Overnight rain was followed by increasingly bright skies and occasional showers, while temperatures increased to a peak of 15 degrees C. In summary, ideal conditions for the arrival of early spring migrants and so it proved. Once again an Alpine Swift headlined, with a single over Old Fall at 0853hrs and presumably the same individual west over South Landing at 1851hrs. Two Black Redstarts (Fog Station & village) were new for the year and were accompanied by the first Wheatears (seven) on the outer head. A Willow Warbler was another first for the year and was accompanied by an appreciable arrival of 93 Chiffchaffs. Other migrant totals included one Woodcock, four Blackcap, 35 Redwing, 14 Fieldfare, a White Wagtail and one Brambling.
The migrant arrival was also reflected at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where records included five Swallows north-west, ten alba wagtails moving in the same direction, 12 Chiffchaffs, four Goldcrests and a Wheatear.
