I've been going back through my records, and it seems that I was incorrect in saying that I had not come across P-F Gs at the platform. I have found that I have seen them on at least two occasions, including the one pictured in post #77, which I eventually remembered after my last post. Still a low total considering how many must be passing by in migration seasons.
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North Sea Thread (7 Viewers)
- Thread starter Gander
- Start date
I was out on the platform on Saturday, and am pleased to be able to report the presence of a few birds. Firstly came a close encounter with a Carrion Crow. Shortly after that, a Sparrowhawk landed on a handrail very close to my position. Finally, the constant rain brought a smart looking male Wheatear down on the platform, seemingly seeking a little shelter.
My work situation has changed again, and it now seems the proposed move of platforms is off, and I will be staying with my original platform, and hopefully returning to a normal rota later this year.
My work situation has changed again, and it now seems the proposed move of platforms is off, and I will be staying with my original platform, and hopefully returning to a normal rota later this year.
I was out for the day on Thursday, but there was next to no bird activity. A few Gannet passing, a couple of gulls, and a dead Blackcap was all I could find.
I returned yesterday, and had a much better day, although birds still noticeably scarce. In the morning, a couple of very distant wildfowl passed by. Too far out for a 100% ID, but I am fairly certain that they were Long-tailed Duck. A little later, a Carrion Crow showed up. Probably the same bird that was first seen last week. The star of the show however, was a Common Redshank that I spotted on three separate occasions. On the first two occasions, the bird was in the air, and I was worried about how I could eliminate Spotted Redshank, however, on the last occasion, the bird landed on the Helideck a few metres from my position, and Common Redshank was confirmed
Why the fuss about a Common Redshank? Because they are not common out here! This in fact is a platform first, although strangely, I had Spotted Redshank, in summer plumage, many years ago.
Nothing much about today, except the Carrion Crow. I should be back here next weekend, when I would hope there should be much more of a movement underway.
I returned yesterday, and had a much better day, although birds still noticeably scarce. In the morning, a couple of very distant wildfowl passed by. Too far out for a 100% ID, but I am fairly certain that they were Long-tailed Duck. A little later, a Carrion Crow showed up. Probably the same bird that was first seen last week. The star of the show however, was a Common Redshank that I spotted on three separate occasions. On the first two occasions, the bird was in the air, and I was worried about how I could eliminate Spotted Redshank, however, on the last occasion, the bird landed on the Helideck a few metres from my position, and Common Redshank was confirmed
Why the fuss about a Common Redshank? Because they are not common out here! This in fact is a platform first, although strangely, I had Spotted Redshank, in summer plumage, many years ago.
Nothing much about today, except the Carrion Crow. I should be back here next weekend, when I would hope there should be much more of a movement underway.
Before leaving the platform on Sunday, I found a clump of feathers that I hurriedly wrapped in a sheet of paper, and pocketed minutes before leaving. I only remembered them this morning, so took a photo and posted them on the Bird Identification pages of these fora. They have now been identified as the tail feathers of a Great Spotted Woodpecker. My offshore birding is done under the assumption that if it has wings, it can turn up, but even I am gobsmacked at this one! I have checked the North Sea Bird Club records that I have, and it is on their master list, but surely there can't have been many found offshore? I will make further enquiries with the person who was the club's recorder prior to its disbandment.
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I have been in touch with the former NSBC recorder, and he has informed me that that have been 33 records of Great Spotted Woodpecker in the clubs 40 year history. More than I thought, although still a scarce offshore bird. He believes that our bird will have been of Scandinavian origins, making its way back after wintering in the UK. I had never thought of GSW as being migratory in any way.
No, neither had I Paul. Thanks for that info.
This weekend I have found only my second ever Yellow Wagtail, with the first having also been on platform a few years ago.. Difference with this one was that it is of the blue headed type, so technically a first for me. Also present was a Wheatear.
It was murder trying to get the Yellow Wagtail, the Wheatear, and a Grey Seal lined up for a group photo, but I did manage it. Just another offshore day, but that's probably a group photo no one else will ever manage to repeat.
It was murder trying to get the Yellow Wagtail, the Wheatear, and a Grey Seal lined up for a group photo, but I did manage it. Just another offshore day, but that's probably a group photo no one else will ever manage to repeat.
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OMG!!! That was clever Paul!!!
Well done.
Well done.
Richard Prior
Halfway up an Alp
I agree !
The wagtail though is a bit of a puzzler, I’m not sure it’s Blue-headed myself, bizarres
( considering your location) it reminds me more of cinereocapilla, ´Italian Wagtail’. What do others think?
The wagtail though is a bit of a puzzler, I’m not sure it’s Blue-headed myself, bizarres
( considering your location) it reminds me more of cinereocapilla, ´Italian Wagtail’. What do others think?
edenwatcher
Well-known member
I would think grey-headed.
Rob
Rob
Richard Prior
Halfway up an Alp
Yes that would be much more likely I agree Rob, it was the brilliant white throat that put me off thinking thunbergi.
When I saw one in Lithuania, years ago, I thought it was Blue-headed, but then Jos told me it was a Grey-headed. Some rather involved explanation followed, he was in a bit of a cross-over area I think. I thought the head did look rather blue though. Like you I had no experience of them.
Still not sure I wouldn't make the same mistake, as it remains the only one I've seen LOL
As promised, I've managed to access a few more photos. I have also been reading up on Yellow Wagtail types, and I agree with the more informed who have commented, that grey headed seems the most likely. My only concern is that the photos do show a supercilium, that I am reading should not appear on a grey headed? I'll put these same photos on the ID pages just to get wider comment.
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Would guess at some element of intergradation with flava in it, which is pretty common.
Ahhh, the light dawns. A hybrid. I've already been mugged by a hybrid duck in Fife this month, so I really should have considered that.
