Recent Daily Highlights

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

• 4th November 2026

  Overcast, with showers in the moring preceded by sunny intervals; moderate easterly winds and a high of 13 degrees C. Wildfowl interest included six Whooper Swans, the long-staying Long-tailed Duck off the South Cliffs and 128 Eiders flying north out of the bay. Both a Great Northern Diver (south) and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua (north) bizarrely flew over the Gorse Field. Nearby, a Long-eared Owl appeared in the Motorway Hedge in the afternoon. A Little Bunting was located in the Lighthouse Grassland mid-morning, but soon flew west, while a Richard’s Pipit lingered in the sheep field south of Head Farm. Migrant totals on the outer head were dominated by 121 Mealy Redpolls; other records included a Great Egret, ten Woodcock, two Goldcrests, two Firecrests, six Brambling and a Snow Bunting.

  A Coues’s Arctic Redpoll was trapped and ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and showed well for a couple of hours after release before it departed; nine Mealy Redpolls and a Brambling were also on the reserve. Nearby, the Hume’s Warbler was still at Buckton, with a Siberian Chiffchaff and four Mealy Redpolls at Buckton Pond.

  

  

  

  

• 3rd November 2026

  A moderate north-easterly blew throughout the day bringing scattered cloud cover and a maximum temperature of 11°C.

  It was another day that brought a quality bird to the headland, this time a Hume’s Warbler that was caught and ringed at Buckton. This is the twelfth for the area of this south central Asian species since the first in 1993, the last being seven years ago. There was no sign of yesterday’s Coues’s Arctic Redpoll. Sightings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a long-staying Firecrest, 17 Mealy Redpolls, a Brambling and two Ravens.

  Mealy Redpolls continue to be scattered across the area in small numbers. A Little Auk was on the sea at South Landing and the Long-tailed Duck remained nearby. Four Woodcock were found on the Outer Head where there was also five Whooper Swans and a Snow Bunting.

  Seawatching was also productive with five Pintail, 1066 Common and six Velvet Scoters, single Tufted Duck, Pochard and Scaup, a Grey Phalarope, two Bonxies, eight Arctic and four Pomarine Skuas. Two Mediterranean Gulls, 219 Little Gulls, six Manx and six Sooty Shearwaters were also logged. Finally, a Fin Whale surfaced several times giving huge blows!

  

  

  

• 2nd November 2026

  A moderate north-north-easterly pegged the temperature to a maximum of 12°C on a mostly sunny day.

  The highlights of the seawatching session included a Little Auk, single Arctic and Great Skuas, three Sooty and seven Manx Shearwaters, two Goosander, three Goldeneye, 89 Red-throated Divers, 369 Little Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull and a Merlin was also logged.

  Away from the sea, a Coues’s Arctic Redpoll was discovered at Bempton Cliffs RSPB late afternoon – the first record here since October 2018. Nine Mealy Redpolls were noted on the Outer Head.

  The Long-tailed Duck remained off Booted Gully with 94 Common Scoters, the four Pale-bellied Brent Geese were still in the South Landing area and two Whooper Swans were also in the area.

  

  

• 1st November 2026

  After a relatively bright start, overcast skies and light rain arrived late morning when a blustery northerly wind started to establish; temperatures peaked at 12 degrees C. Wildfowl were on the move past the Fog Station, including two dark-bellied Brent Geese, a Shelduck, nine Shoveler, 243 Wigeon, 68 Teal, 21 Tufted Ducks, five Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 304 Common Scoters, a Goldeneye and four Goosanders. An Arctic Tern, 106 Little Gulls, 13 Mediterranean Gulls, three Great Northern Divers and a Sooty Shearwater were also recorded. Fourteen Whooper Swans rested on the sea and a Woodcock flew in off. In addition, a Black Redstart and 15 Twite frequented the cliffs near the Fog Station.

