Sunday, 30 September 2018

Watches: 0645-1330.

What was seeming to be yet another dejavu day was soon forgotten when John Grist found Spurns 1st BAIRD'S SANDPIPER at Easington lagoon at around 1.15pm. A mad dash and most regulars had good views, as it fed on its own, flying off south around 3pm, being found off the Warren, spending 15 minutes here then headed off south again. It becomes the 398th species recorded at Spurn!

It was generally more of the same over land and sea. Vis-miging produced a very tired Sparrowhawk in/off, 6 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Lapwing west, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 35 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 35 House Martin, 104 house Sparrow, 315 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 1 Flava Wagtail, 36 Alba Wagtail, 115 Meadow Pipit, 53 Rock Pipit, 13 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling (2 in/off), 2 Greenfinch, 892 Linnet, 1 Redpoll, 174 Goldfinch, 57 Siskin and 47 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea 149 Pink-footed Geese (113 northwest), 6 Teal, 27 Common Scoter, 110 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 394 Gannet, 10 Shag, 46 Cormorant, 16 Snipe in/off, 3 Kittiwake, 86 Little Gull, 20 Sandwich Tern, 4 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 51 Auk sp.32 Guillemot and 5 Razorbill.

Still few migrants about, but a ringtail Hen Harrier at Beacon ponds and 2 Jack Snipe were well appreciated, one showin well on Canal scrape, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Stonechat and 2 Coal Tit and a Brambling in Easington were about the best of it.

Other sightings were 2 Canada Geese, 148 Greylag Geese, 5 Shoveler, 62 Teal, 2 Water Rail, 24 Greenshank, 78 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Merlin and 2 Peregrine in the area.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 8 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, 1 Song Thrush.

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Saturday, 29 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

The day was dominated by a big northwest movement of Pink-footed Geese across the county, which was also noted here at Spurn while the south westerlies continue to bring a trickle of south bound migrants, though still no sign of any easterlies.

On the move over the sea today were 1187 Pink-footed Geese northwest, many heading straight up the Humber, 4 Brent Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese, 13 Wigeon in, 17 Pintail in, 33 Teal, 113 Common Scoter, 23 Snipe in/off, 51 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 6 Manx Shearwater, 52 Gannet, 5 Shag, 21 Kittiwake, 3 juvenile Little Gull, 3 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and 1 Puffin.

Overland 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrel, 9 Rook, 11 Carrion Crow, 96 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow, 108 House Martin, 20 House Sparrow, 158 Tree Sparrow, 9 Dunnock, 11 Alba wagtail, 49 Rock Pipit, 307 Meadow Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 782 Linnet, 203 Goldfinch, 49 Siskin and 78 Reed Bunting. Another 300+ Reed Bunting moved off southwest from hedges by the listening dish so maybe were cutting out and not detected at Numpties.

Few migrants to keep the interest going, but 2 Hawfinch were about inh the Obs-Westmere area, but again difficult to pin down, while otherwise 14 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, 4 Stonechat and a White Wagtail made up the rest.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose on the Humber, 11 Common Buzzard in the Easington area, 2+ Water Rail canal area, 1 Green Sandpiper and 27 Greenshank at Beacon ponds, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 26 Mediteranean Gull, the Tawny Owl at Kew and a Merlin chasing a Skylark.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Wren, 8 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 28 September 2018

A fine sunny day with a F3 N-NE wind.

Watches: 0645-1340, 1600-1845.

A decent northerly wind so eyes turned to the sea resulting in a good day of movement, 4 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 3 Teal, 13 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 243 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar, 19 Sooty Shearwater, 29 Manx Shearwater, 231 Gannet, 2 Shag, 71 Kittiwake, 50 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 8 Great Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 3 Pomarine Skua, 366 Auk sp, 17 Guillemot and 1 Puffin while a Short-eared Owl came in/off and 2 Skylark, 17 tree Sparrow, 1 Grey Wagtail,1 Rock Pipit and 2 Siskin on the move.

There were few migrants about but a singing Firecrest at Kew was noteworthy with also 2 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 11 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Redwing. 

Other sightings included 66 Wigeon, 1 Water Rail, 1 whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4500 Knot, 1400 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, the Tawny Owl at Kew and Merlin and Peregrine still hunting the area.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 15 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 27 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

The Hawfinch was still in the Kew and Church field area but remaining very elusive and the Little Stint still on Kilnsea wetlands.

A decent morning of vis-migging, 1 Stock Dove, 7 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 9 Carrion Crow, 1 Skylark, 6 Sand Martin, 54 Swallow, 139 House Martin, 234 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 31 Alba Wagtail, 401 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 98 Chaffinch,  1407 Linnet, 370 Goldfinch, 45 Siskin, 8 Yellowhammer, 183 Reed Bunting and 1 Lapland Bunting.

