Well...
We don't exactly get many MEGA-level species in Halifax, so it was a bit of a shock last night to see the news break of a Scarlet Tanager visiting a garden in Shelf! An American passerine in Halifax! Absolutely ridiculous!
Fortunately the bird, which had apparently already been present for a week, stayed another night and was still present this morning. During the day, from first light, it showed only a handful of times and never for an extended period. I've seen figures quoted on social media estimating more than 500 twitchers passed through the area today in the hopes of seeing it! And it was great to see many Halifax birders among the masses!
Fortunately, the bird has no aviary rings, and being a first-winter male, it is the correct age for a genuine migrant. Hopefully, the various authorities will not have any issues accepting it. Should it be accepted, it will represent just the eighth record of this species in Britain, the third on the mainland, and most importantly, the first for Yorkshire!
Hopefully, it will continue in the area for some time yet. The bird can be viewed from the end of a cul-de-sac called Bridle Dene, just southwest of Shelf Park.
An absolutely incredible record; an American passerine in Halifax! Unbelievable!
3 comments:
Thanks Daniel - great report.
....and what a list.
Bonkers...really great morning at Shelf...
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