2012 in 12 pictures

The bird of the year by interest if not quality [that would be the Gull-billed Tern] was this Cattle Egret found at Hempholme by a resident in late December when it was checked out by Roy only for it then to disappear before reappearing in January. We were asked to keep it quiet but the nerve went in on 13/1, the day we managed to see it distantly from Tophill Low NR, and the news was put out only for it to appear on the reserve the following day where it was seen on and off the rest of the month.It snowed early February as witnessed by this “Snowy Egret” at Tophill Low NR. This fake heron adding to the Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron and Bittern seen by on the reserve in the first 2 months. Unfortunately no more species were added this year.

Although not the best [by far] picture of an Otter this year this one seen at High Eske NR on 1/3 was my first live sighting at High Eske NR. Unfortunately only had a compact camera at the time. Yet to get a better picture but maybe in 2013.

Although almost annual at Tophill Low NR only managed to catch up with Avocet this year. After twitching one on 6/3 they then returned in number and attempted to breed for the first time with one pair managing to hatch young but none survived probably due to poor parenting and the rising water level.

First winter Little Gull at Tophill Low NR on South Marsh East. This bird on 10/5 was the first of many this year.

Roy and Richard listening for Corncrake along Scurf Dyke. Found by Michael Flowers’ “class” on 1/6, this bird was new for the Hull Valley list but never made it onto the Tophill Low NR list.

I got one shot of a moth at High Eske NR on 9/7. Eventually identified as Loxostege sticticalis,  a rare migrant. My best find of the year.

This Angle Shades from August may not be the rarest catch but still one of the nicest moths of the year.

The arrival of waders on the newly created Leven Carrs scrape added some excitement to what had been a poor wader passage. This Spotted Redshank in September was the best find.

Alright it’s c400 miles from the Hull Valley area but this Paddyfield Warbler at Church Cove, Lizard, Cornwall was a much wanted tick in October.

The highlight of November was the arrival in force of Waxwings. These were taken, where many connected, at Hull Asda.

December’s photograph has to be a flooded Watton NR on Christmas day. Lot of water around at the moment!

Angle Shades but little else.

18/11 Mandy James had a Short-eared Owl over Figham Common on Sunday.

19/11 Martin L had 9 Goosander on East Park Lake,Hull on Monday.

20/11 Had the trap out last night and had an Angle Shades.

Angle Shades

Went out with Roy late Tuesday morning. Went through Tickton where 3 Waxwings had been seen earlier. Didn’t look too hard but no sign. Had a look from Hornsea Mere hide then went to Tophill Low NR. Large influx of Pochard on D reservoir since Sunday and Dunlin circled the reservoir. Greater Bittern seen a few time dropping onto South Marsh West in the last 2 weeks. Staked out L-shaped hide so we could do the O reservoir Gull roost as well but were out of luck. 50 Curlew again roosted on South Marsh East [seen earlier on Watton NR]. Other reports were 2 Lesser Redpoll, Brambling and Grey Wagtail from Steve Routledge and a Goshawk along the river from Frank Murray and Jack Thornton.

8 Waxwings in Hessle Aldi car park this morning.

22/11 15 Waxwings on Albion Street (by the junction with Union Street) in Hull late this morning. Also 50+ between Sitwell Street +Church Row.

23/11 Interesting report from Alan Lowe a Brimstone butterfly at Skerne.

24/11 Went to check a regular Waxwing site in Cottingham late afternoon. Heard a Orange-winged Amazon Parrot calling in the St.Mary’s churchyard. Went to try for a picture but it saw me first and flew off and I couldn’t re-find it. Used to be 2 birds but only had 1 for certain recently.

Orange-winged Amazons-St.Mary’s Church,Cottingham. December 2007.

Went to the corner of Northgate and Canongate. Plenty of berries but no birds. However in previous years this has been a late winter site. Unfortunately Dave Tucker is no longer in the house opposite to keep an eye.

Continued my walk north to the fields off Park Lane. Had a Jay flying towards Creykebeck substation. Had Jay in the past off Priory Road but think this was my first in this area.

Holly-edge of KGV rec. Top Woodcock finder.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker nest tree-KGV rec.

From Geoff Dobbs-35 Waxwings at Smith & Nephew Hull

Roy had a Short-eared Owl at Paull Holme Strays. Also 140 Black-tailed Godwit, 37 Bar-tailed Godwit, 38 Ringed Plover, 16000 Golden Plover, 410 Shelduck, 6 Knot, Dunlin, 15 Turnstone and 16 Grey Plover.