Arctic Warbler

dav56 · #1 (**permalink**) 18-09-2010, 11:24 AM

I have just returned from a few days at Norfolk. Due to the time of year there wasn't much about. I thought I would try Holme Dunes NWT for the first time. I was quite suprised by the number of cars in the carpark as it had only just opened at 10:00. I went to the visitors centre to pay and was asked if I was here for the Arctic Warbler. I like birdwatching but I am no expert so I was unaware that the Arctic Warbler was a rarity.
I approached a group of about 15 people all staring up in to the pine trees. After 10 mins one of them pointed out a small bird high up on one of the pine trees. We all had quite good views of the warbler. As much as I enjoyed watching a rare visitor to these shores, I also enjoyed the company of the people who were all supportive and helpful to each other as we tried following the bird.
After following it through my binos I decided to try to get a picture. I took plenty of pictures but due to the bird coninually moving, most of them show various blurred parts of the bird. The picture below is the best of a bad bunch.

Thanks
Dave

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 18-09-2010, 11:37 AM

Nice one! A case of being in the right place at the right time for seeing this one. Not one I've seen in the UK but did see several in the mangroves in singaore some years back- quite chunky Phylloscs.

RobS · #3 (**permalink**) 18-09-2010, 03:18 PM

That would be a tick for me, nice one. I remember the first time I went to Holme I parked in the dunes car park got out and immediately saw an unusual bird. (I had only taken up birdwatching a few months before (1983)). I went through all sorts of species until the penny dropped and I realised I was looking at a juvenile/female Red backed Shrike.

What a nice one that was!

Rob S

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 18-09-2010, 03:25 PM

Holme can be a good rarity trap, but good for general birding/natural history.

I remember being there in a coach party quite a few years back when a Yellow -breasted Bunting was found- a real mega mainland rarity, more normally the preserve of Shetland! The only one I've seen to date.

RobS · #5 (**permalink**) 18-09-2010, 04:51 PM

Glad I wasn't there that day then - a coach party of birdwatchers - not my cup of tea!!

Rob S(olo birder!)

Adam Cheeseman · #6 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 02:11 PM

Norfolk, and Holme in particular, has had it's best autumn for scarce migrants for many years. Holme so far has had Arctic Warbler, Barred Warbler, Wryneck, Bluethroat, Long-tailed Skua, Red-backed Shrike. September is always a good time to go to Norfolk because just about anything can turn up along the coast. Occasionally the season is a bit late, such as in 2007, when stuff turns up in October. It all depends on the right weather systems being in place during migration time for stuff to turn up on our east coast. I certainly would love to be up there right now, plenty of stuff about that I've not seen before or for a long time. Arctic Warbler would have been a lifer for me.

Cheers,

Adam

RobS · #7 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 02:53 PM

Don't mention Barred Warbler, I think I am barred from ever seeing one.

Rob S

Dogghound · #8 (**permalink**) 19-09-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobS

Don't mention Barred Warbler, I think I am barred from ever seeing one.

Rob S

You should come up here in September after an easterly. At one point about two weeks ago there were 5 at flamborough at the same time, I saw two together! Then ringed one in Filey.