yorkshire birding

The Yorkshire List Increases Again

2011-12-21T20:46:00.000Z

It's on the list!

As expected (see Yorkshire Birding volume 20 page 74), the British Ornithologists’ Union’s Records Committee has adopted recommendations by the Taxonomic Sub-committee that Eurasian Stonechat Saxicola torquatus should now be treated as three species: European Stonechat S. rubicola (added to Category A), Siberian Stonechat S. maurus (added to Category A) and African Stonechat S. torquatus (removed from Category A; extralimital). This of course means that the Yorkshire list has now increased by one and that many Yorkshire listers will have gained an extra species. European Stonechat is of course a reasonably common in the County whilst nowadays Siberian Stonechat is recorded almost annually. For the purpose of the Yorkshire Listers League Table we need to know if you have seen Siberian Stonechat in Yorkshire so we can add one to your tally, although in the case of the majority of observers we do have this on record and have altered the list accordingly. However, if you are unsure if this has been done for you or not (eg. your total given in the League Table does not tally with your own copy) then please let us know immediately. For those who have a copy of the list which currently does not contain Siberian Stonechat at all, this should be inserted below (Eurasian) Stonechat which should be now named European Stonechat.

2011-12-19T19:13:00.000Z

Latest Issue now on sale
for contents details see latest issue section

more on that goose............

2011-12-18T20:03:00.000Z

Re the Scaling Dam Red-breasted Goose, whilst the age is encouraging its behaviour and locality are quite incompatible with likely BBRC acceptance and it is clearly much less likely to be wild than the Nosterfield Nature Reserve bird of February 1998. That individual was originally accepted by the BBRC based on its sighting at Dormans Pool, Cleveland, on 7 January 98 (BB 92:563). Unfortunately, this was only seen by birders from outside of Cleveland. Some locals were so peeved that they (disgracefully) lobbied against the record and had it overturned. Had it been widely seen by Teesside birders, keen to add a new species to their county lists, this would undoubtedly not have happened and the Nosterfield bird would very likely have been accepted the following year. It had not been submitted in time to be accepted alongside the Dormans Pool sighting. Scaling Dam Reservoir has had numerous records of escaped waterfowl. During the last six years, Baikal Teal, Speckled Teal, Grey Teal, Wood Duck, Fulvous Whistling Duck, White-faced whistling Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose and Hooded Merganser have all been seen. It also has very small numbers of feral Pinkfeet and the occasional feral Barnacle Goose. Those that lobbied against the Dormans Pool (Nosterfield) bird might now be regretting that as they can hardly pursue the Scaling Dam bird which is obviously much less likely to be wild than the earlier bird. They have clearly been hoisted by their own petards!

Post from Dave Britton

'Taiga Feet'?

2011-12-08T23:30:00.000Z

The goose thought by many to be a 'Taiga Bean' with a Pink-foot.

A damned good November finished in style for Yorkshire birders when a Desert Wheatear was relocated at Bempton. Although the bird, a male had been present since at least 20th, news was slow to come out and it wasn’t until the final weekend of the month that the crowds began to gather. Although this was not the first Desert Wheatear in the county this autumn (one was at Loftus earlier in the month), it did allow some birders to brag off four species of Wheatear in East Yorkshire during the month. Northern, Isabelline and Pied had all been seen at Spurn of course and birders there were one again left wondering just how much longer they will have to wait for their 'just deserts!' And so into December and with 'Dessy boy', still at Bempton, a probable 'Taiga Bean Goose' just up the road, and a first-winter Red-breasted Goose just a little bit further up the road there was still plenty of reason for Yorkshire birders to visit the coast. Indecently, the latter continued to be the subject of much debate as regards to its validity but with news that the assumed wild south coast bird (also a first-winter) had left the Brent’s and joined up with Canada’s (as did the Spurn bird of 1978) it certainly made sense to go and see it.

Yorkshire Listers League Table Appeal

2011-11-15T23:41:00.002Z

A recent computer blip has caused technical problems with the Yorkshire Listers League Table database. Because of this we are requesting that all participants send us an updated copy of their list unless you have done so since 31st October 2011. A copy of the list to fill in (excel spreadsheet) can be obtained by emailing yorkshirelists@blueyonder.co.uk, however, if you have kept your original copy up to date then sending us that is quite acceptable. It is our intension to publish the League Tables in the next issue of Yorkshire Birding so please ensure you get your updated list to us as soon as possible.

