1st September 2020

Sunny throughout, with a light south-easterly wind establishing in the afternoon. A single flock of 17 Common Buzzards over the outer head provided an impressive spectacle, with a Marsh Harrier also in the same area; smaller groups of Common Buzzards at various locations subsequently were presumed to have involved combinations of the original 17. Three Greenshank flew over the headland, whilst the year’s second Kingfisher over Bempton Lane provided a somewhat incongruous sight. Passerine interest included the first migrant Goldcrests (three) and a Pied Flycatcher. Ringing sessions at Oceanview/South Landing resulted in 65 birds being processed including two Goldcrest, two Whitethroats, two Treecreepers and 28 Meadow Pipits.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted 18 Common Buzzards, a Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, two Goldcrests, single Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat and Wheatear along with five Yellow Wagtails.

Meadow Pipit, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

2nd September 2020

After a bright start, the day ended with rain and a moderate south-westerly wind.

Single Greenshank and Snipe flew over Oceanview, where there were also a Goldcrest and two Siskin. Records from a cliff top walk between Speeton and Buckton included a juvenile Marsh Harrier, three juvenile Kestrels, a Wheatear, four Yellow Wagtails and three Crossbills; the latter moving south-east, as did 31 Swifts ahead of the rain. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Little Egret and Siskin flying south-east, whilst passerine interest on the reserve included four Pied Flycatchers, three Whinchat, four Stonechat and a Hawfinch; the latter once again only noted in flight.

Knot, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

3rd September 2020

The weather consisted of moderate westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. Highlights of the seawatch included a Shelduck, 23 Wigeon, 270 Teal and 27 Common Scoters flying south, a Sooty Shearwater and Little Egret heading north, seven Grey Herons, 19 Knot and 21 Dunlin moving south. Two Bonxies and three Arctic Skuas were also recorded flying past the headland.

Notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 36 Wigeon and a Hobby moving south-east and two Siskin flying in the opposite direction. A Marsh Harrier also frequented the reserve along with two Pied Flycatchers, two Whinchat, the long-staying juvenile Hawfinch and 200 Linnets.

Hawfinch, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Will Scott

4th September, 2020

Sunny intervals predominated with a moderate south-westerly wind. Temperatures peaked at 18C during the afternoon.

Late afternoon seawatching and was predictably low key. What interest there was being limited to 3 Whimbrel and 6 Knot. Otherwise there was one Manx Shearwater, Eider and Red-throated Diver. During the morning, however, 1 or 2 Minke Whales passed along the northern cliffs between Bempton and Thornwick.

At Flamborough, Meadow Pipits were moving during the morning with 221 counted passing along the Dykes along with 13 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail. Hirundines were also passing through with 280 House Martins and 70 Swallows while 2 Swifts were at North Landing. Passerines included a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Wheatears and a Reed Warbler. Birds of the day were a Turtle Dove flying NW along the clifftop towards North Dykes and a Hen Harrier in the same area.

Bempton attracted single Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, 2 Reed Warblers, 4 Willow Warblers and single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.

Knot, South Landing by Alan Walkington

5th September, 2020

Largely cloudy with a moderate to fresh westerly wind, temperatures reach 18°C mid-afternoon.

A morning seawatch produced a single Sooty Shearwater blogging before flying north and a summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver also moving north; an evening watch produced 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, 14 Knot, 18 Sandwich Terns and a Red-throated Diver south and 8 Swifts in off.

A juvenile Hen Harrier quartered the field on the south side of the Outer Head during the morning. A small fall on the Outer Head consisted of 9 Spotted Flycatchers, a Garden Warbler, 17 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Wheatears, a Whinchat and 2 Yellow Wagtails while 8 Siskins flew over. Meadow Pipits were moving again with 140 counted flying west along the southern cliffs. A single Whimbrel flew over the village and a Water Rail was at Thornwick Pools. By evening, there was 360 Great Black-backed Gulls roosting on the golf course.

Bempton again produced a good variety of passerine migrants with 11 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, a single Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroats and 2 Goldcrest. Reflecting the situation on the Outer Head 5 Spotted Flycatchers were present along with a single Pied. A Redstart, 3 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 13 Siskin were also seen. A flock of 140 Goldfinch was notable. A Marsh Harrier was in the Buckton area again.

juvenile Hen Harrier, Outer Head by Heidi Saunders

6th September, 2020

Cloudy all day, the wind was a light westerly during the morning but had veered to a northerly about midday. A band of rain arrived late afternoon and temperature reached a maximum of 15°C.

