Soil Hill; Isolation week 5

The continued hot dry spell finally ended this week with cloud cover and colder weather appearing from Monday onwards. Although the composition of species remained similar throughout the week, there were a few standout species.

25 April
Visit from 07.45. Total 38 species observed
Fairly steady day in sunny conditions that we have got used to. Regular assortment of established migrants present while two Fieldfare also flew overhead, probably the last of the year.
Just one Wheatear today but an extremely confiding individual that I was able to get some nice shots of.

-Northern Wheatear

26 April
Visit from 09.45. Total 36 species observed
With rain finally forecast in the afternoon I decided to delay my walk until after it had passed. However, once I awoke it was clear that there was no longer any rain due. So I made my way up the hill late morning. Was good to see Nigel up there as well.
Few birds around. At least 4 Wheatears, one of which looked good for Greenland but sadly I lost it very quickly and could not refind it. A pair Stonechat were also nice and there were two Sand Martins buzzing around overhead.
A decent return for a delayed start

-Linnet

-Stonechat

-Sand Martin

27 April
Visit from 07.00. Total 41 species observed
It started overcast but soon cleared into a the standard sunny affair that we have got used to over the last few weeks.
A few bits of note. Up to six Wheatears dotted around the hill, three at the bottom and three at the top. Stonechat still in place as well along with the usual assortment of species. Surprisingly a Barn Owl was putting on something of a show early morning, possibly due to the dull conditions, and a Grey Wagtail flew overhead, my first on patch this year.

-Barn Owl

28 April
Visit from 07.30. Total 37 species observed
Overcast weather took hold today, with a cold wind and occasional spots of rain.
The colder conditions meant a positive change for birds of the hill but a lot of the local birds were much less active.
A male Cuckoo was on the Ned Hill Track. I manouvered myself into a position to get some record shots only for two deer to charge through the undergrowth and flush it out of sight onto the summit. On the top I refound the bird, only for the exact same thing to happen! This time though it took off and flew right over the hill and out of sight. Despite being only the second time I have seen this species here it was really quite frustrating.
Frustration continued when what I'm sure was Yellow Wagtail called overhead. Sadly I couldn't pick up the bird and the calls drifted north. Were it at Spurn it would have been easy, but since this is Soil Hill I had too much doubt to be 100% sure.
Fortunately the morning was rescued in some style once back at the top. A small flock of birds was travelling distantly over the moors, but through bins there was little that could be made out on them, although I thought they could be waders. I tried to grab some shots but as the camera zoomed in I lost them leaving me with only a couple of photos at range. Assuming it would forever remain a mystery, I quickly checked what photos I had and was stunned to see glorious white wing bars and trailing legs. Black-tailed Godwits. The birds of the spring so far, absolutely buzzing.

-Black-tailed Godwit

29 April

Visit from 08.00. Total 37 species observed.

Fairly grey and uneventful morning. Birds of note restricted to a single male Wheatear and the male Stonechat still present. Colder conditions had quietened a few of the established migrants as well, with only 4 Willow Warblers singing today.

30 April

Visit from 09.00. Total 37 species observed. 

Slightly delayed start I was hoping to visit once the band of rain had passed through. Sadly the band of rain was delayed and I decided to make my visit during the morning as usual. Once again very little to report. Up to two Wheatear at the bottom of the North Slope. Slight increase in Pied Wagtails on the Taylor Lane manure heaps, probably due to the recent rainfall.

01 May

Visit from 07.00. Total 43 species observed

Despite the high species total there were few standout species. The best of it was a flyover Raven but there was also a Wheatear and a Goldcrest.

Species List:

Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Cuckoo, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Snipe, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Western Barn Owl, Little Owl, European Green Woodpecker, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, Fieldfare, European Robin, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Roe Deer, Rabbit, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Orange Tip,

Soil Hill; Isolation week 4

The week suffered from an enduring north esterly wind which peaked between monday - wednesday. Although birding was still possible, there was a noticable blow with a chilly edge to it. Numbers of migrants seemed to grind to a halt as a result, with species such as Swallow being thin on the ground until the wind died down.

18 April

Visit from 08.45. Total 41 species observed.

