Recent Daily Highlights

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

• 9th August 2026

  Another warm day, with sunny intervals, light westerly winds and a high of 27 degrees C. The rocks at Cattlemere hosted three juvenile Caspian Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 106 Sandwich Terns and seven Common Terns. Elsewhere, the Wood Sandpiper remained in residence at Thornwick Pools and a Quail continued to sing on the outer head. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull and seven Yellow Wagtails were at Hartendale/South Dykes.

  An impressive nine Quail were singing at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with another two at nearby Buckton. Additional sightings at Bempton included a Marsh Harrier, 15 Willow Warblers, a Goldcrest, four Yellow Wagtails and three Minke Whales. Another Quail sang at Speeton, where an adult male Marsh Harrier, a Goldcrest and ten Yellow Wagtails provided further interest.

  

• 8th August 2026

  Sunny, with a moderate onshore wind developing that resulted in temperatures peaking at 22 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with an Arctic Tern, 18 Common Terns, 222 Sandwich Terns and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull all flying north, while a Minke Whale fed offshore. Additional records from the outer head included four Eiders, a Wood Sandpiper (Thornwick Pools), two juvenile Caspian Gulls (Cattlemere), another juvenile Mediterranean Gull (South Landing), a Red Kite, one Quail, 12 Willow Warblers, a Grey Wagtail and four Yellow Wagtails.

  Two Quail were calling at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where sightings included a Hobby, 16 Willow Warblers, 17 Corn Buntings and a Minke Whale. Three Clouded Yellow butterflies were also present on the reserve.

  

• 7th August 2026

  Sunny intervals, a light/moderate south-westerly wind and high of 24 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 91 Common Scoters, eight Common Terns, 82 Sandwich Terns and 32 Manx Shearwaters all flying north. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull rested on the rocks at Cattlmere. A Marsh Harrier came in off the sea and another two hunted the outer head, where a Hobby pursued hirundines. Wader interest included the long-staying Wood Sandpiper at Thornwick Pools, single Greenshank and Ruff flying south at the outer head and four Black-tailed Godwits over the Bowling Green. Elsewhere, two Quail continued to sing east of the Dykes. Other migrants included a Cuckoo, a Garden Warbler, three Spotted Flycatchers and two Grey Wagtails.

  At least seven Quail were singing in the Bempton/Buckton area, with other records including a Greenshank and one Wheatear.

  

• 6th August 2026

  A southbound Cory’s Shearwater at 1230hrs represented the highlight of a seawatch that also recorded eight Whimbrel, three juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, two juvenile Caspian Gulls, four Arctic Skuas, four Sooty Shearwaters and two Minke Whales. Thornwick Pools hosted a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, one Green Sandpiper, the juvenile Wood Sandpiper and three Dunlin. Grounded migrants on the outer head included a Short-eared Owl, one Quail, a Cuckoo, 17 Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler and two Spotted Flycatchers.

  Sightings from Buckton included two Quail, two Marsh Harriers, a Hobby, one Redstart and a Spotted Flycatcher. Nearby, Bempton attracted another two Quail and a fly-over Green Sandpiper.

  

• 5th August 2026

  Sunny intervals, strong westerly winds and a high of 23 degrees C. A Sooty Shearwater provided the highlight of the morning seawatch. Nearby, the Cattlemere shoreline attracted a juvenile Caspian Gull, a Whimbrel and three Knot. Single Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl were pushed onto the extreme outer head by the strength of the winds, as no doubt was a Hobby tracking back west over the village.

  The Thornwick area hosted 46 Tufted Ducks, two Little Grebes, two Dunlin and a Wood Sandpiper. Two Quail called from RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with another on the outer head near Old Fall.

  

• 4th August 2026

  The weather consisted of sunny intervals, occasional and very light showers, a light/moderate easterly wind and high of 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 162 Oystercatchers, 18 Whimbrel and 28 Knot all south and 1088 Sandwich Terns; the latter the highest count for at least 15 years. Other sightings included a Little Gull, a Red-throated Diver, two juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. Four Quail sang on the outer head, where other notable records included: five Golden Plovers, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, two Greenshank, four Mediterranean Gulls, one Garden Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Grey Wagtail.

