Cleethorpes sightings - Nov 8

This is an extract of what Lincolnshire ornithologist John Cordeaux wrote in the January 1883 edition of The Ibis journal:

"Seen in the depth of our woodlands furtively flitting from tree to tree, the flight of the Jay appears both laborious and heavy, kept up by frequent flappings of wing, undulating, too, and somewhat uncertain in direction and seldom prolonged beyond the nearest tree, hedgerow, or copse.

"Under such circumstances, the bird seems little capable of crossing any width of sea or of taking a long migratory flight. 

"The fact, however, remains beyond dispute that this seemingly weak and slow-flying bird is capable of long-sustained flights which will compare even with those of the swift-winged Woodcock and Grey Plover.

"Great numbers of Jays, along with other migrants, crossed Heligoland with an east to west flight in October, 1876.

"Heinrich Gätke's notes sent to me at that time are as follows:  "Oct. 21. East, very strong. Jays, thousands passing the island; some landed, caught; coming, never ending. 

"Oct. 22-23. East, strong. Jays, a great many still."

 

We saw a lot of Jays in Norfolk couple of weeks ago

Mid - afternoon sightings today

Boating lake: Canada geese seem to be making a takeover bid. Up until recently, they were only occasional visitors, but now they seem to have become permanent - and increasing. At least 25 present today. Here's hoping they don’t spook the Barnacle geese.

Pleasure Island: Buzzard overhead. Since the theme park closed, this site has become an unofficial nature reserve pending its redevelopment. Shame it is fenced off and patrolled with dogs - it could include some interesting passerines, possibly stop-off migrants such as flycatchers and black redstarts.

Country park lake: 1 g-c grebe, 3 little grebe, 1 drake teal. A few mallard but no tufties or pochard. 

Cleethorpes golf course: Single jay foraging in undergrowth not far from back of Premier Inn. There is said to have been an influx in some parts of the UK (eg Isle of Wight) due to shortage of acorns on the Continent. But it may be a wasted journey - acorns are few here this year.