.............all contact has gone dead.... radio silence......
keep birding, good luck
Mark Rigby said
Sat Sep 26 12:47 AM, 2009
WARFY update..........
2123hrs-Warfy reaches Carlise only another 3 trillion miles to go..................
Paul Heaton said
Fri Sep 25 5:57 PM, 2009
Not certain if anyone has done the triple today, but the 200 club has sent the WARFY
I have been given detailed instructions to keep them updated from the base camp, should the pager reception prove to be bad.
(Oh how I am glad I have to work this weekend)
Good luck.
Keep birding
Henry Cook said
Fri Sep 25 5:12 PM, 2009
Add to that a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO now! I wonder if anyone has done the trio today?!
Simon Warford said
Fri Sep 25 1:21 PM, 2009
Paul, I understand Tom Mckinney was one of the lucky few who saw the Albatross today, thats quite a "back up" bird or would that surpass the Crane? think it would for me.
Paul Heaton said
Fri Sep 25 10:44 AM, 2009
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS AD near South Ronaldsay seen from ferry 10.10.
oh me oh my, then when you get off the ferry you can see the Sandhill Crane.
What a twitch, trip, day out, whatever you call it, if you had those two birds on your day list, you would have a tale to tell
Good luck to the GM birders going in van loads this weekend.
Keep birding
Melanie Beckford said
Wed Sep 23 10:10 PM, 2009
can't afford it either...cosssssssss
just bought a new car today...YIPPEE!!!
ahem,regains composure
Paul Heaton said
Wed Sep 23 9:29 PM, 2009
Tempted oh yes, but can I afford it oh no
Afraid my time and money is all set aside for the Scillies.
Go on Mel drive him up there, it will be a lovely day out.
Keep dreaming
Melanie Beckford said
Wed Sep 23 8:31 PM, 2009
Simon Warford wrote:
SANDHILL CRANE - South Ronaldsay, Orkney, anyone tempted??
you mean...apart from YOU!!
Simon Warford said
Wed Sep 23 8:27 PM, 2009
SANDHILL CRANE - South Ronaldsay, Orkney, anyone tempted??
Simon Warford said
Wed Sep 16 8:58 PM, 2009
Its certainly well up there Henry, then again I saw the Murrelet..just shows you its always worth a seawatch!
Henry Cook said
Wed Sep 16 8:32 PM, 2009
bigger than the recent murrelet would you say Simon? Hope so, because I dipped the murrelet, will make me feel a little more consolable about that incident!
Simon Warford said
Wed Sep 16 8:27 PM, 2009
Paul, undoubtedly one of biggest mega's of recent times! Ive seen Tufted Puffins in Vancouver they are great birds, it was seen well by 6 birders and photographs can be seen at
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Wednesday 16th of September 2009 08:29:02 PM
Paul Heaton said
Wed Sep 16 5:14 PM, 2009
TUFTED PUFFIN reported in kent today, now there a bird worth seeing in British waters.
Keep Birding
Paul Heaton said
Tue Sep 8 7:33 PM, 2009
Simon Warford wrote: There untwitchable Paul!
Nothing is untwitchable, you sometimes have bad luck, and have to go again, but hey it was showing well today according to the pagers.
Keep birding, in all its forms
Simon Warford said
Sun Sep 6 1:48 PM, 2009
Paul Heaton wrote:
FAN-TAILED WARBLER
Kent Pegwell bay if you left right now you would get it today, dont think just twitch and go
keep birding
There untwitchable Paul!
Paul Heaton said
Sun Sep 6 11:30 AM, 2009
FAN-TAILED WARBLER
Kent Pegwell bay if you left right now you would get it today, dont think just twitch and go
keep birding
Pete Hines said
Mon Aug 31 12:14 AM, 2009
I lazily nipped down to Farmoor Res, Oxon for the Chilidonias trio this afternoon (30th Aug 09) and was well chuffed . The juvenile American Black Tern, juvenile White-winged Black Tern and juvenile Eurasian Black Tern all together. Prob could have got some decent digi-scope perched shots/vid clips if I hadn't left the camera in the car
Paul Heaton said
Thu Aug 13 5:06 PM, 2009
Is the scilly season starting early
AUDOUIN'S GULL St Mary's Hugh Town.
Roll on October.
Keep birding
Pete Hines said
Fri Jul 24 9:59 AM, 2009
A nice account of the bee-eater here
http://stmargaretsphotodiary.blogspot.com/
Steve Suttill said
Fri Jul 24 9:36 AM, 2009
Where was I on the 13-15th July? You guessed it - Pembrokeshire!
The Cowbird wasn't in the garden of the cottage where we were staying.
Steve
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Jul 23 10:42 PM, 2009
Statistically it is of course a mega, but Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and Cowbird on the same 'mega' thread, which one would you rather see especially as Cowbird doesn't even have wings with which to carry itself across the Atlantic. And to think, in some terms it is a 'better' bird than the Bee-eater
Mike Passant said
Thu Jul 23 7:46 PM, 2009
re --- Brown-headed Cowbird in Wales.
