Here we go again.....

I have bee quite busy just lately (most of my spare time has been taken up by getting used to some new gear) but I have still managed to see some decent birds just lately.
There has been a good run of scarce and rare birds on the east coast in the last week or so and at the time of going to press they keep coming (great snipe Spurn).
I managed to connect with the eastern Olivaceous warbler at Flamborough but alas no pictures.
I was at Spurn early today and it was dead still no wind whatsoever and this lack of movement seemed to reflect the mood of the birds there were a few kicking about but it seemed hard work.
First bird was a wheatear at the point followed by a fleeting view of a barred warbler. Then some decent but distant view of a couple of common rosefinches around the heligoland trap.
then back up to the crown for some close views of a wood warbler (released after being ringed) and a pied flycatcher in the church yard. I had a look for a reported lapland bunting to no avail then a report of a barred warbler in the canal zone had me heading there. I saw a rather drab redstart on the way and then the wait for the barred warbler. This is a bird that I have only had flleting views of in the past and I didnt hold out much hope after it didn't show afret 20 minutes of waiting, then it started to appear and became quite bold. It moved around quite a bit and eventually gave stunning close views.
Not long after it typically disappeared so it was time to head for home, was tempted by the booted warbler at Grimston but thankfully I didnt bother.
expectations are running high for the next week... watch this space.

White Winged Black Tern

I went for another look at the white winged black tern at Hornsea Mere tonight. It was a better night than last night, the wind wasn't so strong and the evening sunshine gave perfect light.
The tern was up close as soon as I arrived and kept feeding close for about half an hour before making its way to the other side of the mere where it alighted briefly.It then made its way back and put on another display before returning to the north side.As far as value for money goes this bird has to be to value, close views quite stunning to look at and a varied display of hunting techniques make this one of the birds of the year for me so far.
I will be back again if it sticks.

Autumn Comes Early

Some favourable winds on the East Coast produced some pretty decent birds over the weekend. Fairly steady reports of scarce migrants on Saturday promised a good day on Sunday.
I popped down to Patrington haven for an hor on Saturday night it was fairly quiet but 7 ruff and a group of roosting little egrets made things interesting.
On Sunday I set off for Spurn with the intention of starting at the point and working my way back up.
This plan was scuppered when news of a citrine wagtail had me shooting back up to the warren.
Initially giving brief views on the spartina off the warren it soon headed towards canal scrape. I got into the hide in time for some decent views but then it got spooked and disappeared north.There were also 5 little egrets, 3 green sandpipers and a wood sandpiper on canal scrape.
From here I went to see a red backed shrike, this was again distant but showing well.
A report of an ictrine warbler at the point had me heading back south but a quick scan around didn't promise much.
Another icterine warbler was reported at cliff farm so being nearly time to go I thought I would call in. No sign at first but an appearance by a pied flycatcher was quickly followed up by an appearance from the Icky.2 lifers in the day!
I saw a report of a white winged black tern at Hornsea so had a ride out after tea with my daughter. Initially there was no sign but after about 20 minutesthe tern showed vey well down to about 30m.Finished up with 3 lifers.
I've had worse days;)