Southerly winds veered south-westerly later but remained strong throughout a day that was largely overcast; there were occasional light showers and temperatures reached 15 degrees C. It was a relatively busy morning’s seawatch, with wildfowl and waders on the move and some immigration from the continent evident. Three Velvet Scoters flew south together with a Gadwall, 208 Wigeon, 145 Teal, 79 Common Scoters and two Goldeneye, whilst three Goosander headed in the opposite direction. A total of 25 Lapwing made landfall at the Fog Station; three Bar-tailed Godwits, 32 Dunlin and 11 Little Gulls also moved south. A juvenile Pomarine Skua flew north, whilst 260 Starlings and three Snow Buntings flew in off the sea.
Elsewhere, a Jack Snipe flew in off the sea at Thornwick, along with an additional seven Lapwings and 353 Starlings. A Water Pipit was seen twice in flight in the same area, where 86 Blackbirds provided evidence of an overnight arrival. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 1000 Pink-footed Geese and single Short-eared Owl and 120 Starlings in off.
