April 7 at Tophill Low NR

7/4 Went to Tophill Low NR with Roy on Sunday morning. Started in D reservoir car park hide. No sign of the Black-necked or any Goosander.

The Red-necked Grebe was still on O reservoir.

Red-necked Grebe-Tophill Low NR

The Pink-footed Goose and a pair of Little Ringed Plover were still on Watton NR.

Pink-footed Goose-Watton NR

A few Chiffchaffs now singing.

There were a few Redwing in the works compound possibly part of the big movement on the coast.

Had a Peacock butterfly from South Marsh East no.2 hide.

Checked the D wood feeders this afternoon. At least 2 Willow Tits and a Marsh Tit but no sign of the Nuthatch reported earlier. Also a Blackcap sang briefly.

2 Otters had been seen on North Marsh late morning. Gave it a few minutes but no repeat performance.

For more from Tophill Low NR check here.

Did Swinemoor from Weel Road early evening. Much as yesterday but the pair of Pintail were back and finally caught up with a pair of Little Ringed Plover.

Kumlien’s Gull still at Barmston.

For more sightings in the Hull Valley check here.

Despite the cold Africa Gomez had some insect sightings today.

Weather like, a bit of a false promises day. Started out wearing coat but no hat, by lunchtime had got rid of the coat, however by early evening at Swinemoor it was coat and hat. Forecast is currently colder again first half then possibly milder but with more chance of rain second half. We’ll see.

East Yorkshire in the fog

Went to Paull with Roy on Sunday morning but thick fog so headed north. Walked the set-aside between Hornsea Northcliffe Boat Club and Atwick but only had a few Meadow Pipits.

Went to Barmston this afternoon. Tide coming up and many anglers on the beach so didn’t have much faith and were about leave when the Kumlien’s  Gull appeared to come in from behind then flew south over the beach.

First winter Kumlien’s  Gull flying over Barmston beach

Lost to view but there were a large number of gulls on the outfall pipe so walked south. One the closest gull but hampered by the fog. Had it for a few minute then it dropped out of view.

First winter Kumlien’s  Gull at Barmston in the fog!

Walking back the fog had got so bad we wouldn’t have seen it if it was on the beach anyway.

Decided to head, inland hoping the fog would lessen. Ended up at Tophill Low NR. Only had time to year tick the Willow Tits on D woods feeders.

Willow Tit on D woods feeders

Grey Squirrel below D woods feeders

Adult Mediterranean Gull in Decoy field.

Stuart Griffiths struck lucky with Otter at Welton Waters. Also had 12 Goldeneye and Little Grebe but no sign of the Smew which had returned to Far Ings.

Long-tailed Duck stlll at Hornsea Mere this afternoon.