The sea was watched all day and viewing was more eventful than of late. The highlights included 37 Red-throated Divers (29 south), 20 Sooty Shearwaters north, 15 Manx (11 north), 6 Whimbrel and a Snipe south, single juvenile Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls, 172 Sandwich Terns south. All four skua species put in an appearance with 13 Great, 44 Arctic (42 south) and a single Pomarine south and a Long-tailed north. Overhead, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 113 Meadow Pipits and 10 Siskin were all southbound. Cetaceans were also evident with at least 12 Harbour Porpoises offshore and a Minke Whale that was seen to breach.

Five Whimbrel passed Beacon Hill. On land, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, a Wheatear, a Sedge Warbler and 2 Yellow Wagtails were the best of a limited selection of migrants.

West of the Dykes, the first Pink-footed Geese of the autumn were 110 heading SW over Bempton whilst passerine interest included a Redstart, a Pied Flycatcher, 6 Willow Warblers and 2 Chiffchaff.

Lesser Whitethroat, Flamborough by Rob Little

7th September, 2020

The day was mainly cloudy and dull with a moderate south-westerly and temperatures never exceeded 17°C.

Sooty Shearwaters featured again during today’s seawatches with 34 north, along with 6 Manx. Other highlights included 20 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Divers, a Great Crested Grebe and 92 Sandwich Terns north. Waders were represented by 8 Whimbrel, 17 Curlew, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Knot, and 3 Dunlin all heading south along with 2 Little Egrets. There were few skuas with only 2 Great and a single Arctic. Lastly, a Short-eared Owl flew south.

Away from the Fog Station, finding migrants required a level of determination and rewarded by 5 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest and a Spotted Flycatcher. There was more interest provided by waders in the shape of 25 Curlew, a Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, 24 Turnstone, a Knot, 19 Dunlin, 3 Snipe and 6 Redshank. Numbers of Swifts are now low with only 3 noted.

Bar-tailed Godwit, South Landing by Andrew Allport

8th September, 2020

The weather was warm, temperatures rising to 22°C, with sunny intervals and a light westerly breeze.

Seawatching yielded just one Sooty Shearwater. Terns provided greatest numbers with 115 Common, a single Arctic and 81 Sandwich Terns passing north while a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was also present off the Fog Station.

Low numbers of warblers were present with 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, and a Whitethroat. A Grasshopper Warbler was a surprise find in a net at South Landing where a Redwing was a harbinger of many more to make landfall over coming weeks. Meadow Pipits and Siskins were moving again with 111 and 60 respectively heading SW along the southern cliffs and a Crossbill was present in a local garden. Swifts numbered 8 around the village and there was about 70 Swallows. Thornwick Pools attracted 7 Teal and 3 Dunlin. A Marsh Harrier frequented the Outer Head.

Bempton still held single Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff while a Marsh Harrier continued to hunt in the area.

Turnstone, South Landing by Andrew Allport
Grasshopper Warbler, South Landing by JoHood

9th September, 2020

A bright and warm day, the light to moderate westerly wind continued, temperatures reached 20°C.

Highlights of the morning seawatch included 4 sooty Shearwaters north and a single Manx south. Passing waders were restricted to one Bar-tailed Godwit. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew north as did 61 Common Gulls which is a significant increase on previous days. Four Arctic Skua headed south and a single Bonxie north. Passerines passing overhead included a Grey and 2 Yellow Wagtails, 207 Meadow Pipits and 12 Siskins. During the afternoon, a Cory’s Shearwater headed slowly north, 2 Manx Went south as did 2 Little Egrets.

Away from the Fog Station, wader interest included 2 Common Sandpipers at Hartendale. A juvenile Caspian Gull put in appearance at Thornwick Pools and 32 Pink-footed Geese passed over. There were more passerine migrants than in recent days. In addition to the Meadow Pipits counted on the seawatch a further 88 were logged on the Outer Head. Eleven Spotted Flycatchers, 4 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat were all increases on recent days while warblers were also well represented with 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 8 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs and single Sedge and Reed Warblers. A Crossbill flew over the Gorse Field and 5 Siskin were also present.

