Saturday 10 September 2016

The BAIRD'S SANDPIPER in Worcestershire

Baird's Sandpiper (juvenile) by Dave Hutton.

As we disembarked the Scillonian III on Friday night I heard my usually reserved birding partner Phil Andrews utter a sudden series of unrepeatable expletives. Initially, I thought he had lost the car keys which would have been fair from ideal bearing in mind the 300 mile trip home. I had witnessed Jase Oliver suffer a similar panicked reaction when he lost our keys up on the Isle of Unst, Shetland a few years back. For Phil though this was far more serious. A possible Baird's Sandpiper, a rare, flattened looking American shorebird had been reported from his local patch, Upton Warren. Not only was this a potential new patch tick for Phil but it was also a whole new species for the County of Worcestershire.

As we dried off and scoffed our meal in a Penzance chippy that evening, we scrambled around for some clarification. Within a few minutes I received a text from Kay Donaghay to advise us the identification had been confirmed by 'The Warren' stalwart John Belsey. During the arduous journey back north, Phil was wracking his fatigued brain in order to figure out a way of delaying a few pre-planned fatherly duties and getting down to the reserve as soon as he could. In the end though he accepted that sometimes family does need to come first. He would have to pray to the birding Gods (both the old and the new) that the bird would linger for a third day.

'The Flashes' of Upton Warren NR.

Despite the foul weather we did make pretty good time in getting back up to the West Midlands. I finally hit the sack at around 2.00am, awoke at 6.30am and by 9.00am I was heading back down the M5 again. Despite my tiredness, the drizzle and the gloom, there was no way I was missing out on such a top notch species for this rarity starved region of ours.

As I entered the top floor of the claustrophobic Avocet Hide I immediately stumbled upon a few welcome and familiar faces. Within a few seconds I was watching the bird as it meandered around the muddy margins at the far side of The Flashes. The bird would occasionally take flight for a short distance following a spot of bullying by a moody Moorhen but on the whole it seemed relatively settled.

Baird's Sandpiper (juvenile) by Dave Hutton.

Even through the early morning murk the bird performed very well indeed showing off its range of identification features. The Baird's Sandpiper is a small, short-legged wader but with a long, slim appearance. The primaries project well beyond the tail. In a juvenile bird such as this, the overall plumage tone above is quite buff with the upperparts neatly scalloped. It has a breast band recalling a diminutive, squat looking Pectoral Sandpiper but is less well defined. The head is rather plain but well streaked with an indistinct paler supercilium and light spot above the lores. In flight, it is unlike the similarly shaped White-rumped Sandpiper by having an all dark rump in addition to having thick white tips to the greater coverts and and a pale window across the base of the primaries.

Baird's Sandpiper (juvenile) by Dave Hutton.

Other highlights on site at this fantastically managed reserve included an Avocet, a Curlew, 3 Common Sandpiper and a Kingfisher. It was then time to head back home, put my feet up and tune into watch the Manchester derby (I wish I had not bothered).

By the way, just to let you know, by methods unknown, Phil did actually manage to get on site at some stage during the afternoon. Who knows what promises he had to make to his wife or what degree of charm was used. I am just glad he managed to see it.

Snapper Richards gives the thumbs up!

The BAIRD'S SANDPIPER in the West Midlands Region

The Baird's Sandpiper was named in honour of Spencer Fullerton Baird (1823 to 1887) who was for many years the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The first record for Britain was found on St Kilda, Western Isles on 28th September 1911. Dr William Eagle Clarke suspected the bird was something rare and promptly peppered it with lead. Upon closer inspection it was found to be an adult female in winter plumage.

The species breeds in upland, high-arctic tundra ranging from the extreme eastern edge of Siberia across North America to northwestern Greenland. As the young develop and no longer require brooding by their parents, the adults abandon them and begin their migration. A month later the juveniles follow.

