Field Trip Reports 
from 1 June  2011 to 31 December 2012

Flamborough Head & RSPB Bempton Trip Report 12/6/11.

     The trip to Flamborough and Bempton always seems to be  popular amongst the membership. This year was no different from any other year, the only difference being, this year’s trip was over subscribed, and a waiting list was put into action. A first for me during my time as organiser. So, on a bright morning, a grand total of 41, set out from Sheffield, hoping for another good day out to the East Coast.

     Our driver for the day, Arthur, wasted no time at all in getting us to our first destination, namely Flamborough Head. The sun was still shining, raising hopes of another trip blessed with decent weather, as the group decamped the coach to see what Flamborough had to offer. Several energetic members took up the offer of being picked up at North Landing after walking there from Flamborough, some headed straight for the cafe for coffee and a bacon roll, whilst others headed straight for the cliffs. During the 2 hour stay at Flamborough good sightings were seen of Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Kestrel, Reed Bunting, and the group’s first sightings of a Puffin.

    Despite the worry of wondering if we had left anyone at Flamborough, exactly the right numbers of members were waiting to be picked up at North Landing, and so we all went onto our main target for the day, namely RSPB Bempton. Unfortunately, the rain that had been forecasted to appear around going home time, decided to put in an appearance earlier than expected, and it wasn’t long before the old waterproofs were needed. The reserve itself didn’t disappoint, with the cliffs full of Gannet, Razorbill, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Puffin, and Fulmar all showing well despite reports of dwindling food stocks. Away from the cliffs, member were treated to good sightings of; Corn Bunting, Skylark, Linnet, Bullfinch, Tree Sparrow, and Buzzard. Away from the birds, some members were lucky enough to see Stoat and a particularly good view of a Roe Deer. With the weather showing no signs of improving, the opposite in fact, sadly the group headed home slightly earlier than anticipated.

A pair of gannets at Bempton

     The day  was an organiser’s dream to see so many members travelling on this trip, doubly so with almost half were travelling for the first time. I do hope you enjoyed the day enough to come along on more of our trips. Negotiations are already under way to book a return visit to Flamborough and Bempton, at a similar time next year, so watch out for details in the Autumn newsletter, and the website, and remember to book early to avoid disappointment.

     An injury ravaged squad of 36 set out on the long road to Titchwell, wondering which of the numerous different weather reports they would be greeted with. Early worries were soon quashed, however, has the weather turned out to be just as good as the bird watching throughout the day. Even an unexpected bacon butty stop didn’t seem to overly delay the group too much, and from start to finish it was difficult, for me personally, to remember a better day’s bird watching.

     It is clear that since the Group’s last visit much work has been done on the reserve, and not to the determent of the birds on show. The new Parrinder Hide, although looking good and very futuristic, why, oh why do they have to blot the copy book, and install such disappointing window and seating arrangements? The hide still gives excellent views of the lagoons which they over look, but why change a tried and trusted hide viewing lay out?

     Enough of the moaning and back to the birds, and what a display to be seen! On the whole the Group were treated to a grand total of 97 species, a total not reached for many a field trip, where was Neville when we needed him? The magical 100 would surely have been breached! Although the tide was well on its way out when we reached the beach, the birds were very obliging, with close views of Arctic Skua, Sooty and Manx Shearwater, Red Throated and Black Throated Divers, and what was unanimously decided to be a Long Tailed Duck.

     Meanwhile back on the reserve excellent views were seen of Redstart, Whinchat, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Little Stint, Bearded Tit, and many more, too numerous to mention. It wasn’t only the birds putting on a good show, with some members lucky enough to spot a Roe Deer, a Field Mouse, several Common Lizards, and a colourful collection of Butterflies, such as Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, and Small White. Just before leaving several of the group were treated to a wonderful chasing, and harassing, Peregrine, causing the whole of one lagoon to hastily take to the air to avoid capture. Unsuccessful in its meal quest, the peregrine then sat quietly in the marsh opposite, much to the annoyance of a Spoonbill, which soon took to the air, being too close for comfort!

The trip to Titchwell may well be one of the longest the group encounters on its field trips, and we never seem to have long enough before having to turn for home. But rarely does the reserve disappoint, and much more today could well have lead to an overload of the senses!

Common Lizard at Titchwell


Bearded Tit by Helen Ensor

     Another good turnout by the membership, 38 in total, travelled down the A1 in an attempt to follow some excellent bird watching on our previous trip to Titchwell. Once again the weather played its part, with some good light and warm temperatures, leaving some of the party over dressed, expecting more autumnal temperatures!! Light traffic on the A1 meant arrival at Rutland was earlier than expected, leaving the group ample time to cover at least half of the reserve’s vast acreage.

     Some extension work has been carried out on the reserve, and the Group were rewarded with some excellent bird watching once again. On arrival, news of an American Wigeon, and a White Rumped Sandpiper, saw many head off straightaway in order to catch a glimpse. With a tight squeeze in the appropriate hide, many were disappointed with the good light on offer, which managed to be in the wrong place!! So early attempts to distinguish the American interloper proved unsuccessful, although the Yank was spotted later in the day. But the White Rump of the Sandpiper proved to be easier to spot amongst a group of Dunlin, where it gave excellent views in front of the hide.