  Four pale-bellied Brent Geese were still on the beach off Hartendale, a Long-tailed Duck remained with the Common Scoter flock off the South Cliffs and two Goosanders dropped onto Thornwick Pools. Thrushes made landfall in the morning, with good numbers of Blackbirds in particular; other migrants on the outer head included two Mistle Thrush, 40 Siskin, five Lesser Redpolls, one Mealy Redpoll and a Snow Bunting.

  A flock of 20 Whooper Swans flying south-east, two Jays, 200 Starlings, 150 Redwing, 59 Blackbirds and two Snow Buntings were all recorded from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

  

• 31st October 2026

  High pressure dominated; misty conditions eventually cleared to leave brighter, but overcast, skies. A juvenile Sabine’s Gull that flew north was the highlight of the seawatch; other notable records included two Pochard, six Goldeneye, an Arctic Tern, 166 Little Gulls and a Sooty Shearwater. The ever elusive Thresher Shark also breached offshore.

  Wildfowl interest included 15 Whooper Swans, a Gadwall, the Long-tailed Duck again accompanying the scoter flock off the South Cliffs, and a Goosander flying south. There were four Great Egrets, including three that had earlier flown south-east through RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while two Water Rails were in residence. Two Woodcock dropped onto the outer head, where 74 Golden Plovers flew south.

  The day’s highlight was a Richard’s Pipit that made landfall at Cattlemere at 1045hrs; after feeding briefly in the crop, it flew west. Other passerine interest included one Jay, a Swallow, a Yellow-browed Warbler, one Cetti’s Warbler, two Goldcrests, a Firecrest, 35 Siskins, 28 Twite, three Mealy Redpolls and a Snow Bunting.

  In addition to the three Great Egrets, notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Whooper Swan,a juvenile White-fronted Goose, 35 Golden Plovers moving south, a Jay, one Swallow, a Goldcrest, 76 Blackbirds, 253 Redwing, 49 Fieldfares, 474 Starlings, five Brambling, a Siskin, a Mealy Redpoll and five Snow Buntings.

  

  

  

• 30th October 2026

  Foggy/misty throughout, with very light winds and a high of 12 degrees C. Four Red-crested Pochards (two drakes, two females) flew south during a morning seawatch; only the fourth record for the headland, following a female that flew south on 3rd December 1994 and singles on 7th August 2002 and 23rd August 2002. The morning seawatch also logged a single southbound Black-throated Diver, in addition to: eight Whooper Swans, a Pochard, one Goldeneye, two Goosanders, 55 Golden Plovers, two Arctic Terns, a Common Tern and 96 Little Gulls.

  Thushes arrived throughout the day, more especially in the final two hours of daylight with tallies of 1070 Redwing, 125 Blackbirds, 36 Song Thrush and 385 Fieldfare. Additional migrant totals from the outer head included five Whooper Swans, 82 Pink-footed Geese, a Long-tailed Duck, 24 Golden Plovers, a Jack Snipe, three Woodcock, a Jay, 540 Starlings, two Siberian Chiffchaffs, 19 Chiffchaffs, three Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 26 Siskins, four Brambling, three Redpolls (inc. one Mealy), 45 Twite, two Snow Buntings and a Lapland Bunting.

  Three Snow Buntings were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Blackcap was also present.

  

  

• 29th October 2026

  Sunny, with light winds and a best of 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a single Whooper Swan, one Red-breasted Merganser, an Arctic Tern, one Common Tern, 30 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, one Arctic Skua and a Manx Shearwater.

  Three Tundra Bean Geese and 45 Pink-feet commuted between Beacon Hill and fields to the east. Two Whooper Swans rested on fields near South Landing, while two Woodcock, two Water Rails and a Jack Snipe added further interest. Passerine migrants on the outer head included a Jay, one Swallow, a Firecrest, at least one Cetti’s Warbler, a Siberian Chiffchaff, six Twite and 34 Siskins.

  Records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included eight Whooper Swans flying south-east, 16 White-fronted Geese, a Raven, 121 Blackbirds, 51 Redwing, a Ring Ouzel, 11 Siskins and a Snow Bunting.

