Category: Sightings

The weather consisted of light easterly winds and overcast skies, with temperatures reaching 6 degrees C. During the seawatch, two Eiders flew north. whilst two Glaucous Gulls flew past the headland: an adult flew south, with a juvenile heading north.

The weather consisted of largely bright skies in the morning, with increasing cloud later, light south-westerly winds and temperatures of only 2 degrees C. During a quiet seawatch, five Shelducks flying south represented the most notable record. Additional sightings included single Water Rail and Woodcock.

West of the Dykes, Bempton RSPB continued to host two Short-eared Owls.

It was a sunny day, with light winds. A Woodcock frequented Oceanview, whilst a Short-eared Owl overflew the golf course.

West of the Dykes, a Short-eared Owl was again at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Another foggy day, with very limited visibility at times which meant observations were difficult; winds remained light from the south-west and temperatures barely reached 2 degrees C in the fog. A seawatch from North Landing was rewarded with a Scaup flying south and three Pochard. The only additional notworthy record related to a Woodcock near Old Fall.

West of the Dykes, a Short-eared Owl frequented Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Light/moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals interspersed between spells of cloud and mist. Two Tufted Ducks flew south during a quiet seawatch, whilst single Water Rail and Woodcock were also located.

A really cold day with winds from the south and complete cloud cover.

Birding was minimal today but there were eight Barnacle Geese with ten Mallard on a small pool near Beacon Hill. At South Dykes two Shelduck and a Peregrine.

Initial full cloud cover but then clearing a little with the wind south force 4 and 4 c

The sea-watch highlights produced three Gadwall south, nine Common Scoter south, 35 Red-throated Diver south and three north, 184 Gannet south and 43 north, 81 Great Black-backed Gull south, 161 Herring Gull south and Lesser Black-backed Gull south. Present off the headland was a female type Long-tailed Duck, 21 Red-throated Diver, 75 Shag, three “sinensis” Cormorant, 30 Cormorant and a male Peregrine.

220 Grey-lag Goose roosted near Greenacres, ten Wigeon, 37 Teal, Pochard and Tufted Duck were on Thornwick Pools. 17 Red-throated Diver, 15 Turnstone, five Redshank and Woodcock at South Landing. 61 Lapwing in Micklemires Fields and three Golden Plover over. 12 Snipe and a Jack Snipe in the field back of Welkie Winds, 63 Moorhen throughout the area and a Barn Owl at Hartendale.

Stonepit Lane had 50 Yellowhammer and 18 Lapwing and nearby at Buckton eight White-fronted Geese flew off the sea and south-east, also, a Water Rail, 30 Corn Bunting, 120 Yellowhammer, 30 Tree Sparrow, Short-eared Owl and Peregrine.

A cloudy day with winds from the south force 4 and a temperature of 6c.

A morning sea-watch had eight Common Scoter north, 25 Red-throated Diver south and four north, 290 Gannet south and 84 north, 39 Great Black-backed Gull south, a 2cy Glaucous Gull south, 100 Herring Gull south and a Puffin. Off the headland on the sea were 15 Red-throated Diver and 25 Shag.

Two Pink-footed Goose were on Stainforth’s Flash, Pochard and Tufted Duck at Thornwick Pools. A Bittern flew west over Greenacres but was not re-located – the 4th Observatory record, also, 31 Lapwing, four Snipe, Barn Owl and two Kestrel.

At Speeton, seven Bean Geese were in fields north of the B1229 mid-afternoon.

A brighter day with little cloud, winds south-westerly force 4 and a bleak 2c. 

The headland sea-watch recorded 21 Red-throated Diver south and two north, 16 Fulmar south including a “dark morph” and 32 north, 138 Gannet south and 254 north and a 2cy Glaucous Gull north.

At various sites were 19 Wigeon, 101 Teal, ten Common Scoter, two Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, two Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Peregrine, adult Iceland Gull below Breil Newk, six Rock Pipit, a male Black Redstart near High Stacks and 50 Linnet at Beacon Hill.

