EAST COAST AFTERMATH

The week of 13th – 16th October will probably go down as one of the best arrivals of rare birds on the east coast of Britain in recent modern birding. It seemed that an endless supply of migrants were arriving every day. However for some of us, we had to wait till the weekend and as always, it was basically all over by the time Saturday 18th October arrived. However trying to make the most of a bad job, myself, Glyn and RichardP made our way to Spurn YWT, on the coast of East Yorkshire. It was rather overcast at first with a very warm and strong SW wind. It did brighten up later in the day and was very warm in the autumn sunshine. The warmth brought out a few Migrant Hawkers – it is the middle of October !!

Best birds during the day were a single Yellow-browed Warbler and a smart Great Grey Shrike. Plenty of Goldcrest about, they seemed to be in every bush. Several Chiffchaff, small numbers of Stonechat, a single Redstart at Sammy’s Point and three Swallow at Kilnsea. Plenty of Brent Geese activity and large numbers of common waders out on the humber estuary. Hard work slogging around all the lanes and roads for little reward. Nevertheless, the Great Grey Shrike was a year tick, so year list moves on to 228.

 

Goods numbers of Brent Geese were flying between the fields and the estuary at Sammy’s Point- Tony Davison©

A large flock of Brent Geese create fantastic shapes and silhouettes – Tony Davison©

Part of a large flock of Brent Geese heading out to the estuary – Tony Davison©

Goldcrest were everywhere. Incredible little migrants – Tony Davison©

Jenny Wren – This little fella was following around a small party of Goldcrest – Tony Davison©

A rather late female/1st winter Common Redstart at Sammy’s Point – Tony Davison©

A fine little flock of Jacob’s Sheep at Kilnsea – what a stunning ram – Tony Davison©