A day of two halves, starting with light south-west winds and bright spells but ending with blustery southerlies, overcast skies and rain. The discovery of a Little Bunting along the South Cliffs was a major surprise, although with hindsight fitted an arrival pattern of several ‘late autumn’ migrants along the East Coast over recent days. Unsurprisingly, this represented the first Flamborough record for December.
A total of 650 Pink-footed Geese included 490 flying south and 160 feeding in fields on the outer head. Following recent heavy rains, a series of winter flashes have re-appeared and were favoured by 252 Teal, a Gadwall and 25 Wigeon. Passerine interest included a Cetti’s Warbler, two Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests, 19 Meadow Pipits, 430 Linnets and two Snow Buntings (North Marsh).
Additional sightings from Buckton/RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 167 Lapwing, a Water Rail, two Woodcock, 150 Skylark, two Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, a Fieldfare, 27 Snow Buntings (including 19 flying south-east), a Lapland Bunting, 120 Corn Buntings, 85 Yellowhammers and 15 Reed Buntings.
