22nd February 2025

Spring-like, with light south-west winds, sunny intervals and a high of 14 degrees C. Five White-fronted Geese (3 ads, 2 juvs) frequented fields near North Marsh, with three Pintail, a Shoveler and seven Lapwing in the same area. Migrants included 13 Woodcock, a Golden Plover and 27 Redwing, while Linnets (60) and several pairs of Reed Buntings were newly on territory. It was a good day at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where a Red Kite flew south, a Merlin went south-east and a Raven moved west. Three Golden Plovers and four Lapwing were also recorded, a Water Rail lingered, as did 15 Corn Buntings; in addition, a Small Tortoiseshell provided further evidence that spring was close. Elsewhere, eight Lapwings flew east over Bempton village and 11 Corn Buntings were along Stonepit Lane.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, South Landing, by Rob Little