The bird cover crop at Bempton is producing results with an extraordinary mixed flock of 1000 Linets and Goldfinches. Other highlights included 3 Marsh Harriers and 3 Short-eared Owls, 5 Willow Warblers, 9 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatears, 7 Yellow Wagtails and a Crossbill. Buckton was also in on the action with a 6 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler and 3 Blackcaps.

Wheatear, Thornwick by Don Hustings

10th September, 2020

Today felt appreciably cooler with afternoon the temperature peaking at 16°C. A sunny morning gave way to a much cloudier afternoon with the wind mainly from a westerly direction.

At the Fog Station, morning and evening seawatches were steady, the highlights being 11 Sooty and 19 Manx Shearwaters flying north, 87 Common Scoter north and 37 Sandwich Tern south. There relatively few skuas with 4 Bonxies and 3 Arctic. Reduced numbers of Meadow Pipits were passing overhead with only 21 logged together with a Grey Wagtail and a single Swift.

Migrants seemed to be in short supply again with only 3 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Grey and 1 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Spotted and a single Pied Flycatchers. A Lesser Redpoll and 15 Siskins were on the Outer Head. Meadow Pipits numbered 86 and there was a Stonechat at Beacon Hill. Wader interest included 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, a Whimbrel and a Golden Plover. A Hobby dashed through Thornwick,

At Bempton, a Hobby flew SE and no doubt the same individual seen at Thornwick, 14 Coal Tits, departing over the field in groups of 5 and 9, was a good count and otherwise there was a general scattering of common migrants including 5 Yellow and 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest , 3 Stonechat and 2 Wheatear. Three Great Spotted Woodpeckers and single lesser Redpoll and Siskins flew over. At least 4 Bottle-nosed Dolphins headed NW offshore.

Buckton also produced bird with 2 Whinchat , 2 Willow Warblers, a Blackcap with 1 or 2 Marsh Harriers still hunting the fields.

Spotted Flycatcher, Old Fall by Andrew Allport

Migweek 2020

Migweek is an annual event open to the public, celebrating the amazing world of bird migration! Because of the ongoing pandemic, we’re doing things differently this year and running our programme virtually – thanks to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, who are kindly hosting us (online this time!) so we can continue to celebrate and share the wonders of migration here on the glorious Yorkshire coast. Check back soon for updates, and enjoy – It’s all free as always! 

Due to COVID-19, there will be no public ringing demonstrations or live events this year.

Pink-footed Geese, Flamborough (Andrew Allport)

Check back soon for…

  • Online talks: We have a variety of exciting speakers planned…
  • Pre-recorded videos: from ringing to seawatching, check in soon to watch pre-recorded videos on all things ringing & migration…
  • Ringing recoveries: we will be sharing previous highlights of long distances birds have travelled, all revealed from bird ringing…

Full details will be published soon.

11th September 2020

The weather consisted of moderate south-south-westerly winds, sunny intervals with periods of extensive cloud and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. Seabird passage was subdued, with four Sooty Shearwaters flying north, along with 59 Common Scoters, three Bonxies and an Arctic Skua; a Little Egret and lone juvenile Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls were also recorded from the Fog Station.

Thornwick Pools attracted ten Teal and two Dunlin, with four Bar-tailed Godwits and six Snipe over the outer head.; the latter appearing to come in off the sea. Passerine interest was confined to three Grey Wagtails and two Wheatears, one of which showed characteristics of the Greenland subspecies, mirroring similar records from other locations.

Notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier and 300 Linnets.

Little Egret, outer head, by Andrew Allport

12th September 2020

The day featured moderate/strong west-south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at 18 degrees C. Eleven Red-throated Divers flew south during a seawatch that also included two Manx and a Sooty Shearwater moving north, whilst a Bar-tailed Godwit, two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls and seven Little Gulls flew south; a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull lingered off the outer head.

Away from the sea, two Little Egrets flew south, a Red Kite drifted over the village and three Swifts remained. Passerine migrants included three Spotted Flycatchers, a Whinchat, three Yellow Wagtails, 18 Siskin, 22 Lesser Redpolls and a Lapland Bunting that flew in off the sea at the lighthouse. Eleven Coal Tits, included three also ‘in off’ at the lighthouse continuing the influx noted over recent days.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Little Egret, Merlin and Hobby, a Wheatear, two Yellow Wagtails, seven Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll. A Marsh Harrier hunted cliff top fields at Buckton.

