An overcast and relatively cool start, with light/moderate northerly winds which later abated when sunshine also dominated. During the seawatch, four Manx Shearwaters, a Whimbrel and five Sandwich Terns flew north.
Two additional Whimbrel flew over the headland, but the day’s highlight related to two Dotterel (male & female) that were located on the field between South Landing and Booted Gully; unfortunately they were flushed by the Coastguard helicopter and flew off north-west. A Short-eared Owl was also present at nearby Oceanview. Three Spotted Flycatchers were the year’s first, with additional migrants including six Willow Warblers, two Chiffchaff, increased numbers of Whitethroats and six Wheatears.
West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Hobby, two Cranes that flew south-west at 0820hrs, a Garden Warbler and two Wheatears. A female Black Redstart was present in Bempton village.
