Recent Daily Highlights

Our full archive of daily highlights and logs going back to 2014 can be found on the Daily Log & Archive page.

• 12th November 2025

  Overcast, with light south-west winds, intermittent rain and a maximum of 13 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver was on the sea off the Fog Station in the morning, when three ‘northern’ Herring Gulls flew south. No fewer than three Dusky Warblers were present at South Landing: a ‘new’ and highly vocal individual at Highcliffe, along with the long-stayers near the picnic tables and main ravine respectively. Two Bar-tailed Godwits, a Swallow and 32 Siskin were also recorded at South Landing. Elsewhere, a Great White Egret flew west over the village, single Whooper Swan and dark-bellied Brent Goose rested on fields on the outer head, while seven Snow Buntings represented an increase.

  A flock of 12 Whooper Swans flew south-east over the sea at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 11th November 2025

  Overcast with spells of rain, a moderate southerly wind and maximum of 12 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with four Whooper Swans and 82 Little Gulls, while a lone Snow Bunting foraged in front of the Seawatch Observatory. A further nine Whooper Swans were recorded at Oceanview. The two Dusky Warblers remained at South Landing, where sightings also included three Bar-tailed Godwits, 32 Siskin and a Brambling. The Yellow-browed Warbler was still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while 50 Blackbirds, 14 Redwing and three Goldcrest were in the nearby village.

  

• 10th November 2025

  A day of light/moderate southerly winds, heavy showers and a high of 14 degrees C. Three Dusky Warblers were present, with a newly arrived individual along the Motorway Hedge joining the two birds at South Landing. A male Northern Bullfinch was at the latter location for its second day, while the Siberian Chiffchaff remained in bushes near Thornwick Pools. Also lingering, one Firecrest was still at the Golf Course Willows. Additional sightings included 27 Whooper Swans flying south, two Woodcock, a Blackcap, three Black Redstarts, 35 Siskin, two Redpoll, one Brambling, and four Snow Buntings. A Great Northern Diver and 70 Little Gulls were the best of a morning seawatch.

  Five Whooper Swans headed south-east over Bempton village, where 20 Siskin and a Redpoll were also recorded; a Yellow-browed Warbler remained at the nearby reserve.

  

  

  

• 9th November 2025

  A relatively overcast day, with misty spells, a relatively light south-west wind and high of ten degrees C. Having been suspected, increased observer coverage finally confirmed two Dusky Warblers were in residence at South Landing; one favouring the Picnic/Whale bridge area and the other favouring the main ravine/car park. Four Siberian Chiffchaffs were in the Thornwick area, while the two Firecrest and a single Black Redstart remained around the Bay Brambles/Lighthouse. Single Yellow-browed Warbler and Crossbill, together with five Snow Buntings added further interest on the outer head. Other notable records included 19 Whooper Swans, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, three Woodcock, a first-winter Caspian Gull, one Water Rail, 12 Chiffchaff, three Brambling and 19 Siskin.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Water Rail, ringtail Hen Harrier, one Yellow-browed Warbler, 29 Chaffinch and 59 Siskin.

  

• 8th November 2025

  Light winds were variable in direction, mainly overcast with spells of mist and drizzle; temperatures reached 14 degrees C. Another impressive cast list, with a Pallid Swift gracing RSPB Bempton Cliffs airspace during the afternoon. Two Pallas’s Warblers included a ‘new’ individual at Thornwick and presumably yesterday’s lingering bird at Bempton. In addition, the Dusky Warbler showed well sporadically at South Landing. Four Black Redstarts were new arrivals (three at the Lighthouse, one at Thornwick), while the two Firecrest in the nearby Bay Brambles were anything but. A Waxwing flew west over Old Fall mid-afternoon. Other migrant totals included a Merlin, three Woodcock, 24 Goldcrests, a Siberian Chiffchaff (Thornwick), a Yellow-browed Warbler (Thornwick), five Blackcap, two Ring Ouzel, two Twite, four Brambling, 15 Siskin, six Redpoll and four Snow Buntings.

