19th April 2014

An interesting day as the wind veered to NE then east producing 5 Blue Fulmar among 337 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 3 Sandwich Terns and 3 Great Skuas all heading north on the sea watch. An interesting Diver that went north was initially thought to be a Great Northern but following reference to photos of a White-billed Diver seen earlier at Spurn the observer now considers this to be the same bird.

On the land, coverage of the Buckton area revealed 3 Lesser Whitethroat and 5 Yellow Wagtails with a Grasshopper Warbler at nearby Bempton where there was also a Short-eared Owl to entertain the many holiday visitors.  On the headland itself there was another Grasshopper Warbler, at least 12, and possibly as many as 16, Wheatear, a Fieldfare, a Tree Pipit at Whelkie Wynds and a Brambling and Common Whitethroat at Old Fall. A Common Buzzard was seen over the village with a Golden Plover also overhead.  The Tawny Pipit was reported again though not substantiated by good views. A White Wagtail joined 3 Yellows on Thornwick Pool and a ‘Northeastern’ Jackdaw was in fields between Bempton and Danes Dyke north for its 2nd day. It appears to show characters between the Nordic monedula and Russian soemmerrengii, with quite striking white collar.

Northeastern Jackdaw by John Beaumont
Northeastern Jackdaw by John Beaumont
Grasshopper Warbler Outer Head (P Reed)
Grasshopper Warbler Outer Head (P Reed)

A curious and frustrating sighting was of a large pale, probably 2cy falcon of Saker type which flew in off the sea at North Landing and headed towards the lighthouse.

20th April 2014

A fairly quiet day on the cape today, a blue Fulmar amongst 160 heading north was the sea watch highlight and elsewhere things also appeared pretty settled.  Most of the expected migrants have now made an appearance with Wheatear (2), Common Whitethroat (3), Swallow (9), Sand Martin (18), Yellow Wagtail (1), Redstart (1), Blackcap (2), Willow Warbler (5), Chiffchaff (2) and a White Wagtail all recorded on the headland with two Bramblings also on the Outer Head.  A total of 123 Linnets were counted including c100 at Cattlemere. Elsewhere there was a reeling Grasshopper Warbler at Bempton.

Grasshopper Warbler Bempton (C Mellor)
Grasshopper Warbler Bempton (C Mellor)

21 April 2014

Another settled day with migrants continuing to show well, birds today included a singing Grasshopper Warbler at Thornwick Pool, a Sedge Warbler at nearby Thornwick reedbed, at least 5 Lesser Whitethroats, a Common Whitethroat, a single White and 2 Yellow Wagtails plus a supporting cast of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Wheatear, Sand Martin and Swallow. Good numbers of Sandwich Terns were seen on the seawatch with 54 north and 13 south, a blue Fulmar was also amongst the 101 that passed north.  Waders were represented by a Green Sandpiper at Thornwick Pool and a total of 5 Whimbrel that flew north (2,2 & 1).  Elsewhere there was a Fieldfare at Old Fall and a migrant Stonechat in Church Lane.  The sea bird colonies at Bempton have really pulled in the visitors this Bank Holiday and their visit was further enlivened by a close passing Great Skua.

Great Skua (A Malley)
Great Skua (A Malley)

Coverage of the nearby Buckton area produced some more migrants, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Wheatears, several Chiffchaffs and single Blackcap, Garden Warbler and a Sparrowhawk plus the recent (or another?) Short-eared owl.

Short-eared Owl (J Reed)
Short-eared Owl (P Reed)
Wheatear (J Reed)
Wheatear (P Reed)
Yellow Wagtail (J Reed)
Yellow Wagtail (P Reed)

22nd April 2014

Further arrival of migrants today with the first Common Sandpiper (Thornwick Pool) and Arctic Tern (one north on sea watch).  Other migrants today were Whitethroat (2), Lesser Whitethroat (3), Blackcap (6), Wheatear (5), Ring Ouzel (1 Old Fall), Redstart (2), Yellow Wagtail (4) along with Willow Warbler (1), Chiffchaff (4) and several Swallows and Sand Martins.

Common Sandpiper Thornwick Pool (A Hood)
Common Sandpiper Thornwick Pool (A Hood)
Yellow Wagtail Thornwick Pool (A Hood)
Yellow Wagtail Thornwick Pool (A Hood)

The sea watch was generally quiet apart from the Arctic Tern and 129 Puffin heading north.  Elsewhere there were 2 Shelduck over Lighthouse Road, two Fieldfare and three Siskin in an Outer Head garden.  Also of interest was a leucistic Herring Gull on the golf course.

Siskin (C Thomas)
Siskin (C Thomas)

 

23rd April 2014

Another settled day and one which produced the best arrival day for migrants of late, the headland saw a total of at least 30 Wheatears: 21 on the Outer Head between North Marsh and Old Fall (including 3 by the lighthouse), 6 at Thornwick Pool and 3 at Ocean View. Elsewhere there were totals of 6 Common Whitethroat, at least 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Common Redstarts.  A Sedge Warbler and White Wagtail were at Thornwick Pool. Yesterday’s Ring Ouzel also remained at Old Fall and hirundines were moving south with at least 50 Swallows, a handful of Sand Martins and 2 House Martins involved. In addition to all these an Outer Head garden played host to a Black Redstart .

Northern Wheatear Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
Northern Wheatear Thornwick Pool (M Garner)

The Thornwick Pool area received a fair amount of attention and rewarded with three shinzii Dunlin, an acredula Willow Warbler (M Garner) and 2 Shelduck in addition to the above.

Dunlin Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
Dunlin Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
White Wagtail Thornwick Pool (A Hood)
White Wagtail Thornwick Pool (A Hood)

Departing winter visitiors were a Redwing in Old Fall and 2 Fieldfare at South Landing.

A Common Buzzard was also seen over Ocean View.

 

24 April 2014

Pretty much fog bound today with visibility down to 50m by 0900, as a result few birds reported although there was a Hooded Crow and 2 Ring Ouzels at Northcliffe Marsh early on and another (or the same?) two Ring Ouzels at Thornwick Bay later in the day. 2 Whimbrel flew east up Lighthouse Road and a Green Sandpiper and two Snipe were at Thornwick Pool. Common Whitethroats arrived ‘en masse’ in the last 24 hours with singing males in several locations including up to 4 in one small area near Chalet Hedge.

