Spurn Week 18

Because I left for Christmas on the 22^nd this is going to be a very short post! Despite spending a bit of time out in the field, I failed to see a great deal, no real highlights at all.

However, on the night of the 20^th I went wader ringing for the first time. I had a great time, with a reasonable catch of birds of a few different species; Redshank, Dunlin, Knot and Oystercatcher. It’s exciting getting to handle a range of different birds and the experience as a whole was new for me. Hopefully it won’t be long before we are able to do it again.

We tried again for the Tawny Owl resident in Kew. We saw it a couple of times but once again it failed to go into the net. 

Species List:

Spurn Bird Observatory: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Goldeneye, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Coot, Little Egret, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Gannet, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Turnstone, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Snipe, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, 

Spurn Week 17

Not a great deal happened during the week. Most of my time was spent in Kew doing work, whilst keeping an eye the nets. The number of birds caught was fairly minimal, a few Chaffinch and a Bullfinch being the highlights. A few thrushes coming in off the sea was nice, and there did seem to be a general increase in birds in the area, but we failed to catch any of them

-Brent Goose

The only other birds were on Kilnsea Wetlands, where the two Scaup were still in place along with a very dapper drake Pintail. A fairly slow week on the whole, but given the time of year its hardly a surprise.

Species List:

Spurn Bird Observatory: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Moorhen, Coot, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Turnstone, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, , House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting,

Spurn Week 16

On the 7^th December the Yellowlegs departed, on the day that I decided to have another look at it. Still, my checking of the areas numerous wetlands did provide me with a number of goodies; a tame female Snow Bunting was nice, as were the two Scaup still in residence on Kilnsea Wetlands. Just the sheer number of wildfowl was also nice, including well over 100 Brent Geese. A Jack Snipe was also a bonus.

-Snow Bunting

On the 8^th I headed down for a weekend away in London with Dan. Whilst the birding down there was obviously limited we did have a good time in the parks. Hand feeding the Squirrels, Robins and Parakeets were great fun. We also recorded the ringed Black-headed Gulls and Coots, as well as any other ringed species we saw. The beauty of the parks is being able to get so close to many species, things like Grey Herons which are often wary were nearly feeding from our hands.

-Grey Squirrel

-Ring-necked Parakeet

I did not get back until late on the 11^th and the 12^th was mainly spent sorting out all the bits and pieces I had missed whilst I was away.

Species List:

Spurn Bird Observatory: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pintail, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Coot, Little Egret, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Gannet, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Turnstone, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Snipe, Jack Snipe, , Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, , House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting, Snow Bunting,

London: Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Ring-necked Parakeet, Robin, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, 

Spurn Week 15

December is here. And whilst most birders brace themselves for the weariness of winter birding, at Spurn its seems things are only just kicking off. As it was on the first of December that Spurn finally got its new bird for 2017 when Jonnie found a LESSER YELLOWLEGS on the puddle in Northfield, the field two across from Churchfield. I was busy with the nets when the news was announced so was not able to stop and look at the bird for long, but in the afternoon once Paul and I had finished running our errands I went back for another look and was treated to some excellent views by this very smart bird. A very graceful bird; much more delicate than a redshank with spangled plumage like a wood sandpiper. An excellent way to kick off December!

-Lesser Yellowlegs

The 29^th was also an excellent day, but not on the bird front. Spurn awoke to a blanket of snow, the first time I have ever seen it at Spurn. It continued to snow throughout the day, but it was clear that it was not going to last, and by the following morning the vast majority had melted, with the remainder being little more than slush. Still, it was beautiful whilst it lasted, and it caused chaos among the local birds. I was not able to open the nets as a result of everything being so wet but I laid out a spiral trap as I had most mornings in an attempt to catch moorhen. It had an excellent day, catching three Pheasants (Including two at once), a Greenfinch, a Blue Tit and finally the Moorhen, although the bastard slipped out of the trap before I could catch it fully.

