Another Yorkshire update.

Monday 3rd April 2023.

Yellowhammers have always remained distant here so far, but always a welcome addition to the holiday list.

A very cold frosty start to the day this morning, but I couldn't resist taking a small walk before breakfast at 8am around the Farmland. But before going on about that, yesterday was quite a busy day as we made our way to both the town of Thirsk for a look around and a bit of lunch and then on off to the New Inn, near Leeds, for the ladies to go on their excursion to the Emmerdale Farm tourist site (a Xmas present I bought the ladies last year). Meanwhile, Russ, Isabelle and myself spent the next couple of hours in the Pub garden, enjoying nice views of both Common Buzzards and Red Kites drifting low overhead!

From top to bottom; the trees and bushes are now in full bloom, which in turn attracts the many Bumble Bees present as well as the singing Chiffchaffs which seem to be abundant here.

Earlier Sunday morning, a nice walk around the fields to the back of the Farm had a few notable sightings. At least 3 Yellowhammers were seen flying over and the occasional Siskin went over too. At least three singing Chiffchaffs were seen and heard in nearby trees, including one showing well in the large Copse behind the other Holiday camp nearby. Though the Rooks by the Farm are noisy, the distinctive call of a Tawny Owl hooted briefly, but I could not locate the bird.

Above, a male Blackbird searching for breakfast on the frosty lawn in front of the main House. Below, a male Pied Wagtail on the short grass among the Alpacas.

At dusk, I took another walk, hoping for an Owl or two showing, but I was not in luck. I did, however, I did see a female Mandarin fly over, following the small river and then return back again to disappear into the gloom. A Common Buzzard decided to spook all the Rooks by flying through the Rookery behind the Farm and the result was a cloud of noisy Corvids getting up in blind panic! There were no sign of any Bats or Moths flying around, but I did predict a frost the following morning as the temperatures plummeted. I was really hoping for a Little Owl around here, but I am wondering if they are this far north in the UK?

Above, the female Pied Wagtail in the Alpaca field and below, one of the two Redwing up in the nearby trees near the river.

This morning, it was most certainly frosty, but this did not deter me from taking a brief walk before breakfast. Isabelle came along with me because she wanted to take some photos of the Alpacas up in the field nearby. Walking up to the field to the songs of Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Dunnock and Song Thrush in our ears, I picked out a pair of Pied Wagtails searching for insects on the short turf; but Isabelle was not interested in them as she took several photos of the animals instead! A pair of Red-legged Partridges were flushed in the grass nearby and headed off over the fields. I thought I heard one calling yesterday, but failed to locate the bird.

Above, a Drone Fly enjoying the early morning sunshine and below, one of the two Red-legged Partridge in the dried grass near the edge of the fields. 

On the way back, I heard some Redwing in the trees nearby and eventually saw a pair of birds high up in the trees before they flew off. After breakfast, I took a longer walk around the fields by the Farm, but this time on my own. The track leading north was a bit boggy with all that rain from recent days and so I carefully made my way to the small copse nearby. A Nuthatch was calling frequently and seen high up in a distant tree. A flock of 15+ Linnet was on the edge of the Copse, with a few Goldfinch and Chaffinch among them and overhead, a small group of Yellowhammers flew overhead and another male bird was seen high up in an old tree across the fields.

Above, after flushing a Hare, it ran off over the fields. At least one more was seen in the neighbouring fields later on. Below, the flock of Canada Geese flying high over the Farm.

The local Herring Gulls and Corvids went ballistic when a Common Buzzard circled high above them as some of the Corvids gave chase. A flock of 10 Canada Geese then flew high across the Farm, which was a surprise, but there was no sight or sound of any of the Curlews I have heard recently here. I shall have to explore further afield. The scrubby areas around the fields attracted the Red-legged Partridges as I spotted them running through the straw coloured grass and then out of site. I also flushed, to my surprise, a Hare, that then ran off over the fields. It or another individual was seen in the long dead grass adjacent to the Copse in a neighbouring field of which I managed to grab a few photos. I then made my way home only to get a moaning at for taking the car keys with me! Doh!

Above, the Herring Gulls all took off when a passing Common Buzzard soared overhead and below, Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve in the background distantly behind the Farm.

It seems I have been missing some quality birds back down in Hampshire. A male Pied Flycatcher was found by Fishlake Meadows and the photos on the ‘Lazee’s’ Whatsapp site are superb. A Snow Bunting was found by Portchester Castle yesterday, which got all the ‘year-listers’ buzzing. Osprey, Hirundines, Hobby, Arctic Tern and plenty of other migrants were also found and this morning, news came through of a Hoopoe briefly in someone's garden at Sutton Scotney and a drake Garganey on Posbrook Floods!

