From whale sightings to vibrant bird migration, a weekend at Spurn offers wildlife enthusiasts a truly unforgettable experience.
I spent an engaging weekend at the caravan, where two nights showcased stark contrasts in weather and wildlife encounters. The experience unfolded dramatically throughout my stay, offering both challenges and stunning moments that highlighted the unique ecology of East Yorkshire.
Day One: A Warm Welcome and Whales
Arriving at Spurn early Friday afternoon, I was greeted by unseasonably warm temperatures. The heat intensified as I hiked towards Easington Lagoon, hoping to catch sight of the long-staying red-necked phalarope. This distinctive bird was foraging at the southern end, feasting on the flies flitting across the water's surface. I lingered as the light softened, savoring the scene until it became too dim for photography.
After watching the phalarope, I hurried back to my car, having heard reports of a humpback whale spotted in the borrow pit. Excitement surged as I quickened my pace, but upon arrival, the whale was nowhere to be seen. Little did I know that the adventure was far from over. Rapidly, I grabbed my photography kit and returned to the cliff overlooking the water's edge, where a group of enthusiastic observers had gathered.
As I joined the crowd, the whale suddenly breached, sending water sprays into the air. For the next thirty minutes, it mesmerized us with its playful antics: blowing, swirling, and breaching as it made its presence known. Witnessing a humpback whale for the first time so close to the East Yorkshire coast was nothing short of breathtaking. After the show, I made my way back to the caravan, energized by the encounter.
Nighttime Wonders and the Moth Trap
Back at the caravan, I turned on the moth trap in anticipation. It wasn’t long before I realized something extraordinary was happening; hundreds of insects were flitting about, creating a vibrant feeding frenzy for the local bats. I counted at least nine as they danced across the night sky, another remarkable spectacle adding to an already eventful day.
Day Two: The Calm Before the Storm
Saturday morning broke bright and still, a stark contrast to the thrilling encounters of the previous night. I climbed back to the cliff top, hoping to catch another glimpse of the humpback whale, but it had moved on. Instead, I strolled along the beach towards the Warren, where the air was thick with migration. I observed a spectacular array of birds passing overhead, including meadow pipits, swallows, and siskins—all flying southward, likely heading for warmer climates as autumn approached.
The sea was calm and flat, providing an idyllic backdrop to birdwatching. A spoonbill graced me with its presence during a brief stop at a watchpoint—always a treat for any birdwatcher. However, my moth trap yielded a rather surprising result; it harbored three shore wainscot moths, notable for being scarce in Yorkshire. The whole experience enriched my understanding of local wildlife and migration patterns.
In the afternoon, I ventured back to observe the red-necked phalarope, but overcast skies dampened the photographic potential. As the anticipation of rain approached, I decided to retreat momentarily to the caravan.
Weather Woes: A Shift in Conditions
Saturday evening began tranquil, yet storms loomed. I contemplated putting the moth trap out again but decided against it when gale-force winds swept in, accompanied by torrential rain. It was clear the weather had taken a turn, a common occurrence at this coastal location.
Day Three: Braving the Elements
Sunday morning presented a completely different atmosphere, with temperatures plummeting by at least ten degrees. With added layers of clothing, I ventured back to the beach, where the gusty conditions offered thrilling opportunities for photography. The winds created dramatic waves, and while overall sea activity was more subdued, I was still able to spot common gulls, waders, and migrating wildfowl—along with a sparrowhawk and a marsh harrier moving elegantly southward.
A pair of rainbows appeared, adding vibrant colors to an already visually dynamic scene. Each moment spent observing and photographing the wildlife made it clear—this weekend at Spurn was truly one of contrasts. The variety of environments and species encountered reaffirms why this location remains a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
As I prepared to leave, I reflected on the diverse experiences the weekend had offered, reaffirming my appreciation for this extraordinary coastal habitat—there's truly nowhere else like it.
