12th November 2016

Weather was largely wet and miserable for the most part; a strong southerly breeze early on easing in the afternoon. Slim pickings on the morning seawatching; seven Shelduck, five Wigeon and two Shoveler south, 13 Teal south (one north), six Common Scoter south (one north), two Red-throated Diver south, eight Gannet south (one north), single Lapwing south, four Black-headed Gull south, single Common Gull south (two north) and a lone Blackbird in-off.

The adult male Mealy Redpoll remained at Thornwick. Elsewhere, a Siberian Chiffchaff, Mealy Redpoll and two Lesser Redpoll were noted on the Outer Head, as was a female ‘northern’ Bullfinch.

At Buckton, a Chiffchaff caught and ringed on 24/10 has been confirmed as the race abietinus, (DNA sample from small dislodged body feather) only the fourth confirmed record in the UK and probably first definite for Yorkshire.

Chiffchaff confirmed race abietinus, Buckton 24/10 by Mark Thomas
Chiffchaff confirmed race abietinus, Buckton 24/10 by Mark Thomas
Juvenile Sanderling at South Landing by Geoff Carr
Juvenile Sanderling, South Landing, by Geoff Carr