A few Lesser Celandine flowers were seen along the hedgerows and below, some of the Linnets seen in the Copse behind the Farm.

Apart from Chiffchaffs, I have not seen any other migrants here in North Yorkshire yet, but I am confident in finding something of note soon. Even a Swallow would be nice!      

  

Above, this beautiful male Pied Flycatcher entertained the crowds at Fishlake Meadows yesterday. Photo by Andy Friend. This bird was ringed as a nestling on the 5th June 2019 at Strid, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire. Below, an immature Little Gull gracing Farlington Marshes. Photo by Andy Tew.

Later this evening, a male Kestrel was seen perched on an overhead wire near the Alpaca Field behind the Farm and later seen hovering around the scrubby area adjacent to the same field. We went into Thirsk tonight for a delicious meal in one of the local restaurants. On return to the Cottage, I took a late stroll around by the Alpaca Field, keeping an eye on anything of note within the area. Again, no Owls on show, despite clear, cloudless and still conditions, though a party of three Mandarin Ducks flew through the Rookery, this time two females and a drake. Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and singing Robins were still in good voice as I made my way back into the warmth of our Cottage. Back in Hampshire, the discovery of an Alpine Swift over Posbrook Floods with Hirundines sent the 'Lazee Birders' in a frenzy and some superb photos were grabbed by Emma Parkes who kindly allowed me to put them on my blog (see below).

Above and below, this evenings Alpine Swift over Posbrook Floods. Photos by Emma Parkes.

Sunset over the fields of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe.

   

Our North Yorkshire holiday has begun.

Saturday 1st April 2023.

Water Hill Farm Cottages where we are staying for the week.

We made the long 287 mile journey to the farmhouse Cottage we had hired for the week today, all set for a relaxing (hopefully!) holiday up in North Yorkshire. Our Cottage was situated on a working Farm in the countryside near the village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, some five miles from Thirsk and the long journey up, to be honest, wasn't too bad. I have never been up to this area before, though in the past, I have been to South Yorkshire many times.

This male Pheasant came into roost and landed on one of the barns.

Sadly, no moth box, but it should produce a few interesting sightings and having had a couple of quick walks around the area, I already had seen a few notable birds and plants in the area. A stream runs parallel to the Farm which I believe is called Thirlby Beck (according to Google Maps) and possibly could hold Dipper and Grey Wagtail. Above the Stream, there is a long row of tall trees that hold a colony of Rooks that are busy nesting and with good numbers of Jackdaws around, it certainly is noisy with the Covids here.

Above, a pair of Common Buzzards flying over the fields nearby. Below, the stream called Thirlby Beck was running right by the Farm Cottages.

Our Isabelle joined me in the walks and though keeping an 8 year old happy is by far not easy at all, so it's a case of pointing out everything to her and educating her and keeping her interested. She even has her own binoculars which I brought with me. I had a good chat with the owner of the Farm and the 6 Cottages here and he told me that there were a lot of Badgers here (though he is not keen on the numbers here) as well as Bats, Foxes and a Tawny Owl. The possibility of a Little Owl is certainly not out of the question, but after a late walk this evening, I did not see or hear any.

Above, part of the Rookery by the Cottages. Below, my first White Dead-nettle of the year growing amongst Red Dead-nettle.

The drive up here produced the expected Common Buzzards and Red Kites, but I was too busy keeping my eye on the busy traffic as I did (and volunteered) all the driving. On arrival, while unpacking all the cases, a large flock of 50+ Redwing flew overhead towards the fields and also at least 10 Siskins were noted flying over. Other sightings included several Linnets and 2 Yellowhammers flying over and Goldcrest were heard in the trees opposite the Farm. While spending around 20 minutes outside the building as it got dark, I could hear a Curlew making its ‘bubbling’ call way in the distance. A pair of Common Buzzards rounded off the evening as they flew over the fields that hold both Alpacas and Chickens. I shall probably be up at first light to check the woods, fields and stream and the main Farmhouse has active bird feeders attracting a few birds too. Should be good!       

No migrants within the Cemy.

Thursday 30th March 2023.

A Carrion Crow and a couple of Wood Pigeons searching for food. Yes, they are not the rarest of birds, but though they are common, they are always worth watching.  

