Category: Sightings

Another sunny day, with moderate southerly winds and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. Two Wigeon frequented North Marsh, five Teal Thornwick Pools and 38 Mallard Stainforth’s Flash. A Little Egret flew east from South Landing, whilst a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull rested at Stainforth’s Flash. Passerine interest included two Nuthatch remaining in South Dykes, six Willow Warblers, six Whinchat, a Wheatear and one Pied Flycatcher; the Pied Crow continued its sojourn at Thornwick. 

West of the Dykes, RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a juvenile Marsh Harrier, three Common Buzzards, the juvenile Cuckoo, 27 Yellow Wagtails, 200 Tree Sparrows and three Corn Buntings.

Sunny intervals throughout a day of increasingly strong south-easterly winds, with temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull and a juvenile Little Gull heading past the Fog Station provided the highlights of a seawatch; 68 Teal, a Shoveler and two Arctic Skuas also flew south.

Thornwick Pools attracted 12 Teal, two Wigeon, a Tufted Duck, one Water Rail, a Ringed Plover and two Dunlin. North Marsh pulled in two Wigeon, eight Teal and a Marsh Harrier, South Landing single Common Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit, with Stainforth’s Flash hosting an additional three Teal. Wader interest also included 32 Turnstones at Selwick’s Bay, where a Little Egret was also present. 

Migrant passerines included nine Whinchat, six Wheatear, 26 Whitethroats, nine Blackcap, 16 Willow Warblers, nine Chiffchaff, a Redstart, one Pied Flycatcher and a flock of 60 House Sparrows on Thornwick Camp. 

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Swift, 100 Swallows, three Song Thrush in off and 22 Yellow Wagtails. Nearby, highlights from Buckton involved two Teal, one Reed Warbler caught and ringed, a Fieldfare in off, three Robins along the cliff top and six Whinchat.

After a bright start, increasing cloud developed during the day, with mist enveloping the high cliffs by the evening; a northerly wind also established late on. A Hobby appeared over the Golf Course, whilst a Bar-tailed Godwit and five Ringed Plover frequented South Landing, where a Whinchat was caught and ringed.

West of the Dykes, records from Buckton included  single Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard, two Pied Flycatchers, two Sedge Warblers, a Wheatear and five Whinchat. Potentially the same Marsh Harrier overflew RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

An overcast day, with a moderate/strong north-westerly wind and occasional drizzle. Seawatching highlights included four Shoveler, 36 Wigeon, three Pintail, 45 Teal, 20 Sooty Shearwaters, 105 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, two Grey Plover, a Little Gull and 12 Common Terns flew north, whilst five Shelduck, a Velvet Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Red-throated Divers, 88 Sandwich Terns, 30 Bonxies, a Pomarine Skua and 23 Arctic  Skuas headed south.

The weather consisted of moderate north-north-west winds, overcast skies with persistent drizzle and mist for much of the morning. During the seawatch, single Shoveler, Gadwall, Pintail, 63 Wigeon, 169 Teal, 61 Common Scoters, eight Sooty Shearwaters, 73 Manx Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater flew north, with 53 Oystercatchers, a Mediterranean Gull, nine Bonxies and 12 Arctic Skuas flying south. Elsewhere, a Little Egret and ten Ringed Plovers were noted at South Landing, a Greenshank flew over North Landing and Thornwick Pools attracted a juvenile Caspian Gull.

Autumn’s first rarity made landfall, with an Arctic Warbler frequenting the willows on the sheltered south side of Old Fall. Additional passerine migrants included six Pied Flycatchers.

West of the Dykes, a confiding Wryneck proved popular at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there were also two Redstarts, three Whinchat, a Pied Flycatcher and ten Willow Warblers.

A day of light, variable winds, sunny intervals and light showers. Thornwick Pools attracted 15 Teal and South Landing four Little Egrets. However, the headlines were stolen by wing-barred phylloscs, with the Arctic Warbler remaining at Old Fall and a Greenish Warbler located at North Landing. Other passerine migrants included four Goldcrest, three Pied Flycatchers, two Redstarts, 13 Whinchat, a Stonechat, one Yellow Wagtail and 17 Siskins. A flock of 245 Linnets and three Corn Buntings also frequented the Old Fall area. In addition, a total of 41 birds caught and ringed at South Landing included a Reed Warbler, seven Chiffchaffs and eight Meadow Pipits. 