25th April 2014

Despite being virtually fog bound again the headland produced some nice birds today with a Black Redstart at Thornwick Caravan park and two Icelandic Black tailed Godwits at Thornwick Pool the pick of the bunch.

Black-tailed Godwit Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
Black-tailed Godwit Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
Yellow Wagtail and Black -tailed Godwit Thornwick Pool (M Garner)
Yellow Wagtail and Black -tailed Godwit Thornwick Pool (M Garner)

Also at Thornwick Pool were single Fieldfare, Brambling, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Dunlin and Tufted Duck plus the long staying two Shelduck.  Elsewhere on the Outer Head there were 5 Brambling and 2 Fieldfare plus the expected summer migrants which included 4 Wheatear, a Sedge Warbler, good numbers of singing Lesser and Common Whitethroat and a fine male Redstart.

26th April 2014

A clearer day with winds in southeast and more observer coverage brought good variety of migration.

Wheatear headlined with around 40 birds present. Specific counts:

8 Golf Course

11 Micklemires

6 Thornwick area

5 cliff top near Holmes Gut

3 opposite Oceanview

2 Old Fall circuit

2 Water Lane

1 Whelkie Wynds

A Wood Warbler on the edge of the Gorse Field was the first of the year and 8 Common Crossbill flew south out of Old Fall Plantation. The Hooded Crow was still present in the North Marsh/ Golf Course area with up to 100 Carrion Crow. Ring Ouzel were recorded at Buckton (1) and Bempton (2). c 35 Fieldfare divided themselves between Micklemires fields and the Gorse Field/ Old Fall area. 2 Male Redstart on Outer Head and male Black Redstart still at Thornwick. Short-eared Owl were around the Gorse Field and at Bempton and a  Merlin flew over the outer head. 2 Brambling and single Siskin in Old Fall. A Whinchat east of Thornwick and acredula Willow Warbler by Thornwick Pool. Many song birds are establishing territory with migrants still passing making it difficult discern between the two, in the case of Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers.

Adult male Bar-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pool by Andy Hood
Adult male Bar-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pool by Andy Hood
Adult female Bar-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pool by Andy Hood
Adult female Bar-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pool by Andy Hood

2 Bar-tailed Godwit, adult male and adult female gave excellent views on Thornwick Pool and later Micklemires fields. These were joined by a couple of Whimbrel and single Curlew with up to 7 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper also on Thornwick. Single Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel also flew south on the morning seawatch. A pair of Garganey on the sea off Bempton was unusual with Great Skua again there.

Common Sandpiper, Thornwick Pool by Andy Hood
Common Sandpiper, Thornwick Pool by Andy Hood

 

 

 

27th April 2014

Although once again somewhat hampered by poor visibility the area received fairly widespread coverage due to the efforts of regular stalwarts.  The daily seawatch from the Outer Head had to be abandoned due to visibility and transferred to South Landing where conditions were a little better, highlight being a Scaup heading “north” (actually east at this location).

The conservation work that has taken place at Thornwick Pool over some considerable time now is reaping rewards with recent wader records showing the value of being able to adequately control the water levels at critical times of the year.  Following on from both Godwit species in the last couple of days today there were singles of Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Redshank and a Little ringed Plover plusYellow Wagtail, 2 Sedge Warbler a Wheatear and the long staying pair of Shelduck and male Tufted Duck.

Green Sandpiper (A Malley)
Green Sandpiper (A Malley)
Redshank and Green Sandpiper (M Garner)
Redshank and Green Sandpiper (M Garner)
Little Ringed Plover (A Malley)
Little Ringed Plover (A Malley)

Migrant passerines continue to be well reported with the area holding mimimum counts of the following, Willow Warbler 12, Chiffchaff 3, Blackcap 6, Common Redstart 1, Common Whitethroat 10, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Wheatear 5, Ring Ouzel 1 and Yellow Wagtail 2 plus good numbers of Swallow, 11 Sand Martin and a House Martin.  In addition there were two Whimbrel reported at Micklemires and a Hooded Crow at North Marsh.  26 Fieldfares were in the The Grange farm area.

Ringing at Buckton produced Willow Warbler and both Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. Other birds here included Brambling, Fieldfare, Whinchat and Wheatear.

 

 

Ad male, Whitethroat, Buckton, (Mark Thomas)
Whitethroat, Buckton, (Mark Thomas)
willow warbler
Willow Warbler, Buckton (Mark Thomas)
Lesser Whitethroat
Lesser Whitethroat, Buckton (Mark Thomas)

 

28th April 2014

In addition to most of the migrants noted yesterday there were several new arrivals in evidence today including a Tree Pipit near North Landing, 2 Whinchat in the Gorse Field, a male and female Redstart and male Pied Flycatcher in Old Fall and several Ring Ouzels (4+) across the headland. Up to 3 acredula Willow Warblers on the outer head stood out amoung more olive and yellow nominate birds. The highlight of the day however has to be the Grey-headed Wagtail ssp. thunbergi seen in the sheep field south of the lighthouse.

 

1st summer male Grey-headed Wagtail ssp. thunbergi. Sheep field south of Head Farm.
1st summer male Grey-headed Wagtail ssp. thunbergi. Sheep field south of Head Farm.
Pied Flycatcher (A Hood)
1st summer male Pied Flycatcher (A Hood)
Ring Ouzel (A Hood)
Ring Ouzel (A Hood)

Departing winter visitors continue to be seen with a Redwing and 3 Bramblings in Old Fall.  Elsewhere up to 3 Marsh Harrier and 1 Buzzard flew south over the headland. A Ringed Plover was on Thornwick Pool and  the Green Sandpiper there was joined by a second bird.  A Whimbrel was also seen heading west over the pool.

acredula type aka 'Northern' Willow Warbler, Bay Brambles, by Andrew Allport
acredula type aka ‘Northern’ Willow Warbler, Bay Brambles, by Andrew Allport
Typical nominate Willow Warbler, by Andrew Allport
Typical nominate Willow Warbler, by Andrew Allport
Sand Martin (J Beaumont)
Sand Martin (J Beaumont)

.