-A Snowy Obs

The weekend was taken up by a work party to repair the Churchfield paths. I was responsible for breaking up the large concrete slabs we had been left. It was a thankless job, but we had a few bits and pieces to entertain us whilst we worked, including a Woodcock and a few Snipe, as well as small flocks of Siskin overhead. On the Sunday we caught half the flock in the Heligoland trap, quite by chance, so got to ring 10 Siskin.

-Weekend Work Party

In addition to all that has been going on over the week we have had the nets open most days. A Bullfinch was nice, as was a Blackcap. A German ringed Blackbird was the first of the species that we have controlled this autumn and about time too. We also tried wader ringing, and although we did not catch anything, we did see the Scaup pair that have set up on Kilnsea Wetlands, along with hosts of Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin, as well as the odd Black-tailed Godwit mixed in for good measure. 

-Sunset over the Humber

Species List:

Spurn: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Scaup, Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Snipe, Woodcock, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, 

Spurn Week 14

This was a very busy week mainly spent trying to catch up on typing up logs. Not the most inspiring job the observatory has to offer but just as important as many others. It does allow me the opportunity to get the nets open though, something to prevent the mind from turning to mush from excessive typing. Without doubt the highlight from the handful of birds that we caught was two more Water Rails, bringing my autumn total for the species up to a very healthy four. Water Rails have an E overlap ringing, which is more tricky to fit, so every time it presents a challenge.

-Water Rail

Since most of my time was spent either typing at Kew or checking the nets in Churchfield I did not really see a great deal. The Kew Tawny Owl was still present on and off during the week. Woodcocks were also seen occasionally, as were Snipe. All in all a fairly steady week, as is expected at this time of year, but still with a few goodies on offer.

Species List:

Spurn: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Water Rail, Moorhen, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Snipe, Woodcock, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Tawny Owl, Ring-necked Parakeet, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, 

Spurn Week 13

Sadly it took until the Thursday before I was able to get out and actually do anything again. Ringing was seriously slow now, and most of my time was spent doing typing in Kew. That said, we still caught a few Blackbirds and a Fieldfare was a nice treat. The Tawny Owl graced the trees at the back of Kew throughout the week, every day becoming more obvious as the number of leaves on the trees drop off.

-Fieldfare

Monday was a day that promised very little. I was heading off with Paul to Patrington to do some jobs, but when Paul came along to pick me up he announced that we had a little detour to Hull to pick up a bird. The bird in question was a European Storm Petrel, only the second one I have ever seen. It stayed with us all afternoon before I ringed it in the evening and released it after dark. The bird was very healthy, and flew off strongly out to sea. Hopefully we will see it again sometime in the near future.

-European Storm Petrel

Tuesday was another day of very little event. But we caught another Water Rail, the second of the autumn, and this time I was able to complete the ring myself. A pretty satisfying experience to say the least. 

Species List:

Spurn: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Pheasant, Little Grebe, European Storm Petrel, Cormorant, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Common Snipe, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Tawny Owl, Ring-necked Parakeet, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, 

Spurn Week 12

Wednesday the 8^th was an exceptional day for the time of year. My morning started when Paul tapped on the window of the cabin with a full grown Barn Owl in his hands. It had obviously been roosting in the mouth of the Heligoland trap and had been pushed through when Paul had walked through in the morning. It was extremely docile in the hand, a real pleasure to ring. Beyond unexpected was a Bluethroat that was trapped and ringed at the Warren. I had the privilege of going down to ring the bird. I was surprised by the amount of blue the bird actually showed on its breast, a superbly beautiful bird. The morning continued to give when Jonnie picked a Firecrest out of the Heligoland trap, the only one to be ringed at Spurn this autumn. What a day.

-Barn Owl

-Bluethroat

-Firecrest

The 9^th was also an excellent day. After a steady morning ringing I decided to head up to Beacon Ponds to put some seed down in the hopes of pinning down the large Snow Bunting flock that had been present in the area. I walked down the beach so far as Beacon Ponds and was unable to locate the flock. I was just about to turn around and head back when I spotted movement on the beach in front of me. I raised my bins and was shocked to see a Shore Lark looking back at me. A closer inspection revealed that there were in fact three of them foraging among the rocks. After setting some seed down for them, I headed back and found the Snow Bunting flock right at the top where I had set off from. I put down my remaining seed and left.

