I wasn't the only one watching the weather pattern brewing up for this weekend. The Easterly airflow across the North Sea looked promising but, at the last minute it turned a little too far North, dropping Bluethroats in generous numbers along the coast of North-East England and in Scotland. I was at Spurn by 6-00 a.m. and after the first hour's searching, nothing new was showing up. Despite my numerous images of White-spotted Bluethroats in the Algarve and even one at Spurn, I have yet to see a Red-spotted Bluethroat! This 'red form' has evaded me for years, I've been at Spurn when two have been present and still not seen them! Two Black Terns made their way down the River Humber, over the 'breach' at Spurn and out to sea. While scanning the river for more Terns, this Roe Deer decided to have a swim in the Humber for some reason, scattering the wader flocks along the shore. The majority of waders were flocks of summer plumaged Grey Plovers which looked stunning, even in the grey light. A few Dunlin, Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit flew with them. I stayed on the canal area for a good while where a few Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers were active. Two Cuckoos chased each other about and a flock of around 20 Swallows were present. The bird attracting most attention was undoubtedly a fine Dotterel. It remained distant across Long Bank for much of the day. I joined a small group of watchers and a Redstart was also seen from this location. Kilnsea Wetlands was rather quiet, except for the Avocets settling in and up to three Common Sandpipers were showing very well. It was in the afternoon I found some Yellow Wagtails at Sammy's Point, three birds dropped in the first paddock. Very few migrants along here today, mainly Whitethroat and the occasional Lesser Whitethroat. I found Reed Warblers singing at Sammy's also, my first this year and good to see. These birds were along the drain where, in the adjacent field, the Grey Partridges were feeding along with two Little Egrets. So this wasn't my day for a Red-spotted Bluethroat but it's as much what you find in the course of looking, that provides the enjoyment and, the search continues ..........
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