Pale-legged Leaf warbler: Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire

On the 25th of September, an Arctic Warbler was reported in a copse behind the visitor centre at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire. Three hours later it was reported as a "probable" Eastern Crowned Kingbird. The following day it wasn't seen and I thought that was the end of it. Then it's reported again Friday evening as a probable Pale-legged Leaf Warbler! after being sound-recorded. A bird that normally breeds in the Russian Far East, and North Korea, and winters in South-East Asia is present in East Yorkshire. 

There have only been two previous records in Britain. One was found dead on St Anges, Isles of Scilly in October 2016, having flown into a window of the lighthouse. Feathers were taken from the bird and sent for DNA analysis, confirming the bird was a Pale-legged Leaf Warbler and ruling out the very similar Sakhalin Leaf Warbler P. Borealoides. The other record was of a bird photographed and seen by several observers in 2012 at Portland in Dorset. However, it was impossible to establish which of the two species the bird belonged to. 

Unfortunately, family commitments meant we had no chance of making the trip. We watched the continued reports of the bird's presence and were encouraged by the fact that overnight rain was forecast for each of the next few nights. Finally, we had a clear day, rain again last night and with a clear day ahead this could be our only chance of connecting with it. 

We left at 3am and arrived at Bempton shortly after 7am. 30-40 birders were already searching the area, with several thermal imagers directed toward the scrub bordering the track. An hour passed without any sign, and then a guy with a thermal said he had the bird deep within the undergrowth. I followed his directions but failed to see the bird. The next 30 minutes proved very frustrating, Guys with thermals were calling out directions, then someone said "There it is, just below the Great Tit". Well, I couldn't even find the Great Tit! Then suddenly I saw it moving through the tangled branches heading right. I moved with it and managed good views as it sat briefly on an open branch. As I watched it a Sparrowhawk came through and landed on the branch below the warbler! Thankfully it flew off almost immediately having failed to make a kill. The Pale-legged then flew across the road into the area with bird feeders. An hour later I saw it again, this time it sat out in full view as it foraged low among the trees.

 

First reports on 25th

First reports that it was a Pale-legged leaf Warbler 27th

Where I saw the bird during the 2-3 hours present

Having enjoyed good views of the bird, we decided to head to Flamborough where an Icterine Warbler and a couple of Red-Breasted Flycatchers had been reported. Within a few minutes, one of the Red-breasted Flycatchers was spotted flitting about in a Sycamore. I was keen to see the Icterine Warbler, having dipped this species more than once including one at Wells Wood only last month. I staked out the reported area but there was no sign, Brian wandered back up the path to get another look at the Flycatcher. Ten minutes later my phone rings, it's Brian and he's watching the Icterine Warbler! I quickly tell the other birders present. As I reach Brian I can see the bird low down in some scrub by the side of the path. Before Dad reaches us the bird takes flight, but it only flies a short distance into some Hawthorn and brambles. Finally, I'd seen my first Icterine warbler. 

Red-Breasted Flycatcher

Finally, my first Icterine warbler

As we left Flamborough there was news of an Arctic Warbler at Spurn. This would be another lifer for Dad and me. Brian had seen one previously in Norfolk but drove the extra fifty miles to give us a chance to connect with our third lifer of the day. Upon arrival, we were told the bird hadn't been seen since 9.30am, but one birder said he had heard it recently. Brian decided to check another area closer to the Discovery Centre and shortly afterward phoned to say he had found the bird! We quickly joined him and enjoyed crippling views just feet from the footpath.

Arctic Warbler

We walked the track to the Heligoland Trap where a couple of birders put us onto a Barred warbler and we also found a Spotted Flycatcher in a Sycamore tree.

Before starting the four-hour drive home, we stopped at Kilnsea Wetlands, where we picked out the American Wigeon. It spent most of its time asleep, but occasionally popped its head up revealing the distinctive head pattern. 

American Wigeon asleep 

A great day's birding with three lifers,(Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, Icterine Warbler and. Arctic Warbler) and seven additions to the year list.

Thanks to Brian for all the driving