It was cold early morning so I set off slightly later to hopefully get a few more birds. The female Ring Ouzel was still on Taylor Lane during the morning, and another, a male, dropped out of the sky at the summit. It sat on a wall for a few minutes before flying up and south. That brings my total number of this species this spring to five individuals, as a minimum. There was also a nice showy Goldcrest on the way up.

-Goldcrest

-Ring Ouzel

19 April

Visit from 07.15. Total 43 species observed.

Highlight today was an extremely distant Marsh Harrier over Ovenden Moor. A Buzzard also went over. Up to two Whitethroat now, with a second bird holding territory. Two Swallows also flew through. A single Wheatear was on the wall by the NK pond. 

-Marsh Harrier

20 April

Visit from 07.00. Total 39 species observed.

Despite the howling gale there was something of a patch mega when I had two Greylag Geese fly south from Thornton Moor Reservoir. They were extremely distant but the silver coverts were obvious even at this range. There were three Wheatears today, but the numbers of other migrant species were consistent with previous days

-Greylag Geese

21 April

Visit from 08.00. Total 34 species observed.

The strongest wind of the week was today, and as a result bird numbers were well down. There was nothing out of the ordinary and numbers of established migrants were down as a result of the conditions. 

-Song Thrush

22 April 

Visit from 07.30. Total 41 species observed.

Wind dropped off a little bit and there were a few more migrants present. The male Stonechat, presumably the same bird as the previous week, as on Ned Hill Track. Three Wheatear were in the cattle fields at the bottom. There were two Oystercatchers on the rubble at the bottom of the north slope, rather than in the fields surrounding the site. Snipe continue to be common this spring, and the Reed Buntings are still present in the same location.

-Oystercatcher

23 April

Visit from 07.15. Total 42 species observed. 

The wind had almost gone completely today, and there were a few more birds of note. The Canada Geese around Bradshaw had been joined for the morning by a party of Greylags which were visible from the greater Soil Hill area. One of these birds was nearly white but the structure and plumage of the other birds suggests to me that this is an abbarent bird rather than a domesticated individual. 

At least five Swallows flew north over the course of the morning, and a Sand Martin flew north with them, only the second time I have seen this species here. 

There seemed to be a bit of movement of Golden Plover. A single bird flew north calling, followed ten minutes later by a flock of eight. These birds seemed to loop round and I lost them round the back of the hill but a search in the fields around the summit failed to find them. I did find two birds on the top, one was certainly a Golden Plover but the other, when it flushed, seemed smaller and had a more rapid wingbeat. Frustratingly they both flew north in a direct line away from me so I was unable to get much more on them. I did get a look at this bird when it initially took off, but sadly it was directly into the sun, but the impression I got was of Golden Plover plumage, so who even knows. 

Up to three Whitethroat on the hill now.

-Golden Plover

24 April 

Visit from 06.45. Total 44 species observed.

After what felt like a slow week it was nice to end it on a high with a solid patch tick. I was at the bottom of the hill scanning the fields walls for Wheatears when I heard a distinctive ticking all behind me, certainly not the call of a Hill resident, but having not seen one for some time it took a moment for my brain to recognise it. I spotted the bird flying down the North Slope treeline, a Yellowhammer. The ammount of yellow suggested that it was a male but it lacked the bright yellow head, so probably a 1st winter male. Sadly it did not stop and carried on north, going with a purpose. An excellent patch tick as these are not common birds in Halifax (also a Halifax tick for me).

And that was probably not even the highlight of the morning, as the Grasshopper Warbler which had been silent all week burst back into life this morning with an outstanding show, singing from a wall no less. I have never seen this species as well. A brilliant bird. 

A Wheatear was present on the bottom fields, and there are now four Whitethroats dotted around the hill. A Buzzard flew north as did three late Fieldfare. Two Collared Dove were also a nice addition to the week. 

-Grasshopper Warbler

-Western Roe Deer

Species List:

Soil Hill: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, European Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Common Buzzard, Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Little Owl, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, Fieldfare, Ring Ouzel, European Robin, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Common Reed Bunting, Western Roe Deer, Red Fox, Stoat, European Rabbit, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, 

Soil Hill; Isolation week 3

Spring continued to arrive on Soil Hill, and as a result this week was perhaps the best weeks birding I have ever had here, although since being at Spurn and travelling/working I have had little chance to do such consistant patching. That said, some of the birds enjoyed in a remarkable run really have been unprecedented. 

