Change of scenery - Spurn day out.

Rob Sandham, Pete Wood, Tony Kingfisher and I set off for Spurn this morning. The idea was to patch the east coast headland - they say a change is as good as a rest. Despite missinga few goodies namely a Golden Oriole and leaving before a Kentish Plover was found, we still had a good day. We arrived at 7.15am and were met by Mr birdingfrontier, Martin Garner. After a brief seawatch, we tried for the Golden Oriole without success. We continued on to Beacon Ponds on foot and were rewarded with great views of Little Terns. Despite a cold northerly wind birds did show with patience - Yellow Wagtails, Corn Buntings, Whinchat and Cuckoo to name a few passerines, while summer plumaged Grey Plovers and Sanderlings were also seen. At the point a dapper male Black Redstart peformed well - an inetresting bird as it's plumage is not one we'd een before. The bird was a 2nd calendar year bird and had gone through full body moult (looking pretty much like and adult male), however it's wings were still sportinga full set of juvenile feathers. At the point a few Spotted Flycatchers, Lesser Whitethroats and phylloscs kept us interested until our departure. Several Roe deer, hares and a Weasel were also good to see. Even though it was quiet by Spurn standards, the air of expectancy was great and company good. Big thanks to Martin for making us welcome.