Soil Hill & Whiteholme; Week 22nd April - 29th April

Soil Hill

Its staggering just how cold it has been this week, given that it's the last week of April. At least two frosts and a constant NE wind of varying strength has meant the Hill has been a challenge at times. However, there have been a few nice birds to report. The undoubted highlight was a Jack Snipe flushed at the bottom of the North Slope during the late afternoon of the 25th. Helpfully it looped round once it flushed, allowing me to grab a few photos of what is my latest record for this species. Migrants have been thin on the ground, with one Wheatear on the 22nd and two on 29th being the only ones. A smashing but distant male Whinchat on the 29th certainly made up for this, and at least two Grasshopper Warblers have been reeling on and off since the 23rd. A few Jays have been blogging around the Hill during the week, with one dropping into the North Slope Tree-Line on the 27th. Other nice species during the week include a pair of Grey Partridge, a flyover Lesser Redpoll and a male Bullfinch.

-Eurasian Jay

-Jack Snipe

-Whinchat

Whiteholme Reservoir

It was disappointing to find Whiteholme almost void of shoreline, with just a slither in the NW corner of the reservoir. Still there were a few interesting birds that passed through on my visits during the week. The 24th was the standout day, with a passage Arctic Tern followed an hour later by a passage Bar-tailed Godwit, which was a Halifax tick for me. These birds followed a national movement of both species due to the strong NE winds. The following day on the 25th there was no movement of note, although two Shelduck dropped in, joining a smart pair of Goldeneye that were already present. Other birds of note included a pair of Goosander that flew through, a single Dunlin and a pair of Ringed Plover. 

-Shelduck

-Northern Wheatear

-Bar-tailed Godwit

-Arctic Tern

Ringstone Edge Reservoir

On the 24th, just over five minutes after the Bar-tailed Godwit flew through Whiteholme, another was reported on Ringstone. Since it was not a huge detour, and this bird seemed settled, I called in for a quick look. The extent of the white on the coverts from photos by John Marsh shows that this was a different individual from the bird at Whiteholme. 

-Bar-tailed Godwit

Species List:
Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Grey Partridge, Common Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Jack Snipe, Common Snipe, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, 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, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Bullfinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting,

Whiteholme Reservoir: Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Common Shelduck, Mallard, Eurasian Teal, Common Goldeneye, Goosander, Red Grouse, Common Pheasant, Eurasian Oystercatcher, European Golden Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Arctic Tern, Eurasian Jay, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Eurasian Skylark, Barn Swallow, Eurasian Wren, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Reed Bunting,

Ringstone Edge: Canada Goose, Common Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Feral Pigeon, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Skylark, Willow Warbler, Eurasian Wren, Pied Wagtail, Common Linnet, 

Soil Hill & Whiteholme; Week 26th July - 01st August

Soil Hill

Unfortunately, due to the weather I did not visit Soil Hill too many times this week, but on the days that I did visit there were quite a few bits to keep me entertained. For starters on the 26^th I managed a whopping 45 species, which I think is my best count this year, but I can’t be certain about that. Willow Warblers were the stand outs of the week, with small numbers of juveniles present daily giving the place a very lively feel. A Grasshopper Warbler was also nice on the 26^th, as were two Grey Wagtail that flew south and 2 Common Buzzard that circled low overhead. Once the storm had passed, I returned to the hill but there was not the fall of passerines I dreamt about, the highlight on the 1^st being a Green Woodpecker that was calling from down in Bradshaw.

-Common Buzzard

Whiteholme Reservoir

Where Soil Hill was more tranquilo this week, Whiteholme was exceptional. With the storm in the offing I made a visit during the afternoon of the 27^th to sus out the habitat and see which birds were already present. I was stunned to spot a Red Knot still in its summer finery on the centre ‘island’. I then flew to the near shore and became unbelievably confiding, allowing me to gather some nice shots. It was carrying a limp but this did not seem to hamper it behaviour at all.

