My Outback

Some of you will know that I used to make regular trips to my patch, but due to a rather extended period of intermittent illness, it’s something I haven’t managed for a while. During the periods when I have been well enough, I’ve been scuppered by other inconveniences, and so, this morning marks my first venture onto my patch for some six months or more!

Well, stepping out on an unseasonably windy and cloudy morning, cool enough for fleeces, my first “official” patch bird for some time was House Martin.

A good few nest in the eaves of houses on our estate, though not ours, and we saw a small number flitting around before reaching my outback proper.

The number of ids today was rather small, partly due to lack of practice, but also down to the amount of wind, which meant many birds kept well within the thick foliage of the shrubbery, or sheltered in the long grass, plus, if they didn’t shout very loud, I didn’t stand much chance of hearing them either!

A couple of Blue Tits were in the first bushes, and there were Skylarks doing their best in the gales. At least one Meadow Pipit was also trying to cope with the conditions, and four Linnets crossed our path, resting briefly just ahead of us.

A couple of Goldfinches were in the trees, perhaps on their way to our garden, and a couple of Swifts flew over.

We made our way to the pond, where I am pleased to report a happy story.

Last year, for the first time since I started working the area, a pair of Mute Swans managed to raise a single cygnet, and as the area is very popular with families (great), dog-walkers (super) and yobs on motorbikes (hmm… not great at all!!!*) I thought they did rather well to succeed.

Well this year, as we approached the pond, the swans came towards us, somewhat expectantly it appeared, complete with a family of eight (count ’em, eight!) cygnets. Brilliant!

It’s clearly that time of year, as the Coots, Moorhens and Mallards were also avec young ’uns.

Apologising (would you believe) to the swans, we continued on my formerly regular route, picking up the first of the Carrion Crows, and then as we passed the next stand of trees we came alongside the first “swarm” of House Martins feeding out in the “countryside”.

An occasional Woodpigeon flew over, and we could just about pick out the odd Chaffinch from the trees, and a distant, or perhaps just downwind, Yellowhammer.

We reached the eastern footpath, and added some Swallows, before turning into the wooded area close to the hotel.

Slim pickings there, but we could add Wren, Great Tit and Jackdaw, and a Chiffchaff as we exited.

One of the local Buzzards was flying a sortie, and the only gull we managed to id was a solitary Black-headed.

We made our way back towards the pond, and on to home, the main birding activity apart from the revisit of the pond being a second House Martin swarm.

Other than adding the occasional one to the numbers already seen, that was it, although we were only out just over an hour, so not too bad.

OK, the numbers follow. The first number is total individuals counted, the number in brackets is maximum counted at one time. As it was my first trip out, they are technically all year ticks for my patch, and so all are in bold.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) : 10 (10)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) : 38 (18)
Swift (Apus apus) : 2 (2)
Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) : 4 (1)
Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) : 3 (2)
Coot (Fulica atra) : 11 (11)
Black-Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) : 1 (1)
Buzzard (Buteo buteo) : 1 (1)
Magpie (Pica pica) : 1 (1)
Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) : 2 (2)
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) : 8 (4)
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) : 2 (1)
Great Tit (Parus major) : 1 (1)
Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) : 2 (2)
Swallow (Hirundo rustica) : 3 (3)
House Martin (Delichon urbicum) : 41 (20)
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) : 1 (1)
Skylark (Alauda arvensis) : 4 (1)
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) : 1 (1)
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) : 4 (1)
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) : 2 (2)
Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) : 4 (4)
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) : 1 (1)

*As I type, I am sorry and angered to report that three of the thoughtless idiots are riding their minibikes in the very pond. I despair sometimes!

Lakenheath Fen and Weeting Heath

During our get together at Flamborough, the conversation briefly turned again to Lakenheath Fen, and Pete recommended a visit "now" to be in with a chance of catching the speciality species, Golden Oriole.

The woman in my life had planned a girly shop (on the day of England's second World Cup Group Game!!!) so we decided that I would have a long day out on the same day, and tape the match to watch later in the evening.

So, up at 5:45 am (whatever that is!) on 15th June, I managed to get myself into gear for the trip to Lakenheath Fen.

