Recent Daily Highlights

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

• 7th March 2026

  After a bright start, overcast skies dominated; light winds throughout, with a high of seven degrees C. Three Shelduck flew south past the Fog Station, while four Goosanders headed east past South Landing. Additional wildfowl interest included a Russian White-fronted Goose flying north-west over the golf course, 37 Wigeon, 40 Teal, eight Gadwall, five Shoveler and 22 Tufted Ducks. A Red Kite initially over Buckton later flew north-west over Head Farm. Following record-breaking numbers of wintering Linnets, mainly as a result of the cover crop at North Marsh, the 350-strong flock still in residence contained four Twite there. Other passerine migrants included 1000 Starlings, six Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, nine Pied Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails and three Siskin.

  The cliff top at Buckton attracted a Lapland Bunting, 25 Yellowhammers and 50 Corn Buntings. Records from nearby RSPB Bempton Cliffs included three Russian White-fronted Geese, a Woodcock, one Water Rail, 17 Common Buzzards, a Red Kite, 83 Skylarks and 2000 Starlings.

  

  

• 6th March 2026

  Overcast throughout, with light drizzle during the morning, a blustery northerly wind and high of six degrees C. A Blue Fulmar flew north during a morning seawatch. Four Great Crested Grebes were off the Seawatch Observatory, with another ten sheltering off Beacon Hill. The Thornwick area hosted six Gadwall, two Shoveler, 30 Teal and 16 Tufted Ducks. A Woodcock and 170 Linnets were the most notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 5th March 2026

  A day of two halves; thick fog during the morning precluded observation, while unbroken cloud, light onshore winds and temperatures that reached ten degrees C dominated the afternoon. Nine Chiffchaffs arrived on the outer head, where a lone Redwing was the only other passerine migrant. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Woodcock, a Water Rail, a Short-eared Owl, a ringtail Hen Harrier and two Ravens.

  

• 4th March 2026

  A bright day, with prolonged sunny intervals, a light/moderate south-easterly wind and high of 11 degrees C. Two Velvet Scoters flying north were the standout of a morning seawatch that also featured three Eiders moving in the opposite direction. A single first-winter Russian White-fronted Goose accompanied a Greylag flock near Mid Dykes, while the Thornwick area attracted five Shoveler, eight Gadwall and 20 Tufted Ducks. Overnight a Little Owl was calling at Oceanview; the third record in little over a week east of the Dykes. In addition, a Red Kite overflew the village early afternoon, two Goldcrest and four Chiffchaffs represented an increase, while 25 Corn Buntings remained near North Dykes.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Golden Plovers, one Woodcock, four Puffins, a Goldcrest and two Snow Buntings.

  

• 3rd March 2026

  A sunny, mild day with a maximum temperature of 10°C. The wind was a light to moderate northerly.

  The Common Crane was sill present at Northcliff Marsh and 28 Corn Buntings were near North Dykes. A Black Redstart was seen on the Outer Head and three Siskin appeared in a Flamborough village garden. Two Ravens flew south-east at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. Nocmigging at Bempton village revealed that Teal, Wigeon, Golden Plover and Redwing passed over. Buckton cliff top retained a flock of Snow Buntings with eleven present.

  

• 2nd March 2026

  Mostly overcast, a moderate southerly and a maximum temperature of 13°C.

  An adult Mediterranean Gull and 20 Red-throated Divers featured during a morning seawatch. The Common Crane remained at Northcliff Marsh. Four Golden Plover, two Grey Wagtails and a Chiffchaff were also noted on the Outer Head.

  Ten Snow Buntings were on the clifftop at Buckton. Teal and Water Rail were sound recorded overnight in Bempton village.

  

• 1st March 2026

  A mild day, with a high of 12 degrees C, moderate southerly winds, relatively overcast with occasional brighter intervals. The Crane remained on the outer head near North Marsh, while a Short-eared Owl was at North Dykes. Additional migrants included 28 Redwing, a Fieldfare and a Siskin.