Brown-headed Cowbirds everywhere, puff out your chests with pride! When were you ever described as "MEGA" before???
(They gas them in Michigan).
Simon Warford said
Thu Jul 23 6:16 PM, 2009
Another Mega that got away, a Brown Headed Cowbird, Pembrokeshire private garden 13-15th July..
www.pembsbirds.blogspot.com
1st for Wales.
Simon Warford said
Wed Jul 22 6:51 PM, 2009
Blimey, check out the photo on surfbirds, can u imagine that at Elton!
Paul Heaton said
Wed Jul 22 11:02 AM, 2009
BLUE -CHEEKED BEE-EATER.
St Magaret's Kent 10.10.10.20.
Now that would be a nice bird to see.
keep birding
Rob Smallwood said
Wed Mar 4 8:55 PM, 2009
Ouch! I'll start saving for the petrol now!
Henry Cook said
Wed Mar 4 7:30 PM, 2009
Cheers for the offer Rob. I'm at uni in Cornwall right now though! It's only a slight detour via the Snowy Owl!
Rob Smallwood said
Wed Mar 4 6:08 PM, 2009
If it does I'll give that lift I owe you!
Henry Cook said
Wed Mar 4 5:57 PM, 2009
Sounds like it could be twitchable but after being caught and caged for a few hours (where it got agitated) I wouldn't be suprised if it 'did one' and vanished overnight. Weather conditions overnight are set to be partially cloudy, chilly and little wind. Good luck to those who brave it! I hope it does a White-crowned Sparrow on us again and sticks it out until March. Henry.
Rob Smallwood said
Wed Mar 4 4:17 PM, 2009
Siberian Thrush in Norfolk, taken in to care and released at Natural Surroundings LNR near Glandford.
Black-bellied Dipper nearby too from memory...
Paul Heaton said
Wed Jan 14 8:24 AM, 2009
Rob- a good laugh for someone! I think not, this type of action is disgraceful, and they should be ashamed, ,not everyone is a cautious as Warfy and as soon as the news is out, they,re off. I can think of a number of occasions where birds may have been missed by waiting around, Belted Kingfisher for one.
Years ago a stuffed bird was photographed in a field and that caused alot of trouble and strife for all concerned.
Mistakes I can live with, Grosbeak spring to mind, but not this. bang out of order
Whatever happens we just have to.
Keep birding.
Rob Smallwood said
Tue Jan 13 11:41 PM, 2009
Indeed - a good laugh for someone, but not those who took time off work or travelled long distances (Scotland for example) to try and re-find it.
Not the first hoax, nor the last I fear.
This sort of thing puts huge pressure on those of us that share our rare birds, the likes of Ian that provide information, and the info services that most of us rely on.
Luckily I went NE and picked up the gull on Saturday, seemingly just in time!
Simon Warford said
Tue Jan 13 10:02 PM, 2009
Rob Smallwood wrote:
Stellar's Eider off Lleyn Peninsular (although possibly only last weekend for latter).
Rob, it would appear the Stellar's Eider was in fact a hoax, the photo was found to be taken in 2006 in Finland An identical picture can be found easy enough on google images. Always useful to wait for confirmation I find. One thing is for sure the gm Eider was real.
Rob Smallwood said
Tue Jan 6 10:56 PM, 2009
Gull still present and Stellar's Eider off Lleyn Peninsular (although possibly only last weekend for latter).
Beginning to look like I'm going to have to put in a provisional leave request and then decide which way to set off on Thursday morning!!
Rob Smallwood said
Sat Jan 3 1:20 AM, 2009
Photos on Surfbirds amd Birdguides look pretty conclusive - and there's a useful thread on BirdForum that seems to suggest little doubt from those experienced in the species.
I'm hoping it stays around at least a week, after a few days off, family and work commitments keep me closer to home for a while....
Henry Cook said
Fri Jan 2 8:19 PM, 2009
Has the gull been clinched today then? Looked a bit like a Thayer's to me (but maybe this is why I don't win the mystery bird comp!) Thanks. Henry.
Rob Smallwood said
Fri Jan 2 7:32 PM, 2009
Go for the gull - the Nutcracker turned out to be a Starling!
Paul Heaton said
Fri Jan 2 1:12 PM, 2009
Well gentleman you two brave souls going for the UK year list,
Glaucous winged gull in the north east, and.
Nutcracker in Ceredigion
But which way to go busy weekend good luck. I,m off the Mersey valley its not beyond its merits A few twite comng down from the hills as its too cold and if they can be relocated couple of points to set me off.
no sooner had Paul found it and he was winging the photos to prove it directly to my computer! My how we laughed at the coincidence of it all, well Paul did anyway. Im not generally an envious man and finding my own Eye-browed in China was mega enough but the species remains so high as a wanted find on my personal UK self-found list that I couldn't help the teeth gnashing when I heard about it.
No sooner do you say that North Ronaldsay is devoid of megas (see Sept mystery bird answers) and within minutes an Eye-browed Thrush turns up.
