My health was much improved on 2024, but I didn’t feel up to long car journeys, so apart from a disastrous trip to Scarborough and a couple to North Lincolnshire, I never left East Yorkshire. As I only blogged a few times in 2025, a good few pictures are new here.
January is Corn Bunting at High Eske NR on the 14th. Actually, the only picture from this month, but as a seriously declining species, the first I’ve seen here for a good few years well justified.
Corn Bunting north of High Eske NR-14/1/25
February is Purple Sandpiper. I planned to try to see a few species don’t see regularly so on a mild late February day, I went to Barmston with this species in mind. For the full trip, check here.
Purple Sandpiper-Barmston outfall-22/2/25
March is Blue-winged Teal at Brough Airfield Marsh. Near dusk on the 20th, having seen little of note earlier, I was checking the channel between the marsh bank and the footpath across the airfield, when I saw what I was sure was a drake Blue-winged Teal. I quickly got closer from the footpath where I also located a female accompanying it. The first for the site and almost certainly the pair seen intermittently at Tophill Low NR 2023/4 [and the female later this year.]
Drake Blue-winged Teal-Brough Airfield-20/3/25
April again is Blue-winged Teal, this time the female, which arrived at Tophill Low NR sometime before the 23rd and quickly paired up with a Shoveler. They were seen to mate, and she then became elusive, maybe sitting, but wasn’t seen after 20th May. Unlike the previous two years, neither Blue-winged Teal appeared in late summer.
♀︎.Blue-winged Teal with ♂︎.Shoveler-Tophill Low NR-30/4/25
May is Temminck’s Stint at Tophill Low NR on the 12th. The one I found at High Eske NR on the 18th may be a better record, but I didn’t get a decent picture.
Temminck’s Stint-Tophill Low NR-12/5/25
June finally brings a true rarity, the Song Sparrow at Thornwick Bay on the 10th. Not a great picture as I wasn’t feeling too good, so I made do with a record shot, but it was my first of only two Yorkshire ticks this year. My previous was at Seaforth, Liverpool, in October 1994.
Song Sparrow-Thornwick Bay, Flamborough-10/6/25
July is Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Tophill Low NR at the 12th simply because it is the best picture I have ever taken of one.
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth-Tophill Low NR-12/7/25
August, I would have liked to have posted the Night Heron at North Cave Wetlands YWT, but it never showed well to me, but the Palpita vitrealis or Olive-tree Pearl [a moth] I trapped on the 29th was a first for me, so a good 2nd choice. Once a rare migrant from southern Europe it is becoming more regular.
Palpita vitrealis or Olive-tree Pearl-Cottingham-30/8/25
September is the Siberian Stonechat at Grimston on the 27th. Check here for more details and other sightings in late September.
Siberian Stonechat-Grimston, E.Yorks-27/9/25
October is Black-faced Bunting at Spurn Point on the 21st. A Yorkshire tick, but I did see the first at Pennington Flash in March 1994 [also an earlier bird at Spurn, with a deformed bill and damaged eye, which I haven’t yet found a date for]. More details and the rest of October here.
Black-faced Bunting-Spurn Point-21/10/25
November is Bearded Tit at Welton Waters on the 7th. I spend a lot of time looking for the species, becoming more abundant through autumn and finally becoming photogenic this month.
Bearded Tit-Welton Waters, East Yorkshire-7/11/25
And finally, for December, one that usually features in my annual review, Smew on Watton NR, Tophill Low NR on the 10th. It disappeared later in the month, but likely the bird seen at the end of the month nearby at High Eske NR [still present in the New Year].
2/10/25 Went to Brough Haven on Thursday morning. Had a Great White Egret in flight to the west, likely my first from the Haven. Again, a good number of Avocet but no Spoonbill. Also, a couple of Black-tailed Godwits on the mudflats were accompanied by 50+ Dunlin. Gave them a good scan, but nothing better.
At the airfield, they were excavating the channel west of the marsh where I had found two Blue-winged Teal in March.
♂︎Blue-winged Teal-Brough Airfield-20/3/25
Hopefully, this will keep the area wet longer in the Spring.
Excavator on Brough Airfield
A good number of ducks, mainly Gadwall with a few Shoveler and Teal, on the marsh, but only seen when flushed by a Marsh Harrier.
Also, a good number of ducks on the Watersports Pit, but distant near the east bank.
Walking back, I saw a Stonechat opposite BAE Systems, as well as a few Small White butterflies and a Common Darter.
3/10/25 On Friday morning, I walked to Haltemprice Farm, where I again had 2 Stonechat.
Stonechat-Haltemprice Farm-Willerby
Shaggy Inkcap-Wood Lane-Cottingham
6/10/25 Golden Plover had been seen Swine Moor area recently, so I went to Hull Bridge on Monday afternoon. However, Swine Moor was still largely dry and the only waders were Lapwing and at least one Snipe, but I did see a Grey Wagtail. Continued up the river to High Eske NR. Heard an unseen Little Owl in Eske Manor field. Not much of note at High Eske NR, and no Cattle Egret roosted, although the water level was too high anyway. I had a flock of Pink-footed Geese south of Leven Canal, then thousands flying south as I walked back.
Pink-footed Geese-High Eske Farm
7/10/25 Went to Tophill Low NR on Tuesday afternoon. Finally got a photo of the Black-necked Grebe on D res but the light was poor.
Black-necked Grebe-D res-Tophill Low NR
A single Pink-footed Goose was seen on South Marsh East.