  Sightings from the RSPB Bempton Cliffs/Buckton area included a Golden Plover, three Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, 487 Starlings, a Goldcrest and a Snow Bunting.

  

• 28th February 2026

  A cooler day, with overcast skies, spells of rain and a high of eight degrees C in light/moderate northerly winds. One Barnacle Goose, two Eider and two Dunlin were the most notable records from a seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted seven Gadwall and two Shoveler; two Gadwall and a Shoveler were also on North Marsh. Elsewhere, the Crane lingered near the latter location, while a Chiffchaff along Lighthouse Road was new. Further migrants included 450 Starlings at North Landing and a flock of 400 near the lighthouse. Two Woodcock were on the edge of Bempton village, with another near Speeton.

  

• 27th February 2026

  Overcast, with light variable winds and a high of 11 degrees C. Seawatch sightings included 12 Curlews, 36 Skylarks and 11 Meadow Pipits flying south, while single Siskin and Scandinavian Rock Pipit were also recorded. The Crane remained in fields adjacent to North Marsh for its fourth day, while wildfowl interest included eight Shoveler, nine Gadwall and 23 Tufted Ducks. In addition the 80-strong Russian White-fronts and eight Barnacle Geese roosted on the outer head once again. A Russian White-fronted Goose flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where five Kittiwakes and a Chiffchaff were the reserve’s first of the year.

  

• 26th February 2026

  A relatively overcast day, with moderate south-west winds and high of 12 degrees C. Seawatch records included five Shelduck, a Gadwall, two Eider, 98 Cormorants, 414 Herring Gulls south and, unusually, a Mistle Thrush in off the sea.

  The Crane remained in residence adjacent to North Marsh, as were the 80-strong flock of White-fronted Geese that again roosted on the outer head. Thornwick Pools attracted eight Gadwall and a pair of Shoveler. A single Chiffchaff in South Dykes was further evidence of ‘spring’. Elsewhere, a Raven flew south-east at Buckton.

  

• 25th February 2026

  A foggy and overcast start of the day gave way to sunny skies during the afternoon and the temperature rose to a very mild 15°C. The wind was moderate from the south-west.

  Perhaps heartened by the spring-like weather, two Chiffchaffs below the lighthouse were the first of the year and a Goldcrest was seen at South Landing. The Common Crane remained in its favoured field at Northcliff Marsh. The number of Shovelers rose to six; other duck sightings included two Shelducks and four Gadwall. A Golden Plover also passed over the Outer Head. The now regular flock of geese passed east over Flamborough village to roost at dusk containing about 80 Russian White-fronts with a few Barnacles mixed in.

  Overnight, 14 flocks of Pink-feet a small flock of Bean Geese were sound recorded over Bempton village. Wigeon, and Teal were also recorded.

  

• 24th February 2026

  A moderate to fresh southerly brought scattered clouds after an overcast morning, the temperature rising to 14°C.

  A Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew inland from the Fog Station during a morning seawatch. A Common Crane fed in fields near Northcliff Marsh from late afternoon. Other highlights from the Outer Head included a Russian White-fronted Goose, five Shoveler, seven Gadwall, 15 Tufted Ducks, a Grey Plover and a Woodcock.

  

• 23rd February 2026

  The weather comprised sunny intervals, a moderate westerly wind and high of 12 degrees C. A third calendar-year Mediterranean Gull flew north during a morning seawatch that also saw 25 Pink-footed Geese moving in the same direction. The goose flock that roosted on the outer head contained five Tundra Beans, 84 White-fronts, a dark-bellied Brent and eight Barnacle Geese. Elsewhere, a Short-eared Owl hunted the cliff top at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 22nd February 2026

  A day of variable cloud cover in a moderate westerly. The temperature rose to a spring-like 13°C.

  Four Tundra Bean Geese flew north at the Fog Station at 08:47. Ducks at Thornwick Pool included five Gadwall and two Shoveler while 50 Wigeon were at Northcliff Marsh. A single Woodcock was also seen on the Outer Head. The best of the passerines noted were a Grey Wagtail and 8 Redwings.

