BIG, OVERDUE UPDATE!!

So, i have basically been fairly busy/lazy over the past 3 weeks. A week in Norfolk was nice without the mega happening although these were nice.

Spooner.

Big White Heron.

Also saw the Bee-eater and various other bits and bats without much in the way of migration.

Pugneys scored whilst i was away with 2 Marsh Harrier, Hobby,Little Gulls and the odd migrant but looks like Grasshopper Warbler is going to be missing for the first year in my knowledge which is worrying and rather sad....

Had 2 visits to the moors around Langsett and enjoyed Wood Warblers, Pied Flys, Tree Pipits, Crossbill, Spotted Fly and Cuckoo.

Trill and Shake.

A poor representation of some perceived differences in Pied Flys..........

Tues the 29th will live long in the memory as an early Mega Alert caused work to be 'delayed' so that good pal Mr Herrieven could whisk me to Hartlepool for Orphean Warbler!! 2 late spring Megas running for the  mist net minders on the headland!

Arrived about 11.30 and immediately got piss-poor scope views of some grey stuff in a sycamore, eventually pieced together reasonable views before having to leave at about 1pm. seems possible the bird may not have been overly healthy - it certainly was not present on the 30th!! - shame....

And finally to today (30th). Just walked through the door when i noticed that there was a Black Winged Stilt at Fairburn! bundled Ellen into the Quatro and 20 mins later we were enjoying good views of the bird on the back of New Flash. Probably a female the bird seemed pretty settled but sadly a bit distant for photos so poor dodgy artwork im afraid!!

Lanky.

A BIT BETTER!!

Last visit before i head for Norfolk and it started ok with 4 Common Sands and a Ringed Plover new in early doors which was promising , the next 2 hours were shit! then found a beltin 1st S Little Gull on Wetlands and also this White Wag - What sex ya think that is, i going female?

Awesome rain shot

Awesome flight shot 

Otherwise there are 2 lucky broods of 2 young Lapwing on Tommy Mads and STILL no Groppers!

Hard work!!

Sorry for the lack of updates but the Patch is having one of those trying spells where it's really hard going! highlights of the last week are a Whinchat and continuing Wheatears with an impressive max of 12. Also the odd Y Wag and plenty of Hirundines . Otherwise it's been slow with still no Gropper or Garden Wab. I did see the Flamborough Flycatcher on Tues , hopefully more on this and other stuff tmw