End of Autumn

So, that's it. autumn is over and so is the autumn migration. I cant complain. Its been one of the best autumns I've had in ages (bird wise anyway - on a football front its been pretty painful watching the latics). I had a fantastic time in October at Bempton and Spurn, ticking off six lifers I think. And, although it never feels as good back on the western side of the country, I have managed to add a couple more life, site and year ticks to my various lists. Long-tailed Duck and Red-throated Diver at Pennington Flash were long overdue site ticks, the former was also a year tick, and a Scaup a couple of weeks ago was also a year tick.

Sadly nowhere is really getting that many good birds at the moment, so I've been out and about trying to find my own stuff. Unfortunately with no success. Last week I went out to the Wirral and, despite a stunning but cold sunrise, the entire Wirral was fog bound with visibility down to a couple of hundred metres at best, as you can see below.

I did enjoy watching the few waders that were close in though, particularly the Sanderling and Turnstones. I tried to phonescope the former with limited success - they just will not stand still.

 

Other than that, I've been spending time at Pennington Flash. Just a few hours on a Saturday morning. The birding has been slow, but its been great to catch up with some of the regulars, most of whom I don't see very often these days except in Horrock's Hide. This Saturday it was at least enlivened by the still present Long-tailed Duck and three Scaup (picture below), plus good numbers of other wildfowl, including what is probably my favourite 'freshwater' diving duck, the Goldeneye.

 

 

Again I spent a bit of time phonescoping. The above images aren't great, but they're better than the ones I took a few months ago, so I'm getting there. Just need to keep practicing.

Objection!

So, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have decided to resubmit their controversial plan for a visitor centre at Spurn, despite the East Riding Planning Committee refusing it last time on landscape impacts and flood risk grounds.
I will say again I am not against a centre at Spurn, but the location is wrong, very wrong in my opinion. So I've put together yet another objection. As my objection will be published on the East Riding Planning Portal, I guess there's no harm putting it on here either. Its rushed this time, as every time I have been on the East Riding planning portal something has gone wrong and I've not been able to see the documents until tonight. Still, it will still register my objection even if I haven't quite managed to bottom out all the nitty gritty of the facts and figures.

I guess there's also a risk my interpretation of some of the detail might be a bit out (so bear that in mind when you read it), but its not like I'm a statutory consultee, and this is where a planner comes in - its their job to sort the wheat from the chaff. And, ultimately it shouldn't matter whether I have it all there or not. If the proposals are not in line with the East Riding planning policies it shouldn't be approved. Whether the planner and the committee agree with my interpretation of their policies and the application only time will tell.

Anyway, here it is



I am writing to object to the proposed visitor centre at Spurn, Kilnsea, as proposed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT). I am not a resident of Kilnsea, but have visited regularly (twice a year or more) over the last twenty years.

 My objection and the reasons behind this objection are outlined below. Given that the new proposals do not differ dramatically from the previous plans, I have listed Landscape and Flood Risk as my first reasons for objection as these where the reasons the plans were refused previously. However, all other aspects of my objection still stand.

Landscape: I object to the impact that the proposed centre will have on the visual and aesthetic quality of the area. The proposed visitor centre will be located in an area that YWT believe will have no visual impact on the landscape. However it is quite clear from the YWT Visual Impact Assessment that the centre will be visible from most directions, and is only really screened when looking north from the area of the current ‘Spurn gate’. The associated Radar tower appears to have been removed from these proposals however this does not considerably reduce the visual impact. Not only is the proposed centre visible it is not in keeping with the style of building(s) frequently encountered along this area of coast, or indeed in the wider coastal environment. The council have clearly stated their approach to impacts on landscape on the coast around Spurn in Policy ENV10 of the Local Plan which states that development must “…not adversely affect heritage features, natural coastal processes, flora and fauna, the coast or access to it by reason of scale, siting, design, noise disturbance or traffic. Proposals involving other land uses are covered by other policies in this Plan”. This policy also states that “Proposals for development in the estuarine coastal area will only be approved if Policy Env5 is satisfied.” This latter point is addressed below.

