Spring migration at Spurn and Kilnsea Wetlands

Despite the weather forecast of showers, I decided on a trip to Spurn today. I hadn't even checked the tide, but when I did on arrival to Kilnsea Wetlands hide I realised it was just before high tide. Waders were indeed plentiful: a flock of Bar-tailed godwits, many in full summer plumage, Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew and Whimbrel, Ringed Plovers, later on, a lone Common Sandpiper who almost frantically circuited the whole wetlands. Swallows and Sand Martins hunted over the water. At some point when the rain got heavier many sat on flower heads or the grass, facing the wind.
 The rain fell steadily now, but there were many birds around and several birdwatchers in attendance, calling new birds here and there. A drake Pintail fed at the far end, yellow wagtails fed on the grass, an avocet making a funny call, a pair of Sandwich terns waking up and displaying.

Bar-tailed Godwits.

Spotted Redshank in summer plumage roosting amongst Redshanks.

Displaying Sandwich Terns.

Yellow Wagtail.

Greenshank.

Hurrying Common Sandpiper.

Swallows and Sand Martins stopping during the shower.

After a very pleasurable couple of hours in the hide, the rain eased, and feeling the cold, I decided to move to the Triangle. I walked towards the warren by the clifftop. Four Wheatears were about, one of them had enjoyed a bath. They moved south in a loose group.

Wheatear.

Pair of Wheatears.

 I decided on a hot drink and early lunch stop on the Discovery Centre cafe to warm up. As I crossed towards the centre I saw a Ring Ouzel flying from the hedge and disappearing behind the freshly made bank. Hiding behind the bank, I moved closer to it. It fed on the wet grass while I took some pictures. I am not very familiar with Ring Ouzels, this being my best view ever. An adult female, it was a very well marked individual, the wings gleaming particularly pale and very nice scaly markings, even a little white feather on its neck. I left it feeding and, as I got to the discovery centre I exchanged the location of the ring ouzel with a birder, who gave me in turn the location of a singing Lesser Whitethroat.

 After lunch, I walked to the breach. The tide was now far out. A very out of place young swan walked on the mud, I wonder if expelled from its parent's territory now that breeding is underway.

Young Mute Swan on the mudflats.

A 59 strong flock of Brent Geese flew over and settled on the area near the Crown and Anchor to feed.

Whimbrel.

The same spotted Redshank as before, but near the Crown and Anchor?

Altogether, 57 bird species, and 10 new species for the year, a great day out at Spurn and Kilnsea.