Over the sea 1716 Pink-footed Geese (702 northwest), 2 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 116 Common Scoter, 91 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 139 Gannet, 4 Shag, 10 Cormorant, 2 Little Gull, 2 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and 3 Razorbill.

Few migrants again with only 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 4 Rock Pipit.

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Wednesday, 26 September 2018

Sunny and warm again with a F2-4 SW-W wind.

Migration Watches: 0635-1100, 1615-1840.

The Hawfinch remained elusive in the Kew-Churchyard area briefly flying down to Corner field and our 1st Lapland Bunting of the autumn flew south past the Warren plus a showy Jack Snipe on Canal scrape.

Fewer migrants about today, 2 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 2 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher,  5 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Bullfinch.

Over the sea was 4 Dark-bellied Brent in/off, 555 Pink-footed Geese (375 NW, 180 south), 7 Shelduck, 9 Teal, 166 Wigeon, 4 Eider, 13 Common Scoter, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 95 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 50 Gannet, 3 Shag, 22 Cormorant, 36 Little Gull, 2 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 38 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 62 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Skua and 3 Great Skua.

Overland movement was quiet in general but saw a tired Sparrowhawk in/off low over the sea, 2 Marsh Harrier, 5 Kestrel, 12 Snipe in/off, 4 Sand Martin, 58 Swallow, 140 House Martin, 1 Swift, 2 Skylark, 42 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Alba Wagtail, 40 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit in, 1 Chaffinch, 255 Linnet, 83 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 25 Reed Bunting.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 4 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, 85 Teal, 25 Little Egret, 600 Grey Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 2 Whimbrel, 16 Greenshank, Purple Sandpiper by the Bluebell  and 2 Water Rail on Canal scrape,

Ringing:  1 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 25 September 2018

Sunny and warm with a F2-4 WSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0700-1100, 1400-1820.

There were 1+ Rosefinch still at the Warren, but they flew off north landing near the Bluebell while the Hawfinch found its way into a net early morning at Kew. The Great-white Egret was still in the ditches by Sammys point but elusive!

As the wind increased it became harder to see migrants, but there were still a few about,  4 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch and 51 Siskin.

Over the sea was 7 Greylag Geese, 73 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Shoveler, 206 Teal, 145 Wigeon, 38 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Eider, 360 Common Scoter, 3 Grey Heron in/off, 73 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 12 Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 242 Gannet, 7 Shag, 26 Cormorant, 2 Little Gull, 1 Little Tern, 1 Puffin, 3 Arctic Skua and 9 Great Skua.

Overland movement was varied, but low numbers of all species, 1 Mistle Thrush, 15 House Sparrow, 133 Tree Sparrow, 81 Swallow, 22 House Martin, 11 Skylark, 7 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 336 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 5 Meadow Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling (1st of autumn), 1 Greenfinch, 450 Linnet, 69 Goldfinch, 23 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 79 Reed Bunting.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 59 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 80 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 23 Little Egret, 810 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, Purple Sandpiper on the Humber and a Water Rail on Canal scrape,

Ringing:  1 Great tit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Wren, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Hawfinch.

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Monday, 24 September 2018

A cool start gave way to a nice sunny day with a F1-3 W-NW wind.

Migration Watches: 0640-1140, 1340-1530, 1715-1900.

Well a bit out of the blue a small arrival brought our first and very welcome vocal Yellow-browed Warbler to the Warren where 2 Rosefinch were also on offer and a Hawfinch flew over before heading back to the Kilnsea area. Almost rarer these days were a Turtle Dove by Easington cemetery.

Decent totals of commoner migrants about too with our first Jack Snipe by the Lighthouse, 1 Woodcock at potato fields, 1 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, Treecreeper by the Bluebell, the autumns first 4 Redwing, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch and 51 Siskin.

Over the sea was 185 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Shoveler, 206 Teal, 67 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 191 Common Scoter, 91 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 19 Manx Shearwater, 710 Gannet, 3 Shag, 26 Cormorant, 1 Snipe in/off, 36 Kittiwake, 1 Little Tern, 2 Pomarine Skua, 19 Arctic Skua and 14 Great Skua.

Overland movement was limited to only 2 Red Kite, 2 Skylark, 1 Flava Wagtail and 3 Lesser Redpoll.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 59 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 151 Teal, 473 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 12 Greenshank, 1 Kingfisher and 6 Common Buzzard while the Tawny Owl made a Re-appearance at Kew.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blue tit, 5 Great tit,  Robin, 3 Dunnock, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 6 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 3 Chaffinch.

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Sunday, 23 September 2018

Mainly cloudy with some rain and a cool F1-3 NW wind.

Migration Watches: 0615-1220, 1355-1900.

