Recent Daily Highlights

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

• 15th October 2026

  Overcast after a bright start, with moderate south-west winds and a high of 20 degrees C. A juvenile Spoonbill flew south during a morning seawatch that also produced a Pintail, 41 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, three Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua and three Manx Shearwaters. Additional sightings on the outer head included a Jay, one Ring Ouzel and three Yellow-browed Warblers.

  Eight Whooper Swans flew west from the Dykes towards Bempton village. Records from the reserve included a Jack Snipe in off, two Jays, 28 Song Thrush, 78 Redwing and three Brambling.

  

  

• 14th October 2026

  Sunny intervals preceded cloudier skies; a blustery south-west wind established once again and temperatures reached 17 degrees C. A Sabine’s Gull that flew north at 1018hrs was the undoubted highlight of a seawatch that also featured 11 Little Gulls and an Arctic Tern.

  Five Yellow-browed Warblers remained in residence on the outer head, where additional sightings included two Barnacle Geese, eight Lapwing, four Grey Plovers, one Marsh Harrier, four Jays, a Cetti’s Warbler and 37 Siskin.

  Three Brambling fed in the sunflower crop at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 13th October 2026

  Sunny intervals dominated after an overcast start which included a band of light rain crossing the headland; there were strong south-west/west winds and temperatures reached a warm 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Long-tailed Skua, 77 Little Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull off the Fog Station. Better still, a Grey Phalarope rested on the sea off Cattlemere early afternoon, where nine Grey Plovers, another Mediterranean Gull and two Caspian Gulls were in residence. Wildfowl on the move included 59 Whooper Swans heading south, three Pintail and 52 Teal. Small numbers of Redwing, Song Thrush, Blackbird and Starling made landfall throughout the day, along with eight Lapwing and 45 Skylarks. Further passerine interest included a Yellow-browed Warbler at South Landing, where a Jay and ten Siskins were present. The Thresher Shark breached off the Fog Station once again, where a late Clouded Yellow butterfly was also present.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 18 Whooper Swans, 71 Pink-footed Geese, 79 Blackbirds, 28 Song Thrush, 170 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 22 Skylarks, a Grey Wagtail and nine Bramblings.

  

• 12th October 2026

  Overcast with strong south-south-easterly winds and a high of 16 degrees C. A vocal Red-throated Pipit over RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1415hrs was the highlight. Other records from Bempton included 247 Pink-footed Geese, a Woodcock, a Marsh Harrier, two Ravens, 315 Redwing, 34 Blackbirds, 26 Song Thrush, a Ring Ouzel and 16 Brambling.

  Seawatching on the outer head was rewarded with two pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Whooper Swans, seven southbound Egyptian Geese, three Goosanders, 59 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, three Sooty Shearwaters and two Long-tailed Skuas. On the land, two Caspian Gulls (first-winter, second-winter) and two first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls followed a plough.

  Migrants making landfall and heading west from the outer head included two Jack Snipe, two Ring Ouzel, 475 Redwing, two Fieldfares, 30 Blackbirds, 354 Starling and 14 Brambling. A Marsh Harrier and two Mediterranean Gulls were recorded at South Dykes, while a lone Yellow-browed Warbler was at North Landing.

  

• 11th October 2026

  Light winds were variable in direction during a day that began with extensive sunny intervals but ended with relatively overcast skies; temperatures reached 16 degrees C. The day’s undoubted highlight was the discovery of the year’s second Bonelli’s Warbler mid-morning; initially in the hedge east of Old Fall, it then flew into the Plantation, where it remained until the evening. Unfortunately, it stubbornly refused to call to aid specific identification.

  Over 2000 Redwing flew west over the head in the morning, with 17 Barnacle Geese (north), eight Snipe, a Merlin, two Jays and a Fieldfare recorded during the same ‘vis mig’ session. Barnacle Geese were also recorded over Thornwick Pools (14), at South Landing (one) and Thornwick Lakes (two). A Little Owl along Lighthouse Road was an unsual record for the outer head, while two Short-eared Owls were recorded there; sadly one of these appeared to ditch into the sea. Passerine migrants included eight Jays, a Lesser Whitethroat, eight Yellow-browed Warblers, four Goldcrests, three Ring Ouzels, a Tree Pipit, 14 Brambling and a Lapland Bunting.