The policy document also specifies that Aim 1 of the council is to “…preserve and enhance those features of the environment that make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of Holderness….”. In addition, whilst the council clearly states its position on tourist facilities in Policy TM1 this policy is clear that these facilities must “…fall within the established centres of population where they, meet the needs of residents and visitors, do not adversely effect the character and amenity of the area or place unnecessary burden on the established services and infrastructure.” I understand that other consultations have raised the issue that roads would need to be widened to accommodate the additional traffic, and the potential for double yellow lines to be needed has also been raised. Both would be a clear breach of this policy. Section 2.4.15 of the local plan also states that “Holderness has experienced the recent development of Environmental or "Green" tourism reflecting national trends and societies increasing concern for the protection of landscape and nature conservation interests. Particular attractions in Holderness include the Spurn Heritage Coast…The Council will encourage the development of tourism in association with the areas environmental resources however, at the same time will ensure that new development does not harm the environmental resources themselves through the removal of their nature conservation or scenic value.” Section 2.1.24 states that the council “…wishes to discourage the encroachment of development into the open countryside.” and under the coastal zone policies the Council identify the value of the coastal landscape and the need to protect and value this area.

 I believe that given the information provided in this application, the current proposals clearly conflict with current policy due to the size, design and location of the proposed centre and car park. There are clear alternatives that provide viable options if not necessarily the applicant’s first choice.

Flood Risk: The applicant does not sufficiently demonstrate how they will mitigate for the risks associated with visitor safety on the site. The proposed centre would be extremely isolated should tidal flooding occur, whereas other sites, eg Southfield Farm are located closer to evacuation routes. Similarly, the applicant’s assertion that it is “difficult” to flood proof existing buildings is not exactly true and there is no indication that the applicant has investigated what flood proofing these other buildings would require in order to come to that decision. The site at Southfield Farm opposite the Bluebell did not flood during the recent tidal surge and so may require less flood protection than that suggested by the applicant and I understand this has been offered to the applicant.

 The sequential test used by the applicant with regards to flood risk points out that other sites would conflict with current planning policies, however they fail to mention that their chosen site also conflicts with the majority of these policies, plus additional ones.

 The applicant states that Kilnsea Wetlands would be unsuitable due to land being allocated to mitigation for the loss of Beacon Lagoons. From information here http://www.tide-toolbox.eu/measures/kilnsea_wetlands/habitat_creation_area_discription/ the plans suggest that area X is not allocated for any habitat creation other than a pond dipping pond. They also state that this site would have visual impacts, which can equally be said of their preferred location. Although YWT only lease land at Kilnsea Wetlands, there is no indication they have spoken to the Environment Agency to establish whether construction of a centre here would be feasible.

Nature Conservation: I object to the development due to the impacts on nature conservation. The council clearly sets out its stance regarding nature conservation in Policies ENV1 to ENV40. This section of the plan also establishes that the Council recognises that it has a major role to play in conserving the landscape. In section 2.1.14 the local plan states that issues needing to be addressed by the plan include: “The sea and estuary coasts need to be protected from unnecessary and inappropriate development, Identification of natural features which are important and irreplaceable and to protect them against development, and identification and protection of features of archaeological, historic and architectural importance from the effects of inappropriate development, and ensure that new development where it is appropriate is designed to have a minimal adverse impact on such features and to enhance them wherever this is appropriate”. The plans for the visitor centre and associated car parking and mitigation do not appear to comply with the policies outlined in the Local Plan, nor is it clear how the YWT plan to ensure that these policies are met, or how they will deliver a number of actions.

 With regards the Biodiversity Report, whilst the authors have clearly followed the standard approach to establishing the value of the site, they have paid little attention to the main biodiversity value of the site in question - its value to migratory birds. Whilst these impacts may be hard to establish, the report does not even attempt to describe the value of the site, the numbers of birds passing through or using the habitat or the potential impacts of the development on these. Much of the data needed would probably be available from the Spurn Bird Observatory, or if not it should have formed at least part of the monitoring of the site. The proposed site provides a valuable stopping off point for significant numbers of migrant bird species and habitat loss and increased disturbance will be detrimental to these species. Whilst I accept that migratory birds have limited protection compared to breeding species, to largely ignore these at a site that is arguably the most important migration route in the UK is inexcusable.

 Once again the figures quoted in the biodiversity enhancement plan do not add up and, given the lack of detailed drawings it is impossible to include conditions to ensure the proposals are met. It appears that most of the mitigation would be delivered in Clubleys field, however most of this habitat is already present and therefore the proposals do not appear to match with the figures quoted in the Biodiversity enhancement plan. The landscape enhancement plan for Clubleys field suggests that there would be scrub planting, however scrub is already present where the trust are proposing this measure, meaning this should not be considered as mitigation or an enhancement. In addition, many of the other proposed enhancements have already been carried out, or relate to proposals such as fencing. These are not suitable or appropriate mitigation measures.