At Bempton Cliffs, a Pintail off the sea, 87 Herring Gull south and 130 north, 25 Red-throated Diver and 300 Gannet on the sea, two Short-eared Owl, two Stonechat and two Siskin at the feeding station.

Nearby Buckton had a Gadwall, Water Rail, Peregrine, two Stonechat and a male Bullfinch ringed. 

A cloudy day with a north-east wind force 3 and 6c.

Sea-watching on the headland had 17 Red-throated Diver south and five north, 199 Gannet south and 135 north, a major influx of 25,000 Guillemot north, 99 Razorbill south and 83 north.

Around the observatory area were four White-fronted Geese at North Moor, 12 Wigeon, 73 Teal, 11 Common Scoter, ten Red-throated Diver, four Curlew, 11 Turnstone, Sanderling, Snipe, Barn Owl, two Stonechat at North Landing and 20 Linnet.

Cloudy with the wind SSE force 6 and 5c.

Sea-watching was steady today but produced five Common Scoter south, six Red-throated Diver south and three north, 53 Fulmar south including a “dark morph” and 27 north, 230 Gannet south and 31 north.

On Thornwick Pools were 21 Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, at South Landing Curlew and Woodcock in its usual place and at South Dykes 55 Stock Dove, Tawny Owl, two Bullfinch and a Mistle Thrush singing.

Minimal birding in the recording area today with Pochard still on Thornwick Pools, three Oystercatcher, Curlew, Barn Owl Thornwick Pools, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 11 Long-tailed Tit, Grey Wagtail and eight Yellowhammer.

A generally overcast day but with some sun later, wind from the south-east force 6 and 8c.

A couple of hours sea-watching in the morning had 204 Gannet south and 109 north, 234 Herring Gull south and 11 north. Present off the headland were ten Red-throated Diver, 65 Shag, nine Turnstone and 1000s of Guillemot moving both south and north.

Elsewhere, 49 Grey-lag Goose, 15 Wigeon, 53 Teal, Pochard, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Peregrine, 35 Stock Dove at South Dykes and 18 Long-tailed Tit in the area.

At Bempton, a juvenile Glaucous Gull flew east past Staple Newk.

A clear day with little cloud, wind south force 5 and temperature 8c.

Morning sea-watching off the headland recorded four Common Scoter south, three Red-throated Diver south and ten north, nine Fulmar south and 88 north, 203 Gannet south and 60 north, 2cy Glaucous Gull north, 176 Herring Gull south and 40 north, adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii) north  and five Skylark south.

Highlights inland were five Pink-footed Goose, 13 European White-fronted Goose, 90 Grey-lag goose, Pochard, Tufted Duck, 51 Teal, two Water Rail (Thornwick Pools and Greenacres), two Curlew, Woodcock, Barn Owl, two Kestrel, ten Skylark, seven Long-tailed Tit, 21 Robin, female Stonechat, 13 Tree Sparrow and 30 Linnet.

At nearby Bempton, two Short-eared Owl hunting late afternoon.

Weather was sunny throughout, with a moderate southerly wind, which eased during the day.

Highlights of the mornings sea watch included a second calendar year Glaucous Gull north, 4 Velvet Scoter north and 3 Goosander south.

Another 1st winter Glaucous Gull was off South Landing. 14 Russian White-fronted Geese toured the headland, whilst a Short-eared Owl was just west of the Golf course. Up to six Short-eared Owl were in the Bempton/Buckton area.

Kestrel at the lighthouse, Alan Walkington.

A cloudy start with some mist patches, giving way to sunny skies by late morning. Wind was a light southerly, turning westerly by the evening.

Yet another juvenile Glaucous Gull was recorded, this time at Bempton. The bird was seen eating a Guillemot before flying off north west. Up to four Short-eared Owl and a Stonechat were also in the Bempton area. Seabirds were back on the cliffs with 3000 Guillemot, 200 Razorbills, 200 Gannet, 150 Fulmar and 20 Kittiwake counted.