(I've said it before, and I say it again, the drag along the A17 from Newark to King's Lynn is the most interminably boring journey I know!)

Anyway, my early start was to avoid any holdups, and apart from getting lost in Feltwell, it was pretty much mission accomplished as I rolled into the reserve car park at just after 9:00 am.

The run down had been mirky, but the sun was shining on arrival, and would do for most of the day.

As I had never visited before, I wouldn't know if this is normal, but immediately on exiting the car, I was hit by the song of countless Common Whitethroats... the nearest to me being barely thirty feet away.

A smallish flock of Starlings was circling, and there were House Martins and Swifts, presumably feeding, all around the sky.

Some work is being done on the reserve, but I headed down the path to the first stand of poplars.

Blackbirds and Wrens were singing, numerous Reed Buntings flitting about, and the occasional Pheasant made itself known.

By now, I was starting to make a few inroads into the birdsong. After the initial onslaught of Whitethroat, it was clear there was more happening, but similar to my trip a couple of days previously, there was just so much sound. I'm sure an expert would have had a field day!

The obvious non-Whitethroat song was Sedge Warbler. Clearly there were loads of these around.

As I made my way along the path, I noticed a small sign which indicated this was probably as good a location as any to try to track down the "stars".

Of course, as I stood, everything that moved, every Jackdaw, every Carrion Crow, every Woodpigeon, every Chaffinch became a potential Golden Oriole... well for a very brief while.

Then I caught a peripheral glimpse of two birds tearing though the trees. Clearly some sort of altercation was taking place, but in the absence of any major bright yellow colouring... well I couldn't make them into orioles.

So, the only thing to do was wait.

Within half an hour, I began to hear the calls of one or more Golden Oriole. This calling lasted for about half an hour itself, but, although sufficiently well ided for me to count them, I didn't actually see a single one.

In all I waited for the best part of 5 hours.

During this time, I spoke with a number of people who had had varying levels of success at various times tracking them down, but all agreeing they certainly live up to reputation of being elusive.

Birdwise, of course there was plenty of action.

A Cuckoo was somewhere closeby, and frequently called, and both Great Spooted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker also made their presence known.

The orioles themselves called again from time to time, but were also quiet for long periods, and I never got even close to tracking one down visually.

A Grey Heron flew down in to the woods, and a Kestrel was making regular forays.

I should add, that on top of all the birdsong, was the regular roar of the local (I am informed) F15s doing manoeuvres just above my head!!!

I decided I needed a break.

It was hot, and things did not seem to be improving, so I took a chance and moved on.

As I was leaving, I met another guy who said he was newish to birding - about 4 years. He had found the reserve by chance, and called in to see what he could find. Like me, he commented on the difficulty of distinguishing bird song, and the birds themselves, particularly warblers.

He followed this by recognising a Garden Warbler by song, which obligingly flew in and perched in a shrub about fifteen feet away, so we were able to id it visually as well.

Before I left the site completely, I did walk up to the river bank to take a look over the Washland. There were numerous Mute Swans, a fair few Canada Geese, and plenty of ducks, all of which appeared to be Gadwall. The exception was a pair of Mallards in a nearby creek.

Based on some information I must've misheard (!) I took a drive over to Tuddenham, but finding no obvious English Nature reserve, my focus changed to finding somewhere to eat.

Unfortunately, by now it was about 4pm so the pubs had stopped serving lunch but weren't yet serving dinner. Never mind... I'll get a snack from a supermarket.

At various points on my drive, I was able to add Swallow, Rook, Blue Tit and Pied Wagtail.

For some reason, I decided to try Hockwold, without success, and drove on to Weeting. On my way I noticed the sign for a nature reserve, and planned to call in on my way back.

You'll all be pleased to here my search for food in Weeting was not in vain, as I found a chippy, and therefore did not waste away!

Now back to the reserve, which turned out to be Weeting Heath.

I pulled into the car park, not knowing what to expect, only to see on the sign that the hides should allow good views of Stone Curlew!!!

So, I gladly stumped up my £2.50, and took a brisk walk to the West Hide.

In the trees the path wended its way through were calling Chiffchaffs, Chaffinches and Wrens.