Pink-footed Goose-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
Still one Green Sandpiper and a few Snipe. Heard a Water Rail on South Marsh West. Stayed until the light was fading and had the recent Bar-tailed Godwit coming in with Curlew.
Bar-tailed Godwit-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
White-throated Needletail in Yorkshire
8/10/25 A White-throated Needletail was seen at Tophill Low NR on Wednesday afternoon, but wasn’t initially identified and was gone by the time the news got out. It was seen again at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, but too late for me to get there. One was reported at Loch on Thursday morning, but amazingly the original bird turned up at Filey Brigg, but again too late for me. [See here for more details.] Then on Friday morning, it was seen at Scarborough Castle. Unfortunately, I got there too late [see here for details].
From the castle mount, I was able to photograph both Filey Brigg and Flamborough Head in near-perfect alignment.
I took a photograph of the harbour in strong light that came out like a dusk image. Not enough to keep me occupied on the castle mount, so I went to Bempton Cliffs RSPB to be still within range. However, little to see and only added Gannet over the sea for the month. Also saw a Stonechat, but trying for Tree Sparrow at the feeders, the Needletail was seen flying south at Long Nab, so I headed back to Scarborough. The traffic was solid most of the way, and getting back to the castle, no one else was there, and I ended up walking Marine Drive. Bottle-nosed Dolphins had been seen offshore, but didn’t get an identifiable sighting. A Snow Bunting was at the Harbour, but even this eluded me, and I had to make do with a Red-throated Diver in South Bay.
Red-throated Diver-South Bay-Scarborough
I had had my first Acleris sparsana for the year on the 9th, and on the 15th, Blair’s Shoulder-knot, Barred Sallow and Feathered Thorn.
16/10/25 Went to Welton Waters on Thursday afternoon. Over a thousand Wigeon on Watersports Pit, but otherwise only a few Mallard and Pochard. However, walking along the east side, I picked out 3 distant ducks near the west shore, which turned out to be female Common Scoter. By the time I got close enough for a picture, the light was poor.
Common Scoter-Watersports Pit-Welton Waters
Walked west to view the airfield where I saw 1000’s of Starling coming in to roost. A Marsh Harrier regularly put up the duck but only saw Gadwall, Wigeon and Shoveler. Heard a Water Rail in the ditch.
17/10/25 Went to Tophill Low NR on Friday morning. The Black-necked Grebe and at least nine Red-crested Pochard were still on D res. I had a Common Sandpiper in flight over O res. Not many waders on South Marsh East, a Redshank being the best.
Common Redshank-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
Walking towards The Henge, I noticed the hide from the west side of Watton NR, long out of use, was now by South Marsh West near the Sand Martin wall, intended as a photography hide.
The old Watton NR hide, now by South Marsh West
Several Pintail were on Watton NR.
Pintail-Watton NR-Tophill Low NR
Walking back to South Marsh East saw a flock of Golden Plover circling which eventually dropped onto the marsh. These were my first for the year. Rushed to Back2back hide and got some photos.
Golden Plover-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
Some Curlew had come in with them bringing with them the regular Bar-tailed Godwit.
Juv Bar-tailed Godwit with Lapwing, Golden Plover & a Curlew-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
Black-faced Bunting at Spurn Point
20/10/25 A Black-faced Bunting was found on Monday morning near Middle Camp, Spurn Point. I didn’t go immediately as rain was forecast, but fortunately, it was still present on Tuesday. The traffic was heavy on Greenwood Avenue, but there were no further holdups; however, the route between Hedon and Easington now has so many speed restrictions that it adds around 20 minutes to the trip. Of course, there is also now the added delay of having to walk beyond the Warren, but it didn’t seem too arduous. A few birders were on the road on either side of where the bunting was, but it hadn’t been seen for a while. There were a few calls, but it seemed to be too close to vegetation for me to see. The YWT truck came through, and I saw it in flight at least, and fortunately, it shortly settled again on the road in full view. However, it was only on view for a short while before two bait diggers on e-bikes decided to force their way past the birders, flushing it again. I only managed two shots, but the second was ok, so I decided I’d had enough and walked off, but got another view on the foreshore just to the north before it flew south again.
♀︎/1st winter♂︎ Black-faced Bunting-Middle Camp-Spurn Point
Dark-bellied Brent Geese-Spurn Point near the breach- a year tick
22/10/25
Black Rustic; November Moth agg.; Red-lined Quaker-new for the year on Wednesday
28/10/25 Went to Tophill Low NR on Tuesday morning. Finally the road in was open. Initially not impressed as the road through Watton was still potholed but leaving the village found a smooth blacktop all the way to the Tophill Low approach road which still had lethal potholes. Even a few passing places and posts on some corners to stop running onto the verge. However there was already places where vehicles had gone onto the soft verge. Certainly the safest I’ve felt for many years although the new risk that some will maybe now drive faster with less care.
A Long-tailed Duck had been seen on D res recently, but couldn’t find it or the Black-necked Grebe; several Red-crested Pochard were close in from the Visitors Centre.
Red-crested Pochard-D res-Tophill Low NR
It was warmer than of late and I wasn’t surprised to see a Red Admiral in the carpark and a Migrant Hawker near North Lagoon.
29/10/25 Went to Skipsea on Tuesday morning, where a Shorelark was showing well on the cliff top just north of Cliff Road.
Shorelark-Cliff Road-Skipsea
Went to High Eske on the way back. Wildfowl numbers were up on the pit, but a Goosander was the only unexpected bird.
Goosander-High Eske NR
A few Fieldfare were in the bushes at the north end.