  The most notable seawatch record referred to a juvenile Sabine’s Gull that flew north mid-afternoon. Other records included a Sooty Shearwater, 121 Little Gulls and a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull.

  A Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Firecrest was trapped and ringed. Nearby, a Yellow-browed Warbler was in Bempton village, while a Black Redstart was on the cliffs at Speeton.

  

  

  

• 10th October 2026

  Migweek began with sunshine throughout, strong westerly winds and a high of 15 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with a Cory’s Shearwater lingering close inshore late morning, two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas harassing 100 Little Gulls that fed offshore. A juvenile Mute Swan was on the sea and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull flew north. Two adult Mediterranean Gulls rested on South Landing beach.

  Ten Whooper Swans flew south over South Dykes, while six Barnacle Geese were recorded on the outer head – five birds flew south and an individual was on the edge of the village. In addition, 15 Pink-footed Geese landed on fields near Old Fall.

  A Shore Lark fed on the cliff top just east of South Landing. Other passerine interest included: seven Yellow-browed Warblers shared between Old Fall, Thornwick, South Dykes and Booted Gully; 90 Redwing, seven Jays, a Pied Flycatcher, 11 Siskin and ten Brambling.

  

• 9th October 2026

  Generally overcast, with occasional sunny intervals and showers, a blustery westerly wind and high of 18 degrees C. The seawatch was above average with four species of skuas recorded, including no fewer than ten Long-tailed Skuas and a ‘spooned’ adult Pomarine Skua. Additional highlights included ten Barnacle Geese heading north, a Goldeneye, ten Pintail, 390 Little Gulls, two first-winter Caspian Gulls, a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull and four Mediterranean Gulls. Two Brent Geese, two Bar-tailed Godwits and four Dunlin were recorded at South Landing.

  Yellow-browed Warblers remained at South Dykes and Thornwick Roost, while other passerine migrants include a Lesser Whitethroat on the outer head; six Brambling were shared between South Dykes and Thornwick Roost.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 22 Barnacle Geese and 80 Pink-footed Geese flying south-east. Better still, a ringtail Hen Harrier hunted cliff top fields at Buckton, where 65 Pink-footed Geese fed in fields. Elsewhere, a Jay was seen over Bridlington Links GC.

  

• 8th October 2026

  Prolonged sunny intervals, a light/moderate north-westerly wind that gradually slackened in strength and a high of 14 degrees C. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew south during a seawatch that also featured 17 Arctic Skuas and six Bonxies. Two dark-bellied Brent Geese also flew past along with 138 Wigeon and four Goosanders. A total of 982 Little Gulls were logged along with four Mediterranean Gulls, two Yellow-legged Gulls and 13 Sooty Shearwaters.

  Further immigration included two Short-eared Owls flying in off the sea and 4336 Redwing flying west from the headland between 0700-0850hrs. Other notable records included eight northbound Barnacle Geese, eight Jays, a Garden Warbler, five Yellow-browed Warblers, a Wheatear, three Siskin, 91 Brambling, a Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 205 Pink-footed Geese and five Barnacle Geese moving south, a Hobby, four Jays, a Whinchat and 20 Brambling.

  

• 7th October 2026

  An overcast morning, with spells of relatively light rain driven onshore by blustery northerly winds, superceded by bright skies; temperatures only reached 12 degrees C. A northbound drake Surf Scoter headlined seawatching that produced 58 Wigeon, five Pintail, 238 Common Scoters, 16 Goosanders, three Red-breasted Mergansers, nine Purple Sandpipers, 1900 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, 38 Arctic Skuas, 144 Red-throated Divers and eight Sooty Shearwaters; in addition, the Thresher Shark breached offshore early afternoon.

  An arrival of migrants started with a trickle in the morning, before more substantial numbers from early afternoon. The most notable record related to five Shore Larks that frequented cliff top fields between Booted Gully and Sykes Plantation, while other counts included: two Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, a Jay, 2150 Redwing, 565 Song Thrush, a Ring Ouzel, 102 Swallows, 13 House Martins, two Yellow-browed Warblers, nine Chiffchaffs, five Grey Wagtails, 85 Brambling, a Snow Bunting and one Lapland Bunting.