East Feast

2011-11-15T23:40:00.000Z

Bean Goose at Spurn - one of several that arrived in Yorkshire this weekend - A Gaggle

As expected the weekend didn't disappoint, the easterlies kept coming and with them came at least three Dusky Warblers as well as a scattering of Dick's Pipits and coastal Woodlarks, whilst those visiting the 'showy' Hume's Warbler at South Gare were also treated to a Black Guillemot, a tricky bird to catch up with in Yorkshire. The highlight of the weekend however was the widespread influx of White-fronted and Bean Geese with one of the largest gatherings being at Scaling Dam with 63 and 3 respectively. Scaling Dam - You don't get wild geese there though do you?

Some of the crowd think it’s all over……………

2011-11-11T16:39:00.000Z

Isabelline Wheatear, Spurn, November 2011 - Ron Marshall

Fireworks at last, as November kicked off with the bang it’s supposed to with the discovery of an Isabelline Wheatear at Spurn mid-afternoon on 4th. Fortunately, for the many admirers who visited next day it ‘over-nighted’ and being only the second ever twitchable in the county (the first being at Kilnsea 20 years ago) it found itself being added to some high ranking Yorkshire listers tallies including Mike Bayldon, Mick Turton and John Hewitt. No sooner had the cars been parked back on the drives than another much required Yorkshire tick was discovered, a cracking Penduline Tit, this time at deepest inland Wintersett Reservoir. Although the news was put out pretty quick only a handful of quick-off-the-mark twitchers got-into-gear before the bird (or birds, as the finders thought there may have been two or even three) promptly disappeared leaving an ever increasing crowd of frustrated dippers. With easterlies still blowing what had been a near disastrous autumn for the east coast rarity hunter is finally coming up trumps with this week seeing the arrival of a splendid Pied Wheatear on the point at Spurn, and a male Desert Wheatear north east of Lotus amongst the numerous sub rarities. And, with at the time of writing, a Hume’s Warbler having just been discovered at South Gare and a weekend of south-easterlies to come its surely a bit too early to say………………..it is now!

Penduline Tit, Wintersett Reservoir, November 2011 - Carl Dixon

Wild Goose Chase?

2011-10-13T22:28:00.002+01:00

On the last day of September a Red-breasted Goose was photographed feeding on the beach at Saltburn before later moving to Scaling Dam but should we take it serious? First reactions were no, but as time moved on the Cleveland lot soon liked what they saw and at the time of writing many appear to favour it being a wild bird. So why? Well, in its favour the bird is un-ringed, in pristine condition and perhaps most intriguing of all it is a juvenile, something which certainly won't harm its cause. Also, according to the locals it spent the first three days of its stay constantly feeding which might indicate a long journey previous, although pessimists might suggest it wore itself out cutting through the cage! On the flip side since it moved to Scaling Dam it is not particularly keeping good company (Canada Geese) although neither are the recently arrived Pink-feet which are presumably wild? So what to do? Easy really, what else is there to do in Yorkshire during an autumn of westerlies!

The Juvenile Red-breasted Goose 'shaming itself' at Scaling Dam.
Photographer - Edna Scruples

Roll on the easterlies!

2011-10-12T20:42:00.001+01:00

It's been a quiet start to the autumn so far for the Yorkshire lister, with a lack of easterlies ensuring very few drift migrants have appeared on the coast. Although predominately from the west the occasional switch to northerlies has at least kindled a bit of sea bird passage allowing one or two fledgling listers to add species such as Balearic Shearwater and Long-tailed Skua to their tally but the only real rarities reported (Black-browed Albatross, Fea's Petrel and probable Yelkouan Shearwater) were seen by just a tiny number of observers in total and could end up getting a rough ride with the BBRC. Undoubted highlight so far has been the juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper which was found at Beacon Ponds during the early evening of September10th but although it remained until dusk it had departed by next morning meaning that in the main only the Spurn regulars caught up with it. Amongst those who were able to add it to their Yorkshire list was finder Mick Turton, whilst his work colleague Rich Swales went one better and added it to his Brit’ list. Roll on the easterlies!

