Category: Sightings

A day of light westerly winds and overcast conditions. Seawatch highlights included a Great Crested Grebe flying south, 18 Manx Shearwaters moving north, with 16 Oystercatchers, six Knot, 22 Sanderling, 97 Dunlin and 38 Redshank all heading south. An Arctic Skua flew north, the Bonxie remained, whilst a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flew south. A total of 660 Sandwich Terns flew north (plus 45 south), 18 Common and seven Arctic Terns also flew north, along with a single Little Tern.

It was a day of lighter south-westerly winds and sunny intervals. Seawatching highlights included a Great Crested Grebe, eight Manx Shearwaters, 12 Oystercatcher, 22 Whimbrel, 22 Dunlin and 14 Redshank all flying south. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew north, with 25 Sandwich and one Common Tern flying south. The summering Bonxie remained offshore.

Thornwick Pool attracted a Grey Heron, nine Dunlin and two Yellow Wagtails, whilst a Short-eared Owl flew over the pools. Single Whimbrel and Knot frequented the shore at South Landing, the male White Wagtail remained in the Lighthouse car-park and four Siskins were at Oceanview.

Winds were light and variable during the day with mainly overcast conditions. Seawatching produced ten Manx Shearwaters flying north, three Teal moving south, 21 Common Scoters north, a Little Gull moving in the same direction and 49 Sandwich Terns also flying north. Single Arctic Skua and Bonxie lingered offshore.

The Grey Heron and two Dunlin frequented Thornwick Pool, where single Whimbrel and Redshank flew over. Another Whimbrel and a Knot were at South Landing, a Short-eared Owl hunted near the Lighthouse, where the White Wagtail also remained.

A Hobby was seen at Buckton.

Winds were light and from the south-west, with bright, but generally overcast skies. Seawatching produced eight Common Scoter moving north, 17 Oystercatcher, 17 Dunlin, 17 Whimbrel and 17 Redshank all flying south. Single Bonxie and Little Gull flew south, whilst 47 Sandwich Terns headed north.

Two Little Ringed Plovers, four Dunlin, four Yellow Wagtails and one Grey Wagtail frequented Thornwick Pools, with another Little Ringed Plover on the Outer Head. A Short-eared Owl overflew South Landing, the year’s first Cuckoo (!) flew from South Landing towards Lighthouse Road and two juvenile Stonechats were on the Outer Head, as were two Lesser Redpolls.

Winds were light, initially from the north and later the east and after a relatively bright start overcast conditions predominated; temperatures of 15 degrees C felt cool. Seawatching produced seven Manx Shearwaters, a Grey Heron, 44 Common Scoter and two Arctic Skuas moving north. Two Bonxies headed south, as did a single Little Gull, with 18 Sandwich, two Common and five Arctic Terns flying north.

A Common Buzzard flew over Mid-Dykes, a Dunlin and two Yellow Wagtails frequented Thornwick Pools and the White Wagtail was in the Lighthouse car-park.

The day started with strong northerlies and showers, with the wind decreasing in strength during the afternoon. During the seawatch, 189 Fulmars, 24 Manx Shearwaters, a Sooty Shearwater and a Balearic Shearwater all flew north. A total of 55 Common Scoter flew in the same direction, whilst an Arctic Skua flew south two Bonxies were recorded and three Arctic Terns headed north.

Single Grey Heron, Green Sandpiper, Dunlin and Yellow Wagtail all frequented Thornwick Pools.

A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull loafed on the beach with other gulls at Sewerby.

The day started with light south-westerlies with strengthening south-easterlies later, with rain from mid-afternoon after a sunny start.

Seawatching produced 200 Fulmars, two Sooty and 120 Manx Shearwaters flying north. A Shelduck, seven Teal, two Tufted Duck moving south and 36 Common Scoters. A southerly movement included 163 Oystercatchers, 20 Knot, 18 Sanderling, 18 Whimbrel and 48 Redshank. One Little Gull flew north along with 282 Sandwich Terns, nine Common Terns and 162 Arctic Terns. A Bonxie again lingered offshore, whilst a Grey Wagtail flew south over the Fog Station.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Grey Herons, a Ruff, five Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, two Snipe and a Yellow Wagtail. Elsewhere, a Siskin was seen at Oceanview.

The day featured light/moderate north-westerly winds and occasional showers. The seawatch produced 30 Manx Shearwaters ‘blogging’ offshore, a Balearic Shearwater that flew north, 30 Common Scoter flying north (and 19 south), 26 Oystercatchers heading south, one Bonxie, 29 Sandwich Terns flying north and single Common and Arctic Terns.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Grey Heron, a Bar-tailed Godwit, one Ruff, two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, six Dunlin and four Redshank. Two Golden Plovers flew south over the headland, as did three Whimbrel.