  Two Whooper Swans flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where arriving migrants included 29 Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, 15 Song Thrush, 24 Redwing, nine Swallows and 46 Brambling. The two long-staying Ravens also flew along the cliffs at the reserve.

  

  

• 6th October 2026

  Seawatch highlights included two Red-breasted Mergansers, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 95 Little Gulls and two Mediterranean Gulls. Better still, a Balearic Shearwater lingered off Cattlemere. A Jay flew west over Crofts Hill, while a small arrival of Chiffchaffs, Blackcap and Goldcrest took place at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and the outer head mid-afternoon.

  

• 5th October 2026

  A large movement of 1090 Little Gulls was evident late afternoon off the Fog Station, while an impressive 6800 Razorbills were also noted over a mere 75 minutes of observation. Thornwick Pools hosted a Shoveler and 40 Teal. Elsewhere, three Mediterranean Gulls and one Caspian Gull were in residence, along with three Little Egrets. Passerine interest was confined to two Yellow-browed Warblers and two Grey Wagtails.

  

• 4th October 2026

  The weather consisted of relatively bright skies, a light/moderate south-westerly wind and high of 17 degrees C. Three Mediterranean Gulls, a Caspian Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull were recorded on a seawatch that also produced 52 Little Gulls and a single Sooty Shearwater. Six Bearded Tits that dropped into the setaside crop at North Marsh provided the day’s highlight; they eventually flew south at significant altitude. Elsewhere, single Yellow-browed Warbler and Jay were recorded in the village.

  A Yellow-browed Warbler lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where sightings included nine Pink-footed Geese and a Brambling.

  

• 3rd October 2026

  Light, variable winds throughout a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. A morning seawatch was rewarded with 37 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, a Pintail, three Arctic Skuas and 81 Red-throated Divers. A first-year Caspian Gull was also on the sea off Danes Dyke. The day’s most notable passerine was a Wood Warbler photographed in South Dykes; this represents the first record for the ‘obs recording area’ for three years. Further interest on the outer head included two Jays, 13 Yellow-browed Warblers, two Willow Warblers, three Lesser Whitethroats, three Pied Flycatchers, a Tree Pipit, 14 Brambling and a Snow Bunting.

  Bridlington Links GC attracted another Yellow-browed Warbler, a Jay and 20 Brambling. On the opposite side of the headland, Bempton village hosted a Merlin, a Turtle Dove for its second day and a Willow Warbler. Sightings from the nearby reserve included a Short-eared Owl, two Ravens, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Pied Flycatcher.

  

• 2nd October 2026

  Prolonged sunny spells, a blustery south-west wind and high of 21 degrees C. Although a morning seawatch was quiet, a total of 23 Little Gulls flew north past the Fog Station, where a late Common Swift cruised the cliff top. Thornwick Pools attracted four Little Egrets and two Snipe, while the Grey Plover made another appearance on the Golf Course. Four Yellow-browed Warblers remained, as did a single Spotted Flycatcher.

  Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Yellow-browed Warbler and four Whinchat. Better still, a Turtle Dove made a brief appearance in Bempton village.

  

• 1st October 2026

  Traditionally THE birding month began with light west-south-winds, sunny skies and a high of 19 degrees C. A morning seawatch was rewarded with a Balearic Shearwater, one Long-tailed Skua, five Arctic Skuas, eight Little Gulls and 30 Red-throated Divers. Sightings on the land included two Grey Plovers, 30 Lapwing, at least six Jays, two Willow Warblers, 13 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, 12 Brambling and three Siskin.

  Two Yellow-browed Warblers remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional migrants included two Willow Warblers, a Whitethroat, two Pied Flycatchers, two Redstarts, 150 Song Thrush, 17 Brambling and four Redpolls. Three Yellow-browed Warblers were also in residence at Buckton.

