Bearded Tits

Our local bearded tits look to have had an excellent breeding season, the reed beds are alive with them ! Fantastic to see and one of our favourite birds.

Masked Shrike, Kilnsea

Couldn't resist another trip to Spurn to see this shrike especially when we found out that the gate had been opened to allow better viewing. Had far better views than yesterday, much closer. A good supporting cast to see kept us occupied for the day, plus some excellent company and a good laugh. 

It was Simon's birthday, he couldn't have wished for a better day !  Some fabulous pressies, good food, wine, vodka and whisky and a lovely family meal out with lashings of steak xx

Barred Warbler, Kilnsea

It was never out in the open for more than a few seconds but we still had some brilliant views of this barred warbler today. 

Masked Shrike, Kilnsea

After a very hectic day yesterday we thought we would take it easy this morning and go out birding after lunch - wrong!  Karen started the weekly grocery shop only to abandon it mid-shop after a call from Steve and John who were both at Spurn and both looking at the masked shrike. Made a very speedy trip there and eventually managed to see the bird. It was not easy as Karen wasn't tall enough to see it from the road but the shrike eventually flew up and landed behind Rose Cottage where we had brilliant views from canal bank. 

So, 2 new UK birds in 2 days for us taking Karen's UK tally to 371. A fabulous day in excellent company and a good laugh was had by all !!

Olive-backed Pipit, Gibraltar Point

A days holiday for us two so decided to head to Gibraltar Point in the hope of seeing the olive-backed pipit which would be a new UK bird for Karen. Joined the crowd of birders in the mosquito invested wood and then waited for a good 4 hours until we had a definite sighting. The bird had been seen fleetingly twice but it was absolutely impossible to locate. So, braved the biting mosquitoes and stuck it out and just before 4pm we all struck lucky. An excellent day taking Karen's UK tally to 370.

We finished the day off with a fish and chip tea from Upton, Lincs. The best fish and chips in the world and one of the few chippys in the best food guide. Highly recommended !

Great Grey Shrike, Kilnsea

It has been one of those fantastic weekends and such a pity that it has to end !

Red-breasted Flycatchers, Kilnsea

A brilliant day at Spurn today with 4 red-breasted flycatchers, wheatears, whinchats, redstart, wood warbler, wryneck, spotted and pied flycatchers and a barred warbler. 

Not a bad day really !