I soon reached the hide, and took a look over the field.

Many Woodpigeon, loads of Rooks, some Pied Wagtails, a gazillion rabbit all impersonating Stone Curlews, and sure enough two of said Stone Curlews hunkered down from the heat. Superb!

To be fair, I didn't stay as long as I could have, because, although it was now past 5:00 pm, I decided to give Lakenheath Fen one last try.

To be equally fair, my success was similar. I did hear some calls - probably 30 or 40 throughout the whole day - but not a one to be seen.

But my parting bird was an obliging Blackcap, to bring my day to an end.

So all in all, I came with a "target" bird, and left after hearing, if not seeing it, but with the added bonus of the Stone Curlews, and, for me, the rarity of a Garden Warbler.

Brilliant result, yes, but also strangely frustrating. I'll just have to come back again another time.

(P.S. I did have some photos, but see postscript to previous entry. Posting photos is a nightmare!!!)

Potteric Carr

Wednesday afforded me the opportunity to visit the reserve closest to my hometown, Potteric Carr, barely 2 miles from the centre of Doncaster.

It was my first visit in the best part of a year. The last time work had just begun on extending the reserve. This is now well under way, but there is still more to be done.

The most obvious change (other than a change of entrance) is that almost all the paths have been hardened, and all the new hides have ramp access, opening much more of the reserve up to wheelchair users.

There are still a couple of old, renovated hides that have step entrances, and crossing the railway lines still requires the negotiation of steps, although one of these crossing could perhaps be ramped.

Anyway, I arrived late morning, on a warm but cloudy day.

As summer approaches, Potteric Carr does begin to get a little overgrown, and it can be a little "quiet! in terms of the numbers of species to be seen, but as there are some longstanding stands of trees, there is always likely to be a good selection of woodland birds.

The stretches of water will offer other opportunities - if not the wider possibilities of the cooler months.

My first species of the day was Chaffinch, closely followed by the first of many Black-headed Gulls. A Kestrel was patroling the area.

I move to the first hide on the Green Route (anticlockwise - the new hides haven't been named yet) and although there was little to see on the water, the first of the day's Sedge Warblers could be heard. More Black-headed Gulls on the water, with Mallard and Tufted Duck, and a couple of families of Canada Geese, goslings at various stages of feathering. A few Coots were also present.

After a short stay, I moved on to the next hide.

The improvement to the paths, and some changes in route meant that some previously familiar parts of the reserve looked different, and some new parts have been opened up.

As I walked along the Willow Bank I heard Little Grebe and Chiffchaff, and there were House Martins overhead.

Two ladies of the female persuasion were looking out over the fields, making "Awwww" noises. I heard a Pheasant, and as fine a bird as they are, they didn't strke me as the Awwww type. No, in fact they had found some deer, and had I arrived 5 seconds sooner, I would have seen them myself, but alas and alack.

Shortly afterwards I saw Swifts flying over, and then got decent views of at least half a dozen Willow Tits.

I soon arrived at the Willow Marsh hide.

One bonus feature we have at Potteric Carr at the moment is a pair of Black-necked Grebes, which have fledged a single chick.

I spent plenty of time watching these as they took their chick out into the big wide world.

Another Little Grebe was on the water, along with more Coot and the ubiquitous Black-headed Gulls. A Buzzard flew over causing a bit of a stir, a similar reaction being received by a Grey Heron.

Moving on to the next hide, more Chiffchaffs were calling and I caught sight of a few Great Tits.

I called in at one of the Willow Marsh hides, and spent a little time there, adding Reed Bunting and Magpie, along with yet more Black-headed Gulls, Coots and Sedge Warblers.

Next I made my way to the newest, and as yet not fully open part of the reserve. There is access to a hide overlooking Huxter Pool (or Marsh or whatever) but although this area has already produced some interest, there is still much work taking place.

Nevertheless, I saw another (?) Buzzard, this time flying in the trees and causing as much consternation, and picked up my first Robin sighting of the day.

From the hide itself, more Black-headed Gulls, with Canada Geese and Tufted Ducks, as well as Mute Swans, Stock Doves and the odd Lapwing or two. On one of the islands I noticed an Oystercatcher, and there were a few Mallard and Coot, as a Woodpigeon flew across the "lake".