29th April 2014

A generally quiet day with few additions to the birds of late however a female Pied Flycatcher joined the male in Old Fall and there were still 3 Bramblings in the area. Bempton Cliffs RSPB had an obliging Short-eared Owl around the visitors centre for its second day at least.  The sea watch, which had to be from South Landing due to poor visibility off the headland produced little of note.

The Hoddy Cows Lane and Buckton area was checked for the first time in a while and recorded the following late afternoon: 7 Yellow Wagtail, 2 House Martins and singles of Wheatear, Chiffchaff, and both Lesser and Common Whitethroat.  A cream crown Marsh Harrier and a Barn owl were also in the general area.

Marsh Harrier (P Reed)
Marsh Harrier (P Reed)

30th April 2014

A fairly quiet last day of the month with low observer coverage perhaps contributing to this.  A relatively uneventful sea watch was enlivened by a “blue” Fulmar heading south whilst 24 of its more typical cousins headed north.  The highlights on the land were two Black Redstarts in the Lighthouse/fog station area and a Fieldfare at Ocean View.

Two Whimbrel were at Bempton mid afternoon (which left to the south) and the late afternoon Short-eared Owl put in its customary appearance near the visitors centre.

01 May 2014

Seawatching was fairly productive this morning with a total of c.292 Barnacle Geese seen, way beyond the previous day record of 86 (also in May).  Flocks of 60 (0925 hrs.) and c.75 (0952 hrs.) flew South and flocks of c.45 and c.112 flew due North (i.e. not curving in to follow the coast) at 1059 hrs, these two flocks joining when further North. In addition a dark morph Arctic Skua flew South and a Bonxie was seen briefly; also 1 Manx Shearwater, 8 Sandwich Terns & a Whimbrel flew North.

Thornwick produced the goods this afternoon with 2 Avocets, a Swift and a pair of Gadwalls at the pool and a female Scaup with 1 female & 3 male Tufted Ducks on the fishing pond.  The Gadwalls commuted between the pool & North Marsh, but the other birds didn’t linger too long.

2 Whimbrels on Micklemires fields.

Avocet at Thornwick (M Garner)
Avocet at Thornwick (M Garner)
Gadwall (M Garner)
Gadwall (M Garner)
Scaup with Tufted Ducks (B Richards)
Scaup with Tufted Ducks (B Richards)

In addition the Thornwick area also produced a brief Swift and single Sedge Warbler, Redstart and Whgite Wagtail.  Elsewhere there were 3 Wheatear, 3 Brambling, a male Pied Flycatcher and 2 Grey Partridge on the Outer Head.

2nd May 2014

A reasonable seawatch this morning included 7 Scaup, 2 splendid summer-plumaged Great Northern Divers, 1 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Tern & 4 Sandwich Terns, all North.

There were 7 Wheatears (3 males, 4 females) at the foghorn, a male Whinchat at the lighthouse car park and another or the same, in the Gorse Field.  A Pink-footed Goose was on North Marsh and a 1st summer female White Wagtail at Thornwick Pool along with a Yellow Wagtail.  Also on the Outer Head were 2 Common Swift, a male Redstart, an acredula Willow Warbler, 2 Brambling and a Fieldfare amongst the commoner summer visitors which are now busy taking up territories.

White Wagtail Thornwick Pool (P Reed)
White Wagtail Thornwick Pool (P Reed)

An evening seawatch produced 15 Sandwich Terns, 2 Arctic Terns, a Common Tern and two Red throated Divers all bar one of the Sandwich Terns heading north. 8 Woodpigeon attempted twice to head out east to sea before turning back.

The Buckton area 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Wheatear and several Corn Buntings singing furiously.  A Barn Owl also put in an appeareance here.

Corn Bunting (P Reed)
Corn Bunting (P Reed)
Yellow Wagtail (P Reed)
Yellow Wagtail (P Reed)
Barn Owl (P Reed)
Barn Owl (P Reed)

 

 

 

3rd May 2014

An early walk along the cliff top for Phil C. led to the discovery of a spring Richard’s Pipit. Thankfully it hung around and was seen for most of the morning.

 

Richard's Pipit on the Golf Course. Brett Richards
Richard’s Pipit on the Golf Course. Brett Richards

 

Nearby from the lighthouse to Old Fall a good mix of migrants included Ring Ouzel, 2 Redstart, 2 Tree Pipits, Whinchat, 2 Brambling, Common Swift, 4 House Martin, up to 7 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtail. A Little Ringed Plover flew around the Lighthouse car park calling and was later discovered on Thornwick Pool, and 1 Whimbrel flew inland. A single Pink-foot remained with the Greylag Geese and a pair of Stonechat have bred successfully at Thornwick. 6 Fieldfare were west of Thornwick with a Black Redstart on the cliff top.

Little Ringed Plover on Thornwick Pool. Martin Garner
Little Ringed Plover on Thornwick Pool. Martin Garner

Thornwick Pool also hosted a female White Wagtail and nearby Holmes Gut and cliff top held male Redstart, 6 Whitethroat and 6 Lesser Whitethroat. 5 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Sparrowhawk formed a raptor kettle over Cliff Lane, Bempton mid morning and  6 Wheatear, 15 Corn Bunting, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler were at Buckton.

female White Wagtail on Thornwick Pool. Martin Garher
female White Wagtail on Thornwick Pool. Martin Garner

Of note on the morning seawatch 1 Manx Shearwater and 2 Wigeon went north and 14 Sandwich Tern south.

Richard's Pipit on the Golf Course. Dave Aitken
Richard’s Pipit on the Golf Course. Dave Aitken

04 May 2014

A busy day with several observers putting the leg work in to cover the area producing some good counts of migrants and a few added extras.  A Blue headed Wagtail amongst Yellows in the sheep field on the Outer Head and a Black Redstart in an Outer Head garden were nice finds.  Counts for the headland included a total of 29 Wheatears, 19 Yellow Wagtails (plus three “in off” on the seawatch), 19 Sand Martins, 2 Ring Ouzel (1 Old Fall, 1 Cattlemere) and a Cuckoo calling early on.  Thornwick Pool had a Common Sandpiper, a White Wagtail and 2 Sedge Warblers.