West of the Dykes, RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted single Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Wryneck, Garden Warbler, Redstart along with nine Yellow Wagtail; 165 Meadow Pipits also flew north-west.

An increasingly blustery westerly wind brought sporadic showers from late morning, with temperatures reaching a mere 13 degrees C. Six Mute Swans  were recorded; a party of four birds touring the headland before moving off west, with a duo resting at South Landing; three Little Egrets and nine Ringed Plovers were also present at the latter location. A covey of 12 Grey Partridges near North Marsh represented a notable record, where there were also nine Wigeon. Passerine interest included a Mistle Thrush, five Pied Flycatchers, eight Whinchat, a Redstart, a Reed Warbler, one Sedge Warbler and a single Yellow Wagtail.

West of the Dykes, the Wryneck remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, whilst 137 House Martins flew north-west there. 

The weather consisted of light/moderate south-west winds, increasing amounts of cloud and a band of rain arriving during the afternoon. Three Sooty Shearwaters, seven Manx Shearwaters, 15 Red-throated Divers, 11 Bonxies, two Arctic Skuas, a Black Tern and a first-calendar year Mediterranean Gull were logged on the morning’s seawatch. Elsewhere, a Water Rail remained at Thornwick Pools, whilst 15 Ringed Plovers and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull frequented the shores on the southern side of the headland. 

An Icterine Warbler represented the day’s highlight; although elusive at times, it spent the entire day in the Bay Brambles/Golf Course willows.

A day of moderate/strong south-westerly winds, occasional sunny intervals and light showers. Seawatching highlights included four Sooty Shearwaters, 11 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, seven Bonxies and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flying north, 19 Red-throated Divers and five Arctic Skuas heading south, with a first-winter Mediterranean Gull lingering offshore. 

The Pied Crow continued in residence being seen in various locations in and around the village.

An overcast day, with a moderate south-westerly wind throughout. During the morning’s seawatch, three Goosanders, 34 Sandwich Terns and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north, with 11 Red-throated Divers, two Bonxies and three Arctic Skuas heading south. 

Elsewhere, a Swift flew south over the outer head, a Black Redstart was located at Thornwick, with two Whinchat and a Pied Flycatcher also recorded. West of the Dykes, two Whinchat frequented RSPB Bdmpton Cliffs.

A cloudy start with increasing sun as the day progressed. Wind was a moderate westerly. Highlight of the morning sea watch was a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull which flew south at 10:33. Other sightings included 1 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 155 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Bonxie, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 Puffin and 2 Swift.

Passage on the land was relatively quiet but included a single Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Siskin, 3 Swift and 204 Meadow Pipit, 50 of the latter were ringed at South Landing. Thornwick Pools held a Water Rail and 12 Teal, whilst the Pied Crow remained nearby. An additional Spotted Flycatcher was at Bempton, along with an Arctic Tern. Two Whinchat were at Buckton.

Fox by Paul Reed.

An overcast start to the day, with brighter spells later and a light south-westerly wind. Highlights of the seawatch included a Shelduck, 13 Red-throated Divers, 35 Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, a first calendar-year Caspian Gull and one Arctic Skua flying south, whilst 107 Sandwich Terns, 101 Common Terns, three Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas flew north. 

Thornwick Pools continued to host a Water Rail. Passerine interest included two Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Redstart, a Black Redstart, four Whinchat, six Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

West of the Dykes, a Hobby was seen over Wandale Farm east of RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The weather consisted of moderate south-westerly winds and sunny intervals. During the seawatch, 86 Common Scoters, 86 Sandwich Terns, seven Bonxies and an Arctic Skua flew north, with two Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas loafing offshore. Away from the sea, sightings included a Hobby, one Sand Martin, six Whinchat, five Wheatear, a Grey Wagtail and six Siskin.

A total of  158 Meadow Pipits flew west at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there were two Whinchats and ten Siskin moved south.

Moderate south-west winds prevailed throughout, whilst the day also featured sunny intervals and a band of rain. During the morning seawatch, 72 Pink-footed Geese, two Eider, 39 Red-throated Divers, seven Knot, six Dunlin, a Purple Sandpiper, a Little Stint and seven Common Terns flew south, whilst 39 Common Scoter, a Sooty Shearwater, 13 Manx Shearwaters, 84 Sandwich Terns, eight Bonxies, four Arctic Skuas and three Puffins flew north. An additional 158 Pink-footed Geese also flew south over the headland later in the day. Passerines were difficult to locate in the windy conditions, although single Sedge Warbler, Whinchat, three Grey Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail were present.

