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This one day trip lead by David Spivak was a well organised and inclusive experience. David managed to include both the highly experienced, valuing their knowledge and the total novices allowing them time to find the elusive birds. There was a sense of sharing knowledge of birds. Excellent, thank you. Naturetrek was in touch, giving all the information needed in good time. Good organisation. Good team.
E.R. Lincolnshire, Sept 22
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Spring and Autumn Migration at Spurn (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR147A day enjoying the seabirds, waders and, we hope, scarce migrants at one of Britain’s premier migration hotspots in East Yorkshire.
1 days
from
£60
£60
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Spurn, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Reserve and National Nature Reserve (Natural England), has gained a reputation as being one of the premier migration hotspots in the Britain Isles. Given the site's location on the Yorkshire coast and its range of habitats, the area can be one of the best places to be for both the spring and autumn migration. Please look at the Detailed Information for what species we can expect to see in each migration season. Whichever birds are present, expect a bracing walk. Your guide will be in radio contact with regular Spurn birdwatchers, so if anything out of the ordinary does turn up, we can decide whether to have a look or not.
- Scarce migrants including Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck, Barred Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatchers all possible
- Watch common migrant species pass through in their thousands
- Frequent visitors here include Whinchat and Pied Flycatcher
- Anything is possible... with the chance of a real rarity
Spring Migration
Given the site's location on the Yorkshire coast and its range of habitats, the area can be one of the best places to be as the spring migration gets underway. Anything can turn up and often does, as well as the welcome sight of our summer visitors returning along with those birds that are just passing through. From standing at “Numpties” – the migration watchpoint in April overlooking the North Sea and the Humber Estuary – as well as visiting YWT’s Kilnsea Wetlands Reserve, we have the chance of seeing returning visitors such as terns, skuas, Whimbrel, Wheatear along with first Willow Warblers and Pied Flycatchers. As we move into May the spring migration will be in full swing with the arrival of further warbler species plus the welcome sight of our first Swifts returning. There is also the possibility, if we are lucky, of seeing species such as Hobby, Wood Sandpiper, Black Tern, Dotterel and Golden Oriole as they pass through. In April, past birds have included Black & Red Kite, Serin, egrets and Crane, whilst in May species such as Collared Flycatcher, Red-footed Falcon and Montagu’s Harrier have also made an appearance – in essence anything is possible at Spurn.
Autumn Migration
In September and October, anything is possible; think of a European bird and it might just turn up here! Common species such as Meadow Pipit and Swallows pass through in their thousands and it is a treat to stand at ‘Numpties’ – a high watchpoint overlooking the North Sea and The Humber Estuary – to watch the birds stream overhead. While there, we may well indulge in a bit of seawatching. Depending on the winds, all four skua species are possible among many other seabirds. On the Estuary, thousands of waders should be present; some of these birds head for Kilnsea Wetlands to roost. Scarce migrants at this time of year include Red-backed Shrike, Wryneck, Barred Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatchers joining more frequent visitors such as Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher and several species of warblers. Rarities are a distinct possibility at this time of year, especially when easterly winds prevail. Maybe we will find our own rarity to bring the twitchers running!
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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Excellent day out at Spurn with a tour leader who really knew the area and was able to direct us to some good birds. Lots of ground covered but at a comfortable pace and plenty of time for stops to check areas out. This is the sixth of the Naturetrek day trips I have taken, all have been excellent, well organised, good joining information and excellent value for money.
P.W. Hampshire, Sept 21 -
We saw many and varied species covering around six miles in total but we never felt rushed or pressured to move on. It was a fabulous day and would certainly look for more trips. We even had the sunshine. Our guide was excellent, his knowledge of the area and bird life was superb. He took the time to ensure everyone in the group had located each bird. Answering all questions patiently and providing valuable information when appropriate.
D.W. Co. Durham, Sept 21
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 14th Apr – Mon 14th Apr
3
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
David Spivack
Tour Leader: David Spivack
Born in north London, David has been involved professionally in the conservation sector since 1990, whilst during the 80's he actively volunteered locally with the RSPB, the local Wildlife Trust and BTCV in the Lea Valley & Epping Forest areas.
Over the past 30 years, David's professional conservation career has included working for the RSPB in the North of England and at the RSPB HQ at the Lodge, the RSPB in the East of England along with The Wildlife Trusts UK Office and as the UK Director for Falklands Conservation, the Birdlife International partner based in the islands. During this time the roles David has undertaken has ranged from working with young people, volunteers, generating income & profile to support conservation, reserve management and working with UK & International partners and agencies to support conservation work in the Falkland Islands.
Now living in the North Yorkshire Wolds and close to Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head, David currently works for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Mon 28th Apr – Mon 28th Apr
6
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
David Spivack
Tour Leader: David Spivack
Born in north London, David has been involved professionally in the conservation sector since 1990, whilst during the 80's he actively volunteered locally with the RSPB, the local Wildlife Trust and BTCV in the Lea Valley & Epping Forest areas.
Over the past 30 years, David's professional conservation career has included working for the RSPB in the North of England and at the RSPB HQ at the Lodge, the RSPB in the East of England along with The Wildlife Trusts UK Office and as the UK Director for Falklands Conservation, the Birdlife International partner based in the islands. During this time the roles David has undertaken has ranged from working with young people, volunteers, generating income & profile to support conservation, reserve management and working with UK & International partners and agencies to support conservation work in the Falkland Islands.
Now living in the North Yorkshire Wolds and close to Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head, David currently works for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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