The 28^th was unexceptional despite the weather, but the storm continued and on the 29^th it delivered. Fog greatly hampered visibility but in the glimpses I was able to obtain of the ‘island’ I managed to spot 6 Arctic Terns all sitting out the storm, which then turned into 7 when they got up and had short fly around before presumably deciding against it. When the fog lifted again there was a summer plumage plover sitting on the island. Frustratingly, because of the wind direction, it kept facing me the whole time, and then the fog descended again. It was another 10 minutes before the fog lifted again, but the bird continued to face me. Consequently I moved along the shore to hopefully get an angle that would confirm my suspicions that the bird was a Grey Plover. I managed a better angle, but it was not needed, as the bird decided to leave the reservoir, flying low over my head revealing its stunning black axillaries.

And then to wrap it all up on the 31^st a stunning adult Turnstone arrived mid-morning and after flying around calling landed in the top NW corner of the reservoir. It lingered here for all of about 30 seconds before it took off again. Frustratingly I was trying to digiscope the bird at the time and as such lost it as it flew off, so I have no idea which direction it went. I did however scour the whole reservoir, and it was certainly not present on Whiteholme, nor on Blackstone Edge. Turnstone is my 150th species in Calderdale and the 15th species of wader on Whiteholme so far in 2021.

-Red Knot

-Arctic Tern

-Grey Plover

Species List:
Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Swift, Common Moorhen, Northern Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Coal 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, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Common Reed Bunting,
Whiteholme Reservoir: Canada Goose, Mallard, Eurasian Teal, Goosander, Common Swift, Red Grouse, Eurasian Oystercatcher, European Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Red Knot, Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Arctic Tern, Great Cormorant, Common Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Northern Raven, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Northern Wheatear, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, 

Soil Hill & Whiteholme; Week 04th - 09th May

Soil Hill

The birding on Soil Hill has been badly hampered by howling winds and cold temperatures. For a site more suited to passage passerines neither of these is particularly helpful but there were still a few nice bits to be found. First of these was a very very distant Whinchat on the 07th May, which was sadly all too brief. Wheatears featured throughout the week but were often distant on the bottom Cattle Fields. Overhead the migration was limited, with hirundines being limited to 2 Sand Martin on the 06th and a single House Martin on the 09th. A Swift also flew north on the 06th. Small groups of Siskin have been around the hill, with a group of 7 being the largest. Regular migrants have arrived and already established territories with some interesting Whitethroat behaviour observed on two occasions. The male will fly around the female within the bush uttering a bizzare whirring noise, which I have the intention to record once the wind drops. And finally rounding off the week, a drake Tufted Duck on the NK pond, only the second time I have seen this species here. Frustratingly it spent most of its time on the near shore out of sight.

-Whinchat

Whiteholme Reservoir

  On the 8th the weather was truly horrific, with gales and heavy rain and sleet. Since Soil Hill was a write off I decided to head up to Whiteholme to see if any birds were dropping in during the rain. And the endevour was rewarding with a nice total of 29 Dunlin and a single Sanderling. Sadly I could not give it so long due to the fact that I myself could not cope with the conditions and soon had to return home for some comforts. 

  That said, the two hours I had spent in the rain had wet my appetite so the following morning I headed up early doors to see the results of the storm. DF had just beat me there and recorded nearly 40 Dunlin, but when I joined him he informed me he was up to 69. It was indeed a fantastic sight with Dunlin dotted all along the shore line and filling the air with their buzzy calls. In addition there were at least 15 Ringed Plover. After a while DF had to leave and it was not five minutes after he headed down Blackstone Edge that an Arctic Tern appeared over the northern edge of the reservoir. It made slow progress south, allowing for some excellent views of the bird before I lost it. After this I decided to walk the length of the mud, click-counting the Dunlin and I reached an excellent total of 72 individuals. There were also 2 Sanderling here, which I compared with photos of the previous days individual and both appear to be new birds. After another hour of watching I decided to head off, when a Pink-footed Goose dropped in. Initially the bird caused me confusion, due to it being May, but photos confirmed the ID. It sat on the bank for 10 minutes before it too headed off strongly south. In conclusion, it truly has been a memorable weekend. 