  

• 30th September 2026

  Sunny intervals dominated after an overcast start, with temperatures reaching 23 degrees C in blustery winds that began from the south-south-east. The Great Grey Shrike again toured the outer head, but there was no sign of yesterday’s Bluethroat. An arrival of 910 Song Thrushes was particularly noticeable east of the Dykes. Other notable migrant totals there included 90 Skylarks, a Jay, one Fieldfare, seven Yellow-browed Warblers, two Willow Warblers, three Whinchat, one Redstart, two Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, four Grey Wagtails, 18 Brambling, 11 Redpoll, two Lapland Buntings and ten Corn Buntings.

  Seawatching was rewarded with a Cory’s Shearwater flying south close inshore at 1500hrs. Earlier in the day, records included six Shoveler, a Gadwall, 217 Wigeon, ten Pintail, 673 Teal, two Grey Plover, nine Ruff, 59 Little Gulls, a Caspian Gull, two Yellow-legged Gulls and a Great Northern Diver.

  An additional 585 Song Thrushes made landfall ar RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where two Yellow-browed Warblers were present. Other sightings at the reserve included two Great White Egrets flying south-east, a Velvet Scoter, one Merlin, a Willow Warbler, two Redstarts, a Whinchat, 38 Redwing, 38 Brambling, a Siskin and six Redpolls.

  

• 29th September 2026

  Overcast with spells of drizzle, a moderate easterly wind and high of 17 degrees C. Finally the weather gods relented and the arrival of a genuine easterly brought a significant improvement to the birding. A Great Grey Shrike in the Bay Brambles and a Bluethroat along Old Fall Hedge both arrived in the afternoon, a pattern shared with most of the passerine migrants. Seven Yellow-browed Warblers made landfall on the outer head, where migrant totals included: a Merlin, a ringtail Hen Harrier, four Jays, 24 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, two Blackcap, three Goldcrests, 45 Skylarks, 180 Robins, 40 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush, one Grey Wagtail, three Wheatear, two Redstarts, a Pied Flycatcher, 55 Brambling, 12 Redpoll, eight Siskin and 25 Reed Buntings. The sea also proved rewarding with a Cory’s Shearwater flying south, along with four Scaup, three Long-tailed Skuas and a Sooty Shearwater.

  In addition to the three Yellow-browed Warblers at RSPB Bempton Cliffs other records included a Short-eared Owl in off, 31 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, three Blackcaps, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Redstart, a Wheatear, 51 Robins, 14 Redwing, 24 Song Thrush, a Grey Wagtail, seven Redpoll and 118 Brambling.

  

  

• 28th September 2026

  Sunny, with light winds that turned onshore in the afternoon and a high of 19 degrees C. Little moved over the sea, although 320 Teal flew south along with eight Wigeon; an additional 41 Teal rested on the shore at Cattlemere, while 60 were off South Landing. Other notable records from the outer head included a Great White Egret that flew south over the Gorse Field at 0825hrs, three Jays, a Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, one Pied Flycatcher, four Siskin, a Brambling and the confiding Lapland Bunting.

  A total of five Yellow-browed Warblers were present across the headland: a single at Thornwick Pools, three birds at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and another at Buckton. Other sightings at Bempton included one Jay, ten Chiffchaffs, a Garden Warbler, a Goldcrest, one Pied Flycatcher, two Wheatear and a Brambling.

  

• 27th September 2026

  Blustery south-south-easterly winds were a feature of an overcast day with occasional sunny intervals and a high of 19 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Grey Phalarope that flew south before landing on the sea at 1215hrs, a Leach’s Petrel also heading south, ten juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 52 Arctic Skuas, four Sooty Shearwaters, 230 Little Gulls, a Caspian Gull and two Yellow-legged Gulls.

  A Great White Egret flew in off the sea over the Golf Course Willows and later flew south off the outer head. The Lapland Bunting remained in residence, with additional sightings from the outer head including a Short-eared Owl, two Wheatear, a Redstart and four Brambling.

  A Yellow-browed Warbler made landfall at RSPB Bempton Cliffs early afternoon, where single Redstart, Garden Warbler and Pied Flycatcher also dropped in post-lunch. Other reserve sightings included a Merlin and four Goldcrests.