Elsewhere, two overwintering Chiffchaff were at Hartendale. Four Great Spotted Woodpecker were heard drumming at South dykes, whilst 12 Red-legged Partridge at the same location was a notable count. The Woodcock remained in the ravine at South Landing, with 7 Common Scoter and 3 GC Grebe offshore.

Short-eared Owl, Bempton by Alan Walkington.

A sunny start, gradually clouded over during the day. Wind was a light westerly to south westerly.

The days highlight pertained to ten White-beaked Dolphin which headed north off the fog station at 8:30. Other sea watch highlights included a single Manx Shearwater north, 32 RT Diver, 7 Common Scoter, 95 Fulmar, 18 Kittiwake and 260 Gannet.

On the land, 11 Russian White-fronted Geese remained around the Headland, with a male Pochard and female Tufted Duck at Thornwick pool. Two Woodcock were also noted.

Rock Pipit, South Landing by Alan Walkington.

Rain for much of the morning, easing off towards the afternoon. Wind was a light to moderate south easterly.

Today’s highlights included a Black Redstart in the village, a single adult Russian White-fronted Goose with Greylags on the flashes adjacent to Water Lane and a Short-eared Owl at Northcliffe. Both drake Pochard and female Tufted Duck remained in residence at Thornwick pool, as did the Woodcock at South Landing.

A notable flock of buntings was present at Oceanview, containing 63 Reed Bunting and 28 Yellowhammer.

Russian White-fronted Goose, Water Lane by Brett Richards.

A cloudy and cold day, with moderate easterly wind.

A second calendar year Glaucous Gull flew south on the mornings sea watch. Other sea watch counts included 12 Red-throated Diver, 157 Gannet and a single Puffin.

On the land, a pair of Shelduck were at Thornwick pool along with the continuing Pochard and Tufted Duck. A particularly noteworthy count of 30 Lapwing flew over Hartendale. Bempton held another juvenile Glaucous Gull and 60 Corn Bunting.

Tree Sparrow, Buckton by Paul Reed.

Weather was overcast throughout the day, with wintery showers at times. Wind was a moderate easterly.

It was a relatively quiet day. Sea watching highlights amounted to 9 Red-throated Diver, 52 Fulmar, 294 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake and 18 Shag.

On the land, 12 Red-legged Partridge and a Woodcock remained at South Landing. Thornwick pool held on to its 2 Shelduck, Pochard and Tufted Duck, whilst 23 Wigeon and 21 Teal were present around the head.

Teal, Thornwick pools by Alan Walkington.

Frequent hail and snow showers continued throughout the day. Wind was a moderate northerly.

Highlights on the sea watch included 11 Red-throated Diver, 60 Fulmar, 343 Gannet and 5 Kittiwake. Additionally, two Long-tailed Duck were on the sea off Booted Gully.

It was no change on the land; the Woodcock remained at South Landing, the Pochard, Tufted Duck and 2 Shelduck were still at Thornwick pool and Oceanview held 63 Reed Bunting, 29 Yellowhammer and 40 Tree Sparrow.

Reed Bunting, Thornwick Pools by Craig Thomas.

Wintery showers again persisted throughout the day. Wind was a moderate north easterly.

13 Russian White-fronted Geese toured the headland, along with five Pink-feet and 82 Greylags. Other wildfowl counts included 25 Wigeon, 40 Teal and two Shelduck. Two Gadwall were on Buckton Pond.

On the sea watch 41 Red-throated Diver, 161 Fulmar, 575 Gannet, 7 Razorbills, 75 Shag and a Kittiwake were noted.

Gadwall, Buckton pond by Brett Richards.

Persistent rain and sleet continued for much of the day, with a strong north easterly breeze.

It was an exceptional day for Glaucous Gull records with a minimum of three at Bempton and a single at South Landing. South Landing also held a Long-tailed Duck and a Woodcock.

Counts from the sea watch included 47 Red-throated Diver, 11 Fulmar, 6 Gannet, 6 Kittiwake and a single Common Scoter.