  A total of six Quail sang between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Buckton, with other sightings including a Golden Plover, five Yellow Wagtails and two Willow Warblers.

  

• 3rd August 2026

  A moderate easterly wind established during a largely sunny day with temperatures reaching 22 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included four Teal, 78 Common Scoters, 99 Oystercatchers, four Arctic Terns, 45 Common Terns, 534 Sandwich Terns, four Mediterranean Gulls, two juvenile Caspian Gulls, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and an Arctic Skua. Nearby, five juvenile Caspian Gulls and two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls dropped onto Cattlemere, while five Mediterranean Gulls were shared between South Landing/Hartendale and Thornwick Pools.

  Wader interest included two Greenshank and two Green Sandpipers, while three Quail remained in residence on the outer head. The switch to easterlies also resulted in the arrival of single Reed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Wheatear and Redstart.

  

• 2nd August 2026

  Sunny throughout with temperatures only reaching 20 degrees C as an onshore easterly established. Three juvenile Caspian Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and a juvenile Mediteranean Gull were recorded at Cattlemere, where single Dunlin, Knot and Whimbrel were also present. Other records along the South Cliffs included three Eider, a Little Egret, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier, an additional three Whimbrel, two Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls. Three singing Quail remained in crop near Old Fall. A juvenile Cuckoo lingered on the outer head, where passerine interest included a migrant Reed Warbler, seven Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Grey Wagtails and 14 Yellow Wagtails. However, the true extent of passage was indicated by a marathon ringing session at South Landing that included: 66 Common Whitethroats, four Lesser Whitethroats, 14 Blackcap, two Garden Warblers, three Reed Warblers, seven Sedge Warblers, nine Chiffchaffs, ten Willow Warblers and a Goldcrest. While a proportion of these birds may have been local in origin, many would undoubtedly be migrants from further afield.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs/Buckton included a Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, four singing Quail and 20 Yellow Wagtails.

  

• 1st August 2026

  The month opened with sunny intervals, a light/moderate westerly wind and high of 23 degrees C. A record-breaking 25 Mediterranean Gulls (24 juvs, one second-summer) flew north, while larid interest was maintained with four Caspian Gulls (three juvs, one second-summer) and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. Three Quail called from fields adjacent to Old Fall and a Hobby chased Linnets off High Stacks. A feeding movement of 200 Swifts gradually drifting west over South Landing took place mid-morning, with 70 also recorded over Bempton. Further evidence of passerine migration included a Reed Warbler and 11 Willow Warblers at Oceanview.

  Three Quail and a Marsh Harrier were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a further two Quail were audible from Bempton village.

  

  

• 31st July 2026

  Sunny intervals, light variable winds and a high of 21 degrees C. The Cattlemere rocks hosted five juvenile Caspian Gulls, a Little Egret, four Eider, two Dunlin and nine Whimbrel. Elsewhere, Thornwick Pools attracted single Snipe, Green Sandpiper and Dunlin. A Short-eared Owl toured the outer head where four Quail, seven Willow Warblers, two Wheatear, two Spotted Flycatchers and five Yellow Wagtails were also present. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was off North Landing, while a singing Grasshopper Warbler was on the opposite side of the head at South Dykes.

  Increased cloud, especially inland, induced a Swift movement: 585 flew south-west over the outer head in the evening. Seawatch highlights included a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and one Arctic Skua.

  An additional two Quail were singing between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier also hunted cliff top fields in the Bempton area, as did a Merlin.

  

  

• 30th July 2026

  Light, variable winds, some sunny intervals and a high of 23 degrees C. Eleven juvenile Mediterranean Gulls flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured an Arctic Skua.

  Three Quail continued to call from arable crops between Old Fall and Oceanview. Two juvenile Cuckoos were present – a single at Oceanview and another at Speeton. Passerine interest on the outer head included Goldcrest and Redpoll.

  Another Quail was singing from cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Golden Plover, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, six Yellow Wagtails and a Minke Whale were also recorded.

  

• 29th July 2026

  Another warm day, with temperatures reaching 27 degrees C by midday under sunny skies; a cooling onshore breeze subsequently provided relief in the afternoon. Seawatch highlights included five Golden Plovers moving south, a Common Tern, 245 Sandwich Terns and two Arctic Skuas north with a Minke Whale offshore.

