Category: Sightings

Light northerly winds and overcast conditions predominated throughout the day. Highlight was a Fea’s(-type) Petrel that flew north from 1800-1805hrs. Additional seawatch records included  22 Red-throated Divers that flew north along with 385 Fulmars, a Blue Fulmar, 21 Sooty Shearwaters, two Balearic Shearwaters and eight Manx Shearwaters. Wildfowl on the move included one pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Shelduck, 54 Wigeon, a Gadwall, 413 Teal, two Tufted Ducks and 436 Common Scoter all flying north. All four skua species were recorded with two Pomarine, 22 Arctic, an adult Long-tailed and five Bonxies flying north. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull also flew north.

Thornwick Pool hosted a Grey Heron, four Wigeon, eight Teal, seven Dunlin and a Redshank, together with a Kingfisher. Three Ruff and seven Whimbrel also frequented the Headland. Passerines included a Wheatear, Grey Wagtail, the White Wagtail and a very early Snow Bunting near the Lighthouse.

Light north-easterly/easterly winds featured throughout the day, with the sun breaking through a thick overcast during the afternoon. Seawatching highlights included a Blue Fulmar, three Balearic Shearwater, five Sooty Shearwaters, 74 Wigeon, 140 Teal, six Shoveler and 297 Common Scoters all moving north. A Pomarine Skua also flew north, as did three first-year Mediterranean Gulls, nine Little Gulls, whilst a Yellow-legged Gull went south. Three Ruff remained on the Golf Course and the sub-adult Caspian Gull remained on the Outer Head, with a Merlin seen nearby.

A juvenile Honey Buzzard appeared low over the Golf Course before drifting west at 1530hrs. Other migrants included a juvenile Red-backed Shrike in the Gorse Field, a Barred Warbler at the southern end of Old Fall Hedge, a Sedge Warbler, six Redstarts, two Wheatears, a male Stonechat, a Pied Flycatcher, eight Siskins and a Snow Bunting.

Light/moderate south-easterly winds and sunshine lasted all day. Seawatching was quieter, with two Red-throated Divers flying south, four Arctic Skuas and six Little Gulls moving north, with another of the latter lingering offshore. An adult Yellow-legged Gull frequented fields near the Lighthouse. Thornwick Pools attracted three Wigeon, ten Teal, six Dunlin and a Snipe and three Ruff remained on the Golf Course.

Passerine migrants included 24 Wheatears, three Whinchat, five Redstarts, six Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Grey Wagtails and two Goldcrests.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted two Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher and two Redstarts.

The weather consisted of moderate south-easterly winds and sunshine. During the seawatch, single Sooty Shearwaters moved north and south, four Arctic Skuas and two Bonxies were recorded, along with six Little Gulls, whilst 2949 Kittiwakes headed north. Thornwick Pools attracted nine Teal, three Wigeon, a Dunlin and one Grey Wagtail.

The day’s highlight consisted the arrival of two Yellow-browed Warblers; one in the Outer Head gardens and the other in Old Fall. Other passerine migrants included 35 Wheatears, 11 Whinchats, six Pied Flycatchers, two Spotted Flycatchers and four Redstarts.

Bempton RSPB hosted Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart, with Pied Flycatcher and Redstart at nearby Buckton.

Moderate south-easterly winds and persistent rain prevailed until late morning, with sunny intervals developing. From mid-afternoon the winds switched to the south-west and a series of heavy thunderstorms passed over the Headland. Seawatching highlights included a Great Northern Diver, five Sooty Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater all flying north and a Velvet Scoter moving south.

Thornwick Pools hosted 13 Teal, three Wigeon, a Water Rail, two Ruff, a Dunlin, one Knot and a Redshank. A Common Buzzard was present on the Outer Head. Two Golden Plover, two Ruff and three Whimbrel flew about the Outer Headland, an adult Yellow-legged Gull frequented the Golf Course and two Mediterranean Gulls South Landing.

Passerine migrants included 28 Wheatears, 35 Whinchats, 14 Redstarts, six Pied Flycatchers, two Spotted Flycatchers, two Garden Warblers, a Goldcrest and a Lesser Redpoll.

Buckton hosted an Icterine Warbler (trapped and ringed), Garden Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Redstart, with a Marsh Harrier also in the area. Nearby, Bempton RSPB attracted single Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, two Redstarts and a Garden Warbler.

The weather consisted of light variable winds in the morning, with a south-easterly breeze developing during the afternoon and sunny intervals featured throughout. Seawatching highlights included 25 Red-throated Divers flying south, along with six Sooty Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater and three Manx Shearwaters. Eight Wigeon, two Gadwall, 33 Teal and three Tufted Ducks also flew south, together with two Grey Plovers and 41 Knot. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew south over the Headland, with a Common Buzzard also present. Thornwick Pool attracted two Wigeon, six Teal, two Dunlin, one Knot and a Redshank, whilst 11 Whimbrel were on the Outer Head. The evening gull roost on the Golf Course contained a first-winter Caspian Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Passerine migrants included an Icterine Warbler on the edge of the Gorse Field. There were also three Tree Pipits, 19 Redstarts, 16 Wheatears, eight Winchats, four Stonechats, eight Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Grey Wagtail, three Goldcrests, a Reed Warbler, 11 Lesser Redpolls, 12 Siskins and a Lapland Bunting; the latter near the Lighthouse. In addition, 500 Linnets gathered at Thornwick.

West of the Dykes, the Icterine Warbler was re-trapped at Buckton, where there were also Marsh Harrier, Redstart, Reed Warbler and Garden Warbler.

