Spurn / Kilnsea 9th October

Twenty-one people met at Kilnsea Wetland yesterday for the YOC Autumn Spurn trip. We first visited the wetland, where many waders and ducks were present, including Little Stint, Avocet, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dunlin, Lapwing, Shoveler and Pintail. We then headed to Beacon Ponds. The hedgerows there were teeming with birds, including a Barred Warbler, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, Linnet, a few Stonechat in the grass, and several birds flying over heading south including several Swallow, House Martin, Skylark and Meadow Pipit. We then walked the triangle in the strong wind. With the tide out, the Humber mudflats were full of (distant) birds, including big flocks of Knot and Golden Plover and several Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Shelduck. Less movement in the shrubs and fields, with only a group of Goldcrest up in tall trees giving us a stiff neck as we attempted (and failed!) to spot a Firecrest. Along the coast, we spent some time sea-watching, with Paul identifying for us Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua. There was a good movement of birds, including Gannet, Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot. With the tide coming in, we went to the Warren where we enjoyed that wonderful spectacle of waders moving around in coordinated flocks, with thousands of Knots taking centre stage. With the birds closer to the shore, we added Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Sanderling and Brent Goose, and we admired a couple of Golden and Grey Plover in stunning Summer plumage. In the shrubs at the Warren a Spotted Flycatcher gave good views. Not wanting to go home too early, we went back to Kilnsea Wetland where we added Spotted Redshank and Greenshank to the list and we watched several skeins of Pink-footed Goose arriving while the moon was rising. In total we had 82 species and a very pleasant day.

Best wishes,

Emanuela