-Shore Lark

-Snow Bunting

I had hoped that my seed would entice the birds down and that we would be able to trap and ring both species. As it happened though, fate was not on my side. I was struck down with a severe case of man flu, and the rest of the week was spent in bed with the exception of work and going out to ring a Woodcock. By the time I had recovered the birds had all left.

Species List:

Spurn Bird Obs: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Water Rail, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Snipe, Jack Snipe, Woodcock, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Greenshank. Common Redshank, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Feral Pigeon, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Shore Lark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Robin, Bluethroat, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Snow Bunting, Red Admiral, Comma, 

Spurn Week 11

Another, although much smaller than the previous, thrush fall during the week was very welcome. This time though there were a lot more Blackbirds, with large numbers of birds coming through Churchfield, in addition to the Redwings which still numbered over 3000. In the end we ringed over 100 Blackbirds in a single day, plus I got to ring my first ever Fieldfare, followed quickly by the second. This is hardly a surprise given that there were 1000 in the area. A Ring Ouzel was also a nice surprise, a stunning male.

Blackbirds and Starlings were seen coming in off throughout the week, and as a result Starling numbers built up to over 10000 birds and the roost movements were extremely impressive. A small flock of Whooper Swans flew over the Churchfield whilst we were ringing, and occasional flocks of Pink-footed Geese could be seen going south.

-Ring Ouzel 

-Fieldfare

Species List:

Spurn Bird Obs: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Water Rail, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Greenshank. Common Redshank, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Feral Pigeon, Short-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Blackbird, Ring Ouzel, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Snow Bunting, Red Admiral, Comma, 

Spurn Week 10

Wednesday 25^th October - Tuesday 31^st October 

This week continued much as the previous had finished, with most of my time spent in Churchfield ringing Blackbirds, other Thrushes and Tree Sparrows. However, at the weekend a few more visiting ringers arrived leaving myself and Paul with nowhere to ring. As a result we spent a bit more time targeting specific birds. A Black Redstart that we spring trapped behind the Riverside was pretty cool, but the Water Rail we baited up and trapped along the canal was without doubt the highlight, without doubt the best bird I’ve rung so far.  A nice adult Siskin was also welcome.

-Black Redstart

-Water Rail

Most of the rest of my time was spent doing work either for the Obs or for the Crown, now that I have started to work there. As a result I did miss the best seabird day of the autumn but it can’t be helped. 

Species List:

Spurn Bird Obs: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Common Buzzard, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Greenshank. Common Redshank, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Feral Pigeon, Short-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Whinchat, Stonechat, Robin, Black Redstart, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Linnet, Twite, Reed Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting, Migrant Hawker, Common Darter, Red Admiral, 

Spurn Week 9

Wednesday 18^th - Tuesday 24^th October   

As has increasingly become the came as the autumn has progressed, my time is now nearly all spent in Churchfield ringing. Over the last week I was able to ring an awesome selection of birds including Brambling, Bullfinch, Twite and my first Yellow-browed Warbler. The bulk of the ringing totals were made up of thrushes, particularly Redwing and Blackbird

To keep my bank balance ticking over I started doing some work for Ian Smith in the village, helping him build a deer fence for a new area of land. Whilst this meant most of my afternoons over this week were spent working not birding, we did have a Great White Egret fly right over us, which was something of a bonus.

The 19^th of October was an exceptional day that is definitely worth mentioning. Despite the wind remaining a light westerly, there was a massive arrival of Redwing, over 12000 in the area as a whole. We continued ringing in Churchfield, and even though we only managed to catch 86 we could see thousands flying overhead or moving through the hedges. There was also a four figure count of Blackbirds, 1342, and then 213 Fieldfare. There’s nothing more exciting than when a large fall occurs, it really was an amazing day!

