A day of lighter south-west winds than of late, generally overcast with temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 72 Pink-footed Geese, a Sooty Shearwater and eight Bonxies flew south, with another Sooty Shearwater, 17 Manx Shearwaters, 393 Black-headed Gulls, 41 Sandwich Terns, 32 Common Terns and three Arctic Skuas heading in the opposite direction.
An additional 170 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the headland, as did a Little Egret. However, the day’s highlight was undoubtedly a Green Woodpecker, a true local rarity, located along the cliff top between Beacon Hill and South Landing. Passerine interest included seven Whinchat, six Wheatear, a Redstart and three Corn Buntings.
West of the Dykes, 173 Pink-footed Geese flew south at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there was also a Swift, one Spotted Flycatcher, four Yellow Wagtails and 25 Yellowhammers. A total of 50 Pied Wagtails roosted at Muntons, near Sewerby.