  

  

• 26th September 2026

  A bright, sunny day with light south-west winds and a high of 20 degrees C. Two Dotterel dropped onto Cattlemere early morning where they showed well until early afternoon when flushed by corvids. Another species whose records have reduced due to climate change also proved confiding; a Lapland Bunting gave point blank views at Bay Brambles. Other passerine sightings included a Jay and two Brambling.

  Two Great White Egrets flew south-east over North Landing and a Merlin flew in off at the Fog Station. Seawatch records included three Long-tailed Skuas, 25 Arctic Skuas, a Grey Plover, a first-winter Caspian Gull, 201 Little Gulls, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull and three Sooty Shearwaters.

  Notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Caspian Gull, 14 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, a Jay and a Raven; a Clouded Yellow butterfly was also seen on the reserve.

  

  

  

• 25th September 2026

  Generally overcast, with light westerly winds and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. A Cory’s Shearwater that flew north close inshore past the Fog Station at 0900hrs headlined, with a juvenile Long-tailed Skua also lingering offshore. Additional seawatch records included 35 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, two first-winter Caspian Gulls, 14 Arctic Skuas, 66 Red-throated Divers flying south and a Sooty Shearwater; a lone Minke Whale added further interest. Elsewhere, notable records included six Eiders and four Ruff at South Landing, a first-winter Caspian Gull on Thornwick Lakes, a Sedge Warbler, one Spotted Flycatcher and four Goldcrests.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a ringtail Hen Harrier heading north-west, 17 Golden Plovers, two Ravens, a Cetti’s Warbler, one Goldcrest and two Mistle Thrush.

  

• 24th September 2026

  A moderate southerly airstream developed during a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. The day’s most impressive sighting related to a flock of eight Great White Egrets that flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1830hrs and the Fog Station at 1844hrs.

  Eight Long-tailed Skuas were the highlight of a seawatch that also featured 123 Sooty Shearwaters, 55 Manx Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater moving north. Other counts included 146 Pink-footed Geese heading south, two Goosander, 476 Common Terns, 36 Little Gulls, 84 Arctic Skuas and 19 Bonxies. Three Minke Whales and the Thresher Shark were also off the Fog Station. Other notable records from the outer head included another skein of 210 Pink-footed Geese flying south, four Little Egrets, one Jay, a Mistle Thrush, one Brambling, 1230 Linnets and seven Corn Buntings.

  A total of 140 Pink-footed also flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Raven, one Goldcrest and a Grey Wagtail were recorded.

  

• 23rd September 2026

  A day of two halves that began with very light winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C; but ended with blustery northerlies and temperatures no higher than 13 degrees. Two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas were recorded during seawatching along with four Sooty Shearwaters and 24 Little Gulls. Wildfowl were again prevalent with 59 Wigeon, 11 Pintail and 125 Teal flying past the Fog Station. A further 215 Teal and 27 Wigeon were in the bay off Beacon Hill, where an ‘argentatus’ Herring Gull and first-winter Mediterranean Gull were also present. A Hobby overflew the outer head, while single Redwing, Spotted Flycatcher and Grey Wagtail were at South Dykes.

  Records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included five Snipe, 11 Dunlin, a Merlin, one Sand Martin, ten Chiffchaffs, a Grey Wagtail, 30 Chaffinch and three Siskin.

  

• 22nd September 2026

  Sunny, with light winds and a high of 19 degrees C. Seawatch records included a Black Tern, two Little Gulls, two first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls and a Sooty Shearwater. Duck were also on the move, with 34 Teal off the Fog Station and another 190 off Beacon Hill. Elsewhere, South Landing attracted a single Brambling.

  Four Minke Whales fed off RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Goldcrest and two Brambling were also in residence.

  

• 21st September 2026

  The weather consisted of sunny intervals, light westerly winds and a best of 21 degrees C. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured 537 Common Terns, 19 Little Gulls, 27 Arctic Skuas, ten Bonxies, 82 Red-throated Divers, 55 Sooty Shearwaters (north) and 24 Manx Shearwaters. Single Minke Whale and first-winter Caspian Gull were also in residence; another first-winter Caspian Gull, sporting a yellow darvic ring, loafed on the shore at Hartendale Gutter. Additional sightings included 67 Pink-footed Geese, the long-staying Pintail, a Red Kite, one Jay, four Wheatears and 970 Linnets.

