A dawn visit back to Warham Greens this morning proved fruitless as the Rufous-tailed Robin had moved on overnight, but it was nice to see a few familiar faces from around the country. Whilst checking the coastal bushes a couple of Crossbills flew over and a Corn Bunting, and a ringtail Hen Harrier was noted on the saltmarsh.
With yesterdays initial news that the robin was on East Hills, I was only thinking last night that I should really know how to get out there should there be a major bird found there in the future and as luck would have it, whilst walking back with Eddie and Penny to our cars which were in the Stiffkey campsite car park they said they were going out later when the tide had dropped and said I was welcome to join them.
Now its been said before by others elsewhere, but its definitely worth repeating, do not attempt to go out there alone if you don't know the way, as with various creeks to cross and very soft sand in places the crossing is dangerous if you don't know the correct route to follow, and is still hazardous even when you do, and its easy to get lost especially on the way back, when you could potentially get cut off by the incoming tide.
Anyway the long walk out was brightened up with a couple of Lapland Buntings on the saltmarsh, but the hills themselves were pretty quiet with just a few thrushes and the odd Blackcap and Chiffchaff seen, along with a Short-eared Owl in the dunes, but nevertheless it was mission accomplished in regards to knowing how to get out there, so thanks to my guides, just hope I can still remember come next year!
