Yorkshire

David Ousey · Status: Offline

RE: Yorkshire

Roger Baker 3 · Status: Offline

Weds 20th July. 21.30 hrs.

Spring Moor. South Yorkshire.

With Ian Lyth & Paul Greenall.

Had a good Nightjar session last night.

Think we only had the one pair ( definite M & F ) but plenty of fly-overs and wing clapping.

The male started churring from up on the moor around 21.30 hrs then flew down to sing from the trees . was then joined by the female who flew up from well down the clear-fell had some great views for a good hour with a bright moon able to note the absence of any white on the female.

Also saw 3 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 5 Curlew, around a dozen Linnet and plenty of Red Grouse.

South Yorkshire seems to be doing well with Nightjars ..... not been up myself this year but reliably informed that there are 3 singing males at Wharncliffe.

Roger.

-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Thursday 21st of July 2016 07:17:55 PM

David Ousey · Status: Offline

White Winged Black Tern. 10/7/2016

As I am always a sucker to go and see White Winged Black Terns anywhere, it followed that when one toured Yorkshire and settled at Rother Valley C.P that we would go. Myself at the wheel and Steve`s B & K left a drizzly Rochdale at 8am and soon found the country park around 9-15am. The last time we were there was to miss a Red Rumped Swallow, but on this time we connected after about 15 minutes. The bird paraded around the large lake with a few of the local Common Terns and at times came fairly close allowing the photographers to obtain some good shots. We met a few of the lads from York and had a good laugh about our Scotland trip the week before. News filtered through that the tern was showing well at the nature reserve lake, so, we all dashed up there. The bird had gone back to the main lake as we arrived, typical! It did return and gave really good views.

Our next stop was Ledsham Bank N.R. to find Marbled White butterfly`s that where on the wing and to look for any orchids growing in this micro climate area. Ledsham Bank is quite close to Fairbairn Ings N.R. The beautiful, natural meadow was full of wild flowers and lots of insects. The Marbled Whites were soon seen and upwards of 20 individuals counted. Meadow Brown, Small Skipper and small White were also seen. Around 4 types of orchid, my favourite, Twayblade, was found. We had a good walk around this fascinating area until Steve B heard a Buzzard call, we looked up and watched a Hobby chasing the Buzzard for about five minutes, what a duel and right above our heads!

At Lin Dyke area, Fairbairn Ings N.R. we soon found the Spoonbill and our master Garganey finder Steve K, got us onto three of them, well done Steve. Most of the ducks are now well into eclipse plumage as our summer quiet period will be ending soon with the waders starting to return. We had enjoyed the short day out and reached home by 4pm. Thanks for the company Steve & Steve.

Dave O.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Late post for Sunday 10th June.

Visit to Rother Valley CP approx 11.30am - 5pm.

- White-winged Black Tern 1 adult
Showed really well on Meadowgate Lake, sometimes a bit distant but then did fly a lot closer. Later in the day it did go missing for periods over to the main lake but returned again. Managed some ok pics.

Other birds of note...
- Common Tern 8
- Oystercatcher 2
- Common Sandpiper 1
- Hobby 1 came cruising over the lake and sent most of the Sand Martins and Swift into panic but didn't make an attempt to catch any
- Whitethroat 2
- Lesser Whitethroat 1
- Chiffchaff 1
- Grey Wagtail 2
- Skylark
- Reed Bunting 1
- Stock Dove 2

Simon Gough · Status: Offline

We were saying that on a day when you've visited a great new area, seen Goshawk, Crossbill and Tree Pipit, as well as lots of other stuff and it didn't even rain, you shouldn't be disappointed, but we still were. I came away thinking that the Honey Buzzard that Rob and I saw last year at Welbeck might be a much better sighting than I realized at the time.

The Goshawk was only a brief view but I was pleased that it stood out as distinct from a Common Buzzard. When I got onto it first the size was clear as being around that of a Buzzard, but then in flight it had a grey/brown cast to the upperparts as it dropped in height below us, and the tail length and direct flight stood out. The Buzzards all looked more chestnut brown on top when they caught the light.

