26th October 2024

A sunny morning gave way to an overcast afternoon, the light south-westerly backing southerly and a maximum temperature of 13°C.

Ten Whooper Swans moved south during the morning seawatch, other birds passing over the sea included five Great Northern Divers, two Goosander, a Shoveler, single Common and Arctic Terns, an Arctic Skua and 104 Little Gulls.

The main feature of the day was the passage of Whooper Swans including 149 over Bempton Cliffs with 42 of them being seen east of the Dykes. There was evidence of inbound migration with new birds including eight Twite, four Lapland Buntings, a Hawfinch at South Dykes, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Old Fall, nine Siskin, and four Brambling. Three Yellow-browed Warblers were present on the Outer Head while a House Martin was over Flamborough village.

The Red-flanked Bluetail at Bempton Cliffs RSPB has now extended its stay to eleven days. Other sightings there featured 1914 Pink-footed Geese, 54 Golden Plover, a Short-eared Owl, a Swallow, over 350 Redwings in off, a Black Redstart, three Brambling, two Redpolls and 15 Siskin. In addition, two Hawfinch flew over Bempton Caravan Park.

Twite, Seawatch Observatory (Rob Little)