Last Sunday I was getting quite excited, there were good birds at Spurn, and the weather forecast was looking good for a fall of birds sometime around Tuesday or Wednesday. By Tuesday evening the picture had changed and although the weather forecast was for a pleasant few days, it didn't look great for birds.
When we arrived at around 08.30 the area was covered in a thick fog and visibility was down to a few hundred metres. Thankfully it soon lifted and the day turned out to be pleasant both weather and bird wise. A walk around the triangle produced a few Ring Ouzels and my first Fieldfares of the year. There were plenty Goldcrests and a few Chiffchaffs and Yellow-browed Warblers, although we didn't catch up with any of the latter. After lunch we headed out to the riding school to try to see the Red-backed Shrike that had been reported. Thankfully we were successful and managed to see this bird less than 200m or so from where I saw my first ever adult male Red-backed Shrike in the UK about 15 years ago. Later that evening after we had basically put our feet up for the day, a call came out on the radio that there was a Red-footed Falcon over Clubleys field at the back of the Warren Cottage. It took me about 40 seconds to grab my bins and slip my boots on and get outside, but it wasn't quick enough. Thankfully a minute later it was reported again just up the road in Church field, perched on wires. We jumped into the car and shot off up the road, along with other birders staying at the Obs. Just as we got to where the bird had been seen, news came out that it had moved on again. I decided to turn us back round and head back towards the Warren as most things at Spurn are moving South. Just past Southfield Farm we saw a regular Spurn Birder pulled over near 'Walker Butts' so stopped to see if he had seen anything. Sadly he hadn't but we stood chatting for a few minutes discussing likely options. A second Spurn regular was sat in his van just behind us. The first birder decided to call time and move on to look elsewhere, but we resolved to give it a bit longer. I was glad we did. Literally two minutes later, I turned around to see the Red-footed Falcon sweep over the other birders van, across the road and out over Walker Butts. I quickly put it out onto the radio which resulted in a scramble of birders back to where we were stood. It was reported again moments later quite a way north, but moving back south, but it then disappeared. Sadly, despite several sightings of 'small' falcons' there was no further confirmed sighting that day. However for me and my mate it was a great end to the day.
Day two started bright and chilly, and we decided to start with some 'vis - migging' at 'Numpties'. If you don't know what 'vis-migging' is, it is basically short for visible migration watching, where you stand and count the migrating birds passing over a particular point.
There were good numbers of common birds moving, and we also had Lapland Bunting and Richard's Pipit. The best bit though was when the Observatory Warden shouted that he had caught a Firecrest and would be releasing it after ringing it. These birds are stunning little creatures as you can see below.
Firecrest
The day did become somewhat less productive though, and we ended up spending about two hours in the afternoon looking for a Barred Warbler with 15 - 20 other birders. I saw its bill!
We started our final day by 'vis-migging' again at Numpties. We were out at first light and witnessed a beautiful sunrise.
Sunrise at Numpties
Despite unsuccesfully chasing a Little Bunting the site was quiet for birds, but crawling with people, so we decided to call it a day and head home. A few of the regulars were kind enough to point out that the weather looked excellent for weekend and into next week. I thanked them for their information!!!! Spurn is a wonderful site, and the work that the Observatory do is brilliant. At the moment they are trying to secure funding to help them with the purchase of a new Observatory building, as the current one is at risk of disappearing into the sea, and is also a touch too small. Please visit the Spurn Bird Observatory Website to see how you can help them achieve this if you feel able and inclined.
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