As we head ever closer towards the end of the autumn migration period it was nice to have, maybe, one last bash at Spurn. With the sad demise (no its not dead) of the putative Lesser Kestrel record put behind us another strange occurrence in the form of a Paddyfield Pipit was found at Sennen, Cornwall. No real takers for that one, so a trip to the east coast was made. Nearly a full team with Kevin at the helm had us heading towards North Cave in the hope that a rather smart Green winged Teal, male, was still present. Nice weather all day with early mist soon clearing as we headed for the Teal`s last known position. We went into Turret Hide to the news that the Green winged Teal was showing very well just 30 yards from us! We all had plenty of time to enjoy this beautifully plumaged duck, apart from when a Marsh Harrier sent all the birds into panic. Luckily it returned and allowed all to get some pictures.
As we passed through Easington a few birders were seen along Vicar`s Lane, probably looking for yesterday`s Pallas`s Warbler? The regular Little Owl was seen on Giant Haystack on the way to Kilnsea. Our first call was to be at the area just north of the breach, when the news arrived that the bird had been caught and ringed, not good news, after a wander around that area no Bluethroat was found (I wonder why?) The news from Dave W that the Pallas`s Warbler had been refound on Vicar`s Lane had us soon on our way. The little sprite showed really well and was admired by the birders present, also a Yellow browed Warbler was seen. Back to a new hide for us all at Long Bank opposite the entrance to Kilnsea Wetlands to see a Black Brant, which is the American version of Brent Goose. The bird showed very well in amongst the dark bellied Brent Geese, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Curlews and Starlings. We searched the obs garden for another Yellow browed Warbler which with patience showed very well. Some Fieldfare, Redwing and a couple of Chiff-Chaff sat on top of the bushes in the sunlight was a nice sight to see. I had a little seawatch with: - 3 Red throated Divers, 10 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, and 12 Wigeon seen. The lads told me about 2 Black Redstart at the seaward side of the caravan site. After I made a bit of a detour down Beacon Lane, I was able to enjoy these very popular migrants, who seem to like messy places, around all the caravan rubbish!
We had a final call on Vicar`s Lane, Easington to see the Pallas`s Warbler again, but got distracted by another 2 Black Redstart`s in the gas terminal compound. As the light was beginning to fail we headed for home, another good day out. The Bluethroat returned to its spot at Spurn this morning (Monday)