The seawatch included 2 different Blue Fulmars (one north, one south), a total of 132 Sandwich Terns south, 15 Common Scoter and 9 Tufted Ducks also south and a Manx Shearwater north. Two Whimbrel flew south and another north.

Wheatear (C Mellor)
Wheatear (C Mellor)

Away from the Outer Head there were 5 Little Egrets flying north at Bempton along with 5 Whimbrel also north.  Buckton added a Long-eared Owl, a female Marsh Harrier (flying south east), single Grasshopper Warbler, Redwing, White Wagtail and Great-spotted Woodpecker and a total of 5 House Martins and 9 Yellow Wagtails.  Singing Corn Buntings were again in evidence around Bempton.

Corn Bunting (C Mellor)
Corn Bunting (C Mellor)
Herring Gull, caught in the act! (C Mellor)
Herring Gull, caught in the act! (C Mellor)

 

 

05 May 2014

Another interesting day began with a Richard’s Pipit in the sheep field at South Landing followed by two Avocet on North Marsh, the timing of their arrival suggesting they were the same two birds seen to leave the beach at Hunmanby Gap to the north a little earlier.  The morning sea watch was also quite lively with a partial summer plumaged Black throated Diver and a white Egret going south (considered to probably have been a Little), a Blue Fulmar was amongst the 86 that went north as did a dark phase Arctic Skua.  In addition to the Avocets there were other waders in evidence today with 3 Whimbrel on the sea watch and another at South Landing, a Greenshank south on the sea watch and one north at Thornwick Pool and later over Thornwick camp.  Once again the habitat work at Thornwick Pool has proved its worth as the site also hosted two Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed and Ringed Plover and towards dusk two Bar tailed Godwits dropped in.

Avocets at North Marsh (A Hood)
Avocets at North Marsh (A Hood)
Bar-tailed Godwits Thornwick Pool (A Hood)
Bar-tailed Godwits Thornwick Pool (A Hood)

Elsewhere there were 12+ Wheatear mostly/all Greenlands on the Thornwick cliff top (plus Dunlin and Redshank), single Fieldfares at Thornwick Pool and near Booted Gulley, a Grey Wagtail at Old Fall, a Yellow Wagtail at South Landing and the female White Wagtail remained at Thornwick Pool where there was also 2 Sedge Warblers and a House Martin.  Away from the head there were 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Sedge Warblers, 4 Wheatear, a White Wagtail and a Whinchat in the Buckton/Bempton area. A Little Ringed Plover on Buckton Pond was a site first.  Also at Buckton there were two Curlew on territory, 15 Corn Buntings and a total of 19 Tree Sparrow nestboxes contained eggs

male Greenland Wheatear. Martin Garner
male Greenland Wheatear. Martin Garner
female Greenland Wheatear. Martin Garner
female Greenland Wheatear. Martin Garner

Continuing the wader theme there was also a large flock of waders picked up distantly from the Bempton Buckton area this evening, they circled briefly before heading out to sea, possibly numbering at least a couple of hundred they were photographed and turned out to be Knot.

Large flock of Knot. Paul Reed
Large flock of Knot. Paul Reed

 

 

 

 

 

06 May 2014

A quieter day following the increased coverage of the Bank Holiday weekend.  The seawatch was fairly uneventful but there was a White Wagtail on the Outer Head and a Whimbrel flew north at Thornwick Pool where there was also a single schinzii Dunlin, 4 Shelduck, 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Yellow Wagtails.  A Green Sandpiper and a Dunlin were present near New Fall and 2 Bar tailed Godwits at South Landing where there were two well grown Tawny Owl chicks still in a nest.  A total of 16 Wheatear were reported with 2 at the foghorn, 8 at North Marsh, 5 in the Buckton area and 1 at South Landing.  Buckton also had 2 Yellow Wagtails, a Blackcap and a single Goldcrest.

Additional Outer Head migrants were 2 Sand Martin, 8 House Martin, 16 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Whitethroat and a single Willow Warbler.

Dunlin Thornwick Pool (A Hood)
Dunlin Thornwick Pool (A Hood)
Goldcrest Buckton (P Reed)
Goldcrest Buckton (P Reed)

A late received record of a Hoopoe on private land in the Buckton/Bempton area was a surprise.

07 May 2014

The morning seawatch although fairly uneventful did include 2 Gadwall going south.  The year’s first Hobby also went south early on amongst a light passage of hirundines over the Golf Course (20 Swallows, 8 Sand Martins and a Swift), there were 2 flava wagtails also heading south and 6 Wheatears on the golf course itself.  An unusual record of 3 flocks of ca 45 Woodpigeon coming in off the sea was noteworthy.  Other birds of note were a Bar-tailed Godwit on North Marsh and 2 female Ring Ouzels in the gorse field.

Five Little Terns were picked up from a Yorkshire Coast Nature seabird boat trip this morning (MJP et al) heading south off the the southern side of the headland and then past Bridlington; a rare bird locally, five together is exceptional.

Little Terns (M Pearson)
Little Terns (M Pearson)
Little Tern (M Pearson)
Little Tern (M Pearson)

Away from the headland there was a male Garganey on Buckton Pond possibly the same bird as was seen at Filey recently?

Garganey Buckton Pond (M Garner)
Garganey Buckton Pond (M Garner)

Late news from the Buckton area from over the weekend included a fine Long-eared Owl (4th) and ringing activity there included Corn Bunting (4th) and Greenland Wheatear (5th).

Long-eared Owl (M Thomas)
Long-eared Owl (M Thomas)
Corn Bunting. Mark Thomas
Corn Bunting. Mark Thomas
female Greenland Wheatear. Mark Thomas
female Greenland Wheatear. Mark Thomas

 

The seabird colony at Bempton is now in full swing with visitors enjoying excellent views of birds on the cliffs including Puffins which continue to delight.  Unfortunately they were not able to connect with the non avian highlight of the day, several Bottle nosed Dolphins being seen, a group of five and another of approx 10 both heading north.

Bempton Puffins (A Walkington)
Bempton Puffins (A Walkington)
Bottle nosed Dolphin (M Garner)
Bottle nosed Dolphin (M Garner)

 

08 May 2014

In general a fairly uneventful day and a quiet sea watch.  Two Ring Ouzels on the Outer Head (1 Gorse Field, 1 Bay Brambles), a Whinchat in the Gorse Field and a total of at least 9 Wheatears on the Outer Head.  Elsewhere there was a Barn Owl at Ocean View which gave excellent views (and photo opportunity!).

