SBSG - Articles

Articles, papers, notes and reviews.

Articles & Short Notes menu | SBSG Home |

You always remember the first time ... you saw a Firecrest !
Matthew Capper

I defy anyone to disagree with the title of this article. I must have seen maybe 15 or more Firecrests in Britain, including one just round the corner from where I live in Bamford. I never fail to be delighted with these striking little birds but I will always remember finally seeing one for the first time, one November at South Landing, Flamborough.

Firecrest is one of those birds that we all have near the top of our most wanted lists and mine was no exception. I’d heard so much about them and even dipped three or four times just to add to my desperation.

It had started as a trip to see a Long-billed Dowitcher at Tophill Low. This duly achieved we headed off to the East Coast to try our luck with the seabirds which were being reported in reasonable numbers. A few hours sat half way up Flamborough Head was very rewarding with my first Little Auks, including some on the sea below, and a good supporting cast of shearwaters, divers, ducks, gulls, skuas etc etc..

Two lifers in one day was not to be sniffed at but Gavin, one of my companions was, for some reason, convinced I’d get three. No chance I thought, happy to call it quits. “Some one told me there’s been a Firecrest at South Landing” he said, “you need that don’t you…?”

Well he certainly knew which buttons to push and less than 15 minutes later we were walking down the track towards the beach at South Landing.

If anyone hasn’t been to South Landing you should go. It has to be one of my favourite birding spots. Spurn on a good day can be brilliant. Spurn on a bad day can be soul destroying. South Landing on the other hand always seems to have birds - whether it is Tree Sparrows, Bullfinches, or Rock Pipits on the beach. Add a reputation for rarities almost as good as Spurn’s and you’ll know why I like it.

We patiently worked our way round the footpath until we got to the far side. Desperate for my first Firecrest, I scanned everything that moved. I’ve never looked at Goldcrests so closely. Of course I didn’t need to. There are some birds that people tell you “when you see it, you’ll know”. Well Firecrest is one of them.

We turned the corner to head back to the car park and Gavin’s conviction was starting to waver. And then it happened. A little gem popped out of a hawthorn and sat right in front of me. It was just so obvious. That combination of black and white on the face stood out a mile. I couldn’t help myself. “Firecrest!” I yelled.

Of course the little gem immediately popped straight back into the depths and who could blame it. But I knew what I’d seen. Gavin was very understanding of my outburst even though he’d only had minimal views and Nicky, the third of the group that day, was lagging a little behind and saw nothing except the big grin on my face!

Thankfully a little patience (and peace and quite) did the trick and the Firecrest soon treated us to extended views as it flitted about in front of us looking every bit as good as I’d been led to believe.

Gavin’s premonition had paid off. “Told you so” he said, rather self-righteously. Normally I wouldn’t let him get away with it but for once, I allowed him a moment of triumph. It was after all, nothing compared to mine…

Articles & Short Notes menu | SBSG Home |