A relatively bright day, with a light west-south-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 14 degrees C. The first-winter Red-headed Bunting remained in the North Marsh area, albeit it disappeared for a significant portion of the afternoon. In addition, the Siberian Stonechat and Little Bunting were also still present.
Pink-footed Geese were on the move, with 1200 over North Landing in the evening, presumably having earlier been feeding on fields on the northern side of the headland; additional skeins containing 420 ‘Pinkies’ moved south during the morning. Four Barnacle Geese were caught up in the same movement, as were 17 Whooper Swans. Two Cranes toured the headland once more and were seen over Bempton and the outer head.
Two ringtail Hen Harriers, a Marsh Harrier, the Merlin and two Short-eared Owls hunted the outer head, while the late Black Tern was off South Landing. Increased observer coverage resultant from the bunting twitch unearthed three ‘continental’ Coal Tits that flew west from Bay Brambles, one Ring Ouzel, a male Black Redstart, a Twite and three Crossbills. A Green Woodpecker that flew over South Landing early morning was an excellent local record.
Two ringtail Hen Harriers were still in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where notable records included 800 Pink-footed Geese, a Barnacle Goose and three Short-eared Owls.
