29th October 2024

A balmy 18°C was the maximum temperature with a light north-westerly on an overcast day.

Seawatchers at the Fog Station logged two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 35 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, two Great Northern Divers and a Manx Shearwater. In addition, two Mediterranean Gulls, a Sandwich and two Arctic Terns passed.

The main event of the day was a significant afternoon arrival of thrushes many seen spiralling from high out of the sky to make landfall. Counts from number of locations make assessment of the true numbers difficult. Ignoring all possible duplication, the minimum counts were 6950 Redwing, 1540 Fieldfare and 250 Blackbirds. Other migrants included four Woodcock, ten Brambling, five Siskin, a Jack Snipe and three Water Rails.

The Red-flanked Bluetail continued to entertain at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Red-flanked Bluetail, Bempton Cliffs RSPB (IanHoward)