West of the Dykes, a total of 75 Pink-footed Geese flew south at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A day of lighter south-west winds than of late, generally overcast with temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 72 Pink-footed Geese, a Sooty Shearwater and eight Bonxies flew south, with another Sooty Shearwater, 17 Manx Shearwaters, 393 Black-headed Gulls, 41 Sandwich Terns, 32 Common Terns and three Arctic Skuas heading in the opposite direction. 

An additional 170 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the headland, as did a Little Egret. However, the day’s highlight was undoubtedly a Green Woodpecker, a true local rarity, located along the cliff top between Beacon Hill and South Landing. Passerine interest included seven Whinchat, six Wheatear, a Redstart and three Corn Buntings.

West of the Dykes, 173 Pink-footed Geese flew south at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there was also a Swift, one Spotted Flycatcher, four Yellow Wagtails and 25 Yellowhammers. A total of 50 Pied Wagtails roosted at Muntons, near Sewerby.

A day of sunny intervals and strong south-west winds. Seawatching highlights included six Pink-footed Geese, eight Wigeon, 136 Teal, a Tufted Duck, one Great Northern Diver, a Little Egret, three Snipe, two Pomarine Skuas and two Arctic Skuas flying south, whilst four Sooty Shearwaters, five Manx Shearwaters, 51 Sandwich Terns, 15 Bonxies, a Pomarine Skua and two Arctic Skuas flew north.

Ninety Pink-footed Geese headed south over the headland late afternoon, whilst South Landing attracted 16 Ringed Plovers, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull; another Mediterranean Gull frequented the north side where there were also six Wheatears. The Pied Crow again toured the village.

Generally overcast, with occasional mist and light drizzle and very light winds. During the seawatch, a Gadwall, one Sooty Shearwater, three Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas flew south, whilst a Little Gull, 57 Sandwich Terns and eight Common Terns moved north.

Wildfowl interest on the headland included four Wigeon, 22 Teal, a Pochard and better still, a Garganey, that was flushed from the pond in Old Fall and then flew south. Single Little Egret, Water Rail, Common Sandpiper and two Grey Plovers were also present. Additional migrant interest included two Swift, 15 Goldcrests, 36 Chiffchaffs, 24 Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, eight Whinchat, three Grey Wagtails and 25 Siskin.

The weather consisted of strong south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. During the seawatch, four Wigeon, 65 Teal and a Pochard flew south, whilst three Sooty Shearwaters, three Snipe, six Bonxies and 16 Arctic Skuas moved in the opposite direction; 15 Manx Shearwaters and a Black Tern also fed offshore during the evening. 

Thornwick Pools attracted nine Teal, two Snipe, five Dunlin and a Ruff, South Landing a Knot, 12 Ringed Plover and a Bar-tailed Godwit. A first calendar-year Caspian Gull rested on fields near North Landing, with the Pied Crow in the same area. Passerine migrants included a Whinchat and two White Wagtails.

A day that featured gale force south-westerly winds and sunny intervals. During the seawatch, two Shelduck, six Teal, 14 Red-throated Divers and a Little Egret flew south, whilst eight Bonxies and four Arctic Skuas moved north. A Greenshank also frequented the outer head.

South Landing attracted six Ringed Plovers, one Knot and a Bar-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pools a Grey Heron, 12 Teal, four Snipe and six Dunlin.

Moderate south-west winds and relatively bright skies were replaced by heavy rain and increasingly strong winds from early afternoon. Seawatching highlights included 266 Little Gulls, 29 Common Terns, and single Arctic Skua and Bonxie flying north, whilst 16 Red-throated Divers, three Manx Shearwaters, 39 Little Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and two Arctic Terns flew south; a Black Tern lingered offshore. The most notable passerine record related to seven Whinchats in the Lighthouse Grassland.

A day of sunny intervals, increasing amounts of cloud and showers from late afternoon, with a strong westerly wind throughout. Seawatch highlights included two Sooty Shearwaters, six Little Gulls, 35 Common Terns, 15 Arctic Terns, and two Black Terns moving north; 18 Bonxies and 29 Arctic Skuas were also logged off the Fog Station.

The day’s main feature was a southerly movement of 905 Pink-footed Geese over the headland, concentrated from mid-afternoon. In addition, a single Pink-foot and a Gadwall frequented Thornwick Pools, five Snipe appeared to come in off the sea, whilst a Bar-tailed Godwit lingered on South Landing beach. Five Whinchat and a Wheatear were in the vicinity of the Lighthouse Grassland, whilst a Spotted Flycatcher was located near Thornwick Pools.

