PKBirding

PKBirding Relaxed and friendly birdwatching tours, half or full days, with expert tuition on identification. Butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers also covered.

I have, for the last 40+ years, been a keen and active birdwatcher and for the last 30 years or so I have been a wildlife guide and a tutor, teaching people how to identify birds and showing them how to get more from their hobby. Birdwatching holiday destinations have included Scotland, England, the Belgian Ardennes, the Jura, the Camargue and the Cevennes & Grands Causses, the last three being in

France. Working as a wildlife guide in the Cevennes & Grands Causses for 15 years opened up a new opportunity as an author, when I was asked to co-write the Crossbill Guide to the Cevennes & Grands Causses. The area is one of the most diverse for wildlife in France with something to interest everyone. From wild orchids and wildflowers, through dragonflies and insects to birds and butterflies. I now share my time between Belaye in the Lot, France, and Beverley, East Yorkshire. Although now retired I still run wildlife outings in France and birdwatching/wildlife courses in East Yorkshire.

03/06/2026

TOPHILL LOW BIRD LIST, 3rd JUNE 2026
Despite an awful weather forecast, we managed to stay dry with no real rain to speak of throughout the day. Despite the wind doing its’ best to keep everything down there were some good sightings of many species, including five different damselflies. The Ruff on South Marsh was a highlight, as were the Common Terns catching fish. The full list of species is below.

Great Crested Grebe
Little Grebe
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Mute Swan
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Shelduck
Gadwall
Teal
Mallard
Shoveler
Tufted Duck
Moorhen
Coot
Oystercatcher
Little Ringed Plover
Lapwing
Ruff
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Common Tern
Woodpigeon
Swift
Sand Martin
Swallow
House Martin
Pied Wagtail
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Reed Warbler
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Carrion Crow
Jay
Chaffinch
Reed Bunting Total:- 40 species seen.

DAMSELFLIES
Banded Demoiselle
Common Blue Damselfly
Azure Damselfly
Red-eyed Damselfly

BUTTERFLIES
Common Blue
Red Admiral
Painted Lady

BIRDWATCHING at TOPHILL LOW NATURE RESERVE, Wednesday 3rd June 2026.Come and join our friendly group for a superb day ou...
27/05/2026

BIRDWATCHING at TOPHILL LOW NATURE RESERVE, Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
Come and join our friendly group for a superb day out birdwatching at one of the best reserves in East Yorkshire. At this time of year all birds are busy feeding young, which usually affords us good views as they actively search for food. Otters have been seen here too in recent weeks, and we shall also look at butterflies damselflies/dragonflies, now flying in good numbers. Many wildflowers can be seen around the reserve too, and the wild Orchids should be in flower now.
This trip will be a morning and afternoon trip taking in two separate loops, covering the two reservoirs, marshes, woodland, wet grassland and wader scrapes. Please bring a packed lunch and refreshments as there are no catering facilities at the reserve. There are picnic tables in the car park which we can use between the two loops. There are toilets situated at the car park. Of course, if you only wish to do a half day, you are welcome to leave at lunch time after the first loop. Alternatively you can join us just for the afternoon session at around 1.00pm.
If you wish to book or if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me either by PM on facebook, or email at [email protected] (NOT gmail). Thank you.
VENUE: Tophill Low Nature Reserve
DATE: Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
TIME: Meet at the site in time for a 9.30am start.
DURATION: Around 3hrs morning, with a similar time in the afternoon.
COST: £12.00 per person, for a half or full day, payable on the day in cash. There is also an admission charge to the reserve of £4.00/person or £3.00/person concessions, members have free admission.
EXCLUSIONS: Please note, no dogs or other pets allowed.
LOCATION: What3words///pokes.kennels.examine OS Map Reference: TA 073485 GPS 53°55’20.80N 0°22’01.87W

FACILITIES: There are NO refreshments available on the reserve, you will need to bring your own food and drink.