It was an overcast day, with occasional light rain and hardly any wind. Seawatching produced a Sooty Shearwater flying south, a Grey Plover moving north, 44 Knot and 13 Arctic Skuas heading south, whilst 19 Little Gulls flew in the opposite direction. Thornwick Pools attracted two Wigeon, a Water Rail and single Dunlin and Snipe. An adult Yellow-legged Gull and a first-winter Caspian Gull (different individual to yesterday’s bird) frequented the Outer Head.

Migrant passerines included Reed Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Wheatear and Whinchat, together with a Lapland Bunting.

It was an overcast day, with a light south-westerly wind and rain during the middle part of the day. Seawatching highlights included 15 Red-throated Divers, seven Sooty Shearwaters, nine Manx Shearwaters, three Balearic Shearwaters, three Eiders, 18 Arctic Skua, nine Bonxie, two Mediterranean Gulls and a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull all heading south.

Thornwick Pools attracted 11 Teal, a Wigeon, one Snipe and a Green Sandpiper. Elsewhere, sightings included a Hobby, single Golden Plover, two Greenshanks, two Grey Wagtail and Garden Warbler, two Redstarts, six Wheatear and fifteen Siskins.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted five Redstarts and a Spotted Flycatcher.

It was an overcast day, with a moderate north-north-westerly wind. Seawatching highlights included 39 Red-throated Divers flying south, a Great Crested Grebe, five Sooty Shearwaters and four Manx Shearwaters heading north, with one Balearic Shearwater and seven Eiders moving south. Eight Arctic Skuas flew south and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua went north, along with a first calendar-year Mediterranean Gull.  In addition, 176 Meadow Pipits and two Grey Wagtails also flew north.

A handful of Redstarts, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat and Wheatears remained on the Outer Head, there was an increase in the numbers of Goldcrests present and five Lesser Redpolls frequented Old Fall.

The day was marked by relatively calm conditions with light and variable winds beginning stronger in the NW and veering round and decreasing through west to south-west. A Yellow-browed Warbler found in the early evening in the outer head gardens was the top single migrant, though Meadows Pipits were the bigger migration event with some 1200+ moving through the outer headland over the day. These were accompanied by a small scattering of other migrants: seven Swifts, Redstarts peaked at 6, plus 6 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, 20 Siskin and 12 Redpoll.

Over the sea 3 Sooty Shearwater flew north, and also seen were 2 Manx Shearwater, 8 Arctic Skua, 3 Bonxie, 23 Common Scoter and 46 Red-throated Diver.

Buckton recorded a similar large movement of Meadow Pipits plus single Redstart, Grey Wagtail and Blackcap, 2 Wheatear, 2 Goldcrest and 4 Whinchat.

Overnight sound recording near the lighthouse indicated a movement of Sandwich Terns in several waves.

Light northerly winds and sunny intervals prevailed. Seawatching highlights included 50 Red-throated Divers flying south and 176 Fulmars, four Sooty Shearwaters and two Manx Shearwaters moving north. Eight Arctic Skuas headed south, a Mediterranean Gull flew north, together with 567 Black-headed Gulls, whilst 111 Meadow Pipits also flew north past the Fog Station.

A Little Owl frequented fields near The Golf Course; the first record for the Outer Head for several years. Surprise of the day was the relocation of the male Eastern Subalpine Warbler in the hedge east of Old Fall; best viewed from the eastern edge of the Plantation. Additional birds of note included five Swifts, five Grey Wagtails, two Yellow Wagtails, 32 Lesser Redpolls, 4 Goldcrests, in the same area and 15 Siskins.

Bempton RSPB attracted a Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Treecreeper and two Goldcrest, with a Marsh Harrier nearby.

Light, variable winds and warm sunshine lasted all day. Seawatching produced 52 Red-throated Divers flying south, 198 Fulmars, 33 Sooty Shearwaters, six Manx Shearwaters, 162 Common Scoters and one Velvet Scoter all flying north and four Pintail heading south. Eleven Arctic Skuas moved north, 18 Bonxies flew south, along with a Little Gull.

Four Common Buzzards overflew the Outer Head, as did a Merlin, whilst the Little Owl remained in residence west of the Golf Course. The Eastern Subalpine Warbler toured the hedgerows south-west of the Lighthouse, but remained elusive; a Swift hawked insects over the same area. Four Arctic Skua flew high and north over the head early evening. Four Mistle Thrushes flew over Hartendale, three Whinchats were at Thornwick Bay with Lesser Whitethroat in Holmes Gut and single Grey and Yellow Wagtail, 11 Siskins and eight Lesser Redpolls flew over the Outer Head.

West of the Dykes, the Bempton/Buckton area hosted three Common Buzzards, five Sparrowhawks, 60 Lapwings, eight Golden Plover flying west, a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull, nine Whinchat, one Reed Warbler, a Goldcrest and four Lesser Redpolls.

https://youtu.be/uV8FVrdZBgw

Short video of the Eastern Subalpine Warbler

The morning featured relatively still conditions and sunshine, with a light southerly wind and overcast conditions later in the day. Seawatching highlights included 78 Red-throated Divers flying south, 34 Sooty Shearwaters, two Manx Shearwaters and one Balearic Shearwater heading north. Wildfowl on the move included 204 Common Scoter and a Red-breasted Merganser also flying north, whilst 18 Arctic Skuas headed in a similar direction. Two Mediterranean and 14 Little Gulls flew past the Fog Station, but better still, an adult Sabines’s Gull went north at 0840hrs. A Short-eared Owl also flew in off the sea.

