Seems like a while since I did a trip report after being abroad etc, so here is one.
A few good birds had been found on the east coast on Saturday so a trip starting at Flamborough Head was arranged with Bob K, Kevin C, myself and one of Bob`s friends Lyndon. A start time of 10am was allowing for our Nightjaring activities later in the evening. Lots of traffic heading for the coast and as we got to North Landing at Flamborough, parking was at a premium. Our chances of seeing the Red backed Shrike there seemed slim, after 20 minutes we headed away to Thornwick pool. The Temminck`s Stint was still present and showed really well, the sunny conditions had brought a few birder`s out even Dave W from Huddersfield. We chatted about the bird news and decided to give the Dotterel at South landing a miss (wrong choice) and headed up to a new place for us all, Burniston (near Long Nab).
The chances of seeing Icterine Warbler and Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Burniston were certainly helped by a good vantage point and a few other observers. After around an hour the Icterine Warbler was heard then it showed very well for about 10 minutes. Sat on the grassy slope in the sunshine, at the coast made for excellent birding, but where was the Eastern Subalpine Warbler? Then a lady, who was stood next to me said Its over there We quickly got onto the bird as it made its way to the top of the bushes, it momentarily sat out and showed really well, then promptly flew over the edge near to were a Carrion Crow was sat. Seven species of warbler were seen in the 2 hours we were present, nice place to visit.
At Sutton Bank we had our traditional walk out to The best view in England plinth just as a Tawny Owl started its calls. A Turtle Dove flew past us as we made our way onto the heathland. We all got laid down in the mossy area and waited for the night birds to begin calling / moving around. A few Woodcock were flying around as two Turtle Doves flew right above us making a peculiar call. A sound that we are all familiar with then filled the night air, a Nightjar churring We listened to it, then the bird flew and landed not 20 yards away perching on a low branch of a tree, it was oblivious to our presence. What great close views we all had! Around 11-30pm we decided to head for home after a cracking day out.