  An unringed Yellow-browed Warbler at RSPB Bempton Cliffs represented a new arrival.

  

  

  

• 7th November 2025

  Light southerly winds, occasionally from the south-east; overcast with misty spells and a high of 13 degrees C. An arrival of 2450 Blackbirds created the day’s main spectacle, while a Dusky Warbler (South Landing) and the week’s fourth Pallas’s Warbler (RSPB Bempton Cliffs) provided further excitement. A Siberian Chiffchaff along the Motorway and a male Northern Bullfinch near North Marsh provided ‘back-up’. Additional totals on the outer head included 62 Lapwing, 12 Woodcock, a first-winter Caspian Gull, 16 Goldcrests, three Blackcap, nine Chiffchaffs, three Cetti’s Warblers, 2150 Redwing, 720 Fieldfare, 35 Song Thrush, one Mistle Thrush, a Ring Ouzel, 550 Starlings, 60 Chaffinch, a Brambling, two Twite, 40 Siskin and five Snow Buntings.

  As well as the aforementioned Pallas’s Warbler, RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a Yellow-browed Warbler, 100 Blackbirds, ten Goldcrest and a Brambling. Nearby, Buckton hosted a Jack Snipe, one Water Rail, a Merlin, 430 Fieldfare, 135 Redwing, 17 Song Thrush, 70 Blackbirds, ten Goldcrests, a Yellow-browed Warbler, eight Redpoll, four Siskin and 31 Chaffinch.

  

  

• 6th November 2025

  A day of very light southerly winds, sunny intervals and high of 13 degrees C. Small numbers of passerines continued to make landfall, including two Pallas’s Warblers (Motorway Hedge & South Landing), three Firecrests (including two Bay Brambles) and two Yellow-browed Warblers. In addition, there were five Chiffchaffs, five Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Goldcrests, 775 Starlings, 290 Redwing, 96 Blackbirds, 42 Fieldfare, 116 Chaffinch, 14 Brambling, one Redpoll, two Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, five Snow Buntings and four Corn Buntings. Ten Eider, two Sandwich Terns and 11 Little Gulls flew north past Cattlemere.

  Elsewhere, a flock of 2000 Starlings flew west-north-west past Buckton Hall.

  

  

• 5th November 2025

  A mild day, mainly overcast after overnight rain in a light southerly. Maximum temperature 14°C.

  A Pallas’s Warbler that showed briefly in Outer Head gardens was undoubtedly the bird of the day with a Brambling also there. Another garden visitor was a Black Redstart in the village. A Firecrest and a handful of Goldcrests were in the Golf Course Willows. Elsewhere, two Cetti’s Warblers remained at Thornwick Pools where there was also a Water Rail and 5 Snipe.

  A Brambling and a Woodcock were noted at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

  

• 4th November 2025

  Overcast with occasional brighter intervals, a moderate south-westerly wind and a high of 15 degrees C. The Firecrest remained along the southern end of the ‘Motorway Hedge’ for its third day, while a confiding Snow Bunting continued its stay alongside the Golf Course. Further west, a ringtail Hen Harrier continued to hunt cliff top fields at Buckton.

  

• 3rd November 2025

  Overcast, with moderate south-west winds and a high of 16 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with one Great Northern Diver, a Pintail and 12 Little Gulls. On the land two Firecrests were in residence, one lingering near the lighthouse and a ‘new’ individual at Hartendale. Thrushes continued to arrive during the day, with totals of 595 Redwing, 100 Blackbirds, 365 Fieldfare, 14 Song Thrush and 545 Starlings; 12 Snipe included 11 in off the sea. Additional migrant totals included four Woodcock, two Grey Wagtails, a Siskin and two Snow Buntings.

  The ‘acredula’ Willow Warbler was still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where five Goldcrests and five Redwing were also present.

  

• 2nd November 2025

  Relatively light south-west winds, sunny intervals and a high of 13 degrees C. Two Great Northern Divers flew south and 16 Little Gulls headed north during a morning seawatch.

