A Day at the Brigg

Saturday 23rd January and the usual crew decided to head off to Flamborough Head, on the Yorkshire coast, first of all, to hopefully see three, yes three wintering Richard’s Pipit. It is a rare event to have multiple numbers of this species overwintering at one site, even in autumn it would be unusual, so these birds were well the trip. After an hours searching of the area, we eventually found the Richard’s Pipits in another field, much to the delight of a few other birders on site. The birds eventually disappeared in long grass at some distance and then after half an hour or so, we re-located them again, this time in their favoured field, opposite the North Landing car park and cafe area. Once in this field they put on a good show. Really superb birds. In the general area we discovered a Barn Owl, several Rock Pipit, including one that was associating with the Richard’s Pipits. At sea a few Gannet, Fulmar, Shag and Guillemot.

Off then to another favoured site, Filey Brigg. Our arrival was timed just right, as the tide was well out and we could make the long walk out to the Brigg. A risky move as the walk is very tricky. After a steep descent, then across slippery stones and rocks. Yorkshire’s answer to Barnegat Jetty in the states!  Any way worth the hassle. We had good views of an immature drake Surf Scoter, alas to far out for my camera. However there were small numbers of Purple Sandpiper, a few Dunlin and a single Great Northern Diver off the Brigg. Not many photos taken today, but Filey Brigg was the place for me and I managed a few shots of Cormorant and Purple Sandpiper. We finished off the day at Hornsea Mere with just a drake Red-crested Pochard. So, the year list has moved on to 107.

Cormorant – Battling out the waves at Filey Brigg, East Yorkshire – Tony Davison©

Cormorant – Filey Brigg, East Yorkshire – Tony Davison©

Purple Sandpiper – Above four images – Filey Brigg, East Yorkshire – Tony Davison©

Gone Fishing – Filey Brigg, East Yorkshire – Tony Davison©