Magical Flamborough Head

A truly exceptional day of what has been an exceptional autumn up and down the country. This time a trek up to Flamborough Head where over the previous days, an assemblage of eastern vagrants had gathered along the headland. Having to wait till Sunday, the early part of the morning was extremely wet, persistent heavy rain falling from leaden skies made for a rather forlorn hour or so. Gratefully, the weather was forecast to improve and by around 10.30am, the rain had relented somewhat, and it was time to go.

The ground was sodden due to the extreme rainfall over previous days. The entire coastal path was reduced to a sludge. Embracing the conditions, I ploughed through the quagmire and headed for the bunting.

Rain was still in the air, and the track down to the red-headed bunting had turned to a mud-bath. It was hilarious. The bird showed, quite well actually sitting along the fenceline in the company of the local reed bunting, yellowhammer and tree sparrow. A first-winter bird, apart from the diagnostic 'bull-headed' appearance and large bill, it wasn't the sassiest of birds I had seen, so I was off because there was more to offer.

In the space of three hours, this happened.

Sliding along the coastal path to the Lighthouse Car Park a snow bunting and northern wheatear were in close proximity in the ploughed field close to the bunting viewing area. The path down to the lighthouse was treacherous, but the weather had continued to improve. I was rather enjoying it.

Arriving eventually at the car park, the energetic pallas's warbler was seen exceptionally well zipping around the large bramble patch opposite the bay. Always an incredible bird to see, but this one especially was absolute crackerjack. 

From here, I headed the otherside of the Lighthouse to the 'Motorway Hedge' where after a short wait, the two-barred warbler appeared, again showing exceptionally well, moving spritely between the hedge and the tall vegetation. 

This area also produced two mealy redpoll, two flyover bullfinch, and a passing marsh harrier.

A pallid swift that I had missed early reappeared over the fog station flying close in to the masts. Another really great bird to catch up with.

Heading back to the bay brambles, we picked up the dusky warbler, not as showy as the other brilliant birds seen today, but still great to see in amongst the scrub.

Taking a break from the excitement at seeing such an array of really special birds, a house martin flew in off the sea battling its way inland and skeins of pink-footed geese were heading off to roost as the light started to fade.

It was a magical day - although having left my camera behind, I probably got more out of just observing these birds through the scope than the viewfinder. It may have also pulled me over into the mud so just as well. Will remember this day for a long time.