The Thornwick area attracted a Grey Heron, one Wigeon, ten Teal, a Hobby, five Snipe, together with single Whinchat and Stonechat. Elsewhere, sightings included a Swift, three Grey Wagtails, two Yellow Wagtails, seven Goldcrests, ten Lesser Redpolls and five Siskins.

West of the Dykes, a Great Northern Diver flew south-east past Bempton, a total of 13 Common Buzzards overflew Buckton, where 80 birds were ringed which included 15 Lesser Redpolls, 16 Meadow Pipits and a Whinchat.

It was a day of light/moderate south-westerly winds, overcast skies and persistent rain for the majority of daylight hours. Seawatching highlights included 37 Red-throated Divers flying south, 23 Sooty Shearwaters heading north, 30 Wigeon, 43 Teal, 253 Common Scoters moving north, three Bar-tailed Godwits and a first calendar-year Mediterranean Gull flying south. More notable still, a southerly movement of 1006 Little Gulls took place, all moving south during the evening, including a single flock of 500 birds.

Due to the inclement weather conditions, there were relatively few records from elsewhere, although ten Teal, one Wigeon and a Water Rail were at Thornwick Pools, three Yellow Wagtails on the Golf Course, together with 22 Siskins and four Lesser Redpolls in the Bay Brambles.

Light and later moderate north-westerly winds and sunny intervals featured during the day. South Landing beach continues to attract small numbers of waders, including low single figures of Ringed Plover and Dunlin. There were few reports of migrants, although small numbers of Siskins were moving west over the village in the morning.

Light WNW winds with about half cloud cover dominated the head. Migration of passerines continued to be most obvious with the movement of small numbers of Siskins and Redpolls as well as Meadow Pipits. 14 Siskin and 2 Redpolls were around the Bay Brambles early, and 6 Redpoll roosted with the large Linnet flock in Thornwick Reed Bed. About 50 Meadow Pipits were evident moving through the outer head, while a single Coal Tit visited outer head gardens. Three Chiffchaff, one Goldcrest were on the ‘Old Fall circuit’ and a small increase in numbers of Reed Bunting and Robins probably indicates some migrants birds.

The morning seawatch had 10 Sooty and 1 Balearic Shearwater, while the larger numbers of smaller gull species continued with single Little Gull, 870 Black-headed and 280 Common Gulls north. Single Arctic Skua and 5 Bonxies as well a small numbers of duck were moving with 5 Wigeon, 4 Eider and 66 Common Scoter recorded. Thornwick Pool held a single Tufted Duck and up to 20 Curlew and 2 Yellow Wagtail (with up to 35 Pied Wagtail) were on the Golf course.

The Eastern Subalpine Warbler was reported from the usual hedge east of Old Fall Plantation.

Southbound movements past the head include two Sooty Shearwater, 20 Red-throated Diver, 52 Pink-footed Goose, Wigeon (14 north), 27 Common Scoter (two north) and a Swallow. Northbound only birds consist of a Common Tern and three Lesser Redpoll.

On land, a Barred Warbler in Old Fall hedge was undoubtedly the bird of the day. Other land birds include five Siskin, two Lesser Redpoll, two Chiffchaff a Goldcrest and a skein of 54 Pink-footed Goose over. Thornwick Pool attracted two each of Snipe and Dunlin.

The day was dry and sunny, with a moderate south westerly wind. The morning sea watch produced a single Sooty shearwater north, 1 Bonxie north and another south, 2 Pintail and 14 Red-throated Diver (11 south).

The first significant movement of Pink-footed Geese occurred, with at least seven skiens totalling a minimum of 238 birds all heading south. Three Common Crane were also reported flying south over the western end of the recording area mid afternoon. Other highlights included a Yellow-browed Warbler in the gorse field and an adult Med Gull at Buckton.

Yellow-browed Warbler, gorse field by Andy Hood

Another mild sunny day with a light north westerly wind. A single Balearic Shearwater flew north during the sea watch, along with 2 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Manx, 6 Arctic Skua (1 south), 3 Bonxie, 1 Little gull, 256 Common Scoter (plus 11 south), 10 RT Diver (plus 18 south) and 26 Pinkfeet south.

A further 239 Pinkfeet flew south over the western side of the recording area. A total of four Yellow-browed warbler were present across the headland including birds in the gorse field and at Thornwick. A Snow bunting was on the edge of the golf course early morning. Other passerines of note included 5 Mistle thrush on the outer head, 1 Fieldfare, small movements of siskin and redpoll (21 ringed at Buckton). 11 Coal tit were also noteworthy, 8 of which were seen to fly in off the sea at Selwick’s bay.

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was in Outerhead gardens early morning.

Fog patches persisted throughout the day. A light southerly breeze picked up during the afternoon. Three Yellow-browed Warbler were present, including new birds in at Buckton and near North Landing. The first Brambling of the autumn was in Old fall during the afternoon, with 3 Redwing also noted on the outer head. Other species of note included the Snow Bunting still present on the golf course, a Hobby and 30 Pinkfeet (south). Following yesterday’s high count of Coal tit, 7 were at south landing.

Common darter by Alan Walkington

Light southerly winds and sunshine featured throughout the day. Seawatching highlights included 13 Brent Geese (of which at least 11 were pale-bellied), 42 Teal and single Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Red-breasted Merganser all flying north. A Common Buzzard overflew the headland and a Jack Snipe was flushed near Old Fall.

The influx of Yellow-browed Warblers continued, with a minimum of six birds present. Additional migrants included a Firecrest in the Gorse Field, a Pied Flycatcher, two Tree Pipits, one Grey Wagtail, a Stonechat, four Coal Tits at South Landing, three Siskins and two Lesser Redpolls.

