Going birding on a Saturday made a nice change from our regular Sunday trips out. So with only one of our team available, Chris B, it was nice to be contacted by Rob from Huddersfield to make up our team to visit the east coast to try to see one of the Hume`s Warbler`s that have been found. Picked up Chris in Newhey then Rob down from Huddersfield hospital and by 7-30am we were on our way. We parked up on the practically deserted Flamborough Lighthouse car park at around 9-25am and had a sea watch near to the new hide (you need a code to get in) A friend of ours, Brett Richards, was seen sat in his regular position on the cliffs doing his sea watching. There wasnt much to see apart from two Velvet Scoter moving south along with the regular gulls. News that the Hume`s Warbler had been seen at Old Fall Plantation near the pool was welcome news indeed. We headed along the path at the side of the field and as we entered the plantation the warbler could be heard. After watching lots of Goldcrest, Wrens, Chiff-Chaff and tits the Hume`s Warbler began to give a very good show as it fed in the cool but sunny conditions. We all enjoyed this bird as it was a lifer for one of the crew!
After news that the second Hume`s Warbler was still present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve it was decided that it would be nice to see another, so thats what we did. We parked up near the overflow carpark and noticed other birders watching something, as we headed towards them it became obvious that it was our second Hume`s of the day! Dont remember doing that before. We enjoyed the bird as it fed quite happily in front of us down to about 20 feet away. It also did lots of flights around the car park before returning to its favoured area. We headed to the cliffs to see what we could find and Chris B found what looked like a plastic bag that turned into a Portuguese Man o War jellyfish, nice one Chris. Rob then found a Harbour Porpoise. Not much birdlife this time of year apart from a couple of auks.
News of 6 Ruddy Shelduck at Duffield Carrs on the Derwent Valley got us getting a bit nearer home, but alas we could not find them. The area was really affected by the recent heavy rainfall being flooded right up to the road. As it was beginning to go dark we headed for home having enjoyed another good day out in Yorkshire.
