Category: Sightings

A day of light south-easterly winds, sunny intervals and evening thunderstorms, with temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. Waders stole the headlines during the seawatch, with 119 Oystercatchers, a Ringed Plover, 16 Turnstones, 115 Knot, 101 Sanderling, 362 Dunlin, 26 Redshank and a Greenshank moving south. Twelve Whimbrel also flew south, including one with an apparent wholly dark rump and buff, heavily marked underwings that accompanied a ‘normal’ Whimbrel past the Fog Station at 1740hrs. Additional sightings on the seawatch included 95 Sandwich Terns, two Arctic Terns, a Bonxie and an Arctic Skua flying north, whilst two Goosanders, four Manx Shearwaters and another Arctic Skua headed in the opposite direction.

Thornwick Pools attracted a three Shoveler, one Shelduck, a Grey Heron, four Black-tailed Godwits, a Snipe, 11 Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail. Stainforth’s Flash also hosted a different flock of 11 Dunlin, whilst two Little Egrets dropped onto North Marsh. The Pied Crow remained on Thornwick Camp.

West of the Dykes, 100 Swifts and 50 House Martins were over Bempton this evening ahead of gathering storm clouds.

A day of sunny intervals and thundery showers, with temperatures peaking at 28 degrees C; winds remained light and generally from a southerly direction. Seawatching highlights included 16 Teal, two Eider and 81 Sandwich Terns flying north, whilst a Sooty Shearwater moved south.

The day’s main feature related to the arrival of waders – Thornwick Pools attracted a Wood Sandpiper, four Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, three Snipe, six Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover, together with a Little Egret, three Shoveler and five Teal. Stainforth’s Flash hosted one Shelduck, a Ruff, six Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper, with a Greenshank overflying the outer head. Also notable was the arrival of a Wheatear and two Pied Flycatchers on the outer head; the latter the earliest ever autumn arrival.

The weather consisted of very heavy showers, predominantly during the morning, and sunny intervals in increasingly strong south-west winds; temperatures reached 20 degrees C. Thornwick Pools once again proved its worth and attracted a Grey Heron, five Teal, a Shelduck, seven Dunlin, one Lapwing, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Curlew, one Black-tailed Godwit, a juvenile Ruff, two Snipe, a Wood Sandpiper, three Green Sandpipers, and best of all, a juvenile Spotted Redshank. Elsewhere, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, two Ruff and a Dunlin frequented Stainforth’s Flash. Insect interest included a male Common Hawker photographed on the cliff edge by the Golf Course.

West of the Dykes, sightings from Bempton included a Ruff and 100 Swifts, with one of the latter predated by a Peregrine.

The weather featured a strong southerly wind, persistent and occasionally heavy rain throughout the morning, an overcast afternoon and sunny spells by the evening. Temperatures reached a mere 15 degrees C during the morning, but climbed later.

The day’s standout was a south-easterly movement of Swifts on a broad front from Thornwick Bay to Buckton; starting at 0715hrs, a total of 5695 Swifts flew south until the movement abated at 1000hrs. Relatively few were seen on the outer head, with a mere six birds over the Fog Station. 

The morning’s seawatch featured two Grey Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 102 Knot and 23 Redshank flying south, with 26 Sandwich Terns and four Common Terns heading in the opposite direction. Waders again featured on the headland with single Wood Sandpiper, two Green Sandpiper, two Dunlin, ten Redshank, Little Ringed Plover and Snipe at Thornwick Pools; the same location also attracted two Little Egrets, a Shoveler and an Arctic Tern. Stainforth’s Flash hosted single Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff and Green Sandpiper, together with a Shelduck and another Arctic Tern. Passerine interest was limited to a Pied Flycatcher on the outer head.

West of the Dykes, sightings from Buckton Pond included a Little Egret, with four Black-tailed Godwits, three Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper and seven Knot flying over.

A light south-westerly wind throughout, with sunny intervals and periodic drizzle. Seawatch highlights included four Shelduck, a Shoveler, 17 Teal, 13 Common Scoters, nine Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, ten Whimbrel, 50 Knot, 11 Sanderling, 147 Dunlin, 18 Redshank, 44 Sandwich Terns, four Common Terns and a ‘spooned’ Pomarine Skua, all heading south; a second Pomarine Skua flew south during the evening. Thornwick Pools attracted three Shelduck, a Wood Sandpiper, one Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and two Snipe. A Short-eared Owl and Wheatear were seen in the Oceanview area, whilst the outer head hosted a juvenile Cuckoo and two Pied Flycatchers.

