Common Rosefinch

I had another trip to Spurn this morning full of expectation of some more good birds. it didn't quite live up to what I was hoping for but I managed to see a few common migrants such as whinchat, redstart, pied flycatcher, white throat and willow warbler.
There was a smattering of other decent birds about including a sparrowhawk, water rail, little egret and a couple of greenshank.
I was pleased to catch up with one of the common rosefinches that have been present for a few days.
I have posted one shot and 2 crops of the same image. I was quite happy with the mornings work but this was somewhat overshadowed with the news of yet another east yorkshire mega in the form of a brown flycatcher at Buckton.
One day I might manage to catch up with one.

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.