Recent Daily Highlights

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

• 6th April 2026

  Sunny throughout, with a moderate south-easterly wind developing and high of 12 degrees C. The first-summer Black-throated Diver remained on a roadside pool along Lighthouse Road where it gave staggeringly good views. However, it was clearly unable to take off given the small size of the waterbody. With the kind permission of the landowner, the diver was caught late morning and successfully released off South Landing.

  The spring-like weather rewarded with a sprinkling of migrants on the outer head, including the year’s first Little Ringed Plover, a Goshawk east over the village, one Swallow, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Thornwick, four Blackcap, two Goldcrest, two Fieldfare and two Siskin. The morning’s seawatch produced three Sandwich Terns and three Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying north.

  Notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs involved a House Martin, 68 Skylark, four Fieldfare, a Wheatear, 379 Linnets, a Siskin and 143 Corn Buntings.

  

  

  

  

• 5th April 2026

  Sunny with occasional showers, a strong westerly wind and best of 11 degrees C. Perhaps the craziest record of the year (& still will be come 31st December) was a Black-throated Diver moulting into summer plumage that visited Thornwick Pools and another small pond along Lighthouse Road!

  Seawatching was rewarded with single Eider, Pochard and Sandwich Tern flying north; a Short-eared Owl also flew in off. Elsewhere, a Little Grebe visited Thornwick Pools and a Red Kite drifted west over South Dykes; passerine migrants included two Blackcap and a Willow Warbler. Two Swallows flew north-west at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a single headed east over the nearby village.

  

  

• 4th April 2026

  A relatively bright day, with light south-west winds strengthening to moderate southerlies later; temperatures reached 11 degrees C. Two Sandwich Terns flew north during a seawatch that also featured a Pink-footed Goose, two Eider and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Three Red Kites toured the outer head, where additional sightings included two Shoveler, 23 Teal, one Wigeon, a Woodcock, four Sand Martins, three Wheatears, two Blackcap, five Redwing, a White Wagtail and ten Siskin.

  A drake Mandarin Duck initially on the sea off RSPB Bempton Cliffs was the reserve’s second record.

  

• 3rd April 2026

  Generally overcast, although there were sunny intervals late afternoon; blustery south-west winds and occasional heavy showers mid-afternoon, while temperatures reached 15 degrees C. A Blue Fulmar flew south during an otherwise quiet morning seawatch. Kingfisher remains scarce locally, so a single on the outer head was notable. Other sightings included a Red Kite west over the Dykes, a Water Rail and a flock of eight Fieldfare at Hartendale, another Water Rail at Thornwick Fishing Lake and a Wheatear at the Fog Station. Notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Goldcrests, a White Wagtail, 105 Meadow Pipits. 36 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 425 Linnets, 21 Siskin and 13 Corn Buntings.

  

  

• 2nd April 2026

  Despite prolonged sunny intervals, it was cooler with light/moderate northerly winds veering easterly later. A scattering of migrants on the outer head included one Swallow, six Sand Martins, a Blackcap, two Wheatear and eight Siskin. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier quartered fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 300 Linnets, 16 Pied Wagtails and two Goldcrest were also present.

  

• 1st April 2026

  As sure as night follows day, a relatively warm, overcast day with light winds brought the expected reward with spring migrants at last. On the outer head these included a Water Rail, six Sand Martins, 53 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, seven Blackcap, a Siberian Chiffchaff, eight Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, three Redwing, two Fieldfare, a Black Redstart, one Wheatear, two Siskin and a Redpoll.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, one Sand Martin, eight Chiffchaff, a Black Redstart and 30 Corn Buntings. A Swallow and 12 Chiffchaff were in the nearby village.

  

• 31st March 2026

  A relatively overcast day, with some brighter intervals; winds remained light and temperatures reached 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included single Sandwich Tern and Manx Shearwater flying north, two Eider were on the sea along with 35 Red-throated Divers. Eight Gadwall were on Thornwick Pools, with 20 Tufted Ducks at the nearby Lakes; two drake Eiders were off the South Cliffs. Elsewhere, a Red Kite flew west over the lighthouse and two Siskin were in the village.

  

• 30th March 2026

  Sunny intervals, a moderate west-north-westerly and maximum of 11 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with single Sandwich Tern and Manx Shearwater moving north. Resident wildfowl included two Shelduck, eight Gadwall, six Wigeon, 89 Teal and 19 Tufted Ducks. Three Jack Snipe and 25 Snipe were on the outer head, while passerine records included 19 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap and one Redwing.

