So I'm halfway through guiding this spring's programme of Yorkshire Coast Nature Birding Discovery Days, and it's been a blast so far - lots of great birding, with lots of lovely people, at beautiful locations in kindly weather... I love all of my jobs, but this one is always a pleasure and never a chore.
The days are limited to four clients (I prefer it to be more intimate with a smaller team) and we have a full day exploring my stretch of the coast, mixing it up with seabirds, landbirds and any particular specialities or requests on the day.
We have the option of roaming to Filey and Scarborough (or further south) - and often do for the Autumn Migration Days - but as is so often the case, the Greater Flamborough Headland provided us with more than enough during this first month of coastal adventures.
It's a recipe that had paid off beautifully and provided a holistic birding experience of our local coastal spoils, and I can't wait for May.....
I'm happy to say all the spring dates sold out quickly, but my Autumn Birding Discovery Days are freshly up and available to book on the YCN site - get 'em while you can!
Brambling - a vocal migrant with a group of Chaffinches
Four of a flock of nine Yellow Wagtails we enjoyed at close quarters
Summer plumage Bar-tailed Godwits on the move in the sunshine
At Flamborough, the outer head is always productive (especially early in the day) and then there's North Landing, South Landing or Buckton to choose from, and we've done all the above multiple times so far this spring. At this time of year it would be criminal not to spend the latter part of the day at the mighty Bempton Cliffs, especially as the light improves and it becomes less busy.
All the breeding seabirds were superbly accommodating, including Razorbills.....
.... and these ever-popular summer visitors
