East Yorkshire: The Magic of Migration

Tour Code: GBR112

A 4-day birdwatching tour focusing on the two east coast migration hotspots of Spurn and Flamborough Head. Here we hope to enjoy an exciting range of waders, warblers, chats, crests, buntings and seabirds, along with a rarity or two, such as Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike or Yellow-browed Warbler.

4 days from
£725

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Highlights

Summary

The long distance migration of birds is a truly remarkable feat and is certainly one of the true wonders of the natural world and one of the most fascinating areas of ornithology. On this short wildlife break we will explore some of East Yorkshire’s very best nature reserves with a focus on the wonderful migratory birds that pass through here. We will enjoy its beautiful coastline and countryside from the perfect base, a delightful early 19th century Victorian manor hotel in the quaint village of Patrington. The hotel has lovely grounds in which we will run a moth-trap.

The east coast of Yorkshire is legendary in the birding world for watching and studying bird migration. For this break, we will be based just a very short, 15 minute drive from the wonderful Spurn Bird Observatory and we shall spend our time on foot walking the various different sites of the area enjoying a very wide range of species. We will enjoy visits to Spurn which will include a private ringing demonstration and a trip to Spurn Point on the all-terrain Unimog vehicle, also visiting the lighthouse here. We will also head north for around an hour to Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve - two wonderfully scenic and exciting locations. The birding throughout will be wonderful with such a wide range of species possible. Waders, warblers, chats, crests, buntings, divers, shearwaters and rarities such as Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike and Yellow-browed Warblers. The possibilities are huge! All this exciting birding will be coupled with some superb hospitality and delicious meals.

Enjoy visible migration, seawatching and possible rarities. Anything could turn up here!
Sights and sounds of autumn migration – ticking robins, calling Yellow-browed Warbler, Bramblings wheezing and Siskins piping overhead.
Exclusive 'Spurn Safari' to the point including access to the lighthouse.
Opportunity to visit Spurn Peninsula and Flamborough Head - both iconic landscapes.
Huge range of species possible and ideal for learning identification by sight and sound.
Moth-trapping in the hotel grounds.
Join a ringing session with the Spurn wardens.

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Dunedin House Hotel

Day 2/4

Explore the famous east coast migration sites of Spurn and Flamborough Head

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Reviews

We were a group of 12, with 2 trip leaders, and we all stayed in a country manor house, with fine dining. It was lovely to experience this with a group of like-minded people, and having the trip leaders to guide us was the ‘icing on the cake’! I felt that I learned a lot from them, which was my aim. In addition to following the trip itinerary, they ensured that participants individual interests were covered, which enhanced the experience for all. Naturetrek organises worldwide tours, focusing on wildlife in the areas visited. They provide leaders who are experts in their field, and from my experiences so far, I have found that this certainly makes the trips come alive, and for me the experiences have been truly enriching. Participants can opt for all travel arrangements to be organised by Naturetrek, which ensures a stress free journey - a delightful start and end to the trip.
Anon, Sept 21
It was principally a bird watching holiday but the guides gave us the extra surprise of a moth trap, and a guided tour of the lighthouse, and Spurn from an historical and ecological point of view. We had some great bird 'spots' and the camaraderie of the group was excellent, as was the hotel. Naturetrek always make an effort to give the client the best experience possible by excellent guides who prepare well for clients' interests. Brilliant hotels always make up for what can be terrible weather outdoors on the trips. We have travelled with them many times.
A.F. North Yorkshire, Oct 20
The holiday was to experience the autumn migration of birds down the east coast of Britain which can be superb in the right weather conditions. Mainly an easterly wind, this died out just before we got there, but we had plenty to see, as well as the ride on the minimog to get to the point at Spurn which was cut off by a tidal surge. I have been on a few Naturetrek trips and I have enjoyed them very much. Everything is always explained and the guides also make certain everybody sees everything, even if only a glimpse as can happen on nature trips, and asking people what they would like to see.
K.B. Tyne & Wear, Oct 20

A short much-needed break, birdwatching on the Yorkshire coast. Very well organised with changes to itinerary to suit daily weather conditions and bird sightings. Excellent tour leader with a wealth of knowledge and superb group leadership. Good communication from the time of booking onwards. All covid-19 safety measures in place and adhered to. Great accommodation booked.
J.F. Buckinghamshire, Oct 20

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Mon 22nd Sep – Thu 25th Sep 3 £725

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£725

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

David Spivack

Tour Leader: David Spivack

Born in north London, David has been involved professionally in the conservation sector since 1990, whilst during the 80's he actively volunteered locally with the RSPB, the local Wildlife Trust and BTCV in the Lea Valley & Epping Forest areas.

Over the past 30 years, David's professional conservation career has included working for the RSPB in the North of England and at the RSPB HQ at the Lodge, the RSPB in the East of England along with The Wildlife Trusts UK Office and as the UK Director for Falklands Conservation, the Birdlife International partner based in the islands. During this time the roles David has undertaken has ranged from working with young people, volunteers, generating income & profile to support conservation, reserve management and working with UK & International partners and agencies to support conservation work in the Falkland Islands.

Now living in the North Yorkshire Wolds and close to Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head, David currently works for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Tue 7th Oct – Fri 10th Oct 5 £725

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£725

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

David Spivack

Tour Leader: David Spivack

Now living in the North Yorkshire Wolds and close to Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head, David currently works for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Mon 7th Sep – Thu 10th Sep SPACES £755

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£755

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

Mon 21st Sep – Thu 24th Sep SPACES £755

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£755

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

2027

Departures Availability Cost

Mon 20th Sep – Thu 23rd Sep SPACES £765

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£765

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

Tue 5th Oct – Fri 8th Oct SPACES £765

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£765

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - October 2021

Tour report - September 2021

Tour report - October 2020

Tour report - September 2020

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

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