Persistent rain and a light/moderate north-easterly wind featured throughout, with temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. A brief seawatch was rewarded by two Sooty Shearwaters and a Pomarine Skua flying north. However, it was a substantial fall of migrants that provided the highlight, albeit with the inclement conditions rendering birding extremely difficult. The year’s first Great Grey Shrike near North Marsh was noteworthy, as was a Red-breasted Flycatcher at North Landing, but the honours went to the significant arrival of Robins and Chiffchaffs amongst others that took place during daylight hours.
Migrant totals included three Woodcock, two Ring Ouzels, 15 Blackbirds, 180 Song Thrush, 110 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 265 Robins, 110 Goldcrests, a Firecrest, one Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Barred Warbler (Golf Course Willows), 28 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Yellow-browed Warblers, 43 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, one Spotted Flycatcher, nine Redstarts, four Wheatears, two Tree Pipits and 17 Brambling.
Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 15 Chiffchaffs, three Yellow-browed Warblers, 30 Blackcap, three Garden Warblers, 100 Goldcrests, a Firecrest, 35 Robins, four Redstarts, three Wheatear and 16 Brambling; a dark-bellied Brent Goose flew south-east, whilst seven Goosanders headed in the opposite direction.