-Brambling

-Redwing

-Yellow-browed Warbler

-Twite

-Siskin

Species List:

Spurn Bird Obs: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Common Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Greenshank. Common Redshank, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Feral Pigeon, Short-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Whinchat, Stonechat, Robin, Black Redstart, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Linnet, Twite, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting, Migrant Hawker, Common Darter, Red Admiral, 

Spurn Week 8

Wednesday 11^th - Tuesday 17^th October

Due to the fact that I have now become rather busy at Spurn, with ringing, birding, working for the Obs and now working for the crown as well I have had no time to keep writing a short daily update, so have opted for a weekly update of all the goings on at Spurn. With me spending most of time in Churchfield ringing I was not seeing a great deal. The Arctic Warbler, the long-staying bird which had set up around the crown car park and Kilnsea churchyard, made a couple of appearances in Churchfield, showing well in the tops of the tall elders. We also saw the Tawny Owl at roost a couple times, although views were usually poor, looking up at the bird through thick vegetation.

In terms of ringing, there was not a great deal different, mainly Redpolls and Blackbirds. I did get to do my first Sparrowhawk though, which was obviously a bit of a different experience to the Thrushes and Finches I had been used to.

Outside of Churchfield I did not get up to much. I went with Sarah down to Middle Camp to try and catch Rock Pipits and Wheatears but sadly we failed on all accounts. A few Pink-footed Geese were still moving, but not in huge numbers, and Yellow-browed Warblers could be encountered on any walk away from Churchfield.

From Friday until the Tuesday I spent some time away from Spurn, making a long weekend visit to South Wales. Although not really a birding trip, we still managed a few bits and pieces. A Spotted Redshank and Little Stint were nice at Newport Wetlands. Bizarrely, having just left Spurn, probably the most twitched Mega of the autumn happened to turn up in Gwent, a Common Rock Thrush. We dipped on the first attempt, although a healthy number of Wheatears made some compensation, but on the second attempt the bird showed extremely well. People had been leaving mealworms out for the bird, and it had clearly gotten used to people being there so was largely fearless. It was awesome to see it scurrying across the quarry faces, looking right at home.

-Rock Thrush

Species List:

Spurn Bird Obs: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pintail, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Common Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Greenshank. Common Redshank, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Gull, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Feral Pigeon, Short-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Whinchat, Stonechat, Robin, Redstart, Black Redstart, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Reed Bunting, Migrant Hawker, Common Darter, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, 

Spurn Week 7

Wednesday 04^th October

Despite strong westerly winds, today was a rather enjoyable day birding. This was mainly due to an unexpected arrival of Goldcrests. Although only 450 went down in the log, in excess of 1000 was probably nearer the mark. It is nothing like what a real Goldcrest fall could be like but it was still nice to see. In the afternoon I even got a Spurn tick when the local Tawny Owl was finally found at day roost in the trees in Kew. By no means were they the greatest views I’m ever going to get of this species but it was still nice to see.

Thursday 05^th October

After a week away from it, it was nice to get back to my ringing training today. We caught a few birds, mainly Redpolls and Goldcrests. The steady trickle of birds was more suited to my level and it was useful for me. After lunch Paul and I headed up to the Gas Terminal to try and catch a control Black Redstart that had been lingering on the rocks there. Sadly it evaded capture despite our best efforts. The Wheatears present up there also frustratingly evaded capture, meaning we left with nothing for our efforts.

In the evening it seemed that the birding for the day had been wrapped up when a radio message came through that there was a Slavonian Grebe on Beacon Ponds. Slavonian Grebe was a Spurn tick so I was pretty chuffed when I got there to see the bird still present, despite the distance and fading light.

-Slavonian Grebe

Friday 06^th October

Today I had the huge pleasure of entertaining Geoff Gamble, one of our Beeeater volunteers from the summer and one of the nicest men I have ever met. I took him and his neighbour around the triangle and then up to the Kilnsea Wetlands and Beacon Ponds. We got to see a few nice bits and pieces, capped off with the Slavonian Grebe.