-Sanderling

-Dunlin

-Dunlin & Sanderling

-Arctic Tern

-Sanderling

-Dunlin

-Pink-footed Goose

Species List:

Soil Hill: Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, 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, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Little Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Great Tit, Eurasian Skylark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Mistle Thrush, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Siskin, Common Reed Bunting,
Whiteholme Reservoir: Greylag Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Red Grouse, Common Swift, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Common Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Eurasian Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Sanderling, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, European Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Arctic Tern, Common Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Skylark, Barn Swallow, Eurasian Wren, Northern Wheatear, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit,  

Spurn Week 2

Monday 20th June

An extremely promising day that just became nothing. Now on afternoons I could go vis-migging. It looked like good conditions for swifts, but in the morning only about 50 moved and all out over the Humber. Other birds were also at a premium. I gave up at 08.00 and headed back to the caravan for a nap.

Ponds was equally as quiet, the highlight being a Grey Wagtail which went north. An Arctic Tern also dropped in briefly, and a Barn Owl over long bank. Overall though it was an extremely underwhelming day...

Species List:

Beacon Ponds: Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Little Tern, Grey Wagtail, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin, Avocet, Mute Swan, Swift, Kestrel, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Little Egret, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Barn Owl, Dunlin, Linnet, 

Tuesday 21st June

Once more I got up early and headed down to numpties to hopefully get some Swifts. That worked out well, all three Swifts that I saw. And there was hardly a great deal of other birds, but those that there were made a peculiar assortment. At the bottom of the canal I found a young Great-spotted Woodpecker on the telegraph poles. Then whilst watching for Swifts there were 3 Rook which u-turned and a couple of Mistle Thrushes. All not particularly common Spurn birds, especially at this time of year. On my walk down the canal I year-ticked Yellow-legged Gull but it was distant and in the haze, so no photos of the bird, an adult.

-Great-spotted Woodpecker

-Rook and Jackdaw

-Mistle Thrush

Up at the ponds there was a great deal of consistency with a very similar assortment of species on show. A family party of Pheasant was flushed from Long Bank, and there was a flock of Grey Plover that went south. The Arctic Tern that make infrequent appearances flew in and then to wetlands, allowing me to grab a few photos of them as they flew back over my head.

-Arctic Tern

Species List:

Numpties Watchpoint:

Beacon Ponds: Knot, Little Tern, Pheasant, Sandwich Tern, Dunlin, Cuckoo, Arctic Tern, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Avocet, Reed Bunting, Grey Plover, House Martin, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, 

Wednesday 22nd June

Having gotten up early the last two mornings and been extremely disappointed with the birds on offer, today I decided to sleep in. Obviously then, it came as no surprise that today was the day when there was actually a bird getting up for. Fortunately it did not break until I was already out of bed and halfway through breakfast. I was on site, Beacon Ponds, at the same time as all the other birders who had raced up from Numpties.

The bird in question was a lesser golden plover, which was soon deemed to be an American Golden Plover on the basis of the length of its wings and the colour scheme of its back. It was incredibly distant on the ponds, although had I been on duty that morning the views would have been very good from the tern hut. I tried to grab what photos I could but ended up phone-scoping, something I have not done very much, usually because the camera on my phone is somewhat lacking. 

The bird itself was a smart beast, nearly adult full summer but not quite. It has a distinctive thick neck band though, and the vent was showing signs of going dark. The colour of the back was very distinctive, even in the morning light. When it flew, which we only saw it do once (when it left) you could clearly see the dusky axillaries.

-American Golden Plover

Sadly the bird pinged it at 8.00, and when I saw pinged it properly went. Some present thought it had headed over to sammies but it kept going beyond there until it was lost. No coming back from that then. Only birders on site saw it, and it stayed probably around 15mins. 

My walk round the canal mid morning produced very little, just a few dragonflies. On my shift up at ponds I had hoped that the AGP would come back but by the time I left high tide had been and gone with no rewards, so I guess it must have properly gone.

Species List:

Beacon Ponds: Knot, Little Tern, Curlew, Sandwich Tern, American Golden Plover, Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Avocet, Little Egret, Mallard, Mute Swan, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Carrion Crow, Common Gull, Linnet, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Gannet, Grey Plover,

Thursday 23rd June

Another start which was not massively early but nothing happened to make it worth getting up early. A Hobby was about the best of it at Numpties this morning, although a flock of Lapwing was probably more unusual for the time of year.