Cormorant by Alan Walkington.

A break from rain and sleet today saw sunshine and blue skies for the most part, accopmanied by a fresh easterly force five. Seawatching counts included five Common Scoter north, 37 Red-throated Diver south (13 north), two Great Crested Grebe south, 60 Fulmar south (13 north) and three Kittiwake south (nine north).

At South Landing the Woodcock continued its stay and at Bempton Cliffs RSPB a single Short-eared Owl was present.

A day of settled weather with light to moderate south-westerlies. The mornings seawatch highlights consisted of a blue phase Fulmar south with 33 pale phase (one north), a juvenile Glaucous Gull south, two Common Scoter and five Red-throated Diver south.

This afternoon, another/the same juvenile Glaucous Gull flew north from Northcliff Marsh. A Bar-tailed Godwit overflew Oceanview Farm, a Grey Wagtail was noted on the Outer Head as were 13 White-fronted Geese, with another at Water Lane, and one wintering Chiffchaff was present.

West of the dyke, Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted a juvenile Glaucous Gull, three Short-eared Owls, a notable count of six Stonechat and 10 Red-throated Diver.

Visibility fluctuated throughout the day as a sea fret lingered along the coast, accompanied by gentle south-south-westerlies. Seawatching produced a single Shelduck south, single Eider north, two Common Scoter south, 22 Red-throated Diver south and a single Kittiwake south.

The day’s highlight came in the form of an adult male Black Redstart in the centre of Flamborough village. The Woodcock remained in its favoured South Landing roost site.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, the three Short-eared Owls continued to show throughout the day; two pairs of Goosander overflew the reserve.

*Belated news of eight Lapland Buntings yesterday in a ploughed cliff-top field east of South Landing*

A mostly overcast day with moderate south-westerlies and some light rain mid afternoon onwards. Seawatching highlights saw a single Teal north, two Eider north, nine Red-throated Diver south (one north), six Kittiwake and two Common Gull north and a single Lapland Bunting overflew the fogstation.

Up to ten Lapland Buntings were present between South Landing and Booted Gully.

The three Short-eared Owls were again at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

After a relatively bright start, increasing cloud developed, with winds remaining in the south-west. During the seawatch, 85 Pink-footed Geese flew north during a quiet morning. Sightings from the South Landing area included five Great Crested Grebes, a Woodcock and three Lapland Buntings, whilst Thornwick Pools hosted Tufted Duck and Pochard.

It was generally sunny, with moderate westerly winds. Five Pink-footed Geese accompanied the Greylag flock, the drake Pochard and three Snipe remained in residence at Thornwick Pools, whilst 12 Lapland Buntings were again near South Landing.

West of the Dykes, a minimum two Short-eared Owls frequented Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The weather consisted of generally overcast skies and moderate/strong south-westerly winds. Seawatching was again quiet and included two Eiders heading south and a Purple Sandpiper moving north.

Eight Great Crested Grebes were off South Landing, with at least six Lapland Buntings visible from the cliff-top path immediately east of there. Wildfowl records included 113 Teal, 25 Wigeon and the long-staying Pochard. A juvenile Glaucous Gull rested on fields near North Marsh, whilst the male Black Redstart made one of its sporadic appearances near the Fog Station.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted a single Short-eared Owl.

After a bright start, cloud cover increased during the afternoon, whilst brisk westerly winds established. Sightings from the South Landing area included a Scandinavian Rock Pipit starting to attain summer plumage, one Lapland Bunting and a Corn Bunting, whilst a Goldcrest on Church Lane may have been an early migrant.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted two Short-eared Owls, 48 Yellowhammers and 59 Corn Buntings. There was also an appreciable increase in Kittiwake numbers, with 807 moving north-west.

A day of mostly cloud cover with winds south-west force 2 and 9c.

Seawatching at the headland had 27 Wigeon south and two north, 17 Red-throated Diver south and nine north, 200 Guillemot south and 150 north, 1600 Razorbill south and 65 north. Present were 65 Shag and a juvenile Glaucous Gull.

