That winds could be other than gale force seemed a shock on a day of a light south-westerly breeze, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. A total of 1760 Pink-footed Geese flew north along the Dykes early morning to feed in cliff top fields near Bempton; an additional 430 Pink-feet flew in off the sea and south over the headland and joined 35 Whooper Swans that did the same. A Mute Swan on Thornwick Pools was noteworthy given the species scarce local status. Two Water Rails were located (including a cliff top migrant), a Merlin frequented North Marsh and nine Woodcock represented the largest count of the autumn. Four Mediterranean Gulls and a late Sandwich Tern were recorded on the seawatch. Passerine migrants included 27 Redwing, a Fieldfare, five Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, 11 Stonechat, the year’s first Richard’s Pipit on the cliff top north-west of Thornwick Camp, three Grey Wagtails, 128 Siskin (south), 25 Lesser Redpoll, nine Brambling, two Twite and two Snow Buntings.