A light northerly wind lasted all day with rain off and on throughout and temperatures that rose to a miserly 12 degrees C. Seawatching produced 20 Manx Shearwaters and 36 Common Scoter flying north, an Arctic Skua moved south, the ‘resident’ Bonxie remained offshore, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flew south and 15 Sandwich Terns headed north.

A Hobby flew south past the Fog Station, seven Whimbrel were recorded around the Headland, five Dunlin frequented Thornwick Pools and the male White Wagtail was again near the Lighthouse.

The day featured a strong north-north-westerly, overcast conditions and occasional drizzle. Seawatching highlights included a Red-throated Diver flying north, a Blue Fulmar also moving north together with 192 Fulmars, 26 Manx Shearwaters and a Grey Plover, whilst a Pomarine Skua tracked south. Additional sightings included two Arctic Skuas, with 43 Sandwich and three Arctic Terns flying north and the Bonxie remained offshore.

A Ruff, one Green Sandpiper and three Dunlin frequented Thornwick Pools.

It was another day of strong northerly winds which gradually reduced in strength during the day and overcast. Seawatching produced four Red-throated Divers flying north, 184 Fulmars, 272 Manx Shearwaters, 68 Common and one Velvet Scoter all flying north. Two adult Pomarine Skuas flew north, an adult Long-tailed Skua flew south, with two Arctic Skuas and three Bonxies also recorded. In addition, 96 Sandwich Terns, 14 Common Terns and 37 Arctic Terns all flew north, whilst a Purple Sandpiper was in residence. A Hobby and a Greenshank were at North Marsh.

A Short-eared Owl was immediately inland of Buckton.

It was a day of lighter north-north-west winds and sunny intervals. During the seawatch, a Red-throated Diver flew north, together with 270 Fulmars and 44 Manx Shearwaters, a Wigeon headed south and 32 Common Scoters went north. In addition, two Arctic Skuas went south, a Bonxie headed north, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flew south and 140 Sandwich Terns, 21 Common and two Arctic Terns went north (with three south).

A Short-eared Owl hunted fields near the Lighthouse and single Willow Warblers were at Thornwick and North Landing.

A Little Egret was at Buckton Pond.

Light to moderate south-westerlies and sunny intervals featured throughout most of the day, with heavy showers during the late afternoon. During an evening seawatch, three Manx Shearwaters, four Eiders, 64 Sandwich, five Common and a single Arctic Tern flew north, with the Bonxie still in residence. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was on the beach at Sewerby, where there were also seven Common Tern and a Whimbrel.

Thornwick Pools attracted single Grey Heron and Little Egret, three Teal, one Ruff, three Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper. A Wheatear, two Grey Wagtails and a Willow Warbler were nearby.

Buckton Ponds also hosted Little Egret and Grey Heron.

The day started with light westerly winds, overcast conditions and light rain and ended with moderate south-easterlies and sunny intervals. During the seawatch, a Red-throated Diver flew south, a Blue Fulmar stayed offshore and one Shelduck, eight Teal and four Eider headed north. Waders moving south included 48 Dunlin and ten Whimbrel, whilst an Arctic Skua went north. Two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls were present off the Headland, two Little Gulls flew south, whilst 469 Sandwich Terns, 56 Common and nine Arctic Terns went north.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Grey Heron, five Dunlin, a Little Ringed Plover, two Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail. A Willow Warbler was on the Outer Head and two Siskins were also present.

The Little Egret remained at Buckton, where a Cuckoo was also seen and a Hobby chased hirundines over Bempton village.

There were light to moderate south-westerlies and sunny intervals throughout and temperatures reached 24 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Red-throated Diver flew north, 21 Teal moved south, two Black-tailed and one Bar-tailed Godwit flew south and two Arctic Skuas flew north. A significant northerly movement of Sandwich Terns took place, with 634 heading north. Eight Common Terns and five Arctic Terns also flew north, whilst a Little Tern went south.

Three Shoveler and 14 Teal (nine at North Marsh, five Thornwick Pools) were recorded on the Headland and a Little Egret flew over South Landing. There were five Green Sandpipers (two over South Landing, two at Thornwick Pools and one North Marsh) and a Ruff and three Snipe also at North Marsh. A minimum of 370 Swallows were recorded heading south; other sightings included 12 Yellow Wagtails, the White Wagtail and a Crossbill over South Landing.

The Little Egret and juvenile Cuckoo were still at Buckton.

The day featured moderate/strong south-westerlies and sunny intervals, with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C.

During the seawatch, a Blue Fulmar flew south, as did 14 Teal, two Shoveler, eight Black-tailed Godwit and a Bonxie, whilst 448 Sandwich Terns, 16 Common Terns and an Arctic Tern headed north. A Common Sandpiper was below the Fog Station and a juvenile Mediterranean was on the rocks near South Landing.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Grey Herons, a Gadwall, two Teal, five Dunlin, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, single Greenshank and Green Sandpiper and two Yellow Wagtails. Forty Sandwich Terns also cut the Headland and flew north over Thornwick, whilst two juvenile Stonechats were near North Landing.