11 April

Visit from 07.30. Total 48 species observed.

This has to be the best days birding I have ever had on Soil Hill. To start, 48 species is my highest ever total for a single visit here. Things were fairly standard for the first half of the visit, all the regulars still on their territories and the gulley was fairly uneventful. A drake Goosander flew off Ogden, and that was probably the best (Only my second seen here).

I began working the tree line down to the NK pond and here things started to get interesting. There was a very distinctive tacking noise coming from the bushes, which could only mean one thing. And there it was, a female Ring Ouzel, my first of the year. Sadly it did not sit long before it was flushed by another bird. The previous days Wheatears had now increased to six, including two stunning males.

Pretty chuffed with the morning I made my way back up to the top. Aware I was on a high species list, I decided to try again around the gulley to see if any Swallows were hunting over the fields (There was one). A bird flew over and me and vanished over the top. The impression it gave was Nuthatch, but I did not believe there would ever be another after the remarkable 2015 bird. Still, I raced to catch up with it, and there sat right at the top of a stubby tree was a Nuthatch. I was stunned. It sat for a few minutes, calling, before flying off. A remarkable occurance. 

At this point I was buzzing at what an outstanding morning it had been. But the best was still to come. I was walking past the stone circle field when I spotted two large birds soaring over Ogden plantation. The first bird was obviously a LBBG but the second was puzzling me a bit more. The way it was holding its wings reminded me of Marsh Harrier but I thought more likely it would be a young gull. However, I was wrong! The pair drifted towards the hill circling the whole time and as it got closer I could make out the cream crown on the bird, a stunning Cream-crowned Marsh Harrier. It then flew right overhead before heading northwards. 

And then, to finish the day off right, another Ring Ouzel flew over Taylor Lane high. 

-Ring Ouzel

-Northern Wheatear

-Nuthatch

-Marsh Harrier

12 April

Visit from 09.00. Total 40 species observed. 

I treated myself to a small lie-in after yesterdays success. Todays visit was less remarkable but there was still good birding to be had. The highlight was another Ring Ouzel in the fields off Taylor Lane, although very distant. 

Willow Wablers numbers now up to 8, first Whitethroat back and a single Wheatear still lingering. 

-Ring Ouzel

13 April

Visit from 13.00. Total 29 species observed.

Cold and windy conditions made me decide on an afternoon visit, hopefully to coincide with some raptors. After the last few days success, there was unlikely to be anything notable today...

Wrong! Although the hill was fairly quiet with no raptors to speak of, I flushed a smart Grasshopper Warbler at the top of the north slope tree line. The bird sat somewhat as well, rather than vanishing into the scrub, which made for a few photo opportunities. This is only my second time seeing this species here. 

-Grasshopper Warbler

14 April

Visit from 06.30. Total 39 species observed

I think my spring might have peaked today! 

It was a fairly standard spring visit, with a particularly showy Willow Warbler the highlight. No wheatears at all, so decided that it probably was not a good day for migrants. Went about counting the bottom field waders as usual but one Curlew drew my attention. I only had my bins on me, and the bird was distant so decided to grab a photo and zoom in. It did nothing to dispell my suspicions, only seemed to confirm them. I decided to take a risk and jumped the fence to get closer. On closer inspection there was no denying it. Whimbrel! I grabbed a few photos and then rushed back to observe. A really unexpected Hill addition and probably the best bird I have found there in my time. What a day.

-Willow Warbler

-Whimbrel

15 April

Visit from 06.30. Total 46 species observed

Another remarkable day on the hill, although nothing to the standard of Whimbrel. It was fairly standard until I found two Wheatears at the bottom of the north slope. Clearly these were new birds, and the female especially was very showy. 

With birds new in, despite there being nothing earlier, I decided to check the gulley again and was rewarded with an absolutely spanking male Ring Ouzel. He even showed well at one point, although all too breif. Another bird was calling as well, but I could not find it. Two more Ring Ouzels brings my spring total of this species up to 5!

At the far end of the gulley I also found a pair of Stonechat which showed very nicely. 