Dunlin, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

13th September 2020

A moderate/strong west-south-westerly wind once again, with prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 23 degrees C. Two Sooty Shearwaters flew past the Fog Station, as did 11 Red-throated Divers, three Bonxies and four Arctic Skuas. Better still, an Osprey flew in off the sea and south at 0952hrs; part of a southerly movement involving several different individuals along the North-east coast.

Thornwick Pools attracted 17 Teal, four Bar-tailed Godwits frequented the Golf Course, a juvenile Caspian Gull fed behind the plough at Old Fall and a Swift flew over North Landing. Passerine migrants included two Sedge Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher and five Wheatears.

Caspian Gull, Old Fall, by Rob Little

14th September 2020

Sunny throughout, with a light south-south-easterly wind developing during the afternoon and temperatures reached 18 degrees C. During a quiet morning seawatch, 14 Red-throated Divers and a Little Egret flew north.

A first-winter Caspian Gull initially in fields near Old Fall later visited the ‘new workings’ on the western edge of Thornwick Camp. However, the day’s highlights were the discovery of a juvenile Red-backed Shrike in the Gorse Field and a Barred Warbler in bushes near the lighthouse late afternoon; the first scarce migrants of the week, but given the promising forecast, unlikely to be the last. Additional passerine records included three Mistle Thrush, a Goldcrest, four Stonechats, six Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, 41 Siskin and 19 Lesser Redpolls. Ringing sessions were rewarded with 51 birds being processed including 20 Meadow Pipits and two Lesser Redpolls.

A Willow Emerald damselfly at RSPB Bempton Cliffs was the headland’s first. Other notable records from the reserve included a Hobby, two Whinchat, two Stonechats and a pod of 20 Bottlenose Dolphins offshore.

Red-backed Shrike, Gorse Field, by Andrew Allport

15th September 2020

Very light easterly winds and sunny throughout, with temperatures reaching 21 degrees C; a perfect day for drift migration with migrants making landfall in the afternoon.

Highlights were a first-summer male Red-breasted Flycatcher at Thornwick Country Park and the juvenile Red-backed Shrike still in residence near the lighthouse. Single Red Kite and Merlin graced the skies on the outer head, where a Turtle Dove frequented gardens early morning. Passerine migrants included two Goldcrests, a Wood Warbler in Old Fall, five Pied Flycatchers, four Redstarts, seven Whinchats, three Stonechats, a Tree Pipit, 280 Meadow Pipits (inc. 130 south), six Grey Wagtails south, 13 Yellow Wagtails south, 45 Lesser Redpolls, 26 Siskins, the first Brambling of autumn and a Lapland Bunting. Two Wheatears included a Greenland Wheatear that was chased over the sea by an Arctic Skua and only just managed to make landfall.

Wader interest included a Grey Plover, six Bar-tailed Godwits, a Whimbrel and one Common Sandpiper. A first-winter Caspian Gull again visited the new workings at Thornwick Camp early evening. During the seawatch, two Red-breasted Mergansers, a Sooty Shearwater, a juvenile Sabine’s Gull (0813hrs) and five Arctic Skuas flew north, whilst 20 Bottlenose Dolphins swam close inshore in the same direction.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, two Reed Warblers, three Goldcrests, a Pied Flycatcher and three Stonechat.

Lesser Redpoll, Oceanview, by Andy Hood
Bottlenose Dolphins, Fog Station by Brett Richards

16th September 2020

The weather consisted of relatively overcast skies, temperatures that only reached 16 degrees C and a moderate to fairly strong north-north-westerly wind veering north-easterly in the afternoon. Unsurprisingly conditions proved conducive for seawatching, with the main highlights a Cory’s Shearwater that flew south at 1420hrs and a 1st calendar-year Black Guillemot on the sea off the Fog Station for ten minutes early morning before heading north. Other notable tallies included nine Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 217 Wigeon north, a Velvet Scoter south, 237 Common Scoter north, 294 Red-throated Divers south (highest tally since Jan 2010), 207 Manx Shearwaters north, 87 Sooty Shearwaters north, 99 Bonxies south, 95 Arctic Skuas south, four Pomarine Skuas south, four juvenile Long-tailed Skuas south and a juvenile Sabine’s Gull north.

The north-easterly airflow also provided a vector for passerines to make landfall from a more northern trajectory than the last two days, with the first two Yellow-browed Warblers of the autumn located in the afternoon. Other notable records included a Turtle Dove, two Pied Flycatchers and a Lapland Bunting.

