Every local patch has its own quiet magic. It’s not just about the birds themselves, but the time invested—the early mornings, the missed chances, the slow accumulation of moments that eventually turn into memories. Over the years, that dedication builds a list; mine now stands at 210 species. Somewhere along the way, though, everyone ends up with a bogey bird. Other people see it effortlessly while you miss it again and again… until one day, without warning, there it is—right above your head.
That moment came for me with an Arctic Skua, flying north. Just one other birder was present, which always amazes me given the weather conditions—but each to their own.
After that, I took some time away from the Farmlands. Anyone who birded there during its peak around 2010 would be utterly dismayed by what it’s become. Big business has stripped it of biodiversity, aided and abetted by dubious servants of the pound note who will seemingly sign off on anything.
Still, the end of 2025 brought a welcome surprise: a decent showing of geese. Bean Geese and White-fronts were moving through the country, and the YouTube channel Weather Watcher had more or less called it. Unfortunately, work is work, and I couldn’t get there at the time.
https://youtu.be/ni3Eew-3_J4?si=FaTQ5RHqDwc4WzzE
Thankfully, two of the geese lingered for a couple of days, and I managed to catch up with them.
With good intentions, I decided to attempt a year list—an idea that lasted all of an hour. Once I noticed Woodpigeons moving, I abandoned that plan and started counting them instead. I’ve never been able to commit to year listing; I find it often brings out the worst in people and their sightings. So if you don’t mind, I’ll stick to visible migration.
So I’m back, for however long it holds my attention. No targets, no pressure—just watching what passes overhead and seeing what turns up. And as for a new bogey bird? This time it’ll have to be Pied Flycatcher. Their numbers may be increasing, but experience tells me that’s no guarantee I’ll actually see one—and that, oddly enough, is half the appeal.