Visible migration at Speeton recorded 29 Pink-footed Geese, 30 Goldfinch, 24 Linnet and 14 Redpolls flying south.

It was a day of very light easterly winds and sunny intervals. Seawatching produced two Sooty Shearwaters, a Pintail, 52 Common Scoters all flying north, as did 40 Wigeon, with another 25 moving south. Six Arctic Skuas went north, five Bonxies flew south, together with a movement of 1748 Little Gulls in the same direction. An adult Yellow-legged Gull and a first calendar-year Mediterranean Gull frequented the Headland.

There were at least eight Yellow-browed Warblers in residence. Other migrants included a Firecrest at Old Fall, one Tree Pipit, 15 Song Thrush, a Pied Flycatcher and one Grey Wagtail.

Buckton attracted a Redwing, three Stonechat, a Whinchat and one Pied Flyatcher.

Visible migration at Speeton logged 12 Golden Plovers moving south, along with six Dunnock, 19 Song Thrush (with another 20 grounded), 27 Linnet, 27 Redpolls and five Yellowhammers. Five Coal Tits were also present.

It was a day of very light easterly winds and sunny intervals. Seawatching produced six dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Shoveler flying north, eight Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie, with 66 Little Gulls flying south. In addition, two Purple Sandpipers and a Mediterranean Gull frequented the Outer Head.

Migrants included two Yellow-browed Warblers on the Outer Head, including one at Old Fall, single Redstart, Yellow Wagtail and Goldcrest, with another two Yellow-browed Warblers in the trees surrounding Buckton Pond.

It was a day of very light variable winds and sunny intervals. Seawatching highlights included one pale-bellied and seven dark-bellied Brent Geese flying north, four Arctic Skuas and 622 Little Gulls moving south. West of the Dykes, 94 Pink-footed Geese flew east over Buckton.

There was an influx of Common Buzzards, involving 14 over the Outer Head including a ‘kettle’ of 10 birds; five were noted west of the Dykes.

The Eastern Subalpine Warbler re-appeared on the south side of the Gorse Field this morning, having initially been seen on 1^st September! A Tree Pipit overflew the village and two Yellow-browed Warblers were at Old Fall, with another three birds in the Buckton area.

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was trapped at YWT’s Living Seas Centre.

The day featured light south-westerly winds and sunny intervals after an overcast start. Seawatching highlights included 18 Red-throated Divers, single Great Northern Diver, Great Crested Grebe and dark-bellied Brent Goose flying south, single Arctic Skua and Bonxie moving north and 1337 Little Gulls heading south. In addition, five Barnacle Geese flew south over the Headland, as did 65 Pink-footed Geese, a Little Egret and one Whimbrel.

Thornwick Pool hosted a Water Rail, Jack Snipe, four Snipe, single Tufted Duck and Wigeon, as well as 17 Teal. A dark juvenile Honey Buzzard flew south-east over Thornwick early afternoon and there was another good showing of Common Buzzards, with a minimum of seven recorded, and a single Hobby flew over the village.

A Barred Warbler was discovered at Old Fall Steps and still present in the evening, with one Yellow-browed Warbler remaining in Old Fall. Other migrant passerine migrants included 13 Goldcrests, 13 Chiffchaffs, one Redstart, two Stonechats, a Wheatear, 16 Siskins, 31 Lesser Redpolls and one Crossbill.

West of the Dykes, the Bempton/Buckton area attracted two Common Buzzards, two Stonechats together with single Redstart and Pied Flycatcher. Better still a Great Grey Shrike was located at Buckton during the evening.

Another that day featured light variable winds in the morning and then a light northerly wind in the afternoon, whilst it was mainly overcast after a bright start. Seawatching highlights included a Blue Fulmar and a Sooty Shearwater flying north, five Bonxies, 88 Little Gulls flying north, together with 255 Black-headed Gulls and 511 Common Gulls. In addition, a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea.

Seventeen Pink-footed Geese flew south over the Outer Head, a Little Egret overflew North Landing and a Whimbrel moved south. An arrival of migrants took place during the afternoon, with nine Yellow-browed Warblers scattered across the Headland and a Firecrest at Thornwick. Additional migrants included two Redwing, two Redstarts and a Spotted Flycatcher.

The Great Grey Shrike remained at Buckton, a Ring Ouzel was also present, whilst single Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler were trapped.

Winds were again light and eventually settled into a south-easterly flow, whilst there were sunny intervals and bright overcast conditions. Seawatching produced four Sooty and one Balearic Shearwater flying north, a Whimbrel also heading north, whilst two Pomarine Skuas were recorded; one offshore and the other moving south. Five Arctic Skuas and seven Bonxies also flew south.

A Great Northern Diver flew south over the Headland, whilst the Lighthouse grasslands hosted a Jack Snipe and two Short-eared Owls. There were 13 Yellow-browed Warblers recorded during the day and the Barred Warbler re-appeared at Old Fall Steps. Other migrants included eight Redwing, two Brambling, two Stonechats, two Pied Flycatchers, two Willow Warblers and single Redstart, Yellow Wagtail and Lapland Bunting. A flock of 24 Long-tailed Tits at North Landing was above average.

West of the Dykes, there were three Yellow-browed Warblers at Buckton.

The weather changed significantly at last, with moderate/strong south-easterly winds, rain during the morning and heavily overcast skies throughout. Seawatching produced 14 Sooty Shearwaters heading north, a Barnacle Goose and 40 Teal moving south, whilst one Pomarine Skua and eight Arctic Skuas flew north.

