21st May 2016

Moderate/strong south-westerly winds were the main feature of the weather which also involved sunny intervals and occasional heavy showers. During the seawatch, three Common Scoter and a Manx Shearwater flew north, a Whimbrel headed south and ten Sandwich Terns flew past; as did a Red Kite that was later seen at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The Pink-footed Goose remained, while single Whimbrel and Dunlin visited Thornwick Pools and a Short-eared Owl was located near Old Fall. However, the day’s highlight related to the discovery of a Nuthatch visiting feeders at South Dykes car-park; one of only a handful of local records. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Thornwick, with another in the Dell at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Whimbrel, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington
Whimbrel, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington
Short-eared Owl, Outer Head, by Andrew Allport
Short-eared Owl, Outer Head, by Andrew Allport
Nuthatch, South Dykes, by Andy Hood
Nuthatch, South Dykes, by Andy Hood
Spotted Flycatcher, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Tony Dixon
Spotted Flycatcher, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Tony Dixon