My next target was the Piper Marsh hide, where I hopes to see what I think would be my first Kingfisher of the year.

En route, I added Long-tailed Tit, Moorhen and a Green Woodpecker (the latter by call) as well as more Great Tits and Robins.

A look over Piper Marsh brought me Sand Martins (it looks like there is a newly created nesting bank) and Ruddy Duck as additions to the day's tally. Mallard and Mute Swan, Sedge Warbler, Grey Heron and Coot were also present.

The other sighting was one for Pete to identify for me!

However, in spite of an extended stay, I didn't get my Kingfisher.

Moving on, I soon adding a couple of Bullfinches (as they tore away from me!) and I could here Willow Warbler. A Blackbird was a surprisingly tardy addition, as was Blue Tit. Another Magpie or two, and as I crossed the railway I was able to add Carrion Crow and a disgruntled sounding Great Spotted Woodpecker.

More Chiffchaffs were calling in the trees.

I eventually made it to the Childers Hide, noticing the raucous cacophony as I approached.

The noise was being made in its entirety by yet more Black-headed Gulls, the vast majority of the birds there. In addition there were a good few Mallard and Coot, just a pair (I think) of Tufted Ducks and a single Shoveler.

My final port of call was the Old Eaa hide.

Sedge Warblers were again calling from the reedbeds.

After experimenting with my camera, my daylist was filled out with a couple of Shelduck and a fair few Gadwall, amongst the Mallards, Ruddy Ducks, Tufted Duck and... oh yes... Black-headed Gulls!

Well, if my counting is correct, that's 40 species, which I don't suppose is too bad for "quiet".

It won't be as long before I return again.

(P.S. There were more photos than this, but after having attempted to load two of them at least four times each, I got sick of trying!!!)

Hatfield Moor

Well, I've got a few well earned days off work, and whilst I'll be otherwise engaged with chores for most of next week, this week I'm taking the chance to get some birding in.

After such a promising visit last time, I thought I'd give Hatfield Moor another go.

Long story short... had another great day!

Long story long... well...

I made the short drive from home, yesterday, and pulled into the entrance trackway of the reserve. With the window wound down, I immediately heard a Yellowhammer calling, and the list began.

I noticed a couple of rabbits on the track a little way ahead of me, so I paused to let them get on with their business, pulling up alongside singing Whitethroat in the shrubbery to my right, and just before a Swallow perched on the fence to my left.

On the track between me and the rabbits, a couple of House Sparrows landed, and an Oystercatcher flew overhead.

As I continued along the track, I added Carrion Crow and Starling, and although I knew what the Martins were likely to be, I couldn't get a good enough fix to confirm, so I left them temporarily "unticked".

Nevertheless, that's seven species, and I've only just reached the carpark.

As I got out of the car and gathered togther all my clobber, a couple of Goldfinches flew over.

The day was very warm, and although the lake looked fairly quiet, I decided to start in the hide and, amongst other things, confirm those Martins. Of course, they were Sand Martins, quite active over the water, taking a break from time to time on the topmost branches of the partially submerged trees.

There lake was no busier from forty yards closer (!) but still I was able to add Mallard and Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Canada Geese and Lapwing. After a short while, a skein of 13 Greylag Geese passed overhead, and Pied Wagtails were toing and froing over the water.

A Green Woodpecker gave its racous laugh from the trees close by.

I decided it was time to leave the hide and explore some more of the reserve.

Since my last visit a box containing excellent leaflets, booklets really, had appeared, so this was a little less of a journey into the unknown.

Rather than take the long drag down to Ten Acre Lake, I decided to stay closer to the southern car park, exploring Boston Park and some of Packard's Heath. The waymarked routes criss-cross the area, and there are some unmarked but clearly navigable paths that add further options.

Although, the weather was very warm, it wasn't so hot as very recently, and overnight there had been some rain. Perhaps this explained the huge quantities of non-avian flying things that meant I spent most of my time wafting away bloodthirsty invaders who seemed to regard me as a good meal.

Of the less offensive insect life, there were quite good numbers of butterflies and day-flying moths out.