An overcast day, with a moderate west-south-westerly wind. Seawatching highlights included ten Sooty Shearwaters and 46 Manx Shearwaters flying north, 60 Common Scoters, 102 Red-throated Divers, five Golden Plover, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 46 Bonxies, 37 Arctic Skuas, an adult Long-tailed Skua and a Hobby flew south. 

Sightings around the headland included 46 Pink-footed Geese, 28 Teal, one Great Crested Grebe, a Bar-tailed Godwit, one Black-tailed Godwit at Thornwick Pools and a Spotted Redshank that initially flew over the outer head and then Thornwick Pools. Passerine interest was provided by five Goldcrests, five Whinchat, nine Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, one Brambling, nine Siskin and two Corn Buntings.

A light northerly wind gradually strengthened during a day that was largely sunny, with occasional, very light showers. Twelve hours of seawatching was rewarded with: 41 Wigeon, 56 Teal, two Mandarins, 56 Sooty Shearwaters, 207 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, one Little Egret, a 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull, 40 Bonxies and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flying north. Birds heading south included 35 Pink-footed Geese, a Garganey, one Red-breasted Merganser, 74 Red-throated Divers, a Ruff and 32 Arctic Skuas. 

A Common Rosefinch frequented Old Fall Hedge early afternoon, whilst other sightings on the headland included a Redwing, 17 Siskin and the Pied Crow.

Today was always earmarked as the day we launched the Seawatch Observatory Appeal on our website – clearly the seabirds agreed and proved just why Flamborough justifies such a facility.

Before reading further, could I please ask you to kindly help us fund the construction of our observatory building. Once in situ, it will secure seabird monitoring moving forward  and the data obtained from studies will help conserve our threatened species. Click here for further details and how you can help…. FBO SEAWATCH OBSERVATORY APPEAL

The weather consisted of light north-westerly winds and sunny skies. Seawatching was again the order of the day and was undoubtedly the year’s best by a considerable distance. Good numbers of wildfowl flew north including three Shelduck, 277 Wigeon, 223 Teal, 11 Pintail, two Shoveler, a Tufted Duck and  133 Common Scoters. A total of 81 Red-throated Divers flew south, a Storm Petrel headed north, whilst 138 Manx Shearwaters, two Balearic Shearwaters and 68 Sooty Shearwaters headed in the same direction. No fewer than four Sabine’s Gulls were also recorded, with two adults and two juveniles flying north; a juvenile that flew south was presumed to be one of the same. All four skuas were recorded including 68 Bonxies, 38 Arctic Skuas, 21 Pomarine Skuas (all bar one adults) and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua. 

Large flocks of duck also gathered off Hartendale, with 220 Teal, 80 Wigeon and two Shoveler present in the afternoon. Passerine interest included a Redwing near the Lighthouse and a Hawfinch in off the sea at Bay Brambles. 

Before reading further, could I please ask you to kindly help us fund the construction of our observatory building. Once in situ, it will secure seabird monitoring moving forward  and the data obtained from studies will help conserve our threatened species. Click here for further details and how you can help…. FBO SEAWATCH OBSERVATORY APPEAL Thank you.

A sunny day, with light south-westerly winds strengthening during the day. Seawatching highlights included two Shoveler, 149 Wigeon, a Pintail, 46 Teal, 217 Common Scoters, three Sooty Shearwaters, 30 Manx Shearwaters, a Little Egret, 48 Sandwich Terns, 14 Bonxies, two Pomarine Skuas and six Arctic Skuas flying north; two Eider, 83 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver and one Red-necked Grebe flew south.  

Pink-footed Geese resumed their southbound movement, with 106 logged during the day. A flock of 115 Teal were on the sea below Hartendale, with Little Egret, Marsh Harrier and Tawny Owl in the same vicinity. A ringtail Hen Harrier overflew North Marsh, whilst passerine migrants included one Yellow Wagtail; the Pied Crow again toured the village.

West of the Dykes, sightings from Buckton included presumably the same ringtail Hen Harrier seen earlier at North Marsh, five Common Buzzards, 70 Skylarks and 150 Meadow Pipits.

Before reading further, could I please ask you to kindly help us fund the construction of our observatory building. Once in situ, it will secure seabird monitoring moving forward  and the data obtained from studies will help conserve our threatened species. Click here for further details and how you can help…. FBO SEAWATCH OBSERVATORY APPEAL Thank you – all your help is very much appreciated!

