29th September 2024

The day began with light south-west winds backing to moderate south-easterlies during the afternoon; temperatures reached 14 degrees C under relatively bright, but overcast skies. Attention focussed once again on RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where the Pale-legged Leaf Warbler remained in residence. Other notable sightings there included a Great White Egret, a Little Egret, 700 Pink-footed Geese, four Whooper Swans (autumn first), a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull, three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Whinchat and four Wheatear.

The Siberian Stonechat also lingered at North Dykes, but as the south-easterly wind established, it moved onto the western and more sheltered side of the Dykes. Elsewhere, the Icterine Warbler was still at Holmes Gut, as were two Red-breasted Flycatchers. Surprisingly, the ever elusive Hoopoe reappeared briefly at North Landing – giving the star bird a run for its money as the most difficult species to view on the headland! A Green Woodpecker overflew South Landing, where two Reed Warblers and no fewer than seven Yellow-browed Warblers were rung; the latter contributing to 16 YBWs on the outer head. Other notable migrants included a Great White Egret, one Green Sandpiper, a Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, a Spotted Flycatcher and one Mistle Thrush.

A juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured nine Sooty Shearwaters and 6038 Razorbills heading in the same direction.

Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Damian Money
Great White Egret, outer head, by Craig Thomas