One Short-eared Owl was located near the village. A significant influx of thrushes took place with 630 Redwing and 60 Song Thrushes arriving, together with three Ring Ouzels. A Richard’s Pipit that overflew North Marsh represented the year’s first record and six Yellow-browed Warblers were located despite the inclement conditions, while the Barred Warbler remained in the Old Fall Steps area. Other migrants included 16 Goldcrests, a Redstart and four Brambling.

West of the Dykes records from Buckton included six Ring Ouzels, 42 Song Thrush, a Whinchat, three Brambling and a Lapland Bunting.

The weather was varied: initially heavy rain until late morning, then sunny intervals until fog rolled in and the day ended with a heavy overcast and showers; winds were moderate and from the south-east. A seawatch from South Landing was rewarded with 40 Wigeon, 74 Teal and 26 Common Scoter moving south and a Velvet Scoter went north, as did an Arctic Skua. A Grey Plover was on the beach, whilst four Wigeon and a Dunlin frequented Thornwick Pools and a Dunlin and Ringed Plover North Marsh.

Passerines included 19 Yellow-browed Warblers, the Barred Warbler and 17 Ring Ouzels. Additional migrants included three Jack Snipe, 220 Song Thrush, single Whinchat and Redstart, 12 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 32 Goldcrests and eight Brambling.

West of the Dykes, a Lapland Bunting showed well at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, where there were three Ring Ouzels. Sightings from Buckton included a Yellow-browed Warbler, seven Ring Ouzels, 90 Song Thrush and 80 Reed Buntings.

Not an ideal day’s birding, with light winds in the morning giving way to moderate north-westerlies later; however, the day started foggy and, after a relatively brief dry spell, it rained during the afternoon. Sightings included six Snipe, three Yellow-browed Warblers, including two in Old Fall, three Ring Ouzels and single Redstart, Grey Wagtail and Willow Warbler.

The Lapland Bunting continued to show well at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

In contrast to the previous day, it was sunny with light north-westerly winds. Seawatching highlights included 24 Red-throated Divers and six Eiders flying south and a dark-bellied Brent Goose moving north. Four species of skuas were recorded, with one Pomarine, six Arctic and an adult Long-tailed Skua flying south, together with 54 Bonxies. An adult Mediterranean Gull also flew south, whilst 230 Little Gulls went north.

Away from the sea, sightings included 140 Pink-footed Geese flying south, a Short-eared Owl, 11 Swallows, five Ring Ouzels, a Redstart, one Grey Wagtail, four Yellow-browed Warblers, a Firecrest in South Dykes, 12 Chiffchaffs and eight Lesser Redpolls.

West of the Dykes, the Bempton/Buckton area hosted two Common Buzzard, 100 Lapwing, four Wheatear, four Stonechat, seven Ring Ouzels, two Chiffchaffs and a White Wagtail. In addition, 430 Pink-footed Geese flew south with one skein accompanied by a single Barnacle Goose.

The day featured light variable winds and sunshine. During the seawatch, 35 Red-throated Divers flew south, five Sooty Shearwaters and 89 Common Scoters went north, two Red-breasted Mergansers, two Arctic Skuas and 17 Bonxies flew south and two Common Terns moved north. An adult Mediterranean Gull appeared offshore, whilst 50 Curlew, a Grey Plover and 50 Oystercatchers were in residence.

Pride of place was the discovery of an Olive-backed Pipit alongside St David Lane near North Landing, although the bird proved elusive and frequented private land. Additional sightings included three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Garden Warbler, 11 Ring Ouzels, two Wheatears, five Stonechat, 62 Skylarks, eight Coal Tits, 11 Lesser Redpolls and three Siskin.

West of the Dykes, a Great Northern Diver flew south-east past Bempton and a Short-eared Owl came in off the sea at Buckton. A Yellow-browed Warbler was present in sycamores by the church at Speeton, with another Yellow-browed Warbler at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

There were light easterly winds and sunny intervals during the day. Seawatching produced 28 Red-throated Divers flying south, two Sooty Shearwaters moving north and a Velvet Scoter heading south; with a drake on the sea off the Headland later. Three Pomarine Skuas were noted, with two flying north and a juvenile lingering offshore. A total of 22 Bonxies moved south, whilst 840 Little Gulls and a Common Tern flew north. Thornwick Pools attracted nine Snipe and a Dunlin.

Five Yellow-browed Warblers included a bird near the Lighthouse which was probably a new arrival. Additional records included four Ring Ouzels, Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush, three Wheatears, 20 Goldcrests and a Lesser Whitethroat.

A Basking Shark swam south past the Headland at 1600hrs, whilst a Red-veined Darter was located near North Landing.

West of the Dykes, a Great Northern Diver flew south past Bempton and passerine interest included a Ring Ouzel, five Stonechats and one Yellow-browed Warbler.

The light/moderate easterly winds and sunny intervals heralded a significant fall.

Arrivals included a Bluethroat at Thornwick Camp, a Great Grey Shrike alongside the Golf Course, two Red-breasted Flycatchers (in the Gorse Field and Old Fall), nine Yellow-browed Warblers and four Firecrests.

Additional migrants included a Merlin, six Golden Plover, single Short-eared and Long-eared Owls, a Jack Snipe, one Woodcock, 140 Skylarks, four Grey Wagtails, seven Ring Ouzels, 385 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare,  two Wheatear, three Redstarts, a Pied Flycatcher, 29 Chiffchaffs, two Lesser Whitethroats, 770 Goldcrests, 70 Brambling, ten Siskins, 15 Crossbills and three Lapland Buntings.