In the evening I set off round the triangle for a walk to Canal Scrape to see if there were any Jack Snipes on there. There were not, but two lingering coots were something of an unexpected surprise. It wasn’t the biggest surprise of the evening, as a Nightjar was found on Beacon Lane. It took a while to relocate after the initial sighting, and even then I only saw it a couple of times in flight. Still it’s a Spurn tick, and one that I have really been looking forward to. A pretty unexpected end to the day.

Saturday 07^th October

After a late night in the crown I was a little sluggish getting up for ringing. Once up though we had a good time catching Lesser Redpolls. We also had a couple of Goldcrest and a single Garden Warbler to add to the mix. Once ringing had dried up I struggled to find any birds, so spent the remainder of the day typing up log sheets and watching Lord of the Rings. A very good day in my opinion.

Sunday 08^th October

As it turns out, my birding for the morning was dictated to me as I was enlisted to lead a guided walk on behalf of the observatory. I decided to lead my small group of 7 participants around the wetlands, Holderness Field and then round the triangle. As it happened, the first major thrush arrival of the autumn occurred on the same day, despite the continued westerly winds. Still not huge numbers, but a good few Redwings and Blackbirds provided a nice backdrop to my walk. Bramblings, Little Stints and Yellow-browed Warblers were also nice, as was refinding the Slavonian Grebe on Kilnsea Wetlands and a very late Avocet on Beacon Ponds. A Caspian Gull flew past us just as the walk started a first year bird that had been tracked up the Humber from the Warren. A small flock of Crossbills flew north over us, and a group of Seven Whoopers flew the other way. My route took longer than anticipated and just before we started round the triangle we heard that an Arctic Warbler had been seen in Churchfield. As a result we headed over that way. Although we didn’t see the warbler we did get to see some Brambling and Redwing in the hand, which was more than enough.

As it happens, a little later the Arctic Warbler made its way to the end of the Heligoland trap and was caught. It was ringed and shown to a crowd of around 100 people, not ideal but decent for the obs. Once I had wrapped up the walk and had lunch I headed out on my own steam but by this point the birds seemed to have dried up, although I did kick three Jack Snipe of Clubleys, which was the standout moment. I spent the evening watching the England game, so did not bother with the OBP which was found at the bottom of Beacon Lane in fading light.

-Caspian Gull

-Brambling

-Arctic Warbler

Monday 09^th October

The relics of yesterday’s birds remained all around. The morning plan was to help Sarah try and catch some of the bearded tits that had been present in the canal for a few days. Despite the set up looking a little bleak we were able to catch two birds, a male and a female. I ringed the female, whilst Sarah ringed the smashing looking male. Really, what a bird! By the time that we had done everything there it was midday.

After lunch I headed round the triangle, but again with little to show for it. A showy Lapland Bunting on the deck was the best of it, but unfortunately it had to be shared with a crowd of around 30 other birders, so I soon moved off. In the afternoon I headed to Churchfield to ring with Paul. We caught a few Redwings, a couple of Brambling and a few Tree Sparrows, all of which were great fun. Then Adam caught the Cettis Warbler that had been found along the canal in the morning, but which had eluded my attempts to connect with. The bird was brought back to Churchfield, and I was given the privilege of processing and ringing it. This is only the second to be rung at Spurn, and was a Spurn tick for me.

-Bearded Tit

-Cettis Warbler

Tuesday 10^th October

My morning was spent ringing, as per usual, with the afternoon then spent typing up logs, also as is usual. We caught a handful of thrushes in the morning, as well as quite a few Lesser Redpolls, which seem to be one of the few species having a good autumn in terms of numbers. 

Species List:

Spurn Bird Obs: Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pintail, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Red-throated Diver, Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Merlin, Common Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Greenshank. Common Redshank, Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Caspian Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Gull, Woodpigeon, Collard Dove, Feral Pigeon, Short-eared Owl, Ring-necked Parakeet, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Whinchat, Stonechat, Robin, Redstart, Black Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Wren, Dunnock, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Cettis Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Chiffchaff, Yellow-browed Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Bearded Tit, Starling, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Reed Bunting, Migrant Hawker, Common Darter, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral,