Normally our birding days start well and go down hill as it progresses. Today was different. Myself and Phil did a run round of all the current scarcities scoring with 4 of the 5 targets for the day.
The day started with a no show for the Phal' at Goldcliffe. It hadn't been seen since mid morning yesterday, so we hadn't been too hopeful. Compensation came in the form of a Crane flying over low. Phil did manage to pick up a couple of year ticks with Whimbrel, Barwit and LRP.
Next it was over to a new site for both of us, Pilling wetlands, to try for the Citrine Wags that had been o site for a couple of days. Not knowing the site, we parked in the wrong area, quite a walk away, but have learnt where we should have gone for a shorter walk. The Wagtail was reported as we got out of the car, but by the time we made it to the wetlands, it was a no show. Compensation came this time from a slightly dowdy looking male Whinchat. It took about 90 minutes for the Citrine to re-appear. Phil got onto it quickly but I struggled initially. Eventually I got onto the bird, before it flew closer giving crippling views.
Back over to Goldcliffe to give the Phal another go, drew a blank yet again, but the male Marsh Harrier put in a short cameo.
Next up was Peterson Gout, for the Green-winged Teal. Simples! Pull in to the Golf Club car park, walk over to the gout, a quick scan of the, very few, teal, and hew presto, GWT makes it onto the year list.
Finally, off to Cardiff Bay for the 2cy Bonaparte's Gull. A scan from the Ice rink failed to locate it, but walking round to Prospect Place, Graham Smith was already on the bird and we quickly got onto it for a fitting finale to a grand day out - were we barely go rained on - honest.
The day started with a no show for the Phal' at Goldcliffe. It hadn't been seen since mid morning yesterday, so we hadn't been too hopeful. Compensation came in the form of a Crane flying over low. Phil did manage to pick up a couple of year ticks with Whimbrel, Barwit and LRP.
Next it was over to a new site for both of us, Pilling wetlands, to try for the Citrine Wags that had been o site for a couple of days. Not knowing the site, we parked in the wrong area, quite a walk away, but have learnt where we should have gone for a shorter walk. The Wagtail was reported as we got out of the car, but by the time we made it to the wetlands, it was a no show. Compensation came this time from a slightly dowdy looking male Whinchat. It took about 90 minutes for the Citrine to re-appear. Phil got onto it quickly but I struggled initially. Eventually I got onto the bird, before it flew closer giving crippling views.
Back over to Goldcliffe to give the Phal another go, drew a blank yet again, but the male Marsh Harrier put in a short cameo.
Next up was Peterson Gout, for the Green-winged Teal. Simples! Pull in to the Golf Club car park, walk over to the gout, a quick scan of the, very few, teal, and hew presto, GWT makes it onto the year list.
Finally, off to Cardiff Bay for the 2cy Bonaparte's Gull. A scan from the Ice rink failed to locate it, but walking round to Prospect Place, Graham Smith was already on the bird and we quickly got onto it for a fitting finale to a grand day out - were we barely go rained on - honest.
I thought it was Christmas come early, picked up and dropped off at the door, no driving and some cracking birds. 9 year ticks.
ReplyDeleteWe dont mention ticks on this blog certain members still have nightmares about Canada.
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