The fantastic period of movement over land and sea continues, while a change in the weather to a more northerly airflow brought greater emphasis to the sea. The predicted weather for the foreseeable future suggests more of the same. A bit of easterlies and our first Yellow-browed Warbler would be nice though!

The Great-white Egret continued to be seen in the area mainly in ditches around Chalkies point but may have flown off south later.

Over the sea was where most of action happened with good numbers of Skuas and Shearwaters with final totals logged being,  517 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Whooper Swan, 259 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 1 Eider, 83 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 229 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 51 Fulmar, 30 Sooty Shearwater, 77 Manx Shearwater, 222 Gannet, 2 Shag, 27 Cormorant, 3 Snipe in/off, 41 Kittiwake, 1 Black Tern, 30 Arctic Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 51 Great Skua and 4 Puffin.

Overland movement saw a Hobby, 2 Marsh Harrier, 9 Skylark, 55 Swallow, 55 House Martin, 92 Tree Sparrow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 13 Alba Wagtail, 630 Meadow Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 237 Linnet, 42 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin and 37 Reed Bunting.

Migrants were represented by 4 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 36 Robin, 3 Whinchat, 7 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Siskin.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 120 Greylag Geese, 12 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 20 Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Greenshank and 1 Purple Sandpiper on the Humber.

Ringing:  1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Greenfinch, 44 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 7 Reed Bunting.

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Saturday, 22 September 2018

Migration Watches: 0645-1345, 1445-1845.

It was one of those days that had a bit of everything for everyone with the air and sea alive with birds while migrant hunters had something to get stuck into too.

The Great-white Egret was still in the area in ditches around Sammy’s and Long bank.

There were significantly more migrants about today, 1 Hobby, 3 Short-eared Owl, 30 Chiffchaff, 18 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrest, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird in/off, 21 Robin, 2 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 5 Stonechat, 20 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

Yet another great day of vis-migging brought a fantastic and awesome varied day over and and sea and made it a day to remember. Firstly over the sea brought 1256 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Whooper Swan, 1 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 3 Eider, 93 Common Scoter, 21 Red-throated Diver, 29 Manx Shearwater, 254 Gannet, 7 Shag, 584 Black-headed Gull, 45 Mediterranean Gull, 520 Herring Gull, 49 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Tern, 1 Roseate Tern, 28 Arctic Tern, 2 Black Tern, 19 Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, 1 Puffin.

The movement over land was brilliant and so Spurn through and through with 5 Marsh Harrier, male Hen Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Kestrel, 3 Jackdaw, 13 Sand Martin, 85 Swallow, 5253 House Martin, 14 House Sparrow, 133 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 7 Flava Wagtail, 7 Grey Wagtail, 30 Alba Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 7151 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 48 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 742 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 48 Goldfinch, 516 Siskin and 134 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands were 58 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 36 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 2 Merlin, 20 Little Egret in the area, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank.  

Ringing: 1 Kestrel, 20 Tree Sparrow, 12 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Tree Pipit, 10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 4 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Goldfinch. (70 of 17 species)

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 21 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

The last week has seen some amazing and varied movement and kept the vis-miggers on their toes, with each day bringing a new highlight. Today was no different!

A fantastic day of movement over land and sea saw a brilliant total of 2288 Pink footed Geese fly south along with 13 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 18 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 21 Common Scoter, 30 Red-throated, 1 Fulmar, 5 Manx Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 189 Gannet, 1 Shag, 9 Cormorant, an Osprey, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Marsh Harrier, 8 Snipe in, 531 Black-headed Gull, 17 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Tern, 172 Sandwich Tern, 6040 Common Tern north in the morning, 9 Great Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 7 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 7 Sand Martin, 117 Swallow, 1048 House Martin, 2 Alba Wagtail, 768 Meadow Pipit, 25 Linnet and 19 Reed Bunting. Phew!!!

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Thursday, 20 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

Some light rain early morning, heavier late evening with a F3-7 SSW-SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0645-1800.

A Great-white Egret flew down Beacon lane, gracing the area and spending time on Canal scrape, then moved up the Humber. There was no sign of the Wryneck or Barred Warbler and despite the lack of decent winds a few migrants still linger, 5 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail and 22 Yellow Wagtail recorded.

Overland it was the best day for Pipits and Finches this autumn, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 2 Sand Martin, 43 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 25 House Sparrow, 87 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 12 Flava Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba wagtail, 7555 Meadow Pipit (which is the highest total since 2011), 2 Greenfinch, 22 Chaffinch, 889 Linnet, 95 Goldfinch, 214 Siskin and 60 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea there was less excitement today with 66 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 28 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 51 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 208 Gannet, 8 Shag, 56 Cormorant, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 112 Black-headed Gull, 14 Great Skua, 9 Arctic Skua and 1 Black Tern.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were the 490 Shelduck on the Humber, 102 Mallard, 61 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 208 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 30 Little Egret in the area, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.  