The day featured moderate southerly winds and sunny intervals. During the seawatch, a Red-throated Diver flew south, along with 37 Oystercatcher, a Grey Plover, 32 Knot, nine Sanderling and ten Redshank. The year’s first Sabine’s Gull – an adult – flew north along with 229 Sandwich Terns, 22 Common Terns and two Arctic Terns, whilst two Bonxies were offshore.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Grey Heron, a Gadwall, three Dunlin, a Greenshank and three Yellow Wagtails.

The Little Egret remained in residence at Buckton Pond.

The day featured light/moderate southerly winds and sunny intervals and temperatures reached 24 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Red-throated Diver, one Grey Heron and 11 Teal flew south. Waders also moving south included 39 Oystercatchers, a Grey Plover, 49 Knot, a Bar-tailed Godwit and ten Whimbrel. Two Bonxies flew south, together with 85 Little Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull. A total of 261 Sandwich Terns headed north, whilst a southerly movement of terns during the evening involved 332 Common, 97 Arctic and 263 Commic Terns.

A Marsh Harrier flew in off the sea during the morning and two ‘creamcrown’ Marsh Harriers were later hunting over fields near Old Fall. A Greenshank visited North Marsh, 11 Lapwings flew over Greenacres and four Dunlin were on Thornwick Pools.

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen in the village and a Banded Demoiselle at Thornwick was an exceptional local record.

The day featured light northerly winds and sunny intervals. During the seawatch, 26 Manx Shearwaters flew south, 23 Whimbrel headed south, an adult Pomarine Skua moved north and six Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie were recorded. A total of 109 Common Terns flew north and 130 went south.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Greenshank, 13 Dunlin, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and four Yellow Wagtails, whilst North Marsh hosted Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Dunlin and Snipe. Two Siskin overflew the Fog Station.

Two Marsh Harriers circled over Bempton village, seven Yellow Wagtails were on the RSPB reserve, single Little Egret and Cuckoo were at Buckton, with 300 Swallows on wires in the village.

The day featured light southerly winds and the sun eventually broke through after an overcast start. During the seawatch, a Great Crested Grebe flew south, along with 22 Manx Shearwaters, a Wigeon, 151 Oystercatchers, a Little Ringed Plover, 207 Dunlin, 37 Black-tailed Godwits, 71 Whimbrel, single Arctic Skua and Little Gull, 116 Common Terns, ten Arctic Terns and four Little Terns. In addition, 251 Common Scoters flew north and a Little Egret frequented the Outer Head.

Thornwick Pools attracted 13 Dunlin, another 16 Black-tailed Godwits flew south over there, together with a Greenshank and four Redshank, whilst the Pools also hosted five Yellow Wagtails and one Grey Wagtail. A Marsh Harrier was on the Outer Head and a Common Buzzard over North Dykes.

The Little Egret remained at Buckton.

There were light south-west winds, overcast conditions and temperatures reached 19 degrees C. During the seawatch, single Red-throated Divers flew north and south, 59 Manx Shearwaters, a Tufted Duck and 22 Teal went south, 143 Common Scoter moved north. Southbound waders included 14 Sanderling, 120 Dunlin, one Bar-tailed and two Black-tailed Godwits, 32 Redshank and a Greenshank. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull and two Little Gulls flew south, along with 222 Common Terns and four Arctic Terns. A Bonxie was offshore of the Outer Head, with it or another also seen off Bempton RSPB.

There were 14 Teal, a Greenshank and two Dunlin on North Marsh, with eight Black-tailed Godwits, six Dunlin and a Teal on Thornwick Pools. A handful of Willow Warblers were recorded, including three at Thornwick and another at Oceanview, whilst a Whinchat was at North Marsh.

The Little Egret and Cuckoo remained at Buckton, where six Common Buzzards flew south-east and a Hobby was seen on several occasions. Better still, an Osprey showed well over Bempton RSPB before drifting north-west.

A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was on the beach at Sewerby and later South Landing.

It was a day of light south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and relatively warm temperatures. During the seawatch, 656 Common Terns flew north and 267 Swallows moved south.

An Osprey flew south over Head Farm early morning, whilst two juvenile and one male Marsh Harrier were in the vicinity of Old Fall later. A Greenshank was on North Marsh and one overflew Head Farm, four Golden Plovers headed over the same area and three Dunlin were at Thornwick. However, the best wader was an Avocet on Thornwick Pools, where a juvenile Cuckoo was also present.

Migrant passerines included a scattering of Willow Warblers and a Whinchat at Thornwick. A Corn Bunting accompanied 150 Linnets near the Lighthouse.

A Minke Whale showed well off Bempton RSPB.

