The morning seawatch although fairly uneventful did include 2 Gadwall going south. The year’s first Hobby also went south early on amongst a light passage of hirundines over the Golf Course (20 Swallows, 8 Sand Martins and a Swift), there were 2 flava wagtails also heading south and 6 Wheatears on the golf course itself. An unusual record of 3 flocks of ca 45 Woodpigeon coming in off the sea was noteworthy. Other birds of note were a Bar-tailed Godwit on North Marsh and 2 female Ring Ouzels in the gorse field.
Five Little Terns were picked up from a Yorkshire Coast Nature seabird boat trip this morning (MJP et al) heading south off the the southern side of the headland and then past Bridlington; a rare bird locally, five together is exceptional.
Away from the headland there was a male Garganey on Buckton Pond possibly the same bird as was seen at Filey recently?
Late news from the Buckton area from over the weekend included a fine Long-eared Owl (4th) and ringing activity there included Corn Bunting (4th) and Greenland Wheatear (5th).
The seabird colony at Bempton is now in full swing with visitors enjoying excellent views of birds on the cliffs including Puffins which continue to delight. Unfortunately they were not able to connect with the non avian highlight of the day, several Bottle nosed Dolphins being seen, a group of five and another of approx 10 both heading north.