I should say that I saw a big raptor come up from trees in the far distance amongst a group of crows, and this bird glided with flat wings before flying off. It had a long tail and I was happy it was not a Common Buzzard, but I couldn't rule out Raven. All very tantalising...it was good learning experience all in all

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Sunday 3rd July.
A visit to Wykeham Forest with Steve Burke and Simon Gough.

This visit was arranged on Friday evening so the Short-toed Eagle that was seen in Wykeham village on Saturday would've been a nice bonus had it stuck around and we'd managed to see it.

- Honey Buzzards were a no show
- Turtle Dove, we searched allover the nurseries and arable fields but they were a no show too
- Blackcap singing for most of our stay close to us and even that didn't show either

Of note...
- Goshawk 1 brief distant view
- Common Buzzard 3 at once, but lots more seen
- Kestrel 2
- Tree Pipit 2, 1 showed well
- Pied Flycatcher 1 female brief view
- Garden Warbler 1 brief view
- Chiffchaff 1 brief view
- Common Crossbill few about, 1 male showed well for a minute or so
- Siskin 1 brief flight view, more heard
- Bullfinch brief view
- Linnet plenty around
- Yellowhammer heard only
- Goldcrest 1 quick glance then it was off, another singing
- Mistle Thrush lots around
- Red-legged Partsodge 2
...and 2 other distant small Raptors circling with the Buzzards but unable to ID safely.

All in all a disappointing and frustrating visit really, for the most part brief views and no shows! Nice to meet John again, the Spurn birder who'd told us about Allerthorpe Common.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Apologies ... late post for Sunday 19th June.
My other birding companions were busy with their own individual plans so I decided that this Father's Day I would do some birding and reminisce about the special times we had birding with my Dad.

Strines Moor (South Yorkshire) 7.30am - 9am.

- Quail reported on Birdguides as singing and indeed I could hear it singing away in that location but the vegetation was fairly overgrown in places so it was pointless waiting for a possible sighting.
- Whinchat 4, 2 showing well, 2 distant
- Stonechat 1
- Whitethroat 1
- lots of Meadow Pipit
- Siskin 4 together in small tree at roadside
- Red Grouse 1
- Curlew 4
smile

-- Edited by Rob Creek on Wednesday 22nd of June 2016 06:39:24 PM

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

Posted by Dave Ousey:

An afternoon in Yorkshire, 12.06.16

By way of a change four A Teamers did an afternoon/evening/night trip in search of a few birds that we would have normally seen on our annual Norfolk trip. We are not going this year unless something "good" turns up. The weather forecast was not to promising as we departed Newhey at 3pm and headed along the M62 into Yorkshire. Our first stop was Sutton Bank visitor centre, we had hoped to see some Turtle Doves that usually come in to feed around the centre after it closes. After a discussion with the centre manager, who told us that he has not seen the doves since earlier in the week we decided to check the area out. Lots of Yellowhammer and a few Siskin were the highlights. We met a fellow birder by the main road that passes Sutton Bank, who informed us of a place to see Turtle Doves and told us that where we were stood will be a good spot to watch the Nightjars in the evening, thanks for the information!!

We reached the place that the birder had told us and we immediately saw a Turtle Dove sat on overhead wires, result! We searched around the area and counted up to six adult birds flying, calling etc. We all really enjoyed the birds as they perched up and "sang" to one another, at one stage we had four birds all perched together. We obviously kept at a safe distance from them, not wishing to upset their "courting" habits. A Yellow Wagtail and more Yellowhammers were also seen in this unusual location. Wood Pigeon, Stock & Collared Doves were also present. We managed to prise ourselves away from this spot and headed for the coast.

At Bempton Cliffs, Chris B hurriedly saw the seabirds that he wanted to get on his list for the year, then suddenly stopped and said, " I had forgot what a stunning place this is to watch the birds". With the reserve having been given a major facelift it is much easier to see the rows of Kittiwake, Razorbill, Guillemot, Gannet, Fulmar and of course the star of the show Puffins. With no wind and an eerie mist just hanging off shore it gave the place an unusual feeling about it.