The juvenile Mediterranean Gull was again at South Landing, together with five Dunlin and five Sanderling. Thornwick Pools hosted six Dunlin, two Redhank and one Greenshank, with the juvenile Cuckoo also still present; single Snipe and Whimbrel flew over there. The male White Wagtail remained in the immediate vicinity of the Lighthouse.

Two Marsh Harriers, three Sparrowhawks, a Common Buzzard and a Cuckoo were in the Bempton/Buckton area.

A Minke Whale was offshore of Selwick’s Bay.

It was a sunny day with little wind. Seawatching highlights included a Little Gull flying north and an adult Yellow-legged Gull that rested on rocks at South Landing, where there was also a Common Sandpiper. Two Minke Whales were observed; one off the Outer Head and another that appeared close inshore off Bempton.

A Little Egret, Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl were on the Outer Head, but the main highlight was a Kingfisher on Thornwick Pools; a true Flamborough rarity. The juvenile Cuckoo remained at Thornwick, with a Grey Wagtail also present.

Another two Cuckoos were present at Buckton, whilst sightings from nearby Bempton included a Marsh Harrier, two Golden Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit that flew south.

It was a sunny day after a foggy start, with light north-easterly winds.

Three Arctic Skuas and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flew past the Fog Station, as did three Greenshank, but most wader interest was focused on Thornwick Pools, where there were three Ruff, four Dunlin, three Redshank, two Greenshank and a Wood Sandpiper. In addition, there were 17 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper at South Landing.

Two Common Buzzards and a Cuckoo were at Buckton, with a Minke Whale offshore.

Today felt like the first day of autumn, as least with regards to an arrival of migrants during light/moderate north-easterly winds after overnight rain; the morning was foggy, although this cleared later, although rain persisted for much of the day. During the seawatch, 136 Common Scoter and 20 Teal flew south, with another 14 Teal heading over South Landing.

Two Teal, two Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers and a Ruff visited Thornwick Pools. Another two Green Sandpiper flew over the Headland, as did 22 Snipe and there were 20 Dunlin, three Sanderling, two Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper at South Landing. Two Yellow-legged Gulls were present; an adult and a first-winter, with the juvenile Mediterranean Gull again at South Landing.

Migrant passerines included an Icterine Warbler south-east of the Gorse Field, four Pied Flycatchers on the Outer Head, two Garden Warblers and single Goldcrest and Whinchat.

A Cuckoo and three Willow Warblers were seen at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, single Green Sandpiper and Greenshank were on Buckton Pond, with other notable records from Buckton including an early Fieldfare; three Sedge Warblers and two Reed Warblers were trapped there.

The day consisted of light north-north-west and later north-easterly winds, with sunny intervals after a more overcast start. Seawatching highlights included a Greenshank flying north, single Arctic Skua and Bonxie, four Little Gulls flying south and 100 Common Terns heading north. In addition, six Tufted Ducks overflew the Headland as did a Hobby. Thornwick Pools attracted a Ruff, Greenshank and Wood Sandpiper. Another Wood Sandpiper flew over South Landing and a Common Sandpiper headed over North Landing, whilst three Mediterranean Gulls were at the former location.

The best bird was a Red-backed Shrike located on Old Fall Hedge south of the plantation which remained all day. Other migrants included two Cuckoos, 22 Willow Warblers, four Yellow Wagtails, three Siskin, two Wheatear, two Whinchat and single Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and a Garden Warbler.

Sightings from Bempton included single Wood Sandpiper and Greenshank over, one Garden Warbler, two Blackcaps and two Willow Warblers. A Marsh Harrier and Whinchat were at Buckton, a Black-tailed Godwit flew over and a Common Sandpiper at Buckton Pond.

It was a relatively warm and sunny day with very light north-easterly winds and temperatures reached 18 degrees C. A Balearic Shearwater flew south, a summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver flew east past South Landing, where there was also a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was on the Golf Course.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Grey Plover, adult Little Stint, two Dunlin, four Ruff, two Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper and two Snipe, as well as a Cuckoo, singing Grasshopper Warbler, two Grey Wagtails and two Corn Buntings. Other waders included a Greenshank and three Golden Plover over the Outer Head and a Ruff at South Landing.

The Red-backed Shrike remained on Old Fall Hedge, with other migrants including a Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher and two Crossbills.

West of the Dykes, a Pied Flycatcher was present at Buckton.

The day featured light/moderate north-north-westerly winds and bright, but mainly overcast skies. Seawatching produced a Red-throated Diver, 226 Fulmars, a Blue Fulmar, three Velvet Scoters and two Ruff all flying north. Five Arctic Skuas flew south, with another three moving north, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull also flew north, as did 201 Common and 14 Arctic Terns.

A Common Buzzard flew over the village, whilst Thornwick Pool hosted a Wood Sandpiper, three Ruff, two Redshank, a Dunlin and a Grey Wagtail. Single Ruff and Common Sandpiper were seen at South Landing, along with three juvenile Mediterranean Gulls and a Kingfisher; a local rarity.