It was back over Highland Road Cemetery late this afternoon for a quiet stroll to see if there were any migrants about. Sadly, it was much quieter than the last time I was here and with just 15 bird species seen during my hour there and not a single migrant, one could say it was rather ordinary. But that's never the case here. There is always something to look at and as I am interested in all aspects of nature, whether it's the birds, insects or plants, there is always something to grab my attention.

Above, the Horse Chestnuts are now in leaf and below this Robin was in song along the footpath. One of several was seen this afternoon.

There was no sign of any of the Firecrests seen earlier this week though the wind didn't help with a blustery southerly wind blowing across the Cemy. It was bright at first when I started my walk but the clouds rolled in and the threat of rain was always there. The likes of Willow Warbler and Blackcap should be a possibility soon and maybe a Redstart or something rarer? That's the great thing about birding, you just never know what might drop into this lovely area of Southsea.

Above, the Buff-tailed Bumble Bees and below, Honey Bees, enjoying the flowering Heather again.

Though it was overcast most of the time, there were some insects on the wing; notably the Heather grave that always seems to attract the Bees. Both Buff-tailed Bumble Bee and Honey Bees were present in small numbers here, but always prove a tad difficult to photograph as they are scurrying about deep within the purple Heather.

Above, the Horse Chestnut buds are opening up within the Cemy. Below, this male Blackbird flew up onto a gravestone right in front of me.

All the expected plants were on show and included a few new ones that included Annual Mercury and a sprig of Three-cornered Leek, a species I have not seen here before! It warms my heart to see the leaves starting to come out and the Horse Chestnut trees are starting to look quite impressive. 

This Three-cornered Leek was flowering near the Holm Oak Clump; the first I have ever seen within the Cemy.

The following bird species were present late this afternoon:

• Starling
• House Sparrow
• Blackbird
• Goldfinch
• Greenfinch
• Blue Tit
• Great Tit
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Wood Pigeon
• Carrion Crow
• Black-headed Gull
• Herring Gull
• Wren
• Robin 

Again, large numbers of Hirundines at Blashford Lakes, Testwood Lakes and even Posbrook Floods and also good numbers of Willow Warbler logged today also. The first Sedge Warblers were heard today including birds at Testwood Lakes and over near Sidlesham Ferry Pool. Even the long staying juvenile Iceland Gull remains at Redbridge still. Grim weather is coming in tomorrow, with plenty of strong winds and rain. A possible seawatch on the cards? 

A showy Robin is always worth a photo.

A Whimbrel over the Solent.

Wednesday 29th March 2023.

A pair of Med Gulls heading west over the Solent with Horse Sand Fort in the background

Continuing on from this mornings moths, the drizzle finally drizzled out and after reading that fellow ‘Lazee Birder’, Andy Dickety, who was birding at the seawatching site of Gilkicker, saw a dark-phased Arctic Skua flying east around 10.15am this morning. This spurred me on in doing a couple of hours checking the Solent for anything of note from one of the yellow Shelters near between the Pyramids and South Parade Pier. I used to sea-watch from here most Springs, but it has been a few years since.

Above, the lone Great Crested Grebe that was offshore all morning and below, a pair of distant Brent Geese heading east over the Solent.

An onshore wind was blowing, which, I hoped, would bring some migrants in and during the couple of hours I was there, it has to be said, it was rather quiet; however, I did get to see my first Whimbrel of the year, with a single bird flying south-west low over the water. Throughout my stay here, a Great Crested Grebe was swimming offshore, while at least 10 Mediterranean Gulls flew through and two small groups of Brent Geese headed fast east (2 and 4 respectively). Other sightings included three individual Oystercatchers heading east and a Sandwich Tern was fishing just offshore near the small rock jetty opposite the Pyramids.

This Sandwich Tern was fishing offshore near the new seawall.

Yes, it was a bit cold and though there were no Skua’s going through since Andy’s earlier sighting, there was always something to look at (a lot of Gulls were out in the Solent) to keep me on my toes and a few Cormorants passing through. Mr Dickety came up with the goods when he had an Osprey passing overhead at Gilkicker at 11.40am, but no such goodies for me I’m afraid. On reflection, I shall be back here in April to hopefully get the Skua’s etc passing through the Solent.  

   

First Angle Shades moths of the year.

Wednesday 29th March 2023.

A darker form of Angle Shades moth which was resting on top of the fence panel this morning. This was my first of this species for the year.

On this miserable drizzly morning, I awoke this morning to the sad news that Paul O’Grady had passed away at the young age of 67 years old. Tributes are pouring in for this well loved man from the media stars and the general public. I, for one, found the man to be right up there with the likes of David Attenborough, Chris Packham and others who had a love of all things nature and was never afraid to speak his mind about it too. A sad loss to everyone who loved and respected the man.