  

  

• 28th October 2026

  Overcast with occasional brighter intervals, a moderate south-west wind and high of 14 degrees C. Unfortunately there was no sign of the Rufous-tailed Robin at South Landing. However, the Hoopoe reappeared at Oceanview and the Pallas’s Warbler was still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  Seawatch highlights included 16 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and a Minke Whale. Wildfowl interest on the outer head included three Tundra Bean Geese, 12 Russian White-fronted Geese, 60 Pink-footed Geese and four Pale-bellied Brents. A total of 73 Whooper Swans flew south, while the Long-tailed Duck remained in the 105-strong Common Scoter flock off Beacon Hill. Other sightings on the outer head included a Great Egret, one Water Rail, a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, two Swallows, two Ring Ouzels, three Firecrests and two Lapland Buntings.

  In addition to the Pallas’s, Bempton hosted a Marsh Harrier, one Merlin, a Swallow, one Ring Ouzel and two Snow Buntings. Sixteen Russian White-fronted Geese were still on Cliff Lane Flash.

  

  

  

• 27th October 2026

  Blustery south/south-west winds gradually abated; sunny intervals throughout and a high of 15 degrees C. The Rufous-tailed Robin showed well next to the path surrounding its favoured gully from first light, but after an hour it retreated back to the gully where it showed only twice more – late morning and from 1645hrs until dark. Both The Richard’s Pipit and three Tundra Bean Geese were in fields adjacent to South Landing.

  A record-breaking 353 Whooper Swans flew south through the day while 32 Russian White-fronted Geese were resident on the outer head. Additional wildfowl interest came in the form of a Long-tailed Duck that joined the Common Scoter flock east of South Landing. On the land, the Hoopoe re-appeared at Oceanview, while three Firecrest were in residence on the outer head. Other sightings included a Great Egret, two Woodcock, one Jay, two Ring Ouzels, two Siberian Chiffchaffs, three Grey Wagtails, 1300 Linnets, nine Siskin and two Twite.

  The Pallas’s Warbler lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 16 Russian White-fronted Geese were still on ‘Cliff Lane Flash’. Other reserve sightings included 18 Redwing and a Lapland Bunting.

  

  

  

  

• 26th October 2026

  Increasingly overcast with rain arriving from late morning; blustery southerly winds established and temperatures reached 12 degrees C. The Rufous-tailed Robin showed on several occasions during the day, but proved elusive once more. A Richard’s Pipit was in adjacent fields, while an Olive-backed Pipit was sound-recorded flying over the Bowling Green at 0715hrs. The three Tundra Bean Geese also lingered on nearby Beacon Hill.

  Interest on the sea included a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull, 17 Barnacle Geese flying north and 13 Whooper Swans moving south; the latter part of a total movement of 102 Whoopers that included 30 grounded on stubbles during the afternoon rain. A lone Scaup also flew past North Landing, where a single Barnacle Goose flew west. Other notable records included 71 Pink-footed Geese, four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Water Rail, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Long-eared Owl and two Firecrests (Old Fall).

  The Pallas’s Warbler was still in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 12 of the aforementioned Whooper Swans flew south and a Ring Ouzel was near the car park. Cliff Lane Flash, near the reserve entrance, hosted 15 Russian White-fronted Geese.

  

• 25th October 2026

  Very strong westerly winds throughout a day of sunny intervals, occasional showers and a high of 12 degrees C. The Rufous-tailed Robin remained in residence in South Landing, where it even ventured onto the path early morning before reverting to type and skulking deep in the adjacent gully. The three Tundra Bean Geese also lingered on Beacon Hill, while 24 Russian White-fronted Geese were on stubbles near Thornwick Lakes. Continuing the good run of sightings of late, a Hoopoe visited Oceanview late afternoon before it flew north over Lighthouse Road. Thornwick Pools attracted a Great Egret that later flew west over Croft’s Hill, while seawatch highlights included a Pintail and 73 Little Gulls.

