The first mega alert came through on Sunday afternoon with news of a Pacific Swift at Hornsea Mere, Yorkshire. I stayed at home, content to sit it out, only for the bird to be reidentified shortly afterwards as a White-rumped Swift—a first for Britain. Plans were quickly made and, at 4.00 a.m., I set off with Phil Woollen, making good time and arriving on site just after 7.00 a.m.
Birders wait in the rain for the Swift
Conditions were far from ideal, with persistent rain and cold temperatures as we waited for the bird to appear. Despite a small supporting cast—around ten House Martins feeding near the trees, a calling Cetti’s Warbler and a fly-over Great White Egret—the swift failed to materialise. After waiting until 10.30 a.m., thoroughly cold and with no further sightings, we called it a day and headed back to the car.
This marked my fifth dip in quick succession, following misses with Belted Kingfisher, Moltoni’s Warbler, Royal Tern and Green Warbler the previous week. Spirits were low on the journey home, which I reached around 1.00 p.m., just in time to see the White-rumped Swift make the national news that evening.
Later that afternoon, at 4.30 p.m., another mega alert sounded—this time a Grey Catbird at Treemoor, Cornwall. Despite being exhausted, panic mode briefly set in before a call to Dan Pointon brought some relief when he kindly offered to drive. Heading south at 11.00 p.m., I met up with Dan, Sam Viles and Andrew Kinghorn, and we made the overnight journey with cautious optimism.
We arrived on site shortly after 6.00 a.m., grabbed an hour’s rest, then joined the assembled crowd at first light near the small willows where the bird had last been seen at dusk.
Birders waiting at first light
The small willows where the bird was seen at dusk
Initially, there was no sign of the catbird, and the prospect of yet another dip loomed large. However, just after 9.00 a.m., the bird appeared out in the open and went on to show repeatedly and well for the remainder of our stay.
It was a tremendous relief and an exceptional bird. This represented only the second British record, the first having been found on South Stack, Holy Island, Anglesey, between 4–6 October 2001.
We watched the catbird until around 11.00 a.m. before returning to the car for lunch.
What a beauty
The afternoon was spent birding Kenidjack Valley, which proved quiet, though a female Adder basking on a wall provided a welcome distraction.
Kenidjack valley
After a good walk, we began the long journey north, eventually arriving home just before 10.00 p.m., completely exhausted—but very satisfied.