Fieldfare-High Eske NR
Walked down the canal, but nothing of note. Walking back, I had a flock of Siskin flying towards High Eske NR. Didn’t relocate them, but did have a Stonechat.
16/9/25 Went to Brough Haven on Tuesday morning. Strong winds but mild, so not so bad. A Spoonbill was close in and an Avocet in the channel, the only one I could find at the time.
Spoonbill with Lesser Black-backed Gull-Brough Haven
Again, there was no sign of any Golden Plover, with a few Redshank and Curlew seen. Headed to Welton Waters. A few Curlew and a flock of Greylags on the airfield. Nothing on Brough Angling Complex. On the Watersports Pit, Little Grebes were now in double figures and a small flock of Mute Swans. I had a few small flocks of Siskin flying west along the river, so I hoped to see some feeding on Common Lane. None found, just a few Chiffchaff, Goldfinch and tits. Walking back, I had a good number of Lapwing on the airfield. The heavens opened, but fortunately, although soaked, it was clear before reaching the Haven, where I heard some Bearded Tit.
17/9/25 Went to North Cave Wetlands YWT on Wednesday afternoon. My target was the juvenile Black Tern, my first for two years. Got it quickly on Crossland Lake, but it was always distant.
Juvenile Black Tern-Crossland Lake-N.Cave Wetlands YWT
My next target was Egyptian Geese. Although I’d seen the species earlier in the year at High Eske NR and Tophill Low NR, I’d kept missing them here. Went round to Denis Wood Hide where several were showing to the west.
Egyptian Goose-N.Cave Wetlands YWT from Denis Wood Hide
While there, I had a look at the Little Stint on Crossland Lake, although I’d already seen one at Tophill Low NR earlier in the month [see here].
Little Stint-Crossland Lake-N.Cave Wetlands YWT
Managed to see a few Siskin along the west path but not well enough for a picture.
Had my first returning Pink-footed Geese on Thursday morning [18/9/25] over Northmoor Lane, Cottingham.
19/9/25 On Friday afternoon, I visited Hull Bridge to check Swine Moor, hoping that the recent rain had left some pools, but it was dry, with the only waders a few Lapwings. I did see my first Yellow Wagtail in a while, as well as a few Meadow Pipits. A good number of Migrant Hawker mainly over Barmston Drain. Continued north along the river to High Eske NR. The water level was lower, and the summer islands were showing, but the Greylag Geese and gulls seemed the only birds on them.
The temporary islands at High Eske NR
However, a closer look revealed a Cattle Egret, my first actually on the site [otherwise only seen very distantly from the bank, at Dumble Farm]. You can actually see it above, hiding behind a goose.
Cattle Egret-High Eske NR
The only wader was a Green Sandpiper on the main island. A good number of Pink-footed Geese were moving south.
Pink-footed Geese south over High Eske NR
22/9/25 Had a walk on Willerby Carrs on Monday morning. Had a better feeling this time with flocks of Skylarks over the fields. Took an unofficial path to view the recently ploughed field east of Haggs Farm and was rewarded with two North Wheatear, my first of the year.
North Wheatear-Haggs Farm, Willerby
Continuing to Haltemprice Farm I had Stonechat and Whinchat but all very mobile.
Whinchat-Haltemprice Farm-Willerby
Speckled Wood-Southwood Farm-Cottingham
23/9/23 Went to North Cave Wetlands YWT on Tuesday morning. Met up with Matt and looked for migrants along Dryham Lane. Not much doing, but did have good views of a Treecreeper.
Treecreeper-Dryham Lane-N.Cave Wetlands YWT
My target of the day was [Lesser] Redpoll so I had a walk down the western path where they were usually seen, from where I had a close Ruff on Crossland Lake.
Ruff-Crossland Lake-N.Cave Wetlands YWT
Male Common Darter-N.Cave Wetlands YWT
Had a look from Denis Wood hide, then had another look for Redpoll, this time successful, but mobile and difficult to see in the tree tops.
[Lesser] Redpoll-Carp Lake-N.Cave Wetlands YWT
25/9/25 Went to Brough Haven on Thursday morning. Walked to Welton Waters. Had a good look at the airfield marsh for Glossy Ibis without luck. Difficult to see anything but a Marsh Harrier repeatedly flushed a large flock of ducks, mainly Gadwall, with a smaller number of Shoveler and Wigeon. Heard Water Rail in the ditch. Failed to see Spoonbill, but there were again several hundred Avocet on the mudflats, and had a single Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwit on the way back, the latter my first for two years.
26/9/25 This seems the coldest September for a long time and its been quiet for moths. Silver Y is common in warmer weather in the field but had my first in the trap this year on Friday morning.
Silver Y
27/9/25 Went for the Grimston Siberian Stonechat on Saturday morning. The traffic around Hull is usually too heavy for me during the week, but helped by an early start, it was easy going this morning. The bird wasn’t showing when I got there, but I did have Stonechat and Redstart, the latter my first for a while. Eventually, it was located further north, and a chance for a better view dispelled any doubts among those who had seen it earlier. With everyone else leaving happy, I was free to get a bit closer.
Siberian Stonechat [probably maurus]-Grimston
I made an effort to see this bird as I didn’t have a confirmed Siberian Stonechat [although I did have an Amur]; however, as of 2026, Amur and Siberian are lumped.
Having not had a look at the sea since the Song Sparrow at Thornwick Bay, I went to Aldbrough seafront, but the wind wasn’t right for good sea watching. I did get my first Sandwich Tern this year, but otherwise, a second winter Mediterranean Gull was the only thing of interest. Checked the bushes, but had no migrants.
