Orginally today I was going for an amble about East Yorkshire prior to my appointment with the bacon at a speed conference but a Marcus Conway (eBirder) suggested joining him and Michael Flowers for some birding in the Patrington area whilst he searched for Barn Owls to photograph. All to keenly I accepted and an early meet of 6.30 was agreed.
Marcus met me at McDo's next to Comet in Hull and a swift brekkie was purchased. Marcus picked up Michael in East Hull 10 minutes later and we were soon looking at a Barn Owl on the way to Paull. I dropped my car at Paull Holme Strays and we started cruising the roads toward Stone Creek. c40 Roe Deer were seen plus a couple of very obliging Grey Partridge, as well as some less obliging Golden Plover, Hare a couple of Kestrels. Some Fieldfare were on some overhead wires. Curlew were seemingly everywhere. It was soon full daylight and very pleasant. Marcus picked a (very) distant Barn Owl on a post. Another was soon seen beside the road showing very well. We pushed on to Stone Creek where a lot of Knot were in the distance plus a few Shelduck and 3 Common Seal hauled up.
Time was pushing on and we headed back to my car so we could have a quick look at Paull Holme Strays. Black and Bar-tailed Godwit were soon self found year ticked with plenty of Sanderling, Dunlin, Lapwing and a couple of thousand Golden Plover. A skein of 100 or so Pink-feet were overhead, part of the large national movement. The time had come for me to head to my seminar which was very educational and worthwhile.
Afteran early finish I headed to Keyingham marshes seeing very little except what was perhaps Marcus and Michael headed back (unconfirmed at this point). Heading home the back way I chanced upon a few Grey Partridge, 2 Merlin and 2 Barn Owls. The Merlin both shot across in front of me near Brandesburton in the half light. Magic! Thanks guys for a great day.
That probably was us, as we were heading back near Keyingham Marsh when your message came through. Would have liked to have seen your 2 Merlin, but we had to put up with 2 miserable ringtail Hen Harriers instead, a female Kingfisher, a Grey Plover and absolutely no fresh Barn Owls. Have written a blog entry, but will check it for accuracy in the morning before posting. Thanks for your excellent company this morning
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