24th February 2015 - North Ferriby to Welton Water

Shamefully this was a walk to Brough which was abandoned at Welton Water. The start of the walk was around the North Ferriby Walkway, primarily in the hope that a Turnstone would be present on the rocky defences. With it being high tide, I felt that my chances were high but once again, the rocks supplied just a couple of Mallard. A strong westerly wind meant that the birds had largely hit the deck (perhaps a sensible option!). There is not much shelter on the river side in these conditions, and my walk was to take me into the wind all the way.

Often quite confiding, the Bullfinch pair this morning was rather flighty

The woodland was perhaps more lively, with finch flocks containing Greenfinch and Chaffinch accompanied by a Goldcrest and a pair of Bullfinch. The high tide means that the shoreline walk to Brough is impassable at the North Ferriby end, so requires a long walk through the village and back down through the wood. Song Thrush was the only bird of note in the woodland as the wind put paid to much activity. I walked the field edge and flushed Redwing and a Mistle Thrush as well as a number of Carrion Crows. The Gull flock here was particularly impressive with at least 500 Common Gulls and a lesser number of Black-Headed. My mission for a Med Gull continues as 20 minutes scouring the ever-moving group proved unsuccessful.

Finally reaching the river the tide was already beginning to recede. The walk across the field edge was very exposed and I got quite a buffeting although the flock of Goldfinch here seemed to be enjoying themselves! The shore now had a few waders, with the usual Redshank and Dunlin accompanied by 4 Ringed Plover (still no Turnstone)! The Ringed Plover blend so well into their stony background that only when they move do they become evident.

Ringed Plover is a common sight on the exposed mud - at least when they move!

The remainder of the walk was exceptionally quiet, with little of note. Welton Water was also quiet with no evidence of the numbers of Gadwall present earlier in the week. 26 Tufted for once outnumbered the Goldeneye of which there were 16. A Little Grebe kept sensibly against the reeds on the far side rather than brave the choppy waters.

At this point I took up the option of a lift so made to the rail crossing. A Reed Bunting gave away its presence with its monotonous call as did a couple of Gadwall tucked away on the small entrance pool. The fields on the way to the crossing were perhaps the liveliest area. Singing Skylark were a very welcome sound as they rose high above the grouped Curlew picking their way through the rough and furrowed field. They were joined by a number of Fieldfare, hard to count in the muddy field but into double figures at best count.

A nice walk along the patch but perhaps the birds took the best option today.