Ponds was quiet as well, a solitary Bar-tailed Godwit probably about the best of it. Not much more to say really. Overall  a very quiet day.

Species List:

Numpties: Hobby, Sandwich Tern, Curlew, Swift, Meadow Pipit, Starling, Swallow, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, House Martin, Herring Gull, 

Beacon Ponds: Little Tern, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Woodpigeon, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Swallow, Grey Heron, Herring Gull, Cuckoo, Great Black-backed Gull, Starling, Little Egret, Mallard, Mute Swan, Magpie, Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit,

Friday 24th June

The first day of real Swift movement. It started slowly but soon picked up and by the end of the day we had over 2000 birds gone south. Many had gone through flying so low they could have parted out hair. Always a fantastic spectacle, one of the real highlights of the year at Spurn. I diddnt spend time taking photos of the Swifts, only sifting through them looking for something rare.

In between bursts of Swifts there were a couple of other things about, namely a very smart Ruby-tailed Wasp alighting on the fence posts around the watchpoint. They move so fast and are so tricky. The one decent photo I got is still slightly out of focus, but since its the only one I got I'll throw it in for good measure.

-Ruby-tailed Wasp

Up at ponds it was very quiet so I spent most of my time clicking Swifts. I counted a decent number but most went over long bank it seems. Just as I was leaving I got a fright, with a pale, sandy brown plover on the beach. I had no idea what it was, but fortunately it flew revealing black armpits, so Grey Plover. Honestly, it looked like a hybrid golden plover-sand plover. It had me until it flew.

Species List:

Numpties: Little Tern, Sandwich Tern, Grey Plover, Redshank, Arctic Tern, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Teal, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Mallard, Shelduck, Little Egret, Cormorant, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Swallow, Swift, Sand Martin, House Martin, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull,

Beacon Ponds: Sparrowhawk, Swift, Little Tern, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Little Egret, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Greenshank, Curlew, Grey Heron, Woodpigeon, Common Scoter, Grey Plover, Common Teal, Avocet, 

Saturday 25th June

Usual craic first thing, down to Numpties for some vis-migging. On my way down I was stunned to come across a Turtle Dove sitting pretty on the wires near the warren. Sadly it flew north before I was able to get any photos of it but always a cracking bird to see. Sadly it turns out Steve had got it first and put it out whilst I was still in bed, so I suppose you snooze you loose...

Other cracking bits and pieces from watching: Barn Owl in the Triangle, a Red-throated Diver over our heads and a Red-breasted Merganser close in. 

-Red-breasted Merganser

Up at ponds it was very quiet, so I spent most of my time clicking those Swifts that were going through overhead. An early evening shower put the steady trickle down for a while but once it had passed they came through with vengeance, with good numbers passing through.

Species List:

Numpties: Barn Owl, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver, Fulmar, Gannet, Swift, Turtle Dove, Little Gull, Grey Wagtail, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern, Golden Plover, Common Teal, Curlew, Dunlin, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Mallard, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Starling, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Kestrel, 

Beacon Ponds: Little Tern, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sandwich Tern, Little Egret, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Avocet, 

Sunday 26th June

Another morning down at Numpties. The Swift movement of the last few days had all but dried up, but still over 800 birds went through. We were treating to a smashing flyover from a couple of Spoonbill, which then landed on the Humber and fed for a short while before continuing south. We did see another bird go north, probably a different bird from one of the earlier ones.

Other species of any note were a Peregrine north, a flock of 12 Tufted Duck (Fairly unusual here) and a couple of shearwaters. I can't comment but more experienced birders were perplexed by the birds, seeming halfway between Manx and Balearic. There were a couple of shouts for Yelkouan but in the end nothing came of it. However, from the subsequent discussions I do now know what to look for in a Yelkouan Shearwater.

-Spoonbill

It was another quiet evening up at the ponds. We did manage to catch the pair of bikers that had been eluding us all week, which was good. The only bird highlight was the first Turnstone of the year back, which alighted with the Redshank early evening. I spent most of my time trying to get some photographs of the Little Terns, something I have not done much of despite watching them daily. In the end though I only got a couple of reasonable efforts.

