Light/moderate northerly winds persisted, with overcast skies during the morning and sunny intervals later; temperatures peaked at 13 degrees C. The highlight was the late afternoon discovery of a Red-flanked Bluetail on the cliff top at Beacon Hill where it showed well until dusk. A Radde’s Warbler near North Dykes represented the first record of the year, but proved very elusive. The Olive-backed Pipit in the Lighthouse Grassland and one Dusky Warbler lingered from the previous day, as did the Red-breasted Flycatcher in South Landing.
Other notable records included a Long-tailed Duck still off South Landing, one Barnacle Goose and two Pink-feet with the Greylag flock, a Water Rail at North Marsh, a Jack Snipe, four Woodcock and a Short-eared Owl. Passerine migrants included five Swallows, yesterday’s Marsh Tit touring the outer head, a Siberian Chiffchaff, three Yellow-browed Warblers, Black Redstart, two Redstart, 12 Crossbills and ten Lapland Buntings. Elsewhere, a Barred Warbler showed near Buckton Pond, whilst a Black Redstart frequented RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where three Short-eared Owls hunted the grasslands late afternoon.
A total of 80 birds were rung on the outer head, including 23 Goldcrests and 16 Redwing. A further 23 birds were rung at RSPB Bempton Cliffs including eight Goldcrests and two Brambling.
