18th March 2026

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore breeze developing and a high of 11 degrees C. Raptor interest included single Red Kite, creamcrown Marsh Harrier and Merlin, while a Pintail, four Gadwall, pair of Shelduck and 26 Tufted Ducks provided wildfowl interest. An appreciable arrival of 23 Chiffchaffs on the outer head were accompanied by four Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, two Redwing and two Grey Wagtails.

An additional four Chiffchaffs were in Bempton village, with five at the nearby RSPB reserve. Lone Goldcrest and Short-eared Owl were also recorded at the latter site, while two Chiffchaffs were along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton.

Tufted Duck, Thornwick Lakes, by Brett Richards