Ringing: 12 Tree Sparrow, 43 Meadow Pipit, 2 Dunnock, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Goldcrest. (62 of 7 species)

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 19 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

A few sunny spells with some rain in the afternoon and a F7 SSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0620-1915.

A quieter day of migration in the strong winds but it was interesting anyway, while the evening Tern roost was good for so late in the season.

The Wryneck remained at Middle camp and a Barred Warbler was found on Beacon lane while it was hard looking for migrants in general in the strong wind with only 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat, 10 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail and 6 Yellow Wagtail recorded.

Over the sea today were 26 Teal, 1 Garganey, 11 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 21 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 121 Gannet, 4 Shag, 16 Cormorant, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Lawing in/off, 10 Golden Plover in/off, 6 Great Skua, 17 Arctic Skua, 5 Little Gull, 21 Auk sp, 7 Razorbill and 3 Puffin while the evening roost movement had 259 Sandwich Tern, 1 Roseate Tern, 3348 Common Tern, 11 Artic Tern and 11 Black Tern.

Overland it was steadier for all species with 2 Swift, 28 Sand Martin, 201 Swallow, 218 House Martin, 111 Tree Sparrow, 3 Flava Wagtail, 5 Alba wagtail, 363 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greenfinch, 265 Linnet, 22 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin and 3 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were 25 Pink-footed Geese, a Garganey, 34 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 208 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank..  

Ringing: 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blackcap, 1 Robin.

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Tuesday, 18 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

A mild warm day with a strong blustery F5-6 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0640-1245, 1530-1900.

A good day of movement over the sea, while overland great numbers of Hirundine struggled into the wind, though there was no repeat of yesterday’s migrant numbers.

What was maybe yesterdays Wryneck was found this morning at Middle camp occasionally showing well on the road, while the strong wind made it difficult looking for other migrants with only a Swift, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Siskin.

Over the sea were an Osprey, 19 Shelduck, 343 Teal, 79 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 96 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Grey Heron, 251 Gannet, 1 Shag, 8 Cormorant, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Knot, 10 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Snipe in/off, 14 Arctic Skua, 6 Great Skua and 1 Puffin while the evening roost movement had 302 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 1 Black Tern, 1 Roseate Tern and 570 Common Tern.

Overland movement saw a juvenile Hobby, 3 Swift, 54 Sand Martin, 551 Swallow, 2778 House Martin, 28 Meadow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Flava Wagtail and 43 Linnet all brave the comditions.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 132 Greylag Geese, 26 Pink-footed Geese, 22 Wigeon, 230 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper and a Merlin chasing a Skylark.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 17 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

Still and warm in the morning, blustery in the afternoon with a F1-5-3 S-SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0630-1145, 1450-1905.

A much better day, with the morning having little wind enabling newly arrived migrants to be discovered. It was also decent over the sea and land, as the nice weather was perfect for movement even if the lack of wind was not.

The day got off to a great start when a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was expertly picked out by our great vis-miggers as it flew south past the Warren along the cliff top, giving good views as it passed by, but not subsequently re-sighted. A nice late Wood Warbler was also seen here and a Wryneck was all too brief in Churchfield.

A nice increase in migrants, 10 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 11 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 14 Wheatear and 7 Yellow Wagtail.

Over the sea were 40 Pink-footed Geese, 146 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 31 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 168 Gannet, 3 Shag, 25 Cormorant, 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Arctic Skua and 4 Great Skua while Tern numbers to roost typically have dropped off with 283 Sandwich Tern, 3 Arctic Tern and 472 Common Tern.

On the move saw decent numbers and a nice selection, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Swift, 83 Sand Martin, 837 Swallow, 231 House Martin, 1 Rock Pipit, 2432 Meadow Pipit, 11 Dunnock, 13 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 19 Tree Sparrow, 61 Linnet, 46 Goldfinch, 46 Siskin and 59 Reed Bunting.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 350 Shelduck, 29 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 2 Whimbrel and 32 Greenshank.

Ringing:  1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Meadow Pipit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 16 September 2018

Migration Watches: 0645-1415, 1630-1830.

Any easterly winds seem a long way away at the moment, with predicted westerly winds for the foreseable future, so it was nice to have a few birds on the move over the sea.

A surprisingly great day over the sea today with an Osprey s/past the seawatch hut at 5.30pm, 107 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Mallard, 7 Pintail, 477 Teal, 81 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Fulmar, 9 Manx Shearwater, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 94 Gannet, 1 Shag, 16 Cormorant, 2 Oystercatcher, 198 Sandwich Tern, 1 Roseate Tern, 9 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua and 7 Arctic Skua.

