Spurn 15th October 2022

 

Spurn

 15^th October 2022

Shelduck (A Barrett)

Weather:  Sunny spells, windy and mild

Driver: Glenn

Twenty-eight members and friends set off from Stockport on our annual trip to Spurn. Whilst the recent weather patterns had not been favourable or rare birds seen in the preceding week been particularly exciting there was still the usual level of anticipation. After an uneventful journey, only a sighting of Red Kite was of note, we arrived at the first drop off point in Easington village. A portion of the group chose to alight here and take the walk through Easington, down to Sammy’s Point and then on to Kilnsea.

Woodpigeon (J Wharton)

Easington churchyard was quiet, some of the large trees had been cut back in the last year and there was not as much leaf cover as historically. No birds were found. We walked down Humberside Lane, but again, birding was very quiet. Woodpigeons, Collared Dove and a distant Buzzard were recorded. We did find a Great Spotted Woodpecker on a dead tree. Two Goldcrest were watched just prior to Easington Cemetery, which also held no birds.

Wigeon (A Barrett)

Continuing down to Sammy’s Point two Mute Swan were found in one of the ditches and Pied Wagtail in the paddocks. A couple of Goldfinch were flighty and fly over Snipe and Swallow were added to the day’s list. Singles of Pheasant and Yellowhammer were found. As we walked up the bank to overlook the estuary the wind hit us. Strong wind, into our faces, plus looking into the light did not prove conducive to birding the mud flats of the estuary. We could make out huge flocks of Shelduck, with in excess of 500 birds. Mainly on shape and size we identified Dunlin, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Little Egret and Redshank. 

Redshank (J Wharton)

Walking on the coastal path it was easier to identify birds inland, with the light in our favour. A flock of Greylag Geese sat in a field accompanied by a handful of Curlew. A single Black-tailed Godwit was found and we did start to see the odd Redwing amongst the adjacent shrubs. A distant pair of Stonechat was added to the list. A calling Greenshank notified us of its presence and we watched it fly down the estuary. Oystercatchers were also recorded and a couple of people connected with Ringed Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit.

Arriving at Kilnsea there were no birders thrashing the bushes of the Crown and Anchor pub so we moved on to the canal path. Again, the strong wind impacted the birding and no small birds were evident. A few more Redwing were noted on the move. Mallard was added to the day’s list. Wandering up the Spurn Road a flock of Linnet and five Fieldfare were seen by some.

Fieldfare (A Barrett)

A walk up the beach towards Beacon Pools resulted in good views of a male Snow Bunting for many of the group. Tree Sparrow were also seen on North Marsh Road. Sea-watching produced Red-throated Diver, Kittiwake, Gannet and Cormorant. Dave R. connected with an Arctic Skua and some of the group had a flock of a dozen Common Scoter.

At Kilnsea Wetlands, with very low water levels, we added a number of duck species to our list. Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon and Pintail were present, with two sleeping Avocet. A single Dunlin was the only other wader in evidence. The usual gulls were in attendance including a couple of Great Black-backed Gull. In the distance, to the north, we could see large flocks of Pink-footed Geese flying into stubble fields. Smaller birds in the adjacent farmland included Skylark and Dunnock. 

Moorhen (J Wharton)

A Little Owl had been reported at the farm to the south of the wetlands. With a bit of patience most of the group managed to connect with the bird. It kept itself hidden away amongst old farmyard debris but a view of it peeping out from behind some old bricks could be obtained if you were viewing from the right angle.

Other bird species in the Spurn area various members of the group managed to connect with included a Great White Egret, Sparrowhawk, Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Wheatear and Ring Ouzel. Three Twite seen late on by a small group were probably one of the highlights of the day. A Little Grebe in the pool by the coach was the last tick of the day.

Little Owl (A Barrett)

Although a good number of species had been seen, it had been a generally quite Spurn trip with finding birds a challenge. We returned to the coach and commenced the journey back to Stockport. 

Birds seen;

Total Species: 86

Wigeon (A Barrett)