Just had two days off. Went to check out the Red Kites on Tuesday afternoon after leaving work early. Saw a good few, giving decent views. Then went to saty at my mum's (Pontefract) so we could get an early start for Flamborough.

Ended up deciding on a trip to Spurn. As we were setting off, reports came through of a Wilson's Phalarope at Blacktoft, so we tried for that. Unfortunately, it was nowhere to be found. Oh well, off to see what was at spurn. Been ages since we went to Spurn. Not a great deal around - the winds were non-existant. Did manage to get two lifers - Pied Flycatcher (yes - should have got this ages ago!) and Wryneck. The Wryneck was a lot earier than we expected. Managed a couple of photos, but it wouldn't settle for long enough to get close enough for anything special. Also around were loads of Whinchat, Spotted Flys, Wheatears, Redstarts. Failed to connect with Red-backed Shrike, but a great day anyway.

Got back late to Bury to be greeted in the car park at my flat by the sound of a Tawny Owl.

Today we had a quick trip to Martin Mere. Not a great deal around apart from hundreds of Lapwing, a solitary, distant Pink-footed Goose and even more distant Osprey! So we went for an hour at Marshside. Unidentified raptor which a few said looked like a Harris Hawk. Good view of a Peregrine and a Marsh Harrier. Wandered up to Nell's Hide where there were hundreds of Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank, which were all put up into the air by an Arctic Skua. Was good to be away from work for a couple of days. Back to Elton Res on Saturday!