Thursday 16 September 2010

Action Stations

The hectic start to the autumn accelerated for Yorkshire listers as easterly winds continued to blow. A flycatcher trapped at Spurn late august set insurance listers into action as it ticked many of the ‘Collared boxes’ but it was Flamborough that came up with the undisputed quality with the discovery of an Eastern Olivaceous Warbler on September 1st which lingered until 3rd and was ticked off by most Yorkshire listers, although sometimes with difficulty. Rumour has it, that it had been present for several days but wrongly identified (and photographed) as an Icterine. Spurn retorted with a flurry of quality sub-rarities as well as a Great Snipe (4th), although that was only enjoyed by birders present early evening, much to the chagrin of those who were on their way home, not least a notorious twitcher from Bucks’ who took the news somewhat badly whilst driving through Hull, realising he was pretty much in The Deep! Just when we thought things couldn’t get better, they did, with the truly amazing late-Sunday afternoon discovery of the Flamborough areas second Brown Flycatcher at Bucton. Although not needed by most County listers a second bite of the cherry was too much to resist for many and for those who descended on site before dusk, good views of this astonishing discovery were just reward. As for the morning after? Answers on a postcard please.




STOP PRESS - 15th September, Yorkshire’s first Squacco Heron since June 1994 at Kilnsea, off Beacon Lane in ‘Mad Gary’s Garden’ on the patio! Does this mean he will have to get the car reregistered?