Around the other parts of the headland were 53 Greylag Goose, 80 Teal, 25 Mallard, four Eider, four Common Scoter, 20 Red-throated Diver, three Great Crested Grebe, 18 Curlew which appeared to land near Flatmere, 34 Turnstone, Sanderling, Barn Owl, three Kestrel and four Rock Pipit.

At Bempton were 200 Fulmar, 500 Gannet, a juvenile Glaucous Gull, two Peregrine, Short-eared Owl, eleven Skylark, Stonechat, 70 Tree Sparrow, four Rock Pipit, 45 Linnet, Siskin and 85 Corn Bunting and 37 Yellowhammer south of Staple Newk. Eleven Harbour Porpoise were out from the cliffs.

The weather consisted of overcast skies, heavy rain later on, with a strong westerly wind. The seawatch was quiet, with single Shelduck and Eider passing the headland and increased numbers of Kittiwakes over recent days.

A relatively bright day, with light north-westerly winds. Seawatching highlights included two Long-tailed Ducks flying north, a Pochard and two Eider south, 734 Fulmars north, a Blue Fulmar heading in the same direction, with a Bonxie moving south.

The sea between South Landing and South Dykes attracted 38 Red-throated Divers, six Great Crested Grebes, two Long-tailed Ducks, three Eider and two Goldeneye. Additional sightings included three Stonechats and a Scandinavian Rock Pipit.

West of the Dykes, Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted three Short-eared Owls and 76 Corn Buntings.

It was an overcast day with moderate south-westerly winds. During the seawatch, four Teal, six Common Scoter and 55 Red-throated Divers flew south, with two Great Crested Grebes offshore.

West of the Dykes, Buckton hosted a Water Rail.

The weather consisted strong south-westerly winds and overcast skies. During the seawatch, 78 Red-throated Divers flew south, with two Great Crested Grebes on the sea; an additional ten Great Crested Grebes were off South Dykes. A Long-tailed Duck flew past South Landing, where a Woodcock roosted in the ravine.

It was overcast throughout, with a moderate south-westerly wind and spells of rain during the afternoon. A total of 68 Red-throated Divers and 11 Great Crested Grebes were off South Landing. One Woodcock (at Thornwick), two Fieldfare and a Redwing were potential migrants. Meanwhile, the male Black Redstart showed once more near the Fog Station.

A day of light west-south-west winds and sunny skies. Seawatching was again disappointing, with two Eider flying north and six Common Scoters moving in the opposite direction. The freshwaters on the headland attracted two Shelduck, 21 Wigeon, 61 Teal, one Pochard and a Water Rail.

West of the Dykes, three Short-eared Owls frequented Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The weather consisted of largely sunny skies, although cloud increased later in the day and a light/moderate west-south-west wind. The usual wildfowl remained in residence including the long-staying Pochard at Thornwick Pools. West of the Dykes, a Hooded Crow frequented Sewerby. 

It proved to be a relatively bright day, with temperatures attaining 9 degrees C in a moderate west-north-westerly wind. A single Eider and eight Common Scoters flew south on the seawatch, with 154 Fulmars heading north. The male Black Redstart appeared once again along the cliff edge near the Fog Station.

West of the Dykes, at least one Short-eared Owl remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The weather consisted of light south-west winds, overcast skies and then rain during the afternoon. Seawatch highlights included 44 Pink-footed Geese flying north and a juvenile Glaucous Gull moving in the opposite direction.

Two Long-tailed Ducks were off South Landing, where the Woodcock showed well, a Water Rail frequented Thornwick Pools and the male Black Redstart remained at the Fog Station.

After a misty start, the weather improved significantly, with sunny intervals and light winds resulting in spring-like conditions. A Long-tailed Duck was on the sea off South Landing, together with two Eider, whilst ten Great Crested Grebes were between the Fog Station and South Dykes. The male Black Redstart was seen again at the Fog Station.