29/9/25 A bit more like autumn on Monday morning with Green-brindled Crescent and Beaded Chestnut new for the year in the trap as well as Red-green Carpet, previously seen in April.
Green-brindled Crescent: Beaded Chestnut
Went to High Eske NR in the afternoon. A couple of Green Sandpipers on the main island and five Wigeon new in, but otherwise quiet. Walking to Leven Canal, I distantly saw at least nine Cattle Egrets at Dumble Farm. At least one Stonechat in the fields at the start of the canal, as well as a good number of Swallows, my first for a few days and a Red Kite over.
Great Spotted Woodpecker-Leven Carr. It seemed to follow me along the canal
Leven Carr was dry, so little to see, and the reedbed that had been good for herons in spring had grown over, so no chance of Glossy Ibis. I did have a closer Cattle Egret at Waterloo Bridge.
Walking back along the river, I saw a good flock of Cattle Egret flying towards High Eske NR as well as a few with cattle on the west bank of the river. Also, several thousand Pink-footed Geese were flying south.
Cattle Egret with cattle just north of High Eske NR.
At the reserve, I had a Great White Egret, making my 3rd egret species of the day, then at the south end were thirty-four Cattle Egrets roosting on the temporary islands. Couldn’t see any juvenile birds though.
Some of the Cattle Egrets roosting on the temporary islands, High Eske NR
Had my first Barn Owl for a while, leaving the farm.
2/9/25 Went to Tophill Low NR on Tuesday morning. Started in the D Res Centre hide, looking for the Black-necked Grebe I’d failed to see last time. There was no sign, so I moved to Middle Hide. Eventually, I picked it up, although it was very distant to the north. Also saw a juvenile Goosander fly in, but also remained distant. Again, Kingfisher was showing regularly on North Marsh, and a Hobby flew along the river.
Kingfisher-North Marsh-Tophill Low NR
Nothing at Hempholme Meadows, which was dry, nor any migrants walking back along “straight road”. A hummingbird Hawk-moth was again at the butterfly garden.
Hummingbird Hawk-moth; Red Admiral; Migrant Hawker-Butterfly Garden-Tophill Low NR
A pair of Common Blue butterflies was lingering over a “snake pile” near South Marsh East.
Male Common Blue butterfly-Tophill Low NR
A few Ruff and Curlew on South Marsh East, but couldn’t find anything else. Nothing of note at Watton NR.
3/9/25 On Wednesday, I took a walk around Willerby Carrs early afternoon during a break in the weather. Again, the hope was for Whinchat at Haltemprice Farm, but it wasvery quiet, not helped by the wind; however, I had a few Swift around the flood lagoon. They seem to be hanging on later this year. Walking back along Wood Lane, I had a mixed flock of tits, including a Goldcrest at Carr Farm, but very little at the Cottingham end of Wood Lane, but I did find a Green Carpet moth, surprisingly my 1st this year, as in the past they’ve been common both in the trap and field. Checking my records, this is my 1st since May 2022.
Green Carpet moth-Wood Lane-Cottingham
4/9/25 Got out on Willerby Carrs on Friday morning to beat the rain. This time the wind was light and I found a Whinchat at Haltemprice Farm. As usual, it was very mobile and I lost track of it, but did manage a few photos.
Whinchat-Haltemprice Farm-Willerby
Also a Whitethroat. A Grey Wagtail was in the ditch by the flood lagoon, likely the bird I saw in flight yesterday. A good number of Chiffchaff by Carr Farm. Also had a dead Mole.
Mole-Carr Farm-Willerby
6/9/25 Went to Tophill Low NR on Saturday morning. Had two drake Red-crested Pochards on D res, my first of the autumn.
Red-crested Pochard-D Res-Tophill Low NR
Two Ringed Plover were on South Marsh East as well as few Curlew, Ruff, Green Sandpiper and Snipe.
Ringed Plover-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
The highlight of the day was finally getting to use the new Henge Hide overlooking South Marsh West and O res.
The Henge-Tophill Low NR
Inside The Henge-Tophill Low NR-showing the central girder camouflaged by “bog oak”.
Good to see unfixed seating as the fitted benches in the older hides makes it uncomfortable using a ‘scope with a hide clamp. Higher than the old L-shaped hide it replaces, and even more from the open under level, which allows unrestricted viewing of the reservoir. Also gives a good view of the River Hull and the fields to the south and east. Unfortunately, nothing much to see.
South Marsh West; O res; River Hull-from The Henge-Tophill Low NR
There is a series of notices on the way up the hide that give information on its construction and the origin of its name.
Eristalis pertinax-a hoverfly-Tophill Low NR
The Belted Galloway were blocking the gate to South Scrub. Fortunately they are very placid.
Belted Galloway-South Scrub gate-Tophill Low NR
On Watton NR, I caught up with the Great White Egret I had seen earlier in flight, as well as a single Barnacle Goose with the Greylag.
Great White Egret; Barnacle Goose-Watton NR-Tophill Low NR
Common Darter-Tophill Low NR
A second visit to South Marsh East yielded my first Little Stint of the year, marking my first sighting in two years.
Little Stint; Green Sandpiper-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
7/9/25 Common Wainscot and Angle Shades were new for the year in the trap on Sunday morning, the latter in previous years more numerous.
Common Wainscot; Angle Shades
8/9/25 Went back to Tophill Low NR on Monday morning. Had my first returning Pintail on D res, where Red-crested Pochard had increased to seven.
