Another first for Yorkshire and the first of many at Spurn

Another first for Yorkshire and the first of many at Spurn

Doubt mant saw this, I certainly didn't, yet to make it down to Spurn this Autumn but hot on the heels of the Brown Booby another Yorkshire 1st, an Upland Sandpiper flew South over the Warren at Spurn bird observatory on Saturday the 16th September.

A very rare visitor from the prairies of North America, most of 50 or so UK records turn up on our west coast. There's a record pic on Spurn Obs website.

Upland Sandpiper Spurn Point, September,

Things seem to be hotting up down at Spurn with some favourable weather for bring the birds in over the past few days. If you're thinking about a trip out to Spurn this autumn good on you, it's fabulous place when it's on, and if you're unfamiliar with the peninsular you might find the following helpful.

For most, even for Yorkshire folk, Spurn is a bit of a trek! You might think you're nearly there when you get snarled up in traffic in Hull, but in fact you're still a good hour away, so plan accordingly if you want to get there good and early.
Best time to visit, if you're after migrating birds and rarities, is without doubt late Aug - Oct.
I've done many a 'twitch' but believe me my best experiences at Spurn have been when I've had time to explore - walk the peninsular, do the hedgerows, do Kilnsea Wetlands, do Easington, and rummage around at Sammy's Point - all takes time and can't really be done satisfactably in a day so why not stay over? Accommodation can be had at the observatory itself, b & b at Westmere Farm, couple of camp sites, statics at Easington, and no doubt various other airbnb type accommodation further away from the peninsular itself.
The Peninsular is over 3 miles long, so that's 3 miles back! Make sure you're aware of the high tide times as there can be a significant 'washover' on the 'narrows' stretch and at peak high tides prevents passage. (No hardship to be marooned on the point for a few hours, but if you've a train to catch, well you know what I mean!)

The Spurn peninsular is one of Yorkshire's natural wonders and a major UK bird migration hotspot. If you go, good luck and don't forget your bins!

Stacks of rare bird pics on their website here that I can't compete with, but here's a bit of my own Spurn memorabila