Our full archive of daily highlights and logs going back to 2014 can be found on the Daily Log & Archive page.
- 26th March 2025
Sunny skies prevailed after a foggy start, with south-west winds and a high of 16 degrees C. The Firecrest remained at North Landing and the Hooded Crow at North Marsh. Two Red Kites flew south over the Dykes early afternoon. A switch to south-westerly winds prompted the departure of migrants pre-dusk including 20 Wigeon, six Grey Herons, 216 Starlings, 34 Redwing and 32 Blackbirds all flying out east.
White Wagtail, Golf Course, by Andrew Allport (25/03) - 25th March 2025
A relatively overcast day, with light winds initally resulting in temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. Conditions were clearly more conducive and resulted in the year’s first Firecrest making landfall at North Landing. A single Hooded Crow was also fresh in, touring the newly ploughed fields on the outer head. Additional migrants included two Golden Plovers, a Short-eared Owl, nine Goldcrests, a Blackcap, 21 Redwing, three Fieldfares and two White Wagtails.
Five White Wagtails were on fresh plough between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and North Dykes along with two Redwing. Two Short-eared Owls and a Woodcock remained on the reserve.
Firecrest, North Landing, by Andrew Allport - 24th March 2025
Sunny skies dominated after early overcast; winds remained light and temperatures reached 12 degrees C. A total of 26 Great Crested Grebes were on the sea off South Dykes; wader interest included two Woodcock at South Landing, 33 Curlew and two Dunlin that dropped onto Palmer’s Flash. Passerines included two Goldcrests, 17 Chiffchaffs, a Mistle Thrush, two Scandinavian Rock Pipits, one Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.
Fulmar, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington - 23rd March 2025
A relatively overcast day, with a blustery northerly wind developing and a high of eight degrees C. Highlights were the year’s first White Wagtail and another Black Redstart, part of a small arrival of migrants that included six Golden Plovers, seven Goldcrest, a Blackcap, one Wheatear, ten Stonechats, 11 Redwing, three Fieldfare, 24 Pied Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, one Siskin and a Brambling.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a Water Rail, one Jack Snipe, two Woodcock, four Redwing, 24 Blackbirds and four Fieldfare.
Stonechat, Lighthouse, by Brett Richards - 22nd March 2025
Rain ‘book-ended’ a day that featured sunny spells, light easterly winds and a high of 12 degrees C. There were increased number of migrants on the outer head, including the year’s first Ruff and Sandwich Tern. Other notable sightings involved a Jack Snipe, two Woodcock, three Water Rails, two Short-eared Owls, one Scandinavian Rock Pipit, a Black Redstart (Fog Station) and a Brambling.
An adult Mediterranean Gull flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Merlin, one Woodcock, four Redwing, 34 Blackbird, four Fieldfare, a Wheatear and 14 Corn Buntings were also recorded.
Goldcrest, Bowling Green, by Rob Little - 21st March 2025
Hazy sun for the majority of daylight hours, with a moderate easterly wind establishing and a high of ten degrees C. A much quieter day with a Water Rail, two Grey Partridge, a single Fieldfare and 360 Starlings on the outer head. One Woodcock roosted in the Dell at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
Starlings, St Oswald’s Church, by Andrew Allport Frogs, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards - 20th March 2025
The equinox featured sunny skies, light winds and a high of 11 degrees C. Notable sightings on the outer head included one Little Egret, a Little Grebe, three Water Rails, three Woodcock, a Golden Plover, an influx of 25 Chiffchaffs, one Goldcrest, a Blackcap, five Redwing, a Black Redstart and a Redpoll (Lesser). Two Short-eared Owls and a Marsh Harrier were the best from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
Short-eared Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Dean Evans - 19th March 2025
Light south-east winds, sunny skies throughout and a high of 12 degrees C. Raptors were a notable feature over the outer head, including three Red Kites, a Marsh Harrier and displaying Common Buzzards. In addition, two Short-eared Owls graced RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
Marsh Harrier, South Landing, by Rob Little - 18th March 2025
The weather consisted of light/moderate south-easterly winds, sunny skies and a high of 12 degrees C. A Wood Lark that flew north-west over Lighthouse Road was the highlight of a relatively productive day that also featured single Red Kite and Merlin over the outer head. Spring’s first Wheatear frequented the cliff top at Thornwick Camp, while additional sightings included eight Chiffchaff, a Fieldfare and three Redwing. A Marsh Harrier appeared over fields between North Dykes and Bempton village.
Mute Swans, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards - 17th March 2025
Daytime temperatures of five degrees C book-ended a brief period where the temperature reached ten degrees in light easterly winds. A Velvet Scoter flew north and two Shoveler headed south during a morning seawatch. Two Mute Swans were on Thornwick Pools and 24 Tufted Ducks on the nearby Lakes.