  Three Firecrests continued the recent good run of records and consisted of two in the Golf Course Willows and the other at the southern end of the ‘motorway hedge’. A ‘blythi’ Lesser Whitethroat remained at Old Fall, a Yellow-browed Warbler graced Thornwick, while at least 25 Twite were along the South Cliffs. Frustratingly, an elusive Treecreeper showing features attributable to the ‘Northern’ race eluded confirmation at North Landing; six Whooper Swans flew south here. Additional sightings included one Merlin, a Cetti’s Warbler, one Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, four Brambling, five Siskin, nine Redpoll, a Crossbill, two Snow Buntings and a Corn Bunting.

  The ‘acredula’ Willow Warbler remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where the aforementioned Whooper Swans flew through. Two ringtail Hen Harriers hunted cliff top fields at Buckton.

  

  

• 1st November 2025

  The month opened with sunny intervals, a blustery south-west wind and maximum of 14 degrees C. A Red-necked Grebe flew north during a seawatch that also featured two Shoveler, a Gadwall, 206 Wigeon and ten Little Gulls. Migrants made landfall throughout the seawatch including a Woodcock, 20 Lapwing, two Snipe, 480 Starling, 447 Redwing, 32 Blackbirds and 78 Fieldfare. Grounded migrants included an additional Woodcock, 11 Goldcrest, four Chiffchaffs, 275 Redwing, 25 Song Thrush, 70 Blackbirds, 30 Fieldfare and six Crossbills. Elsewhere, the Kingfisher re-appeared at Thornwick Pools, while single Merlin and Cetti’s Warbler were recorded at the nearby Roost.

  The ringtail Hen Harrier remained on cliff top fields between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Buckton. Additional sightings from the reserve included a Lapwing, eight Snipe, three Woodcock, two Little Egrets, one Marsh Harrier, a House Martin, an ‘acredula’ Willow Warbler, five Goldcrests, 208 Starling, 47 Song Thrush, 279 Redwing, 75 Blackbirds, 15 Fieldfare, a Redpoll and a Snow Bunting.

  

• 31st October 2025

  There were sunny intervals before rain arrived mid-afternoon; a blustery southerly wind and a high of 13 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with two Velvet Scoters, a Goldeneye, one Little Gull and four Great Northern Divers; two Great Northern Divers also flew south over the outer head. Migrants made landfall throughout the day and included two Woodcock, three Snipe, 190 Starling, 190 Redwing, 105 Fieldfare and a Snow Bunting. A Firecrest was at the Golf Course Willows with seven Twite along the South Cliffs.

  A juvenile Glaucous Gull flew along the Bempton/Buckton cliffs, while a ringtail Hen Harrier hunted fields at the latter site. A Lapland Bunting overflew RSPB Bempton, where 150 Redwing were also recorded. Eight Lapwing flew west over the nearby village.

  

• 30th October 2025

  A bright day, with light westerly winds until late afternoon when an increasingly strong south-south-easterly airflow established; temperatures reached 11 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with a Goosander, five Arctic Terns and a Great Northern Diver. A Merlin continued to hunt around the Fog Horn, five Twite remained in the same area, while another Twite was along the South Cliffs. Elsewhere, a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea near Booted Gully. Passerine interest included a Yellow-browed Warbler (South Landing), three Grey Wagtails, six Redpoll, four Siskin and 20 Reed Buntings.

  Buckton Pond attracted 38 Teal, a Shoveler, one Wigeon and a Water Rail, while 40 Golden Plovers flew south over the village.

  

• 29th October 2025

  A day of sunny intervals, relatively light south-west winds and a high of 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Whooper Swans flying south, two Great Northern Divers and two Arctic Terns. Another Great Northern Diver flew south over Lighthouse Road, while a Merlin continued to hunt the outer head.