Coal Tit, lighthouse, by Andrew Allport

17th September 2020

Light easterly winds, prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 16 degrees C; a perfect day for an afternoon arrival of drift migrants and so it proved. Highlights included three Red-breasted Flycatchers (Old Fall, outer head garden, RSPB Bempton Cliffs), two Barred Warblers (Golf Course Willows), five Yellow-browed Warblers (Buckton, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, South Landing & two outer head) and a Hawfinch (Old Fall). Other migrant totals included two Golden Plovers, six Redwing, four Spotted Flycatchers, six Pied Flycatchers, 11 Goldcrests, 12 Chiffchaffs, 12 Willow Warblers, 11 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 11 Lesser Whitethroats, three Redstarts, five Whinchat, four Stonechat, three Wheatears, a Grey Wagtail, two Lesser Redpolls and three Brambling.

During the morning seawatch wildfowl records included four dark-bellied Brent Geese, 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 86 Wigeon, a Shoveler, 36 Teal and 218 Common Scoter. A total of 208 Red-throated Divers flew south, 67 Sooty Shearwaters, 79 Manx Shearwaters and eight Arctic Terns headed north, two Little Egrets and 37 Bonxies headed south, whilst 20 Arctic Skuas were also logged. Two Little Gulls and two Mediterranean Gulls were also recorded.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, five Golden Plovers, a Grey Plover, a Merlin, one Short-eared Owl, two Redwing, three Pied Flycatchers, three Redstarts and four Stonechats.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Will Scott

18th September 2020

An easterly wind increased in strength during a day featuring prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 16 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was relatively quiet featuring three Bonxies, three Arctic Skuas, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua that flew north, one Medierranean Gull and a first-winter Caspian Gull. Seawatching aside, a Goosander overflew Lighthouse Road, a juvenile Great Crested Grebe was on the sea off Booted Gully, a Grey Plover frequented the new workings on Thornwick Camp and a first-winter Caspian Gull was located along Bempton Lane.

The day’s focus was once again on scarce drift migrants, with yet another juvenile Red-backed Shrike (11th individual this year) gracing the Bay Brambles, where one of yesterday’s Barred Warblers remained. A Red-breasted Flycatcher on the outer head was a new arrival, whilst of the three Yellow-browed Warblers in the same area, two appeared to have made landfall in the afternoon. A Hawfinch that accompanied a lone Redwing over the outer head was also presumably ‘fresh in’. Other notable passerine records included 17 Chiffchaffs, a Garden Warbler, five Pied Flycatchers, six Stonechats, five Redstarts, two Brambling and six Lapland Buntings.

Five Chiffchaffs, nine Goldcrests, a Pied Flycatcher and the Red-breasted Flycatcher were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Red-backed Shrike, Bay Brambles, by Alan Walkington

19th September 2020

A moderate north-easterly wind featured throughout a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. During the seawatch, 20 Red-throated Divers, five Sooty Shearwaters, a Great Crested Grebe, one Grey Plover and 17 Dunlin flew south, two Pomarine Skuas and a juvenile Little Gull flew north, whilst five Bonxies and nine Arctic Skuas were also recorded.

A Merlin hunted the Lighthouse Grassland at dusk, with a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull loafing on the new workings at Thornwick Camp. Three Red-breasted Flycatchers remained (including one at RSPB Bempton Cliffs), a juvenile Red-backed Shrike frequented hedgerows on the western edge of the Golf Course and a Barred Warbler was fresh in at Booted Gully. However, in the local context the day’s most notable discovery was a Cetti’s Warbler at South Landing. Additional passerine migrants included a Yellow-browed Warbler, one Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Whinchat, two Redstarts and two Grey Wagtails.

Whitethroat, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

20th September 2020

An overcast day, with mist/drizzle early morning only and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C in a light easterly wind. The undoubted highlight was the presence of two Humpback Whales several km offshore of the Fog Station mid-morning. One animal habitually breached for over an hour, providing those lucky enough to be present with an awesome spectacle. Other seawatch sightings included a dark-bellied Brent Goose and 103 Red-throated Divers flying south, 25 Wigeon, 87 Common Scoters, seven Sooty Shearwaters and 1000 Kittiwakes all north, together with 12 Bonxies, three Pomarine Skuas (two north, one south), 16 Arctic Skuas, an adult Mediterranean Gull and a first-winter Caspian Gull.