  There were five calling Quail on the outer head providing further evidence of an increase over the last two days. Other notable records included a Merlin, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier, two Whimbrel and a ‘migrant’ Reed Warbler.

  

  

• 28th July 2026

  A hot day, with sunny intervals, a moderate south-west wind and maximum of 29 degrees C. Quail again featured strongly, with four calling on the outer head, one at Mid Dykes, three at Bempton Cliffs and another at Buckton Hall.

  A Red Kite toured the the outer head before visiting RSPB Bempton Cliffs. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull and two Arctic Skuas flew past the Fog Station, with six Eider and four Dunlin also at South Landing. A Green Sandpiper flew west over Mid Dykes.

  Additional records from Bempton included a Marsh Harrier and a Clouded Yellow. Four juvenile Marsh Harriers hunted fields around Buckton Hall.

  

• 27th July 2026

  A relatively bright day, with a moderate westerly wind and high of 23 degrees C. An arrival of Willow Warblers was apparent: 24 were shared between the Old Fall circuit, South Dykes and Oceanview, indicating the potential scale of numbers that must have been present across the entire headland. In addition, a juvenile Spotted Flycatcher and the long-staying Quail lingered at Old Fall. Other notable sightings included three Grey Wagtails on the outer head and a juvenile Red Kite over Bempton village.

  

• 26th July 2026

  Generally overcast, with a moderate westerly veering northerly, occasional showers interspersed with sunny intervals and a high of 22 degrees C. The juvenile Black Stork presumably roosted in the Micklemires area, where it showed in flight a couple of times during the morning. However, perhaps due to the subtle change in wind direction, just before mid-day it overflew Whelkie Wynds and slowly drifted south-west; it was last seen continuing in the same direction south of Bridlington early afternoon. Two Shelduck, four Black-tailed Godwits, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and a juvenile Merlin were seen from the Fog Station. Nearby, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, two Sanderling and 17 Turnstones were at Cattlemere. South Landing hosted three Eider, another juvenile Mediterranean Gull, two Ringed Plover, a Dunlin and one Whimbrel.

  A Hobby flew past Old Fall, where two Spotted Flycatchers remained, while a Quail was calling on the north side of Lighthouse Road. Another Quail was calling at Croft’s Hill in the evening. Numbers of Swifts were pushed onto the headland by the showers and included 300 birds over Marton.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included three Manx Shearwaters, four Willow Warblers, three Yellow Wagtails and a Minke Whale.

  

  

• 25th July 2026

  Mainly overcast, with occasional sunny intervals, a high of 24 degrees C and, importantly, a blustery westerly wind. The latter was responsible for pushing a headline-grabbing juvenile Black Stork onto the headland. Initially photographed moving south-east over the sea at RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1040hrs, it made landfall at the Fog Station ten minutes later. Despite being elusive for much of the day, it toured various fields (but mainly hidden dips!) east of the village through to the evening. This represents the second record for the headland, following a single in August 2021.

  Additional seawatch highlights included six juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, two juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. A total of 250 Sandwich Terns flew north, while a single Minke Whale added interest. Elsewhere, nine Dunlin dropped onto Thornwick Pools and a Hobby flew west over the village.

  

  

• 24th July 2026

  A sunny and warm day, with light/moderate westerly winds and a maximum of 26 degrees C. Seawatch records included juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and juvenile Caspian Gull together with five Great Crested Grebes and an Arctic Skua. Three Little Egrets, four Whimbrel, three Golden Plover, 42 Redshank, 17 Turnstone and an adult Mediterranean Gull were in residence. A Short-eared Owl briefly dropped into the Gorse Field, while a single Red Kite toured the outer head. Other notable sightings included a single Quail, a juvenile Cuckoo, two Wheatear, 11 Yellow Wagtails and four Willow Warblers were present. A Nuthatch that visited a village garden was unusual.

  

  

• 23rd July 2026

  Sunny intervals established mid-morning during a day of very light winds and high of 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Common Terns, 332 Sandwich Terns and two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls flying north, while 62 Oystercatchers and a Ringed Plover headed south. In addition, four Minke Whales fed offshore, the first sighting for a couple of weeks. Three Marsh Harriers toured the outer head, where three Willow Warblers were also present. At least one calling Quail also remained in the same area.