  

  

• 29th March 2026

  A cool day, with blustery south-west winds, occasional heavy showers and a best of ten degrees C. Three Shelduck flew north past the Fog Station, while six Gadwall, six Teal and 13 Tufted Ducks were at Thornwick. A Bar-tailed Godwit and two Lapwing flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 57 Pink-footed Geese and 170 Meadow Pipits also flew north-west; the latter part of a wider movement along the Yorkshire coast.

  

• 28th March 2026

  The weather consisted of sunny intervals, a moderate west-north-west wind and maximum of 11 degrees C. An Eider flew south during the seawatch, with four drakes also off South Dykes. Eight Gadwall were on Thornwick Pools and 17 Tufted Ducks at Thornwick Lakes. Two Pink-footed Geese flew north-west at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where seven Chiffchaffs were also present.

  

• 27th March 2026

  Generally overcast, with light rain during the morning and some brighter spells late on; winds were from the south and temperatures reached 12 degrees C. A northbound Great Northern Diver provided the seawatch highlight. Thornwick Pools attracted four Gadwall, 17 Teal, five Tufted Ducks and six Snipe.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Short-eared Owl, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Black Redstart.

  

• 26th March 2026

  A day of light northerly winds, sunny intervals and high of eight degrees C. Two Manx Shearwaters flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured three Eiders moving in ther opposite direction. An additional two drake Eiders were off South Dykes. The Thornwick area hosted seven Gadwall, 23 Tufted Ducks and the year’s first White Wagtail. In addition, a Black Redstart was on the outer head near the Lighthouse.

  

• 25th March 2026

  The temperature reached 10°C though it felt much colder in the strong north-westerly. Late afternoon showers had some wintry components.

  Seven Gadwall remained at Thornwick Pools and a Red Kite was seen again over Flamborough village.

  

• 24th March 2026

  An overcast day with a fresh south-westerly that became strong late afternoon. Maximum temperature 14°C.

  A male Wheatear at the Fog Station was the first of the spring. A Goosander was off South Dykes and the Red Kite, present for several days, was again over the Outer Head. Three Siskin continued to visite a village garden.

  

• 23rd March 2026

  Scattered clouds and a light breeze from the north during the morning followed by a freshening wind from the south-west and full cloud cover by late afternoon. The temperature reached 12°C.

  A Manx Shearwater and 14 Common Scoter were the seawatching highlights. A female Black Redstart was in an Outer Head garden while a Brambling and three Siskins were in the Bowling Green area.

  A Siberian Chiffchaff was found at Buckton Pond in the evening with seven Common Chiffchaffs, four Goldcrests and a Water Rail also in the area.

  

• 22nd March 2026

  A bright overcast, with periodic sunny intervals, a light/moderate southerly wind and high of eight degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Eider, a Ringed Plover, the year’s first two Sandwich Terns and 172 Common Gulls moving south. The headland’s freshwater sites hosted two Shelduck, eight Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 107 Teal and 24 Tufted Ducks. A lone Woodcock was at the Bowling Green, while single Marsh Harrier and Red Kite toured the outer head. Passerine interest included three Goldcrest, two Redwing, a ‘continental’ Song Thrush, one Grey Wagtail and 11 Siskin.

  

• 21st March 2026

  A bright, sunny day, with light south-east winds and a high of ten degrees C. Single dark-bellied Brent Goose and Barnacle Goose moved south off the Fog Station. Additional wildfowl interest in residence included two Shelduck, eight Gadwall, two Shoveler, 48 Teal, 28 Wigeon and 20 Tufted Duck. An increase of migrant snipe was apparent, with 37 Common and four Jack Snipe appreciable totals. A lone Grey Heron flying east high out to sea was also of interest. Passerine migrants were scarce, but included three Goldcrests and three Chiffchaffs.

  

• 20th March 2026

  Generally overcast with light south-east winds throughout and a maximum of nine degrees C. The day’s highlight consisted a Hooded Crow flying east over the Bowling Green with an early Willow Warbler also in the village. Additional sightings included a Great Crested Grebe off South Landing, where a Mistle Thrush was singing in the main ravine.

  

• 19th March 2026

  Light northerly winds featured during a largely overcast day, although mid-afternoon brought brighter skies; temperatures reached 11 degrees C. The cooler weather resulted in a quieter day with a Woodcock, one Water Rail, three Goldcrests, single figures of Chiffchaff and four Corn Buntings the most notable records.

  

• 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.