The adults migrate to their wintering grounds in South America via a narrow route through the Great Plains of North American while the youngsters follow over a much broader front. This is one of the reasons why juveniles are often found along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts during the autumn as well as being fairly regular vagrants to Britain and Ireland. It is suspected that they may cover up to an incredible 4,000 miles nonstop.

There have been just three previous records for the whole of the West Midlands region, incorporating the counties of Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the metropolitan county of the West Midlands. All records are as follows:

2016 - Worcestershire - Upton Warren NR - juvenile - 9th to 16th September.
2005 - Staffordshire - Chasewater - adult - 12th September only (late identification from photos).
1996 - Staffordshire - Blithfield Reservoir - juvenile - 2nd to 7th November.
1996 - Warwickshire - Draycote Water - juvenile - 28th September only

Friday 9 September 2016

MEGA ALERT: The AMERICAN CLIFF SWALLOW on the Isles of Scilly

American Cliff Swallow by MP Goodey.

On the 24th of this very month Nadia and I will be heading over to one of our favourite birding locations on the planet to do the decent thing and tie the knot (neither Red or Great). The locality dear reader will no doubt be one of your most beloved places too..... the most splendid Isles of Scilly.

So with a few weeks to go it is usually the case for the groom to arrange some last minute alterations to his suit, to ensure his shoes are nicely polished and for him to rehearse a heart warming speech or two. Well that was the plan. For the keenest British birders though, this is the time of year where 'plans' should be avoided at all costs. For the next few months we need to make sure our schedule is as clear as possible. All social engagements should be avoided, all DIY tasks need be put on hold and most importantly of all, you should always keep a few annual leave days at work spare. If any of that fails though you could always feign injury or develop pneumonia in order to secure a sneaky bit of time for twitching that ultimate autumnal rarity.

Last Tuesday, some thrilling news filtered through from the aforementioned 'Fortunate Isles'. An American Cliff Swallow had been located on St Mary's. I soon mentioned to Nadia that I thought it prudent to head south west and ensure everything was running smoothly at the wedding venue. Maybe I should sample a few more hors d'oeuvres up at the Star Castle just to test the quality of the lobster consomme? Okay you may think this is just another one of those lame excuses we birders throw selfishly into the arena of desperation every now and then. And yes, you would probably be correct but remember folks, things can go wrong. Just a few days before, Will and Kate nearly had their trip to the islands scuppered due to foggy conditions.... ones heart really does bleed for one, does it not?!

Anyway, by some miracle the bird continued to show on and off throughout the week and by some even greater miracle, I along with Phil Andrews found ourselves sitting there in the executive lounge of Land's End airport on Friday morning sipping filter coffee and scoffing hot toasted tea cakes. We had taken the plunge and secured a couple of places on the first available flight that day. By 8.20am our small plane had spluttered its way over a rather small yet choppy looking section of the Atlantic Ocean and we were excitedly touching down at St Mary's airport.

Transport from Land's End to St Mary's.

In no time at all we were positioned on site at Higher Moors and within the first few seconds a single hirundine swooped low over our heads. That would have been way too easy though, it was just one of our native Barn Swallows feeding eagerly in preparation for its perilous migration down to South Africa for the winter. As we made our way methodically down the boardwalk towards Porth Hellick Pool we scrutinized every small movement in the sky. With no sign and with just a couple of other birders assisting with the search we decided to split up. Phil opted for the Stephen Sussex Hide overlooking the pool whilst I concentrated on the loop trail.

Porth Hellick roll of honour!

After a hour or so and with just a single House Martin providing a nanosecond of hope there was still no sign of the Cliff Swallow. The bird had been present until late the previous afternoon and with the gloomy early morning conditions it surely had to be somewhere around the island. At this stage we bid farewell to the showy juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs strutting around the pool and made our way up to Carn Friars to check there. As with Higher Moors, there were plenty of Barn Swallow but still no sign of our target species. We then made our way around to Porth Hellick Down and finally across to the bay area.

