Overcast throughout, with a moderate easterly wind and high of eight degrees C. While such conditions would raise the pulse in October, the unprecedented discovery of a first-winter Isabelline Shrike in an outer head garden still vied with the Song Sparrow and Needletail as the surprise of 2025. Mobbed by passerines, the shrike soon moved out of the garden and unfortunately wasn’t relocated. Less headline-grabbing new arrivals on the outer head included five Woodcock, six Redwing, a Fieldfare, two Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest and four Siskin. A minimum of 500 Pink-footed Geese were also in residence, along with a Water Rail.
The morning seawatch was rewarded with a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 12 Shelduck, 11 Wigeon, eight Eider, 40 Common Scoters, three Goldeneye, five ‘northern’ Herring Gulls, an adult Little Gull, a Puffin and 29 Red-throated Divers.
Short-eared Owl sightings have been sparse this winter, so three birds at RSPB Bempton Cliffs were much appreciated. Nearby, a flock of 98 Lapwing flew south-east over Bempton village.
