Five days at Spurn - day 5 Sunday 27th September

With expectations high with the wind in the SE there was a thick mist extending inland from Easington as far as Doncaster but Spurn was again in sunshine. I walked Beacon Lane after another unsuccessful search for Jack Snipe at the Canal Scrape. There was no indications of any fresh migrants until a Firecrest popped out in front of me towards the end of the lane. I circulated the news and headed back to Westmere for breakfast. On the way I met Roger who had had Grasshopper Warbler by the Humber and a Hen Harrier which flew down the peninsula. 
Another Yellow-browed was reported from the canal then 2 at the Warren followed by Barred Warbler at Sammy's Point along with 2 more Yellow-browed. Then Red-breasted Flycatcher at Canal Scrape, by early afternoon around a dozen Yellow-browed had been reported with at least two together opposite Driftwood Caravan site. I had record views of the Red-breasted Flycatcher and headed for the Yellow-browed at Driftwood, I'd been watching these which had increased to three for about 20 minutes when Johnny ran round from the back of the caravan site shouting Arctic Warbler. I went to the back of the house to see it fly over my head looking to land in the bushes I had just been watching. I quickly moved back and it wasn't long before it reappeared giving excellent views.

Arctic Warbler ISO 800 1/1250 f9

A Hawfinch flew north and the three Yellow-browed remained in the area, there was a steady increase in the number of observers as birdwatchers who had been dispersed over the area congregated at Driftwood.

Yellow-browed Warbler ISO 800 1/1250 f9

 It was certainly an eventful few days. A total of 19 Yellow-browed Warblers went in to the Spurn log.
Thanks to Vaughan, Richard, Paul, Roger and Johnny for their company and birding skills.
Sue and Andrew Wells at Westmere Farm Guest House for the accommodation and delicious breakfast.
Paul Collins for the excellent Kew Caravan Site and for all the observatory work, and for quickly processing my Friends of Spurn application.

Five days at Spurn - day 4, Saturday 26th September

With the arrival of Roger Barnes and Richard Hart our reunion was complete, the sun continued to shine and the wind turned SE early in the afternoon.  After a quiet morning I managed to relocate the Yellow-browed Warbler that had proved so illusive for the last couple of days. It was in a Sycamore at Southfield Farm so the viewing was distant but we all managed to see it along with many other birders out for the day.

Yellow-browed Warbler ISO 1000 1/800 f5.6

A Pied Flycatcher found later in the day was the only indication of any new passerines arriving along with several Chiffchaff but two Jack Snipe were also reported along with a third Yellow-browed Warbler.
Having searched again for migrants I headed off to the high tide roost on the peninsula and the roosting Dunlin put on a good show over the North Sea.

Dunlin with Ringed Plover and a single Sanderling ISO 500 1/1250 f9

There were also some nice groups of Ringed Plover flying along the coast.

Ringed Plover with Dunlin ISO 500 1/1250 f9

There were still several parties of Pink-footed Geese passing south and a single Whimbrel circled over the Humber as the sun set. As usual we retired to the Crown & Anchor for refreshments and food.

Left to right Paul (Doherty), Vaughan (Lister) Richard (Hart), John (McLoughlan) and Roger (Barnes) standing