It was overcast throughout, with brief spells of very light drizzle and occasional mist; the light/moderate wind was initially from the east before switching to a southerly. While predicted by many, the day proved as good as anyone could hope for and resulted in a very significant fall of migrants from the east.
Headlines included Flamborough’s fourth ever Glossy Ibis that eventually flew south over the outer head and a Cetti’s Warbler ringed at South Landing. A vocal Radde’s Warbler was discovered at Thornwick early afternoon, while seven Yellow-browed Warblers arrived on the outer head during the afternoon, as did a Little Bunting. A Dotterel overflew Old Fall, while three Woodcock, four Jack Snipe, a Long-eared Owl and no fewer than nine Short-eared Owls all made landfall during the day. Other migrant totals included 28,380 Redwing, 1790 Song Thrush, 660 Fieldfares, 18 Ring Ouzels, a Jay, 1500 Goldcrests, 450 Meadow Pipits, 44 Chiffchaffs, 20 Blackcap, one Common Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, one Pied Flycatcher, 70 Robins, a Whinchat, three Common Redstarts, 210 Brambling and a Hawfinch. Unfortunately, the origin of a Treecreeper that briefly appeared on cliffs below the lighthouse early afternoon remained unknown. Seawatch highlights included 78 dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Velvet Scoter flying south.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs was also busy, with notable records including three Barnacle Geese, 108 Wigeon, four Pintail and a Grey Plover. A Jack Snipe was fresh in, as were 14 Snipe. A ringtail Hen Harrier lingered over cliff top fields, while five Short-eared Owls included two in off. Three Yellow-browed Warblers were present, along with 150 Goldcrests, 3219 Redwing, six Ring Ouzels, 30 Robins and 79 Brambling.
