With all of the rare birds this autumn being found on places like Shetland, Scilly Isles & Ireland it felt that we had been starved of good birds during this exciting time. None of our team are what you may call chequebook birders (Having limitless money and time to twitch rare birds anywhere) So as we watched the weather patterns develop during this week, we decided that a trip to Spurn area was in order on Friday.
A nice early start from Rochdale at 6am with Craig B, Kevin C & myself also picking up Dave W near Leeds, the weather was overcast with some rain. The M62 was busy at this time but as we got through Hull traffic became much lighter. First stop was Easington village to catch up with a species that used to be a great rarity, Red flanked Bluetail, it now occurs a little more regularly. It was soon located feeding on seed on the old school playground in the village, lovely bird to watch. Just around the corner on Vicar`s Lane near the high security fence of the gas terminal, was a typical species that had been blown over from Siberia, a Pallas`s Warbler. A very small green coloured bird with significant yellow markings, have always made this a much sought-after bird with the twitchers! Their size and speed of movement has always made them difficult to locate, but this one was calling and almost singing, after an hour I had failed to see it properly. Another one of the same species was about 150 yards away, so we went and saw it almost immediately, then of course walked back and saw the original one without any bother! Lots of Fieldfare & Redwing were passing over in large quantities also.
In the trees near the Crown & Anchor pub we located the first of 3 Firecrest seen on the day along with a few Bramblings. Robins & Goldcrest seemed to be everywhere after the long journey they had just made, a possible Eastern race of Lesser Whitethroat, giving very close views was also watched as a Yellow browed Warbler dashed from tree to tree busily feeding. Next stop was the Canal Scrape where a Bobbing Jack Snipe was located as more thrushes passed through, real migration in front of our eyes taking place. Around an hour was spent watching a Firecrest at very close distance, what a lovely bird! A couple of Ring Ouzel then flew past the hide, news of an arrival of some Black Redstart`s meant a trip to Sandy Beaches to see them and 4 were seen, very smart birds. An Olive backed Pipit was being reported again in Easington Village, we went to have a look for it, but it proved very difficult apart from a brief glimpse as it fed in amongst the branches of a tree, they are usually ground feeders? A Common Redstart was also seen there, then it started raining and as it was nearly dark, we decided to end this fantastic rarity and migrant filled day`s birding. I reached home by 8-30pm, thanks to Craig B for driving. What a special day!