'The Loaded Camel' at Porth Hellick.

At this point a little smidgen of fear began to creep in with Phil even whimpering out the ultimate line in negativity "Perhaps it's dead!" As I made my way along the tideline to check the bay for waders and clear my head a little, Phil continued to search the seaward side of the pool. As I was about half way across the beach my pager gave off a brief 'chirp'. I looked down expecting to see a message waffling on about with some minor Scillonian scarcity but no, the Cliff Swallow was showing and even better news, it was just a few hundred yards from where I was standing. I sprinted across the sand and jumped over the bank, nearly defacing the memorial to Sir Cloudesley Shovell in the process. I yelled over to Phil who clearly had not received the same message.

Viewing the pool between the scrub from the bank we could only pick out the usual Barn Swallows and the single House Martin from earlier in the morning. Where the hell was it? Had it been just a brief fly through? With no sign we then scooted around to the nearest hide where an intimate gathering of birders were silently scanning the pool. Within a few seconds we were on to the bird, our first ever Cliff Swallow in Britain. With the pressure now off and with the adrenaline rinsing away the tiredness, we calmly made our way back to the Stephen Sussex Hide where hopefully we could secure a prime position.

American Cliff Swallow by MP Goodey.
American Cliff Swallow by P Hackett.

For over two hours just a handful of birders and I enjoyed this incredible bird to the maximum as it wheeled around the far side of the pool. For the majority of this time it was actually the only hirundine on show which made it easy to pick up again after disappearing briefly behind a willow or pine. Even when it rose high in the sky you could still identify it by the stocky structure, the short straight-ended tail and broad wing base. As it approached closer and with it viewed against the vegetation the large rosy rump patch became obvious as did the pale collar and forehead patch.

Porth Hellick Pool, St Mary's by AS Archer.

Other species on site included the juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs again, 10 Greenshank, a Redshank, 3 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper as well as a Kingfisher and a couple of very confiding Water Rail. Unfortunately there was no sign of the Temminck's Stint from the previous few days. This diminutive wader is a top notch rarity on the islands, so much so that there have been nearly twice as many Scilly sightings of Semipalmated Sandpiper since 1970.

Lesser Yellowlegs (juvenile) by AS Archer.
Lesser Yellowlegs (juvenile) by P Hackett.

At about 12.30pm the peace was shattered as about a dozen or so birders who had chanced the crossing over on the Scillonian III started to arrive. This coincided with the Cliff Swallow going missing for a short while until I managed to pick it up once more at the extreme seaward end of the pool. As we had intended to walk back along the coast via the airfield we thought it only right to see if we could view the bird from a different perspective. We were glad that we made the effort too as the bird showed remarkably well with a small group of Barn Swallow feeding low over a weedy field at very close range.

American Cliff Swallow by MP Goodey.

Unfortunately a small group over eager birders were not satisfied with such views and promptly jumped over a ditch and entered the actual field. I have been visiting this wonderful place for a fair few years now and have always tried to be a decent birding citizen. A part of this is to respect the rights and privacy of the islanders who have tolerated some questionable behaviour in the past. It could be that certain individuals had permission to enter this area but I would always encourage folk to think and not follow the crowds however tempting it may be. Good manners benefit all of us in the long term.

At this stage we decided to take the coastal footpath around to Tolman's Point, absorb the dramatic scenery and grab a bite to eat in Old Town. Before doing so we enjoyed great views of a Dotterel feeding in the grassy margins alongside the airport runway. Other species in this area included a moulting adult European Golden Plover and a trio of Northern Wheatear.

A selfie with Giant's Castle in the distance.

Following an excellent snack and a celebratory bottle of ginger ale at the Old Town Cafe we strolled the short distance across to the Standing Stones area of Lower Moors. It was here we eventually connected with a smart first-winter Red-backed Shrike in the afternoon sunshine along with a couple of juvenile Whinchat. It was then onto Porthloo where the only shorebird of note was a single Whimbrel among the forty or so Oystercatcher.