-Little Tern

Species List:

Numpties: Spoonbill, Tufted Duck, Common Scoter, Teal, Swift, Peregrine, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Swallow, Sand Martin, Curlew, Dunlin, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull,

Beacon Ponds: Turnstone, Redshank, Dunlin, Cuckoo, Little Tern, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Swift, Swallow, House Martin, 

Spurn Day 1

So having found myself possibly the greatest summer job going, the time came for me to depart to Spurn and become a Little Tern Warden. The public transport was pretty smooth, all went well and I arrived at Hull in good time to meet the reserve warden. Once I arrived in Hull the heavens opened and the rain did not cease all day.

But never mind! The drive to spurn passed through some lovely villages and some intensive agriculture. Due to the rain it was difficult to get a real feel for the environment but it felt reasonably pleasant. We picked up Stock Dove and Yellowhammer on the drive, getting me off to a good start for the trip.

I arrived on site and was given an hour to settle down and grab some lunch. I am staying in the Warren, which is spurn’s on site accommodation. Once I had settled down I was shown around, including the ringing hut, with photos of stunning birds from the past. I was given the chance to try and identify them all, but failed pretty miserably; hopefully I will not find any of those species in the field…

After a short tour I was taken by the warden to one of the marsh sites, from there we would head over to see where the tern hut was. I managed to make a great impression by leaving my bins back at the accommodation. What a way to make an impression!

Once we had recovered that situation we came to the wetland and entered the hide there. There was another local birder in the hide there already who had been there for some time. Even as we walked in he alerted us to the presence of a handful of Little Gulls that had just dropped in with the Black-Headed Gulls. Following that he then preceded to find a Yellow Legged Gull on the bank. So that’s two species of gull I am barely familiar with within the first few minutes of birding.

The rain continued to fall, with increasing intensity but there remained decent numbers of birds on the scrape. A small group of Shoveler flew in, as did a lone Avocet and a few Black-Tailed Godwit. So far I managed to contribute zilch to these findings and was beginning to feel a little lost in it all. Thankful, rescue was at hand when my eyes wandered and I noticed a small wading bird with an obvious white rump land on one of the more obscure pools. It was a Green Sandpiper, one of my moments of triumph to say the least. Sadly I could not get a great view but the white rump and dark colour alone told me enough. Also on the scrape were a few Arctic Terns, and Sandwich Terns, the former of which I had hardly seen until this year and now they I had seen them on 3 separate occasions.

After a little while and a relent in the rain we carried on round, picking up Golden Plover and more Curlew that had been flushed from the field. There was a viewing screen along the way and from there I spotted a Little Egret and Paul pointed out a Greenshank. We then carried on round to overlook the pool where I will be working from tomorrow. It certainly seems nice enough but the weather was very misleading. Fortunately there were decent birds on here including Cormorant, Little Egret and Dunlin. But the real birds on here were of course the Little Terns which we just visible on the far side of the lake. It was difficult to make out any features except for their small size. Fortunately I will be able to get some great encounters with them tomorrow when I monitor them.

We headed back from the lake and back to the Warren. I was given then afternoon off so decided to go to the Seawatching hide behind the Warren to see what was about on there. I spent about 75 mins in the hide in total, picking up very little in all honesty. The first thing I saw was a Grey Seal which stuck its big roman nose out of the water like some kind of shark fin. On the bird front there was a squad of 6 Gannets, followed by a further 2 later. The highlight was a small raft of Common Scoter, but it was difficult to make out any features because they were so far out and the weather was so poor. Alas that it should be so rainy. A few terns also passed by, including 4 Arctic and 2 Sandwich, and a Common Gull drifted past a couple of times. So for the weather conditions it worked out alright really.