  Away from the outer head, the Pallas’s Warbler remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where it showed well at times on the edge of the car park.

  

  

• 24th October 2026

  Although the day began with relatively bright skies and light south-west winds, the weather soon deteriorated bringing very strong southerlies and rain; temperatures eventually reached 12 degrees C. The Rufous-tailed Robin continued its stay in South Landing and showed on several occasions. A Richard’s Pipit also re-appeared there, albeit it was only seen in flight. Nearby, the three Tundra Bean Geese continued to feed on Beacon Hill.

  The day’s major surprise came during a ‘vis mig’ session overlooking South Dykes: 2085 Redwing flew west and were accompanied by 475 Fieldfares, 15 Blackbirds , 24 Siskins and a Jay. However, it was the sight of a Hoopoe heading west trailing a mixed Fieldfare and Redwing flock at 0826hrs that provided a touch of the surreal. A flock of 26 Russian White-fronted Geese also flew west during the same session. Additional counts on the outer head involved four Whooper Swans, three Goosanders, 91 Golden Plovers, four Woodcock, two Jays and a Firecrest, with 115 Redwing, 21 Fieldfare, 55 Blackbirds and a Ring Ouzel grounded.

  RSPB Bempton Cliffs continued to host the Pallas’s Warbler. Other notable records from there included 83 Knot flying south-east, two Grey Plovers, a Woodcock, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Siberian Chiffchaff and a Ring Ouzel. Nearby, 16 Russian White-fronted Geese visited ‘Cliff Lane Flash’.

  

  

  

• 23rd October 2026

  The day began with rain and strong south-east winds, but after a brighter interlude ended with very light winds and thunderstorms. The Rufous-tailed Robin continued to delight and frustrate at South Landing proving ever elusive. Nearby, three Tundra Bean Geese continued to feed on Beacon Hill, although occasionally visited fields further east, while the four Pale-bellied Brents remained on the shore at Hartendale.

  A Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea during a morning seawatch that also featured three Great Northern Divers and a Sooty Shearwater. Other notable records from the outer head included eight Grey Partridges, one Water Rail, a Marsh Harrier, two Swallows, three Ring Ouzel, a Black Redstart, the Bearded Tit still at Thornwick Roost reedbed, a Siberian Chiffchaff, three Firecrests, six Redpoll, ten Siskin, five Twite at North Marsh, a Lapland Bunting and two Corn Buntings.

  Elsewhere, the Pallas’s Warbler lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with single Yellow-browed Warbler and Firecrest.

  

• 22nd October 2026

  Sunny intervals, light/moderate south-west winds and a high of 13 degrees C. The Rufous-tailed Robin at South Landing continued to show on occasion throughout the day, more especially in the afternoon. While not everyone was lucky, the vast majority left the site having had some views.

  A Richard’s Pipit flew east from the cliff top at South Landing late morning, while the Radde’s Warbler remained at Thornwick. Wildfowl interest included four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 42 Russian White-fronted Geese and eight Tundra Bean Geese. A Great Egret flew north-east over the village, three Water Rails included two in South Landing, and two Short-eared Owls hunted cliff top fields. Passerine migrants included 130 Skylarks, three Jays, a Ring Ouzel, one Bearded Tit at Thornwick Roost, four Yellow-browed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, seven Firecrests, six Black Redstarts, 16 Redpolls, 65 Siskins, four Twite and a Lapland Bunting.

  The Pallas’s Warbler lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where other records included two Ravens, a Siberian Chiffchaff, two Firecrests, a Lesser Whitethroat and two Ring Ouzels. Elsewhere, a Yellow-browed Warbler was at Bridlington Links GC.

  

  

  

• 21st October 2026

  A bright morning before overcast skies returned; winds were from the south/west and temperatures reached 15 degrees C. Most attention remained on South Landing where the ever elusive Rufous-tailed Robin continued to tantalise would-be admirers, albeit the majority managed brief views eventually.