Migrants included a Cuckoo near Old Fall, ten Willow Warblers in the general vicinity, a Whinchat and two Siskins.

The day featured strong north-north-westerly winds and heavy rain from first light until the evening. Seawatching produced one Red-throated Diver, an unseasonal Black-throated Diver, 229 Fulmars, ten Wigeon and 33 Teal, all flying north. Seven Bonxies and 162 Common Terns were recorded, a Little Gull headed north and three juvenile Mediterranean Gulls remained at South Landing.

Sightings from Thornwick Pools included five Teal, an Oystercatcher, a Redshank, one Knot, three Dunlin and a Ringed Plover.

A Wheatear at the Fog Station was the only passerine of note to be recorded in atrocious conditions.

After light rain at the start of the day, the weather brightened and it was sunny with light/moderate southerly winds. During the seawatch, a Balearic Shearwater flew north and later south, 16 Teal went south, 78 Common Scoter moved north and a Ruff flew south along with eight Black-tailed Godwits. Seven Little Gulls flew south, a Long-tailed Skua and seven Arctic Skuas headed north, as did 463 Common Terns, 339 Sandwich Terns and the year’s first Black Tern.

Thornwick Pool attracted 24 Teal, two Wood Sandpipers, three Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, one Snipe, five Ruff, seven Dunlin and three Knot. A Common Buzzard and a creamcown Marsh Harrier were present on the Outer Head and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull again frequented South Landing. Better still, an adult Caspian Gull sporting a darvic ring was on the Golf Course at dusk.

Passerine migrants, resultant from the heavy rain, included an Icterine Warbler and Red-backed Shrike near the Lighthouse and a Wryneck along Old Fall Hedge. Additional migrants included two juvenile Cuckoos, eight Pied Flycatchers, five Wheatear, two Whinchat, three Redstart, two Garden Warblers and 12 Willow Warblers.

Sightings from Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a Greenshank, single Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and a Garden Warbler. Buckton Pond attracted a Common Sandpiper.

After a heavily overcast start to the day, the weather brightened and it was sunny with light/moderate southerly winds. During the seawatch, two Tufted Ducks flew south, 68 Common Scoter moved north, 186 Oystercatchers and 140 Knot went south, as did two Bar-tailed Godwits. A Wood Sandpiper flew in off the sea, whilst one Arctic Skua and two Bonxies headed south and single Little Gulls flew north and south.

Thornwick Pools attracted an Oystercatcher, five Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, one Snipe, two Knot, a Wood Sandpiper, one Greenshank, a Ringed Plover and three Black-tailed Godiwts, along with 12 Teal, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, a Grey Wagtail and a Cuckoo.

The adult Caspian Gull was still present on the Golf Course early morning and the adult Yellow-legged Gull again roosted there during the evening. Single Hobby and Merlin were recorded over the headland.

Migrants included a Wryneck in Bay Brambles below the Lighthouse, three Pied Flycatchers, four Garden Warblers, a Whinchat, one Redstart and a Reed Warbler.

A Common Sandpiper was on Buckton Pond and a Wheatear in the nearby Dell.

A day of moderate south-easterly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures of 21 degrees C. During the evening seawatch, 24 Common Scoter, 68 Oystercatcher, 22 Knot and two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls flew south. Thornwick Pools attracted ten Teal, five Dunlin, three Redshank and a Snipe, whilst two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls and a Common Sandpiper were at South Landing.

An Osprey flew south over the Lighthouse at 0910hrs and presumably another individual flew east over the Outer Head at 1900hrs. Migrants included two Wrynecks near North Landing, a Red-backed Shrike on the south side of the Headland and a Cuckoo.

Single Pied Flycatcher and Garden Warbler were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and a Green Sandpiper at Buckton Pond.

It was a day of light/moderate south-easterly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures of 23 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Red-throated Diver flew north, two Wigeon and 30 Teal headed south, a Wood Sandpiper flew south, as did an Arctic Skua and six Little Gulls, whilst 226 Common Terns flew north. A juvenile Mediterranean was offshore, as was a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull.

Thornwick Pool attracted 13 Teal, a Green Sandpiper, one Knot, a Snipe, three Redshank and a juvenile Spotted Redshank, as well as two Yellow and two Grey Wagtails. A Greenshank was on the Outer Head and a Green Sandpiper flew south there, a Grey Plover headed over North Landing, whilst two Greenshanks and a Whimbrel frequented North Marsh; five Whimbrel also flew over Thornwick. Raptors included a Marsh Harrier and two Common Buzzards.

Two Wrynecks were seen; one near North Landing and the other on the edge of the Gorse Field south of the Lighthouse. A Red-backed Shrike was also present in the Gorse Field. Additional migrants included 15 Swifts, a Cuckoo, two Pied Flycatchers, ten Whinchat, two Garden Warblers and 43 Willow Warblers. A flock of 100 Tree Sparrows were near the Lighthouse and 95 House Sparrows near Greenacres, with 300 Linnet and a Corn Bunting in the Thornwick/North Landing area.