This Angle Shades moth was a lot lighter than the one above.

Last night, I took a gamble and put the moth box on overnight and was rewarded with just the three moths this morning. One species was new for the year, a pair of Angle Shades resting outside of the box, though both looking quite dissimilar to one another as the photos show. There was one other moth, a Double-striped Pug, that annoyingly flew off before I could get a photo of it and was originally found resting on one of the outside egg trays (I must replace them as they are looking quite worn).

The Goldfinches came down to feed on the sunflower hearts this morning, which is always a pleasure to see. The ornament in front of the feeder was put there to stop some Feral Pigeons actually trying to feed on the seeds and I think it worked. 

While I was checking the moth box, a pair of Goldfinches had come down to feed on the sunflower hearts and remained there for at least ten minutes until pushed off by the local House Sparrows. Yesterday, the Hirundines were abundant on Blashford Lakes and included at least 300+ Sand Martins, 12 Swallows and 3 House Martins and even 3 Willow Warblers were present nearby. Mark Francis scored well with a dark-phased Arctic Skua passing Hill Head yesterday morning. It won't be long now before it's back to sea-watching again. But where? Southsea seafront or Gilkicker with the ‘Lazee’s’?

Glad to see them back again in my garden.

Three Firecrests in the Cemy!

Monday 27th March 2023.

One of three Firecrests seen in the Cemetery today. This one is a female. I dont think that I have ever had more than one in the Cemy all the time I have been coming here.

Though the  sun was out and shining brightly, the temperature wasn't all that warm and I don't think it even got into double figures, especially when I took a walk around my ‘local patch’, Highland Road Cemetery. There was always a chance of an early migrant in the Cemy today and so taking a leisurely stroll along my usual route, as per usual, I kept an eye on all the nature within this little jewel of a place in the middle of Southsea.

Above, the Starlings are starting to look smart in the summer dress. Below, several Wrens were seen today including this singing male bird. 

Above, singing Robins were abundant today in various locations throughout this site. 

Surprisingly, I couldn't find one Chiffchaff within the Cemy, but to make up for that, I found at least THREE Firecrests flitting around the Buddleia bushes not far from the Holm Oak clump. When I first came across the first bird, it was flitting about in one of the bushes then it flew up into one of the Holm Oaks and promptly disappeared within all the foliage. Disappointed that I wasn't going to get a photo of the bird, I heard another two calling behind me and they showed reasonably well for at least 15 minutes. This was a pair and both busied themselves searching for tiny insects within the leaves, but trying to get a reasonable photo with a Bridge Camera is not easy as they are restless little birds.

More photos of the showy Firecrests today. 

A total of 18 bird species were recorded this morning and that included the female Sparrowhawk gliding high overhead. I think she was trying to attract her mate as she slowly flapped while gliding and then drifted off north. A pair of Mediterranean Gulls were first heard calling and then I picked them up flying southbound towards the Solent. They are starting to get regular now on my walks and should be seen often when I am walking around my patch. 

Above, the female Sparrowhawk is soaring high over the Cemy. Below, I normally wait for around 15 minutes by this Conifer on the footpath and simply wait to see what passes by or overhead and quite often, yielding some surprising results.

The birds seen and heard this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Black-headed Gull
• Mediterranean Gull (2)
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon
• Collared Dove
• Blue Tit
• Firecrest (3)
• Blackbird
• Greenfinch
• Goldfinch
• Wren
• Starling
• House Sparrow
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Robin
• Sparrowhawk (f)

A Yellow-legged Mining Bee on a Daisy.

On the insect front, both Hairy-footed Bumble Bee’s and Yellow-legged Mining Bees were on show in good numbers and within the Heather grave, at least four Honey Bees were seen. My first Small Tortoiseshell butterfly of the year flew past at pace across the Cemetery, but sadly did not settle.

Above, male (all black) and female (brown) Hairy-footed Flower Bees enjoying nectaring on Red Dead-nettle.

All the usual plants were in bloom that included Daisies, Dandelions, Common Speedwell, Red Dead-nettle, Smooth Sow-thistle and my first Lesser Celandine of the year in the Cemetery. Hopefully, a few more species will be on show the next time I walk around here. A lot of the trees are starting to bud now, noticeably the Horse Chestnut trees around near the Mausoleum, which will provide a lot of food for the local Squirrels. All we need now is a few passing Goshawks to pop in, lol!

Above, my first Lesser Celandine of the year within the Cemetery and below, the female Sparrowhawk seen today.