A moderate wind veered from west to north during an overcast morning, with occasional sunny spells; brighter later, with temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included eight Shoveler north, 55 Common Scoter south, two Great Crested Grebes north and a Crossbill in off, along with two Siskins.
Thornwick Pools attracted single Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper. A Little Egret visited North Marsh, where a Short-eared Owl was also present. Passerine interest on the outer head included a Black Redstart, juvenile Wheatear and a Crossbill.
The day’s highlight related to the discovery of a female Red-backed Shrike at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; two Little Egrets flying north-west, and juvenile Redstart and Wheatear were also on the reserve. Nearby, the Hen Harrier remained on the cliff top at Buckton.
In addition, a presumed escaped ‘Gyr-type Falcon’ was seen at Thornwick early morning.