Three Little Egrets frequented the rocky shores on the southern side of the headland, ten Grey Plovers at South Landing represented an impressive tally locally and a first-winter Caspian Gull showed well there early morning. There was evidence of a small arrival of passerines during the afternoon, including four Yellow-browed Warblers, nine Goldcrests, five Redwing, five Redstarts, a Pied Flycatcher and four Lesser Redpolls. The juvenile Red-backed Shrike continued in residence on Chalet Hedge and the Red-breasted Flycatcher remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; other sightings on the reserve included a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Snow Bunting. A further two Yellow-browed Warblers made landfall at Buckton.

Caspian Gull, South Landing, by Craig Thomas

21st September 2020

A sunny day, with light south-west winds and temperatures that reached an unseasonal high of 21 degrees C. Thirty-two Common Scoters flew north and 39 Red-throated Divers headed south during the morning’s seawatch. In the local context, the day’s most notable sighting related to a Glossy Ibis that flew north past the lighthouse; only the second record for the headland. Continuing the lanky bird theme, two Great White Egrets flew east over the headland. A total of 48 Pink-footed Geese moved south in two skeins, three Marsh Harriers overflew the headland and at least one first-winter Caspian Gull lingered, with sightings at South Landing and over Thornwick Pools.

First light revealed that the arrival of passerine migrants first witnessed mid-afternoon yesterday had continued. The year’s fifth Greenish Warbler was located at Thornwick Camp and shared the same few trees/adjacent hedgerow as two Yellow-browed Warblers; the latter part of an arrival of nine Yellow-browed Warblers. Two Barred Warblers remained in the Bay Brambles, with the Red-backed Shrike still in Chalet Hedge and viewable from Lighthouse Road. Additional passerine records included 23 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, one Garden Warbler, a Common Whitethroat, four Lesser Whitethroats, two Pied Flycatchers, one Spotted Flycatcher, three Whinchat, nine Stonechat, a Redstart, nine Siskin, two Lesser Redpolls and a Lapland Bunting.

Thirty-six Pink-footed Geese and a Grey Plover flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Marsh Harrier, one Short-eared Owl, three Yellow-browed Warblers, the long-staying Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Pied Flycatcher, four Stonechats, three Lesser Redpolls and a Lapland Bunting frequented the reserve.

Glossy Ibis, outer head, by Andrew Lassey
Great White Egret, outer head, by Andrew Lassey
Redstart, Flamborough village, by Rob Little

22nd September 2020

Another unseasonably warm day, with temperatures reaching 23 degrees C in sunny skies and light south-west winds. The first-winter Caspian Gull re-appeared at Thornwick Camp late afternoon and a Short-eared Owl hunted the outer head. Both the Greenish Warbler at Thornwick, the juvenile Red-backed Shrike alongside the Golf Course and the two Barred Warblers in the Bay Brambles remained. Other notable sightings included two Yellow-browed Warblers, one Whinchat, two Pied Flycatcher, one Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart, eight Siskin and 75 Lesser Redpolls.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher, two Stonechat and two Grey Wagtails, whilst a Hawfinch flew south. Two Yellow-browed Warblers remained in the Dell at Buckton.

Willow Warbler, Thornwick, by Alan Walkington

23rd September 2020

Cloud built during the day, with rain from mid-morning and temperatures peaked at 15 degrees C; light south-westerly winds veered northerly later and also strengthened towards dusk. A Marsh Harrier overflew the Gorse Field early morning, with the two Barred Warblers lingering nearby at the Golf Course Willows. North Landing hosted a Yellow-browed Warbler, with other notable passerine records including a Spotted Flycatcher, five Grey Wagtails and four Crossbills. Two Yellow-browed Warblers were still present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Barred Warbler, Golf Course Willows, by Don Hustings

24th September 2020

Winds were light and variable in direction throughout a day where a best of 12 degrees C indicated they essentially originated from the north. Generally overcast, with sunny intervals late afternoon followed by a spectacular electric storm at dusk. Birding interest was split between the sea and land: seawatching was rewarded with 53 Sooty Shearwaters and 15 Manx Shearwaters flying north, with 130 Bonxies, six Pomarine Skuas (the latter confined to the afternoon), a juvenile Long-tailed Skua and 16 Arctic Skuas heading south.