However, cetaceans stole the headlines, with a minimum of three Minke Whales off the north side of the headland and, far more unusually, a Humpback Whale which showed well c. 1.5km offshore between 1315-1415hrs. 

West of the Dykes, 33 Yellow Wagtails and three Willow Warblers were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

After several relatively wet days, warmer, dryer weather returned once more, with sunny intervals developing after a cloudy start.  During the seawatch, 84 Common Scoter flew north, five Teal, a Red-throated Diver, four Manx Shearwaters, 12 Oystercatchers, eight Black-tailed Godwits, three Whimbrel, 53 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns, three Arctic Terns and two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls moved south.

Thornwick Pools hosted a Great White Egret during the evening that, after a brief stay, headed east; additional sightings there included Grey Heron, Little Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, two Snipe, one Lapwing, a Green Sandpiper and the long-staying Wood Sandpiper. Stainforth’s Flash attracted a lone Shoveler. A Hobby frequented the Old Fall area, where an unseasonal Jay and a Pied Flycatcher were also present. Insect interest included a White-letter Hairstreak at South Dykes and a Red-veined Darter at Thornwick Pools.

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

A day of sunny intervals, light/moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Manx Shearwater and 27 Sandwich Terns flew north, with six Teal and a Sanderling moving south. 

Thornwick Pools attracted a Grey Heron, four Shelduck, four Teal, the Wood Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers, a Snipe, one Lapwing and five Yellow Wagtails. Stainforth’s Flash attracted another Green Sandpiper, together with two Yellow-legged Gulls; an adult and a juvenile. However, the most notable sighting related to a Honey Buzzard that flew south over Beacon Hill at 1906hrs. A Short-eared Owl was also seen near the cliff top between North Dykes and Thornwick during the evening.

West of the Dykes, a Grasshopper Warbler remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A day of sunny intervals, light/moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 23 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 31 Common Scoter, a Manx Shearwater, 60 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Tern moving north, with 35 Teal, a Golden Plover, two Curlew Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper flying south. 

Thornwick Pools attracted two Black-tailed Godwits, three Dunlin, a Sanderling and the lingering Wood Sandpiper, whilst Stainforth’s Flash attracted five Shelduck, two Shoveler, three Dunlin, a Golden Plover, six Green Sandpipers and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. A Marsh Harrier hunted the outer headland, whilst passerine interest included increased numbers of Willow Warblers and four Pied Flycatchers. The Pied Crow remained on Thornwick camp.

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included six Willow Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher and 18 Yellow Wagtails.

 Another day of light south-westerly winds, sunny intervals in the morning, with increasing amounts of cloud later, and temperatures again reaching 23 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 119 Common Scoter, a Bar-tailed Godwit and 52 Sandwich Terns flying north, with nine Manx Shearwaters, three Balearic Shearwaters, a Great Crested Grebe, one Golden Plover, five Whimbrel, 20 Sanderling, 184 Dunlin, 81 Redshank, four Common Terns and an Arctic Skua flying south.

Two Shoveler remained on Stainforth’s Flash, but a Red Kite flew west along the cliff top at North Dykes and a Merlin over the outer head were new. Wader interest included 12 Dunlin at Thornwick Pools, three Dunlin at Stainforth’s Flash and a Green Sandpiper over the outer head. Passerine migrants included four Pied Flycatchers between Thornwick and North Landing, with another two Pied Flycatchers, eight Willow Warblers, two Sedge Warblers, two Lesser Whitethroats and two juvenile Treecreepers in the immediate vicinity of the Bay Brambles. A thorough search of South Dykes revealed the presence of five White-letter Hairstreaks, following the first ever Flamborough record of this butterfly earlier in the week.

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, seven Whimbrel flying east, a Grasshopper Warbler, 62 Yellow Wagtails and the reserve’s first record of an Emerald Damselfly.

The weather consisted of light northerly winds and sunny intervals, with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. During the seawatch, 47 Common Scoter, a Common Buzzard and ten Common Terns flew north, whilst ten Teal, two Red-throated Divers, 61 Oystercatchers, 48 Whimbrel, six Sanderling, 66 Sandwich Terns, a Pomarine Skua and three Arctic Skuas moved south. 

Stainforth’s Flash attracted four Shelduck, two Avocet and 11 Dunlin, Thornwick Pools hosting 18 Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper, whilst a Greenshank overflew South Landing. More noteworthy still, a Honey Buzzard flew west over South Landing late morning, with a Hobby near the same location. Passerine interest included a Crossbill at South Dykes. Insect sightings included a male Banded Demoiselle located near Thornwick Pools’ lower hide, at least two White-letter Hairstreaks at South Dykes and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the village.