-Arctic Tern

-Common Gull

And that was the end of the days outings, a pretty decent first day, with plenty to write home about, if not the weather. However, I now have a 5am start tomorrow for tern watching. Bring it on…

Species List:

Driving: Yellowhammer, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Swallow, Black-Headed Gull

Kilnsea Marsh: Yellow-Legged Gull, Little Gull, Black-Headed Gull, Greater Black-Backed Gull, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern, Little Egret, Kittywake, Green Sandpiper, Black-Tailed Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin, Avocet, Shoveler, Curlew, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Meadow Pipit, Oystercatcher

Seawatching: Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, Gannet, Common Scoter, Common Gull, Oystercatcher, Swallow, Arctic Tern, Black-Headed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Linnet, Grey Seal, Rabbit

Farne Islands NT

My brother had an open day at Newcastle University and so my mum offered to go up to Seahouses afterwards for me to tick Eider, and have some fish and chips. This was a great plan, until there was a tern in my fortunes, a black and white tern of mega proportions. Yes, once again the Bridled Tern had returned to the Farne Islands, and this got me thinking that perhaps I would be able to make it to the Farnes via public transport and then get picked up.

I did some serious research into this, and found that it would be do-able, but would require us to reach Newcastle station for the train at 10.42, or else it would be a waste of time and I would miss all connections. I would require this train to Alnmouth, then a coast bus that was one every 3 hours to Seahouses and that would get me in at around half 1, giving me the option of 2 tours. In good faith I reserved a spot on the 2 o'clock tour, knowing that if I was going to make it, then this would be the one.

And so the day came, bright but overcast. We set off at around 8.00 in the morning, the time I usually get up when birding at uni, and made good speed all the way up to Newcastle. Here I must thank my dad for driving us there for me to get the train and Jesus for keeping the roads clear of traffic so it was possible. When I arrived I have a full half an hour of spare time prior to my train, so things were looking up.

All my other connections had plenty of time, the bus was a little late but no matter. A little wildlife intermission now, as we picked up Bullfinch and Roe Deer while driving up the motorway, I also added Kestrel and the Kittywakes on the Tyne bridge from the train, and Brown Hare, Rook, Curlew and another Roe Deer from the bus. Even should it all go wrong it had already been a pretty decent day.

I made it to Seahouses in good time, having had a pleasant journey on the bus through some lovely small villages along the coast. Upon arrival in Seahouses and checking my reservation I managed my first year-tick of the day, no problem: Eider. Sadly the males were all in eclipse, and the time was out, so I was unable to get great views at this point, but watched them over the wall behind the booking offices for the tours. Alongside the Eiders were Oystercatcher, Feral Pigeon and Herring Gull, so doing well already.

-Eclipse Eider

I had loitered around that area as our boat was soon due, and so it appeared. We got on a little later than 2.00, around 10 past, but I was surprised by how few twitchers there seemed to be, leaving me to wonder if the bird had gone overnight, and I had missed a trick. I should state here that a trip to the Farne Islands is great regardless of any Bridled Tern, and that it would be a great afternoon.

The first birds we encountered while on the boat were Guillemots that were fishing in small parties near the harbour. Thats year-tick number 2, quickly followed by number 3; Puffin, much to the delight of may passengers aboard the boat. Number 4 followed not too soon after in the form of Gannet, which glided among the waves or along the horizon in small flocks.

Having never been to a seabird colony at this time of year I was unsure of what to expect, if things would quieten down due to it been late, or if it would still be bustling. It was certainly a case of the latter, with the cliffs teeming with Guillemots and Kittywakes, the former making up the majority of the numbers.

-Guillemots

-Lots of Guillemots

As we pulled up for the first time near the inner Farne Islands, the tour guide pointed out Shags, number 5, and Cormorants roosting on the rocks. While Cormorant is a species I am well familiar with from inland, the shag is not, and I do not see them often. I was keen to try and get some photos, but was reluctant to pull out the camera for getting in peoples way. I managed a few shots of Shags, often on nests or perched on the cliffs, but it was difficult to focus due to the rhythmic bobbing of the boat.

-Shag Pair

We then moved off to look at the Outer Farne Islands, and on the way across we were joined by more Gannets and a Fulmar, not a year tick but certainly an improvement on the sighting that was. This individual flew right over the boat, though I spotted it too late for any photos. 