 Any habitat created in the Clubleys field and Warren area could only be considered as temporary. The YWT Flood Risk Assessment establishes that coastal erosion at the proposed centre location will reach the set-back defence line within 40 years. This line would see the current Warren area lost well before 40 years as the area is already much closer to the sea. This would render the majority of the mitigation irrelevant much sooner than the visitor centre life expectancy.

 Regarding the impacts on the SPA and associated bird species. The YWT have identified a number of wader roost sites, none of which appear to be in front of the proposed centre. This is in conflict with the results of other recent documentation, namely the Associated British Ports MER document from the ABP road application in 2013, which clearly indicates a wader roost directly out from the proposed visitor centre site. There are several possibilities, however all point to only one outcome. If the roost has been missed by the report author or appointed surveyors, the fact it is present in another recent document suggests that there is at the very least, uncertainty as to the presence of the roost site. If the roost site has moved, it suggests that the roost sites used by wading birds of the estuary, and associated with the SPA, are not fixed and therefore prevention of disturbance cannot be guaranteed as the location of the roost cannot be guaranteed. However the information is interpreted it raises doubts over the impacts on the roosting waders, and therefore potential impacts on an interest feature of the SPA. Under the Habitats Regulations, where adverse effects cannot be ruled out, a plan must not proceed.

 Policy ENV 5 states that Nature Conservation policies must be satisfied, whilst policy Env11 states “Proposals for development in the estuarine coastal area must accord with Env5 and the other nature conservation policies of this plan. The Council will require a comprehensive scheme to accompany significant estuary related proposals, including environmental measures to safeguard environmental features of importance”. I do not believe that these requirements have been met, or at the very least there is sufficient doubt over their compliance with Habitats Regulations and the delivery of mitigation that the scheme should be refused.

 Policy ENV 9 also references the need to protect the Heritage Coast, of which Spurn is a part. This policy specifically states that the the Heritage Coast Policy is to “…..to conserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty of the Spurn Heritage Coast, including its terrestrial, littoral and marine flora and fauna, and its heritage features of architectural, historical and archaeological interest…” I do not believe that the construction of a permanent 6m high visitor centre and pay and display car park is in keeping with that policy.

 Access: There is a significant risk of disturbance to wildlife and local communities by increasing visitor numbers. The YWT Access document provides as much argument for not building the centre as it does supporting its construction. As the document states, visitor numbers have dwindled dramatically since the breach of the peninsula. However, the YWT state that activity is now focussed around the Warren area. Whilst this is true there are several things to consider. Firstly, as the YWT control access to this area from the ‘Spurn Gate’ they have the ability to control this access by simply closing a gate. Similarly, they could use YWT staff to control the parking etc at the Warren. They have done neither. The majority of people park at the Warren and then move off into the Triangle area, the area that the YWT propose to move their centre to. If the current 20,000 visitors are providing significant disturbance then how, by constructing a centre in the middle of the area they wish to protect, and increasing visitor numbers to in excess of 50,000, do YWT propose to protect the area? Arguably they would be better trying to accommodate the current visitors to the site. Many of the things that the YWT state that they will do ‘if’ they are given permission should have been done years ago if they were a problem. Most could be done with limited investment. For example, the proposed viewing screen at the Warren to prevent disturbance. Since I began visiting the site in 1996 there has been no screen. A screen is relatively cheap and simple so why has one not been provided before now?  

 Essentially the access documents simply demonstrate that the YWT believe that they could attract more visitors if they had a new centre, whilst at the same time arguing that the current visitor numbers are unmanageable. Considering spurn and the YWT proposed centre are at the ‘end of the road’ exactly how is this a ‘Gateway Centre’ so desired by the trust. If the site is so sensitive, why make it into a gateway site?

Aside from the counter arguments within the documents, the statements do not provide any confidence that YWT would be able to deal with increased visitor numbers. Apart from a bit of signage and restricting some access there is no indication that they would have increased staff presence other than, presumably, visitor centre staff. There is therefore a considerable risk of disturbance to both the wildlife of the area and local communities.

The access statements also suggest that the plan is to make Spurn more like a Fairburn Ings or Blacktoft Sands. They want to make it a visitor destination with guided paths and restricted access. Whilst I can appreciate that some restricted access may be beneficial, in 20 years of visiting the site I have never witnessed anyone trespassing or wandering off rights of way. This approach would, in itself, detract from the whole Heritage Coast ethos and result in the area becoming anything but the environment that it is now.

