A Flamborough migration walk

 I join a migration walk around the Flamborough Headland as part of Migweek 2021, led by Margaret Boyd. As I drive over the River Hull at Tickton, a flock of Redwing passes over, my first this autumn. The day starts foggy and drizzly, but not too cold. We do a circuit around the headland cutting across Old Fall. On arrival, there are three House Martins feeding over Selwicks bay, which is quite nice, and a few seals bobbing on the bay. A continuous movement of Gannets north is quite noticeable too. 

Grey Seals.

The tide is quite high when we start the walk. We move to the south side of the headland: Meadow Pipits, Linnets, Goldfinches, and a sprinkling of Redwings. Just before taking the path inland to Old Fall, two Kestrels pass through behind a Linnet flock. A dozen Common Scoters are feeding near shore, diving together. A single Eider has got something, but is harassed by a Herring Gull and it has to dive.

Common Scoters.

Drake Eider.

It is quiet along the hedge and at Old Fall. A male Yellowhammer glows atop a Hawthorn.

Male Yellowhammer.

The guided walk is over, and I descent the steep steps to Selwick bay for my lunch, watching the squadrons of Gannets and Scoters, a Shag and an Eider feeding near the shore.

Gannets.

Eider.

Scoters.

A tidy nest in a small cave on the cliff.

Stonechat.

Herring Gull.

I climb up the steps and walk alongside the golf course. The fog has cleared and the sky is brighter. 

Drake Eider resting on the rocks.

The tide is now quite low, so I head back towards High Stacks hoping to see some Grey Seals out of the water.

The rock arch at High Stacks.

As the rocks become exposed on this inaccessible area, Grey Seals of all ages and sizes climb up to rest.

A male on the background near a very large female, possibly heavily pregnant.

Near the seals, a Grey Heron stands by a rock pool, fishing.

Grey Heron.

Oystercatcher.

Guillemot.

Shag.

Although not a lot of migrant birds, it is always a great day out to visit Flamborough, and I enjoyed chatting to Margaret and the other birders in the walk.