On the Outer Farnes there were rather a lot of Grey Seals, which caused quite a commotion among the boats occupants. I did not bother trying to get photos as everyone was standing and it would have just been in the way, but I was surprised by how close the seals were coming to the boat, obviously it is to be expected from inquisitive animals such as them, but regardless. 

Anyway, having had great views of the seals the captain took us round to another island where there was more grass, and as a result there were good numbers of Common but especially Arctic Tern. But the real stars here were the Puffins, which were all lined up in a great mass along the top ridge of the rock, making for quite a spectacle. Despite the furor this created I decided to just get some photos, of a species that for all its character, I do seem to lack record photos of...

-Puffins

It was also on these Outer Farnes that we picked up our first Razorbills of the afternoon. I had noticed a lack of them among the guillemots, but the commentary explained they were not especially common here, and so it would seem. These were my 6th year-tick of the day, a nice addition but was unable to get any photos because they were sitting on the water on the wrong side of the boat. I spotted a few others perched on top of the rocks but I could not get any photos, the sea making it hard work. 

And that concluded our tour, so we headed off into the Inner Farnes, to land on Inner Farne itself for and hour. As soon as we drew close I spotted the small group of obviously less dude birders perched atop the jetty staring out into the terns along the rocks, indicating clearly that this was the location of the bridled. But as soon as I got off the boat I was broke the devastating news that it had been lost as of 2 mins before where a large number of terns had gone up. But the birders remained hopeful of its return so I set up and began to look. 

Upon landing on the island I got my 7th and for me most surprising year tick of the day when a female Red-Breasted Merganser flew past the jetty. I did not expect to see this species today, but it was a nice addition, having never seen one here before. It took me rather by surprise and I was unable to get any photos the view was so brief as it flew by, but the white wing patches made it pretty unmistakable. Along the shoreline there was also Ringed Plover, though I could only find the one, which was almost as aggressive as the terns were. At one point a young Black-Headed Gull managed to upset both the terns and the plover and so relentless were the attacks that the gull eventually just crashed into the water to sit it out. The terns in question were of course the Arctic Terns, but there were also good numbers of Sandwhich terns, though they were less bold. The boldness of the Arctics was something of a revelation, having been used to skittish birds most of my life, having these terns perch so close to me was something new. As we were waiting for the Bridled one perched on the mast near the jetty, an unnatural but convenient post for some record shots.

-Arctic Tern

It did not take long for the Bridled Tern to be found, perched on the other side of the jetty to where it had been before. I managed to locate it after looking through another gentleman's scope, finding it with my bins and then my scope. This is a bird I have long wanted to see, and it did not disappoint. As soon as I set eyes on it I took in its suave and elegant posture, as it perched among the rocks. It just oozed class, pure beauty, as solid and beautiful a British bird as you can get. I savored the view and then decided to grab some record shots before continuing my admiration. Good thing I did too, as no sooner had I rattled off about 20 record shots all the terns went up. I had put my camera away but through the bins I could follow the bird, as it came flew out over the bay, then back, then towards the jetty, and then right over us, and then over the far side of the jetty and then over the brow of the beach and was lost.

I can't describe the emotion felt as the bird flew over us, just for a split second it came with a couple of meters, so close that all its glory could be made out with the naked eye, Before having to watch it drift away beyond my sight. After it had gone over us I grabbed the camera but from that point on the bird had its back to us and I only managed a couple of shots before it went.

That was it, all day travelling, all that money for 5 mins watching one of the greatest birds I can imagine. Despite spending the rest of my time on the island looking, we were unable to relocate it, the bird had probably gone off fishing as it is prone to doing. But regardless, it had provided me with possibly one of the best 5 minuets of my life.

So I mentioned I got some photos, poor as they are as the bird was initially distant, but unmistakable in its finery. They define record shots. I would have loved a photo was it flew over us, but it will never be.

-Bridled Tern

This is a species I have always wanted to see, and it definitely made the whole trip worthwhile, though it would have been regardless. Some number crunching, that was the 8th (and final) year-tick of the day, but undoubtedly the best. Its also my 15th Lifer this year, and my first Mega for 4 years (pied billed grebe). 