An appreciable southerly movement of 715 Pink-footed Geese occurred in the morning. A Little Bunting at Thornwick Camp was the year’s first, with other notable sightings including three Yellow-browed Warblers, 33 Siskins and a Crossbill.

A total of 567 Pink-footed Geese south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs would undoubtedly have included many of the birds recorded over the outer head. Two Goosander, 19 Golden Plovers, 15 Bonxies, two Arctic Skuas, two Marsh Harriers, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a blythi-type Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Goldcrests and nine Lesser Redpolls were also recorded from the reserve.

Pink-footed Geese, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

25th September 2020

Gale force northerly winds and heavy rain showers ensured all attention was justifiably focused on the sea. The highlight was a Flamborough record 302 Bonxies that flew south during the course of the day. Other notable sightings included 16 pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Blue Fulmar and 814 Sooty Shearwaters flying north, the latter the second highest count over the last decade. Six Pink-footed Geese, 83 Red-throated Divers, 17 Golden Plovers and a Mediterranean Gull also flew south, together with two Pomarine Skuas and 227 Arctic Skuas (the highest daily total for 20 years).

Seawatching at RSPB Bempton Cliffs reflected the wider movement past the outer head: 111 Sooty Shearwaters headed north, 45 Bonxies and 18 Arctic Skuas flew south.

Ringed Plover, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

26th September 2020

Northerly gales for the second day running resulted in another great seawatch. A dark-bellied Brent Goose, 40 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 82 Common Scoter, a Black-throated Diver, two Storm Petrels, 1078 Sooty Shearwaters, 232 Manx Shearwaters and a pale morph juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north. A total of 35 Bonxies and ten Arctic Skuas headed south. The strong northerly airflow also resulted in Barnacle Geese overshooting wintering grounds, with 62 moving south and 26 north. Despite the inclement conditions, some scarce passerine migrants had clearly made landfall: Yellow-browed Warblers were discovered at Old Fall & South Landing, whilst a male Red-breasted Flycatcher at Old Fall was better still.

Visible migration at RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 26 pale-bellied Brent Geese (21 north, five south), 132 Barnacle Geese (124 south, eight north), five Eider south, a Goosander north, 115 Sooty Shearwaters and 12 Manx Shearwaters; a Reed Warbler and two Brambling were also present.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Old Fall, by Craig Thomas

27th September 2020

The gale force northerly winds gradually relented during a largely overcast day, with occasional light drizzle in the morning and temperatures that reached 13 degrees C. Seawatching proved productive once again, with four Velvet Scoters, seven pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Storm Petrel, 204 Sooty Shearwaters, 129 Manx Shearwaters, a Black Guillemot, a juvenile Pomarine Skua and two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas all flying north. A flock of 19 Barnacle Geese also overflew Old Fall.

Shelter continued to be at a premium on the land, but where present, migrants illustrated an arrival had taken place over recent days. Old Fall hosted single Firecrest, Yellow-browed Warbler, the male Red-breasted Flycatcher and the week’s second Little Bunting. South Landing attracted 23 Redwing (with eight elsewhere), three Yellow-browed Warblers and a Hawfinch, whilst a fifth Yellow-browed Warbler frequented Hartendale. A single Barred Warbler remained in residence in the Bay Brambles.

Sightings from Bempton included 25 Barnacle Geese south, a Black-throated Diver north, a Leach’s Petrel north (off Buckton), 32 Sooty Shearwaters, 11 Manx Shearwaters, a Yellow-browed Warbler and two Hawfinch that flew south.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Old Fall, by Andy Hood

28th September 2020

Very light, variable winds and sunny intervals provided ideal birding conditions after days of very strong northerlies. A Great Shearwater flying north headlined a seawatch that also included 96 Wigeon, 126 Common Scoters, 17 Sooty Shearwaters, 15 Manx Shearwaters, 7620 Kittiwakes, 11 Bonxies, six Arctic Skuas and 21,255 Razorbills all flying north.