BIRDWATCHING at POTTERIC CARR NATURE RESERVE, WEDNESDAY 20th MAY 2026. *** NOTE CHANGE OF DATE ...
09/05/2026

BIRDWATCHING at POTTERIC CARR NATURE RESERVE, WEDNESDAY 20th MAY 2026.
*** NOTE CHANGE OF DATE ***
Come and join our friendly group on a birdwatching day with expert guidance on bird identification. Potteric Carr is the flagship reserve of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and is the home to breeding Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Avocets, to name just a few. The reserve is a wildlife oasis, a remnant of the fenlands which once covered the Humber basin all the way to the coast. Over 230 bird species have been recorded here, as well as 23 species of dragonfly and damselfly and many species of butterfly. It is possible to see up to 9 species of warbler here and Bearded T**s have also been seen this month.
This trip will be an all-day one giving us a chance to explore much of this superb and varied reserve. Please bring a packed lunch and there is a café in the visitor centre which serves hot drinks and snacks. There are toilets in the visitor centre at the reserve. Of course, if you only wish to do a half day, you are welcome to leave at lunch time after the first loop.
If you would like to book places or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me either by PM on facebook, or email at [email protected] (NOT gmail). Thank you.
TIME: Meet at the site in time for a 9.30am start.
COST: £12.00 per person, for a half or full day, payable on the day in cash, sorry, no card facilities. There is an admission charge to the reserve of £6.00/person, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust members are free on production of their membership card.
EXCLUSIONS: Please note, no dogs or other pets allowed.
EQUIPMENT: Please bring binoculars if you have them. I do carry spare pairs if you wish to borrow some. Please ask when booking.
LOCATION: What3words///beaters.scooters.error OS Map Reference: SE 588006

Some photos of the wildlife, including some birds, at Spurn Point today!Hope you like them.
07/05/2026

Some photos of the wildlife, including some birds, at Spurn Point today!
Hope you like them.

07/05/2026

Hi
Well, the species count was not so high, but it was certainly a day of quality, not quantity. Waders certainly were the highlights, with double figures of Whimbrel, 50+ Bar-tailed Godwit and 250+ Grey plover, many of them in full breeding plumage. It was also nice to see good numbers of lingering Brent Geese and great sightings of Whitethroat, Sedge and Reed Warblers. Great to see at least six Bottle-nosed Dolphins passing at sea as well, although distant. We shall have to visit again in October for the Autumn migrations. Watch this space! Next trip, Potteric Carr, Thursday 14th May.
SPURN POINT BIRD LIST, May 2026.
Mute Swan BUTTERFLIES:- Small White
Greylag Goose Green-veined White
Brent Goose Orange-tip shelduck Brimstone
Kestrel
Pheasant ODONATA:- Hairy Dragonfly
Moorhen
Oystercatcher OTHERS:- Bottle-nosed Dolphin
Grey Plover Roe Deer
Dunlin Rabbit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Whimbrel
Redshank
Herring Gull
Woodpigeon
Skylark
Sand Martin
Swallow
Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail
Dunnock
Wheatear
Blackbird
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Whitethroat
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Linnet
Reed Bunting Total:- 36 species seen.

The following, heard but not seen.

Chiffchaff
Lesser Whitethroat

SPURN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, Thursday 7th MAY 2026.Join us for our first ever visit here to this iconic reserve, renow...
04/05/2026

SPURN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, Thursday 7th MAY 2026.
Join us for our first ever visit here to this iconic reserve, renowned for its’ ability to attract rare and passage migrants, as well as being home to a good number of breeding species. Birds seen recently include Great Reed warbler, Red-rumped Swallow and Hawfinch, so who knows what might turn up?
This trip will be an all day one, giving us time to visit several of the areas, including Kilnsea Wetlands and Beacon Ponds, both areas which can attract interesting species. Please bring a packed lunch, although there is a café which serves hot drinks and refreshments if needed. There are accessible toilets at the visitor centre. Of course, if you only wish to do a part day, you are welcome to leave at any time during the day.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me either by PM on facebook, or email at [email protected] (NOT gmail). Thank you.
VENUE: Spurn National Nature Reserve
DATE: Thursday 7th May 2026.
TIME: Meet in the car park at the site in time for a 9.30am start.
DURATION: Around 3hrs morning, with a similar time in the afternoon.
COST: £12.00 per person, for a half or full day, payable on the day in cash, sorry, no card facilities. There is a charge for the car park unless you are a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust member.
EXCLUSIONS: Please note, no dogs or other pets allowed.
EQUIPMENT: Please bring binoculars, although I do carry spare pairs if you wish to borrow some. Please ask when booking.
LOCATION: What3words///rainwater.freely.hill OS Map Reference: TA416154