     Elsewhere on the reserve, raptors were on display with some great views of Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel, and Sparrowhawk, including one successful bird that had good hunting amongst the waders on show, flying right in front of the hide carrying its prey in its talons. On the water, good views were had of Goldeneye, Red Crested Pochard, Pintail, Golden Plover, Spotted Redshank, Water Rail, and a rare Ruddy Duck. While in the wooded areas, the turning of the year was in evidence, with increasing numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare being seen arriving throughout the day. Accompanying these recent arrivals were good sightings of; Bullfinch, Marsh Tit, Green Woodpecker, Jay, and Linnet.

     All in all another great trip, with good company, good weather, and good numbers of birds on offer, despite the late date of our visit. Following the total of birds seen at Titchwell, 97, a grand total of 86 species were spotted. There was even time before leaving for two more great spots, the first being the appearance of a Short-Eared Owl, seen by several of the group. The second was another “Big Bird”, seen flying over the near by RAF base at Cottesmore, namely the majestic Vulcan Bomber, what an absolutely marvellous sight in the sky, a truly magnificent sight from yester year. Next stop, in November, is a trip down the Motorways to Birmingham, and the RSPB reserve at the side of the M5, namely Sandwell Valley, hope my luck continues.

     Motorway all the way for the group’s latest travels, 31 of whom made the trip to Birmingham, to the RSPB reserve at Sandwell Valley. The journey avoided any hold ups, and was made in style, with one of Mr Gordon’s Football team coaches laid on, with tinted windows and the dreaded slippery leather seats.

     Our destination, found along side the M5, and in the midst of a large housing estate, has suffered over the years. On our last visit, their only hide had been burnt down; this time, sadly, the reserve’s visitor center had suffered a similar fate. So the group were met at 10am, with a slow moving fog and a damp feel, by reserve staff, at their temporary H.Q. And boy what a welcome! I’ve visited Sandwell three times now, and their welcome as always been very warm and welcoming. Tea, coffee, biscuits, advice, and help were on constant supply throughout the day, throughout the reserve. Well done Sandwell for going that extra mile and making the group feel very welcome.

     Meanwhile, on the reserve, evidence of the dry summer, seen on many reserves this year, was also evident at Sandwell. The marsh area of the reserve had completely dried out during the summer, and work to return it to its former glory was clear to see. So an area, where on previous visits the group had seen Water Rail, was not so productive this time. Elsewhere around the reserve, a total of 63 species were seen by the group. On the main lake, good views of both female, and a very creamy male Goosander were found, while on the island in front of the hide, several elusive Snipe were soon made to give up their hiding places (through extensive scope work, rather than more underhand methods, the “Flusher” was not needed on this occasion). Also on the lake Goldeneye, Pochard, Wigeon, and Tufted Ducks were all on show. Out and about on the River Tame, which runs alongside the reserve, a colourful Grey Wagtail managed to shine out on an overcast day with poor light. Away from the water, good views were seen of Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Redwing and Fieldfare. Sadly, the reserve did not give up views of Ring Neck Parakeets, which have reportedly bred on the reserve, and the chance of a “First tick”ever for the group was missed.

     November and February are both difficult months for me, as a trip organiser, to get right, with short days and most summer visitors gone, I’m up against it. But the welcome that Sandwell gave us, helped tremendously to produce another enjoyable day trip, thank you Sandwell, I’m sure we will be back.

Far Ings Reserve - Field Trip Report 11/12/2011

     A group number of 30, braved a potentially bad weather forecast, and made the short journey down the Motorways to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve under the Humber Bridge, on the shores of the Humber, namely Far Ings, that the group made their last trip of 2011.

     The group’s last visit produced two marvellous sightings of a male Smew and a Waxwing, so hopes were high of a partial repeat with news on arrival, that a Smew had indeed been sighted just the day before. So off the group set around what is one of my own personal favourite reserves. On the day a total of 57 species were seen, before the expected bad weather put in an appearance, and halted activities a little too early.

    The undoubted highlight of the day, was the several sightings, most of the group had, of a Bittern. Twice seen flying in front of one of the hides, before giving the group a real testing when it decided to go on a slow ” walkies” at the front of some very similar coloured reeds. Elsewhere on the reserve good views were had of Goldeneye, Marsh Harrier, Bullfinch, Redwing, Fieldfare, and Curlew.

    All in all, given the weather forecast for the day, not a bad trip to end the year on, with the weather holding off long enough to enable the group to get in enough bird watching. The reserve staff were kind enough to let the group use the Visitor Centre’s Viewing area, where the group enjoyed various Christmas nibbles, including two rather delicious Pork Pies, kindly donated by David and Joan Fairest.

    Finally, what of the Smew and Waxwing, were the sightings repeated this year? Sadly no, despite the Smew being seen the previous day, it proved to be elusive on the day of the group’s visit. While the Waxwing too wasn’t seen on the day, a look on a sightings website the day after the groups visit, gave a report of a single Waxwing being seen, yes you guessed it, at Far Ings!! Talk about “you should have been here 5 minutes ago!!”, still not a bad 2011, bring on 2012!