  At Bempton, a Marsh Harrier was south of the village, a Woodcock was along Cliff Lane and a second Woodcock and a Grey Wagtail were on the reserve.

  

• 21st February 2026

  A significantly milder day, the temperature rising to 12°C. Still mainly overcast with occasional rain in a moderate south-westerly.

  Sightings on the Outer Head included a Pink-footed Goose, two Shelduck, 50 Wigeon, eight Great Crested Grebes and a Woodcock. Highlights at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a single Russian White-fronted Goose and 150 Corn Buntings.

  

• 20th February 2026

  The wind turned to the south-west but conditions remained overcast and damp. The temperature rose to 9°C during the afternoon.

  Another relatively quiet seawatch – a single Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit and 44 Red-throated Divers were the highlights.

  This evening’s flight of geese over Flamborough village included c.90 Russian White-fronts, a Brent and 8 Barnacles heading to roost on the Outer Head. Three Woodcocks were also seen in the village.

  A bean goose sp. was sound recorded overnight in Bempton village.

  

• 19th February 2026

  The theme of overcast skies and a fresh easterly continues, the temperature reached 5°C.

  A Blue Fulmar and two Great Crested Grebes were the seawatching highlights. Outer Head sightings included a Woodcock, three Gadwall and four Shovelers. Two Short-eared Owls continued to hunt over grasslands at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and two Woodcock were still present on the reserve.

  

• 18th February 2026

  Mainly overcast in a fresh south-easterly. The maximum temperature was 5°C.

  An adult Little Gull was off the Fog Station during the morning. The flock of 60 White-fronted Geese flew to roost over Flamborough village at dusk again. Three Woodcock were also seen on the Outer Head. Eleven Snow Buntings were reported from Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

  

• 17th February 2026

  A strong north-westerly brought broken cloud cover with occasional wintry sprinkles; the temperature peaked at 4°C.

  Ducks at Thornwick Pools included three Shoveler, three Gadwall and 80 Teal. Small numbers of thrushes were also present on the Outer Head with 9 Fieldfares and a Redwing.

  

• 16th February 2026

  A milder, bright day with variable cloud cover, a moderate south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 9°C.

  A Little Gull, 68 Red-throated Divers and six Eiders were the best of the seawatch. Five Great Crested Grebes were on the sea off Bridlington Links. Outer Head sightings included four White-fronted Geese, two Shoveler and three Gadwall as Teal numbers increased to 120.

  A White-fronted Goose and a Pink-footed Goose flock were sound recorded over Bempton village last night.

  

• 15th February 2026

  The brighter weather was all too short-lived. Today was a return to overcast, damp and very cool conditions. The wind was a fresh southerly and the temperature rose to no more than 3°C.

  A flight of White-fronted Geese of about 70 birds passed over Flamborough village at dusk towards its roost on the Outer Head. Other sightings included two Shoveler, three Gadwall, a Woodock and six Redwings. A Shelduck was on a flash east of Buckton Hall.

  

• 14th February 2026

  In stark contrast to recent days and weeks, it was a bight sunny day with a light to moderate north-westerly. After a frosty start the temperature rose to 8°C by early afternoon.

  Seawatching highlights included a pair of Pintail, 44 Common Scoter and 59 Red-throated Divers on the sea.

  Two Cranes circled over South Landing before heading out over Bridlington Bay. Nine Barnacle Geese that passed over the Outer Head during the morning, a locally rare Egyptian Goose at Thornwick Fishing Pond, 20 Snow Buntings at Northcliff Marsh and a Black Redstart at Water Lane Paddocks were all new finds. Thornwick Pools attracted three Shoveler, three Gadwall and three Wigeon. A flock of 62 Russian White-fronted Geese dropped into the Northcliff Marsh area mid-afternoon and five Woodcock were also on the Outer Head.

  At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Red-breasted Merganser flew by and a Short-eared Owl was still on the reserve. Fifteen Snow Buntings were along the clifftop at Buckton.

  

• 13th February 2026

  Heavy cloud during the morning with showers with a slightly brighter afternoon in a moderate to fresh easterly. The temperature didn’t vary from 4°C all day.

