Spotted Flycatcher

A couple of months ago at the end of May, my annual wait for the return of Spotted Flycatchers was over. Just two weeks before on a visit to my usual sites, there were none to be seen, but on this occasion I found 3 pairs and they weren't hanging around. All were busy nest building in various tree cavities and outbuildings. A great sign that these may have some young to feed this year. Unfortunately, when I returned a few weeks later only one site was still active, with both birds busy feeding. There was no sign of the pair that had been building a nest in an open tree cavity. There was not even any moss, so it's quite possible this was predated. Fingers crossed for the one nest that was still going strong, and hopefully some young fletched successfully.

Reed and Sedge Warblers - Cley

A May walk from the Cley visitor centre to the hides brings a cacophony of noise from the reeds, grasses, bushes, shrubs and trees. Sometimes the birds singing will be kind and show themselves to you before dropping down out of sight again. It can be a long wait and you have to be ready with the binoculars or camera for the brief glimpse. 

I was fortunate to have some decent light and some quick views when I last visited my parents. 

Reed Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Black-winged Stilts - RSPB Frampton

Some weeks ago there was quite a lot of movement around the country from Black-winged Stilts. This is a wading bird that had avoided me on quite a number of occasions over recent years, but a bird that is becoming more regular in numbers each year. 

With reports of 3 birds at RSPB Frampton a few weeks ago, it was easy enough to pop in on my way home from Norfolk and try my luck. It was a good walk on a gloomy morning to the hide and area that they were reported in, and it wasn't long before I picked out the first 2 birds. The scope was required but well worth the closer view. The third bird then appeared from nowhere and crossed the reeds in front of us. Superb views of a great bird.

It was also recently confirmed that the pair decided that they liked where they were and set up a nest and have not hatched 4 young. A first for Lincolnshire, and also a life tick for me with this bird.

Common Whitethroat

They seem to arrive later and later each year, but in reality it's just my anticipation and eagerness to hear their scratchy song that makes it seem like this. My records show that the Whitethroat arrives here around the same time, I just wish they would hurry up. 

They are here now though and I have several pairs on my local patch protecting their specific brambles and bushes. It's always good to hear them singing as I do my patrols and see what else is about.

Common Whitethroat

Gannets - Bempton Cliffs

I'm sure there are other good places to view Gannets in the UK, but I've not yet visited them where you can get so close. The cliffs at Bempton allow you to get at eye level with them as they soar on the thermals, and when they land on the rocks you can look down on them. It's quite a unique feel. I've been to the Farne Islands quite a few times, but there are not many Gannets there, and they are usually above you when they are flying. Bempton has a more intimate feel. 

I hope this video works. I recorded a short video on my phone so that you could hear the sounds.

Northern Gannet 

This is a 3 year old immature adult bird. It will eventually become all white like the adult birds.

Puffins & Razorbills - Bempton Cliffs

The East coast of Yorkshire is a lovely place, and at this time of year its cliffs are jam packed with breeding sea birds. Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Fulmars fill the air, sea and land. The sight, sounds and smells are a joy to behold. I recommend a visit to anyone who can get across there at this time of year. I've been many times and it never fails to produce.

There were not too many Puffins around this year. Maybe avian flu has had an impact or the long term problem of food shortage is taking it's toll. Not being very big birds, it was a case of scanning for those orange feet and the famous bill. They just put a big smile on my face when I see them.

Puffin

Good numbers of Razorbills were lovely to see. Quite often when I see these birds they are floating a long way out at sea, or whizzing past at speed, so it was nice to see them at close quarters on the rocks.

Razorbill

This one made sure the Pigeon knew he wasn't happy with him flying past.

Temminck's Stint - Thornwick Pool

A lovely weekend away on the East Yorkshire coast provided quite a few birding highlights, with most of these had at Bempton Cliffs. But news of a small wading bird just a short walk away at Thornwick Pool was very unexpected. A Temminck's Stint!!

I had been to the pool the previous day in search of a Wood Sandpiper and an earlier reported Red-backed Shrike. Neither were seen, so I wasn't too expectant when I was walking to the hide on this occasion, but just a few feet away there was the very small Stint in all it's glory in superb sunlight. My second of the year, but the first that didn't require a scope and wasn't obscured by long grass. I was so pleased to get some decent images. It's unlikely I'll get anything as good or clear again. To add icing to my cake, a hard to spot Lesser Whitethroat was singing outside the hide.

Temminck's Stint