  

• 17th March 2026

  Sunny skies dominated after an overcast start; there were moderate south-west winds and a high of 15 degrees C. Four Pintail flew south during the morning seawatch, while a Red Kite again flew west over South Landing/Mid Dykes. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Water Rail, one Woodcock, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, one Short-eared Owl, two Chiffchaff, two Goldcrest and a Grey Wagtail. Two Dunlin were on the nearby Cliff Lane flash.

  

• 16th March 2026

  Moderate south-westerly winds throughout a day that started brightly before overcast skies dominated; temperatures reached ten degrees C. The headland was graced by a Woodlark for the second consecutive day; a single on the cliff top path near Sykes Plantation then flew south-west along the cliffs at 0750hrs. Two single Red Kites were recorded from a wide range of sites between Buckton and the outer head. Other notable records included six Chiffchaff and three Siskin.

  

• 15th March 2026

  Blustery south-westerly winds, mainly overcast with mainly light rain in the afternoon and a best of ten degrees C. Tens of thousands of auks were in residence, including good numbers of Puffins close inshore; four Dunlin also flew north during the seawatch. North Marsh attracted 41 Wigeon, three drake Shoveler and 13 Curlew. A Red Kite, initally at Buckton, later overflew Mid Dykes.

  The day’s highlight was a Woodlark that flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional records included five Grey Partridge, a Woodcock, one Chiffchaff, eight Pied Wagtails, 30 Chaffinch and a Siskin.

  

  

• 14th March 2026

  Relatively light winds, mainly from the north, sunny throughout and a high of ten degrees C. Seawatch highlights included an Eider, 3388 northbound Kittiwakes, a Puffin and 27 Red-throated Divers. South Landing hosted two Woodcock, three Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrest and six Redwing. Two Short-eared Owls remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 13th March 2026

  Moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and a high of nine degrees C. A Red Kite that flew in off the sea was presumably pushed out east by the blustery airstream, with the same bird later heading west over the village. Elsewhere, a Black Redstart was along the cliffs adjacent to Bridlington Links GC, a Woodcock in South Dykes and a single Goldcrest at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 12th March 2026

  A south-south-westerly gale blew all day. The temperature rose to 13°C as rain arrived early evening.

  An adult Mediterranean Gull and a Red-breasted Merganser were the pick of the seawatch. A Pink-footed Goose sat on the sea in Selwicks Bay. Overnight, flocks of Common Scoters were heard passing over Flamborough village. At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, three Snow Buntings briefly stopped over before flying north.

  

• 11th March 2026

  A fresh to strong westerly blew throughout the day bringing variable cloud cover and a maximum temperature of 12°C.

  Highlights of the morning seawatch included a second-year Yellow-legged Gull and a Red Kite flying in off the sea. The kite was later seen over Flamborough village before flying west over Danes Dyke. Before dark, birds seen flying high east at the lighthouse included a Jack Snipe, a Redwing, 20 Blackbirds and 92 Starlings. Five Lapwings were also seen on the Outer Head.

  

• 10th March 2026

  A bright morning, clouding over early afternoon in a med oderate south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 12°C.

  Single Ravens were seen again over Hoddy Cows Lane and the Outer Head where three Red Kites were also overhead. Chiffchaffs continued to be seen with 8 east of Danes Dyke and other passerines included four Redwing, four Goldcrests and a Siskin.

  Bempton Cliffs RSPB recorded a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and two Siskins. Seven Snow Buntings were still in residence at Buckton cliff top.

  

• 9th March 2026

  Overcast and misty throughout, with light southerly winds and a high of seven degrees C. A Woodcock, one Nuthatch, a Chiffchaff, 35 Redwing and a Siskin were located in South Dykes, while 23 Purple Sandpipers sheltered near High Stacks. Two Short-eared Owls hunted cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with single Woodcock and Chiffchaff also on the reserve. Nearby, another Woodcock, three Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests and 22 Chaffinch were in the village.

  

• 8th March 2026

  Overcast, with light south-east winds and a maximum of eight degrees C. Two Eiders and a Shoveler flew south during the seawatch. Seven Shoveler were also on Thornwick Pools together with a Pink-footed Goose, 37 Teal, four Gadwall and a Water Rail. Twelve Whooper Swans also flew east over South Landing.

  Continuing the recent good run of records, two Ravens flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a lone bird toured the outer head and was last seen flying north-west over Whelkie Wynds. Other notable records included four Woodcock, a Goldcrest, three Chiffchaffs, 13 Redwing, a Fieldfare, a Siskin, and 30 Yellowhammers, 36 Corn Buntings.