Just a bit of
a PS from last week. I mentioned the Whimbrel, which Simon Roddis, the Bird
club super-spotter, spotted as the BwB group progressed towards Stones Island
on 7th July. I subsequently checked my records and was able to
confirm that in the 168 walks I did in the 14 years of being in charge, we
never saw a Whimbrel. So that was a great addition to Amandas walk life-list.
Tuesday July 11, Christine and I went eastwards to
Bempton Cliffs. There were intermittent light showers during the day, but it
did not stop us checking out all the anticipated birds on the cliffs.
Puffin,
Razorbill, Guillemot, Fulmars, Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls many with chicks,
were all over the cliff faces and only lacked an anticipated Peregrine – well not seen whilst we were there. Batches of Rock Doves were seen, and Chris was pleased to add them and
Puffin to her year list.
But our target bird was the singing Corn Bunting,
and at the ruins of RAF Bempton, I duly picked up a singing bird on a concrete
post. After we had our fill, I shared the use of my scope with some passing
bird watchers, and together with Chris, they could watch the Bunting opening its
beak wide (as they do) whilst being able to hear the song. Alas my hearing
prevented me enjoying the song.
It was great to find a Bunting where people told me it had
been seen, especially as I have done a good number of visits to Bempton in
previous years, without this success.
With the weather having ominous prospects, and the RSPB café
not doing anything hot, we drove to Filey Brigg, and enjoy the catering in the
Brigg café.. Replete, we booted up and walked the beach and rocks pathway to
the Brigg. Desperate conditions, very wet and slippery, so that was a wrong
decision. Also, nothing Avian, so we ascended a somewhat steep path to the safer
area of Carr Naze.
A few Meadow Pipits and Skylarks followed us back to the
car, whence we moved to Filey Dam. And THAT was a good decision. If you don’t
know the Dam, it is not obviously a dam, and is in the middle of a residential
estate at the end the road, Wharfedale. 3 hides (only 2 when I went 12 months
ago) and a most enjoyable couple of hours.
This is the new modern hide, only open 3 months ago and in between two older hides either side giving 270 degree vision.
Chris picked up a Greenshank striding around the shallow
pool. 3 Green Sandpipers, a Sparrowhawk
with food dangling in its claws disappearing into the trees and a single Dunlin
made a good collection at this cracking little site.
An excellent day, 45 species and 2 new birds for my list, and with the 2 “Greens” Chris added 4.
A good time was had by all both!
QI. Not a notable
day!! Saturday 13th July 1930, 89 years ago - – First
World Cup Tournament, began in Montevideo.
(and Montevideo won!!!)
Happy Birding
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