Finally, I am not against the provision of visitor facilities at Spurn. There are however other, better alternative locations or options.

 

Sorry about the small font - for some reason the blog didn't like me copying and pasting from another programme.

 

 

Leighton Moss

I love Leighton Moss, but not usually on a Saturday. RSPB Reserves on a Saturday are always a dichotomy. I think its great so many people want to interact with nature, and the RSPB certainly help them do that. But, when all I want is to do a bit of birding they can be purgatory on a weekend. However! Leighton Moss had a bird I wanted to see - an American Wigeon, so I reckoned if I was up and out early enough, I could beat the crowds, see the bird and be gone before most casual visitors arrived.

It wasn't a great start as I turned the alarm off at 06.30am and promptly went back to sleep, only to wake up 30 mins later cursing. Still, I was on the road by 07:30 and around an hour later I was on the car park. I grabbed my gear together and headed off for the Lower Hide where the bird was last reported from. The walk down was pretty quiet; there was the usual gaggle of 'togs' at the grit trays, hogging the best viewing spot - I don't think they've moved since I was last here in spring. They really should think about moving as I heard several Bearded Tits 'pinging' close to the path on the way up to the hide, and I'm pretty sure if I'd spent five more minutes looking I'd have seen them. But, I was on a mission so, made a mental note to take my time on the way back.

When I arrived at Lower Hide I was the only person in there. A quick look out of the windows provided a potential reason for that. The pool was covered in mist and viewing was down to perhaps 50m max. So it was a case of sitting and waiting. A few other birders came and went and slowly the mist cleared. When it cleared enough to see the back of the pool there was only me in the hide, so I had the joy of finding, and enjoying, the American Wigeon on my own. It really stood out more than I expected - the creamy-buff forehead was like a beacon in the gloom left behind after the mist. Eventually it showed really well, and a few more birders turned up to enjoy it too.

The view from Lower Hide  just as the American Wigeon decided to show. The Wigeon is in this photograph - If I could work out how to put an arrow on I'd point it out!

Other entertainment was provided by a showy Water Rail and a few fleeting glimpses of a Bearded Tit. It was also nice to see lots of Pintail too, probably more than I've seen here ever before I think. Sadly the weather and the distances involved meant that photographs with the DSLR were pretty much impossible, and phonescoping was out of the question because I forgot to take my hide clamp!!

I had a quick mooch from the causeway hide on the way back and ticked off the Great White Egret, and was surprised to see at least three stoats crossing the path. The gaggle of photographers were still at the grit trays, some three hours later. They have patience I'll give them that. Two more Great White Egrets were on show at Lillian's Hide, along with another Water Rail, Little Egrets for comparison with their larger relatives, plus another shed-full of Teal, Eurasian Wigeon and Pintail. It was also getting rather busy so I decided to leave.

On the way out I checked out the Optics stand that the RSPB had put on for a few hours. The new Leica Noctivid were there and I couldn't resist a look. If I can work out a way of acquiring a pair without the Mrs murdering me I think I might be tempted - they are very, very good.

I was back home by 13.00 and after a bite to eat I took the dog round the local patch which was pretty quiet. Half a dozen snipe over and a few thrushes pretty much summed it up. I am convinced that one day I will find a real good rarity though.

Eastern Promises Fulfilled

I was off on my annual autumn visit to Spurn for three days, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week with my mate Rob. As anyone with an interest in birds will know, the last few weeks have been amazing for birds! A high pressure over Scandinavia has produced consistent easterly winds and perfect conditions for migrants leaving the northern continent and heading south. The week before last I headed over to Bempton Cliffs for the Eastern Crowned Warbler and ended up bagging three lifers, all cracking birds plus an excellent supporting cast, all due to this weather system. So, with the weather still looking fantastic, it was with great anticipation that we set out at 05:30 on Wednesday morning.

We arrived at Spurn at around 08:00 having beaten the traffic. Ominously the radio was quiet. There had been Woodchat Shrike, Pallas's Warbler and Red-flanked Bluetail the day before, but nothing on the radio today. So, we dumped our gear in the 'Obs' and decided to go for a mooch around the triangle. About half an hour later news came through that the Woodchat Shrike was showing again. This would be a British tick for both of us, so it was off to tramp down to the point. The walk itself isn't too bad except for across the soft sand of the breach. It was made more entertaining by the many Goldcrests that were showing down to a few inches in places, and a few Mealy Redpolls dotted around; the latter also a lifer for Rob.