Land-based sightings included a party of nine Bean Geese sp. heading south over the headland early morning, a Barnacle Goose accompanied the resident Greylag flock, three Water Rails were newly arrived and a Grey Plover flew west. However, passerine migrants took centre stage due to the calm conditions, with the day’s highlight referring to the discovery of an Arctic Warbler in a village garden late afternoon; it showed from 1615-1700hrs, but there was no further sign before dusk. Yet another Red-backed Shrike frequented the South Cliffs, two Red-breasted Flycatchers were present at Old Fall, two Barred Warblers remained in the Golf Course Willows, no fewer than 36 Yellow-browed Warblers were located and the Little Bunting appeared briefly near Old Fall. Additional totals included three Ring Ouzels, 24 Song Thrush, 23 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 22 Blackbirds, 8 Willow Warblers, 53 Chiffchaff, 63 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 19 Blackcap, five Lesser Whitethroats, two Spotted Flycatchers, one Redstart, a Whinchat, 17 Stonechats, 169 Lesser Redpolls, 55 Siskins flying west, a Hawfinch also west, two Crossbills and eight Lapland Buntings.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 200 Pink-footed Geese south, nine Goldcrests and four Yellow-browed Warblers. Nearby Buckton hosted an additional three Yellow-browed Warblers, together with single Merlin, Marsh Harrier, 20 Goldcrests and two Stonechats.

Arctic Warbler, Flamborough village, by Craig Thomas
Little Bunting, Old Fall (27/9), by Martin Standley
Red-backed Shrike, South Cliffs, by Andrew Allport

30/08/2020

It was a slow start to our ringing session at South Landing, Flamborough. We put up 7 nets and only had a trickle of birds coming through during the morning. It was looking like it would be a slow and an uneventful session. As we sat outside to have some breakfast we heard a dog barking close to the nets. I decided to go and check it out in case anyone had wondered near our net lanes and to ensure any birds caught were safe. As I approached one of the mist nets, it suddenly dawned on me that something very unusual had been caught. I was extremely excited to see a wryneck (Jynx torquilla), which are small brown cryptic birds related to woodpeckers. 

Wryneck
Wryneck distinctively moving its head.

These birds get their name from their ability to turn their heads almost 180 degrees. When disturbed, they use this snake-like head twisting to warn off predators. A wryneck has not been ringed in Flamborough since 1991 (28 years ago) and this was the 6th ever record ringed for the Observatory so a fantastic record. 

20/09/2020

An overcast and initially breezy day at South Landing which got off to a slow start with only a handful of birds in the first net round. A spell of showers forced the nets to be closed for a time. As the weather improved, flocks of swallows were flying around the site. Using a swallow tape lure caught us 2 swallows and interestingly 5 goldfinch. The next round saw another 13 goldfinches seemingly attracted by the swallow song being played. Another swallow and a further 6 goldfinches were caught, along with 3 chaffinch (an uncommon bird in our nets).

SpeciesRingedRetrapped
Goldfinch25
Wren 24
Goldcrest 1
Long tailed tit2
Blackcap2
Blue tit 11
Robin 2
Treecreeper1
Chiffchaff3
Swallow3
Chaffinch3
Tree sparrow11
Blackbird1
Great tit1
Bullfinch1

29th September 2020

The weather consisted of light north-westerly winds, prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at 15 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with three dark-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Common Scoters, 12 Red-breasted Mergansers, two Bonxies, an Arctic Skua and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flying north.

A total of 29 Pink-footed Geese flew south, whilst passerine interest included a Red-backed Shrike (Chalet Hedge), 34 Goldcrests, 17 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Barred Warbler (Golf Course Willows), 19 Blackcap, one Garden Warbler, a Reed Warbler, one Spotted Flycatcher, six Stonechat, 25 Siskin, 26 Lesser Redpolls, five Crossbill and four Lapland Buntings. Ringing sessions resulted in 69 birds being processed including three Yellow-browed Warblers and ten Lesser Redpolls.

Three Yellow-browed Warblers also frequented RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Lapland Bunting flew over.

Yellow-browed Warbler, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

30th September 2020

The day featured increasingly blustery southerly winds and cloudy skies, with rain arriving mid-afternoon and a high of 13 degrees C. A morning seawatch produced 34 Common Scoter, three Red-breasted Mergansers and two Scaup flying north, with a Tufted Duck moving in the opposite direction. A Great White Egret also flew in off the sea by the Fog Station and continued west. Elsewhere, a Little Egret was seen at Thornwick, three Yellow-browed Warblers remained, the village attracted three Lesser Redpolls, whilst a lone Crossbill flew west. RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted another two Yellow-browed Warblers.

Great White Egret, Fog Station, by Mark Pearson