** SPURN POINT ** INCLUDING KILNSEA & EASINGTON.
I have visited Spurn for many years and it would be true to say that my Life List has benefitted enormously from this magical place. Changes have taken place over the years, not least the tidal surge in December 2013. A large area of dunes (and road) was washed away and access to the greater part of the promontory is made now, only when the tide has receded.
My first trip to Spurn was made in the mid-60's on an arranged school visit, staying at the old Observatory accommodation for three days. I was fascinated by the make up of the peninsula, particularly the Point area. There was still a disused army camp in evidence, including two old watchtowers which could be climbed, to survey the unique landscape all around.
Spurn has given me immense pleasure, encountering rare Warblers, Golden Orioles, Bee-eaters, Shrikes and countless waders.
The Wardens, volunteers and 'Friends of Spurn' at Spurn Bird Observatory have worked tirelessly over the years to maintain this unique environment.
Autumn can see impressive 'falls' of birds given the right weather conditions. Spring migration is somewhat slower, but the chance of an 'overshoot' such as a Hoopoe or Red-rumped Swallow is invariably recorded during this period.
My galleries set out below, show some of the species I have encountered during these times and, examples of the work done by the Observatory ringing teams.
Species title - hover over image.
My first trip to Spurn was made in the mid-60's on an arranged school visit, staying at the old Observatory accommodation for three days. I was fascinated by the make up of the peninsula, particularly the Point area. There was still a disused army camp in evidence, including two old watchtowers which could be climbed, to survey the unique landscape all around.
Spurn has given me immense pleasure, encountering rare Warblers, Golden Orioles, Bee-eaters, Shrikes and countless waders.
The Wardens, volunteers and 'Friends of Spurn' at Spurn Bird Observatory have worked tirelessly over the years to maintain this unique environment.
Autumn can see impressive 'falls' of birds given the right weather conditions. Spring migration is somewhat slower, but the chance of an 'overshoot' such as a Hoopoe or Red-rumped Swallow is invariably recorded during this period.
My galleries set out below, show some of the species I have encountered during these times and, examples of the work done by the Observatory ringing teams.
Species title - hover over image.
Spring
Autumn
Winter
Ringing
Black Stork in Well Field - 4/8/2015.
Wryneck at Rose Cottage - 21/08/15.
A good Easterly wind! - 24/08/15.
A few more pictures, further to my blog on a super day at Spurn.
Yellow-browed Warblers - 2/10/15.
A major influx of Yellow-browed Warblers into the UK saw the Observatory recording 100+ of the species, in the week 27th September to 4th October.
I was able to see quite a few of what is one of my favourite warblers and it is always a pleasure to see them in the short timescale they are with us. My best images are shown below.
I was able to see quite a few of what is one of my favourite warblers and it is always a pleasure to see them in the short timescale they are with us. My best images are shown below.
Radde's and Bluetail - 12/10/2015
Trapped in the early morning, this super Radde's Warbler was shown in Church Field and released.
Later in the morning, a Red-flanked Bluetail seen in Church Field, found its way into the Heligoland trap. A great rarity to have at Spurn and 3 years since I'd seen one. The bird remained for a further two days on the canal area.
The 12th of October was one of those memorable days with sightings of Great Grey Shrike, American Golden Plover, Richard's Pipit, Ring Ouzels and Black Redstart.