Barn Owl Ocean View (A Hood)
Barn Owl Ocean View (A Hood)

09 May 2014

Another  quiet day with little of note reported. A Ring Ouzel and a Tree Pipit on the Outer Head and 14 Greenland Wheatear including 12 together on cliff top at Thornwick;  the seawatch was similarly very quiet.  Breeding birds are now getting into full swing and the first brood of Coot chicks was noted today on Thornwick Pool.

10th May 2014

With breeding now in full swing early morning seawatches in wet westerlies produce a continual highways of Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins, Kittiwakes and Gannets. Other than that though there was little movement. On the land the first Garden Warbler of the year was along ‘Motorway Hedge’ by the Gorse Field (first hedge back from the Foghorn). Thornwick Pool hosted (yet another) Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper. 21 Greenland-type Wheatear included 13 together on cliff top at Thornwick.

male Greenland-type Wheatear. Thornwick, Martin Garner. Some males are less extensively orange below
male Greenland-type Wheatear. Thornwick, Martin Garner. Some males are less extensively orange below

 

Recent rarer moths include this Mullein, only the 2nd flying specimen for the outer head, plus one of the very distinctive caterpillar.

Mullein Moth, Martin Garner
Mullein Moth, Martin Garner
Kittiwakes collecting nest material on cliffs below Golf Course
Kittiwakes collecting nest material on cliffs below Golf Course

 

11th May 2014

South Landing had 45 Common Scoter offshore with 11 Turnstone and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit on the beach. Elsewhere a Common Sandpiper was on Thornwick Pool and seawatching produced 4 Manx Shearwater, 11 Sandwich and 2 Arctic tern. Migrant passerines included Pied Flycatcher, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

12th May 2014

A change in wind to northerlies, even though light produced movement of Fulmars with 429 by 11:00 and included 3 beautiful Blue Fulmar including one particularly dark bird which fit the DD (double dark) category. Single Arctic Skua aand small numbers of Sandwich, Common and Arctic terns also seen. Off South Landing the Common Scoter flock contained a reported 2 male Long-tailed Duck (please get in touch of it was you!). A female Ring Ouzel was at Bempton and a couple of Goldcrest and 2 lingering Greenland Wheatear at Buckton (3 more on outer head as well as a Garden Warbler and small numbers of Willow Warbler still on the move. A single Whimbrel hung out on the golf course.

 

female Ring Ouzel at Bempton. Dave Aitken
female Ring Ouzel at Bempton. Dave Aitken
Fox and the Lighthouse. Phil Cunningham
Fox and the Lighthouse. Phil Cunningham
Whimbrel on Golf Course. Phil Cunningham
Whimbrel on Golf Course. Phil Cunningham

 

13th May 2014

Light N winds and sunshine saw the daily trickle of hirundines moving south early morning (mainly Swallows) with a Whimbrel still on the golf course. A Blue Fulmar flew north with another good count of 214 Fulmar, another Whimbrel, 36 + Common Scoter and Arctic Skua and 6 Manx Shearwater. Please note of you ever want to see present or past records of the seawatches at Flamborough just go to the Trektellen website. HERE and scroll though old dates.

1st summer female Hen Harrier, Buckton. Paul Reed.
1st summer female Hen Harrier, Buckton. Paul Reed.
Common Whitethroat. Many in full song now like this male by Alan Walkington
Common Whitethroat. Many in full song now like this male by Alan Walkington
Spectacle moth. Not rare but trapped in one of several trap active on the outer head. Certainly one of the more bizarre moths on close inspection!
Spectacle moth. Not rare but trapped in one of several trap active on the outer head. Certainly one of the more bizarre moths on close inspection!
West of Danes Dykes a Redwing sang at Bempton and airport came through of Nightjar there heard churring and seen in flight on the evening of Sunday 10th after centre staff had all headed home. Gripping! Bird of the day went to a 1st summer female Hen Harrier in the evening at Buckton seen and well photographed by Paul Reed. Also there, Snipe, Curlew, 1 Goldcrest and 2 Wheatear of note.
female Wheatear. Paul Reed
female Wheatear. Paul Reed
1st summer female Hen Harrier, Buckton. Paul Reed.
1st summer female Hen Harrier, Buckton. Paul Reed.

14th May 2014

Fresh and breezy northwesterlies accompanied an arrival of new birds lead by the first Spotted Flycatcher of the spring. There were also 3-4 Whinchat, c12 (mostly) Greenland Wheatear and a couple of acredula-type Willow Warblers. Over the sea 200 Fulmar went north a distant large diver and 5 Manx Shearwater. A Buzzard drifted over the village late on and single Whimbrel and up to 3 Lapwing were on the outer head.

At Bempton the Redwing heard yesterday was singing again.

Blast from the Past – Momentous occasions!

Alan Walkington writes

Hi Martin,

Hope you are well. Just been looking at some old photo’s taken at South Landing from 24 May 2012- a momentous occasion.On that day on top of the cliff me and my mate spotted a bird of prey being mobbed by crows.We took several shots in flight, then the bird landed on a bush just below the cliff. When we got a better view we could see it was a Buzzard, but with a pigeon type head with yellow eyes? When I got home to look in my bird book I could see straight away it was a Honey Buzzard! I suspect it had come down all the way from North Yorks Wykeham area? Hope i’ll get some more momentous occasions!!

Regards

Alan

adult male Honey Buzzard, South Landing 24th May 2012. Alan Walkington
adult male Honey Buzzard, South Landing 24th May 2012. Alan Walkington

The bird was reported in the 2012 Flamborough Bird Report with a photo of it from one lucky observer in the bush. These flight shots are new though – with thanks to Alan. Yes please to more events like this.

adult male Honey Buzzard, South Landing 24th May 2012. Alan Walkington
adult male Honey Buzzard, South Landing 24th May 2012. Alan Walkington

15th May 2014

New migrant species for the year included a single Reed Warbler in Holmes Gut and 1-2 Cuckoos on the outer head. A male Grey Wagtail was also a good record. Seawatching in the morning produced 2 Gadwall, 10 Manx Shearwater, c90 Fulmar mostly heading north and one Blue Fulmar. A Great Northern Diver also.