  A Kingfisher made a brief appearance at Thornwick Pools; four Water Rails and three Cetti’s Warblers were also in the Thornwick area. It was apparent a small arrival of passerines had made landfall, further illustrated by birds heading west at dusk. Totals included two Swallows, 250 Starling (west), 28 Redwing, 330 Fieldfare, one Brambling, six Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

  Twenty Whooper Swans and 50 Golden Plovers flew south over Bempton, while a Swallow overflew the reserve. Additional records from the village involved 27 Grey Partridge, a Merlin, five Goldcrests, eight Fieldfare and two Redpoll.

  

• 28th October 2025

  Sunny intervals, a blustery westerly wind developed and a high of 14 degrees C. Five Little Auks flew north during a seawatch that also featured two Goosander, a Grey Plover, nine Arctic Terns, three Little Gulls and a Great Northern Diver; a Woodcock also flew in off the sea. Sixteen Whooper Swans flew south over the outer head and the Velvet Scoter was again off South Landing. Surprisingly, what was presumed to be the long-staying Barred Warbler re-appeared in South Landing ravine. Additional sightings included one Swallow, a Lapland Bunting, 15 Twite and two Snow Buntings.

  Single Red Kite and Lapland Bunting were recorded at Buckton, with the Yellow-browed Warbler remaining at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 27th October 2025

  Moderate north-westerly winds gradually dropped in strength; the day began with heavy showers, but ended with sunny intervals, while temperatures reached 11 degrees C. Despite the inclement conditions, the day’s highlight was the early morning discovery of a Night Heron; an adult flew south over Lighthouse Road at 0645hrs, the first record since 2012.

  Seawatching was rewarded with two Velvet Scoters, a Long-tailed Duck, four Arctic Terns, 141 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, five Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, a Little Auk (north), two Great Northern Divers and a Manx Shearwater.

  Ten Whooper Swans flew south over South Dykes and a Velvet Scoter sheltered off South Landing. On the opposite side of the headland, a Short-eared Owl hunted fields near Thornwick. Migrant passerines included a Siberian Chiffchaff at Thornwick, a Yellow-browed Warbler near South Dykes, a Black Redstart along North Marine Road and 15 Twite at the Fog Station.

  The long-staying Yellow-browed Warbler remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a Merlin and solitary Twite were along the cliff top at nearby Buckton.

  

• 26th October 2025

  Westerly winds throughout, with overcast skies following sunny intervals; light rain arrived in the afternoon and temperatures reached eight degrees C. Single Storm Petrel and Little Auk represented the highlights of a morning seawatch that also featured two Long-tailed Ducks, a Goldeneye, one Red-breasted Merganser, an Arctic Tern, 118 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, an Arctic Skua and two Sooty Shearwaters. A Merlin, one Short-eared Owl, 20 Twite and a Snow Bunting were around the Fog Station.

  A flock of 112 Pink-footed Geese rested on fields near North Dykes, a single Barnacle Goose flew north, while 14 (10 & 4) Whooper Swans moved south. An increase in Blackbird numbers was apparent, with 40 at Holmes Gut and 20 at Oceanview indicative of a much larger total across the headland. Elsewhere, a Yellow-browed Warbler was at South Landing and 15 Redpolls at South Dykes.

  Single Yellow-browed Warblers were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Bempton Caravan Park, while 50 Blackbirds were on the reserve.

  

• 25th October 2025

  Strong north-westerly winds gradually abated; it was mainly overcast, with some sunny intervals and a high of nine degrees C. Seawatch highlights included four dark-bellied Brent Geese, nine Eider, three Long-tailed Ducks, a Velvet Scoter, two Goldeneye, a Black Tern (north), two Arctic Terns, 180 Little Gulls, four Mediterranean Gulls, seven ‘Northern’ Herring Gulls, seven Arctic Skuas, four Bonxies, six Sooty Shearwaters and eight Manx Shearwaters. The Merlin continued the hunt the outer head, where 17 Twite fed on the cliff sides. Passerine interest on the outer head included two Yellow-browed Warblers and a Brambling.

  The long-staying Ring Ouzel continued to entertain visitors to RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 24th October 2025

  The weather consisted of sunny intervals, moderate westerly winds and a high of 12 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 11 Whooper Swans and six Goosanders flying south.

