Trip reports

A rare treat indeed

Barry Proffitt

Sunday, 18 October 2009

The RSPB Wolverhampton Local Group could not alight the coach quickly enough on arrival at the Spurn National Nature Reserve, sandwiched between the Humber and the North Sea. The source of the excitement was an elusive Barred Warbler a few footsteps from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust visitor centre! This sought-after rarity eventually emerged, rewarding the patience of many group members.

A number of us headed from the information centre towards Spurn Point itself. Some caught a local bus to or from the Point, although the walk was an excellent birdwatching opportunity in itself, without the need to huddle in crowded hides. The estuary side of the peninsula was filled with Shelducks and even the odd Brent Goose or two, clearly enjoying a banquet on the mudflats. A particularly rocky area of the beach offered such clear views of a bold Ringed Plover that it could have leapt from the page of an illustrated bird
guide!

Approaching the lighthouse, sightings of migrant starlings multiplied, with group members enjoying games of 'spot the redwing' or 'find the fieldfare' when these chattering flocks landed nearby. However, the presence of these winter visitors was quite incongruous, with the increasingly warm autumnal sunshine banishing woolly hats from our heads.

Unfortunately, the heligoland nets near the lifeboat station failed to yield another rarity in the form of a Red-Flanked Bluetail. A maze of hedges nearby was also surprisingly quiet. Yet heading back from the Point, there was plenty to enjoy. The Humber estuary juxtaposed the delicate beauty of waders such as the Knot, Redshank, Oystercatcher and Curlew with the imposing city of Hull in the distance. Vivacious flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches delighted visitors who headed towards the welcoming Blue Bell Café. This refreshment stop's concise Heritage Coast Exhibition offered patrons a chance to learn more about Spurn over a well-earned cuppa.

As the group bid a reluctant farewell to Spurn, the sun was still shining, a Great Skua was spotted skirting the shimmering North Sea, and chocolate-capped Tree Sparrows twittered a mere 20 paces from the coach. As a poster in the Blue Bell Café announces with endearing simplicity, Spurn is indeed a 'special place'.

Trip report by group member Victoria Wall- Sunday 18 October 2009