FACILITIES: Accessible toilets, Visitor Centre and Café. There are several hides situated around the reserve which allow for comfortable viewing.

Twas a lazy, invigorating, wind at Blacktoft Sands on Tuesday. Some great sightings. Here are some snaps. The atmospheri...
30/04/2026

Twas a lazy, invigorating, wind at Blacktoft Sands on Tuesday. Some great sightings. Here are some snaps. The atmospheric haze (certainly NOT heat haze) has given the Marsh Harrier shots and arty feel simply because they were so, so far away. Looks like a yellow duckling was on the menu - unless Paul corrects me!
I quite like the Peacock butterfly where you can see the pollen on its proboscis. Thanks Paul

SPURN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, Thursday 7th MAY 2026.Our first ever visit here to this iconic reserve, renowned for its’...
30/04/2026

SPURN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, Thursday 7th MAY 2026.
Our first ever visit here to this iconic reserve, renowned for its’ ability to attract rare and passage migrants, as well as being home to a good number of breeding species. Birds seen recently include Great Reed warbler, Red-rumped Swallow and Hawfinch, so who knows what might turn up?
This trip will be an all day one, giving us time to visit several of the areas, including Kilnsea Wetlands and Beacon Ponds, both areas which can attract interesting species. Please bring a packed lunch, although there is a café which serves hot drinks and refreshments if needed. There are accessible toilets at the visitor centre. Of course, if you only wish to do a part day, you are welcome to leave at any time during the day.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me either by PM on facebook, or email at [email protected] (NOT gmail). Thank you.
VENUE: Spurn National Nature Reserve
DATE: Thursday 7th May 2026.
TIME: Meet in the car park at the site in time for a 9.30am start.
DURATION: Around 3hrs morning, with a similar time in the afternoon.
COST: £12.00 per person, for a half or full day, payable on the day in cash, sorry, no card facilities. There is a charge for the car park unless you are a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust member.
EXCLUSIONS: Please note, no dogs or other pets allowed.
EQUIPMENT: Please bring binoculars, although I do carry spare pairs if you wish to borrow some. Please ask when booking.
LOCATION: What3words///rainwater.freely.hill OS Map Reference: TA416154

FACILITIES: Accessible toilets, Visitor Centre and Café. There are several hides situated around the reserve which allow for comfortable viewing.

30/04/2026

BLACKTOFT SANDS BIRDS April 2026
The Hen Harrier over the reedbeds, as we arrived, has to be the star bird of the day. Despite a cold NE wind, which was in our faces in the hides, there were great sightings of Marsh Harriers with as many as four in the air at once. The Bitterns were not going to show themselves in the winds but at least two different birds were booming from the reeds. A good all round day, the full list of 42 species is below.

Little Grebe
Cormorant
Grey Heron
Mute Swan
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Shelduck
Gadwall
Teal
Mallard
Shoveler
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Marsh Harrier
Hen Harrier
Kestrel
Pheasant
Moorhen
Coot
Avocet
Lapwing
Black-headed Gull
Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Woodpigeon
Sand Martin
Swallow
House Martin
Robin
Blackbird
Cetti’s Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Bearded Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Magpie
Carrion Crow
Tree Sparrow
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Reed Bunting TOTAL: 42 Species seen.

Some snaps from our recent visit to TopHill Low.
25/04/2026

Some snaps from our recent visit to TopHill Low.

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Molescroft
Beverley
HU177QF

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