A few days at the east coast this week.
Sunday 11th July and Monday 12the July.
Plagued by the sea fret on Sunday afternoon and rain most of Monday morning, but by Monday afternoon things improved and continued to improve all week.
A long hike (for us, now anyway) from Thornwick Bay Caravan Park down to the coast, then along the coast to the North Landing. After an ice cream we continued to Flamborough Head fog station, where a coffee and a sit down were welcome.
Back was via the road to Flamborough Village and down the road to the Caravan Park.
Tough in the heat, now the weather had improved.
Some Birds Seen:-
Fulmar, Gannet, Kittiwake, House Martin, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Linnet.
Puffin, Guillemot, Razorbill, Stonechat, Peregrine Falcon.
Tuesday 13th July.
Hornsea Mere and Thornwick Bay cliff walk.
A shopping day today at the Hornsea Outlet where I actually found something to buy.
On the way back, late afternoon, we called at Hornsea Mere, arriving just after 3pm.
The Mere is signed from the road and a well know beauty spot, I was surprized to find that the gates are locked at 4pm (both for the Car Park and people on foot ).
Some excellent birds seen in the short 45 minutes we could spend here.
3 Little Gull, Garganey, Gadwall, (although the Ducks were distant) so I maybe mistaken.
Possible Marsh Harrier passed quickly overhead.
Little Egret, Common Sandpiper.
Common Tern, Tufted Duck.
After tea I had a pleasant walk in the sun along the high cliffs near the Caravan Park.
Corn Bunting were heard but not seen.
Loads of Gannet, Herring Gull and the odd Fulmar flying effortlessly in the breeze - absolutely beautiful here this evening.
I kept an eye out for the Black-browed Albatross but did not expect to see it this far from Bempton - and didn't.
Two Peregrine were doing some aerial displays with one stooped down.
The 'usual' birds seen along the hedges.
A few Puffin with Razorbill and Guillemot in good numbers
Wednesday 14th July 2021 - Black-browed Albatross.
A very windy morning and we decided to cycle to Bempton to try for the BBA that has been here for a good few days.
Many thanks to DJB who had been keeping me informed of the sightings on a daily basis.
The wind did ease off at Bempton which helped.
Given my twitching record I was dubious about seeing the bird.
Arriving at the cliffs there were masses of people here.
I have been to Bempton on many occasions and never witnessed so many folk.
We approached a viewing platform and it was obvious from the hoards of people that this was the BBA area.
A gentleman, with a scope, stood out head and shoulders above the rest - AC amazingly and also here was MB!
Both had the BBA in their scopes but the bird was asleep with its back towards us and was surrounded by the many Gannets.
They showed extreme patience with this old fart from Bradshaw, as He tried to see the BBA in the scope!
Hoping for a better sighting later, Sue and I went for a sarnie at the RSPB take-away café to return later.
We did in fact return and went further to the right.
After a short while we picked up the bird in flight - a lifer for me - a great day out.
Later on I had a visit to Thornwick Pools.
Birds here included:-
Pied wagtail, 1 Black Headed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Grey Heron.
Moorhen and Coot with young. Tree Sparrow.
Little Egret.
An odd-ball duck that is possibly a Mallard Hybrid (or not) It was distant and shrouded in glare from the suns reflections in the water.
Buzzards and 1 Red Kite were seen along the A64 on the way home.
Far, far too many photos taken - sorting through them has taken ages - here are a few.
11th and 12th:-
Cracking set of images there John. Looks like you had a great trip. Glad you were able to get the Albatross in the end.
ReplyDeleteCheers Daniel - a memorable day.
ReplyDelete