Seawatching produced two Sooty Shearwaters flying north and one south, three Manx Shearwaters, five dark-bellied Brent Geese, five Eider and two Red-breasted Merganser all heading north, whilst an Arctic Tern went south. Thornwick Pools hosted 28 Teal, two Wigeon and a Ringed Plover, whilst a dark-bellied Brent Goose was on the Outer Head.

West of the Dykes, there were 90 Goldcrests (including 40 ringed), a Yellow-browed Warbler, five Chiffchaffs, three Ring Ouzels,a Whinchat and three Grey Wagtails at Buckton. A Little Owl there was also unusual.

The day featured light north-easterly winds and sunny intervals during the morning, before heavy showers from mid-afternoon. During the seawatch, six Sooty and one Manx Shearwater were recorded, whilst a dark-bellied Brent Goose headed north. A drake Velvet Scoter was on the sea adjacent to Old Fall.

Writing the daily sightings page is part of the ‘welcoming offer’ the Observatory is now determined to give to all visitors. However, this post is certainly more arduous to compile than most.

The highlight of today was the discovery of a female/1^st-winter Red-flanked Bluetail. Unfortunately the bird frequented an area that is strictly private with no public access and, consequently, we were unable to release the news. As another bluetail was showing well at Spurn, and reflecting upon the fact that four individuals have been ‘twitchable’ at Flamborough over the last decade, we decided not to trap the bird. Obviously we appreciate that this course of action will disappoint many and can only sympathise.

Scarce migrants were represented by two Red-breasted Flycatchers in Old Fall, five Yellow-browed Warblers and two Firecrests. Additional migrants included 140 Pink-footed Geese flying south, a Jack Snipe, two Redstarts, four Grey Wagtails, a Pied Flycatcher, 460 Goldcrest, 30 Chiffchaff, two Garden Warblers, 11 Blackcaps and 25 Brambling.

West of the Dykes, there were two Yellow-browed Warblers (Buckton Pond & Bempton), with a Ring Ouzel also at the latter site.

After moderate north-easterly winds and showers at the start of the day, the winds dropped slightly and there were sunny intervals in the afternoon. Seawatching highlights included 13 Sooty Shearwaters flying north, 48 Common Scoter, 11 Arctic Skuas and 33 Bonxies all moving south, whilst a Short-eared Owl also went south offshore. A lone Whooper Swan headed south over the Headland, a Yellow-legged Gull appeared off the Fog Station and another Short-eared Owl frequented Beacon Hill later in the day.

Late afternoon, a first-winter/female Red-flanked Bluetail was discovered in South Landing near the Whalebone bridge; in light of the distances involved, presumably a second individual following the bird on private land yesterday. In addition, eight Yellow-browed Warblers remained, as did the Red-breasted Flycatcher at Old Fall; a Hawfinch at the latter location later flew west. Migrant totals included two Ring Ouzels, 490 Goldcrests (with 160 trapped and ringed at South Landing, which included an individual previously ringed in Denmark), two Ring Ouzels, two Redstarts, two Wheatears, a Garden Warbler and 19 Chiffchaffs.

Reflecting the significant arrival of migrants, a total of 287 birds have been caught and ringed over the last two days including 240 Goldcrests, eight Blackcaps, two Chiffchaffs one Lesser Redpoll and a single Yellow-browed Warbler.

West of the Dykes, a Yellow-browed Warbler was at Bempton and sightings from Buckton included single Yellow-browed Warbler and Firecrest, a Ring Ouzel and 60 Goldcrests.

There were moderate/strong north-easterly winds throughout a day of sunny intervals and showers. Seawatching highlights included five Sooty and one Manx Shearwater flying north and four Goldeneye heading south.

Once again passerine migrants were to the fore. Pride of place was the discovery of a Siberian Stonechat in the Gorse Field which showed intermittently all day. Two Great Grey Shrikes frequented the same area and could often be seen sitting a couple of metres apart. A Pallas’s Warbler was discovered at Old Fall late afternoon, a Firecrest was alongside the Gorse Field during the morning, with another at South Landing, and three Yellow-browed Warblers remained. Other migrants included a Woodcock, three Short-eared Owls, one Wheatear, a Redstart, 15 Brambling and a Mealy Redpoll, whilst Goldcrest and Redwing numbers increased, augmented by fresh arrivals.

Another Great Grey Shrike was located at Bempton Cliffs RSPB which also hosted two Stonechats.

The day was largely overcast with occasional light showers and a light/moderate north-easterly wind. Seawatching produced six Sooty Shearwaters heading north with a Tufted Duck and 11 Bonxies flying south. In addition, a Great Northern Diver flew north over the Headland, a lone Whooper Swan toured the area early morning and Thornwick Pools attracted a Jack Snipe.

The Siberian Stonechat remained south of the Lighthouse, whilst a Little Bunting was a new discovery at Old Fall. The Pallas’s Warbler was still at the latter site, a Barred Warbler in the Bay Brambles was new, four Yellow-browed Warblers were located, while there were two Great Grey Shrikes, including a new individual at Old Fall. Other migrants included four Short-eared Owls, two Ring Ouzels, two Redstarts, 20 Brambling and a Lapland Bunting; numbers of Goldcrests were down on previous days, although several hundred were still scattered throughout the area.

Buckton was rewarded with an Olive-backed Pipit which was trapped and ringed, as well as two Pallas’s Warbler, one of which was trapped. There were also three Short-eared Owls, a Long-eared Owl, one Firecrest, 90 Goldcrests and single Snow and Lapland Buntings.

