Once early morning cloud cleared, it was a day of sunny intervals, light south-westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 11 degrees C. The following list of notable species – Chiffchaff (Old Fall), Black Redstart (Hartendale), Swallow (RSPB Bempton Cliffs) & Small Tortoiseshell butterfly (south along the cliffs by the Golf Course) were more suggestive of the latter half of March than New Year.
However, the day’s highlight was a drake Green-winged Teal at Buckton, only the second record for the headland; unfortunately it flew west with 20 Teal when disturbed. Additional wildfowl interest included eight Pink-footed Geese, seven Shelduck flying south, 32 Wigeon at North Marsh, 174 Teal shared between North Marsh/Thornwick Pools, two Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneye. Passerine interest included nine Song Thrush, two Mistle Thrush, five Fieldfare, three Redwing, a Goldcrest, eight Reed Buntings and 43 Yellowhammers. Three Short-eared Owls continued to give good views at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
