A day of very light, variable winds, sunny skies and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. The seawatch highlight was undoubtedly two summer-plumaged Black-necked Grebes initially drifting south off the Fog Station, before flying into Bridlington Bay at 1045hrs. In addition, four Shelduck, an Eider and four Sandwich Terns headed south.
Thornwick Pools attracted two Tufted Duck and single Little Ringed Plover and Ringed Plover. Another Little Ringed Plover overflew the Gorse Field, whilst Stainforth’s Flash hosted a Common Sandpiper and two Whimbrel headed over Oceanview. A Merlin flew over Thornwick, two Grey Partridge were seen in the North Dykes area, while the escaped Ring-necked Parakeet appeared over the village during the evening, having been over Oceanview early morning. A significant increase in migrant passerines produced counts as follows: 13 Willow Warblers, 26 Lesser Whitethroats, three Common Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler, a Redwing, 19 Wheatear, a Whinchat, one Black Redstart, a Yellow Wagtail, three Brambling and three Siskin. Meanwhile, an impressive flock of 47 Corn Buntings frequented North Dykes. Peacock Butterflies and Small Tortoiseshells were prevalent across the headland, with a single Painted Lady at North Dykes.
West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Ring Ouzels and a Hawfinch; the latter lingering around the car-park/feeding station.