I saw my first Painted Lady of the season, getting awfully stroppy towards a Red Admiral that clearly was not welcome.


(As an aside, I've often wondered about butterfly fights. Clearly they can appear very agressive, but what on earth harm can they inflict?)

There were also a great many of these fellas, which I think are Brown Sliver-lines.


A change of vegetation brought out the Speckled Woods.

From the trees and reeds and sky, the birdsong was simply fabulous, and I was lucky enough the be serenaded by Wood Larks, Sedge Warblers, Reed Buntings and Chiffchaffs.

OK, some of those might fall short of melody, but it was brilliant nonethelees.

A somewhat agitated Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over, and from time to time I could here a distant Cuckoo calling.

Actually, there was so much birdsong, it was difficult for me to pick out individual calls... or rather, it was just so good to let it all hit me at once that I sort of "forgot" to listen to particular songs.

Plus, my attention was also being grabbed elsewhere.

A slither and a rustle and I noticed a very yellow Adder slinking into the undergrowth. I got great views, clearly, it saw me before I saw it, and scarpered.

But, I figured if it was basking, it may well reappear, and so I decided to make sure I passed the same spot again.

Plenty of mosquito-type insects had decided to make a meal of me, but I had to really behave like the biggest girl's blouse when something started eating me that I've never seen before!!!

Copious hand shaking, and manly shouts of "yearrrgghhh!!!" only caused it to fall over... BUT IT WAS STILL ATTACHED!!!!

Only panic-filled blowing at it and jumping up and down finally dislodged the diner, and I think I'm going to survive... but it was touch and go for a few seconds, I can tell you!

Plus I felt completely loppy for the rest of the day!

I'm not good at dealing with things with more than four legs, and I had just survived the aforementioned near-death experience, so I hope you appreciate the lengths I went to to get this next photo.

Don't know what it is, but I guess it's some kind of Longhorn.

What I don't mind are slugs and snails (no legs you see... just one foot, which must mean they hop everywhere?)

Anyway, I came across this groovy looking mollusc, which, having no idea what it's proper name is, I shall call the Orange-skirted Slug.

I post the photo mainly for the benefit of my daughter, who thinks they're groovy too.


Well, moving on - adding Wren, Woodpigeon and Little Grebe to the bird list - I soon arrived back at the snake location.

But just a bit sooner than I expected... and they saw me again!

Yes they... there were two out basking. One seemed to be the yellow one again. The other was much darker, and I only saw the tail disappear.

OK, I reckoned they'd show again, so I attached my camera to the tripod, set it to remote activated, retreated and waited.

About fifteen minutes later, the yellow one appeared again, very cautiously, but gradually, until nearly fully in view - a good two feet in length I guess.

Trouble is... I can't take a picture!!!

Now I love my camera, but it has one apparent design fault. The infra red remote only works from in front of the camera, a seems to have a range of about seven inches!

I tried to surreptitiously creep within range, but Snaky saw me and crept off.

OK, I'll give it one more go.

Another twenty minutes or so hanging around, getting gradually devoured by the carnivorous arthropoda in the vicinty.

Then I noticed the yelow snake was visible, not out, but showing from under the low twigs and branches.


After taking that photo and one other, he disappeared, and I was hopeful he was on the way down.

But after a few minutes, he didn't appear, so I took my binoculars to see if he was in sight... only to notice the darker snake in almost full view. Fantastic!!!


Snake photographing mission accomplished, I decided to head home.

My walk back to the car was as delightful as the rest of the day, not least thanks to this fella.


And I managed to just about lock on to Blue Tit, Blackbird and Willow Warbler.

But, d'you know what? It's nice just to let all the songs hit you at once.

Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough South Landing

After the recent Padley Gorge trip, another little birding escapade was arranged mostly by John and Diane.

Another weekend affair, but once more, I was available only on the Sunday June 11^th… although I once again sacrificed an F1 Grand Prix to attend!

Teenage Daughter decided she wanted to join us, not least so that everyone would know who had posted “that” photo, but after explaining that the photo-glory would be fleeting and then followed by a day’s boring birding, she said she still wanted to come anyway.