-Northern Wheatear

-Ring Ouzel

-European Stonechat

16 April

Visit from 06.30. Total 43 species observed

Walk started nicely with Ring Ouzel in a field off Taylor Lane. Was in exact same area as bird on the 12th so possibly the same bird, although I have not seen it in between.

Peregrine flyover was a nice highlight, as was my first reeling Grasshopper Warbler of the year. Following the song I picked up the bird perched in the sedges, showing rather nicely.

Usual contingent of Willow Warblers and single Whitethroat. At least four Snipes present in the bottom fields, three in the air displaying at the same time.

-Peregrine

-Grasshopper Warbler

17 April

Visit from 06.45. Total 36 species observed.

The weather changed from the glorious warm mornings of late, instead the hill was shrouded by low cloud and a biting cold wind. I expected much less diversity as a result but was pleasantly surprised, although there was nothing particularly notable. The previous days Grasshopper Warbler was still reeling, although from a different location, and that was the standout.

Species List:

Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Goosander, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, Black-headed Gull, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, Ring Ouzel, European Robin, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Red Fox, Stoat, Western Roe Deer, European Rabbit, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, 

Soil Hill; Isolation week 2

The Spring on Soil Hill really got going this week, with birds departing and arriving throughout the week. Heres a quick summary from each day I've been up to the Hill:

04 April

Visit from 07.00. Total 42 species observed. 

A nice early morning migration, which I observed from 08.00 - 09.00 with the following totals going north; 18 Woodpigeon, 52 Fieldfare, 92 Meadow Pipit, 2 Linnet

Birds on and around the Hill included a single Grey Partridge, another Collared Dove, 3 Oystercatcher, a Snipe and a Buzzard.

05 April

Visit from 07.00. Total 42 species observed.

No migration of note this morning, although a flock of 14 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing flew north

Birds on and around the Hill included the first Swallow of the year, single Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 2 Buzzards and a Goldcrest.

-Pied Wagtail

-Wren 

06 April

Visit from 11.00. Total 28 species observed. 

Decided to head up a little later today due to overcast, cloudy and windy conditions when I checked at 07.00. However, it paid off greatly! Having been following numerous lockdown birders recording Ospreys over their houses I was becoming very jealous and frustrated at the lack of such action on Soil Hill. AGAIN! 

I had been round the Hill and was climbing back up the north slope when I spotted a large bird in the sky above me. Before I even put bins on it I knew this was the one, and I was relieved when it banked revealing its white belly and axillaries. I was absolutely over the moon, at long last I had this raptor on my Soil Hill list. This is also my 100th species that I have seen on patch, to make it extra special. 

-Osprey

07 April

Visit from 07.00. Total 39 species observed.

First Wheatear of the year this morning, a fairly inactive individual along the walls of the top fields. Seen on the way up and could not find on the way back down. 

Other species of note include 2 Red-legged Partridge, ANOTHER Collared Dove, Snipe, 2 Coal Tit, Barn Swallow, Goldcrest and a flock of 35 Fieldfare

08 April

Visit from 07.00. Total 43 species observed.

A very productive morning with a nice species total. The standout was a pair of Bullfinch in the trees on the north slope. This is the first time I have seen them on site since the winter group moved off. 

Other species of note included; 4 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Grey Partridge, 2 more Collared Dove and the regular displaying Snipe. 

-Bullfinch

09 April

Visit from 07.00. Total 26 species observed

Waste of time this morning. Thick fog descended at about 07.15 and from that point there was little birding to be had. The best of it was a Green Woodpecker which was calling from somewhere towards the ogden plantation, not a hope in hell of actuallying seeing it. Was done in an hour.

10 April

Visit from 10.00. Total 40 species observed

Due to another foggy forecast I delayed my walk until late morning. The cool and overcast conditions meant birds were still fairly active and I mustered a few good birds. First of these were my first Willow Warblers of the year, with two singing. Three Wheatears were gracing the bottom fields with their presence, and my journey down to try and photograph them yeilded two Reed Buntings. A Jay also flew through. 

Other species of note included Snipe, Red-legged Partridge and another Barn Swallow

-Jay

Species List:
Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Grey Partridge, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Western Osprey, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Little Owl, European Green Woodpecker, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Redwing, Common Blackbird, Fieldfare, European Robin, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Bullfinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, European Rabbit, Roe Deer, Red Fox, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock,