Southfield Reservoirs twitching Caspian Tern

  This is not a normal twitch for me. After all, why would I twitch a species that I have seen previously in 4 different countries (Oman, Israel, Canada and Latvia), but on my way back from Bempton there were limited options and with the weather being quite poor, I did not fancy heading out into the North Yorks Moors NP to try for Honey Buzzards. As such these fit the bill quite nicely.
  Their presence on the reservoirs was quite intermittent, but with time it seemed inevitable that they would appear at some point. It took over two hours after my arrival on site before the 2 Caspian Terns arrived. I had been close to giving up to ensure I make it through the Leeds rush hour without too many problems. When they did finally arrive they showed well, fishing along the edge of the reservoir, coming reasonably close at times. They are impressive birds, and it was cool to see one in Britain.
  The reservoir was reasonably lively overall, with good numbers of Hirundines and Common Terns blogging about. A few Yellow Wagtail were flying overhead and the two Ruddy Shelduck of obviously suspect origin also put in an appearance. It made for a nice break on my drive home after a very successful day out. 

-Caspian Tern

Species List:
Southfield Reservoirs: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Common Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel, Rook, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Sedge Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Dunnock, Western Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Common Chaffinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch,

RSPB Bempton Cliffs twitching a frickin' Black-browed Albatross

 Since I dipped hard last year when I tried to twitch the Black-browed Albatross at Bempton Cliffs, I was reluctant to make any kind of move this year, knowing that it would probably be all in vain again. As such, I spent all Tuesday following the birds progress, as it apparently spent all day on view allowing everyone to connect. The last news from the evening was that it had roosted again on the cliff, and so I decided to take a chance and try for the bird again. Rather than waiting for news I made my move first thing, leaving the house at 05.15 and arriving at Bempton at 07.10, just in time to see the first Birdguides report of the day; not been seen!

  But the day was still young and as such I held out hope that it might make an appearance. And I did not have to wait long. As I was walking down the clifftop footpath to the main viewpoint I have a quick scan with a small crowd and immediately the bird was spotted. Although my views were brief, I did see it. It wasn’t long before it was lost again, but consensus was that it had returned to the cliff face, so we would only have to wait before it appeared again.

  When it did reappear, it continued to be tricky to get onto, but it soon came closer as it was heading right for us, just below the cliff top. It passed just in front of the assembled twitchers, offering absolutely unbelievable views. It then rounded the corner and headed along the cliff towards Filey. The lull in proceedings allowed time to catch up with other birders there, some of whom I had not seen since the start of the pandemic. But while we were chatting away, the bird returned. We knew nothing about it until it was picked up just above our heads flying strongly back to where it had been. It did some small amount of soaring before alighting on the cliff, where it remained for the next half an hour.

  The rest of the morning continued this pattern. Often when the bird flew it would come straight at us heading westward along the cliff face. It then passed directly below us offering insane views and would then drop onto the sea and return 15- 30 minutes later. I soaked up the occasion for three hours, savouring the spectacle of this magnificent bird. The final time I watched it pass it was pursued by a Herring Gull which slowed the birds progress and allowed me chance to grab some proper photos, really putting the icing on the cake for such a brilliant day.

-Black-browed Albatross

Species List:
RSPB Bempton Cliffs: Feral Pigeon, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Curlew, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Atlantic Puffin, Black-legged Kittiwake, European Herring Gull, Black-browed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Wren, Common Blackbird, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch,

Soil Hill; Week 21st June - 27th June

Soil Hill

  Although quiet it was nice to record in excess of 35 species every day this week. The Oystercatchers seem to have moved on, and Curlew have become harder to come by. The farmer decided to cut the bottom fields which will presumably finish off any remaining Lapwing and Snipe chicks, but hopefully the remant areas of sedge will have been able to offer refuge.

  The highlight of the week was a Grasshopper Warbler that started reeling on the 24th and was still going strong on the 26th. On the 26th another bird was also distantly reeling, from an area with no access. The timing is a good indicator that they have bred, or at least attempted to, somewhere and that hopefully they are gearing up to try again. After not hearing any during May I had assumed that none were present this year, but its good to be proved wrong. 