Last call of the day was back to Sutton Bank for the promised Nightjars. We had originally planned to call at Wykeham Forrest to look at any birds of prey in the area, but, the low mist and negative reports by birders had us heading for Sutton Bank. We all looked for a chippy that was open, in any of the small towns etc that we passed through without success. As we climbed up towards our final stopping place light rain was falling and it was misty. We all did not give ourselves much chance of seeing / hearing the birds, but all said "Well they have to feed". After a ten minute wait listening to Woodcock, a Nightjar began "churring", excellent. Up to three birds flew around in front of us in pretty grim conditions. Wonder what its like on a warm, dry night? We left the birds at around 10-45pm and reached Rochdale by 12-15am. We must do that trip again,soon!

Dave O.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Sunday 12th June.
Evening visit to Wharncliffe Crag / Heath at Deepcar with Simon Gough.

- Woodcock 1
- Lesser Redpoll 2
- Linnet 2
- Tawny Owl heard
- no sign nor sound of any Nightjar cry

- Curlew 2 over on way home

David Walsh · Status: Offline

Sunday 5th June 2016, 9.30 - 11.00pm

Strensall Common, York

Nightjar churring
Several Tawny Owls calling
Cuckoo singing

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

Posted today by Dave Ousey:

East Yorkshire, 29/05/16

Just two A Team members enjoyed a good trip to our second favourite county, Yorkshire. We met in Milnrow at a reasonable time and in Steve K`s car headed for Spurn Point. Yesterday there had been some good birds,Red backed Shrike and Turtle Doves, but upon arrival it was apparent that everything had cleared out, or had they? There was low cloud/mist, a strong wind blowing in the wrong direction for any good migrants, but we had a good look around the wetlands. A number of Arctic Tern and a single Cuckoo were seen,so,after about an hour we decided to cut our losses and head for North Cave Wetlands were two Glossy Ibis had been seen. As we passed through Patrington a check of the bird news revealed a Red backed Shrike at Spurn,typical!
The weather had improved greatly with wall to wall sunshine, even Hull looked nice, although there was still not much sign of life after Hull City had gained promotion back to the Premiership! Upon arrival at North Cave Wetlands news of the two Glossy Ibis was good. We hurried along to a small crowd and saw the two birds feeding and being sent packing by the local Moorhens, what nice colourful birds Glossy Ibis are. News of a breeding pair of Mediterranean Gull`s quickly followed, so we went to a hide and after around twenty minutes searching through the large Black headed Gull colony, Steve K saw the "unmissable" head of the Mediterranean Gull, this bird was in fabulous plummage.
We headed for Blacktoft Sands Nature Reserve and headed for Singleton Hide were the single,female Montagu`s Harrier is occasionally seen from. The local Bearded Tit colony seemed to be very busy feeding young as they were very showy and dashed about the reedbeds. Up to six Marsh Harrier`s seemed to be on show most of the time but, we had no joy seeing the Montagu`s Harrier, which is still waiting for a male bird to re-appear.We then began birding the other hides,Cetti`s,Reed and Sedge Warbler all singing. A nicely marked group of Black tailed Godwit`s were seen at Ousefleet Hide and again after a lot of searching the "eagle-eyed" Steve K found the male Garganey, well done Steve. We enjoyed the day,even after the slow start at Spurn. We reached Milnrow by five thirty.
Dave O.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Sunday 15th May.
Late evening visit (7.30pm-10pm) to Allerthorpe Common near York with Steve Burke and Simon Gough.

We tried here on the advice of a Spurn Obs birder and it paid off. A varied habitat of coniferous and mixed woodland, and low heathland plantations with dry bracken and boggy areas.

- Woodlark 2
A Lifer for me, firstly we heard the song, a beautiful downward spiral of notes then the 1st bird just appeared on the tip of the top branch of a tree out in the middle of one of the heaths. Then the other bird joined it as they flew virtually right over us and landed in the thick vegetation. They were briefly seen moving on the ground then another quick view as they flew up and moved on to another part of the Heath.