Having been on a missive high from the bird, it descended into a lull now that it was lost and the search began again. I searched at first but then began to look for the other birds on the island, though in the same area. Despite the great numbers of Arctic Tern there were still a few Common Tern around, and one landed right besides the path with a sand-eel in its mouth. Inland I would never be able to get this close to this species, so this was a real treat to see it like this.

-Common Tern

Having never been to the Farnes at this time of year, I can say that I have never been attacked by its terns, a feature so readily advertised about the islands. While not wanting to upset the birds I decided to run the gauntlet to pay for my stay on the island, but also to see what it was really like. 

It did not dissappoint. Like a true birding pro, I managed to pass most of the birds perched on the edge of the path without causing them to fly, but the first bird was very upset and very persistent about its attacking. It pecked my a good 5 times before considering me vanquished, leaving me very relieved to have my hood.

It is a sickening feeling to have Arctic Terns pecking my head, when I spent most of Easter chasing them round South Yorkshire thinking I would not get them this year. Those 2 birds at Orgreave I had considered all I would get, observing a pair flying up and down a small lake before moving off. Now I had the birds well within touching distance, and if I did not want to touch them, they certainly wanted to get you. As I managed to avoid disturbing the birds on the paths edge I settled down to grab some photos, to improve on the record shots I had taken at Orgreave.

It is also worth mentioning that you got great views of the Arctic Tern chicks along the path. Not wanting to disturb the birds I did not stay at any nest to photograph the chicks so I have no photos of them, but they were certainly a delight to see. 

-Arctic Tern

Sadly my island experience was limited due to the fact that I spent most of it on the jetty awaiting the return of the Bridled Tern, but one can't be in all places at once, and I was not to know that it would not return. The hour flew by, and before I knew it the ferry had returned to take us all off home.

Our captain made a slow and steady return round the far side of Inner Farne to allow us to get a final view of the birds. This time I had a better seat on the boat so took a great deal more photos than previously, though very few came out well. I tried to add Kittywake photos to my effort for the March bird at Old Moor and managed a few reasonable shots. 

-Kittywakes

A real plus was that on the way out, just we were leaving, our driver alerted us to a Razorbill with its chick near the side of the boat. I grabbed a couple of record shots before I was crowded out, as proof of the year-list sighting. It actually came out alright, showing the adult well and even the chick too

-Razorbill

The rest of the trip passed without incident. A couple of Gannets and a few Puffins were the swansong of what had been a great afternoon, really enjoyable. But it was not over yet. I knew my parents were coming to pick me up, but I did not know when or where. I made my way over to the Eiders to take some photos while I waited. There were only females near the shore, but they had good numbers of chicks, of different ages too. Its the first time I have ever seen Eider chicks and I have to say that they are pretty sweet. Their feet seem so out of proportion to their body, and they often were sent tumbling either by gravity or by the waves.

-Eiders with Chicks

I found my parents soon enough and we went for a walk along the harbor. Here we picked up Grey Heron fishing in the bay, as well as swallow and a small brown bird that was almost certainly a rock pipit, but it did not stop so I decided to not tick it until I can find one where it can be 100% confirmed.

And that was that, most of the journey home was in rain, and when it was not raining I was asleep, reflecting on what had been a pretty incredible day, one of the best I can recall having. There were so many birds, and its the first time I have been to a proper seabird colony with my camera and as a more mature birder. And then of course there is the obvious, but need I say more about that bird. In fact, the only thing really left to do is to give you today's species list...

Species List:

Traveling: Bullfinch, Buzzard, Rook, Kestrel, Kittywake, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Swift, House Martin, Curlew, Roe Deer, Brown Hare

Seahouses/Farne Islands NT: Eider, Herring Gull, Black-Headed Gull, Feral Pigeon, Oystercatcher, House Sparrow, Starling, Gannet, Kittywake, Shag, Puffin, Common Guillemot, Cormorant, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Fulmar, Greater Black-Backed Gull, Razorbill, Sandwhich Tern, Red-Breasted Merganser, Ringed Plover, Bridled Tern, Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Curlew, Grey Heron, Swallow, House Martin, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Grey Seal,