Pintail-D res-Tophill Low NR
Sat by the Centre pond checking for Spotted Flycatcher, which I had missed on my previous two visits. Had at least one in distant trees, but they didn’t hang around.
Field Vole-East Pond-Tophill Low NR
Headed to South Marsh East where the Little Stint was still present along with much the same waders as Saturday.
Ruff-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
On Watton NR I had my first three Wigeon of the autumn.
9/9/25 With three Curlew Sandpiper turning up after I left yesterday, I had to go back to Tophill Low NR. Fortunately, they were still on South Marsh East. They were, however, distant and not long after I went round to the back-to-back hide, they flew off high south and weren’t relocated.
Curlew Sandpiper-South Marsh East-Tophill Low NR
Wader numbers were lower, with no sign of the Little Stint. I did, though, get Green Sandpiper and Dunlin on my Henge hide list. With the current massive influx of Gloss Ibises, I was on the lookout. Seems currently concentrated to the south, but one was seen flying over after I left.
Comma-Tophill Low NR
10/9/25 Dark Sword-grass was new for the year in the trap on Wednesday. Only my 3rd, the previous in October 2013 and August 2022.
Dark Sword-grass moth
11/9/25 On Thursday morning, I visited High Eske NR for my first time in nearly two months. I preferred to avoid the site during the summer holidays, particularly as the weather was fine. Had hope for waders but the water level was high and only managed a Green Sandpiper and two Snipe, with six Curlew later.
Snipe and Green Sandpiper-High Eske NR on the permanent island.
High Eske NR with the summer islands just visible below the water
Also, nothing of interest among the small number of ducks, but my first Swift for a week [a few claims of Pallid Swift recently, but gave them a good grilling] as well as Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow, which had been scarce in recent days.
Small Copper [they seem to have increased in the Hull Valley this year]; Ruddy Darter-High Eske NR
12/9/25 Walked to Haltemprice Farm late Friday morning. At least one Whinchat since present, but very mobile and distant in increasing wind. Didn’t go any further because of the wind.
In recent years I have, when not twitching, restricted myself to a few local sites but this year now I’m feeling fitter I plan to go a little further to see some birds I’ve not seen for a while. However, although I’ve been out a few times, it’s been a cold one but the last few days it’s been milder so on Saturday I headed to Barmston for Purple Sandpiper [I considered the Lincolnshire Eastern Yellow Wagtail but I’ve actually seen one more recently but might try this week if the wind isn’t too strong over at the Humber Bridge]. Getting there the nearest rocks looked empty. I remember there was more of a mini headland last time I was here but erosion seems to have done its work.
Rock on Barmston beach
Looking south though the outfall had birds on it.
Barmston Drain outfall
Walking south It was no surprise to see several Stonechat.
Stonechat-Barmston clifftop
On the oldfall were several Oystercatchers.
Oystercatcher on Barmston Drain outlet
Looking closer I located a few Purple Sandpipers and Ringed Plover.
Purple Sandpiper on Barmston Drain OutfallRinged Plover on Barmston Drain outfall
Further south I had a few Sanderling on the beach and some more Ringed Plover roosting with Dunlin.
Ringed Plover and Dunlin on Barmston BeachSanderling on Barmston Beach
I headed back north on the beach but the disturbance was too much so continued only as far as the first chance to get back off the beach. A look at the sea only produced a few Great Crested Grebe and Red-throated Diver.
too many walkers on the beach
My plan was to get to High Eske late afternoon but it was a bit early so headed to Hornsea Mere. Smew, Scaup and Long-tailed Duck had been seen in the morning but was only really interested in the latter so at Kirkholme Point I headed for the jetties where in the past had been the favoured spot but no sign. Walked right around and ended up back at the jetties where I eventually glimpsed the Long-tailed Duck but it was distant, mobile and not on the surface for long. I got only a record shot.
Long-tailed Duck-Kirkholme Point, Hornsea Mere
Usually a few birders on Kirkholme Point but I was on my own until joined by Steve Webb then Roy turned up as I was about to leave. Not seen either for a while so good to reminisce.
At High Eske farm I had several hundred Linnet on a recently ploughed field. Fewer ducks on the pit than on my last visit a month ago and nothing unusual. A pair of Oystercatchers were on the east shore but as in recent years will struggle to raise any young. Checked the fields to the south but no geese. Also no swans on Arram Carr but Eske Ings [the flooded between High Eske Farm and the canal] was interesting with a large number of Shoveler and a smaller number of Wigeon and Teal. The only geese were a few Canada and Greylag and only Swans Mute. A good number of Curlew and Lapwing and a few Redshanks but no sign of the large flock Dunlin seen in January. Scanning them I saw what initially I thought was a strange Lapwing [I had seen a leucistic one on Swine Moor in December] but quickly realised it was a male Hen Harrier.
Leucitic Lapwing-Swine Moor-28/12/24
Seen the species here before, although the last was a dead one at Eske Manor Farm which was recovered by the RSPB, but never heard any more about it. It flew around for a while but I lost track when I was having a closer look at the wildfowl and waders but did find a small flock of Pintail. Had a few Yellowhammer along the river bank, worryingly my first this year but no sign of last month’s Corn Bunting.
Corn Bunting-N.of High Eske NR 14/1/25
I headed back to the pit for dusk but nothing new came in and only one Goldeneye which usually come in late near dusk nor the Smew seen earlier this month. Had expected White-fronted Geese which usually winter in the area particularly as there seems to have been a recent influx. Also very few Mute Swans and the Whoopers that often accompany them. A pair of cranes were seen along the canal at the beginning of the month but not since.
