The flycatcher below was subsequently re-identified by DNA as a Pied Flycatcher. A steady Easterly airflow in mid-August can bring in the first migrants, to the East coast of England. With the arrival of a small number of Pied Flycatchers at Spurn, closer examination of a trapped individual revealed it to be a 1st winter female Collared Flycatcher. Identification was only possible in the hand where - the white wing flash extended to a small spot on P3. Wing measurement was greater than female Pied Flycatcher. The bird was not heard calling, whereas the majority of Pied Flys were quite vocal. The different tones and wing markings on the Pied Flycatchers I saw today (around 15 birds), illustrates the difficulty in identifying first winter flycatchers. Pied Flycatchers were well scattered over the Spurn area and two or three Icterine Warblers were also seen by some observers. Two 1st winter Red-backed Shrikes were still present today, sometimes together and seen well from the canal path. A visit to Kilnsea Wetlands at daybreak revealed a Pectoral Sandpiper, present for a short while in front of the hide and, unfortunately into the sun. Also there were 2 Little Stints seen feeding with the Dunlins, (one shown below). Two juvenile Spoonbills were on the wetland and took to flying around quite frequently. Four Green Sandpipers were on the Wetland this morning.
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