  The goose-influx continued, with 22 Tundra Beans and 58 Russian White-fronts recorded along with eight Whooper Swans. An Avocet on Thornwick Pools was unusual, where it was joined by a single Bearded Tit. Nearby, the Radde’s Warbler continued its stay at Thornwick, remaining in the small plantation of trees immediately north of the red brick house. Also notable were 11 Great White Egrets, an ‘eastern’ Lesser Whitethroat and three Siberian Chiffchaffs. Other migrants included 21 Lapwings, 11 Woodcock, four Jays, three Yellow-browed Warblers, eight Firecrests, 83 Goldcrests, 60 Song Thrush, 460 Redwing, six Ring Ouzels, a Northern Wheatear, two Black Redstarts, 63 Siskins and three Mealy Redpoll.

  Six of the aforementioned Great White Egrets flew south past RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where both the Pallas’s Warbler and Wood Warbler remained. Other reserve sightings included 26 Lapwing south, two Woodcock, a Yellow-browed Warbler, two Siberian Chiffchaffs, 40 Goldcrests, two Lesser Whitethroats, four Ring Ouzels, a House Martin and three Mealy Redpolls.

  

• 20th October 2026

  Blustery east-south-easterlies and overcast skies … conditions that initially raised expectation, before providing in spades following the late morning discovery of a Rufous-tailed Robin in South Landing.

  It initially showed well, but briefly, only to the finder – who then had to endure an agonising wait of over three hours before it subsquently showed to a select few on three or four more occasions. The bird frequented the thick bramble cover on the slopes down to the stream immediately adjacent to the metal ‘whalebone’ bridge – the latter accessed from the track leading east from the main carpark. The robin appears to be moving under the bramble leaves cloaking the slopes, rendering location even by thermal imagers difficult.

  In other news, the day featured impressive influxes of 103 Russian White-fronted Geese, nine Tundra Bean Geese and 15 Firecrests onto the outer head. Two Radde’s Warblers included one of yesterday’s individuals at Thornwick and a new arrival near North Landing. A Great Grey Shrike made landfall at Bay Brambles early morning, but soon filtered inland, while two Red-breasted Flycatchers included a new bird at South Landing.

  A Grey Phalarope flew east past South Landing, while two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas headed north past the Seawatch Observatory.

  Additional interest was provided by 14 Woodcock, one Jack Snipe, a Little Owl, a Long-eared Owl, four Ring Ouzels, 1680 Starlings in off and west, one Jay, a Siberian Chiffchaff, a Cetti’s Warbler, three Yellow-browed Warblers, ten Black Redstarts, one Mealy Redpoll and a Snow Bunting.

  Two Firecrests were trapped and ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a late Wood Warbler was fresh in. The Pallas’s Warbler remained on site, with other reserve records including 14 Russian White-fronted Geese, two Woodcock, a Merlin, 20 Chiffchaffs, a Garden Warbler, 30 Goldcrests, four Ring Ouzels and six Redpolls (including five Mealy).

  

  

  

• 19th October 2026

  Long-anticipated, moderate winds that swung round to the east under overcast skies produced a great day’s birding. Seawatching proved spectacular, with four White-billed Divers flying north, along with seven Leach’s Petrels, three Storm Petrels, three Grey Phalaropes, a juvenile Sabine’s Gull, four juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, a Black-throated Diver, one Little Auk and a Velvet Scoter.

  The land also proved rewarding: three Radde’s Warblers included two birds together at Thornwick. The year’s third Hoopoe was discovered in South Landing car park early morning; it later flew through Butler’s Lane in the village. Additional interest was provided by two White-fronted Geese, a Long-eared Owl, a late juvenile European Nightjar, two Great Grey Shrikes (including a bird near North Dykes), a Red-backed Shrike, two Firecrests, a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Thornwick) and a Hawfinch. The outer head also attracted ten Woodcock, two Jack Snipe, three Short-eared Owls, four Jays, two Ring Ouzels, seven Black Redstarts, four Mealy Redpolls and three Snow Buntings.