  The evening flight of geese over Flamborough village to their roost comprised 82 Russian White-fronts; another nine flew over the Outer Head earlier in the day. Thirty Fieldfares passed over the village and a further nine were along Old Fall Hedge with six Redwings. A single Woodcock was also seen.

  At Bempton, a Blackcap and three Fieldfares were seen in the village while two Short-eared Owls continued their stay at the RSPB reserve.

  

• 12th February 2026

  Another day with overcast skies and light rain. The moderate north-easterly pegged the temperature at 4°C.

  Thirty Red-throated Divers were the main highlight from seawatching.

  Sixty Russian White-fronted Geese flew in to roost on the Outer Head at dusk, in addition to one on the Golf Course and another seven over the Bowling Green during the morning. Nine Woodcock were found at South Landing and a further three took evening flights over Bempton Lane. Other sightings included two Shoveler, three Gadwall and five Redwings.

  West of Danes Dyke, three White-fronted Geese fed on fields near mid-Dykes, presumably part of the flock roosting on the Outer Head. There were 52 Fieldfares in Bempton village and three Woodcocks at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

  

• 11th February 2026

  The moderate wind, still coming from an easterly direction, brought heavy cloud, mist and rain throughout the day and the temperature remained at a steady 6°C.

  Despite the weather-limited opportunities for birding, a Short eared Owl, a pair of Shoveler and three Gadwall remained at Thornwick Pools while a flock of White-fronted Geese were heard passing over Flamborough village in the mist at dusk.

  

• 10th February 2026

  A damp and overcast day, a moderate south-easterly and a steady temperature of 6°C.

  Highlights on the Outer Head included 25 White-fronted Geese, a Shelduck, a pair of Shovelers, three Gadwall and a Short-eared Owl. At Bempton, 92 Lapwings seen were along Cliff Lane and two Short-eared Owls continued to hunt on the reserve.

  

• 9th February 2026

  A moderate south-easterly brought more overcast conditions and a maximum temperature of 8°C.

  More Russian White-fronted Geese included 33 on the Outer Head and two at Cliff Lane, Bempton. Movement of Lapwings was also evident totalling 55 east of Flamborough and 71 at Bempton. Other highlights east of Danes Dyke included a Golden Plover, six Woodcocks, 39 Fieldfares, 75 Redwings and three Gadwall remained at Thornwick Pools.

  Five Woodcocks were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and a ringtail Hen Harrier was at Buckton Pond.

  

• 8th February 2026

  Another overcast day with a temperature of 7°C and a moderate southerly breeze.

  White-fronted Geese were a feature of the day with 42 (28 and 14) over Bempton Cliffs RSPB before the flock of 28 were seen over the Outer Head where another three groups totalling 27 birds flew west. Other sightings around Flamborough included a Golden Plover, three Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, 25 Fieldfares and, on its sixth day, the Great White Egret relocated to Northcliff Marsh briefly. Four Shelduck and 66 Red-throated Divers were the pick of the seawatching totals.

  A Short-eared Owl was also at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where two Shelduck, two Woodcock, two Golden Plover and 44 Lapwing were also logged.

  

• 7th February 2026

  Early morning fog slowly lifted leaving a mostly overcast day in a light to moderate southerly. Feeling less cold than recently with a maximum temperature of 8°C.

  A flock of White-fronted Geese was heard flying over South Landing in the murk early morning with further 34 over at midday and two Barnacle Geese also passed over the Outer Head. A Short-eared Owl quartered fields on the northern side of the Head and three Woodcock were also seen. Three Gadwall were at Thornwick Pools.

  The Great White Egret was still in residence at Buckton Pond while 10 Teal and 40 Fieldfare were further up Hoddy Cows Lane and 30 Redwings were also in the area.

  

• 6th February 2026

  Yet another grey, overcast day with drizzle and rain carried on a fresh easterly and a constant temperature of 5°C.

  The Great White Egret was still present at Buckton Pond and two Woodcock were seen on the Outer Head.