Winds were light and variable, although generally from a north-westerly direction; it remained sunny for most of the day, with light showers during the afternoon. Seawatching improved, as birds re-orientated back north after the strong winds earlier in the week: nine Shelduck, a summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver, 460 Fulmar, 12 Manx Shearwater, 15 Sandwich Tern, five Common Terns, 29 Arctic Terns and 288 Puffins all flew north, whilst a Bonxie headed south.
An Egyptian Goose associated with the Greylags near North Marsh and six Shelduck toured the Headland. Three Whimbrel flew north, while a lone Snipe remained in residence. Passerines included a Hooded Crow, eight Willow Warblers, 13 Chiffchaffs, a singing Grasshopper Warbler, a male Whinchat, seven Wheatear, seven Yellow Wagtails, one White Wagtail and a Brambling.
The day’s highlight related to a Common Crane that flew south-east over Buckton Hall at 1317hrs and was then spotted circling over North Dykes ten minutes later. It eventually flew east and was lost to view over the Outer Head c. 1340hrs.
West of the Dykes, three Common Buzzards, a Short-eared Owl, 21 Swallows flying west, four Wheatear and 29 Corn Buntings were recorded from Bempton, with probably the same Short-eared Owl and two singing Grasshopper Warblers at nearby Buckton.