  A juvenile Stonechat on Taylor Lane on the 23rd was a good sign as I have been unable to find any Stonechat this year, but this is presumably a good indication that they have successfully bred somewhere nearby. Siskins and Sand Martins made a few appearances on a couple of dates during the week, and Swift numbers were also healthy, with 100 passing through in an hour on the 26th.

-Grasshopper Warbler

-Common Whitethroat

-Stonechat

-Broad-bodied Chaser

Whiteholme Reservoir

As is typical for an upland reservoir in June, there was little to report from my single visit this week. I had hoped for Scoter but nothing doing. There was a nice female Teal and a smart family party of Wheatears but otherwise quiet. Blackstone Edge seemed to have taken the waders, with 7 Dunlin there compared to none on Whiteholme. 

 

Species List:
Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Snipe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, European Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Buzzard, Little Owl, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, European Stonechat, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Siskin, Common Reed Bunting, Broad-bodied Chaser,
Whiteholme Reservoir: Canada Goose, Mallard, Eurasian Teal, Northern Lapwing, Common Ringed Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Skylark, Eurasian Wren, Northern Wheatear, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit,

Soil Hill; Week 14th June - 20th June

Soil Hill

As is typical for a summer week on Soil Hill, birding was generally quiet, with nothing of real note until the 20th. The first migrant fledglings started to appear, with both Willow Warbler and Whitethroat juveniles observed. Blackcaps were still present until the 18th, but not subsequently. On the 16th two Sand Martin flew south.

On the 20th I had probably the best views I have ever had of Red Kite over Soil Hill. Initially the bird flew low eastwards from Denholme Velvets, but appeared to turn north and as I was on Ned Hill Track at the time thought nothing more of it. However, when I crested the summit, the Kite reappeared from the direction of the quarry, hotly persued by both Rooks and Crows. It flew low over the North Slope before heading north, this time I watched it until it was little more than a speck. In addition, on the same date, I had 2 House Martins and a flock of 56 Swift blogging over the moors.

It was also nice to find some Southern Marsh Orchids flowering, I did not find any last year, so presumably these are new for 2021. In total I have found 4 stalks dotted around the Hill. 

-Red Kite

-Southern Marsh Orchid

Species List:
Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Red Kite, Common Buzzard, Euraisan Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Coal Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Blackcap, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting,

Soil Hill & Whiteholme; Week 07th June - 13th June

Soil Hill

A pretty typical mid-June week with very little of note overall, but pleasant birding with many of the established migrants still around, lots of activity from the breeding waders and a few nice bits and pieces thrown in to keep things lively. Without doubt the standout of the week was a Nuthatch on Taylor Lane on the 9th. As I was walking up I heard the call, but was not 100% confident that it was indeed a Nuthatch, given that this would only be my third record here, but as I approached it flew out from the conifers and landed on a telegraph post on the opposite side of the road. Here I had just enough time to grab a few quick photos before it was flushed by a passing car. It then flew off towards the tall trees on Perseverence Lane. This week I also had two different Red Kite sightings, one on the 8th and another on the 9th. On the 8th a bird flew low and slow over Denholme Velvets, and may have dropped in but frustratingly I lost it while gathering my camera. The following day one was soaring well to north of Soil Hill, probably over Denholme, or possibly even further. A few Sand Martin and a Siskin rounded the week off nicely. 

-Red Kite

-Nuthatch

Whiteholme Reservoir

Just one visit this week, with wader passage all but over and the distant and time it takes to visit this site made it all seem a little worthless. I'll be back to frequent visits come mid-July. There were a couple of Dunlin and a nice group of 5 Oystercatchers, but otherwise precious little of note.

Undisclosed Location

Thanks to gen from Mark Dovestone, it was a pleasure to see, and more importantly hear, a displaying Nightjar less than half an hour from my house. It seems crazy to think that I can hear a nightjar whilst looking at the Soil Hill mast! A fantastic evening recording one of these birds, my first in the UK since 2018, when I ringed chicks on Hatfield Moor. 