  Highlights from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 52 Pink-footed Geese, a Hobby, two Golden Plovers, 20 Little Gulls, two Ravens, a Redwing, nine Dunnock (flying south-west), one Willow Warbler and a Goldcrest.

  

• 20th September 2026

  Sunny throughout, with blustery westerly winds and a high of 20 degrees C. Most attention again focused on the sea, with notable counts including four juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 1600 Common Terns, five Black Terns, 600 Little Gulls and two Sooty Shearwaters. Unusually, a Minke Whale fed close inshore off the Fog Station, but far rarer was the Tuna sp. that joined a feeding frenzy north of Breil Nook. Additionally, a total of 190 Pink-footed Geese went south and a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea. The most notable record from the land related to a Jay at South Dykes.

  Elsewhere, four Goldcrest and a Wheatear were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with another two Goldcrests along Hoddy Cows Lane.

  

• 19th September 2026

  Sunny intervals, occasional showers in the morning, blustery westerlies and a high of 21 degrees C. Thousands of Common Terns again fed off the South Cliffs, with the feeding flock attracting six juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, a minimum of 19 Arctic Skuas, 206 Little Gulls and eight Black Terns. Three Caspian Gulls and three Sooty Shearwaters added further interest, as did the resident Thresher Shark. Thornwick Pools attracted a Pintail, drake Mandarin, 25 Teal and a Little Egret. A skein of 22 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the outer head, as did a Marsh Harrier. Sightings from Oceanview included single Hobby and Swift.

  

• 18th September 2026

  Sunny intervals with increasingly cloudy skies, a blustery south-west wind and high of 18 degrees C. Seawatching proved rewarding, especially in the afternoon, when a significant southerly movement of feeding terns developed, which in turn attracted large numbers of attendant skuas. Highlights included 6429 Common Terns, ten Black Terns, two adult Roseate Terns, seven juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 80 Arctic Skuas and 831 Little Gulls. Additional sightings included five Sooty Shearwaters, a first-winter Caspian Gull and a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull. Away from the sea, a single Jay at Oceanview was the most noteworthy record.

  

• 17th September 2026

  Sunny intervals, blustery west-south-westerly winds and a high of 18 degrees C. Two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas flew south past the Seawatch Observatory in the afternoon, when 2300 Common Terns fed offshore; two Black Terns did similarly off South Landing. Other sightings included 12 Whooper Swans flying south, a Goosander, 27 Arctic Skuas, 237 Little Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull and one Sooty Shearwater.

  A flock of ten Mute Swans flying south over the headland was an unusual record. Pink-footed Geese were again moving south, with a total of 310 crossing the headland.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Merlin, one Goldcrest and a Grasshopper Warbler.

  

• 16th September 2026

  It was often cloudy with occasional sunny intervals, light northerly winds and a high of 17 degrees C; conditions caused by a ‘high pressure loop’ that resulted in a great seawatch. A Great Shearwater flew north at 0930hrs and an adult Sabine’s Gull headed in a similar direction at 1745hrs. Five juvenile Long-tailed Skuas included individuals lingering off the Seawatch Observatory, while a northbound Balearic Shearwater added further interest. Other notable sightings included one Goosander, 18 Bar-tailed Godwits, two Grey Plovers, 72 Arctic Skuas, 14 Bonxies, two Pomarine Skuas, 612 Little Gulls, 41 Sooty Shearwaters, 28 Manx Shearwaters, 107 Red-throated Divers, 20,095 northbound Gannets, three Caspian Gulls, three Yellow-legged Gulls, 1706 Common Terns and a Black Tern. A Minke Whale and at least one Thresher Shark added further gloss to proceedings. Away from the sea, a total of 195 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the outer head. Two Mute Swans, two Egyptian Geese, another Grey Plover, one Pintail, a Hobby, a Mistle Thrush, one Whinchat and two Grey Wagtails were also in residence.

  Notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 70 Pink-footed Geese south, three Grey Plovers, two Bar-tailed Godwits, a Hobby, two Ravens, 15 Chiffchaffs and two Goldcrests.