Overland there were 2 Swift, 2 Rook, 1 Carrion Crow, 7 Sand Martin, 32 Swallow, 48 House Martin, 2 Wagtail, 281 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 33 Linnet, 23 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Few migrants in the increasing wind, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Wheatear and 6 Yellow Wagtail were the best that could be mustered

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were the first 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese of the autumn on the Humber, 30 Pink-footed Geese, 32 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 132 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper and 20 Greenshank..  

Ringing: 1 Meadow Pipit

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Saturday, 15 September 2018

Sunny spells with the threat of rain and a SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0630-1200, 1430-1700.

There was no sign of the Rosefinch today, though the Cetti’s Warbler is still about along the canal. There were also decent number of migrants about, 3 Short-eared Owl, 120 Swallow, 60 House Martin, 9 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 20 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit were logged.

Over the sea today were another 800 Pink-footed Geese, flying south while also logged were 3 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 34  Common Scoter, 54 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 5 Manx Shearwater, 224 Gannet, 13 Shag, 34 Cormorant, 1 Kittiwake, 289 Sandwich Tern, 3 Great Skua and 16 Arctic Skua.

Overland there were a nice mix of species diversity and with some good numbers, an Osprey south from Easington then over the Humber, 1 Swift, 8 Rook, 2 Jackdaw, 21 Carrion Crow, 3 Sand Martin, 24 Swallow, 890 House Martin, 2 Mistle Thrush, 143 Tree Sparrow, 4 Alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1089 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 13 Chaffinch, 30 Linnet, 1 Siskin, 8 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were 201 Greylag Geese, 39 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 1 Water Rail canal scrape, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1200 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank and 2 Little Gull.  

Ringing: 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 13 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Linnet, 40 Meadow Pipit, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit. (64 of 12 species).

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Friday, 14 September 2018

Overcast all day with a F2-3 SW wind.

Watches: 0640-1200, 1415-1930.

A decent day of movement over land and sea, with the first big movement of 607 Pink-footed Geese which was mirrored along the east coast. Also on the move today were 10 Shelduck, 23 Eider, 7 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 9 Teal, 62 Common Scoter, 27 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 49 Gannet, 5 Shag, 21 Cormorant, 3 Snipe, 6 Great Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua and 10 Arctic Skua while overland 2 Sand Martin, 89 Hoiuse Martin, 32 Swallow, 2 'Flava' Wagtail, 1 Alba wagtail, 557 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit and 3 Siskin

The Rosefinch was still about but a bit more elusive, though migrants were a bit more scarce today, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat and 4 Wheatear.

Other interesting sightings and totals were 5 Pintail, 60 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 900 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 20 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 39 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Short-eared Owl.

Ringing; 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Tree Sparrow, 13 Meadow Pipit.

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Thursday, 13 September 2018

Sunny spells all day, warm in the afternoon with a F2-3 WSW wind.

Watches: 0600-1030, 1140-1240.

The Rosefinch continued to be seen in the Canal scrape area with other migrant totals of 2 Short-eared Owl, 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat and 10 Wheatear.

A better day of movement overland with the vis-miggers logging 3 Common Buzzard, 1 Swift, 1 Kesetrel, 20 Carrion Crow, 18 Sand Martin, 155 Swallow, 236 House Martin, 63 House Sparrow, 523 Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 6 Flava Wagtail,  Alba Wagtail, 1612 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 12 Greenfinch, 56 Linnet, 19 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin and 23 Reed Bunting.

It was also decent over the sea bringing 63 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Teal, 44 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 60 Gannet, 35 Cormorant, 5 Knot, 1 Ruff in/off, 3 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 43 Sandwich Tern, 500 Common Tern, 4 Great Skua and 7 Arctic Skua.

Other sightings included 33 Little Egret with another fock of 50 just outside the area, 20 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 85 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail, 253 Oystercatcher, 300 Sanderling at the Narrows, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 17 Greenshank with both Merlin and Peregrine hunting the area.

Ringing: 30 Tree Sparrow, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Willow Warbler,1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Great Tit, 26 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Wood Pigeon.

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Wednesday, 12 September 2018

Overcast, brightening in the afternoon with a F1 WSW-W wind.

Watches: 0645-1100, 1720-1930.  Obs tower: 1300-1530.

A decent day all round with a few migrants about, a more varied visible migration and good numbers of Waders seen.

The Rosefinch continues to be seen on and off during the day while the Cetti's Warbler is around Southfield farm and 5 Short-eared Owl are still showing well around Holderness field. Still a nice scatter of grounded migrant totals, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

Overhead there were a nice selection of species on the move, 2 Common Buzzard, 4 Kestrel, 2 Rook, 1 Jackdaw, 5 Sand Martin, 51 Swallow, 32 House Sparrow, 647 Tree Sparrow, 11 'Flava' Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 10 Alba Wagtail, 2679 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Linnet, 10 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 2 Corn Bunting 13 Reed Bunting.