Since my last post {see here} I have remained active but limited by the weather and have been to Tophill Low NR on the few days I can get out. It has been fairly quiet but have had a few nice birds starting with Green-winged Teal on 16/11.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the Snow Geese there in November, but they have been seen again in early December, so I still have a chance. On my last visit, a Red-necked Grebe was found to the south at High EskeNR. I considered rushing there, but I decided to head to Hempholme Meadows for a better picture of Cattle Egret.
I have seen Red-necked Grebe there before and my last one was less than a year ago at Tophill Low NR.
Sunday started wet but brightened mid afternoon but the added complication of Cottingham Christmas Fair road closures not helping I ended up looking round the fair with the dog.
5/12/24 Thursday as forecast started mild and bright so I got away before the dog woke up. This was my 1st visit to High Eske NR for nearly 4 months. Started well with plenty of Fieldfare and Redwing along the track from the farm as well as a few Reed Bunting and Yellowhammer. The work at High Eske NR seemed to have finished but the bank was left very muddy. Presumably to source material a potential new wetlands had been created.
The eastern bank of High Eske NR showing a potential new wader scrape on the right
The wildfowl numbers, although not as high as those of past winters, were well up on those present early this spring, with tens of Mallard, Coot, and Tufted Duck, and smaller numbers of Great Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, and Wigeon, as well as a Pochard. Found the Red-necked Grebe, and although it was distant, the light was okay.
Red-necked Grebe-High Eske NR-5/12/24
Also although no longer too noteworthy there was a Great White Egret.
Great White Egret-High Eske NR-5/12/24
The gate at the south end had been replaced and the bank reinforced.
The southern gate and bank at High Eske NR
The lack of cover means disturbance will have increased but hopefully the vegetation will grow up again in spring. The western side was untouched.
The northern inlet at High Eske NR, as with the southern end, now seems blocked.However I am informed this in only temporary.
The “Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 2023” in British Birds was waiting for me when I got in confirms my 1st Ross’s Goose. See my updated blog on the subject. The post also mentions Ruddy Shelduck.
Pair of Ruddy Shelduck-Priory Fields-Cottingham-6/12/24
1 May Bird wise thing seemed to settle down on my High Eske NR\Leven Canal patch with all the expected warblers in, except for Garden and Grasshopper yet to be heard, as well as Hobby and Cuckoo now arrived. Still a regular Great Egret but no signs so far in May of Cattle Egret.
Cattle Egret-Leven Carrs-24/5/24
After a largely cool April, butterflies were now becoming abundant with Orange-tip, Green-veined White, Red Admiral and Peacock recorded.
Green-veined White and Orange-tip-Leven Canal-1/5/24
I also had my first Odonata, Hairy Dragonfly and Large Red Damselfly. Unfortunately my camera packed up so no more pictures this day.
7 May My next trip I had fully charged the camera and was able to snap a few Large Red Damselfly and my first Four-spotted Chaser and Azure Damselfly.
large Red DamselflyFour-spotted Chaserrecent Azure Damselfly Azure Damselfly
8 May Had my first Blue-tailed Damselflies on the Humber flood bank at Brough Airfield.
12 May Finally the weather and mutual availability allowed a trip to South Lincolnshire. First Twyford Wood on the site of a WW2 airbase.
We were looking for the sanctuary but there was no directions but fortunately a dog walker showed us the way.
We had timed it to arrive while butterflies were still fairly docile and it wasn’t long before we had our first Dingy Skipper followed shortly by our target, Grizzled Skipper. Didn’t have many other butterflies only Orange-tip and Speckled Wood.
Dingy SkipperGrizzled SkipperSpeckled Wood
Also a micro moth similar to a Mint Moth confirmed later as Pyrausta purpuralis, a new one for me. Also known as Common Purple & Gold [not sure whether widely accepted as I’ve yet to get into new “common names”. I checked my earlier records but all photographs were Mint Moth [Pyrausta aurata].
Pyrausta purpuralis or Common Purple & Gold-Twyford Wood-12/5/24Bee Fly-Twyford Wood-12/5/24
Next was Muston Meadows NNR. Found the village alright although confused as to which county it’s in, satnav and maps say Nottinghamshire, locals Lincolnshire, but seemed to cross into Leicestershire not long before the village. Also some debate about how Muston is pronounced. Maybe not as the village of the same name in East Yorkshire. Had to ask for directions to the reserve.
Muston Meadows NNR
No signage and involved a long walk along a farm track then through an open gate to unimproved fields with a large number Green-winged Orchid, a new one for us.
Green-winged Orchid-Muston Meadow NNR-12/5/24. Right-hand image shows the ‘green-wing” that gives it it’s name.
