Spurn Migfest 2015!!

Before the weekend of the 5th and 6th I was really looking forward to attending the Spurn Migration Festival. I look forward to it every year as it can always produce some goods. This year at the migfest I was doing an event called Young Birder of the Year where myself and 2 other young birders were taking part (Findlay Wilde and Evie Miller). This was taking place on the Saturday morning at around 9:30am. On Saturday we set of at about 7am for our 3rd Migration festival!!

Before we arrived at Spurn we had a good bit of time to spare so we used that time to try our luck and search for the Sunk Island Black Stork. Good news was that news came out of it still present when we were just 10mins away!! Thankfully we got to see this cracking bird even though it was right at the back of a ditch, some people let us look through their scopes where we got great views. The Black Stork is Definitly one I have always wanted to see, I was really pleased to have seen it plus I have found out that it was ringed in France this year and that another one of its siblings is also in the UK! A great bit of info!!

Black Stork

 

Once we arrived it wasn't long before we started Young Birder of the Year but before it was great to catch up with Findlay and Evie. The Young Birder of the Year was part of 5 different stages which included Sea Watching, Lab, Bushes, Estuary and Vis Mig. All of these stages were very enjoyable and it was great fun to be taking part. On the Sea Watching stage I even managed to see a cracking Sooty Shearwater which was a first for me! I think the one I found hardest was the Lab test as this was on bird call id and feather id and I wasn't to good on that but still it was good fun!

 

After everyone had completed their stages we had to wait half an hour to get our results so in that half an hour me and Findlay went off to find the Red Backed Shrike in corner field and as soon as we arrived the little beauty was already on show! across the field sitting of a fence giving great views! Unfortunately we couldn't stay long so we then quickly rushed back up to the Warren to get our results. In some bushes next to the Warren a Pied Flycatcher gave some very nice views!

 

Red Backed Shrike

 

When we arrived at the Warren a nice buffet had been prepared for us which we all seemed to enjoy. After we had finished all of us got ready for the results unfortunately though I didn't win but I wasn't to bothered as I was pleased just to take part and have fun in the competition. Findlay won the competition, Well Done! I hope they do this again next year as I really did enjoy it plus thank you Nick Whitehouse and the Friends of Spurn for organising the event.

 

Afterwards me, Fin and Evie went to go and have another look at the Red Backed Shrike where it showed in more or less the same place but we had very nice scope views. We all then moved down the way of the Crown and Anchor where we saw a very showy Spotted Flycatcher plus a Pied Fly was also on show but it was very flighty. The Pied Fly at the Warren showed a lot better and gave nice photo opportunities.

 

Spotted Flycatcher

Pied Flycatcher

 

After watching some Knot, Redshank, Ringed Plover and Dunlin on the Humber we then moved to Westmere Farm in search of a Barred Warbler which had just been found. We waited and waited but with nothing accept Willow Warblers and huge amounts of Swallows we then had a walk to Kilnsea Wetlands where me and Fin managed to find some Med Gulls which were a nice surprise. Other than a couple of Dunlin and Little Egret there wasn't much else. We then decided to go and do a bit of Sea Watching where we had 4 Sooty Shearwaters, Arctic Skuas, Gannet, a couple of Auk sp, Red Throated Diver and a few Terns. After almost an hour of sea watching we headed back of to Westmere Farm to get ready for our Young Birder of the Year prizes and of course the Hog Roast!

 

That evening we all got out Hog Roast and then all got presented with our prizes, I got a copy of Martin Garners Challenge series Winter, a Trophy, Membership for Spurn and a 2 night stay at the Warren! After that we had a talk from Yoav Perlman who gave a very interesting talk about migration of birds in Israel, some amounts of birds they got were huge! After we said our goodbyes to Fin and his Mum Heather as they were leaving that evening. After me and my Dad headed of to the Crown and Anchor to put an end to a top day!

 

Day 2  

After sleeping in the car we decided to start the day off with a seawatch. After a good amount of species going past yesterday we had high hopes for today but it turns out we hardly saw a thing! The sea was very quiet with only just a couple of Gannets going past. We waited a little longer but then we had news of a Barred Warbler opposite Bluebell Café so as you could imagine that was our next destination. Thankfully the bird was showing upon arrival making its way through the backs of bushes but after a while it flew a little further down the road and showed exceptionally well! Right at the front of the bushes! It showed like that for a good 5-10min before flying across to the Caravan site and out of view. A cracking bird and Definitly the best views I have had of this species.

 

Barred Warbler

 

We then moved on to see if we could get any better views of the Red Backed Shrike but unfortunately it didn't come any closer. After watching the Shrike we went down to Westmere farm to see if we could see another Barred Warbler but this one seemed to be very elusive so we just then decided to carry on back up to the Warren to see if any ringing was taking place. The ringing was a great success as we got to see several Lesser Redpolls, Lesser Whitethroat and a Meadow Pipit. The Redpolls were amazing to see up close. The Redpoll isn't a species I haven't seen to well in the past so it was a great experience to get to see them like this.