West of the Dykes, Buckton Pond attracted a Common Sandpiper.

The day featured moderate/strong south-easterly winds and sunny conditions. Three juvenile Long-tailed Skuas were loafing offshore of South Landing during the morning, together with six Arctic Skuas; probably two of these Long-tails had earlier flown south past the Headland and a single flew north during the evening. Additional seawatching highlights included a Grey Phalarope that flew south mid-morning and single juvenile Mediterranean Gull and Yellow-legged Gull flying south, along with 44 Little Gulls. Two Common Buzzards were on the Outer Head and waders of interest included five Greenshank and three Green Sandpipers.

The main feature of the day was a substantial arrival of passerine migrants that took place during the afternoon. Whilst single Wryneck (North Landing) and Red-backed Shrike (near Lighthouse) lingered from the previous day, two Icterine Warblers were newly arrived. Additional migrants included 52 Pied Flycatchers, 13 Whinchat, ten Redstart, nine Spotted Flycatchers, five Garden Warblers and 56 Willow Warblers.

Buckton also attracted significant numbers of migrants including three Wrynecks, 20 Pied Flycatchers, four Redstart, four Spotted Flycatchers, six Whinchat, 20 Willow Warblers, Tree Pipit, a Reed Warbler and a Merlin, whilst a Common Sandpiper remained at Buckton Pond.

After a calm start, a light northerly wind developed during a day which was largely sunny, although a mist rolled in off the sea at times. Seawatching highlights included two Balearic Shearwaters, three Shelduck, 178 Teal, three Tufted Duck, 85 Common Scoters and 201 Oystercatchers all flying south. Two Pomarine Skuas moved north, as did nine Arctic Skuas (with five south) whilst 13 Bonxies also flew south. One Little Gull flew south and 841 Common Terns flew north, along with two Black Terns. Two Ruff, single Green Sandpiper and Greenshank flew south while Thornwick Pool attracted three Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, two Knot and five Dunlin. One of the day’s highlights was a juvenile Honey Buzzard that flew south at c.0830hrs from the South Cliffs.

A minimum of three Icterine Warblers were recorded, including two new arrivals – on the Outer Head and Old Fall respectively. Two Wrynecks were present; the lingering individual near North Landing and a new arrival behind the hide at Thornwick Pools. There were also two Red-backed Shrikes; the juvenile remaining near the Lighthouse and an adult male along Old Fall Hedge.

Passerine migrants included a Wood Warbler at Old Fall, 123 Willow Warblers, 18 Garden Warblers, six Reed Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, 85 Pied Flycatchers, 16 Spotted Flycatchers, 14 Whinchats, two Wheatear, 15 Redstarts, a Tree Pipit and a Crossbill.

Bempton RSPB hosted an Icterine Warbler in the Dell, seven Pied Flycatchers, two Spotted Flycatchers and two Wheatears. Sightings from Buckton included a Merlin, one Greenshank flying over, a Cuckoo,100 Willow Warblers and single figures of Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat and Redstart, whilst a Snipe, two Common and one Green Sandpiper were on the Pond.

A moderate/strong west-south-westerly meant looking for passerines was relatively difficult. Seawatching highlights included three Sooty Shearwaters flying north, one Long-tailed and 11 Arctic Skuas plus six Bonxies heading south and 104 Common Terns flying north.  A minimum of 250 Little Gulls were feeding in flocks off the Headland. Thornwick Pool attracted a Greenshank, one Snipe, two Knot and three Dunlin, with 13 Ringed Plovers and five Dunlin at South Landing. Three Common Buzzards were noted over the Headland.

The male Red-backed Shrike showed well on Old Fall Hedge. Significant numbers of Willow Warblers remained, with a minimum of 75 present, whilst there were single figures of Pied Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail and Redstarts, with lone Grey Wagtail and Siskin also present. Two Corn Buntings overflew Old Fall.

There was a decrease in migrants at Buckton, with two Reed Warblers ringed, Pied Flycatcher and 20 Willow Warblers. Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted four Pied and two Spotted Flycatchers, three Garden Warblers, one Reed Warbler and six Willow Warblers.

Light south-westerly winds and, after a wet start, sunny intervals prevailed. Thornwick Pools provided the main highlight with the discovery of a juvenile Garganey late afternoon. Additional sightings there included a pair of Gadwall, five Ringed Plovers, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, two Snipe, two Knot, two Greenshank, a Whimbrel and eight Dunlin.

Migrant passerines included two Pied Flycatchers, two Garden Warblers, a Redstart and small numbers of Willow Warblers in the Outer Head gardens.

More unusual, a juvenile Little Stint frequented Buckton Pond.

