As we neared the A1, I received a message from Elaine (14.09) informing me a WTE had been seen at Duff!!! Major News.
Louise was driving and bearing in mind the short days, I initially didn't even consider it as I thought I was too far away given the remaining daylight? The local Birders were soon on the case and a few phone calls established it was still in the area but was now on the Riverbank at Thorganby. As we approached the A19 I used Google maps to see what the ETA was. It informed me I would arrive at 3.45ish.
I asked the good lady if we could have a crack, she nodded so off we went. A couple of slow moving vehicles added to the tension as we neared the site but we made it to the car park by the Village Hall at 3.50. On the way I'd rung Jono Leadley and Tim Jones for updates and Tim told me that Oliver Metcalf and Chris Gomersall were still present and would wait for me to arrive...which was handy, as I didn't have my optics!
The light was fading fast as I made my way to the platform. I could see the chaps and asked if I was "in luck". They said "yes, it's still here"! Almost immediately they told me it was flying! Oliver gave me his Bins and we all watched this magnificent Bird fly slowly and purposefully North up River. Brilliant!!! An amazing York Area Tick.
I thanked the lads for their help and we all made our way back to our cars...elated. Louise was treated to a nice Pub meal in Hull as a thank you.
..........................................................................................
This morning I was up at 6 and heading back to the LDV...this time to NDC. I wanted my Patch Tick! I arrived at 8.30 and there was already someone in the Hide. Turned out it was the chap who first saw it yesterday! He gave me the story. He first saw it in the Poplars at the end of the straight and then watched it flying low around both banks of the River. He had some remarkable video of the event! A chap from Hull then arrived and said he'd just seen the Eagle feeding on the Riverbank from Aughton Church! I'd been scanning constantly since entering the Hide but there was no sign of it. We figured it must have been behind the bushes to the left at the far end of the Reserve. VERY frustrating!
Jono then arrived and said another Birder was still watching it from Aughton Church. We continued to scan. He then received a message saying it had flown North towards Thorganby. I'd missed it. He drove up to the viewing platform. Shortly afterwards he rang me to say it was perched in a tree directly out from the platform. That was it...I was off! The Bird was still present as I joined the small admiring group. It remained in the tree for over THREE hours before flying North at 2.50. I had a good chat with Arnie Cowan which helped pass the time as we waited for it to fly. I also saw Andy Holden and his wife Vicky. It was good to see them all again. Alas I didn't get a flight shot worth posting.
So, I'd got some pics but not my Patch Tick. We're visiting again tomorrow but I'll have another crack on Monday. Hopefully it will hang around and pay another visit to my Patch...when I'm there!
The day was a dull one but there was no wind. The stillness added to the atmosphere. The Eagle had been seen feeding earlier so it was probably in no hurry to continue hunting. The origin of the Bird is obviously unknown BUT it appears unringed which debatably helps it credentials. Time will tell...maybe? A fantastic Bird whatever.
It flew off North again at 2.50.