A Lesser Yellowlegs was found on Swine Moor, Beverley by Garry Taylor on the afternoon of 10/11/23. I was already out with Roy at Tophill Low NR looking for a Barred Warbler along Barmston Drain. Not surprisingly this turned out to a single observer birds with only a Stonechat as compensation. By the time we got down Weel Road the light was poor with little chance of locating the yellowlegs amongst a distance large number of Redshank. This wasn’t a site tick so not too disappointed. Roy and I found an earlier bird in 2008 on 22nd April which stayed until the 26th, during which time it was very popular. The early 2000’s were a good time for the species with two records at Tophill Low NR and one at Paull Holme Strays. At the time I was “out of action” but had a vague promise I would get to see it. However by April this hadn’t happened but on the 3rd I was in Beverley for an MOT. Not expecting a poorly maintained 22 year old bike to pass I only had my bins but with an hour to waste I had a fast walk from Flemingate to Grovehill Road. Walking along Barmston Drain towards the moor I had a large shape dive near a large tangle of vegetation which could only be an Otter but couldn’t relocate. It was very muddy especially the bit from the drain to the river bank but my current dryware Doc Martin’s are the first pair in over 40 years to be truly water proof. Unfortunately I haven’t seen any more on the Doc Martin website since. The weather wasn’t good, murky with regular heavy drizzle and there wasn’t much hope anyway just with bins. The best I managed was a good flock of Golden Plover and a few Dunlin at the northern end. Walking back I got the call from RM Motorcycles and somehow it had got through with only a warning about the rear brake. However the weather was too poor to stay out.
Went to Tophill Low NR on Thursday [4th] morning where I had a pair of Scaup and found a female Common Scoter on D res then had a male Smew on Watton NR but everything too distant to photograph. Initially “suppressed” due to possibility of breeding I was lucky to see drake Blue-winged Teal on North Lagoon but the female was in the reeds. Presumably the birds from last year.
Drake Blue-winged Teal-North Lagoon-Tophill Low NR
The next few days I didn’t get out due to commitments or the weather. On Monday [8th] morning I had an unusually early dog walk when I had my first Willow Warbler this year in Millbeck Wildlife Area. In line with national trends, in Cottingham Willow Warbler is now rare and the above and Middledyke Fields are the only reliable sites. The weather was better than excepted so I got off to Hull Bridge mid morning.
Swine Moor looking very wet from the river bank
No sign of the Golden Plover as I got onto Swine Moor but a good number of mobile Redshank [I later counted over 50] due to a female Sparrowhawk regular flying over. Despite the water level seeming higher there seemed fewer wildfowl [Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall and Shoveler with a small number of Mallard] and didn’t find the hoped for Garganey. Also no sign of Little Ringed Plover yet. Further south where the Lesser Yellowlegs has been usually reported there were even more Redshank and eventually I located it although distant feeding amongst sedge clumps. Tried to photograph it but nothing worth keeping. More photogenic were two Avocet swimming in a nearby pool.
Avocet on Swine Moor
I can’t remember if I’ve even seen one here before but certainly a good find. Walking back the yellowlegs appeared a bit closer and less obscured.
Lesser Yellowlegs on Swine Moor
Continued north towards High Eske NR. The river was very high [Blacktoft Sands RSPB is closed all week due to tidal flooding so not just the recent rain] and I can’t remember having to go via Crown & Anchor carpark before.
River Hull by Crown & Anchor, Tickton showing the submerged walkway.
The pub is closed but not aware whether due to flooding or economics. Reaching High Eske I wasn’t surprised it was fairly quiet as in the past there is usually little wildfowl when water levels are high.
High Eske NR showing the main island
Only single figures of Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Gadwall and Cormorant. There was a Marsh Harrier holding territory over Pulfin NR. Plenty of Willow Warbler, a few Cetti’s and only one Chiffchaff singing although I choice not to circle the pond incase the path was too flooded. Also a few House Martin which I already seen last week at Tophill Low NR. The water level means I have little hope of the yellowlegs roosting here currently as other wader have in the past. A nice surprise was a Red Kite bothering the nesting Rooks at High Eske Farm. Still not a common bird in the Hull valley.
Red Kite over High Eske Farm rookery
I had said with such an old bike I needed to get breakdown cover as soon as I got back on the road but had put it off until next month. Therefore I had serious concern when it died and initially refused to fire up at Swine Moor round about. Fortunately it did restart but no idea what the cause was. In the end though I would have only had had a fairly easy push to RM Motorcycles. My readers who live locally will know about the updating of the main road south of Beverley which could cause major hold ups until late 2026 so I am trying to avoid times of heavy traffic. However despite setting off before the schools emptied I found the traffic static at Morrison’s roundabout. Fortunately on a bike you can get past some of the traffic and it was clear beyond Jock’s Lodge.
A Red-breasted Merganser was on the watersports pit at Welton Waters which I hoped to look for on Tuesday but the weather was too poor.
After finally getting back on the road in autumn of 2022 I got out regularly this year until the end of September but although I had “more material” it meant I had less time to actually blog not helped by family issues in summer. Also due to a difficulty with long car journeys, apart from a few butterfly trips to Lincolnshire, I only left Yorkshire once for the Northumberland Grey-headed Lapwing. Because of this I haven’t taken many rare bird pictures. However because of the above many pictures are new to the blog.
January After not seeing Brambling in Cottingham for many years for the second year I managed to see one twice in late January in KGV Rec by the BMX track.
Brambling-Cottingham KGV Rec-20/1/23
February This month’s bird is a Whooper Swan at High Eske NR the 5th.
Whooper Swan-High Eske NR-5/2/23
March 2023 was a great year for me locally for Bittern. One was seen at Tophill Low NR throughout the year, on 3rd May I hear one calling by Leven Canal, my first for the High Eske/Pulfin/Leven Carr super patch, I had one several times over Brough Airfield Marsh spring/summer suggesting nesting then on 11th September I had one at North Cave Wetlands.
Bittern-Tophill Low NR on South Marsh West-22/3/23
April This month again Tophill Low NR this my only Whimbrel of the year on South Marsh East on the 26th.
