Red-Headed Bunting, Flamborough, Yorkshire

After coming back from Shetland I've done next to no bird watching, save a couple of productive walks on the patch after work, with Bittern, Wigeon and Garganey all being pretty mega for Cutacre Country Park, Bolton.

I was a bit gutted about missing out on the putative Red-Headed Bunting last week, so spent most of the week crossing my fingers that it would stick til Saturday. I set off to Flamborough with Carl at about 8am, and this turned out to be a pretty good move as reports came throughout the journey that the target birds were still present.

Arriving on a rammed lighthouse car park, we ditched the car and went straight towards where yesterday's Two-Barred Warbler was reported. We couldn't have timed it better, with the Two-Barred Warbler perching out in the open as we arrived. It showed really well for about two minutes before being lost in the bramble patches. Seconds later though, a Pallas' Warbler appeared from nowhere and we spent the next 10 minutes watching the bird flit around the brambles - so much more skulky than the Two-Barred Greenish!

Definitely one of the bolder leaf warblers!

Typical Pallas' Warbler! This was actually my best view of this species!

Then, remembering why I was actually there, made the slip-and-slide trek to the Red-Headed Bunting locality of Northcliff Marsh. We had to wait a bit, but eventually, the Red-Headed Bunting showed, and the second time around remained perched for a good 20 minutes, albeit partially obscured. There were plenty of Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers to confuse things, but with scope views the bird was unmistakable.
The Red-Headed Bunting typically remained distant

We then tried for an elusive Dusky Warbler, but there didn't seem to be too much information, so we went for seconds of the Two-Barred Warbler, which showed possibly even better! Elsewhere, Bramblings and Goldcrests were everywhere, plus lots of winter thrushes, but unfortunately no Mealy Redpoll which I was secretly hoping for.

Yup! The Two-Barred Warbler came within 5m at times

On our way back (kind of) we diverted to the Rough-Legged Buzzard at Stone Creek, which was one of my most wanted birds. Our decision to not go for the Kilnsea bird paid dividends with great views of the Rough-Legged Buzzard immediately after leaving the car! The bird was so distinctive, both in terms of plumage and flight, that it really couldn't be mistaken for Common Buzzard. Several Hen Harriers provided the buzzard with good company.

One of my most sought-after species!

In all, three lifers and a fantastic day - unbelievably the bird I was going to see (the Red-Headed Bunting) was relegated to third best after ripping views of Two-Barred Warbler and Rough-Legged Buzzard!




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