West of the Dykes, two Puffins had returned to Bempton Cliffs, with four Short-eared Owls and 20 Corn Buntings at Buckton.

A day of south-westerly winds, bright skies in the morning and rain during the afternoon. Puffins continued to increase, with 11 seen off the headland and 12 at Bempton Cliffs. Twenty-three Teal and a Pochard frequented the freshwaters, a Lesser Black-backed Gull represented a migrant, whilst the male Black Redstart re-appeared on the cliff edge near the Fog Station.

West of the Dykes, three Short-eared Owls hunted the grasslands at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

An overcast day, with light north-westerly winds. Seawatching highlights included single Pochard and Velvet Scoter flying south, a Bonxie south and 120 Puffins. A total of 30 Great Crested Grebes between South Landing and Sewerby represented a good local count, with two Long-tailed Ducks also present. The Woodcock again roosted in South Landing, whilst two pairs of Stonechat were on the outer head.

Another spring-like day, with sunny skies and light west-north-westerly winds. A Long-tailed Duck remained on the sea off South Landing, where a Firecrest represented the first spring migrant. The male Black Redstart made another appearance at the Fog Station, with a Scandinavian Rock Pipit near North Marsh. Four Siskins signified a light passage, whilst six Lapland Buntings included four birds near North Marsh, where there was also a single Snow Bunting.

West of the Dykes, three Short-eared Owls were present at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

An overcast start gave way to sunshine with light west-north-westerlies throughout. Seawatching highlights consisted of 25 Wigeon south, a single Velvet Scoter and two Common Scoter south, 26 Red-throated Diver south (two north), 25 Fulmar north and 10’s of thousands of Guillemot all southbound.

The Long-tailed Duck remained off South Landing with the Woodcock still nearby. The adult male Black Redstart was still present in and around the Fog Station, three Snipe were at Thornwick Pools, a single Lapland Bunting overflew Oceanview Farm and three scandinavian Rock Pipit were noted on the headland.

A moderate north-westerly wind strengthened during the day, which was largely sunny. During the seawatch, 33 Red-throated Divers and three Little Gulls flew south, with two Crossbills heading north. A Long-tailed Duck remained off South Landing, whilst Thornwick Pools hosted two Gadwall, a Pochard and five Snipe. Two Lapland Buntings were on stubble near South Landing.

The weather consisted of overcast skies and increasing southerly winds, with rain during the afternoon. During the seawatch, five Eiders flew north and a Pochard headed south.

The male Black Redstart remained on the outer head, but a Chiffchaff in the Golf Course Willows was new, with eight Crossbill and a Lapland Bunting recorded at Oceanview.

West of the Dykes, Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted two Short-eared Owls and 60 Corn Buntings. In addition, the Hooded Crow remained in the vicinity of the beach at Sewerby.

An overcast day, with light south-westerly winds. During the seawatch, four Eiders flew north, with 147 Puffins also recorded, including two back on the cliffs.

A minimum 40 Purple Sandpipers frequented the outer head, with 13 Snipe recorded at Thornwick. A Hooded Crow toured the outer head and presumably the same individual then returned to Sewerby. Six Chiffchaffs made landfall, with birds scattered between Thornwick Pools and High Stacks. The male Black Redstart remained as elusive as ever at the Fog Station, whilst migrants included two Goldcrests and a Siskin.

West of the Dykes, a drake Gadwall was on Buckton Pond, with 30 Yellowhammers nearby.

A light south-westerly wind was a constant, but periods of heavy overcast, mist, thick fog and even sunshine were all periodic. Seawatching highlights included a dark-bellied Brent Goose flying south, two Gadwall north and a drake Goosander south. In addition, the male Black Redstart remained around the Fog Station.

The day’s highlight consisted a Raven which eventually settled in fields north of Lighthouse Road; a species with only a handful of previous records. Other migrants included three Golden Plover and the year’s first Brambling. 

West of the Dykes, records included two Short-eared Owls and 87 Corn Buntings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.