Action at last on September 29th when news broke that the Sandhill Crane which had previously been seen in Scotland was heading down the east coast. First picked up in Northumberland it continued south finally crossing the Tees into Yorkshire at about mid day. By this time many Yorkshire listers were heading to Spurn hedging their bets on the ‘funnel effect’ but alas when the bird got to Whitby it headed inland, and although it had been clocked at a few Yorkshire sites, it was generally only enjoyed by a select band of Cleveland listers, leaving those posted at Scarborough and all points south totally frustrated.

the Semi P' at Beacon Ponds, September 2011 - John Hewitt

Action Stations

2010-09-16T21:16:00.002+01:00

The hectic start to the autumn accelerated for Yorkshire listers as easterly winds continued to blow. A flycatcher trapped at Spurn late august set insurance listers into action as it ticked many of the ‘Collared boxes’ but it was Flamborough that came up with the undisputed quality with the discovery of an Eastern Olivaceous Warbler on September 1st which lingered until 3rd and was ticked off by most Yorkshire listers, although sometimes with difficulty. Rumour has it, that it had been present for several days but wrongly identified (and photographed) as an Icterine. Spurn retorted with a flurry of quality sub-rarities as well as a Great Snipe (4th), although that was only enjoyed by birders present early evening, much to the chagrin of those who were on their way home, not least a notorious twitcher from Bucks’ who took the news somewhat badly whilst driving through Hull, realising he was pretty much in The Deep! Just when we thought things couldn’t get better, they did, with the truly amazing late-Sunday afternoon discovery of the Flamborough areas second Brown Flycatcher at Bucton. Although not needed by most County listers a second bite of the cherry was too much to resist for many and for those who descended on site before dusk, good views of this astonishing discovery were just reward. As for the morning after? Answers on a postcard please.

STOP PRESS - 15th September, Yorkshire’s first Squacco Heron since June 1994 at Kilnsea, off Beacon Lane in ‘Mad Gary’s Garden’ on the patio! Does this mean he will have to get the car reregistered?

2010-08-25T20:33:00.009+01:00

We apologize for the delay in the publication of the latest addition of Yorkshire Birding (19.2). This has been due to technical problems with one of the computers suffering an attack from the latest virus doing the rounds (mixcomputerwoznackered). Fortunately this problem has now been rectified and the magazine has gone to print and should be out within the next couple of weeks.

Yorkshire listers were on their toes recently following the appearance of an adult Sharp-tailed Sandpiper on the Humber. The bird, an adult, was discovered early Sunday evening at Patrington Haven by wader guru John Grist. Obviously he has a 'sharp' eye as this is the second time 'Linford' has discovered a 'sharpy' following on from the two hour bird at Sammies Point on 8^th September 2007. Naturally this latest bird was needed by many birders and a fair number caught up with it during the ‘Sunday night scurry’, however, it was not until its relocation at Spurn the following morning that leading Yorkshire lister Dave Hursthouse finally clapped eyes on it. This brings him level with top man Andrew Gibson who was quick to point out that the use of alphabetical order would keep him at the top, however, after much deliberation it was decided to use the good looks and charm system.............

2010-06-07T00:14:00.002+01:00

Hot on the heels of the Iberian Chifchaff at Potteric has come a Savi's Warbler at Old Moor a tick for many recent county listers. Perhaps the most surprising is that Garry Taylor still needed it, the only one of the 'top tenners'. Outside the top ten it been widely received by many and the totals have been updated for those who have let us know they saw it.

2010-05-20T11:37:00.004+01:00

A few more people have sent in updates and we have two new additions to the league, both with repectable totals, Mark Reeder, and Mark Spedding, apologies to Mark Spedding we've had his list a while and forgot to include his total, sorry Mark! These new additions take us to the brink of our half century of participants.

2010-05-17T21:36:00.006+01:00

Iberian Chiffchaff, Potteric Carr. Mark Reeder

Yorkshires second Iberian Chiffchaff has been proving popular, although it wasn't the tonic that second placed man Dave Hursthouse hoped for as he soon discovered Andy Gibson missed the first one at Spurn in 2004 meaning they both move on one. Most of the other top boys have connected but many of the next rank have yet to tell us if they've been successful.

