Flamborough Head & Spurn Point

There wasn't alot of point going to bed, so i stayed up till 1am for Kelvin Pierce, followed by Lee and Mick Fuller to come pick us up. A quick trip up to Flamborough Head, only some 6 hours! And we were there before first light, not really knowing where to go, we wandered the area with a hundred others, before we eventually found where the bird had apparently gone to roost.

Immediately i felt doubtful, but thankfully i was wrong, and the bird was on the other side of the hedge. Dashing up to the road to view the Brown Shrike sat low in the hedge at mid-range, nearly constantly on view we left the bird, to let others see it, not before a few record shots:

Walking down to the Old Fall Plantation, there were as many as four Yellow-browed Warblers and an elusive Red-breasted Flycatcher to be seen. Another look at the Brown Shrike was nicer now the crowds had spread and calmed down, but alot further away now. Sat next to a Red-backed Shrike it was nice to compare. Rarities of more rarities down South we then began to head that way.

Already a glorious day, we passed off reports of the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler in Lincs (good decision in the end) and went to Spurn, where the Crown And Anchor Pub car park was the first stop. Together was a male and female Red-breasted Flycatcher, the male showing very well at times.

A stunning male Red-breasted Flycatcher, showing a bit better than the female (c) Ashley Howe

Entering the point we were informed about a Great Grey Shrike that had just been trapped, we stuck around a few moments to see the bird, and its release. A newly arrived Brambling was also there.

Male Great Grey Shrike in the hand, (c) Ashley Howe

Further down the point the summering Shorelark was picked up, and a peculiar Warbler, which seemed to be a funny coloured Willow Warbler. Getting better all the time, we headed back up to the Pub where there was another Yellow-browed Warbler showing well, another Great Grey Shrike and Red-backed Shrike in the same scope view. Not bad aye!

One of the showy Yellow-Browed Warblers (c) Ashley Howe

Reports of a Greenish Warbler in Green Lane, Easington related to a Yellow-browed Warbler calling weirdly. Before heading home and getting back at around midnight.