- Cuckoo 1 (heard calling then came flying over)
- Garden Warbler 1 again heard singing then showed well.
- Willow Tit 1
- Coal Tit 2
- lots of Linnet
- Song Thrush 2 in excellent song
- Common Buzzard 3 circling
- Green Woodpecker heard yaffling

Late on as the light faded...
- Woodcock
At least 4 roding around, a couple of singles and a pair doing circuits around the outskirts of the wood and following the footpaths (overhead). The birds were seen many times so could've been more. We heard the funny squeaking sound and a frog croak call also.
- Tawny Owl
Heard calling all around and eventually 1 seen flying silently through the wood.
- 2 Bats seen both different species but unable to be exact on ID for obvious reasons.

A word of advice for anyone thinking of visiting here (or Spurn for that matter) the biting insects are out in force, I'm covered in lumps!

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Filey, North Yorkshire yesterday.

My other birding companions were busy with their own agenda's so I took Mum out for a drive to get a possible Lifer and what a trip it was.

- Bluethroat (Red-spotted Bluethroat) 1
A fantastic Lifer for us and one I've longed to see, especially after missing the White-spotted individual at Martin Mere a couple of years ago. The bird wasn't showing in its favoured location of the tractor tyre when we arrived, I suggested to one of the 2 other birders there that it could be feeding in one of the channels as I'd seen something drop down off the fence near the tyre.
Indeed this was the case and as we moved round to a different angle, we were rewarded with full on views of this striking bird and it showed constantly for around 3/4 hour.

Other birds in same location as the Bluethroat...
- Blackcap 2
- Great Tit 1
- Dunnock 1
- Robin 1
- Reed Bunting 1m
- Meadow Pipit few over
- Linnet few over
- Whitethroat 1
- Sandwich Tern 2 over us, screaming at each other
- plenty of Kittiwakes out to sea and around the cliffs

Well worth every second of the journey!

steven burke · Status: Offline

late post for sunday 10th.

filey.. surf scoter still showing at filey brigg.

flamborough, north landing... 2 Richards pipits (lifer) still showing well, but just a little far for great pics for me.
the cliffs were full of sea birds, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, several fulmars & gannets flying around.

-- Edited by steven burke on Tuesday 12th of April 2016 12:39:38 AM

bernard hooley · Status: Offline

a walk along the river Wharfe to Bolton Abbey with my wife and my daughters dog
mandarin 1 m 1f
pheasant 2
golden plover
herring gull 4
swallow 2
pied wagtail 2
dipper
song thrush 2
mallard 10
goosander
oyster catcher 3
black headed gull 8
wood pigeon 6
sand martin 12
house martin 2
blackbird 4
blue tit 4
great tit 4
magpie 4
jackdaw 8
carrion crow 8
starling 3
chaffinch 2

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

Initially posted today by Dave Ousey:

03.04.16

With the weather prediction being okay anoth trip was organised by Chris B. So, with Chris at the wheel, four A Team birders left Newhey at 6am. Our plan was to meet up with Nigel from York at Strensall Common. At 7-30am we reached the common and set off to the area we believed was the right place. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was busy drumming away on a tree, then a call from Nigel had us heading in a completely different direction. After a trudge along a muddy path, we finally met Nigel. He had heard Woodlark singing a little while ago he told us, so we waited. After around 45 minutes with Linnet and Skylark`s seen, another Woodlark was heard and we headed in the direction. We watched and listened to it singing on top of a silver birch tree, very nice.
A drive up to Wykeham Forest near Scarborough was next, Nigel also met us there and we enjoyed distant but good views of, at least 3 Goshawk and lots of Buzzard all displaying and chasing each other around, Tawny Owl also heard calling, thanks Nigel for your help. On the journey back to the main road a beautiful Yellowhammer male was seen and heard in song, its really spring now! A long drive north and west was next, to call in at Shaw Farm, Arkengarthdale. We usually manage lots of hill dwelling birds in this area, but, apart from distant views of the Black Grouse, we could not locate any others? Birding can be really hit and miss cant it.
Final stop was Buttertubbs Pass to again look for hill dwelling birds and again without any luck, lots of Meadow Pipits though.We headed for Rochdale, arriving at a very late 6-30pm. Thanks Chris for driving through all that beautiful countryside, very enjoyable trip out.

Steve Judge · Status: Offline

Thursday, 17th March 2016. 0945 - 14:00 hrs.