  Three Whooper Swans also flew south-west over South Dykes. Two Merlin hunted the outer head, a Great White Egret flew south over the Fog Station and a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea at North Landing. A total of ten Mediterranean Gulls was again above average, while a first-winter Caspian Gull flew south over Selwick’s Bay.

  A Waxwing flew in off the sea and was relocated resting on the southern edge of the Gorse Field before flying inland. Nearby, a male Northern Bullfinch was found in the Bay Brambles before it was relocated at the entrance of the Golf Course. The late autumn theme continued with 27 Twite feeding on the cliff edge near the Fog Station. There were two Yellow-browed Warblers: one in the Bay Brambles was fresh in, while the other at South Landing was likely a long-stayer. A female Common Redstart at North Landing was unusually late, while a male Snow Bunting overflew the Fog Station.

  Numbers of thrushes made landfall throughout the day, with totals of 460 Redwing and 160 Fieldfare. Additional passerines moving west included a House Martin, 43 Siskin, 68 Redpoll, 15 Brambling and five Crossbills.

  The Yellow-browed Warbler and Ring Ouzel remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 32 Golden Plovers flew south and a Siskin headed north-west. A total of 21 Lapwings flew in off the sea at nearby Buckton.

  

  

• 23rd October 2025

  Overcast for the majority of daylight hours, with spells of rain, a strong northerly wind and a high of 12 degrees C. A record-breaking 20 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew south during a seawatch that featured single Velvet Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser, three Little Gulls, a Caspian Gull, ten Arctic Skuas, three Bonxies and a Manx Shearwater. The outer head hosted a Merlin and 17 Twite, the latter on the cliff top near the Seawatch Observatory, while a single Goosander flew south over the village.

  A Yellow-browed Warbler was the most notable sighting from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 22nd October 2025

  A sunny morning becoming increasingly cloudy during the afternoon in a light south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 15°C.

  A Pale-bellied brent Goose and a Mediterranean Gull were logged during a seawatch

  Around the Outer Head, an ‘Eastern’ Lesser Whitethroat was at Old Fall Plantation, Yellow-browed Warblers were at North Dykes, South Landing and Hartendale, three Cetti’s Warblers at Thornwick Roost with another at Thornwick Pools and five Twite were amongst the Linnets at Northcliff Marsh. Redpolls and Siskins continued to be seen with 47 and 45 respectively.

  Another Glossy Ibis, this time flying over Bempton Cliffs added to the headland’s recent run of records. Other sightings there included 44 Golden Plovers while the Firecrest and Ring Ouzel remained in situ.

  

• 21st October 2025

  A mainly cloudy day with a light south-westerly breeze and a relatively mild 15°C during the afternoon.

  Nine Whooper Swans were on fields north of the village and 25 Pink-footed Geese passed west. Other sightings on the Outer Head included three Bramblings, a Yellow-browed Warbler at Hartendale, a Woodcock and the Cetti’s Warbler remained at Thornwick Pools.

  At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Firecrest was new, a Ring Ouzel was still present, nine Whooper Swans flew south-east, two Great White Egrets came in off the sea while a Merlin, a Brambling and a Woodcock were also logged.

  

  

• 20th October 2025

  Overcast, with relatively light winds, variable in direction, and a high of 14 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew south during a seawatch that also featured two Shoveler, four Gadwall, 68 Wigeon, 322 Teal, ten Eider, 26 Golden Plover, eight Lapwing, 54 Knot, 34 Dunlin and a Little Gull.

  A record-breaking five Great White Egrets flew south; three over the outer head at 1050hrs and two over the sea off Thornwick at 1600hrs. Continuing the long-legged theme, two Glossy Ibis toured the headland from 1550-1605hrs. Four Whooper Swans remained on fields alongside North Dykes, while a drake Mandarin dropped onto Thornwick Lakes.