Steady over the sea with a few Skua on the move, 1 Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 38 Gannet, 3 Shag, 1 Curlew, 2 Knot, 1 Snipe in/off, 356 Sandwich Tern, 251 Common Tern, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Great Skua, 13 Arctic Skua, 4 Auk sp and 1 Guillemot.

Other sightings mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon Ponds area were 35 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 1 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 13 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail still showing well on Canal scrape, 1000 Golden Plover on the Humber, 630 Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 950 Redshank, a great count of 21 Greenshank, 30 Mediterranean Gull while 2 Merlin and 1 Peregrine are still terrorising the local Waders and Finches.

Ringing: 2 Great Tit, 40 Meadow Pipit, 81 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Dunnock, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 11 September 2018

A dull damp morning, sunny later, with a F3 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0615-1100, 1800-1930.

The Rosefinch is still present in Canal Hedge and in the carpark here, while migrants were thin on the ground but still 1 Swift, 6 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 9 Whinchat and 1 Tree Pipit were logged.

Little  on the move over the sea today with 10 Shelduck, 17 Common Scoter, 36 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 42 Gannet, 6 Shag, 6 Cormorant, 1 Kittiwake and 2 Arctic Skua.

Overland the theme continued with a lack of species diversity and low numbers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 2 House Sparrow, 7 Flava, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2148 Meadow Pipit, 15 Linnet, 9 Siskin and 15 Goldfinch.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were 138 Greylag Geese, 28 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, 70 Teal, 3 Grey Partridge at Sammy’s, 293 Curlew on Long bank, 1 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 620 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank on Beacon ponds and a Tawny Owl in Easington.

Ringing: 1 Turnstone, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Whitethroat, 18 Tree Sparrow, 1 Tree Pipit, 30 Meadow Pipit, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin. (57 of 11 species).

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Monday, 10 September 2018

Both the Rosefinch and Cetti's Warbler were seen/heard again today, while a Corncrake was seen again in the triangle near the visitor centre, but few other migrants were seen in the windy conditions with only 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Whinchat and 5 Yellow Wagtail.

A better day of visible migration, but pretty much just one species involved with 3409 Meadow Pipit south while otherwise just 1 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Flava and 1 Siskin was poor.

Other sightings were 29 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 262 Curlew, 357 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull south.

Ringing: 1 Turnstone, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Tree Sparrow, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit.

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Sunday, 09 September 2018

- 2nd full day of the Spurn Migration Festival.

- Full day of walks and talks.

- Rosefinch continues to show and entertain in Canal hedge, and a new bird at the Point.

- Difficult birding in the strong wind, but the spirit continues.

- Festival ends like last years began with an Osprey flying south.

A day of strong wind made it difficult finding birds, but there are now 2 Rosefinch with a new bird at the Point, while the other continued its presence in Canal hedge. The Cetti's Warbler was still along the Canal, while a Corncrake at the top end of the Canal soon went to ground with subsequent sightings relating to a juvenile Pheasant!. 

Other birds to keep everyone interested were the Merlin still chasing passerines at the Warren, a Short-eared Owl at Long bank, Spotted Redshank and 96 Mediterranean Gull at Kilnsea wetlands, Curlew Sandpiper and Purple Sandpiper, migrants including Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat and Wheatear, plus all the usual Waders and Ducks around Kilnsea wetland with 2 Marsh Harrier nearby.

Ringing: 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow.

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Saturday, 08 September 2018

-  The 1st full day of MigFest gets underway.

-  Full programme of walks and talks.

-  The obs garden new viewing platform officially opened.

-  Rosefinch the main avain highlight.

-  The weather conspires against us!

-  Highlight of the day with 'Young Birder of the Year' competition and brilliant finale talk by Stu McKenzie.

In complete contract to last year the strong wind and rain later made it difficult finding migrants, but this didnt seem to deflate the high spirits among volunteers and visitors alike with the point walk well attended by 25 guests all for little reward. This was pretty much repeated on most walks. Through the day our guests were enthralled to see 2 Water Rail on canal scrape, Spotted Redshank on Kilnsea Wetlands with 2 Short-eared Owl nearby while eveyone by the seawatch hut enjoyed amazing views of juvenile Merlin chasing a Meadow Pipit out to sea then to smiles failing to catch it over the next 10 minutes! For others managing to get views of one of the Pied Flycatcher was recieved with much thanks.

The vis-miggers and sea watchers struggled throughout with only 1200 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, the autumn's 1st Rock Pipit and 2 Siskin of note overland and 6 Great Skua and 1 Arctic Skua over the sea.

The highlight of the day, passerine wise was a Rosefinch found in canal hedge showing well on and off during the day with a Linnet flock, but a Cetti's Warbler skulking along the canal is still rarer at Spurn, while a scatter of migrants continue in the area with 3 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrest, male Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 9 Wheatear and a Garden Warbler. A Nightjar seen twice around the church area would have been gratefully recieved if it had been pinned down.

