The Doldrums

Well, sort of.

I spent three days at Spurn Bird Observatory last week. It was a little later than I would normally visit, but given the spring has been so slow, and because a trip to Scotland had to be cancelled, I thought I'd give it a go.

The Warren Cottage

I arrived early Wednesday morning only to find the wind in the west and very few birds moving and no rarities hanging around. This pattern continued for the remainder of the week and about the best thing I saw was the inside of the Crown and Anchor, where I partook in a couple of pints of Timothy Taylor - the Crown really does serve a cracking pint.

In all seriousness I still loved every minute. It was great to catch up with friends who I only get to see two or three times a year, and actually, its still pleasure to spend time in the area. Just because it isn't producing spectacular visible migration or churning rarities out doesn't mean this place is any less worth a visit. There are plenty local birds here that aren't common on my local patch - there were some stunning looking waders on the Humber shore and the Black Brant put in an appearance. Little Terns and a few different sea birds were a change to my usual fayre and Cuckoos and Barn Owls, whilst not uncommon are always nice to see. A few butterflies such as Wall Brown put in an appearance as well to keep interest up. Typically though, the best bird waited until I'd left to put in an appearance. A juvenile/female type Golden Oriole turned up late on Friday afternoon. Providing I can get the brownie points in, I think I might try for a sneaky trip over in late June to catch the Swift passage before I make the usual trip in autumn. 

If you've never been to Spurn I can't recommend it enough. You can stay at the Warren Cottage for £14 per night (£10 if you are a friend of Spurn Bird Observatory). Its not the ritz but I love it and your money will go to supporting a great cause. Time it right and you will experience some of the best birding in the UK.

Moorland Stunner

Yesterday, I got a message saying a Red-throated Pipit had been found by a fellow Greater Manchester birder on the Greater Manchester/Derbyshire border at Ludworth Moor. This is a bird that I have long wanted to see, and the news that it was a full summer plumaged individual really had me straining at the leash to go. Unfortunately there were family duties that needed doing and by the time I was anywhere near able to go it was looking too late, as reports were saying it had flown off at 17.15.

I was gutted, especially as it had also been seen on the GM side of the border, and would have been another GM 'tick'. So, when news came that it had been re-found I was determined to get up to the moors to see it. Hence at 05.15 this morning I left home in a less than confident mood. It had been quite clear overnight and I honestly expected it to disappear. My fears were only made worse when I arrived at the site an hour later. A few birders were also just arriving, but one had been on site since first light and he had seen no sign. I passed an hour or so just watching the other birds that were around: plenty Wheatears, a Grasshopper Warbler and five Golden Plover flew over. But, the reported Meadow Pipit flock from the previous day was non existent. At around half past seven I decided to walk back to the road and walk along its border with the field as I could see a few more 'Mipits' knocking about, but 20 minutes or so proved fruitless. I walked back to the track and briefly spoke to two birders stood at the junction. I had just left them and walked through the gate back onto the track when they whistled to get my attention - they had found it! I whistled to the other birders up the track - I have no idea if they had heard me - before trying to get on the bird.

Eventually, after moving 50 -75 metres along the road I caught sight of it. It was creeping around in the Juncus Rush tussocks. Although I say creeping, it was moving surprisingly quickly and was really difficult to get onto. As soon as someone said it was in the open and gave directions it would move. But when I did get on it, it was an absolute stunner. Appropriately following my last post, I had forgotten my camera, so I was left to try and get a phonescoped shot. That was easier said than done because it was so active. I did manage it though and the best cropped images are below.

Yes they're rubbish, but they're a record of what I think is now one of my favourite birds. The illustrations in the field guides just do not do it justice. You can see some good photos of this species here though.

I have to say this 'twitch' was very different from some other twitches I've been to recently. Mainly because the number of birders with 'scopes outnumbered the number of photographers. Because of that there was very little 'competition' to get to the front of the crowd and people were just enjoying the bird. Yes, some were digiscoping, but most had already taken the time to look at the bird first.

Even better, I was back home for 09.00 and still in good books with the Mrs.

Things I learned today!

1. Birding in the 'uplands' can be boring

2. Birding in the 'uplands' is cold

3. I have neither the time or the patience to be a photographer

4. I may be turning into 'Victor Meldrew'

For uplands read the Pennines. That's where I decided to head this morning for a bit of birding. Specifically the area around Blackstone Edge and Light Hazzles reservoirs. My reasoning well, I know Twite frequent the area around Light Hazzles and I know that Dotterel have been recorded just south of this area on Axletree Edge in previous years. Its also not a million miles (as the Dotterel flies) from Pendle Hill. So, a little bit of an attempt at finding my own good birds.

I parked up at The Whitehouse at around 08.00 and was instantly glad I'd nipped back in for my hat and gloves before leaving home. The temperature on the car was showing 6 degrees, but there was a very stiff breeze blowing which made if feel much, much colder.

  

Blackstone Edge Reservoir

I was fairly sure as soon as I left the car that this was not going to be particularly productive. The wind was strengthening all the time and there was the odd spot of rain around, but I decided to crack on anyway. Unfortunately on a day like this, the moors are not as I like to think of them - full of purple heather and alive with the song of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. It was dead. And it was cold. Really cold. I didn't see a bird for at least 20 minutes and then it was only a Carrion Crow. I eventually spotted a single male Wheatear and then 15 minutes later a Reed Bunting! About three quarters of an hour in I came across a pair of Wheatears amongst a pile of boulders and decided to try and get a couple of photographs. After 5 minutes I was bored. Before 10 minutes were up I had packed it in and moved on. I would love to be able to post pictures of birds on this blog, but unless they decide to hop up in front of me, wait for me to get the camera out and then pose I'm afraid it wont happen. I'd suggest  you visit this blog if you want to see good pictures of birds on a regular basis.

A little further along the path are these large, exposed boulders. I was wondering whether these were anything to do with the name 'Blackstone Edge' as well as wondering if the black colouration was anything to do with the air pollution that affected the area during and after the industrial revolution.  Maybe, maybe not. However, I did notice that the large boulder had a poem engraved on it (below). Now, call me a whinger, call me daft, or indeed, call me Victor Meldrew, but this just feels wrong. If someone had done this in spray paint people would have been up in arms. Ironically I'd have been less bothered if it had been graffiti as it could be cleaned off  and I cant see spray paint lasting very long in the exposed environment up here anyway. The engraving is permanent - well 'ish'.

Later I took the dog out for a couple of hours round my local patch. It was still windy and properly wet, but I finally managed to give my Paramo Pajaro jacket a decent try out and it performed magnificently. If you are after a waterproof, comfortable jacket for birding I cant recommend this one enough. It might be a bit warm for summer use but it took a proper soaking today and still kept me warm and dry. Very happy with my purchase!!