Spring and Autumn Migration at Spurn (Day Trip)

Spring Migration

Given the site's location on the Yorkshire coast and its range of habitats, the area can be one of the best places to be as the spring migration gets underway. Anything can turn up and often does, as well as the welcome sight of our summer visitors returning along with those birds that are just passing through. From standing at “Numpties” – the migration watchpoint in April overlooking the North Sea and the Humber Estuary  – as well as visiting YWT’s Kilnsea Wetlands Reserve, we have the chance of seeing returning visitors such as terns, skuas, Whimbrel, Wheatear along with first Willow Warblers and Pied Flycatchers. As we move into May the spring migration will be in full swing with the arrival of further warbler species plus the welcome sight of our first Swifts returning. There is also the possibility, if we are lucky, of seeing species such as Hobby, Wood Sandpiper, Black Tern, Dotterel and Golden Oriole as they pass through. In April, past birds have included Black & Red Kite, Serin, egrets and Crane, whilst in May species such as Collared Flycatcher, Red-footed Falcon and Montagu’s Harrier have also made an appearance  – in essence anything is possible at Spurn.

Autumn Migration

In September and October, anything is possible; think of a European bird and it might just turn up here! Common species such as Meadow Pipit and Swallows pass through in their thousands and it is a treat to stand at ‘Numpties’ – a high watchpoint overlooking the North Sea and The Humber Estuary – to watch the birds stream overhead. While there, we may well indulge in a bit of seawatching. Depending on the winds, all four skua species are possible among many other seabirds. On the Estuary, thousands of waders should be present; some of these birds head for Kilnsea Wetlands to roost. Scarce migrants at this time of year include Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck, Barred Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatchers joining more frequent visitors such as Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher and several species of warblers. Rarities are a distinct possibility at this time of year, especially when easterly winds prevail. Maybe we will find our own rarity to bring the twitchers running!