Sibe storm - Siberian Accentor
I headed out of the Hope and Anchor pub as the light began to fade away for one last scan of the trees that surround the car park. Birds were active, and within the foliage a Pallas's Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warbler, and a Firecrest were picked up within ten minutes. And this was pretty much the order of the day.
There were birds everywhere, and having driven up the night before and rested in a hotel on Hedon, Kat and I were up at first light to head over to Easington for the SIBERIAN ACCENTOR. I'd seen the photos from the day before of queues wrapped round corners as hundreds of anxious birders descended on this migrant hotspot for their moment with this super-sibe, The 'invasion' of this species across northern Europe has been unprecedented.
There was a queue, but it was a relaxed atmosphere, a few familiar faces mixed into the homogonised crowd, a convivial atmosphere, and an abbreviated wait before groups of 30 were allowed access to a tarmac area opposite the gas terminal.
The experience at the same location was in stark contrast of events three years earlier.
The bird however was an absolute pearler. It fed voraciously out in the open in what were dull and drizzly conditions. Attracting attention of the local Robin, it was unceremoniously chased off on a couple of occasions. But Siberians are hardened creatures and the bird duly returned before retreating into a nearby pine to dry off.
It was a wonderful experience, exemplified by the wonderful organisation of the staff from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for providing parking, directions, and the meticulously choreographed operation ensuring that all had sufficient time with the bird.
The weather was awful but it made for a most spectacular scene. There were birds everywhere. Flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare pulsated off the North Sea in their hundreds, tumbling out of the sky at the sight of land. Small groups of Brambling were associates, their distinctive harsh calls adding to the ambience. Goldcrest and Robin were present in large numbers, dripping out of bushes and reedbeds. Very rarely do I experience scenes like this. It was miraculous and overwhelming. The Accentor was awesome, but this autumn spectacle was something very special indeed.
There were so many birders here, enjoying a 'gripp-back' day during the morning twitch.
Heading up toward the Hope and Anchor, a few birders were hastily marching back toward church field. A Pallas's Warbler (2nd and 3rd, one of two seen today including the tail-less indivdual) had been trapped and was ready for release. To see this stunning sibe-sprite at close quarters was a real privilege.
The day was spent walking circuits round the triangle, with regular excursions into the Bluebell cafe for bacon sandwiches and sweet treats. This Shorelark showed really well close to the cafe - just one of the many treats enjoyed along the way.
Reports went round of a Radde's Warbler (2nd) found by the big hedge. Taking position, I was fortunate to see the bird briefly as it skulked low down in the ditch. It's behaviour was just not acceptable considering just how showy everything was today.
Other odds and ends were a Purple Sandpiper associating with Turnstone on the shoreline of the Humber, with small groups of Dark-bellied Brent Goose loitering offshore.
It was a special day, the gloomy conditions of the morning gave way to warm sunshine in the afternoon. There were a lot of birders there, it felt a little overrun, but I met a lot of really pleasant people.
It was a one of the best days birding I have experienced. The miracle of migration.
There were birds everywhere, and having driven up the night before and rested in a hotel on Hedon, Kat and I were up at first light to head over to Easington for the SIBERIAN ACCENTOR. I'd seen the photos from the day before of queues wrapped round corners as hundreds of anxious birders descended on this migrant hotspot for their moment with this super-sibe, The 'invasion' of this species across northern Europe has been unprecedented.
The experience at the same location was in stark contrast of events three years earlier.
The bird however was an absolute pearler. It fed voraciously out in the open in what were dull and drizzly conditions. Attracting attention of the local Robin, it was unceremoniously chased off on a couple of occasions. But Siberians are hardened creatures and the bird duly returned before retreating into a nearby pine to dry off.
The weather was awful but it made for a most spectacular scene. There were birds everywhere. Flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare pulsated off the North Sea in their hundreds, tumbling out of the sky at the sight of land. Small groups of Brambling were associates, their distinctive harsh calls adding to the ambience. Goldcrest and Robin were present in large numbers, dripping out of bushes and reedbeds. Very rarely do I experience scenes like this. It was miraculous and overwhelming. The Accentor was awesome, but this autumn spectacle was something very special indeed.
We headed over to Kilnsea where the generous provision of free parking allowed us to pick a central position and just walk circuits for much of the day. Incoming winter migrants continued to fill the sky, that included a couple of Woodcock that flew in low over the triangle.
There were so many birders here, enjoying a 'gripp-back' day during the morning twitch.
Heading up toward the Hope and Anchor, a few birders were hastily marching back toward church field. A Pallas's Warbler (2nd and 3rd, one of two seen today including the tail-less indivdual) had been trapped and was ready for release. To see this stunning sibe-sprite at close quarters was a real privilege.
Dusky Warbler (2nd and 3rd) was a popular bird, reportedly seven were seen today. I saw two, one of which showed ridiculously close along the path toward Canal Scrape and was pretty much there all day. The other was seen south of Canal Scrape.
The day was spent walking circuits round the triangle, with regular excursions into the Bluebell cafe for bacon sandwiches and sweet treats. This Shorelark showed really well close to the cafe - just one of the many treats enjoyed along the way.
Then there was the supporting cast, this Ring Ouzel rested along the fenceline within the triangle, three Bearded Tit were vocal within the reedbed that included a rather splendid male. They were later seen flying high toward the Canal Scrape. Two young Common Redstart, ten Swallow, a Willow Warbler, two male Blackcap, and around hundred Chiffchaff were yet more migrants on the move.
Then there was the call that a possible Pallas' Grasshopper Warbler had been seen darting into the long grass, again within the vicinity of the Triangle. An organised flush was arranged and forming a line, we crept forward filled with wild anticipation, mist-nets in place in the hope of trapping this much sought after vagrant. The first phase drew a blank, but an alternative strategy flushed the Locustella from deep with the vegetation. It was a Grasshopper Warbler. A surreal few moments watching the events. I think I held my breath for fifteen minutes.
Reports went round of a Radde's Warbler (2nd) found by the big hedge. Taking position, I was fortunate to see the bird briefly as it skulked low down in the ditch. It's behaviour was just not acceptable considering just how showy everything was today.
Other odds and ends were a Purple Sandpiper associating with Turnstone on the shoreline of the Humber, with small groups of Dark-bellied Brent Goose loitering offshore.
It was a special day, the gloomy conditions of the morning gave way to warm sunshine in the afternoon. There were a lot of birders there, it felt a little overrun, but I met a lot of really pleasant people.
It was a one of the best days birding I have experienced. The miracle of migration.
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