Spring sprung into action at last. It was a largely overcast day, with heavy showers from mid-afternoon; crucially, temperatures increased substantially to 13 degrees C in a light/moderate southerly wind.
The highlight of the morning’s seawatch pertained to three Sandwich Terns that flew north. Two Brent Geese and a lone Pink-foot remained at North Marsh. An immature male Marsh Harrier and a Red Kite overflew the headland during the morning; the latter having earlier flown through Bempton and a Short-eared Owl also frequented Thornwick.
Three Firecrests were located, including an individual at South Landing, whilst two Black Redstarts were also in residence. However, the day’s highlight related to the evening discovery of a female Bluethroat at Thornwick Pools. Meanwhile, the Old Fall Steps area hosted a Hawfinch mid-afternoon. Further migrants included the year’s first Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaffs, 23 Goldcrests, 121 Blackbirds, 50 Robin, three Wheatears, three White Wagtails and eight Brambling.
West of the Dykes, a Great Grey Shrike headlined at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional interest was provided by the aforementioned Red Kite, a White Wagtail, 214 Meadow Pipits flying north-west and 22 Robins.