-European Nightjar

Species List:
Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, European Herring Gull, Red Kite, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Barn Swallow, Sand Martin, Willow Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Wren, Eurasian Nuthatch, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Siskin, Common Reed Bunting, Small Heath, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip, Large Red Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly,
Whiteholme Reservoir: Canada Goose, Mallard, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Common Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Dunlin, Common Snipe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Skylark, Eurasian Wren, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Reed Bunting,

RSPB Ham Wall twitching River Warbler

Having wrapped up my work for the moment, and now with a bit more time on my hands I have been able to get out birding more. Although, for the most part, the plan is to stay local there are still a few birds that could tempt me.

On Friday a River Warbler was found in Somerset, which was showing well by all accounts and would have been a world tick for me. Whilst I have not bothered with other, more accessible, world ticks already this spring, this one was very tempting, it being a normally very elusive species, and just a straight up stunning bird. Weekend twitching is never a good idea, too many chumps and idiots to contend with, so I waited and on Sunday afternoon, with the bird still present, I decided I would try for it.

I left Halifax just around 04.00 and after a four-hour drive, I arrived at Ham Wall. The reserve is fantastic with extensive reedbeds and riverside vegetation that has attracted a number of rarities over the years. Despite this, I made my way straight to the location where the River Warbler had been singing and after a wait of maybe 10 minutes, I got my first glimpse.

To say it showed well would be an understatement. It would perch up and sing maybe 8 meters away for around 5 – 10 minutes before it would drop down into the shrubbery for another 10 – 15 minutes before returning. As the day got warmer when the morning haze cleared, these intervals did get longer. In the end I stayed with the bird for three hours, and would happily have stayed longer were I not risking hitting rush-hour traffic at either Birmingham or Leeds.

The plumage of the bird was a nice warm brown, with the underparts being a more dusky-buffish colour. The throat and breast were heavily streaked giving way to a clean belly. The tail was superb, as it is in all Locustella warblers, and at one point it completely splayed its tail in sunshine to dry off the matted ends. Of course, the absolute peak part of the bird are the Undertail coverts, which were just as stunning as I had imagined. Most of the time these were obscured by vegetation but even then the white tips stood out. The song was extremely pleasing to listen to, less monotone I thought that a Savi’s or Grasshopper Warbler. I tried to record the bird but there was always a chump talking in the background.

River Warbler gets a solid 10/10 from me, one of the best birds I have seen in Britain and well worth the journey down.

-River Warbler

Species List:

RSPB Ham Wall: Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Eurasian Teal, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Water Rail, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Northern Lapwing, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Cormorant, Eurasian Bittern, Great Egret, Western Marsh Harrier, Western Barn Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Bearded Reedling, Sedge Warbler, Eurasian Reed Warbler, River Warbler, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Cetti's Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Eurasian Wren, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Common Chaffinch, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting, Hairy Dragonfly, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Large Red Damselfly, Common Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly,

Soil Hill & Whiteholme; Week 31st May - 06th June

Soil Hill

While the new arrivals were limited to a new male Blackcap on the 1st, it is still enjoyable to bird the hill. The many migrants already established are still in fine voice, and the sites breeding waders are always a delight to see. The fields are now full of buttercups and the various bushes are looking green and fantastic. 

Whiteholme Reservoir

I was only able to enjoy visits at the end of the week due to work, those days were extremely enjoyable. Remarkably, on the 5th, the exact same day as last year, there was a Little Stint present on the mud. This individual was not as approachable as last years bird, but I did not try as I didn't want to flush it in case any other birders arrived during the day. It was still present the next day, but had become much more mobile. This stunning bird is certainly the highlight of the spring, remarkably just the second ever spring record for Calderdale. 

There were a number of other birds during the week, including 2 Grey Herons that flew over on the 4th, as well as two drake Eurasian Teal on the 6th, as well as 2 Twite that flew over Byron Edge on the same day. But besides that, its awesome to listen to the Dunlin singing every time I go up. Early morning before the dog walkers arrive, it really is something special. 

-Little Stint

-Dunlin

Species List:
Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Sedge Warbler, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Willow Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting,
Whiteholme Reservoir: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Pheasant, Red Grouse, Feral Pigeon, Common Swift, Eurasian Oystercatcher, European Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Common Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Dunlin, Little Stint, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Short-eared Owl, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Skylark, Eurasian Wren, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Reed Bunting,