Baikal Teal, Kilnsea Wetlands 23rd May 2019

A drake Baikal Teal was spotted arriving at Spurn yesterday morning by some visiting birders, 23rd May 2019. The bird settled on Kilnsea Wetlands, accompanied by a drake Wigeon. Although I have seen Baikal Teal in the UK previously, that was the bird at Caerlaverock on 10th March 1973. At the time this was the first UK record. However, the record was later removed. So, I made my way over to East Yorkshire, arriving mid-afternoon.

The drake Baikal Teal was on show from the hide at Kilnsea Wetlands immediately I arrived & for the whole time I was there. Range was mid-distance & with the bird feeding constantly meant most of the time its head was under water! With time good views were obtained of this colourful eastern vagrant. Hopefully, this one will be accepted!

Video by Pete Hines

Spoonbill, Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB 17th May 2019

A trip over to Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB earlier today proved very fruitful. Although there had been three Garganey on the Main Scrape, there was only one when I arrived on site, as a Peregrine cruised over the scrape pursued by a flotilla of Gulls, Shelducks & others.

Having walked round to Marsh Covert Hide, as I exited the hide a Spoonbill in full breeding plumage settled on the highest point of the Heronry, easily viewable from the path, providing excellent views. There was a Cattle Egret in full breeding plumage on the island from MCH & a Greenshank on the pool.

So, together with Grey Heron & Little Egret, four species of Heron/Egret, missing only Great White Egret. I heard only one Cetti's Warbler singing, with brief views.