Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Friday, 22 October 2021

Spectacular Spurn - 21st October 2021

Pink Footed Geese leaving Kilnsea Wetland

 Spurn is a wonderful place! A last minute opportunity arose to join Mark Pearson on a Yorkshire Coast Nature walk around Kilnsea, an area that I do not often get to. I have to say that the day was excellent! Birding in a way that I have not engaged in for many years. Mark is an excellent guide and educator and showed the best birding spots in the area. The day was bitterly cold but dry and sunny and although no "mega" birds were found, I ticked off sixty five species in the eight hours.

Before any birding started, the Moon begged to be photographed

The following images, taken near the Blue Bell car park, do not do justice to the power of the North Sea and the vulnerability of the Spurn peninsula


Our birding started at the fantastic Kilnsea Wetland and Beacon Ponds. The tide had reached its peak and was slowly receding enabling the birds on the wetlands access back to the Humber. Wildfowl included Mute and Whooper Swans, Pink Footed Geese, Pintail, Shoveler, Wigeon, (Chiloe Wigeon), Teal, Dabchick et al. Waders included Grey Plover, Golden Plover nearby, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Black Tailed Godwit, Curlew et al. Bar Tailed Godwits were seen later on the Humber mud. Gulls included Black Headed; Common, Mediterranean, Herring, Lesser Black Backed and Greater Black Backed. My only year tick was Twite at Beacon Pond.

Pintail


Whooper Swans


Redshanks


Black Tailed Godwit


Shoveler



Grey Lag Geese


Shelduck


Mute Swans


Wigeon



General



Presumed Escaped Chiloe Wigeon


Goldfinches


Grey Plover (on Humber mud)



Male Common Darter (Near Sykes Field)



Female Common Darter (Near Sykes Field)



Some of the domestics




Roe Deer


What a fantastic day! I can thoroughly recommend Yorkshire Coast Nature www.yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk friendly, professional and deliver the goods!

All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.




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