Rievaulx Terrace (NT) and Abbey (English Heritage); and surrounding countryside along River Rye.

Buzzard x 1
Kestrel x 1
Willow Tit x 3
House Sparrow x 10
Greylag Geese x 8
Grey Wagtail x 1
Pied Wagtail x 1
Wren x 1
Rook x 20
Jackdaw x 30
Carrion Crow x 4
Blue Tit x 12
Great Tit x 4
Robin x 5
Chaffinch x 7
Blackbird x 3
Dunnock x 1
Herring Gull x 30
Black-Headed Gull x 10
Juvenile Grey Partridge x 1
Male Pheasant x 10
Female Pheasant x 2

Steve Judge · Status: Offline

Wednesday, 16th March 2016. 10:45 - 16:00 hrs.

Aysgarth Falls Visitor Centre - short distance along River Ure taking in Middle and Lower Falls - across mainly field paths to Bolton Castle - return via Carperby village.

Lapwing x 50
Curlew x 30
Redshank x 1
Linnet x 3
House Sparrow x 20
Greylag Geese x 4
Oystercatcher x 1 (on walk). 50 seen in field locally on drive up.
Pied Wagtail x 1
Wren x 1
Rook x 35
Jackdaw x 60
Carrion Crow x 4
Blue Tit x 3
Great Tit x 1
Robin x 3
Blackbird x 8
Mallard x 4

Steve Judge · Status: Offline

Tuesday, 15th March 2016. 09:30 - 14:30 hrs.

Walk from Ripon along River Skell and countryside (via 'seven bridge' walk) to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden (National Trust) - and return via Studley Roger.

Red Kite x 2 (above Studley Royal Water Garden)
Buzzard x 6
Kestrel x 1
Dipper x 1
Grey Wagtail x 5
Pied Wagtail x 1
Wigeon x 2
Curlew x 2
Treecreeper x 1
Goldfinch x 10
Grey Heron x 2
House Sparrow x 15
Dunnock x 2
Collared Dove x 1
Mute Swan x 6
Little Grebe x 2
Chaffinch x 1
Blue Tit x 5
Great Tit x 3
Robin x 4
Long Tailed Tit x 1
Wren x 1
Blackbird x 7
Jackdaw x 90
Carrion Crow x 15
Magpie x 7
Woodpigeon x 50
Tufted Duck x 40
Mallard x 20
Black-Headed Gull x 30
Male Pheasant x 15
Canada Geese x 30
Greylag Geese x 4
Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard drumming)
Moorhen x 1
Coot x 5

Steve Judge · Status: Offline

Sunday, 13th March 2016 12:00 - 16:00 hrs.

Walk from Ripon along Rivers Skell and Ure to Sharow village and back to Ripon returning via banks of River Ure.

Dipper x 4
Grey Wagtail x 3
Male Bullfinch x 1
Buzzard x 4
Kestrel x 2
Lapwing x 2
Mistle Thrush x 1
Song Thrush x 2
House Sparrow x 20
Dunnock x 2
Rook x 30
Carrion Crow x 10
Jackdaw x 5
Coal Tit x 1
Greylag Geese x 2
Mallards x 50
Moorhen x 2
Coot x 1
Black-Headed Gulls x 7
Goldfinch x 8
Long Tailed Tits x 2
Robin x 7
Blue Tit x 16
Great Tit x 3
Chaffinch x 8
Blackbird x 20
Wren x 1
Woodpigeon x 70
Collared Dove x 2
Feral Pigeon x 20

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

Sightings for yesterday:

Drake American Wigeon still present st Scalby Mills.
Surf Scoter off Filey.
An unseasonal Quail at Flamborough found by Brett Richards had suffered some damage to the back of its hea, apparently as a result of a Kestret attack.