We concentrated our final search around the golf course but just like the previous day there was no sign of the two Buff-breasted Sandpiper from earlier on in the week. The only birds present were several Northern Wheatear, a few European Stonechat and Meadow Pipit as well as a large flock of Linnet.

Both pretty exhausted we headed across through Hugh Town and down to the quayside to board the Scillonian III. It was here we spotted our first Sandwich Terns and Turnstones of the day in addition to a few Shag fishing around the harbour.

Transport from St Mary's to Penzance.

With a broad front of low pressure due to follow us back east, the crossing was predictably choppy. In our minds though this was a positive and hopefully we would be able to pick up a few decent seabirds as we sailed back to Penzance. It was not too long after we had passed the eastern end of St Mary's when our first large shearwater appeared, a distant Cory's Shearwater. Luckily though, several more individuals of this species were encountered along the way including some birds outrageously close to the ship. Other highlights included 4 Sooty Shearwater, 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Balearic Shearwater and 4 European Storm-petrel. We also encountered a large flock of Gannet and a few Fulmar following a decent sized pod of Common Dolphin as well as the odd Kittiwake.

As we approached Penzance harbour, that forecast rain storm eventually caught up with us and soaked us through as we hobbled over to the car park. There was only one thing for it. We made our way around the corner to The Pirate's Rest chippy for a dry off and a delicious meal of Britain's most famous dish. A truly superb end to another autumn adventure. Luckily for me though I would be back here in a few weeks time, to wed the girl of my dreams and to hopefully snaffle my first rarities as a married man. 

The American Cliff Swallow in Great Britain

This species breeds throughout North America from western Alaska to Nova Scotia, the United States and south as far as southern Mexico. When it is not turning up in Britain by mistake it usually spends the winter in South America from Brazil to Chile and Argentina. If accepted, this sighting will constitute only the tenth record for Britain. The full list of sightings goes something like this:

2016 - Isles of Scilly - St Mary's - 6th to 10th September.
2001 - Isles of Scilly - St Agnes - first-winter - 26th October, St Martin's - 26th to 27th October & St Mary's - 28th to 30th October.
2000 - Hampshire - Titchfield Haven - 1st October only (presumed same as Dorset below).
2000 - Dorset - The Verne, Portland - 29th to 30th September.
2000 - Isles of Scilly - St Mary's - 28th to 30th September.
1996 - Church Norton - juvenile - 1st October only.
1995 - East Yorkshire - Spurn - juvenile - 22nd to 23rd October & again 28th October.
1995 - Isles of Scilly - Tresco - juvenile - 4th to 5th December.
1988 - Cleveland - South Gare - juvenile - 23rd October only.
1983 - Isles of Scilly - St Agnes - juvenile - 10th October & St Mary's - 10th to 27th October.


Special thanks to Martin Goodey and to Paul Hackett for their excellent photos.

Saturday 3 September 2016

Frampton Marsh & Football - A Day Out In Lincolnshire

Whilst every other birder worth their salt was up in the north of Lincolnshire hoping for a glimpse of a distant Western Swamphen, I decided to head to the east of the county for a day of tranquil birding and a spot of raucous non-league football. Do not fret readers, I have not turned my back on the twitching scene, I just managed to see the very same bird at Minsmere RSPB the previous month.

A sunflower plantation at Frampton Marsh RSPB.

I arrived at the impressive Frampton Marsh RSPB reserve around 9.00am and was surprised to find just a couple of cars parked up. The first stop was to the largely deserted 360 Hide where a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was feeding just a few yards away. Further out, there was a large group of around 90 Black-tailed Godwit, circa 70 Dunlin and 6 Little Stint. It was refreshing to just perch up out of the wind, relax in the comfortable surroundings and enjoy the shorebird spectacle unfold. Eventually a few more Curlew Sandpiper came into view as well as the odd Avocet too.