Of particular interest a Bluethroat was reported at North Landing. Any more information of this sighting gratefully received.

Grey Wagtail Andy Hood
Grey Wagtail Andy Hood
Dunlin, Andy Hood
Dunlin, Andy Hood

16th May 2014

Bright sunshine and westerly breeze brought an unusually high count of up to 4 Cuckoos on the outer Head. Also here Wood Sandpiper and Greenshank flew over, single Redstart, 3 flava Wagtails and 5 Wheatear. On a calm sea a single Mute Swan was a local rarity with 2 Whimbrel blogging. 2 Tundra Ringed Plover were on Thornwick Pool in the evening and a cream crowned Marsh Harrier was in the Buckton/ Speeton area.

More details the Bluethroat from yesterday indicate it was a well seen Red-spotted Male! Can we have another one please?

male Greenland Wheatear. Mark Pearson
male Greenland Wheatear. Mark Pearson
male Linnet. Alan Walkington
male Linnet. Alan Walkington
Bordered Sallow. A scarcer moth on the Headland and one of the specialities here. This one is unusually early. Rich Baines
Bordered Sallow. A scarcer moth on the Headland and one of the specialities here. This one is unusually early. Rich Baines

Generally coastal, occurring on calcareous soils where found inland, this moth is widespread but local in southern England, extending northwards along the coasts to parts of Scotland.

The single generation flies in June and July and visits sugar as well as light.

The larvae feed mainly on the flowers and seeds of restharrow (Ononus spp.).

Roe Deer. Mark Pearson
Roe Deer. Mark Pearson

17th May 2014

A return to SW winds and a hot and sunny day at last! On the land 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 2 Tree Pipit, a lone Redwing. 1 Garden Warbler and 1-2 Hobby headlined. 2 Barnacle geese flew south, including one the seawatch which also had single Knot past and Tree Pipit fly in-off the sea. 4 Tufted Duck were disturbed off the marsh early morning and Whimbrel and Greenshank flew south with a single Whimbrel remaining on the golf course. Moth traps are getting more catches as the weather warms up with highlight such as Least Black Arches, Peach Blossom, Waved Umber and Grey Pine Carpet.

Common Sandpiper, Andy Hood
Common Sandpiper, Andy Hood
Peach Blossom. Andy Hood
Peach Blossom. Andy Hood

18th May 2014

More glorious sunshine, winds turning SE later in the day. A Turtle Dove was first of the year in the garden at Bempton RSPB. Spotted Flycatcher also at Bempton and the outer head. A Little Egret, Marsh harrier and Common Buzzard all few south, another Marsh harrier in Bempton area. 47 Common Scoter on the sea off Old fall and on the seawatch, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Tufted Duck and 2 teal. A Corn Bunting and 2 Garden warbler also on the outer head.

Turtle Dove at Bempton, Geoff Carr
Turtle Dove at Bempton, Geoff Carr

19th May 2014

Bempton scored with an Osprey heading North and the very obliging Turtle Dove staying near the visitor centre. 27 Barnacle Geese flew south on the seawatch continuing another record spring, also only the 3rd Grey Heron of the year. On the land 2 Whinchat, Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher while Thornwick and nearby at North Landing were 5 Ringed Plover and 4 Common Sandpiper.

In the moth traps, Mullein headlined.

Sanderling and Ringed Plover. Thornwick.  Martin Garner
Sanderling and Ringed Plover. Thornwick. Martin Garner
Ringed Plover, Thornwick. Martin Garner
Ringed Plover, Thornwick. Martin Garner

 

Mullein moth. Andy Hood
Mullein moth. Andy Hood
Turtle Dove at Bempton. Andy Hood
Turtle Dove at Bempton. Andy Hood

20th May 2014

Waders looked impressive on Thornwick Pool with 7 Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper and a single Dunlin. Elsewhere 2 Redshank, 3 Ringed Plover over the lighthouse area and 9 Manx Shearwater went south on the seawatch. Passerine migrants included 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Wheatear, Turtle Dove (1st of year on outer head) and Grasshopper Warbler.

Dunlin at Thornwick. Alan Walkington
Dunlin at Thornwick. Alan Walkington
Elephant Hawk Moth, Martin Garner
Elephant Hawk Moth, Martin Garner

21st May 2014

Good conditions for raptors brought Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, 1-2 Hobby and grey male harrier which may have been a Montagu’s which flew north over the golf course. Around the Old Fall circuit area, 4 flava wagtail, singing male Redstart, Black Redstart, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, 1 Whinchat and 3 Garden warbler. A Black-tailed Godwit flew over. Further west at Buckton a female Ring Ouzel was found in the evening.

A Broad-bodied Chaser was at Thornwick

Peregrine on outer head by Andrew Allport
Peregrine on outer head by Andrew Allport (website)

22nd May 2014

5 Bee-eaters and male Red-backed Shrike!

First lot of photos of Bee-eaters found by Phil C near Old Fall then 5 together relocated on wires behind the piggery on Lighthouse Road, where they showed very well. The weather moving from SE though to NE with overnight rain produced the goods (as they say). Not masses of migrant but scattering with some real quality. In addition to the star birds, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Whinchat, migrant Sedge Warbler and single Hobby were on outer head with Ringed Plover and 2 Common Sandpiper on Thornwick Pool.

EuropeanBee-eaters, Lighthouse Road, Andy Hood
EuropeanBee-eaters, Lighthouse Road, Andy Hood
5 European Bee-eaters. Martin Garner
5 European Bee-eaters. Martin Garner
EuropeanBee-eaters, Lighthouse Road, Tony Dixon
EuropeanBee-eaters, Lighthouse Road, Tony Dixon
EuropeanBee-eaters, Lighthouse Road, Tony Dixon
EuropeanBee-eaters, Lighthouse Road, Tony Dixon

 

EuropeanBee-eaters, Lighthouse Road, Tony Dixon
EuropeanBee-eaters, Lighthouse Road, Tony Dixon
European Bee-eater. Martin Garner
European Bee-eater. Martin Garner

Then to keep the adrenaline flowing Cynthia and Brett Richards found a (as ever) stunning male red-backed Shrike at Thornwick Pools. Full news for the day and no doubt more/better photos to follow!