Info and all images thanks to Rob Adderley

steven burke · Status: Offline

post for yesterday 5th march.

as mike mentions the ferruginous duck is actually on calder wetlands the first pool from the main road.

a lovely duck that showed very well for me around 4.10pm at the edge of the reeds. lifer.
other birds around...
goldeneye
tufted duck
pochard
wigeon
gadwall
great crested grebe
little grebe
smile

Mike Cooper · Status: Offline

Pugneys cp Wakefield sat 5/3 9:30-10:15

imm fem Ferruginous duck on pool opposite entrance to cp behind swan & cygnet pub. Park there to save fee at cp and crossing main roads

duck on opposite side of pool in and out of reeds

smaller than tufted very dark, chestnut head with sloping forehead and peak, Bill long and delicate black band at end , white vent only obvious when diving away from you

Mark Burgess · Status: Offline

Greenland White-fronted Goose still present at 10.00am this morning, In the ingbirchworth res area.
Initially the Graylag and Canada Goose flocks were in a field off Annat Royd Lane, however before I could scan the whole flock, the Graylag flock relocated to a field off Spicer House Lane fortunately viewable from the roads side.

-- Edited by Mark Burgess on Thursday 31st of December 2015 12:44:43 PM

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Great views of the Greenland White Fronted Goose at Ingbirchworth reservoir at 9.30 this morning.

Around the 'back' of the reservoir after crossing the dam from the main road. In field with many Canada and Greylag.

Also drake Pochard and Tufted Duck on reservoir

John Williams · Status: Offline

09.30-13.00

Langsett Reservoir

1m Red Breasted Merganser, 38 Teal, 60 Mallard, a pair of Lesser Black Backed Gulls and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Moorland

Lots of highly vocal and territorial Red Grouse, the only other bird on the high moor was a single Goldfinch.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Drove over to Ingbirchworth Reservoir near Barnsley for the chance of a Lifer this morning before shopping with the Gf.
...and it was well worth the effort in the rain and fog over the tops, as the weather cleared nicely (despite being bitterly cold) and my Lifer showed excellently from the minute I arrived.

- Greenland White-fronted Goose 1
It was I n one of the fields on approach to the reservoir, in with the big numbers of Greylag Geese including an odd looking whitish/possible hybrid individual.
Feeding for long periods then having a rest for a few minutes but showing well virtually the whole time.
Approx 50-60 Canada Geese in separate field opposite.

Other birds of note...
- Grey Partridge 6
- Raven at least 3
- Kestrel 2
- Fieldfare small flock of around 15 over, with a Mistle Thrush
- Redwing 1 only, over
- Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails moving around together
- Wren 4 along nature trail path at side of field
- Red Grouse 1 on journey home

The Geese were purposely flushed by a tractor driver whilst we were there, as soon as they flew up after a minute or so the tractor left the field.

Like Roger says, well worth it indeed, a fairly easy drive (despite today's weather) to see a cracking bird, and all birds seen without hardly moving far from the car.

Roger Baker 3 · Status: Offline

Weds 9th Dec. 11.00 hrs.

Had a ride across to Ingbirchworth Common, Barnsley for the Greenland White-fronted Goose.

Great views of a splendid adult .. well worth the trip .... it's feeding in the fields with the Greylags and Canada geese.

Only an easy 40 minute drive from M60 junction 24 over Woodhead.

If anyone fancies a try and needs more info please just PM me.

Roger.

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

An interesting few days Dispite my main boat trip out being canceled due to bad weather on Saturday :'( . Highlights were.... 4 knots, common sandpiper, green sandpiper and 2 velvet scoters from filey. Up to 4 dunlin, freindly Turnstones, several wheatears, a barnacle goose, a whinchat, migrating meadow pipits (around 30+), ringed plovers and a yellow legged gull from Flamborough to bridlington. Then 1 avocet, 2 marsh harrier, 16 little egrets, over a dozen spotted redshanks and one Ruff of a dozen had a white head at Blacktoft sands. Also from filey was a likely candidate for a red throated diver. He was only seen briefly and at a distance.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

This afternoon with Simon Gough, on way back from Swillington over the A628, Crow Edge.

1 Red Grouse seen from the car in a grass field right where all the Heather moors end.

I turned the car round, and parked up in the lay-by opposite the Dog and Partridge. We got out and soon discovered there was infact 21 Red Grouse in that field, oh and a male Kestrel that glided over the road a few hundred yards before.

-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 23rd of August 2015 11:35:24 PM

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

8.15-9 this morning around Eccup reservoir:
6 Red Kite
Yellowhammer
4 Linnet
Bullfinch
Willow Warbler
2 Skylark
Buzzard
4 Lapwing
8 Greylag
Chiffchaff
Many Swallow

Great area. Wish I'd had time for a longer mooch.

