A mega day on the headland today with two top quality rares being found, both fell to regular observers and were due reward for effort. The first, and only Yorkshire’s second record, a Crag Martin was found by Andrew Allport near the Lighthouse, the news quickly brought the crowds and many were to enjoy excellent views when it relocated to South Landing before it was last seen heading further west towards Bridlington. Sadly for those not able to get there until the afternoon it was not seen after lunchtime.
Crag Martin, High Stacks, A. Hood
The second rare, a Tawny Pipit was originally found on the golf course by Phil Cunningham and although it gave observers the run around for the rest of the day eventually settled in the sheep field area south of Head Farm where quite a number of people were to finally catch up with it.
Elsewhere the sea watch was pretty uneventful although it was understandably cut short by the arrival of the Crag Martin news! Commoner migrants were in evidence including 9 Wheatear on the Golf Course, 5 at Ocean View and 3 elsewhere, 3+ Swallows and at least 5 Sand Martins, the year’s first House Martin and a male Redstart were at South landing and 2 White Wagtails on the Golf Course. A Willow Warbler was at Ocean View and Blackcap at South Landing and Bay Brambles.