The day started with heavy showers, before dryer but overcast conditions prevailed, although fog arrived late afternoon; there were light/moderate northerly winds and a top temperature of 12 degrees C.
A female Bluethroat photographed along the track to the Thornwick Pools hide mid-morning didn’t linger, unlike the male Red-backed Shrike that was still in residence along Stonepit Lane, Bempton.
Two Great Northern Divers flew north during a seawatch that also featured a drake Goosander, one Red-throated Diver and three Manx Shearwaters heading in the same direction. Raptor interest included a Red Kite and the year’s first Osprey; a lone bird flying west over Hartendale early afternoon. A Little Owl on the outer head was unusual, as was a late Water Rail on the edge of the Golf Course. A male Blue-headed Wagtail was a new arrival on the outer head, where migrants included single Whimbrel, Wheatear and White Wagtail. A single Spotted Flycatcher was at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