 

Lesser Redpoll

Lesser Whitethroat

 

Afterwards we went on a guided trip down to the point with Evie and her Mum Lorraine where we got see a nice range of species. We went down on the massive army truck Spurn had got where we spotted from it good numbers of Kestrels and we spotted many species of wader flying over the Humber. One of the first birds we spotted as we got off was a cracking wheatear which gave some very nice views. After we walked round some bushes which looked ideal for many different bird species but all we saw was a very vocal little Wren. After we had a little talk from a Lifeguard at Spurn which he told us about what he does and how often he goes out. Then after that we headed off back to the Warren where on the way we spotted a nice Whinchat sitting up on some bushes. Once we arrived back it was then sadly out time to leave so we said goodbye to Evie and Lorraine and then we headed off back home after a very memorable and exciting Migfest!

Cant wait for next year!!!

Golden Moment!

Yesterday evening news popped up of a Golden Oriole in Thirsk which is only about half an hour away so  as you probably expected we were soon ready to go!

We got a little lost at first but thankfully we found the fishing lakes where it had apparently been spotted. A few Yellow Wagtails on the way in was a very nice bonus. We started walking towards the lakes on where it had been seen by and it came to our luck that we saw it straight away! It briefly flew across one side of the lake and then back again, it allowed us to have a very nice look through the bins at it and all the colours stood out very nicely. Afterwards we had a little walk round to see if we could see it in the trees but all we saw was a nice pair of Blackcaps. A big group of birders had now gathered and soon enough we spotted it quite distantly flying above the trees on the far side of the lake but unfortunately this view was very brief and the Oriole was gone quickly. While waiting it was amazing to see the amount of Swallows which were picking of insects off the water, it was great to watch! About 10 minutes later someone spotted it going over the lake fairly close to where we were standing so I quickly fired of a couple of shots and I managed to get a few decent record shots showing some distinctive features.

Golden Oriole

 

Afterwards we headed off after a very enjoyable day out. It has always been bird I have always wanted to see and it is one I will always remember!

LITTLE BITTERN!!!!

Early Saturday morning we had a visit to RSPB Oldmoor in hope of seeing the cracking Male Little Bittern which had been seen on site in the past couple of days. This is one bird I have always wanted to see so I was really determined to see it.

We arrived at about half seven and with news of it still there we had high hopes. Once we arrived in the hide there was a big problem, mist. Most of the reedbeds were covered in it and it made things difficult to see. While waiting a pair of Kingfishers were very nice to watch which also landed right in front of the hide! Plus Reed Buntings and Reed Warblers also kept us entertained. Plus a Great Crested Grebe kept on catching very big fish which I was surprised to see it get it down!

Kingfisher

 

Reed Bunting

Reed Warbler

Great Crested Grebes

 

There was a couple of times when the Little Bittern was called out by people in the hide but unfortunately with all the mist it was hard to get the bins on it so we missed it! At one point I just about almost clocked it but more or less as soon as I lifted my bins, someone shouted it has gone down behind the hide! Typical it just looked like it wasn't going to be my day today but thankfully late morning the mist just about cleared and someone said "going left" and thankfully I managed to spot it! It did a great flew through over the pond and into the reeds in the corner next to the Bittern Bus Stop! It was great, I got to see all the features and how amazing the bird it is! Definitly one of the best birds I have seen this year. I was so pleased!!! It was also great to see the massive distinctive white patch on its wings.

 

Little Bittern

 

After that we had news of a Black Necked Grebe from the Family hide and an American Wigeon from Wath Ings so that was our next destination. From the Family hide we managed to spot the Grebe but unfortunately it was very distant. We didn't see the American Wigeon as apparently it had gone to sleep under a tree and wasn't viewable at all but to be honest we weren't bothered as we had such an enjoyable time!

 

 

  

 

Brilliant Blacktoft!!!!

On Sunday we took a visit to RSPB Blacktoft Sands in hope of seeing the drake Ring Necked Duck and also we wanted to see the Montagus harriers again. We were hoping to get slightly better views of them.

We arrived about 2ish and then we started our walk round the reserve but before that I managed to find a Robin nest next to the reserve which is my first one so I was very happy! It had a total of 5 eggs. As soon as we entered the reserve we went straight to the Xerox Hide as this is where the Ring Necked Duck was viewable from. As soon as we entered the hide we spotted it next to one of the islands, it was pretty easy to spot as it was the only black and white duck on the water. It was quite distinctive with its different shaped head and the markings on the bill, it was quite a bit different to Tufties, a very nice bird to see! After a while of watching he made his way onto the island and went to sleep. After a bit someone shouted theres the male Monties, we spotted it quite distantly but suddenly it came right towards the hide and it came pretty close well at least a lot closer than last time!

