The weather comprised light north-north-westerly winds, sunny intervals and light showers; temperatures only reached nine degrees C. Two Red-breasted Mergansers that flew south were the highlight of a relatively quiet seawatch. Yesterday’s Red-flanked Bluetail remained on the cliff edge at Beacon Hill, a Radde’s Warbler made a brief appearance in the north-west corner of Thornwick Camp, whilst two Dusky Warblers remained: one on the outer head and the other at Buckton. However, a Barred Warbler in cliff top scrub between South Landing and Beacon Hill was a new discovery.
Three Whooper Swans that initially flew north over the Coastguard Cottages, later headed past RSPB Bempton Cliffs. The North Marsh area attracted 90 Teal and 16 Wigeon, whilst Thornwick’s New Workings hosted a Shoveler. Two Woodcock were in situ and a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea on the outer head. Passerine migrants included a House Martin, three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Siberian Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat, 115 Goldcrests, one Ring Ouzel, 50 Redpolls, 12 Siskins, 18 Crossbill and two Lapland Buntings.
Sewerby gardens attracted three Yellow-browed Warblers, 45 Redpolls and a Siskin, with two Short-eared Owls hunting the cliff top at Bempton late afternoon.
