A moderate wind veered from the north-west to the north-east late morning; heavy showers were prevalent until mid-morning and temperatures peaked at 13 degrees C. Such conditions proved conducive for an amazing arrival of thrushes who had clearly powered through the ‘opening corridor’ from Scandinavia to the UK; they made landfall throughout the day, but especially during the morning and early afternoon. A total of 32,080 Redwings flew west, along with 4475 Fieldfares, 410 Blackbirds, 14 Ring Ouzels and a Hawfinch; these totals were augmented by thrushes still grounded on the outer head, including 940 Blackbirds, 250 Song Thrush and 750 Redwings.
A southerly movement of 243 Barnacle Geese took place over the outer head until mid-morning, whilst 135 Pink-footed Geese also flew south. In addition to the thrushes, a Woodcock, two Jack Snipe and a Short-eared Owl also made landfall. Further passerine interest included four Yellow-browed Warblers (including one seen to come in off the sea at North Landing!), an eastern Lesser Whitethroat, one Garden Warbler, 28 Rock Pipits on South Landing beach and 17 Brambling. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a Siberian Chiffchaff, whilst Dusky Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler were rung at Buckton.
A ringing session at South Landing/Oceanview/Thornwick resulted in 165 birds being rung including 70 Redwing, 37 Blackbirds and a Ring Ouzel.
