I like Goldcrests, I like them a lot, so I knew that an early start and arriving at a fog shrouded Bempton (that foggy that at least I think it was Bempton) was going to be worth it, as Dave (Assistant Warden Dave) had reported a reserve full of Goldcrests.
Even before parking the car the road to the reserve was carpeted in disorientated thrushes, mainly Blackbirds, and shortly after wandering towards one of the small dells it was clear there were migrants everywhere. An explosion of thrushes from what we call "the washing machine dell" - no washing machines in site - was amazing; a mix of Redwings, Blackbirds and Fieldfares, plus a Ring Ouzel or two. Fringing this dell were Goldcrests, busily making their way into what they assume are trees and so in a few cases just feeding in long grass and on wildflower seed heads. Human shapes pass as perfectly adequate trees to these lost travellers and so busy are they trying to recoup energy, that no binoculars required, as they make their way towards you and seem to stop last minute and feed just in front of you, as if they never really intended to fly towards you in the first place. Gorgeous.
Lots of Bramblings amongst the Chaffinches and Greenfinches and a Chiffchaff and Black Redstart picked out amongst the murk by Dave. Later in the day, another Black Redstart provided a welcome distraction from the office window.
This is migration in action, these hardy birds having left Scandinavia in fine weather and arriving on our coast in the mist and fog of the last few days and so making their way to feed in the first bit of suitable land; in the case of Goldcrests this can even include the cliff face.
All in all a must see spectacle - but do try and give the birds some space.