The Black winged stilt in North Yorks also found it's way onto a few lists including one of the top 5! whilst the Purple Heron at Welwick has been wapped off by a few of the newcomers.

Ian Smith has long been a visitor form Notts but must be a gambling man, he's put his shirt on living in Kilnsea getting him a big list, he joins the league in 26th place

2010-05-17T15:11:00.002+01:00

The Hooded Merganser in Teeside has disgraced itself by becoming a drake! As the Fife bird was a female it now seems unlikely it was one and the same, unless it has undergone extensive gender realignment surgery! Andy Gibson will now be able to breathe a sigh of relief after spending all winter trying to discredit the record on various forums and badgering the blogmaster to remove it from here. We can't help thinking it would have be easier to just go see the bird in the first place Andy

2010-02-25T20:28:00.004Z

The Listers league has been updated for all those listers who have let us know their details, mainly this involves the Black throated Thrush at Newholm nr Whitby which has been entertaining crowds since the start of the new year. Other additions for people came in the form of the Ferruginous Duck at Pugneys and an unseasonal Corncrake for Mick Turton, or was it just reported to us belatedly?

Perhaps the biggest news though is the discovery of only the county's, second twitchable Ring billed Gull at Mirfield which has allowed Andy Gibson to pull clear of long time No1 'BIG' Dave Hursthouse.

Several other highly placed listers have scored with this much sought after bird including Tim Isherwood, although Steve Exley needn't have bothered making the trip as it's already on his list!!!

Two new additions have been sent in with Chris Johnson and James Spencer joining in the fun which may have briefly given 'low listing no hoper' Keith Dickinson cause for optimism but alas he's still bringing up the rear, must try harder Keith!

Ring billed Gull. Dave Pennington

2009-10-20T11:04:00.002+01:00

It's been a busy few weeks for Yorkshire listing with Andy Gibson benefiting most adding both Fea's Petrel and Baillon's Crake at Spurn to his tally taking him to joint first place with longtime number one Dave Hursthouse. It didn't take long for Dave to strike back though as he quickly ‘insurance ticked’ the Hooded Merganser at Hemlington. However, other County listers have been less fortunate, although Steve Exley has moved up one place in the top ten having added two species at Spurn (Great Shearwater and the Baillon’s Crake). This brings him level with John Hewitt in equal sixth. The standings have been updated accordingly, please remember to send additions to your list in promptly to help keep things up to date.

2009-10-20T11:00:00.002+01:00

With the recently published BBRC report containing an accepted Hooded Merganser from Fife last year interest grew in the bird touring Teeside. Like the Fife bird it seems to have a ‘dodgy leg’ suggesting it is the same individual and thus as it has been accepted previously it could potentially go through as a returning bird. The BBRC report comments for this species almost seem to suggest that unless a bird is an obvious escape then one should make up their own mind. At the moment we have decided to keep this species in italics but expect it to be upgraded if BBRC once more give it the nod. Although it is spending most of it's time north of the Tees it has now been inside the Yorkshire boundary on a couple of occasions and a small number of Yorkshire listers have already made the pilgrimage. No doubt it will prove increasingly popular if it returns.

Hooded Merganser. Hemlington, Garry Taylor

2009-10-20T10:45:00.006+01:00

The BBRC have deemed the Canvasback from Nosterfield last year as 'not proven' on the grounds that it may possibly exhibit some hybrid features – a bit harsh we feel, however, we stick to the rules and so this bird will not be countable in the Yorkshire Listers League.

Nearly Canvasback! Nosterfield, Stephen Clifton

2009-09-10T12:23:00.004+01:00

The new issue is out now and subscribers should be receiving their copy shortly.

Several people have sent in their updates for the listers league and these changes have now been uploaded to the site.

