Light easterly winds(!) and overcast skies predictably resulted in an arrival of migrants despite the late date. Two Pallas’s Warblers were present on the outer head: one opposite the Golf Course Willows showed well from early afternoon, while another bird on the north side of the headland proved less co-operative. Two Siberian Chiffchaffs and the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat were also present on the outer head. An appreciable arrival of 35 Woodcock took place, along with a Short-eared Owl in off the sea. There was also an increase in passerine migrants with a Swallow, four Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, 11 Goldcrests, 260 Blackbirds, 285 Redwing, 90 Fieldfare, four Brambling, 88 Siskin, six Snow Buntings, a Lapland Bunting and three Corn Buntings.
Seawatching highlights included two dark-bellied Brent Geese, 78 Eider, two Long-tailed Ducks, five Sooty Shearwaters, three Little Gulls, two Bonxies and a juvenile Pomarine Skua all flying north. A single Velvet Scoter and two Long-tailed Ducks remained on the sea below the South Cliffs.
Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Water Rails, nine Woodcock, 80 Blackbirds, 50 Redwing, a Goldcrest, one Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, four Lapland Buntings and four Snow Buntings.