  Notable wader records involved an additional 44 Lapwing, five Woodcock and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Passerine interest included two Swallows, Cetti’s Warbler (Thornwick Fishing Lake), three Yellow-browed Warblers (Old Fall/South Landing), a Willow Warbler, one Lesser Whitethroat, at least one Firecrest (Bowling Green/South Landing), two Siberian Chiffchaffs (Needles Plantation/Old Fall), a Black Redstart (Hartendale), one Wheatear and a single Twite.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Woodcock, Merlin and a first-winter Caspian Gull, two Grey Plovers and two Ring Ouzels. In addition, a Yellow-browed Warbler visited Bempton village, while Jack Snipe and Woodcock were along Cliff Lane.

  

  

• 19th October 2025

  Relatively overcast skies with sunny intervals, a strong south-easterly wind and high of 14 degrees C; rain arrived late afternoon. An adult Pomarine Skua flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured two Little Gulls.

  A dark-bellied Brent Goose flew north over the village, 13 Eider rested on the sea, while two Merlin hunted the outer head. North Landing hosted both Firecrest and Black Redstart. Amongst the thrushes, Goldcrests and Brambling scattered across the area were a single Swallow, four Yellow-browed Warblers, one Lesser Whitethroat and a Ring Ouzel.

  Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Purple Sandpiper, 50 Goldcrests, 130 Blackbirds, a Ring Ouzel and 55 Chaffinch.

  

• 18th October 2025

  Overcast throughout, with light winds that remained variable in direction until mid-afternoon, when slightly stronger south-easterlies established; temperatures peaked at 13 degrees C. Pride of place amongst the passerine migrants were two Firecrests at North Marsh, 18 Yellow-browed Warblers, two Siberian Chiffchaffs and the year’s first Red-backed Shrike, a juvenile at North Landing.

  Four Whooper Swans remained in fields near North Dykes. Two Merlin hunted the outer head, frequently flying out to sea and returning with unfortunate thrushes. Notable wader records included the long-staying Grey Plover, six Woodcock and two Jack Snipe. Two Long-eared Owls also flew in off the sea.

  Additional passerine interest included 150 Goldcrests, three Cetti’s Warblers, 32 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, two Black Redstarts, a Wheatear, six Ring Ouzel, 60 Brambling, 19 Crossbills, 20 Siskins, a ‘Mealy’ Redpoll, a Hawfinch flying west over the village and ten Twite. ‘Vis mig’ totals of 908 Starling, 1763 Redwing and 1133 Fieldfare were logged flying west over South Dykes.

  Meanwhile, seawatch highlights included ten Brent Geese, 283 Wigeon, five Pintail, seven Red-breasted Mergansers, 125 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls and two Sooty Shearwaters.

  Elsewhere, two Yellow-browed Warblers were caught and ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional records included: 150 Blackbirds, 50 Fieldfare, 500 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, two Ring Ouzel, a Swallow, 50 Goldcrests, 10 Brambling and a Crossbill. A Wheatear was between Cliff Lane Bempton and North Dykes, along with 12 Grey Partridge, three Brambling and 75 Yellowhammers. Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton also hosted a Ring Ouzel. On the opposite side of the headland records from Bridlington Links to South Dykes included four Swallows, four Chiffchaffs and a Garden Warbler.

  

• 17th October 2025

  Overcast, with light winds that eventually veered northerly and a high of 12 degrees C. A substantial arrival of thrushes took place during the morning, with 12,220 Redwing and 3042 Fieldfares flying in off and moving west. These were also accompanied by 71 Brambling and two Hawfinch heading in the same direction. A Short-eared Owl also flew in off the sea mid-afternoon. Fourteen Yellow-browed Warblers also represented an increase, with several appearing in new locations during the afternoon. Also of note were two Woodcock, a Merlin, three Cetti’s Warblers, a Willow Warbler, one Reed Warbler, 11 Siskin and 16 Crossbills. The four Whooper Swans also remained in residence in fields to the east of North Dykes.