Other sightings of note during the day were 5 Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, 10 Greenshank and a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands, 20+ Mediterranean Gull in the area and a Purple Sandpiper by Sandy beaches.

Ringing: 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackbird.

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Friday, 07 September 2018

- The 6th Spurn Migration Festival gets underway.

- Richard Porter opens Friday night with a talk entitled "Wars, Wildlife and Migration". 

- Right on cue some good visible migration.

- Hopes high for a good weekend.

A couple of good birds got the weekend off to a decent start with a Rosefinch on Beacon lane eating Blackberries and a brief Corncrake seen running across the road by the YWT visitor centre, while the first 6 Pink-footed Geese of the autumn flew south and 800 House Martin flew south in 1 hour early afternoon.

A scatter of migrants including Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat, Wheatear and Garden Warbler were all recorded while Waders were represented by a juvenile Purple Sandpiper, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Spotted Redshank among the ranks of commoner species. 

Over the sea a Roseate Tern, 1 Black Tern and 1500 Common Tern flew south in the evening Tern roost.

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Thursday, 06 September 2018

- The 6th Spurn Migration Festival begins on Friday.

- Preperations well underway for the weekend, We cannot wait!.

- The first decent movement of Meadow Pipit, along with Hirundines at the Warren.

- Classic example of visible migration, with a Nightjar arriving off the sea!

The predicted south-westerly wind had the desired effect with a small but welcome 471 Meadow Pipit moving south this morning, which will hopefully turn into a deluge in the next few days. While maybe to some people Meadow Pipits are seen as not being a looker or having a great call, we at Spurn hold them with great affection and look forward each year to their big movements in September. In fact the Migration Festivals humble begginings were based around the peak movement time for this species. Hopefully we can yet again show the awesome power of migration, with thousands of birds pouring south.

The highlight of the day was a Nightjar arriving in/off the sea mobbed by Common Terns, surely a sight like this should have been saved for the festival itself. Lets hope its refound over the weekend.

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Wednesday, 05 September 2018

- The 6th Spurn Migration Festival begins on Friday.

- Great numbers and varied list of Duck, Waders and Gulls on Kilnsea wetlands.

- Quiet over the sea, but a great early morning for Terns from the seawatch hut.

- A scatter of the 'usual' migrants for this time of year.

- Winds predicted to be south-westerly and maybe some great visible migration at the Warren.

The sea was where most of the action was again today, with the continued northerly, the early morning dominated by Terns heading north-east out to sea from their roost areas, bringing totals of 10 Roseate Tern, 6 Black Tern, 3305 Common Tern, 19 Arctic Tern and 339 Sandwich Tern. It also brought small numbers of other species with 7 Wigeon, 61 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 26 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 17 Fulmar, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwater, 4 Shag, 28 Oystercatcher, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Kittiwake, 9 Little Gull, 4 Bonxie, 4 Arctic Skua, 4 Guillemot and 6 Puffin.

A fantastic record count of 119 Mediterranean Gull was made for Kilnsea wetlands, birds coming into bath, taking a break from following the ploughs working nearby, while also here among many commoner species were 16 Black-tailed Godwit,1 Common sandpiper and 3 Pintail while 15 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank were on Beacon ponds with 3 Common Buzzard overhead and 2 Short-eared Owl still entertaining over Holderness field. The local Waders and Finches were kept on their toes by 2 Merlin, a Hobby and a Peregrine hunting the area.

Migrants were still being recorded despite the strong wind with the usual species seen, 3 Song Thrush, 10 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 10 Whitethroat, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 12 Willow Wabler and 3 Tree Pipit all recorded while 4 Swift were overhead and our 1st Redwing of the autumn was over Church field.

Ringing: 2 Redstart, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Dunnock, 23 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 04 September 2018

Low cloud and drizzle early morning, giving way to long sunny spells in the afternoon with a F4+ northerly.

Watches: 0615-1930.

- The 6th Migration Festival starts on Friday.

- Nice movement of Seabirds and Terns heading out of roost.

- Kilnsea wetlands as in previous years fantastic at high tide. 

The sea recieved all the attention today which developed as the day went on after a good northerly Tern movement as birds left their Lincolnshire roost.

The highlight of the seawatch was a superb adult Sabines Gull close in past the seawatch hut, while also seen were a 6 Wigeon, 59 Teal, 53 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 109 Fulmar, 98 Manx Shearwater, 2 Balearic Shearwater, 9 Sooty Shearwater, a Red-necked Grebe, 5 Shag, 29 Oystercatcher, 16 Little Gull, 430 Sandwich Tern, 2,464 Common Tern, 12 Arctic Tern, juvenile Little Tern, 11 Roseate Tern, 4 Black Tern, 58 Bonxie, 25 Arctic Skua, juvenile Long-tailed Skua and 19 Puffin

Passerines were difficult to find in the strong wind with 2 Pied Flycatcher, a scatter of 7 Whinchat and 4 Wheatear for the efforts.

kilnsea wetlands held 25 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and 25 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Great Tit.