  A Pallas’s Warbler headlined at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where sightings included a Great White Egret flying north-west, a Greenshank, one Woodcock, a Black Redstart, one Lesser Whitethroat, a Pied Flycatcher and four Mealy Redpolls.

  

  

  

• 18th October 2026

  Sunny intervals and occasional showers, a moderate north-easterly wind and high of 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a juvenile Sabine’s Gull flying north along with a Slavonian Grebe, two Long-tailed Skuas and four Pomarine Skuas. Also recorded were: 11 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Eiders, 451 Common Scoters, three Goosanders, four Red-breasted Mergansers, 29 Little Gulls, 18 Arctic Skuas, 12 Bonxies, 2321 Kittiwakes and 23 Sooty Shearwaters.

  The most notable migrants on the outer head were a Richard’s Pipit at South Landing and a juvenile Red-backed Shrike at Oceanview. Additional records included: four pale-bellied Brent Geese, four Woodcock, a Water Rail, a Long-eared Owl, four Short-eared Owls, three Swallows, five Jays, a Cetti’s Warbler, one Reed Warbler, two Lesser Whitethroats, three Yellow-browed Warblers, 13 Goldcrests, 6490 Redwing west, 470 Blackbirds, 21 Fieldfare, a Grey Wagtail, 42 Brambling, 24 Redpoll (inc. 14 Mealy), 35 Siskin, a Snow Bunting and four Lapland Buntings.

  Single Firecrest and Siberian Chiffchaff were trapped and ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Other reserve sightings included: ten Golden Plovers, a Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, four Jays, 25 Blackbirds, 35 Redwing, six Goldcrests, four Lesser Whitethroats, a Pied Flycatcher, 15 Brambling and ten Redpolls.

  

  

• 17th October 2026

  Overcast with some brighter intervals, a strong northerly wind and maximum of 12 degrees C. An all day seawatch was rewarded with a juvenile Sabine’s Gull that lingered offshore mid-afternoon, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua that flew south and two Pomarine Skuas heading north. Other notable records included four Barnacle Geese, 131 Little Gulls, 1253 Kittiwakes, five Mediterranean Gulls, 68 Sooty Shearwaters and 48 Manx Shearwaters.

  ‘Strong flying’ passerines took advantage of the northerlies to cross the North Sea including 3780 Redwing, 15 Mealy Redpolls, two Lesser Redpolls and 44 Brambling. Also of note were two Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, one Water Rail, a Short-eared Owl, both Cetti’s Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at South Landing, and six Grey Wagtails.

  Four Barnacle Geese flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional records included a Short-eared Owl, ten Little Gulls and three Brambling.

  

• 16th October 2026

  Sunny intervals, winds remained light but switched to north-westerlies mid-morning, and a high of 15 degrees C. Five Mediterranean Gulls flew south during a morning seawatch, as did seven Eider and two Little Gulls, while a Red-breasted Merganser moved north. The Thresher Shark also breached three times off the Fog Station.

  Six Barnacle Geese flew south over the Lighthouse, with a duo on fields near Thornwick. The waters off South Landing attracted 72 Common Scoters and three Eider, while four Little Egrets and seven Grey Plovers fed on the rocks at Cattlemere. A Woodcock was at Booted Gully, while three Bar-tailed Godwits, 12 Ringed Plovers, a Golden Plover and two Dunlin were nearby at South Landing.

  Passerine interest included: a Cetti’s Warbler in the Thornwick Roost, two Jays, a Yellow-browed at South Landing, a Grey Wagtail, a lone Twite south over Cattlemere, 25 Siskins and a lone Snow Bunting that overflew Old Fall/Golf Course. The two long-staying Ravens commuted between the high cliffs between Thornwick and RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  Other sightings from the reserve included 16 Whooper Swans flying south-east, a Lapwing, seven Chiffchaff, a Ring Ouzel, 46 Redwing, a Grey Wagtail, three Brambling, two Siskin and a Lapland Bunting.

  

  

• 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.