Moderate/strong north-easterly winds and a heavily overcast morning, before sunny intervals from mid-afternoon. A drake Velvet Scoter was on the sea near South Landing. A Black-throated Diver flew north on the seawatch, as did 13 Sooty Shearwaters, whilst 18 Bonxies moved south.

The Siberian Stonechat remained in the vicinity of the wild bird cover crop south of the Lighthouse, with a Firecrest nearby. Late in the day the South Landing Red-flanked Bluetail was relocated at South Landing, again near the whalebone bridge alongside the sheep field. A Dusky Warbler was discovered along Old Fall Hedge early morning; although relatively vocal and initially flighty, it then reverted to type and stayed elusive until melting away.

The Pallas’s Warbler remained in Old Fall, where there was also a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Great Grey Shrike. Three Yellow-browed Warblers were located in total, with others at South Landing and Whelkie Wynds. Additional migrants included a Jack Snipe, four Short-eared Owls, 1850 Redwings and 130 Fieldfare arriving in off the sea, two Ring Ouzels, 45 Robins, single Redstart and Wheatear and eight Crossbills.

The scale of this week’s influx is amply demonstrated by the total of 675 birds ringed over the last five days, with 556 of these being Goldcrests including individuals previously ringed in Norway, Finland and Denmark.

The Olive-backed Pipit and two Pallas’s Warblers were still present at Buckton. Other sightings from Buckton included single Woodcock and Water Rail, three Short-eared Owls, 220 Goldcrests and 100 Redwing. Nearby Bempton sightings involved 30 Goldcrests, 12 Robins and 100 Redwing.

The weather consisted of strong northerly winds, overcast conditions and occasional drizzle. Seawatching produced one Great Northern Diver flying south, six Sooty Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater moving north, four Velvet Scoters flying north, a Pomarine Skua south along with 69 Bonxies. The drake Velvet Scoter remained offshore of Booted Gully.

The Siberian Stonechat remained in residence at Cattlemere south of the Lighthouse, whilst the Dusky Warbler was relocated on the southern end of Old Fall Hedge. Three Yellow-browed Warblers were present, in the village, at South Landing and at Old Fall. A minimum of two Great Grey Shrikes toured the Outer Head while a Firecrest was at Old Fall. Two Pallas’s Warblers were present on the Outer Head, one near the Siberian Stonechat and the other at Old Fall.

In general there appeared to be fewer migrants, although this may have been due in part to the strength of the winds; two Short-eared Owls were recorded along with a Ring Ouzel, 27 Chiffchaffs, two Reed Warblers and 400+ Goldcrests.

Records from Buckton included the two Pallas’s Warblers, 80 Goldcrests and a Wheatear.

Winds had decreased in strength to leave a light/moderate north-easterly and mainly overcast conditions. Seawatching was rewarding with highlights including 20 Red-throated Divers flying south, a summer-plumaged Black-throated Diver heading north, 16 Sooty Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater heading in the same direction, whilst two dark-bellied Brent Geese and two Goldeneye went south. A juvenile Pomarine Skua flew south, together with 73 Bonxies and an adult Mediterranean Gull. The drake Velvet Scoter again gave good views close inshore off Old Fall.

The Siberian Stonechat showed relatively well in the Cattlemere area south of the Lighthouse, whilst the Dusky Warbler gave sporadic views between spells of being typically elusive along the southern end of Old Fall Hedge. The bulk of the crests appeared to have vacated the wooded areas, although a Yellow-browed Warbler remained at Old Fall. The Barred Warbler was relocated in the bushes alongside the Lighthouse. Two Great Grey Shrikes toured the Outer Head, whilst migrants also included three Short-eared Owls.

West of the Dykes, 15 Barnacle Geese were recorded at Buckton along with a Short-eared Owl.

The morning’s weather consisted lighter northerly winds and overcast conditions, whilst the wind dropped off in the afternoon when there were also sunny intervals. Seawatching produced three Sooty Shearwaters and three Tufted Ducks flying north, a Red-breasted Merganser moving south, 14 Arctic Skuas and 28 Bonxies flying south. The drake Velvet Scoter remained on the sea between Old Fall and South Landing.

Away from the sea, a Common Buzzard circled over the village. Of local interest, a Green Woodpecker was present at South Landing and represented the year’s second individual. Two Short-eared Owls were present and the Siberian Stonechat showed well in the adjacent weedy field. Two Great Grey Shrikes stayed all day between the Gorse Field and Old Fall. The Dusky Warbler continued to tantalise visitors throughout the day although tended to show better than over recent days. Two Pallas’s Warblers were new in; an individual initially in Old Fall Hedge later moved into the Plantation, whilst another was located near Highcliffe Manor at South Landing. Two Yellow-browed Warblers were also present split between the same two sites, whilst a Firecrest was at South Landing. Migrants also included 270 Redwing, a Garden Warbler, 22 Brambling and four Crossbills.

Sightings from Buckton included a Short-eared Owl, 1200 Starlings, four Stonechat, a Firecrest and 30 Goldcrests.

The weather consisted of light north-westerly winds and sunny intervals. Seawatching highlights included eight Red-breasted Mergansers, three Goosanders flying south, whilst a juvenile Pomarine Skua and 452 Little Gulls moved north. Three Mute Swans overflew the Outer Head, 135 Pink-footed Geese went south and three Velvet Scoters and a Red-breasted Merganser were on the sea alongside the South Cliffs.

