patch tick!

got a leo over da hoose after de footy last night! Score! full-fat patch tick ya bas!

Deja-vu all over again

Except well and truly on the patch this time, Mr. Blatter.

Whitethroat and Crossbill (as rare as Black Scoters around here) last weekend too move the list to 103 (=81.75%). King Eider and Surf Scoter remain and a Peregrine cruised by last night. There have been several reports on Birdforum of a Gropper at Blackdog but it schtum whenever I'm around.

Last weekend, I also twitched Reg's Marsh Warbler. Fortuitously, Reg came by on a routine patrol and took the opportunity of handing over the much-coveted Snowy Owl trophy. He was so fond of the wee fella on his mantelpiece that he clung on for an extra half year and tears were in his eyes as the grip from his finger finally relaxed. The whole presentation was witnessed by the paparazzi so hopefully an image will appear shortly.

Statto

101 101 101 101

I forgot to say, but aaaaages ago whilst on the way to the way the pub, I heard a Tawny Owl on the patch. Shows very clearly the value of drinking. And not only that, but one of my fellow-patch workers has located a Garden Warbler. Not having seen it myself, I've not yet counted it (I'm good like that), but it's only a matter of time. For now, 101, or 94.39%.

Derek

Late spring migs

I was wondering yesterday morning as I trundled around me patch, why this spell of easterlies hadn't produced any half decent birds....

Twenty minutes later there I was enjoying a full fat patch tick, albeit a rather dull and tarty one, but a rosefinch is a rosefinch and much appreciated.

Less than an hour later I got a call from the ol' bill and Reg had gone and got himself a marsh warbler singing its little heart out and, amazingly, showing as well in a small group of willows.  Only my third for the patch and good regional rarity.

A fine duo of late spring birds and hopefully more to come.

Still plenty of 'regulars' to be had which might allow others to catch those front runners who seem to have got stuck in mid-summer stagnation.

These and a couple of fillers put me on to 78.40%.

Happy days

Bushveld

sneaky seawatch

All de spring stuff has pretty much dried up so I tried a wee look at the sea on Sunday morning - 2 easy bankers quickly nailed - stormie & puffin - result!

Surf's up

Surfie joined the list today and then, to bring up the ton, six stunning Canada Geese winged their way north. First here in three years and the stuff that winning patch year lists are made of.

Statto

Royal Duck Celebrates Jubilee at Blackdog

Visits have been periodic recently (been away again, mapping Mipits for some reason or other) but a few highlights to report since last update. Best was two Tree Pipits a few weeks back - a full fat patch tick and was,  indeed, one of the three most gaping gaps on my patch list.

More recently, the Ythan King Eider has pitched up. Despite three springs now on the Ythan, it had only been at Blackdog on one previous date, in 2010. Less anticipated were seven northbound pale-bellied Brents on Saturday. Also a Mute Swan, second of the year, pretending to belnd in among the Eiders.

Now on 98 species (=77.78%) which I was suprised to work out is two species ahead of this time last year. Well off the leadership pace though,

Statto.

summer lull...

It feels like spring has petered out into summer at the ness. Everything that moves is a bloody linnet. Despite hitting patch every day almost, I've had very little of note apart from spotted fly and a tree spuggie, which was a bit of a surprise, having never had a spring'un before. Some good conditions later in the week so maybe spring will have one last throw of the dice.