Goldcrest

We arrived at the point after a 3/4 hr walk and headed for the Parade ground where the bird had been reported. There were several birders around who said the bird had disappeared and hadn't been seen for a while. Just then I noticed a friend and Spurn regular who was doing some ringing so caught him up for a chat and to see if he had any more info. Basically the bird was showing in a hawthorn bush, but birders consistently approached too close to it and kept spooking it. We decided to wait and see if the birders moved off and went for a mooch in the point bushes. Unfortunately about 20 minutes later the sky opened and it started pouring down, meaning birds just disappeared into the cover. So, it was back to the parade ground where we hoped the weather might have shifted a few people on. It hadn't, but those that were left were well away from the bush, sheltering themselves. Suddenly a birder picked the bird up as it flew low across the parade ground back into its favoured bush. It was really skulking and disappeared again, but 5 minutes later I picked it out again as it flew to another bush where it showed well for the next half hour or so.

Woodchat Shrike

So, after filling our boots it was a yomp back to the Obs for something to eat. After lunch we headed out to Kilnsea Wetlands. There were still a few heavy showers about, and the easterly wind was strengthening so passerines were hard to come by and we reckoned that the hide on the wetlands might be the best bet to see a few birds and remain sheltered. In the hide we met another regular and got chatting. I mentioned I'd seen a large flock of Golden Plover and he decided to go and check them through, having missed an American Golden Plover at Spurn last year in a similar flock. We sat around a bit longer watching the Greenshank (a Spurn tick for me) and then headed back to the Obs. Five minutes from the Obs a message came over the radio that he'd found a juvenile American Golden Plover, so it was a dash to the car and then off to see the bird. To be honest it wasn't the best view. The bird was distant, was back on and well hunkered down in what was a stiff wind, and it only occasionally lifted and turned its head. It was clearly smaller and greyer than the other birds, but not as distinctive as I'd expected. 

Day two dawned uninspiringly. The wind was still strong, and squally showers didn't encourage us. But, we headed out towards Sammies to cover the lanes, reckoning that any migrants would be seeking the shelter behind or in the hedges and feeding on sheltered field margins. We counted a good number of Redwings, Song Thrushes, Robins and Fieldfares and then a shout came of a Radde's Warbler near Sammies car park. A lifer for Rob and a bird I've not seen in a long while. Unfortunately despite hanging around in some horizontal rain showers, and the bird being re-found, albeit away from its original spot, in a seemingly confined area, it did a disappearing act.

We headed back for some lunch, calling at Easington Cemetery en-route where we counted loads of Bramblings, a Common Redstart and multiple Robins. After lunch we headed out round the Triangle. We only got as far as the Churchyard where we spent some time as it was sheltered, when I found a Pallas's Warbler. It wasn't a new bird, but it was my first 'self found' so I was feeling pleased with myself when a couple of regulars turned up to have a look at it. Then all hell broke loose.

A radio message from Lance Degnan went something like this (whispered): "All birders, listen carefully. I've got a Siberian Accentor at the back of the old School House on Vicars Lane!" That's as much as I heard as we all just ran. I totally forgot about Rob who, never having experienced anything like this before, was, I think, quite bemused. I suddenly realised my car was a few minutes away at the Obs and, I had no idea where I was going, so I just shouted to ask Adam, a regular, for a lift. Thankfully Rob and I, plus a couple of others all managed to get in the car and raced off to see the bird. We were there within 10 minutes of the call going out and, well, WOW!

For a relative of our lowly Dunnock this bird was a stunner and very obliging, feeding down to less than 20 feet away. A second for Britain, first for the mainland, British tick for everyone there I think (don't think anyone twitched the Shetland bird) - and a lifer even for some of those who keep world lists.

Siberian Accentor



I rattled off hundreds of shots and am still going through them. There are better out there on the internet, but these will do me fine!! There was much celebrating later on in the Obs and in the Crown and Anchor!