Bottlenose Dolphin, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Dean Evans - 16th March 2025
A relatively overcast day, with light north-west winds, occasional showers and a maximum of eight degrees C. The day’s highlight was the discovery of a roosting Long-eared Owl at RSPB Bempton Cliffs that showed well. Notable sightings on the outer head included two Mute Swans, seven Lapwing and two Water Rails.
Long-eared Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington Long-eared Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs by Ian Howard - 15th March 2025
Sunny, with light northerly winds and a high of eight degrees C. The freshwater sites hosted a pair of Shelduck, 86 Teal, 60 Wigeon, five Grey Herons and a Water Rail. Passerine migrants remained scarce, but included ten Chiffchaffs, 11 Redwing and a Grey Wagtail. Elsewhere, a Merlin flew over Bempton village.
Skylark, South Landing, by Dean Evans - 14th March 2025
Lighter northerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reached eight degrees C. Two Velvet Scoters and 1004 Kittiwakes flew north during the morning seawatch. Puffins returned inshore following the drop in wind strength, with 68 on the sea between North Landing and Breil Nook. A Red Kite overflew the church and five Redwing were also in residence.
Puffin by Dean Evans - 13th March 2025
A day of sunny intervals and sharp showers, with light/moderate northerly winds and a high of seven degrees C. The Thornwick area hosted 23 Tufted Ducks and a Water Rail, while two Great Crested Grebes were off South Dykes. Three Redwing were on the outer head, while 11 Corn Buntings were along Cliff Lane, Bempton.
Fulmar by Dean Evans Pied Wagtail by Brett Richards - 12th March 2025
The day featured showers, some sunny intervals, but still feeling cold in a moderate northerly wind with a high of seven degrees C. A quiet day, with four Eiders flying past the Seawatch Observatory, but significantly fewer Fulmars re-orientating back north, with just 54 logged.
Treecreeper, Old Fall, by Andrew Allport - 11th March 2025
The weather consisted of some sunny intervals along with overcast skies, a moderate northerly wind and high of seven degrees C. A substantial movement of Fulmars (973) took place during the morning seawatch, while 29 Siskins also flew north.
Gannet, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington - 10th March 2025
A foggy start with poor visibility(!) which only gradually cleared; feeling cooler, with temperatures no higher than nine degrees C in blustery north-north-west winds. Seawatching proved challenging given the conditions although 182 Fulmars moved north. A flock of 450 Starlings moved west over Bempton village where single Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Chiffchaff were also present. Another Siskin visited the nearby reserve.
Yellowhammer, South Dykes, by Dean Evans - 9th March 2025
Sunny throughout, with light easterly winds and a high of 12 degrees C in the morning; winds then switched to the north and temperatures reduced to eight degrees. A Goosander flew south along the North Cliffs, while a Little Grebe was at nearby North Marsh. Waders were represented by 13 Lapwing and a Woodcock, while a Red Kite toured the outer head late morning. Chiffchaff numbers continued to increase (11), a Blackcap was a new arrival, and three Siskin were also present. Fifty Corn Buntings were alongside the road between Bempton village and Mid Dykes.
Snipe, Buckton Pond, by Alan Walkington - 8th March 2025
Sunny throughout, with light easterly winds and a high of ten degrees C. The first notable landbirds of spring were represented by two Long-eared Owls at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a Black Redstart along the cliff top path east of North Landing. Chiffchaff numbers increased further, with four singing at South Landing and a duo in the Hartendale area. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were another indication of changing seasons.
Long-eared Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Dean Evans Black Redstart by Phil Cunningham - 7th March 2025
Light south-easterly winds established towards the end of a relatively overcast day, with a high of ten degrees C. Wildfowl interest included the eight Egyptian Geese, a Shoveler and two Gadwall, while a Water Rail remained at Thornwick Pools. A total of eight Chiffchaffs represented an increase and included a single at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; a lone Mediterranean Gull was also on the sea off the reserve. Other passerine migrants on the outer head included a Redwing and eight Siskin.
Purple Sandpiper by Dean Evans - 6th March 2025
The sun shone throughout the day and the temperature reached 11°C with a light southerly.
Wildfowl continued to include eight Egyptian Geese, a Shoveler, two Gadwall, 73 Wigeon and 92 Teal while Tufted Duck numbers increased to 16. A different, colour-ringed first-winter Caspian Gull was at High Stacks early evening. A small arrival of Chiffchaffs was noted with three in the Bay Brambles / Golf Course Willows area and two at South Landing while a single Fieldfare was presumably making ready to cross the North Sea.
Buckton Pond held three Snipe, a Teal and a Wigeon.