There was a moderate south-westerly wind and sunny conditions throughout the day. Thornwick Pools attracted a Greenshank, four Dunlin and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover. A Common Buzzard was over North Dykes and a juvenile Little Gull on South Landing beach. There was an influx of Swifts during the evening, with 280 present over the Outer Head. Passerine migrants included five Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart.

West of the Dykes, the juvenile Little Stint remained on Buckton Pond, a juvenile Cuckoo was at Bempton, with Pied Flycatcher and Garden Warbler on the RSPB reserve.

It was another mainly sunny day, with moderate south-westerly winds. During the seawatch, a Little Egret flew north, 37 Knot and 38 Dunlin moved south, a Greenshank headed north, single Arctic Skua and Bonxie were recorded, whilst 144 Little Gulls flew south. More unusually, a Short-eared Owl flew south low over the sea.

Thornwick Pool attracted a Little Egret, one Water Rail, juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, two Dunlin and two Greenshank. Raptors included a Common Buzzard that flew south-west and a Marsh Harrier between Flamborough and Bempton. Gatherings of House Martin included 150 over the village green.

Migrants included a Cuckoo near Old Fall, single Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, two Garden Warblers, a Grey Wagtail, three Whinchats in the Gorse Field and two Siskin that flew south.

The day featured sunny conditions and moderate south-westerly winds. During the seawatch, a Blue Fulmar flew south, as did 83 Knot, 19 Dunlin and 21 Redshank. Two Bonxies moved south, whilst a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull attended a fishing boat.

Thornwick Pool attracted a Grey Heron, two Black-tailed Godwits, two Greenshank, four Dunlin and a Snipe. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull frequented South Landing, where six Kestrels were present. The Cuckoo remained around Thornwick Pools and a Pied Flycatcher was seen at South Landing.

A Cuckoo and a Whinchat were seen at Buckton.

It was another relatively sunny day, although winds were virtually non-existent until a gentle north-easterly breeze developed in the afternoon. Seawatching produced single Red-throated Diver and Sooty Shearwater flying north, two Curlew Sandpipers heading south, three Arctic Skuas, two Bonxies, two Little Gulls and 149 Common Terns flying south. Three juvenile Mediterranean Gulls moved between the Outer Head and South Landing. Also a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea mid-morning.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Common Sandpiper and two Dunlin, whilst a Cuckoo remained in the area and a Greenshank was on the Outer Head. Passerine migrants included four Garden Warblers, single Wheatear, Pied Flycatcher and Redstart together with three Whinchats. The White Wagtail was again in the Lighthouse car-park and ten Siskins flew west.

Sightings from Buckton included single Short-eared Owl, Redstart, Whinchat and Wheatear.

Persistent rain lasted for most of the day and a light/moderate north-north-westerly wind gradually increased in strength. During the seawatch, three Red-throated Divers flew north, as did 219 Fulmars, two Sooty Shearwaters, seven Shelduck, 212 Teal, seven Pintail, four Shoveler and 133 Common Scoter. Wader passage included 14 Whimbrel and 53 Redshank heading south, with six Arctic Skuas moving in the same direction. Two Mediterranean Gulls headed north and two Little Gulls went south. In addition, two Ruff and a Greenshank frequented the Outer Head.

An arrival of migrants occurred which included a juvenile Red-backed Shrike south of the Lighthouse, 28 Willow Warblers,  three Sedge Warblers, six Whinchats, five Wheatears, three Pied Flycatchers, a Redstart, one Spotted Flycatcher and two Siskins.

A Curlew Sandpiper overflew Buckton, where there were also two Whinchats, four Willow Warbler and a Cuckoo.

Moderate north-north-westerly winds featured throughout, with sunny intervals prevailing after an overcast start. Seawatching produced five Red-throated Divers flying north, one Blue Fulmar and 377 Fulmars also flying north, along with five Sooty Shearwaters, 51 Manx Shearwaters and two Balearic Shearwaters. A ‘spooned’ Pomarine Skua went south, as did 41 Arctic Skuas, whilst 72 Little Gulls were offshore and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flew north. Thornwick Pools hosted a Kingfisher, a Dunlin and a juvenile Greenshank, whilst another eight Dunlin visited North Marsh.

The day’s highlight was undoubtedly a male Subalpine Warbler showing characteristics of the Eastern form. Found late afternoon, it was still showing mid-evening from the cliff top path in its favoured hedge east of Old Fall. The juvenile Red-backed Shrike continued to give good views south of the Lighthouse. Other migrants included a Wood Warbler at Old Fall, 26 Willow Warblers, seven Wheatear, three Whinchat, five Redstarts, four Pied Flycatchers and two Spotted Flycatchers.