Curlew Sandpiper (juvenile) - Frampton Marsh.
Curlew Sandpiper (juvenile) - Photos by AS Archer.

I then made my way around to East Hide were the distinctive 'chew-it' call of a Spotted Redshank could be heard along the approach track. After a careful scan of the marsh below the sea wall I eventually picked out at least four birds consisting of two smart juveniles and two adults in their frosty winter plumage. There were also plenty of Little Egret, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Common Redshank to scan through as well as another hundred or so Black-tailed Godwit and a reasonable flock of Eurasian Wigeon too.

Black-tailed Godwit (juvenile) - Frampton Marsh.

From the hide itself there was not a great deal of activity as most of the waders were roosting, including a single Greenshank. There was however a juvenile Little Stint performing well as it worked its way up and down, feeding on the northern side of the lagoon. A quick scan of The Wash itself from the bank produced a pair of distant Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a few more Little Egret. On the return journey a Whinchat was flushed along the access path and a number of Yellow Wagtail passed overhead.

Little Stint (juvenile) - Frampton Marsh.

Following a tip off by the RSPB staff member, Chris Andrews (brother of my all-star twitching companion Phil) I decided to search a lesser known area of the reserve opposite the visitor centre for Turtle Dove. There had been four birds present in the area  earlier in the week however I could only locate the odd Stock Dove and Collared Dove in their usual location. On the small reservoir nearby there were decent numbers of Little Grebe and a varied selection of common wildfowl including a couple of Pintail and a few Pochard. A trio of Northern Wheatear were feeding in the surrounding also farmland and both Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper were disturbed from a roadside ditch.

At this stage the heavens opened and I thought it wise to make my way back to the car. As I did so a sodden Hobby was spotted looking particularly sorry for itself as it sat hunched up in a ploughed field. After a quick change out of my soaked birding attire it was then a quick run up to Boston for the footie.

York Street, the home of Boston United.

As a lifelong Manchester United fan I became disillusioned with the whole farce that is the Premiership a while back. The lack of atmosphere at games, the ridiculously high ticket prices, the inconvenient kick off times and the continuous stream of overrated, millionaire players were all contributing factors to why I decided to get my football fix elsewhere. The Glazer takeover of United was ultimately the final straw. There was no way I was going to line the pockets of some greedy American billionaire and his family. Some United fans have said I have committed the ultimate sin and turned my back on the team I love. I always maintain however it was them that abandoned the likes of me!

I had always enjoyed watching non-league football when not following the reds and I would often support my local team Tamworth FC. In 2005 however, a bunch of frustrated Mancunians decided enough was enough and decided to form a club we could call our own. It was at this stage I became a founder member and co-owner of FC United of Manchester. Over our short history we have risen from the Second Division of the North West Counties Football League to the 'heady heights' of The Conference North, just a couple of divisions below the football league. During this time we have gone from ground sharing with the likes of Bury, Altrincham, Stalybridge Celtic and Curzon Ashton to owning a fantastic ground in Moston, North Manchester, all financed by the fans.

The FC United crowd at Boston, that's me in the top right.

A visit to the historic York Street stadium in the centre of Boston is always a treat for the non-league football enthusiast. It is like being transported back to the days of old with its steep concrete standing terraces, chips and gravy and proper floodlights in each corner. Sadly this may have been our final trip here as Boston are currently building a brand new stadium on the edge of town which should be completed in time for next season.

As for the game itself, FC United took a shock 1-0 lead in the rain only to be pegged back with penalty kick from the Pilgrims. FC United then made it 2-1 before once again Boston grabbed a well deserved equaliser to make it 2-2 before halftime.  The second half was a much tighter affair but FC United managed to hit a 69th minute winner following a mix up in the Boston defence. This was only our second win of the season with the three valuable points hopefully helping to consolidate our place in this demanding league come the end of the season.

So there you have it, a superb morning of birding followed by an entertaining 3-2 victory for my football team. What more can a chap ask for hey?