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Monday, 03 September 2018

Watches: 0630-1100, 1700-1945.

No sign of the Ortolans today, but an increase in migrants in the afternoon with the first Song Thrushes of the autumn. Totals were 12 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 16 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, 38 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear and 19 Yellow Wagtail.

A bit of passage today, 4 Wigeon, 67 Teal, 39 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, 5 Manx Shearwater, 75 Gannet, 25 Cormorant, 9 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Litle Gull, 280 Sandwich Tern, only 570 Common Tern and 3 Arctic Tern.

Overland it s just not happening so far, with only a tiny increase in Meadow Pipit numbers, 10 Snipe went north, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Jackdaw, 12 Sand Martin, 198 Swallow, 32 House Martin, 120 Tree Sparrow, 6 Flava, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba, 72 Meadow Pipit, 24 Linnet, 27 Goldfinch, 2 YellowHammer and 9 Reed Bunting. 

A Spoonbill was discovered on Kilnsea wetlands, flying off north then returning south towards Lincs. Beacon ponds had a fantastic count of  34 Greenshank, which is our 3rd jont highest, while on Kilnsea wetlands 118 Greylag Geese, 3 Pintail, 165 Mallard, 130 Teal, 2 Spotted Redshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Common Sandpiper while the Humber had 555 Ringed Plover off the Warren, 2000 Golden Plover, 5000 Knot and 300 Grey Plover while the Purple Sandpiper was on the shore line off Clubleys.

Other sightiongs included 3 Water Rail on canal scrape, 53 Mediterranean Gull, the Tawny Owl at Kew, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin chasing the 550 Linnet in the fields.

Ringing: 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Whitethroat.

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Sunday, 02 September 2018

Another hot sunny day with a F3-4 S-SE wind.

Watches:0700-0930, 0955-1300, 1800-1945.

The hot sunny weather with blue skies continues and while not the most ideal conditions to drop any numbers in, it did bring 2 Ortolan Buntings to Clubleys and with patience they often gave great views. One had flown over the Obs early morning at 7am, with assumed the same bird by Rose cottage 2.5 hours later, which flew into north field with Linnets. Half an hour later 2 were in Clubley's. Probably best to stick with two?

Otherwise migrants were pretty thin on the ground, even though slight increases for some. Totals were 14 Willow warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 25 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

Some great totals of Wader about the moment on the Humber and Beacon ponds/Kilnsea wetlands, 5 Avocet, 280 Ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 530 Sanderling, juvenile Spotted Redshank, 14 Greenshank, 4000 Knot, 2000 Golden Plover and 1 Ruff.

Moving over land and sea were 3 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 1 Mallard, 156 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 7 Manx Shearwater, 21 Oystercatcher, 8 Whimbrel, 1 Black Tern, 2 Rook, 2 Swift, 17 Sand Martin, 314 Swallow, 49 House Martin, 2 Alba, 6 Flava, 13 Linnet and 19 Goldfinch.

Otherwise a juvenile Garganey was still on Kilnsea wetlandsalong with 7 Shoveler, 1 Pintail and 115 Teal, 1 Short-eared Owl was about, while both Merlin and Hobby still terrorising the Waders and passerines in the area. 

A Grass Snake was on Canal scrape and a Badger was by Corner field.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Robin, 4 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 01 September 2018

A fine warm sunny day with an increasing F2-4 SW-SE wind.

Watches: 0650-1200 1520-1920.

The day started on a bit of a sad note when yesterdays brief Corncrake was picked up dead on the road outside the Obs drive. The juvenile Red-backed Shrike was still showing at Sammy's, while a Barred Warbler was found along the canal, but yet again was frustratingly elusive. Migrant totals while not fully collated were still a fraction of earlier in the week, 13 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 13 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 11 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

There was little on the move over the sea today, 7 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 32 Teal, 38 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 101 Gannet, 11 Oystercatcher, 4 Whimbrel, 8 Turnstone, 130 Sandwich tern and 3 Arctic Skua. It was also quiet overland with 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swift, 1 Hobby, 15 Sand Martin, 153 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 162 Tree Sparrow, 1 Flava, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, 4 Greenfinch, 19 Linnet, 93 Goldfinch and 9 Reed Bunting.

Some decent counts of Waders for the Humber off the warren with 300 Ringed Plover, 4000 Knot, 220 Sanderling, 700 Redshank and a Purple Sandpiper. Holderness field had 5 Short-eared Owl performing well.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 8 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Swallow, 1 Goldfinch, 9 Linnet.

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