  A total of 15 Pomarine Skuas (10 north, 5 south) were recorded during the seawatch; other records included two dark-bellied Brent Geese, four Shoveler, six Pintail, two Velvet Scoters, two Red-breasted Mergansers, a Red-necked Grebe (south), three Arctic Terns, eight Common Terns, two Sandwich Terns, 515 Little Gulls, 15 Arctic Skuas, two Bonxies and four Sooty Shearwaters.

  Elsewhere, a single Red Kite circled RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where Merlin, Golden Plover and 37 Pink-footed Geese were also recorded.

  

• 16th October 2025

  Overcast once again, with light north-west winds and a best of 12 degrees C. The morning seawatch featured single Red-necked Grebe and Pomarine Skua flying south and a Black-throated Diver heading north; the latter the year’s second record. Other sightings included four dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Eider, a Common Tern, 167 Little Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull and a Sooty Shearwater.

  A Great Northern Diver flew south high over Head Farm and four Whooper Swans rested in fields near North Dykes. The Red-breasted Merganser lingered off South Landing, where the Grey Plover and a Bar-tailed Godwit were also in residence; three Woodcocks were flushed on the outer head. Five Water Rails included three at Thornwick Pools, while a first-winter Caspian Gull was at Cattlemere. Two Hawfinch that flew north over South Landing were new arrivals. Additional migrants included five Yellow-browed Warblers, including three at South Landing, and a Wheatear.

  Another four Water Rails were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with a Merlin.

  

• 15th October 2025

  Light northerly winds, overcast with a maximum of 12 degrees C. Attention turned to the sea and was rewarded with a passage of 21 Pomarine Skuas and a Grey Phalarope flying north. Additional records included a Great Northern Diver south, 28 Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, 137 Little Gulls, five Mediterranean Gulls and three Brent Geese. An unringed first-winter Caspian Gull was on the shore at Cattlemere, while South Landing continued to play host to the Red-breasted Merganser and Grey Plover.

  The Barred Warbler was present at South Landing (in the main ravine) for its 17th day. Four Cetti’s Warbler were in the Thornwick area, where the Kingfisher reappeared. A vocal Siberian Chiffchaff and a Woodcock graced Old Fall. Additional passerine migrants included six Yellow-browed Warblers, an acredula-type Willow Warbler, one Garden Warbler, a Ring Ouzel and a Snow Bunting (North Landing car park). Two Twite joined the Linnet flock at Cattlemere. In addition, a Red-breasted Flycatcher was reported at North Landing.

  A Lapland Bunting that flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs was notable, where a Reed Warbler was also present, while a Little Owl was along nearby Cliff Lane.

  

• 14th October 2025

  Overcast with relatively light northerly winds and a high of 12 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 36 Barnacle Geese, 142 Wigeon, 28 Eider, 426 Common Scoter, two Red-breasted Mergansers, a Great Northern Diver and one Sooty Shearwater all flying north; six Little Gulls were also recorded alongside single Sandwich Tern and Goldeneye. Additional skeins of 34 and 20 Barnacle Geese also flew south over the headland. Wader interest included a Grey Plover, three Golden Plover, 15 Snipe, two Jack Snipe and two Woodcock. Single first-winter Caspian Gulls were at South Landing and flying east over Thornwick Pools. A Merlin hunted over South Dykes, a Long-eared Owl came in off the sea, while a Short-eared Owl hunted fields near North Marsh.

  Six Yellow-browed Warblers were in residence, five of which were caught and ringed, including four at South Landing. Totals of 1293 Redwing, 46 Fieldfare, 107 Blackbirds, 24 Chaffinch and a House Martin all moved west off the headland during a ‘vis mig’. Additional passerine records included one Swallow, an ‘acredula-type’ Willow Warbler, a Bearded Tit near North Marsh, a Ring Ouzel (Old Fall), a Wheatear, two Grey Wagtails, 15 Redpolls, ten Siskin, two Brambling and 11 Crossbills.

  Two Yellow-browed Warblers were ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with 14 Goldcrests and a Brambling.