A relatively overcast day, with a light/moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching a maximum of 21 degrees C. Wader movement was apparent during the morning seawatch, with 45 Whimbrel, four Ruff, a Greenshank and 16 Dunlin moving south. The influx of Lesser Black-backed Gulls that began yesterday continued, with 25 recorded off the Fog Station – mostly juveniles, but most of the adults showed features consistent with L. f. intermedius. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls attended fishing boats offshore, while two Yellow-legged Gulls were also recorded. Cetacean interest included a Minke Whale feeding off the Fog Station for much of the morning and c.30 Harbour Porpoise for the second day running.
The North Marsh area attracted a Merlin, one Greenshank and a Ruff, while Thornwick Pools continued to host the family of Little Ringed Plovers (one adult remaining with three juveniles) and a Little Egret; the latter one of four that toured the outer head. Another Green Sandpiper overflew Crofts Hill.
A total of 19 Whimbrel moved through RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where single Marsh Harrier and Hobby, 16 Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler and a Whinchat were also present.