Next morning saw Rob and I volunteering to help manage the crowds that turned up. Rob collecting donations and me parking cars to try to prevent birders causing chaos in the village. We were busy from 06:30 until about 09:30 when it seemed to calm down so we went back to the Obs for a bite to eat and a brew. I had started to come down with a cold and was really feeling it, and Kilnsea and the whole area was crawling with birders - crowds for a Firecrest and Yellow-browed Warbler sort of summed it up. I really didn't feel like spending the day dodging crowds so asked Rob if he minded leaving early. Thankfully he was ok with that, but just then a Dusky Warbler was caught and was being shown in Church Field. We went for a look, and this more than anything confirmed that I'd be leaving sooner rather than later. There must have been 200 birders queuing to see it. On the plus side it added even more funds to the Observatory coffers.

Firecrest and Yellow-browed Warbler Crowd

Its easy to get side-tracked by the rarities on a visit like this, but the commoner stuff is great too. The number of Bramblings was probably the most I've ever seen anywhere, Ring Ouzels and Shorelark as supporting cast just goes to show what an amazing place Spurn can be.

 Siskin

 Brambling

 Song Thrush

East Coast Gems

I had been watching the recent weather intently. As a birder you're always interested in the weather and it had looked good the last few days with a high pressure over Scandinavia producing great migration conditions, and a few rarities around the country showed that birds were moving. I was partly watching the forecast in dread too; I'm off to Spurn next week and I'm praying that if the high pressure stays it doesn't all 'happen' before I get there, and if it moves off I don't want to be there in a westerly or north westerly. Anyway, the rarities kept cropping up along the east coast and I've been sat watching jealously, so when a colleague at work said he was off to the east coast on Thursday (yesterday) and asked if I fancied it I nearly bit his hand off. I just had to make a few calls to get meetings re-organised and I was sorted. I was in work on Wednesday and news started trickling through of even more good birds - Eastern Crowned Warbler, Greenish Warbler and the Black-Browed Albatross at Bempton RSPB, Whites Thrush on Holy Island, Red-flanked Bluetail and Little Bunting at Spurn, plus Yellow-browed Warblers pretty much everywhere. I was like a kid at Christmas and couldn't wait, as several of my work colleagues pointed out.

05:30 on Thursday and I was on my way, and being chauffeured by Dermot. The first time in years I haven't had to drive over to that side of the country so that was an added bonus. As we crossed the Pennines I was keeping an eye on the news so we could finalise our day. We were definitely going for the Eastern Crowned Warbler (ECW) and were considering going for the White's Thrush on Holy Island too, but were trying to remain flexible. At about 08:20 we turned into the car park at Bempton. There were already plenty of cars around and a few birders walking towards the scrubby area at the side of the new Seabird Centre. We quickly joined them and learned that the bird had been showing quite well already, so took up position just outside the canopy. Sure enough after about 10 minutes the bird appeared and what a cracker. I can understand how, with only brief views, someone could mistake this for an Arctic Warbler, but with a good view this bird is so distinctive. In some lights the head was almost black and the faint greyish crown stripe was easily picked out. The bird was very active and moved around constantly and my attempts to photograph it failed miserably. I did however manage a nice shot of a Tree Sparrow!! There was also a huge number of Chiffchaffs in the bushes with a nice array of plumages on display, from buff to green, small medium and large superciliums, they were all on display. A nice Brambling that had obviously just arrived was also a nice addition to the list.

Tree Sparrow

After watching the ECW for a while we mooched around the reserve, a quick look on the sea proved fruitless, mainly because it was so breezy I couldn't keep the scope still, but there were still plenty Gannets and Fulmars close in to provide a bit of entertainment. We were heading back to the car when reports came through of a Bluethroat on the coastal path so we headed back to see if we could see it. It was eventually pinned down between two crowds and I managed reasonable views of a first winter/juvenile type bird. I was amazed so many people had rushed to see it, probably just due to the number of people on site for the ECW, anyway, it was enough to encourage us to leave. The White's Thrush had done a disappearing act, so it was off to Flamborough for the Taiga Bean Goose. A quick word about Bempton Cliffs RSPB. There has been a tremendous amount of work done since I was last here in 2014. The new seabird centre is a huge improvement on what was there before, the paths around the reserve have been massively improved too as has the car park. Go check it out.