Ring Necked Duck

Montagus Harrier

 

After we went to Marshland Hide well I think that was it called, from there we didn't see much other than plenty of Black headed Gulls, many of them had chicks also there was a Little Grebe on the water. We then went to the Reception area where the staff told us there was 2 Spotted Redshanks from the hide next to the First Hide so that is where we went next where we managed to spot the Spotted Redshanks plus with them was a Greenshank which was also very nice to see. We then went to the Singelton Hide where we saw the Male Monties again but from a distance also there was tons of Marsh Harriers. In front of the hide there was a couple of Sedge Warblers flitting around.

 

 

After a top day with 1 lifer and 2 year ticks it was time to go, it was a very enjoyable day!

Springwatch Extra!

On the 2nd of June I got invited to go on Springwatch Extra, as you could imagine I really couldn't wait, I was so looking forward to it. I was a tiny bit nervous but all the excitement took that away! The drive down to Minsmere was about 4hours but that didn't really matter as it was all completely worth it! We arrived about half twelve and we went straight to the BBC area where we arranged to meet up with Libby Prins and Lindsay Chapman. Once we had found them they showed me round the whole studio and all the cameras. They showed me basically what was going to happen in the show and which photos they wanted me to show.

Afterwards me and my Dad were allowed to look round the reserve for an hour. We headed off in the direction of the Bittern hide. We took a look in the Bittern hide but unfortunately we saw no Bitterns, we then moved on to the Island Mere where we saw all the cameras which were focused on the sticklebacks where we even saw Spineless Si! From Island Mere we saw a cracking Hobby which hawked at lightening speed across the reeds hunting Dragonflies as it did, a great thing to watch!

Hobby

 

Then it was time for the show! We rushed back and got all set up and I was ready to go. Once on all the nerves dropped and from the first question I really enjoyed it, it is one thing I will always remember. I hope from everyone who watched it enjoyed it and I would just like to saw a massive thanks to the whole Springwatch team for having me and allowing on the show. But it wasn't over as I got to go on Springwatch Unsprung that night too!! But before all that we had a few more hours around the reserve. This time we went in the way of the East hide where we were hoping to see some Little Gulls. The scrapes from the hide were packed with birds. There were tons of Gulls and we thought we would never spot the Little Gulls in this but thankfully I spotted 2 of them on the back end of the scrape! they were very distant but still nice to see. Also around the hide we spotted Barnacle Geese, Oystercatchers, Little Egret, Avocet and we saw another Hobby.

 

Little Gull

Barnacle Geese

 

We then carried on our walk to the sea wall where we saw Green Woodpeckers and we had a brief view of a Bearded Tit also we saw a Moorhen nest where all the chicks had almost certainly just hatched, possibly in the last hour or two.

 

After we went back to the studio to watch the live Springwatch show and then after when that had finished we headed moved into the audience of the Springwatch Unsprung show which was great to watch live. It was great hearing about different Reptiles in the UK especially about Sand Lizards, I haven't seen them in the UK before but it is one species which I am hoping to see soon! After we left and began the 4hour journey back to York but what a great time we have had!  

 

Scotland Trip 2015!

On the 22nd of May we went on holiday to Scotland, we stayed near Inverness and we weren't far away from many bird filled sites, I couldn't wait to get there! I look forward to this holiday every year as sometimes you just don't know what you will see and in the past I have had many great surprises!

Day 1
Most of this day was driving. Yay... To be honest I was not looking forward to the 6-7hr drive but once we were through the highlands it got a little better as two Ospreys passed straight over the car! A very nice start to our holiday. Once we arrived we had a little time down at Loch Killin where we found a 2 Common Sandpiper and an Oystercatcher nest!

Day 2
This day started of quite well with a Black Grouse lek just down the road which involved about 10 birds which was very nice to see. We also had a couple of Stonechat by the road and a possible Mealy Redpoll but we didn't get a good enough look to be certain. Later on in the day we had a walk to a little place called Foyers where we saw lots of Buzzards, Siskins and a Lesser Redpoll.

Day 3
Today we went to Loch Garten in hope of seeing the Ospreys, Odin and EJ but we had no luck with either but on and around the feeders we saw lots of Siskins and a couple of Wood Mouse.