In the hope that lightning will strike twice could I just mention that Greater Manchester has been devoid of megas (barring the un-twitchable Rose-coloured Starling) for quite a while now.
Cheers, John
A tad bit North for my liking considering I have booked The Scillies again.
Keep Birding
Had an excellent weekend in Orkney. Bumped into Phil Rhodes at John O Groats he just arrived in time for the ferry but he hadnt booked his car on
Another humorous moment was at the B&B on Saturday night, the owner said he was going out for the evening and the door would be open for us to get in after we went to the local for food etc. But when we got back to the place it was locked up and in complete darkness, no owner in sight and we couldnt get in! One of our group disappeared round the back of the building only to emerge a few minutes later to say "ive kicked the back door in" well we couldnt believe it, "youve done what?!" we replied. But it transpired he was only winding us up the owner had in fact left the kitchen door open for us but had only forgot to tell us!
Bird wise, too much to mention really, apart from the Sandhill Crane, 2 smart adult American Golden Plovers were particularly obliging. As you would expect at this time of year, lots of birds on the move, with good numbers of Pink footed geese arriving and flying south, ducks much in evidence with Wigeon everywhere, plus Scaup, 2 Surf Scoters & Long Tailed Ducks. Also several Slavonian Grebes, 60+ Black Guillemots, all 3 Diver species, Bonxies, Hen Harriers, Merlin & Short Eared Owl. Gutting that the Yellow Billed Cuckoo didnt make it till the morning, thats 2 ive dipped now
One of the best twitches ever, not as good as the Wallcreeper twitch though
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Tuesday 29th of September 2009 01:36:09 PM
it's quite interesting keeping track of it's adventure via the birdguides website, although I am supposed to be working.
Its certain to pass through Greater Manchester
-- Edited by Rob Thorpe on Tuesday 29th of September 2009 12:49:15 PM
The NE beckons once more with a TAIGA FLYCATCHER on Fetlar, Shetland, present for it's 6th day (3rd British record) ferry departs Aberdeen 19.00 this evening.
-- Edited by Pete Hines on Monday 28th of September 2009 11:09:48 AM
keep birding, good luck
2123hrs-Warfy reaches Carlise
I have been given detailed instructions to keep them updated from the base camp, should the pager reception prove to be bad.
(Oh how I am glad I have to work this weekend
Good luck.
Keep birding
oh me oh my, then when you get off the ferry you can see the Sandhill Crane.
What a twitch, trip, day out, whatever you call it, if you had those two birds on your day list, you would have a tale to tell
Good luck to the GM birders going in van loads this weekend.
Keep birding
just bought a new car today...YIPPEE!!!
ahem,regains composure
Afraid my time and money is all set aside for the Scillies.
Go on Mel drive him up there, it will be a lovely day out.
Keep dreaming
you mean...apart from YOU!!
http://www.kentos.org.uk/Photographs/TuftedPuffin.htm
Amazing.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Wednesday 16th of September 2009 08:29:02 PM
Keep Birding
There untwitchable Paul!
Kent Pegwell bay if you left right now you would get it today, dont think just twitch and go
keep birding
AUDOUIN'S GULL St Mary's Hugh Town.
Roll on October.
Keep birding
http://stmargaretsphotodiary.blogspot.com/
The Cowbird wasn't in the garden of the cottage where we were staying.
Steve
Brown-headed Cowbirds everywhere, puff out your chests with pride!
When were you ever described as "MEGA" before???
(They gas them in Michigan).
www.pembsbirds.blogspot.com
1st for Wales.
St Magaret's Kent 10.10.10.20.
Now that would be a nice bird to see.
keep birding
Good luck to those who brave it! I hope it does a White-crowned Sparrow on us again and sticks it out until March.
Henry.
Black-bellied Dipper nearby too from memory...
I can think of a number of occasions where birds may have been missed by waiting around, Belted Kingfisher for one.
Years ago a stuffed bird was photographed in a field and that caused alot of trouble and strife for all concerned.
Mistakes I can live with, Grosbeak spring to mind, but not this. bang out of order
Whatever happens we just have to.
Keep birding.
Not the first hoax, nor the last I fear.
This sort of thing puts huge pressure on those of us that share our rare birds, the likes of Ian that provide information, and the info services that most of us rely on.
Luckily I went NE and picked up the gull on Saturday, seemingly just in time!
Rob, it would appear the Stellar's Eider was in fact a hoax, the photo was found to be taken in 2006 in Finland
Beginning to look like I'm going to have to put in a provisional leave request and then decide which way to set off on Thursday morning!!
I'm hoping it stays around at least a week, after a few days off, family and work commitments keep me closer to home for a while....
Looked a bit like a Thayer's to me (but maybe this is why I don't win the mystery bird comp!)
Thanks. Henry.
Glaucous winged gull in the north east, and.
Nutcracker in Ceredigion
But which way to go busy weekend good luck. I,m off the Mersey valley its not beyond its merits A few twite comng down from the hills as its too cold and if they can be relocated couple of points to set me off.
keep Birding