However, as she is just about as allergic to early mornings as I, we decided it would be better if she stopped the Saturday night, which would give us a fighting chance of leaving early enough on the Sunday morning to make the 9.00 am start time.

It also meant we could have some quality time together on Saturday evening. We were together, both doing something we wanted to do… me watching the World Cup, whilst she read Artemis Fowl. Yey!!! (I think is the phrase these days.)

Anyway, I gathered together all accoutrements on Saturday, so we could just shower and leave at 7.30 Sunday morning.

Which we did.

I even felt moved to make the point that I was going somewhere with a woman, and we had left at the scheduled time!

Then we went back because “someone” had forgotten to pick up our breakfast croissants. It might’ve been Zanna.

So we set off again, nine minutes late (if anyone’s counting) and made our way to Bempton, waking up on the journey.

On our arrival, nine minutes late, I might add, we met up with Diane and husband Keith, Corrina, Pete, Alan, and Max. Shortly thereafter arrived Cherrypie with various family… the small one of which would require a “beach” fix later in the day, and so Cherry only stayed for the Bempton Cliffs leg, as did Max and Alan.

Unfortunately, John couldn’t make it. Anna and Mike (I think… I really ought to pay attention!) joined us about an hour later, and I think that was everyone.

Immediately on our arrival, we picked up the Jackdaws and Tree Sparrows in and around the car park.

We then walked down to the cliffs, adding Pheasant along the way.

The cliffs gave us the usual spectacle for this time of year, and it is great for a bit of in your face birding that will impress even non-birders. Gannets were soaring, as were the odd Herring Gull and Fulmar. Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Guillemots and everyone’s favourite, Puffins were also in the air, and of course they were all represented nesting on the cliffs, with the local fairly pure Columba livia (Feral Pigeons) thrown in for good measure.

We took time to take in the sights, which included one pair of Fulmars with their egg in full, but protected, view. Clearly it was too hot for direct brooding.

Also, we managed to find one Bridled Guillemot amongst the unbridled horde.

The fields along the cliff edge yielded little today, other than Swallows and Meadow Pipits, and a flock of Starlings, but the cliffs more than made up for that.

We made our way back to the car park, and after a slightly disorganised interlude – during which Pete, whilst hunting down Alan, picked up a couple of Sand Martins – most of us made our way on to the South Landing.

A further pitstop was made at the café, after which we took the road down to the landing.

The water was being used by jetskiers and the beach was busy, so we didn’t pick up any shore birds, although Corinna saw some juvenile gulls out at sea, which (correct me if I’m wrong) were decided as Herring Gulls.

Amongst the shrubbery Pete picked out a Whitethroat and a Linnet, and we soon added Pied Wagtail.

A short steep stepped climb up the other side of the ravine was immediately rewarded with cracking views of a gorgeous Yellowhammer.

We then took the walk back through the woods returning to the car park.

At various points along the way, we were able to add Blackbird, Wren, Chaffinch, Skylark and Greenfinch, followed by Woodpigeon, House Martin, Dunnock, Goldfinch and Swift.

But perhaps the highlight, particularly for Anna, was a Great Spotted Woodpecker, which we heard drumming, and which Keith managed to track down giving us all, fairly decent views.

We were now back at the car park and mulling over our options (which mostly involved ice cream and/or tea and coffee) when Pete managed to put birds to calls twice, giving us superb views of Willow Warbler and Song Thrush – in the case of the warbler, Corinna scoped it up brilliantly, and we could enjoy another Linnet in the same field of view.

Zanna who had noticed a female Pheasant earlier, managed to pick up the day’s only Magpie, and a Carrion Crow gave a brief flypast.

Well, ice creams, drinks and conversations complete, it was time for me and Teenage Daughter to depart, via Bridlington and some chips.

We took a brief walk on the beachfront, and watched the Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, before finally making our way back home.

One noteworthy addition on our journey home was a superb Sparrowhawk, which briefly flew alongside us.

Anyway, in all, I reckon we got 33 species that we all saw, not counting Pete’s Martins and our additions on the way home.

Zanna said she had a great day, and I certainly did, and so big thanks to everyone who came along. Hopefully see you all around!