Holme NOA

(06/10/07)

James and I set out at 12 noon after having 10 Bullfinches on a survey of the local area. The Subalpine Warbler had left the night before, the Lesser-Grey Shrike had gone on Thursday, so (having missed both) we decided to meet up with Connor to try and refind the Radde's Warbler at Holme NOA. On arrival at about 1:00am we quickly got onto the Ross's Goose on the marsh with Pinkfeet. 550+ Common Scoter were on the sea and a beautiful male Eider flew West, along with an adult Arctic Tern. A Shag was also on the sea. We got to the Observatory and soon picked up a Yellow-Browed Warbler in its usual favourite haunt - a sycamore! Another one was present near the Heligoland, but never went in. I then thought I had the Radde's in a large bush near the car park, but the views weren't good and it was very elusive, so I decided not to call it. On returning with other birders, loads of Goldcrests were present, but not the Radde's. We were about to leave when a Hume's Yellow-Browed Warbler came up on the pager at Well's Wood. We ran for it, but in the fading light only managed to get another two Yellow-Browed Warblers. It had been an good day with 4 Yellow-Browed Warblers in total, though somewhat annoying!

(Simeon)