Adult male Red-backed Shrike, Thornwick. Martin Garner
Adult male Red-backed Shrike, Thornwick. Martin Garner..
Adult male Red-backed Shrike, Thornwick. Martin Garner
Adult male Red-backed Shrike, Thornwick. Martin Garner
Adult male Red-backed Shrike, Thornwick. Martin Garner
Adult male Red-backed Shrike, Thornwick. Martin Garner

23rd May 2014

as of noon on 23rd May:

Overnight rain light NE winds and MORE good birding! The 5 Bee-eaters roosted in the Bempton area and reappeared on Bempton Lane before slowly flying east. The hung around the allotments/ Grange Farm area in Flamborough Village and then spent the rest of the morning doing lazy circuits around the outer head to delight of all comers. Meanwhile a female Buethroat found by Lee J. stayed pretty much hidden in the gorse field. Watchers there nevertheless enjoyed multiple sightings of the 5 Bee-eater, a fly over female Honey Buzzard (CT, MG, LJ, RB et al), 2 Hobby, migrant Swifts and couple of Willow Warblers. Old Fall circuit had 5 Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat, 2 Garden Warbler. Seawatchers also did well with sp Great Northern Diver, spring high count of 52 Manx Shearwater, Grey Plover (2nd of year)  and 3 Arctic Skua.

Over at Thornwick the male Red-backed Shrike remained and the female Honey Buzzard was picked up there too (John Harwoood)

Late in the day a 2nd male Red-backed Shrike was found east of Danes Dyke along Bempton lane (John Beaumont)

female Honey Buzzard. John Harwood
female Honey Buzzard. John Harwood

 

female Honey Buzzard. John Harwood
female Honey Buzzard. John Harwood
Bee-eaters at Grange farm, 23 May. Tony Dixon
Bee-eaters at Grange farm, 23 May. Tony Dixon
Red-backed Shrike at Thornwick, 23rd May. Alan Walkington
Red-backed Shrike at Thornwick, 23rd May. Alan Walkington

24th May 2013

More good birding. Another  Honey Buzzard flew north over the village just after 9 am. mostly distant/ silhouetted John Beaumont’s pic makes it look more like a male than previous days bird (see photo below). Bee-eaters (3rd day) were heard calling reliably early morning from North Dykes area- presumable before flying south where later seen near Tunstall. 5 Redshank flew over Thornwick with one Ruff (new for year). 1 Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher, singing Reed Warbler and male Whinchat from gorse field to Old Fall. Black Redstart and late Redwing near Coastguard cottages.

Late news of a Quail singing earlier in the week at Bempton RSPB reserve.

Honey Buzzard over Grange farm, Flamborough village 24th May, John Beaumont. Compare the wing tip pattern which is more male-like, with the female from yesterday (scroll down for photo)
Honey Buzzard over Grange farm, Flamborough village 24th May, John Beaumont.
Compare the wing tip pattern which is more male-like, with the female from yesterday (scroll down for photo)
Tree Pipit, Old fall. Andy Hood
Tree Pipit, Old fall. Andy Hood

male Whinchat. Martin Garner
male Whinchat. Martin Garner
early morning Fox cubs. Martin Garner
early morning Fox cubs. Martin Garner

.

2 new moths this past week for Flamborough.

 

Both on Wed 21st May 2014:

 

Mother Shipton– 1st Flamborough record

Mother Shipton moth. 1st Flamborough record. Andrew Allport
Mother Shipton moth. 1st Flamborough record. Andrew Allport

.

Pine Bud Moth – 1st for Flamborough and 6th for Yorkshire

Pine Bud Moth (a micro). 1st Flamborough and 6th Yorkshire record. 21st May. Martin Garner
Pine Bud Moth (a micro). Flamborough village. 1st Flamborough and 6th Yorkshire record. 21st May. Martin Garner

25th May 2014

A quieter day with a little highlight: 2 1st summer Mute Swans (one with a metal ring) appeared on Northcliff Marsh. Single White Wagtail and Black Redstart on the outer head and on the seawatch 3 Manx and 10 Common Scoter among regulars.

Two 1st summer Mute Swans, Northcliff. Brett Richards. 3rd record of 2014!
Two 1st summer Mute Swans, Northcliff. Brett Richards. 3rd record of 2014!
Redshank on Thornwick. Alan Walkington
Redshank on Thornwick. Alan Walkington

26th May 2014

Bright sunny day. The 2 Mute Swan reappeared this time on Thornwick Pool. A Marsh Harrier flew east At Beacon Hill with a trickle of Swallows. A Whinchat was at North Landing and 8 Shelduck flew over Thornwick Pool.

Among the moths another first for Flamborough in the form of an Orange Footman and a scarce moth here- a Brown Silver-line. One or two Painted Lady have been seen and worth looking out for as well as Broad-bodied Chasers.

Broad-bodied Chaser, Old Fall. Richard Baines
Broad-bodied Chaser, Old Fall. Richard Baines
Orange Footman. A new moth species for Flamborough. The first modern record in Yorkshire was as recently as 2004 at Spurn Bird Obs
Orange Footman. A new moth species for Flamborough. The first modern record in Yorkshire was as recently as 2004 at Spurn Bird Obs
Brown Silver-line. Andy Hood. A scarce moth in the area
Brown Silver-line. Andy Hood. A scarce moth in the area

27th May 2014

A female Red-breasted Merganser south on the seawatch was good spring record, with 70 Common Scoter south and 69 north! 4 Manx Shearwater also  went south as well as a dark phase Arctic Skua north. The 2 Mute Swan remained on Thornwick Pool and a Greenland Wheatear was on Cattlmere (next to Gorse Field). Among the passerines, best were a Spotted Flycatcher in Old Fall and a Redwing in gardens near the lighthouse with trickle of Swallows heading south.