A day of moderate south-west winds, brightening skis after a largely overcast skies and warmer temperatures. During the morning’s seawatch, 12 Pink-footed Geese, ten Red-throated Divers, eight Snipe, four Bonxies, two Arctic Skuas and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew south, whilst a juvenile Sabine’s Gull and 4000 Razorbills flew north; relatively few of the latter species having been present on previous days. An additional 53 Pink-footed Geese were seen over the headland, whilst a Great Northern Diver was on the sea in the afternoon, with a second bird moving south. Presumably the long-staying Black Redstart was again present in Thornwick Bay.

Before reading further, could I please ask you to kindly help us fund the construction of our observatory building. Once in situ, it will secure seabird monitoring moving forward  and the data obtained from studies will help conserve our threatened species. Click here for further details and how you can help…. FBO SEAWATCH OBSERVATORY APPEAL Thank you – all your help is very much appreciated!

A relatively bright, warm day with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C in an increasingly strong south-westerly wind. During the seawatch, a Little Egret, two Bonxies, three Pomarine Skuas and three Arctic Skuas flew north. 

A Marsh Harrier flew south over the cliff top at Thornwick. However, the day’s highlight related to the discovery of the autumn’s first Yellow-browed Warbler at Old Fall Steps. A Stonechat, a flock of 350 Linnets and 12 Reed Buntings frequented the Thornwick area, whilst 38 Siskin were also recorded.

Before reading further, could I please ask you to kindly help us fund the construction of our observatory building. Once in situ, it will secure seabird monitoring moving forward  and the data obtained from studies will help conserve our threatened species. Click here for further details and how you can help…. FBO SEAWATCH OBSERVATORY APPEAL Thank you – all your help is very much appreciated!

The weather consisted of light/moderate northerly winds and sunny skies, with temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. During the seawatch, 16 Wigeon, nine Teal, 74 Common Scoters, 26 Sooty Shearwaters, 45 Manx Shearwaters, a Red-necked Grebe, 809 Kittiwakes and ten Arctic Skuas flew north. Birds moving south included 99 Red-throated Divers, a Little Egret, 15 Bonxies and ten Arctic Skuas. A total of nine Pomarine Skuas were logged, with eight heading south and one bird flying north.

Passerine interest included Pied Crow and Yellow-browed Warbler in the village, the latter presumably yesterday’s bird relocating, three Coal Tits in Old Fall, the Black Redstart at Thornwick, one Lesser Redpoll and three Corn Buntings.

Another sunny day, with light south-west winds increasing in strength throughout. During the morning’s seawatch, six dark-bellied Brent Geese, two Shelduck, 178 Wigeon, eight Pintail, 84 Teal, 164 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, one Sooty Shearwater, four Manx Shearwaters, two Mediterranean Gulls, a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull,  three Bonxies and an Arctic Skua flew north. Another dark-bellied Brent Goose, 38 Pink-footed Geese, 105 Red-throated Divers and a Little Egret moved south.

An additional 83 Pink-footed Geese flew south, 19 Common Buzzards drifted onto the headland and a Grey Plover flew south. Passerines included the Pied Crow in the village,  three Stonechats and six Goldcrests.

West of the Dykes, sightings included five Common Buzzards and 50 Skylarks at Buckton, with two Stonechat and 100 Linnets at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Before reading further, could I please ask you to kindly help us fund the construction of our observatory building. Once in situ, it will secure seabird monitoring moving forward  and the data obtained from studies will help conserve our threatened species. Click here for further details and how you can help…. FBO SEAWATCH OBSERVATORY APPEAL Thank you – all your help is very much appreciated!

Moderate south-westerly winds switched to a west-north-westerly later, on a day featuring sunny intervals. During the seawatch, ten Wigeon, 55 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver and two Little Egrets flew south, whilst two Mediterranean Gulls and a Pomarine Skua flew north. In addition, six Blue Fulmars were logged: four flying north, two moving south and a second calendar-year Mediterranean Gull lingered off the headland. 

Another Pomarine Skua harassed gulls off Breil Nook. On the opposite side of the headland, sightings from South Landing included two Golden Plovers, 32 Skylarks and two Grey Wagtails heading west, with five Goldcrests present and six Lesser Redpolls caught and ringed.

The day’s highlight came on the Yorkshire Belle cruise off the headland when a Basking Shark showed well.