It was a relatively bright day, with spells of hazy sun through high cloud, a light onshore wind developing and temperatures that reached 14 degrees C. The juvenile male Red-headed Bunting remained in residence, albeit it roamed from North Marsh to the Golf Course Willows, but spent the majority of its time at the former site. The Siberian Stonechat also lingered at North Marsh, where additional sightings included single Water Rail, Hen Harrier, Reed Warbler, Wheatear and Lapland Bunting. Sightings from South Dykes/Hartendale included a Ring Ouzel and 13 Crossbills. The White-billed Diver was reported off nearby South Landing, but unfortunately was flushed by a kayak. A Long-tailed Duck was off the same location, where a Jack Snipe was on cliff top stubbles. Skylarks were on the move, with a total of 570 recorded, with many heading south. Meanwhile, Thornwick Pools attracted 159 Teal, two Water Rails and 24 Snipe; five Whooper Swans flew east over the village. The morning’s seawatch was rewarded with a Pintail, 18 Little Gulls and four Mediterranean Gulls.
A Richard’s Pipit was an excellent discovery at RSPB Bempton Cliffs adjacent to North Dykes. Sightings from the reserve also included 2000 Pink-footed Geese, three Hen Harriers and four Short-eared Owls.
