A two day trip to the
fantastic coastal spot that is Spurn this weekend resulted in the expected
scattering of east coast migrants as well as a lifer in the form of a Richard’s
Pipit in one of the fields opposite West Mere Farm at Kilnsea.
Having not been seen for a
good hour when I got to the field in question and with only 2 other birders
staking out the grass where it was last spotted, it soon turned in to a waiting
game and a test of perseverance. With Alex checking the nearby hedgerows for
migrants, I stuck it out in the hope of connecting, and sure enough, after ten
minutes or so, the only other remaining birder had it in his scope, the pipit
giving good views as it hopped out in to the open in front of the water trough.
Much larger than a Meadow
Pipit, with extremely long legs and an almost thrush like facial profile due to
the head shape and bill, this distinctive pipit was a much awaited lifer for me
after not counting a bird seen very briefly on the Great Orme 3 years ago
having just got a fleeting glimpse of the top of a bird’s head!
After calling Alex back, we
both got nice scope views as the pipit moved through the long grass, only becoming
visible when it popped its head up to stop and scan around, standing upright
with its neck outstretched. Despite moving quite a way across the field, we
still managed to track the bird through the grass, occasionally coming right
out in to the open so we could really admire the bird in full. At one point, it
even flew up and came closer, giving a first-hand opportunity to hear that
characteristic flight call – quite similar to that of a sparrow.
Satisfied with our views of
the Richard’s Pipit, we stopped by to admire the cracking male Black Redstart
that had been frequenting the garden of the house opposite, before heading to
Kilnsea Wetlands where an American Golden Plover had just been found. Despite
having already seen one in Cornwall at extremely close quarters last year, it
was still nice to catch up with another bird, and we were all incredibly
surprised when a second individual dropped by to join it! Despite the plumage
differences between the two (with both birds seeming to be at opposite ends of the
scale in terms of variation) when the birds stood next to each other it was
clear they were both exactly the same size, and not an AGP and a Grey Plover
like some had suggested.
When both birds eventually flapped their wings to
reveal dusky tones and no hint of any solid black armpit patches, the ID was
settled beyond doubt. Around 20 Brent Geese, a whole field of Hares and two
fantastic hunting Barn Owls in the fading light were a great end to the day.
Having stayed overnight in
Hull, we returned early the next morning to see what migrants may have been
brought in on the easterly winds during the night. Despite every single bush
positively heaving with Goldcrests everywhere you looked (thousands must have
been present at Spurn and Kilnsea alone) other migrants were seemingly thin on
the ground, and it was hard work to produce anything of note.
Two Bramblings in the Crown
and Anchor car park were a nice find, while a 1w/female type Redstart caused
some debate as to whether it was of the eastern form samamisicus, or Ehrenberg’s
Redstart as it is known, with some white on the wing panel hinting to this
eastern form. Despite the relatively distant views as it worked a hedge at the
far end of a field, some photos were obtained, although personally I’m
struggling to assign it to anything other than a normal Common Redstart.
A cracking Yellow-browed
Warbler in the third paddock at Sammy’s Point rounded off our second day
nicely, giving brief but great views and calling loudly as it hopped from bush
to bush – a true sound of Autumn and one I’ll never tire of hearing.
Sadly, the Pallas’s Warbler on
Humber Side Lane in Easington didn’t play ball to the amassed crowd, and two
visits failed to pay off, as the bird remained highly elusive as it presumably
undertook a circuit around the cottages and fields, only being seen twice that
afternoon.
With a Red-flanked Bluetail
and a Dusky Warbler both being found at Spurn this morning, things are clearly
on the move, and what has so far been a quiet Autumn looks to finally be
getting some life injected in to it. With several weeks of October and the
beginning of November left to produce the goods, there is still time yet for
that much sought after Siberian beauty to materialise – a Rubythroat would look
especially welcome perched nicely on the Cliff Farm entrance stone or hopping
though Church Field!