2009-08-24T10:11:00.002+01:00

THE YORKSHIRE LISTERS LEAGUE

A few people have asked for clarification of the rules of the listers league, they are as follows:

The Rules
As a general rule birders can tick what they want (though they may invite ridicule) but to keep a competitive league table we need some ground rules, so it’s a level playing field for everyone. What species should be deemed countable has always been a thorny subject anywhere, not just in Yorkshire and we have found out long ago that it is never possible to please everyone. That said we need some rules, so we consulted a wide range of Yorkshire birders and in particular some of the County’s keenest listers and eventually came up with the following:

1) The list will follow the decisions of the British Ornithologists Union (BOU) including taxonomy, with species that currently reside on Category A, B and C deemed as countable. The decision to follow the BOU entirely, differs from our previous stance where some species that were generally considered to have been given a rough-ride by the BOU, e.g. Mugimaki Flycatcher, were deemed countable. However, despite a number of rogue British Lists being produced nowadays, most birders agree that the official British List is that of the BOU. The meaning of categories A, B and C can be explained as follows:

Category A: Species that have been recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1st January 1950.
Category B: Species that were recorded in an apparently natural state at least once between 1st January 1800 and 31st December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently.
Category C: Species that, although introduced, now derive from the resulting self-sustaining populations. There are six sub-categories under Category C, C5 and C6 are currently of no relevance to Yorkshire listing, the other four are as follows:
C1 Naturalized introduced species – species that have occurred only as a result of introduction, e.g. Egyptian Goose.
C2 Naturalized established species - species with established populations resulting from introduction by man, but which also occur in an apparently natural state, e.g. Greylag Goose.
C3 Naturalized re-established species - species with populations successfully re-established by man in areas of former occurrence, e.g. Red Kite.
C4 Naturalized feral species - domesticated species with populations established in the wild, e.g. Rock Pigeon (Dove) / Feral Pigeon.
For a complete explanation of all categories including those deemed not countable, visit the BOU web-site www.bou.org.uk

2) Rare and scarce species must have been accepted by the relevant assessing committee. In most cases this will be either the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) or the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union (YNU).

3) The bird itself must be in Yorkshire, but the observer need not be. By Yorkshire, we mean basically from the River Humber to the River Tees, taking in Vice Counties 61, 62, 63, 64 and 65 with a few minor exceptions in the south and west. The reason for using this system is because political boundaries tend to change from time to time, but by adopting the Vice County system the boundary stays the same. We are aware that there is still confusion over this, for instance most birders know that Cleveland (south of the Tees) is included in Yorkshire, but it’s doubtful that many who made the ‘insurance pilgrimage’ to Dunslop in the Trough of Bowland (Lancashire) a few years ago to see the breeding Eagle Owls were aware that, should the BOU ever place them in Category A,B or C, they would then be able to include them on their Yorkshire list! For a more thorough explanation on the Yorkshire Boundary see Craig Thomas’s article in Yorkshire Birding Volume 16, page 144. With regards to birds at sea, we will again follow the BOU who use the UK Fishery Limits. In the case of Yorkshire this is basically the midway point between the County’s coastline and any neighbouring country, so land based sea-watchers, even those with high powered ‘scopes at Flamborough, needn’t worry. Birders taking trips on the likes of The Yorkshire Belle can also confidently add sightings to their county list, but if someone decides to take up the gauntlet of a far-flung pelagic they would probably be advised to go to the following site first to avoid any unnecessary disappointment. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2006.00603.x

4) The bird must be seen. Records of birds heard only are not deemed countable for the Yorkshire Listers League.

The most controversial part of drawing up a countable list for the Yorkshire Listers League is, and always will be, dealing with contentious species. Whereas we have been able to put the ball in someone else's court so far, we now have to make some decisions ourselves. The problem is basically, where a species may have been accepted by the BOU as having been recorded in a wild state in Britain, some, or maybe many of the records, may still be considered to have related to escapees. Once the BOU has officially accepted the species onto the British List, they do not normally comment on further records. Although the British Birds Rarities Committee sometimes do pass comment, there are many species which are recorded too frequently for them to deal with. So what we are left with now is a list of contentious species, mainly wildfowl, of course, that we have to deal with. As a general rule common sense should apply (‘the common sense rule’), so don’t count likely escapes, such as a bread-taking duck on a village pond or one sporting a plastic ring, although we know this may not definitely rule a bird out of being wild, as the hand-fed, Mars Bar eating Upland Sandpiper on the Scillies in the eighties would testify! Anyway, enough of that, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, here are our guidelines as to what can and can’t be counted in the Yorkshire Listers League:

Bean Goose The BOU currently consider ‘Taiga Bean Goose’ and ‘Tundra Bean Goose’ to relate to one species and as such Bean Goose is countable as one.

Lesser White-fronted Goose Only the Pulfin Bog / Stamps Pond bird of 1995 can be counted, all others are assumed to be of suspect origin.

Snow Goose The bird seen migrating along the east coast with Pink-footed Geese, to and from its wintering grounds in Norfolk, is considered quite acceptable, as would be any other bird seen migrating with likely carrier species. Otherwise sightings are assumed to refer to escapees and thus not countable.

Ross’s Goose This species is not on the official BOU list and so cannot be counted.

Lesser Canada Goose Recently given full specific status by the BOU. There have been numerous claims in Britain, including in Yorkshire, but the situation is tainted by the likelihood of escapees. The BBRC and BOURC are currently attempting to clarify the status of Lesser Canada Goose in Britain but as there are as yet no accepted records the species is thus deemed uncountable.

Brent Goose The various described forms of Brent Goose, i.e. ‘Pale-bellied Brent Goose’, ‘Dark-bellied Brent Goose’, ‘Black Brant’ and ‘Grey-bellied Brant’ are currently treated as one species by the BOU, thus count as one.

Red-breasted Goose Only the birds seen at Spurn in October 1978 and October 2006 (2) are deemed countable. Many birders saw the bird at Nosterfield in 1998 (also seen at Tophill Low) and a good argument for counting this bird has been put forward (Yorkshire Birding, volume 7, page 13). However, after consultation with numerous Yorkshire birders, it has become apparent that many would only be happy ticking a bird seen with likely carrier species, e.g. Brent’s.

Egyptian Goose There is a long established self-supporting population of Egyptian Geese in Britain, mainly in East Anglia and there is evidence that these birds sometimes wander, thus we believe the species should be considered countable in Yorkshire, subject to ‘the common sense rule’.

Ruddy Shelduck Currently resides on Category B of the BOU list, e.g. species that were recorded in an apparently natural state prior to 1950, but not subsequently. The only Yorkshire record during this time related to a pinioned bird and thus the species is deemed not countable in Yorkshire. Strong arguments have been made in recent years that vagrant Ruddy Shelducks are now occurring in Britain and with a seemingly self-supporting feral population also now established on the near-continent, it seems possible that we may be about to see a promotion here.

Mandarin Without question there is a self-sustaining population of Mandarins in Yorkshire with prime sites in the Strid, West Yorkshire and at Hackness near Scarborough and some of these birds are known to wander. Generally accepted as countable, subject to the ‘the common sense rule’.

Bufflehead Only the Coatham Marsh and Pugneys birds are deemed acceptable. The bird seen around East Yorkshire in winter 1996/97 was sporting a plastic ring and thus assumed to be of captive origin.

Black Grouse Countable, with the exception of the South Yorkshire birds which have originated from a nearby release scheme.

Golden Pheasant There is no established self-supporting population in Yorkshire and as such the species is considered uncountable.

Pacific Diver Now deemed countable having been accepted by the BOU and given full specific status.

Fea’s Petrel Because of the extreme difficulties in identification of the three ‘Soft-plumaged Petrels’ most records in Britain refer to presumed Fea’s Petrel and we are happy for observers to count this in the Yorkshire Listers League providing the record is accepted by the BBRC.

White Stork This has been one of our most difficult species to decide on. The White Stork situation in Britain has become so confusing in the last decade or so that it is almost impossible to know which birds are wild and which are not. Apart from the numerous free-flying birds from both British and continental collections we now have the problem of reintroduction schemes in neighbouring countries. Add to this the fact that White Storks in the wild can be extremely tame and the situation becomes almost impossible. Because of this we have decided that any White Stork seen in Yorkshire that is not an obvious escape can be counted.

Red Kite With the success of numerous release schemes throughout the country, (including Yorkshire) it is virtually impossible to know of a bird’s origin (unless wing-tagged) and as such it seems sensible to allow all Red Kites seen within the county to be deemed countable.