We picked up the Taiga Bean Goose quite quickly, and even though it was distant we got good views of the distinguishing features. We then had a quick debate about what to do next. Nothing new had come up on twitter so we decided that Spurn had to be a good option and set off. We'd just called for fuel in Hornsea when I had a twitter alert that an Arctic Warbler had turned up back at Bempton. A quick debate and we were heading back to Bempton. Once again we skidded into the car park, except this time we were in the overspill there were so many birders on site. We grabbed our gear and headed off in the opposite direction to the crowd still looking at the ECW. We had only just got our scopes set up when someone called a Warbler in the hedgerow. Thankfully I managed to get on it quite quickly and had an eyepiece full of what to me was clearly an Arctic Warbler. The bird flitted around in a couple of Willows then disappeared. About five minutes later a.n.other warbler appeared on top of a small Hawthorn, closer than where the first warbler had been but in the same area. I didn't get on this one, but some people said this wasn't an Arctic Warbler, more likely a Greenish. Several birders then had a lengthy debate about what had actually been seen. Both Dermot and myself were sure we had seen Arctic Warbler, as was another friend who we met on site, who also happens to be an excellent birder. After some debate the two bird theory seemed to explain it and seeing as neither bird was showing we moved back to the ECW where it was showing ridiculously well and I managed some great (for me) photos of it, along with a couple of other birds.

 Eastern Crowned Warbler

 

 Eastern Crowned Warbler

 

 Eastern Crowned Warbler

 

 Eastern Crowned Warbler

 

  Chiffchaff

 

 

 Redwing

 

 Tree Sparrow

 

We decided to have one last look over the sea before leaving. It was still breezy, and still almost impossible to hold the scope steady. Instead I watched the Gannets which just seemed to be enjoying flying in the stiff breeze. At one point just about every Gannet on the cliffs headed out to sea in one movement. It was quite breath-taking. The photo below doesn't do it justice as it was a quick snap on my mobile but it was a great way to end the day.

 

 

Leasowe

So, the forecast for today wasn't great, but the tide was a 9m + at midday and I really fancied getting out to the coast. I thought about heading off to Parkgate or the North Wirral foreshore but I discovered that the Wirral Wader festival was on today. Nothing at all against this, in fact I think its great, but I just fancied a quiet day out and the thought of loads of people didn't encourage me. To be fair I could have gone to Parkgate as the event only started there in the evening, but I had seen reports of some decent seabirds off the northern coastline and I fancied a chance at seeing some of these with some decent wader numbers. So, I decided to head to the gun site at Leasowe as this wasn't  mentioned at all in the festival venues and it was where the reports of Leach's Petrel and Pomarine Skuas had been from. I've never been to this particular site before so had no idea what to expect.

When I arrived I was instantly happy with my choice. As well as being able to park (for free) so I could sit on the back of my car and look right onto the beach, there was also some great scrub habitat immediately inland that looked promising.

                                              Looking straight out towards the wind farm

                                             Looking North East towards New Brighton

I arrived at around 08:30 with high tide due at midday, so I spent the first couple of hours bush bashing in the scrub between the beach and golf course. Although it looked promising there was very little on show except for a lonely Chiffchaff and the usual Tits, Blackbirds and a few finches. There were however hundreds of Meadow Pipits streaming over. They were coming in on a broad front all across the coastline so impossible to count, but it was an impressive movement.

As the tide started to rise I set up behind the car. There were plenty of Oystercatchers and quite a few small mixed flocks of waders batting around, and a few Oystercatchers and Redshanks had started to roost up on the rocks just off the beach. There was also a good number of Sandwich Terns present, later joined by a few Common Terns. The pictures below are a bit dark as they were phonescoped at full zoom on the phone and by this time the weather had turned a bit grim!

A nice adult Arctic Skua was one of the birds I had hoped for, as was a Red-throated Diver, but it was really nice to see the latter sat on the sea a few hundred metres off the beach, a pleasant change from seeing them half a mile out and by far the best view I've had of one of these in ages. The photos again aren't the best and the view through the scope were much better.

                                                               Red-throated Diver

One of the most extraordinary things I saw today was what I assume was a truly huge flock of Common Scoter. I knew that there was a big number regularly seen off Holyake but this was way more than I'd imagined. There were thousands and thousands, not to mention the many flocks of 10 - 20 birds that were scattered as far as you could see. It was truly spectacular, I just wish I'd been closer.

Anyway, by midday the rain had really set in and after another hour I gave up. However I really enjoyed this spot and will probably be visiting regularly.

Corfu 2016

I have just returned from a 10 day break on the wonderful island of Corfu.