 

Day 4

Today was a very productive day as in the morning we started of at Loch Tarff where we found 2 cracking summer plumaged Black Throated Divers!! They were amazing to watch. Around Loch Tarff we also found another Common Sand nest plus a Song Thrush also we saw a Cuckoo, a Dipper and a Stonechat. We also found 3 Common Gull nests, by the end of the holiday this total raised to 8! After we went to Loch Ruthven in hope of seeing the Slavonian Grebes. On the way we saw about 10 Hares which showed very well by the side of the road! we saw about 4 Slavonian Grebes in total but all quite distant but still great to see and in the car park we had an Osprey which circled the car for several minutes. We then moved up to Tomatin in hope of seeing some Eagles but despite waiting a couple of hours we didn't see any but we had another Osprey which sat amazingly in a tree where it gave brilliant scope views also we saw a Spotted Flycatcher.

 

Black Throated Diver

 

 

Black Grouse

 

 

Hares

Slavonian Grebes

 

Osprey

 

 

Day 5

Today we had a little drive into RSPB Corrornmy where we didn't see much other than a Cuckoo and several Hoodes Crows also we went to Foyers and Loch Tarff where we saw Dippers, Grey Wagtails and a Whinchat

 

 

 

Day 6

Today was another fairly quiet day where we saw tons of Red Deer, we also checked all of our nests plus at Loch Killin we had amazing views of a Common Sandpiper.

 

Common Sandpiper

 

 

Day 7

Today we went to the Cairngorms!!!! I really couldn't wait! On the way we spotted 4 Reindeer by the road and they all came very close and all were great to see. Once we had parked we started our trek up to the summit but once we got about half way up the weather just got absolutely horrible and people coming down said it was just getting worse and worse, it was snowing, hail stoning and really strong winds and we just thought would anything be out in this weather? After getting a few more bad messages from some other people we decided to come back but thankfully we did see some Ptarmigan!! Also at the bottom a Male Ring Ouzel gave fantastic views, definitely the best I have had!

 

Reindeer

Ring Ouzel

 

After we came down we picked up my Mum and my brother who looked around Aviemore as they didn't want to come up the mountain and they told us they had a look round a little reserve nearby, I couldn't remember what the name of the place was but they said they had seen Wood Warblers there so after that I was straight over. After only about 5mins around the place we heard the distinctive call of the Wood Warbler and soon enough we then found it! It showed very well at times also we saw Tree Pipits including a recently fledged one which showed quite well. We also saw a Peregrine, Lesser Redpoll, Spotted Flys and a few Willow Warblers.

 

Wood Warbler

Tree Pipit

 

When we left we found a pair of Oystercatchers feeding 3 chicks just outside a big hotel, it was a great watching them all.

 

 

Day 8

Today was one of my favourite days of the holiday as we had a day trip to Mull!! To be honest the drive plus the ferries felt like about 3hrs but it was all completely worth it. On the first ferry I managed to spot a Bottlenose Dolphin which was very nice to see. We then drove down to Iona in hope of seeing a bird which is probably one of my most wanted birds, the Corncrake!! On the way we saw plenty of Buzzards, a Cuckoo and tons of Hooded Crows. We managed to get the ferry to Iona after just missing one but thankfully we got across to Iona. We were told that they could be seen from a field behind the Fire Station so that's where we headed but unfortunately we heard nothing or saw nothing. Meanwhile me and my Dad went off looking for them and we left My Mum and my Brother behind to look round. Me and my Dad didn't see much other than a group of Dunlin, Ringed Plover and an Eider. After a while we started to walk back and anyway my Mum was calling me over saying she had heard a sort of croaking sound and she said she saw something what looked like a skinny chicken! We knew almost instantly what it was and then she took us straight to the spot and straight away we heard the call and then 2 Corncrakes ran out of the long grass!! Yes!! One went away quite quickly but the other one stayed long enough for us to get a great look at such a cracking bird. From that day on my Mum has been bragging about how she found them, mostly every day she has mentioned it! but anyway well done for finding them Mum!

 

Corncrake

 

We then left Iona to have a drive round Mull in hope of seeing some Eagles or something out of the ordinary. We took a scenic route back to the ferry where we saw our first Raven of the year, a Buzzard and a male Stonechat plus we found 2 other Oystercatcher nests both with 3 eggs. On the back to the lodges we took two ferries which would cut at least half an hour of the journey. On the last ferry, while waiting to get on I saw a Black Guillemot fly past and it looked like it had landed round the back of the boat so I was hoping to get on and get a quick photo of them. Thankfully I managed to get to see them and there turned out to be 4 on the water and I just said I wonder where they would be nesting and more or less straight afterwards my Dad said there nesting on that bridge, there was about 10 other birds nesting in these little boxes on the side of the bridge which was fantastic to see!

 

Black Guillemot

 

Also on the way to the Ferry we spotted a pair of Red Breasted Mergansers which were great to see and nice to see up close.

Red Breasted Mergansers

 

That is the end of our Scotland holiday and what an enjoyable one it was with 2 great life ticks and plenty of year ticks, my highlight was seeing the Corncrakes but I enjoyed every bit of it! I really cant wait to return next year if we do!