28th May 2014

Easterly winds and rain most of the day was dire looking weather which nevertheless held promise. The afternoon delivered with male Red-backed Shrike (Andy M.) and Icterine Warbler (Craig T.) in Old Fall area. 2 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Greenland Wheatear and 3 Spotted Flycatcher on the outer head. The 2 Mute Swan remained on Thornwick Pool and 4 Tufted Duck arrived there. Seawatching produced single Manx and a couple of Common Terns

 acredula type Willow Warbler, Old Fall. Paul Reed

cold and brown Chiffchaff, Old Fall. Paul Reed

29th May 2014

A full summer plumaged Great Northern Diver flew over Old Fall plantation, where the Icterine Warbler remained elusive. Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Siskin and 9 Spotted Flycatchers were also in the area. Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and the Mute Swans on Thornwick Pool, the latter also taking a  flying tour around the outer head. Nearby a female type Pied Flycatcher Thornwick Park  Caravan area.

Small number of Painted Lady and larger numbers of Red Admiral are appearing and the odd Silver Y moth

Spotted Flycatcher. one of nine recorded
Spotted Flycatcher. one of nine recorded

IMG_1267

30th May 2014

A singing Marsh Warbler was along Lighthouse Road and the Icterine Warbler remained in Old Fall with Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, male Redstart and 3 Garden Warbler on Outer head. Hobby’s appeared over Old Fall and Bempton/ Buckton with Cuckoo also at Buckton. 50+ Swifts near Grange Farm. A single Redwing continued to visit a Lighthouse road garden and Short-eared owl near the Lighthouse

Icterine Warbler, Old Fall. Lee Johnson
Icterine Warbler, Old Fall. Lee Johnson

31st May 2014

A singing Turtle Dove was in South Landing, while winter thrushes hung on with Fieldfare at Bempton and Redwing on Lighthouse Rd. A Cuckoo at Highcliffe, 2 Mute Swan still on Thornwick and Common Sandpiper there, Grasshopper Warbler singing in ‘Motorway hedge’. Over the sea, male Goosander south, single Manx, 15 Common Scoter and 9 Sandwich Tern.

1st June 2014

A red male Common Rosefinch was the day’s highlight at Holmes Gut/ St David Lane, occasionally singing and showing from late afternoon it was particularly elusive! Cuckoo again, Hobby over the village and Short-eared Owl near lighthouse. Thornwick pool had a Grey Plover, juvenile Ringed Plover (seemed early!) and 2 the Mute Swans. The sea held 3 Eider and Wigeon and 13 Sandwich Tern flew by. A Redwing remained in an outer head garden.

Grey Plover, female, Thornwick Pool, Brett Richards
Grey Plover, female, Thornwick Pool, Brett Richards
juvenile Ringed Plover, Thornwick Pool, Brett Richards
juvenile Ringed Plover, Thornwick Pool, Brett Richards
juvenile Stonechat, Thornwick Pool. Brett Richards
juvenile Stonechat, Thornwick Pool. Brett Richards

2nd June 2014

55 Common Scoter and 1 Common Tern over the sea. Corn Bunting and Hobby near Old Fall and a Short-eared owl Hunting over Northclifff Marsh. The two 1st summer Mute Swans remain at Thornwick and the BTO ring has been read, so hopefully some news on its origins. 2 juvenile Stonechat continue to entertain there also plus Ringed Plover.

Adult Ringed Plover and earth worm
Adult Ringed Plover and earth worm
1st summer Mute Swan and BTO ring
1st summer Mute Swan and BTO ring

 

 

Marsh Orchid at Thornwick. Mostly Northerns though apparently some Southern/ hybrid too. Lots of spikes currently coming into flower
Marsh Orchid at Thornwick. Mostly Northerns though apparently some Southern/ hybrid too. Lots of spikes currently coming into flower

 

3rd June 2014

So far a pretty wet day with intervals of heavy rain, fog and some light periods in southerly/SW airstream.  2 female Redstarts in Lighthouse Rd. garden early doors with a drake Gadwall and the  2 Mute Swans on Thornwick. Over the sea 28 Common Scoter and 5 Sandwich Tern. 5 juvenile Stonechat were around the Fisherman’s carpark at Thornwick. 150 Swift over Thornwick was noteworthy

This photos of the Gadwall in the rain, by Brett Richards gives you an idea off today’s weather:

Gadwall, male, in the rain, Thornwick Pool, Flambro, 3 Jun 14

 

4th June 2014

A Redwing amazingly keeps coming to a Lighthouse road garden and a Quail is singing at Buckton. 6 juvenile Stonechat were counted at Thornwick and seawatching included 69 Fulmar on the move aand 27 Sandwich Terns. 1 Short-eared owl continues to hunt the outer head and 2-3 Barn Owl can also be seen hunting by day. Very small numbers of hirundines and flava wagtail seen still migrating

juvenile Pied Wagtail. Alan Walkington
juvenile Pied Wagtail. Alan Walkington
juvenile Stonechat. one of up to 6 at Thornwick. Alan Walkiington
juvenile Stonechat. one of up to 6 at Thornwick. Alan Walkiington

 

 

5th June 2014

A female-type Honey Buzzard was today’s highlight heading south over the village at c 12:40. The 3rd of the spring. 2 Tufted Duck and a colourful moulting male Shoveler on Thornwick. Early seawatching produce 4 Manx Shearwater and 21 Fulmar moving. Also 1 Redshank and 7 Sandwich Tern.

Shoveler, male, Thornwick Pool, Flambro, 5 Jun 14 (b)

6th June 2014

A quieter day, Seawatching produced 37 Common Scoter, 4 Eider, 23 Fulmar with 15 sandwich Tern and one Arctic Tern. Plenty of newly fledged young birds around the head.

8th June 2014

The annual moult migration of Canada Geese began with 7 south plus 2 Grey Heron and a Gadwall on the seawatch plus single Manx, 29 Fulmar, 11 Sandwich terns. A single Mute Swan remained, joined by 8 Teal in the area. At Buckton, female Marsh Harrier still, 3 Peregrines and Grasshopper Warbler.

 

Also at Buckton and South Landing Hummingbird Hawkmoths were seen (one of which flew straight into the Living seas centre!) and the first Large Skipper on the wing this year also at South Landing.

 

Grasshopper Warbler at Buckton. Geoff Carr
Grasshopper Warbler at Buckton. Geoff Carr
Hummingbird hawkmoth at Buckton. Geoff Carr
Hummingbird hawkmoth at Buckton. Geoff Carr