Demoiselle Crane This species does not occupy a place on the official BOU list and as such is deemed uncountable.

Caspian Gull This has been given full specific status by the BOU, so can now be counted as such.

Kumlien’s Gull Not considered to be a full species by the BOU and thus not deemed countable.

Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon Some years ago the BOU recognised that there is a large established self-sustaining population of urban and rural Feral Pigeons of domestic origin in Britain. This applies in Yorkshire too, and is thus deemed countable, suffice to say ‘the common sense rule’ applies, thus no ticking birds from your neighbours pigeon loft!

Ring-necked Parakeet A large self-sustaining population of Ring-necked Parakeets now exist in Britain and the species has resided on the BOU’s full list for some time now. Most of these birds are found in southern England however, and there is little evidence that they wander, so Ring-necked Parakeet is currently deemed uncountable in Yorkshire.

Eagle Owl This species is not on the official BOU list and so cannot be counted.

Chimney Swift The controversial swift seen at York in July 2007 (Yorkshire Birding volume 16, page 81), thought by many observers to be a Chimney Swift, was considered unproven by the British Birds Rarities Committee and thus is deemed not countable.

Brown Flycatcher This species has recently been added to the British list by the BOU who have implied that the bird seen at Flamborough during October 2007 will be accepted by the BBRC and is thus now deemed as countable.

Taiga Flycatcher The record of one at Flamborough during April 2003 (Yorkshire Birding volume 12, page 66) has been fully accepted by the relevant authorities and has also been given full specific status by the BOU, thus deemed countable.

Mugimaki Flycatcher This species does not occupy a place on the official BOU list and as such is deemed uncountable.

Spotted Towhee The bird seen at Spurn from 5th September 1975 until 10th January 1976 was considered by the relevant authorities to be most likely an escapee and as such is thus deemed uncountable.

Black-faced Bunting Only the Black-faced Bunting seen at Flamborough in October 2004 is countable. The bird seen at Spurn in May 2000 was considered by the BBRC to be probably an escapee, however the argument about this bird still runs on and this is certainly one that may yet change in the future.

Some of the decisions regarding the species we have listed above may seem obvious to many, but they are the ones that we are most frequently asked about. Please remember these decisions are not ‘set in stone’, they can be changed and we welcome healthy debate on the Yorkshire Listers League in general.

What to do now?
If you would like a copy of the list to be used in the Yorkshire Listers League, email yorkshirelists@blueyonder.co.uk requesting a list to be sent to you. Apart from all countable species the list will include (in italics) some species and sub-species which are currently considered uncountable. This is because if the record is later accepted, or the sub-species elevated to full species status, your list can be updated automatically. Full, but simple instructions will come with the list which will be in the form of an excel spreadsheet. For those without internet access please try and get a friend to print you a copy off, but failing that contact Yorkshire Birding, and we will get one posted out to you. Once you have completed the list, simply return it to the same address you got it from and then update as and when you make any further additions (you only need to let us know what species you have added and where you saw it – please do not send your full list again). Please remember that by doing this you are giving your consent to your tally being included in the Yorkshire Listers League which will appear both online (http://www.yorkshirebirdingmagazine.blogspot.com/) and from time to time in Yorkshire Birding magazine. Please also remember that we may need to contact you regarding something you have included (or less likely not included) on your list. To help keep things running as smoothly as possible, we have enlisted the help of keen Yorkshire lister and Spurn web guru Garry Taylor, who has agreed to keep the lists updated.

2009-08-02T11:10:00.002+01:00

The BOURC have added Pacific Diver to the British list in accepting the Farnham gravel pits bird of 07, which becomes the first for Britain and obviously Yorkshire.

Pacific Diver Farnham gravel pits Jan 07. The first for Yorkshire and Britain. Stephen Clifton (above) and Gareth Picton (below)

The BOURC have also accepted the Brown Flycatcher on fair Isle in 1992 as the first for Britain upgrading it from one of the other categories nobody really understands. Following this the BBRC have accepted the Flamborough bird of 2007. These two additions to the county list bring it to 444. Most of the top Yorks listers scored with these birds and the listers league totals have been updated.

Brown Flycatcher Flamborough Oct 07. Stephen Clifton