Chiffchaff, Bay Brambles (Andrew Allport) - 5th March 2025
A bright sunny day with a high of 15 degrees C in moderate south-westerly winds. Two Caspian Gulls (1st-winter & 3rd-winter) were at High Stacks late afternoon, when 26 Starlings headed out east. Passerine interest included a Chiffchaff in the Golf Course Willows, two Goldcrest and increased numbers of Stonechats, with four near the Lighthouse and two at South Dykes. Elsewhere, 23 Corn Buntings flew south-east over Cliff Lane, Bempton.
Woodcock, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington - 4th March 2025
Sunny throughout, with light/moderate south-west winds and a high of 12 degrees C. A drake Long-tailed Duck that flew north represented the best of the morning’s seawatch. Towards dusk, a Merlin flew south-east from the Fog Station. Other notable sightings included the eight long-staying Egyptian Geese, a Gadwall, one Woodcock, eight Redwing and seven Siskin.
Best of all, a Bittern was sound-recorded flying over Bempton village during the night.
Redwing, Lighthouse bushes, by Andrew Allport - 3rd March 2025
A mild, sunny day with a maximum temperature of 13°C with a light westerly breeze.
Waters on the north side of the headland held two Shoveler, 68 Wigeon, 97 Teal and 10 Tufted Ducks. The flock of eight Egyptian Geese have moved to the North Moor area. Passerine sightings included two Siskins, three Goldcrest and 13 Redwings.
Song Thrush, South Landing (Alan Walkington) - 2nd March 2025
A day of light south-west winds, sunny skies in the morning, overcast later, with a high of 11 degrees C. Three skeins of Pink-footed Geese (265 birds) flew north-west over the outer head, where 97 Wigeon, 113 Teal and two Shoveler remained. Other records included three Woodcock, three Fieldfare, three Mistle Thrush, six Siskin and two Corn Buntings.
The day’s highlight was a female Mandarin Duck that flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Nearby, an adult Mediterranean Gull moved south over Buckton Pond.
Mediterranean Gull, Buckton, by Will Scott - 1st March 2025
It was sunny throughout following a hard overnight frost, with very light winds and a peak of 11 degrees C. The first Chiffchaff of spring graced the outer head, entirely appropriate to herald the start of March. Other sightings included an appreciable north-westerly movement of Pink-footed Geese: 490 overflew the outer head contributing to a tally of 731 doing the same past RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional outer head sightings included single Water Rail, Merlin, Grey Partridge and Fieldfare, along with three Siskin. Puffins arrived in number, with 70 below the North Cliffs up to and including Bempton, while the eight Egyptian Geese were still near Micklemires.
Other sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Golden Plover, three Woodcock, one Lesser Black-backed Gull moving north-west, two Short-eared Owls, a Goldcrest and 62 Corn Buntings.
Short-eared Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs by Dean Evans - 28th February 2025
Sunny throughout, with light winds and a maximum of 11 degrees C. The five White-fronted Geese, eight Egyptian Geese and two Pink-feet remained. Two Gadwall and three Woodcock were on the outer head, while two Water Rails showed at Thornwick Pools. Passerine interest included single Goldcrest, Fieldfare and Siskin. Elsewhere, a Raven flew south-east over Bempton village, while sightings from the nearby reserve included 100 Pink-footed Geese moving south, two Short-eared Owls and 25 Corn Buntings.
Jack Snipe, outer head, by Andrew Allport (27/02) - 27th February 2025
A relatively bright day, with blustery north-north-west winds and a high of eight degrees C. The five White-fronted and eight Egyptian Geese remained, while two Pink-footed Geese also toured the outer head. Additional wildfowl included a Shoveler, two Gadwall, 93 Wigeon, 81 Teal and eight Tufted Ducks. Six Lapwing, a Jack Snipe, four Woodcock and 47 Curlew were also in residence. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a further three Woodcock.
Egyptian Geese by Dean Evans - 26th February 2025
A brighter middle of the day after morning rain followed by a further band of rain late afternoon. The temperature peaked at 9°C in a light southerly.
A Siskin that visited a village garden was new. Otherwise, the five White-fronted Geese continued to favour the field opposite the Viking Hotel and the eight Egyptian Geese were west of Thornwick Camp again. Six Common Scoters were off Beacon Hill.
At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a flock of 38 Barnacle Geese flew north-west and a Short-eared Owl continued to show.
Tufted Duck, Thornwick Lakes (Rob Little) - 25th February 2025
A spring-like day being mostly sunny with a light south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 11°C.
Five Russian White-fronted Geese and eight Egyptian Geese remained in their favoured locations opposite the Viking Hotel and west of Thornwick Camp respectively. Other sightings included eight Tufted Ducks, 77 Teal, eleven Wigeon and five Common Scoter.
A Short-eared Owl continued to quarter fields at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.
Snipe, Thornwick Pools (Brett Richards)