Roger Baker 3 · Status: Offline

Weds 3rd June. 20.30 - 23.00 hrs.

Wharncliffe Heath at Deepcar.

In the company of David Walsh, Ian Lith and Oli Booth.

Nightjar. Churring and also gave some great wing clapping display flight.
Few Woodcock roding.
Cuckoo calling and gave some good views perched up and flying.
Linnet.

Roger.

Roger Baker 3 · Status: Offline

Have just noticed a report that the Red-rumped Swallow was taken by a Hobby early yesterday (7th) morning.

Roger.

Doc Brewster · Status: Offline

As with Rob's crew, we headed to East Park in Hull after a successful few hours at Blacktoft Sands RSPB. We had visited the site once before, in April 2002, to see a Red-rumped Swallow jawdrop

Amazing that we should be back 13 years later looking for the same species!!

We joined friends Steff & Alex on the top of the bridge over the lake and waited for what seemed ages, with hardly a hirundine in sight. The a few House Martins & Swallows started to fly round and we got a little more hopeful. Steff & I happened to be watching the same bird and as it banked we both exclaimed "that's it", I then shouted out to all close by to get onto the bird, which all did. The Red-rumped Swallow then stayed around for a short while, even flying low over the water giving a view from the side/above showing off all its features and colours. After a while it flew off into the distance and we took it as our cue to leave too.

If anyone is interested the bird has been seen again today, and the 2002 bird stayed from April 2nd-23rd smile

East Park is (as it sounds) to the east (ENE) of Hull centre at postcode HU8 8JU, in the Summergangs area, by the A165 Holderness Road. You can drive into the park itself to park for free.

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

Originally posted by Rob Creek:

After visiting Blacktoft Sands RSPB yesterday I convinced Steve and Simon it was worth the drive to Hull to try for the reported Red-rumped Swallow.
Arrived at East Park and headed for the bridge over the lake.

Birds seen...
-stonking Iceland Gull no more than 10ft away at the shallow end where the Ducks were bein fed as we walked round to the bridge. Brilliant! Some observers were stood on the bridge waiting for the Red-rumped Swallow oblivious to the Iceland Gull and I was trying to get their attention, they soon picked it up.
-Rose-ringed Parakeet 1
-Common Buzzard 1 in distance over the park

-Red-rumped Swallow (Lifer for me and Steve, Simon where were you?)
It finally turned up and brilliantly picked out by Ian Lith. Seemed to hang in the air and not flapping as much as the couple of Swallows present. After a few circles it skimmed the water once but well worth the wait, a fantastic bird!

A good day out and ended with me suggesting that I should give the other 2 a chance for another Lifer, which worked out just right.

Mike Chorley · Status: Offline

Pugney's Country Park.

Nacho break here on our way back from Norfolk weekend. A fruitless search of the main lake sent Riggers, Karen F. John Rayner and I round to the river and fishing ponds, only for us to find the drake Smew showing well at the end of the main lake nearest to the visitor centre!

A successful conclusion to a pleasant and productive long weekend.

Jon Bowen · Status: Offline

Didn't see the Little Bustard yesterday so after a fruitless few hours headed to Bridlington for a bit of sea watching.
Good numbers of Turnstone on the harbour wall including a colour ringed individual plus
Single Sanderling
4 Purple Sandpipers
2 Manx Shearwaters
2 Little Auks
4 Gannets
Close up views (30ft) of Red Throated Diver
2 Great Crested Grebes
Plenty of common gull species

On the way across to the Blyth's Pipit Red Kite flew over the A1M where it becomes the M1

sid ashton · Status: Offline

On the way to not seeing the Little Bustard yesterday, on the A614 near to Great Driffield had the unusual sight of a Red Kite flying over the road and a Red-legged Partridge risking its life scurrying across the road in front of the car at the same time biggrin

Mark Burgess · Status: Offline

Mixenden reservoir
As I was heading over the border to hopefully see the Blyth's Pipit at Calder Industrial Estate Wakefield, I went via Halifax to Mixenden res where a Great Northern Diver had been present for several days, which didn't disappoint.
Also present a herd of 6 Whooper Swans.

