Not Birding in East Yorks.

Thursday 16th January 2014
2013 went out with a bang birding wise but 2014 has come in with a whimper (so far). Jan and I took ourselves off for a short break based in Beverley, near Hull. Despite a succession of weather fronts moving through, all the rain fell overnight giving us the opportunity to visit some coastal locations within a short drive. It was definitely a non birding break and to prove it we stopped off at North Cave Wetlands to not see a Green winged Teal. The next bird we didnt see was a Kumlein's Gull at Barmston, followed quickly by the non appearance of a great White Egret wintering at Hornsea Mere.
Bridlington was pleasant with Sun, Sand, Sea and noisy dogs but unfortunately it was impossible not to notice the high tide roost of 20 Purple Sandpipers on the harbour wall.
We soon re established the non birding theme with a walk along the top fields at Filey. True there were a few Red throated Divers off the Brigg and even a small pod of Harbour Porpoise but we didnt see the large flock of Snow Buntings which had been there the previous day. So the non birding break was going well; fine weather, bracing walks, great sea views with lots of stops for Tea and cake, but then I nearly blew it. Saw Brett Richards at Flamborough. He'd seen the 'Northern' Treecreeper at the Millenium Wood an hour and a half ago. The chance of finding the bird now, on my own, were slim so I felt justified in having a bit of a stroll round. I didnt see the Treecreeper. Time for another cup of Tea if we can find somewhere open!