Light to moderate north-north-westerly winds featured throughout, with sunny intervals and occasional showers. Seawatching highlights included 14 Red-throated Divers, a Blue Fulmar flying north, 484 Fulmars, 15 Sooty Shearwaters, and 75 Manx Shearwaters all north, a Balearic Shearwater and Velvet Scoter heading south. A Ruff flew north, whilst a Pomarine Skua, 49 Arctic Skuas and 21 Bonxies moved south and two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls flew north. An adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted on the Golf Course, but better still an adult Caspian Gull sporting a darvic ring frequented recently ploughed fields on the Outer Head, with the same fields attracting two Ruff and three Golden Plover.

A Merlin hunted fields near the Lighthouse. Many migrant passerines appeared to have departed overnight, with a handful of Redstart, Whinchat and Sedge Warbler remaining; however, two Goldcrests were newly arrived.

A Cuckoo and Sedge Warbler were noted at Buckton.

Moderate north-westerly winds featured throughout, with generally overcast conditions and occasional showers. Seawatching highlights included eight Red-throated Divers, single Black-throated and Great Northern Divers flying north, a Red-necked Grebe also moving north, along with three Balearic Shearwaters, 71 Manx Shearwaters and 12 Sooty Shearwaters. Two Ruff flying north were the pick of the waders, whilst 27 Arctic Skuas and ten Bonxies headed south, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew north and 196 Sandwich Terns moved in the same direction.

Elsewhere, a Hobby overflew the Lighthouse Grasslands. Large gulls are gathering on the recently ploughed fields on the Outer Head and two Caspian Gulls were discovered. A sub-adult that sported a yellow darvic ring ‘PLEP’ was also seen at a similar time last autumn, and a juvenile/first-winter.

Strong north-westerly winds lessened in strength during the afternoon, when brighter conditions replaced a heavy overcast. Seawatching was rewarded with 426 Fulmars, 20 Sooty Shearwaters, 101 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, seven dark-bellied Brent Geese, 39 Wigeon, 266 Teal, three Pintail, two Velvet Scoters and a Merlin all flying north. Southbound waders included a Greenshank and two Common Sandpipers, with two Snipe coming in off the sea over the Fog Station and another duo doing the same over Bempton Cliffs RSPB. A total of 29 Arctic Skuas and 16 Bonxies flew south, with 418 Little Gulls moving north, as did a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull.

Thornwick Pools attracted 20 Teal, three Wigeon, ten Redshank, a Dunlin and one Greenshank; South Landing beach hosted 16 Ringed Plovers. The sub-adult Caspian Gull again frequented ploughed fields on the Outer Head.

The weather comprised strong north-north-westerly winds, showers and sunny intervals. It was another good seawatching day, with 455 Fulmars, a Cory’s/Great Shearwater, 126 Sooty Shearwaters, 235 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, one dark-bellied Brent Goose, 15 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 130 Wigeon, 121 Teal, 18 Pintail, two Tufted Duck and 43 Common Scoter all flying north. Skuas were represented by a Pomarine moving north, 28 Arctic Skuas north/south, two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas (one north and another south) and 13 Bonxies. Three Little Gulls also flew north, with a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull heading in the same direction.

Thornwick Pools attracted 20 Wigeon, seven Teal and a Ringed Plover, whilst six Ruff were on the Golf Course. Five Snipe flew in off the sea at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Winds dropped in strength, with a relatively light north-north-westerly breeze and sunny intervals throughout the day. Seawatching highlights included 40 Red-throated Divers, a Great Crested Grebe, 506 Fulmars, one Blue Fulmar, 121 Sooty Shearwaters, 149 Manx Shearwaters, three Balearic Shearwaters and a Storm Petrel (very slowly heading past from 1000-1025hrs) all flying north. Wildfowl on the move included 73 Wigeon, 38 Teal and two Pintail heading north. A Pomarine Skua went south, whilst 46 Arctic Skuas and three Long-tailed Skuas moved in the opposite direction. A total of 58 Little Gulls flew north, along with 127 Sandwich, 117 Common and 37 Arctic Terns.

Three Common Buzzards were recorded across the Headland, a Hobby appeared over Thornwick, six Ruff remained around the Golf Course and a Greenshank overflew the Outer Head. Passerines included two Grey Wagtails, a Pied Flycatcher, one Whinchat, a Goldcrest, eight Willow Warblers and 24 Siskins.

Moderate northerly winds gradually reduced in strength during the day with sunny intervals breaking out after a heavily overcast start to the day. During the seawatch, 32 Red-throated Divers were recorded along with 1149 Fulmars, 131 Sooty Shearwaters, 15 Manx Shearwaters, five pale-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Wigeon, 54 Teal and 41 Common Scoter all flying north. Ten Arctic Skuas flew north (with eight south), together with six Bonxies and 29 Puffins. Two Great Crested Grebes were offshore with another at South Landing.

Thornwick Pool hosted a Grey Heron, four Wigeon, seven Teal and a Redshank. There were 12 Curlew, five Ruff and four Whimbrel on the Golf Course and 23 Ringed Plovers and two Whimbrel at South Landing.