Mike Chorley · Status: Offline

A rendezvous at Filey for our usual group of 5 failed to produce any Twite (Purple Sandpiper was our best bird there) but did get us information about a Rough-legged Buzzard just to the south east near Grindale. The bird had just dropped out of sight as we arrived at East Leys Farm but after about an hour's wait (enlivened by a fly-through ring-tailed Hen Harrier) the bird reappeared and showed very well for several minutes both perched and in flight before the local crows mobbed it back into the wood. Viewing from one of the other roads showed it was back in the tree it had been using all morning and it was back out again fairly quickly perched in the same dead tree to the left of the wood before flying off to drop into a dip in the surrounding fields.

Finished off the day at Flamborough with a Snow Bunting in the fog horn compound together with Barn Owl and Black Redstart at Thornwick Pool, courtesy of Martin Garner.

Gordon Taylor · Status: Offline

Buff-breasted Sandpiper not seen between 13;15 and 15:45 whilst I was there. The guy who found the Sandpiper had a Dotterel over with Golden Plover via photograph

John Watson · Status: Offline

Buff Breasted Sandpiper at 12:55 on ploughed field to W of Ringstone Reservoir

Dotterel flying around too, calling, with ~25 Golden Plover but unclear if it landed

2 Buzzard

Simon Gough · Status: Offline

Buff-breasted Sandpiper reported again this morning. These things are sent to try us...

-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 30th of September 2014 01:39:14 PM

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Had a drive up with Mum to try for the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Ringstone Reservoir. Nice to chat with Holly Page up there who informed us that unfortunately the bird was last seen flying off towards the M62, and she'd been there 40mins and had no sign. Oh well that's birding for you!

Other birds seen en route over the moors:
Buzzard - 2
Kestrel - 1
Raven - 2
Carrion Crow - 4
Robin - 1 singing in bushes at side of the road
Mallard 4

A few Finch types flew across the road up on the moors but impossible to ID as they were against the sky so only got a brief view of an outline, more than likely Goldfinch or/and Linnet
Also a large gathering of Gulls were put up in the air over the res probably numbering 100+ birds, we gave it a quick check for anything different to a Gull in the flock but they seemed to be mostly Black-headed with a few larger Gulls in there too.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

pete berry wrote:

There's a report on Birdguides today of A Buff Breasted Sandpiper at Ringstone Edge Reservoir which is only a few miles n.e. of jnctn 22 M62(Saddleworth turnoff)

Read it on Twitter earlier Pete, what's the likelihood of this species hanging around for an hour or so...or is it impossible to say?
Cheers

pete berry · Status: Offline

There's a report on Birdguides today of A Buff Breasted Sandpiper at Ringstone Edge Reservoir which is only a few miles n.e. of jnctn 22 M62(Saddleworth turnoff)

Joe Wynn · Status: Offline

Huge numbers of Red Kites over Leeds festival at Bramham Park over the weekend, sometimes upwards of 10 in the air at once.

Roger Baker 3 · Status: Offline

Weds 25th June. 20.00 - 22.30 hrs.

Had a ride over to Wharncliffe Heath at Deepcar.

Nightjar. Flying and churring and also gave two great 5 minute perched up views on a stump.
Plenty of Woodcock flyovers.
Tree pipit.
Linnet.

Roger.

Pete Welch · Status: Offline

Did the Three Peaks yesterday and was cheered up at various stages by Dipper [Horton], Grey Wagtails [a few], Red Grouse on Pen Y Ghent and Whernside, Cuckoo in the valley before Ingleborough and the birds that surprised me most - calling Common Sandpipers [resumably breeding] on one of the streams off Whernside. Also many Skylarks, Swallows and Meadow Pipits to keep me going :)

Davidcaron62 · Status: Offline

Had drive out to Ladyfield Lake. Sands Lane, Mirfield yesterday to see the Great Northern Diver. Turned out to be a pretty decent location. The diver was really easy to spot on from the road just up from the pub. There were also a number of domestic Chinese Goose on the river.

Dave