All the A team met at 6am in Newhey for another east coast bash, with Bob at the wheel on a nice morning. With Steve K still needing to see the Black Stork in the Sunk Island area, we made it our first stop (it was not to be the last visit either) Still quite a few birders gathered  around the usual general area that the stork has been feeding in. After about an hour of a no show by the stork, we headed off to Stone Creek. We met John (finder of the Mugimaki Flycatcher) and had a good chat about the general passage of the birds this autumn, lots of Swallows and Meadow Pipits going over, also a showy Kingfisher, very nice. Next stop a sea watch at Spurn with Arctic and Long Tailed Skua`s being seen along with Sandwich Tern, Gannet, but in general fairly quiet. A Yellow Browed Warbler had been found in the churchyard at Kilnsea, so we went for a good look at this lovely eastern species. The bird duly obliged and gave fleeting glimpses in lovely sunshine. The amount of Redstart`s in the area was quite high with around 15 or so in the area, the usual gathering`s of Whinchat`s was also enjoyable. A walk around the Canal triangle did not reveal much more but was nice. Steve K was now starting to sweat on the Black Stork that had been reported again in the Sunk Island area. We got to the area and guess what? yes, it had gone again! Two birders from the south of England had been waiting in the area for a while, also without any joy. Another trip to Stone Creek was made and as we all strolled around, I checked the news and the stork had just re-appeared! We all bundled into the car and headed off at pace to the spot (again) 3rd time lucky? As we got to the stork`s favoured drain, about 15 camera`s were clicking away, it was there. Steve K had a lifer and was duly congratulated. Lots of pictures were taken and after about 15 minutes the Black Stork took off, right over our heads, disappearing into a drain near the farm. Great views of a long staying bird, present almost a month now. We headed home via the back road towards Paull and Bob K gave us a cultural lesson about the area, thanks Bob! Reaching home by 6pm the day was enjoyed by all.

Dave O.