East Coast trip November 7th

Seven members met up at a windy Filey for the November trip which turned out more to be about quality rather than quantity, certainly in the afternoon. We checked the bay and the rougher sea to the north as well as looking over the Brigg with highlights being Guillemot, Gannet, Red-throated Diver and Purple Sandpiper. Filey beach briefly held Sanderling and a single Knot but these were soon disturbed by dog walkers. One of us picked out a Mediterranean Gull with the Black-headed Gulls to the north of the Brigg. There were several Meadow Pipits on the tops and glimpses of Rock Pipit lower down the cliffs.

The most unexpected birds were three Swallows flying rapidly along the North Cliff when we turned to try our luck at Rocket Pole Field and the Top Fields. Then, after a brief visit to Church Ravine which was fairly quiet, we decided to give in to the urge to twitch the Flamborough rarities at South Landing. Soon after arriving, a Woodcock flew through the wood. The Red-flanked Bluetail was showy at times and all of us eventually got decent and multiple views. The Taiga Flycatcher was more difficult though most of us saw it in the end. There were a couple of Common Scoter females on the sea before the light went.