Whimbrel-Tophill Low NR on South Marsh East-26/4/23
May As mentioned above the Grey-headed Lapwing, which I saw on the 2nd, was my only rarity outside Yorkshire. However the pictures is rubbish and I aren’t yet convinced of it’s credentials. Therefore my picture is my first Slow Worm in Pickering Woods on the 18th. I also ticked two butterfly species that day. The full story here.
Slow Worm-Pickering Woods-18/5/23
June This month I go for a butterfly. Again in North Yorkshire at Farnham near Harrogate where the only [disclosed?] colony of Small Blue Butterfly in the county is. Being just on the outskirts of the village, a strange place to see such a rare insect. Full details here.
Small Blue butterfly-Farnham-16/6/23
July This month my second butterfly, a surprise find in Cottingham near Badger’s Wood, a White-letter Hairstreak on the 25th. Also seen the other known site in the village, on Snuff Mill Lane [see here] but I never got to see see them this year.
White-letter Hairstreak-Cottingham near Badger’s Wood-25/7/23
August On the 23rd I found the 2nd Blue-winged Teal for Tophill Low NR joined by the 3rd on following morning, but as I saw the first, this months picture is Willow Emerald Damselfly at the visitors centre pond, a site tick for me. Thanks to Pat Hoggarth for pointing at out for me. Considering the effort put in recording Odonata Tophill Low NR was late to the game.
Willow Emerald Damselfly-Tophill Low NR-21/7/23
September The month of the Yorkshire Brown Booby twitch but my photos were poor and it was only a county tick having seen one in Cornwall in September 2019. Even then it would take something very special to top my Clifden Nonpareil on the 14th. I had actually finished emptying the trap when I noticed a very large grey moth on the summer house railings. There was a good influx of this otherwise very rare moth but still something magic, the holy grail for moth enthusiasts.
Clifden Nonpareil-Cottingham-14/9/23
October What in the past would often be my best month was quiet with my bike laid up and not being up to long car journeys but a small flock of Egyptian Geese on my “green patch” at Carr Farm, Willerby on the 29th were a “Carrs” tick for my friends who saw them. I had seen the species at Tophill Low NR on the 16th February and there seems to be a feral population in East Yorkshire but whether from local non-self sustaining escapes or expansion from the population originating in East Anglia I can’t say. I personally witnessed the first wild breeding of Egyptian Geese at High Eske NR in the summer of 2004.
Egyptian Geese-Carr Farm, Willerby-29/10/23
November was very quiet for me and the best I can do is a Lesser Redpoll in Cottingham on the 29th at Millbeck Wildlife area where I had seen them in January.
At least December brought a true rarity with a Black-throated Thrush being found at Tophill Low NR on the 10th which I saw the next day [full story here]. Not surprisingly new for the site list and although it could be elusive, not helped by poor weather, it remained into the start of 2024 by which time all who wanted will have added it.
Male Black-throated Thrush-Tophill Low NR-11/12/23-hopefully get the chance for a better image.
8/4/23 Had a look at Swine Moor on Saturday afternoon. Took the easy route viewing from the flood bank on Weel Road as I wanted time to do High Eske NR. The duck numbers were well down with only Teal over a hundred and Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Shoveler and Shelduck in single figures. Had my first Ruff, with a few Redshank, Lapwing and a pair of Little Ringed Plover [not my first with three at High Eske NR on the Tuesday.
Three Little Ringed with a Dunlin-High Eske NR-4/4/23
Also a Yellow Wagtail was new for the year.
As it Easter Weekend I as was a bit apprehensive approaching High Eske NR. Wasn’t being pessimistic as the pit was almost empty of wild fowl. There were several anglers on the edge including one with a boat so large I couldn’t work out how it got there. The channel at the north edge has a “barrier” that should have kept it out and it would have been difficult to drag in over the bank at the south end. Boats aren’t allowed .
The barrier at the north end of High Eske NR
This is actually close season and although some may be pike fishing the bailiff seems to have given up trying to prosecute as despite the pit being connected to the river some anglers have managed to appeal being fined. There had been two pair of Great Crested Grebe and a regular pair of Oystercatcher but little manages to breed now. Fortunately I met Mandy, who I hadn’t seen for a few years, trying to photograph Kingfisher from a cruiser on the river and she managed to lift my mood. Also had a few Willow Warbler which have become scarce locally with the only regular records in Cottingham being on Middledyke Fields. Also a small flock of Swallow, my only previous being a singleton at Tophill Low NR on Monday. I walked right round the reserve but didn’t have any other migrants.
9/4/23 The weather was forecast to go off late afternoon but I thought I had time for a quick look on Swine Moor then High Eske NR. Didn’t have much on Swine Moor but did have my first House Martin. Approaching High Eske NR it again looked quiet but the first duck I saw I guessed Common Scoter and setting up my scope I confirmed it was female/immature and shortly after I found two males at the north end. There is currently a good movement of Common Scoter with strays on many inland waters.
Common Scoter at High Eske NR
Fortunately the Great Crested Grebes had returned. The Oystercatcher pair were also back on the island and as well as the regular but reducing flock of Redshank there was a Ruff, possibly the one on Swine Moor on Saturday,
Ruff at High Eske NR
Although it was clouding up I decided to head towards Leven Canal and see how far I could get. Checked the flock of Mute Swan to the north-west but couldn’t find any Whoopers. Did find a single Pink-footed Goose with a small number of Greylags. Started to rain so headed back. I don’t like leaving early evening as the traffic is too heavy. It took a while to get out onto the main and it was slow at Morrison’s road about but was wasn’t as bad as I feared and although it was raining it wasn’t too heavy.
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