A Springtime Journey Through Spurn: Wildlife Photography Highlights

After a series of unproductive visits, I finally found the magic of spring at Spurn. Our recent trip began on a Friday, where we settled into our renovated caravan. The vivid sunset set the stage for a relaxing evening, with woodpigeons and curlews providing perfect subjects as they congregated in the dimming light. The captivating colors of sunset framed my shots beautifully, showcasing the tranquil transition of the day.

One of our favorite pastimes involves setting up a trail camera, which, with a sprinkle of peanuts, quickly attracted a local badger, providing an ideal opportunity for candid shots. A woodmouse also made an appearance, diversifying the wildlife captured by the lens.

Early Morning Excursions

Saturday arrived early as I prepared for a photography workshop I'd donated at last year's Migfest. Two eager participants from Essex joined me at 5:30 AM to witness the sunrise at Spurn. Before our meeting, I was pleased to spot a badger roaming the Kilnsea Wetlands. Unfortunately, it vanished before I could secure a photograph.

We hurried to Beacon Ponds for sunrise photography but were met with disappointment: the skies were nearly clear, resulting in a lackluster sunrise and very few waders or wildfowl. The highlight was a solitary avocet gliding close to the observation hide. On our return journey, fortune struck—we spotted a hooded crow, an exciting addition to our birdwatching list.

Exploring New Corridors

Hoping to explore Long Bank Marsh further, we found ourselves detoured by the presence of other birders. Instead, we ventured to Sammy’s Point, where a vibrant yellow wagtail graced us with its presence alongside at least three wheatears. As we strolled along the riverside path, we stirred up common waders resting on the rocks, taking advantage of the high tide. It was during this walk we recorded the year's first whitethroat and, later, a lesser whitethroat in the third paddock. The weather was pleasantly warm, making it an ideal environment to observe the birds.

Amid our exploration, news broke of a great reed warbler trapped in Sykes Field. We realized we wouldn't reach it in time for its release, but we held out hope for a later sighting.

Our walk offered more surprises, including another seasonal first: a whimbrel resting calmly on tank blocks, a welcome sight for any birder.

Wildlife at Every Turn

Our next stop was Sandy Beaches, where a black redstart had been spotted. The elusive bird briefly showed itself near the beach before moving to the cliffs, allowing us about thirty minutes of photography. This encounter affirmed Spurn's reputation as a prime wildlife observation location.

We continued our journey to the canal bushes and canal scrape, though activity there was sparse. Our luck turned while chasing news of a firecrest near The Blue Bell pub. To our joy, the firecrest appeared almost immediately, flaunting its vibrant plumage and singing its sweet song.

A subsequent walk around Sykes Field revealed singing sedge warblers and our regular encounter with Cetti's warblers, although the great reed warbler remained elusive. The blossoming blackthorn added a touch of life to our surroundings, attracting numerous butterflies, including the peacock, speckled wood, and red admiral.

Concluding a Memorable Day

Our final excursion took us to the churchyard, Crown & Anchor car park, the observatory garden, and church field, where we encountered two fresh orange tips—an impressive end to our day. Saying goodbye to my participants brought me joy, knowing they left with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for Spurn's wildlife.

As Sunday dawned, I set out in search of yellow wagtails, hoping to capture their beauty once more. Arriving early, I positioned myself at 6:30 for more action. While waiting, I spotted some distant wheatears. After a few moments, a stunning yellow wagtail landed close enough for some enchanting shots, inspiring the nearby wheatears to venture closer as well. This encounter, set against the dew-kissed grass and under the soft morning light, encapsulated the beauty of a spring morning in the wild.

After spending an hour capturing waders at the gate, the tranquility led me back for breakfast, reflecting on yet another successful trip to the UK's premier wildlife haven.

Until next time, thank you for joining me on this exploration of Spurn, where the arrival of spring heralded new beginnings and remarkable sightings.