All gone quiet

The rarities have certainly dispersed just lately and combined with early morning fog, my plans were scuppered last weekend.

I went up to the wolds for a change in the hope of turtle dove and little owl.

One out of 2 isn't bad, there was a few other birds of interest including a tawny owl,family of mistle thrushes and plenty of willow warblers.

Ortolan Bunting

Had another trip out this morning, this time for the ortolan bunting at sammy's Point.

It showed almost straight away although it was flighty at first.Posed nicely for about 5 minutes for these shots.Another good day in the Spurn area, I saw the wood warblers in the Crown car park plus a female red backed shrike in the canal zone.

Plenty of other bits and pieces about to keep the masses of birdwatchers happy.

Red Backed Shrike

Had a quick trip to Spurn tonight after reports of a considerable fall of late migrants, from yesterday and today.The most productive area had been around post 62 so I headed there first.

Almost immediately I saw a flight view of a golden oriole, then almost straight after that I saw this magnificent red-backed shrike.

It was flitting about from post to branch and I managed to get within 20m for some nice views.

near the warren I got within 5m of a singing marsh warbler but it stayed well down in the undergrowth.

Not a bad couple of hours at all.