  Records from Buckton included two Quail and a Marsh Harrier, while an adult Mediterranean Gull overflew RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  

• 22nd July 2026

  The weather followed a similar pattern of late, with overcast skies and occasional light drizzle preceding sunshine; light northerly winds once again and a high of 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 114 Common Scoters, 206 Sandwich Terns, two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, an Arctic Skua, two Sooty Shearwaters and 18 Manx Shearwaters all flying north. A Sunfish off High Stacks represented an unusual record.

  A juvenile Marsh Harrier toured the outer head, while six Eider and a Little Egret remained below the South Cliffs; another juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew past South Landing. Three Quail called from fields on the south side of the outer head. The Spotted Flycatcher family remained at Old Fall, where a migrant Willow Warbler a Hobby were present. Twelve Yellow Wagtails also frequented the outer head.

  Sightings from Buckton included two creamcrown Marsh Harriers, three Quail calling and a Tree Pipit. An adult Mediterranean Gull was on the shore between South Dykes and Sewerby.

  

• 21st July 2026

  The day ended with sunny skies after an overcast start; there were light northerly winds and temperatures reached 19 degrees C. A record-breaking 14 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls flying north were a particular feature of the seawatch. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls included a yellow darvic-ringed individual. Other notable records included 345 Common Scoters, four Arctic Terns, 256 Sandwich Terns, two Arctic Skuas and three Little Egrets. A single Quail was singing from the outer head, a Hobby overflew North Landing and 13 Whimbrel were recorded at South Landing. Evidence that passerines have started to move came in the form of five Willow Warblers and a ‘migrant’ Sedge Warbler.

  Three Marsh Harriers, five Yellow Wagtails and 420 Painted Lady butterflies were the most notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

  Four Purple Hairstreaks near South Dykes represented an excellent local record.

  

• 20th July 2026

  Sunny, with light onshore winds and a peak of 21 degrees C. Seawatching produced the year’s first Sooty Shearwater, a Blue Fulmar, the first juvenile Caspian Gull of the season, a flock of 16 Whimbrel moving south, 621 Sandwich Terns north (including 47 birds that cut the head by flying overland), two Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie and 42 Manx Shearwaters. Elsewhere, Thornwick Pools hosted single Green Sandpiper and Redshank along with two Dunlin.

  The day’s most significent surprise was an adult Spotted Flycatcher feeding a newly fledged juvenile in Old Fall. Additional records included six Eider, a Quail calling along the South Cliffs and 19 Yellow Wagtails.

  

  

• 19th July 2026

  Blustery northerly winds, an overcast morning with occasional light showers that preceded brighter skies; temperatures eventually reached 18 degrees C after a distinctly cooler start. Seawatch highlights included five Wigeon, seven Arctic Terns, 237 Sandwich Terns, a Mediterranean Gull, a Bonxie and 26 Manx Shearwaters.

  The summering Bonxie was still in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where additional sightings included two Arctic Terns, a Hobby and three Yellow Wagtails.

  

• 18th July 2026

  Overcast until mid-afternoon, with a blustery northerly wind and high of 18 degrees C. Attention focused on seawatching which was rewarded with: 115 Oystercatchers south, 35 Arctic Terns north, 82 Sandwich Terns, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, three Little Gulls, two Bonxies, 3660 Puffins north and 71 Manx Shearwaters also north.

  Further evidence that some passerines are already on the move came in the form of a Spotted Flycatcher at the Bowling Geen.

  

• 17th July 2026

  A northerly wind strengthened during the day; overcast at first, with sunny intervals from late morning and a high of 19 degrees C. These were essentially seawatch conditions, and oft said, the season begins in mid-July – certainly the day featured an uptick in quality.

