17th October 2020 - Spurn (Day 5 of 6)

We started the day seawatching off The Warren and were rewarded with a great views of a Little Auk heading north relatively close inshore, my first in the UK since the Southwick Canal bird in 2007. Other birds of note included five Eiders, 10 Red-throated Divers and 50 Common Scoters. The radio crackled and news of a RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL had us abandon the seawatching and head straight to Rose Cottage. After a short wait, a few other birders and I had a very brief view of it and after that it went missing and wasn't seen again. Also seen whilst at Rose Cottage were a flock of 150 Fieldfares which passed overhead. 

We walked around the corner and a Tundra Bean Goose flew overhead passing over The Observatory. We headed out to Sammy's Point where we found a Yellow-browed Warbler in the third paddock and three Marsh Harriers passed through Easington Straight. There was a report of a DUSKY WARBLER at Sammy's Point however there was no sight or sound of the bird whilst we visited. We headed back to Kilnsea and had another looked for the Red-flanked Bluetail however there was still no sign. Frank Cackett cycled past us and let us know that a PALLAS'S WARBLER had just been trapped at The Warren and would be shown in 10 minutes. We arrived at The Warren to a large presence of birders who were all spaced out at 2m distance to abide with social distancing and the bird was paraded along the line before being released and diving into cover. 

Pallas's Warbler, The Warren, East Yorkshire

We decided to have a walk around The Triangle which produced a strange sight of a flock of 150 Jackdaws passing north through The Narrows, where were they going? Also seen was three Bullfinches, a Long-tailed Tit and a Mistle Thrush. A look in the Crown & Anchor car park produced nice views of another Yellow-browed Warbler and a Siberian Chiffchaff and in the churchyard next door a Firecrest performed well. 

Firecrest, Kilnsea Churchyard, East Yorkshire

It was now late afternoon and we headed back to Easington. Mum and I walked along Vicar's Lane out to the Gas Terminal we didn't see much and suddenly my phone went off. It was Spurn Bird Observatory 'RED FLANKED-BLUETAIL trapped in Church Field', without doubt the same bird as earlier in the day. A quick phonecall to Dad and he picked us up from the northern end of Vicar's Lane. We were soon in Church Field enjoying amazing views of this stunning bird in the hand. A great way to end an awesome days birding! 

Red-flanked Bluetail, Church Field, Kilnsea, East Yorkshire