The Siberian Stonechat again frequented the wild bird cover crop south of the Lighthouse, two Great Grey Shrikes remained in residence on the Outer Head and the Pallas’s Warbler showed occasionally in Old Fall. The latter site also hosted a Yellow-browed Warbler, with another on Thornwick Camp. Typically elusive, the Barred Warbler re-appeared near the Lighthouse. Other sightings included one Common Buzzard, two Water Rails, a Woodcock in off, a Black Redstart at the Fog Station, 110 Goldcrests, 17 Chiffchaff, 350 Redwing, five Stonechat, 20 Brambling, 70 Chaffinch, six Lesser Redpoll and 13 Siskin.

Rain early morning gave way to a sunny day and light/moderate south-westerly winds. Seawatching from North Landing was rewarded with solitary Pochard and Goosander flying south. Thornwick Pools attracted a Grey Heron, one Cormorant, 23 Teal, nine Snipe and a Water Rail. Elsewhere, five House Martins and a Swallow were recorded along with three Stonechats. A Great Grey Shrike remained on the hedge east of Old Fall and a Barred Warbler was located at Old Fall Steps.

The weather consisted of moderate westerly winds and sunny intervals. Seawatching highlights included 16 Red-throated Divers, one Great Northern Diver, 24 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, one Arctic Skua and five Bonxies heading south. Thornwick Pools attracted 30 Teal and four Snipe, whilst a Common Buzzard overflew South Dykes.

West of the Dykes, sightings from the Bempton/Buckton area included a Common Buzzard, ten Redwing and three Stonechats.

A south-westerly wind strengthened during a relatively overcast day. Seawatching produced 14 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, ten Whooper Swans, four Pink-footed Geese, single Shelduck, Gadwall and Goosander all flying south. An adult Pomarine Skua moved in the same direction, whilst a Sandwich Tern headed north.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Grey Heron, 19 Teal, four Snipe and a Water Rail. A Marsh Harrier and two Short-eared Owls frequented the north side of the Headland near the Golf Course. A Yellow-browed Warbler accompanied a tit flock in South Dykes, whilst 12 Lesser Redpolls, 16 Siskins and seven Bramblings were present.

Bempton RSPB attracted a Siberian Chiffchaff, six Stonechats, 28 Redwing, 43 Blackbirds and 20 Golden Plover.

The weather consisted a strong south-south-westerly wind, overcast conditions and occasional rain. Seawatching produced eight Red-throated Divers flying south, one Sooty Shearwater, two dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Red-breasted Merganser moving north and three Bonxies. A total of 253 Shags also left the roost and flew south into Bridlington Bay.

There were 17 Teal, a Water Rail, four Snipe and three Rock Pipits at Thornwick Pools, four Stonechats on the nearby cliffs, two Common Buzzards at North Dykes and a Short-eared Owl at North Marsh.

The day consisted light westerly winds and sunny intervals. Seawatching resulted in a Great Northern Diver flying south, a Manx Shearwater moving north, 16 Whooper Swans, a Goldeneye, two Goosanders and 17 Bonxies heading south, whilst two Pomarine Skuas and one Arctic Skua flew north. A skein of 150 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the Headland, with another 13 Whooper Swans flying south over Buckton and two Velvet Scoters were off South Landing. Six Common Buzzards were present, whilst a Yellow-legged Gull appeared at North Landing.

A Yellow-browed Warbler was located at South Landing, where there were also three Lesser Redpolls and eight Siskin. A single Twite, one Snow Bunting and two Lapland Buntings were present on the Outer Head.

West of the Dykes, a Black Redstart was located near Bempton village.

Moderate/strong south-easterly winds were a feature of a generally overcast morning, with sunny intervals predominating later. Seawatching highlights included two Great Northern Divers flying south, a Sooty Shearwater moving north, with three Shelduck, 23 Wigeon and 14 Knot heading south. Three Pomarine Skuas flew north, along with single Mediterranean Gull and Sandwich Tern.

A total of 272 Shags left the cliff roost early morning and 31 Turnstones and 12 Purple Sandpipers were in residence. Thornwick Pools hosted single Knot and Dunlin and two Short-eared Owls were recorded; an individual flying in off the sea early morning and another near North Marsh.

An arrival of passerines was headlined by a Pallas’s Warbler at Old Fall, the seventh on the wider Flamborough Headland this autumn. In addition, 550 Redwing and 175 Fieldfare arrived during the day, along with 26 Fieldfare, a male Stonechat that came in off the sea, 17 Goldcrests and 48 Brambling.

West of the Dykes, two Lapland Buntings were at Buckton.

It was a misty and overcast day, with a moderate south-easterly wind. During the seawatch 28 Red-throated Divers flew south, eight dark-bellied Brent Geese moved in the same direction (with two heading north), whilst 60 Wigeon, 43 Teal, six Pintail, seven Pochard, five Tufted Duck and two Goldeneye also headed south. A total of 59 Eider headed north, as did three Red-breasted Mergansers, with a duo flying south. Four Pomarine Skuas and a Mediterranean Gull also moved north. Five Little Auks headed north past South Landing and another was picked up at Sewerby and taken to Bempton RSPB. Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Grebe, two Wigeon, a Shoveler, 15 Teal, two Water Rails and two Rock Pipits.

A Hume’s Warbler was discovered mid-afternoon in bushes below the Lighthouse and showed well until dusk. A Yellow-browed Warbler and a Firecrest frequented the same area, whilst the Pallas’s Warbler remained at Old Fall. Additional migrants included five Woodcock, a Long-eared Owl, four Black Redstarts, 150 Redwing, 80 Fieldfare, seven Mistle Thrush, 68 Goldcrests, 11 Chiffchaff, seven Lesser Redpoll and 30 Brambling.