  The undoubted highlight of a morning seawatch was a summer-plumaged Black Guillemot that flew north past the Fog Station at 0915hrs. Number of Puffins tend to peak during July, presumably as non-breeding birds reconnoitre colonies ahead of the next breeding season: a total of 4950 Puffins flying north during the morning was testament to such an increase. Other notable records included a Blue Fulmar lingering offshore, an eclipse drake Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Manx Shearwaters, 20 Oystercatchers south, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, an Arctic Skua, 286 Sandwich Terns north and six Arctic Terns also north. In addition, a Marsh Harrier flew in off the sea. Later in the day, a Cory’s Shearwater flew north relatively close inshore from 1915-1922hrs.

  Thornwick Pools hosted 47 Tufted Ducks, including a female with a recently hatched duckling. Passerine records included a Garden Warbler at Oceanview and nine Yellow Wagtails.

  A Quail was seen in flight at Bempton, where single Marsh Harrier and Bonxie were also recorded.

  

• 16th July 2026

  Light northerly winds throughout; an overcast morning preceded brighter skies, while temperatures reached 20 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with 126 Common Scoters, 32 Arctic Terns, 73 Sandwich Terns, two Arctic Skuas and 13 Manx Shearwaters flying north; a flock of 17 Black-tailed Godwits headed south.

  Elsewhere, a lone Quail continued to sing from fields along Lighthouse Road, a Whimbrel was on the shore at Hartendale and a female-type Black Redstart appeared at the Fog Station; the latter the second individual this week, following an adult male.

  Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, one Snipe, seven Eiders (flying north-west) and a Bonxie.

  

  

• 15th July 2026

  Overcast until the evening when sunny intervals prevailed; there were light north-east winds and a high of 18 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 15 Teal, 225 Common Scoters, five Arctic Terns, 196 Sandwich Terns, a Mediterranean Gull, three Arctic Skuas and 27 Manx Shearwaters that all flew north. A lone Bonxie lingered offshore, while a recently fledged Herring Gull loafed with gulls at Cattlemere.

  

• 14th July 2026

  A blustery northerly wind, relatively cloudy skies and a high of 17 degrees C. The undoubted highlight was the discovery of an immature Brown Booby at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Photographed off Breil Nook late morning, it eventually flew off north-west. However, it then re-appeared briefly along the cliffs mid-afternoon before disappearing below the cliff-line. This constitutes the second record for the headland, following the well-twitched bird that lingered off the Flamborough/Filey coast in September 2023. Additional sightings from Buckton/Bempton included a Bonxie, a singing Quail, a Marsh Harrier and an adult Mediterranean Gull.

  A morning seawatch at the Fog Station was rewarded with 58 Common Scoters, 32 Manx Shearwaters, 1503 Puffins, 14 Arctic Terns and two Bonxies flying north; a lone Arctic Skua also flew south. In the evening, 30 Common Scoters, ten Manx Shearwaters and 1308 Puffins flew north in 90 minutes. Elsewhere, two Quail sang on the outer head, while a Hobby flew over South Landing.

  

• 13th July 2026

  Variable cloud cover in a moderate to fresh north-easterly, the temperature reaching 19°C.

  Unexpected finds of the day were a drake Scaup off South Landing and a Black Redstart. Other sightings around the Outer Head include two Whimbrel, a Greenshank, two Grey Wagtails and a singing Quail. Eleven Manx Shearwaters, three Arctic Terns and 12 Common Scoters were the best of a morning seawatch.

  A Great Skua continued to patrol offshore at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

  

• 12th July 2026

  Sunny skies returned but the moderate north-easterly moderated the temperature which reached 20°C.

  Seawatching totals included 14 Common Scoter, ten Arctic Terns and 19 Manx Shearwaters. A White Wagtail at Thornwick Pools was a new migrant.

  

• 11th July 2025

  Cloud carried in on an onshore light north-easterly meant cooler conditions with the temperature reaching 19°C.

  Seawatching at the Fog Station provided highlights that include seven Eider, 252 Common Scoter, a Whimbrel, two Arctic Skuas and two Manx Shearwaters.

  Yesterday’s Wood Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools, two Whimbrel came in off the sea at Breil Nook and five Mediterranean Gulls were along the southern cliffs. A single Quail called on the Outer Head.

  A phylloscopus, thought to be either a Greenish or Green Warbler, sang for just a few minutes at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and recorded but, frustratingly, it was not seen or heard subsequently. Investigation into its identity is ongoing.