The usual routine when we are planning our holidays, is that we all agree a country, and then my wife starts to scour the internet for suitable hotels that meet her requirements. When she's found one I have a quick look and give my opinion. That opinion is usually based on whether I can see anywhere nearby to go birding! It doesn't have to be a nature reserve, or be particularly big. Just somewhere I can go for a walk in a morning and enjoy a bit of birding while everyone else is having a lie in. So, this year when she presented me with the Aquis Sandy Beach Resort in Agios Georgios in Corfu I did the usual and had a quick look on Google Maps. I was quite excited. The hotel is right at the side of the Lake Korission Nature Reserve . And when I say right at the side, I mean my balcony overlooked its south eastern boundary.

The lake itself was approximately 1.5km west from our hotel, but was easily accessible down a couple of dirt tracks. These tracks cut through the edge of the reserve area and the habitat along these tracks, between the hotel and the lake, provided some of the best birding of the whole holiday.

South Eastern end of Lake Korission

Typical habitat around the hotel

Cedar and Juniper in the dune system

Sand dune habitat

The habitat within the main reserve was sand dunes with cedar and juniper bushes, plus some small damp areas, almost like the dune slacks we see in UK dune systems. Away from the main reserve area, the habitat along the local roads consisted of small scale agriculture, with olive groves, lime and lemon groves plus other small holdings. These areas were also productive. All my birding was done in this area as I don't hire cars when abroad, and on this holiday it didn't matter. 

European Bee Eater

On my first trip out I had 5 European Bee Eaters flying over near the small hide at the end of the lake. also had up to 5 Hoopoes, Woodchat Shrike, Red-rumped Swallow and plenty Collared Doves and House Sparrows. That was on a quick walk out mid morning to familiarise myself with the area! The next morning I was out by 06:15 and headed straight to the lake. I added Nightingale and Great Reed Warbler before I arrived at the hide where I met Chris, another British birder who was staying at the same hotel. Chris let me have a look through his scope at the waders on the lake - Kentish Plover, Common Sandpiper and Black-winged Stilt. We birded the dunes together for an hour or so seeing plenty Woodchat Shrikes and Hoopoes and getting great views of Zitting Cisticola in one of the damp areas. On my way back to the hotel I picked up 10 European Bee Eaters plus a distant Lesser Grey Shrike and Common Buzzard.

This pattern was repeated six times in the 10 days I was there, although unfortunately I didn't see Chris again whilst out birding. However we often bumped into each other in the hotel and updated each other on our sightings. Some days I included a walk along local roads which had plenty of birds in the adjacent habitats but I didn't add any new species here.

 Woodchat Shrike

 Woodchat Shrike

Woodchat Shrike (juvenile)

 Lesser Grey Shrike

Lesser Grey Shrike

Juvenile Woodchat Shrike still being fed by adults - photo taken immediately outside our hotel

Other species seen in and around the area included Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Common Swift, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Subalpine Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Pied Wagtail, Jay, Carrion Crow.

Inside the hotel, up to three Scops Owls could be heard and there were some great insects with a species of Swallowtail butterfly which I think was Scarce Swallowtail, Hummingbird Hawk Moth and 1000's of Painted Lady Butterflies in the first few days as well as some different dragonflies that I couldn't identify. 

Swallowtail Spp

Painted Lady

We ventured out of Agios Georgics just the once to visit Corfu Town. I was counting on seeing Alpine Swift here and I wasn't disappointed . Throughout the day I had seen small groups of Alpine Swifts screaming above the narrow streets, their chattering call was really distinctive and reminded me a bit of the call of Little Grebe. However my biggest surprise, and arguably best birding moment of the entire holiday happened as we came out of the town onto the square near the new harbour to get our coach back to the hotel. The trees around the square were full of House Sparrows, hundreds of them, but the sky was full of Alpine Swifts. Thousands of them! I was transfixed. The photos below might give a bit of an impression of the numbers, but I had to zoom in to maximum zoom to pick out the birds as they were so high up.

Alpine Swifts over Corfu Town

It was a magical sight and I could have stayed for hours watching them wheeling and screaming through the sky.

Whilst the birding on this holiday was very enjoyable, it was also challenging as the birds tend to keep well hidden, or make themselves scarce as soon as they see you. I'm guessing its to do with the fact that the Corfiots still enjoy their hunting. The track from the hotel to the lake was littered with shotgun cartridges, although most looked quite old. As a result you really had to work to identify some birds as all you saw was brief glimpses as they crept through the vegetation, or a rear end view as they flew away from you as quickly as they could. But, that didn't detract from the experience and it was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.