West of the Dykes, the singing Grasshopper Warbler and a minimum of 80 Yellow Wagtails were seen at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.  Buckton attracted a juvenile Marsh Harrier.

The weather again consisted of light winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Shoveler, 65 Common Scoters, five Manx Shearwaters and an Arctic Tern flew north, with nine Teal, 45 Oystercatchers, a Golden Plover, five Whimbrel, 65 Redshank and 13 Common Terns moved south. 

Two Shoveler were located on North Marsh, Stainforth’s Flash attracted six Dunlin, three Green Sandpipers, two Snipe and a Turnstone, whilst 14 Dunlin and two Green Sandpipers visited Thornwick Pools, where a flock of 11 Black-tailed Godwits flew south in the evening. A Marsh Harrier was seen at North Dykes and a Red Kite headed north-west over Hartendale. Passerine interest included 22 Willow Warblers spread across several sites and a Crossbill over Hartendale.

West of the Dykes, two juvenile Marsh Harriers frequented Buckton, where 56 birds were ringed including 14 Whitethroats, seven Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler and 17 Swallows. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Grasshopper Warbler, two Willow Warblers, a Minke Whale and a Brown Argus.

The weather consisted of very light south-westerly winds, occasional sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 24 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Tufted Duck, 22 Oystercatchers, three Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 12 Redshank and 28 Common Terns flew south, whilst four Eider, six Manx Shearwaters and 35 Sandwich Terns moved north.

A juvenile Marsh Harrier overflew in the Golf Course early morning, 17 Dunlin frequented Stainforth’s Flash and an additional 21 Thornwick Pools. Migrant passerines included a Pied Flycatcher at Old Fall, a Whinchat near Beacon Hill and 100 Swallows roosting at Thornwick Pools. A minimum of four White-letter Hairstreaks remained at South Dykes, whilst a Brown Argus was also located at South Dykes.

A day of light, variable winds, prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 43 Common Scoter, a Tufted Duck and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull flying north, with three Manx Shearwaters and an Arctic Skua moving south. 

Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Egret. Wader interest included 14 Whimbrel, two Bar-tailed Godwits and four Knot south over the headland, 14 Dunlin and a Ringed Plover on Stainforth’s Flash and three Snipe at Thornwick Pools. A juvenile Merlin was seen at North Landing and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull below Old Fall. Migrant passerines included 20 Willow Warblers, ten Yellow Wagtails and two Pied Flycatchers. Insect interest included the headland’s first Red-eyed Damselflies, a Common Hawker which represented only the second local record, and a Brown Argus butterfly that gave good views at South Landing. 

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Pied Flycatcher and eight Willow Warblers.

A day of light/moderate south-west winds, occasional sunny intervals during a cloudier day and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included three Teal, 68 Common Scoters and two Manx Shearwaters heading north, with 37 Oystercatchers, four Common Terns, an Arctic Tern, an adult Pomarine Skua, one Bonxie and an Arctic Skua flying south.

Thornwick Pools hosted six Dunlin, a Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover. Two creamcrown Marsh Harriers toured the headland, whilst a Hobby hunted South Landing during the morning. Five Crossbills were noted at South Landing.

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier and eight Willow Warblers, whilst records from Buckton included eight Grey Partridge, a Hobby, two Marsh Harriers, a Bar-tailed Godwit flying east and four Willow Warblers. Two Minke Whales were located on a boat trip four miles off the headland.

A cooler day than of late, with increasing amounts of cloud interspersed by brighter intervals. Three Teal lingered at Thornwick Pools, where a Grey Heron, one Little Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, two Green Sandpiper and a Snipe and two Yellow Wagtails were also recorded. Eleven Willow Warblers included nine at South Landing, whilst a Pied Flycatcher remained in the Golf Course willows. Nearby, three Corn Buntings flew west over the Gorse Field.

A day of light/moderate south-westerly winds, generally cloudier with occasional sunny intervals. During the seawatch, 49 Common Scoters and a Red-throated Diver flew north, whilst a Sooty Shearwater, 29 Redshank and an immature Long-tailed Skua flew south. However, the stand out was a Fin Whale feeding three miles offshore of the Fog Station from 0720-0732hrs; plenty of fish were clearly present, with a minimum of 25 Common Porpoises and 37 Grey Seals also present. 

Elsewhere, two Shoveler overflew the headland, seven Dunlin frequented Stainforth’s Flash, whilst 23 Willow Warblers and five Yellow Wagtails were scattered across the headland. 

West of the Dykes, 35 Yellow Wagtails frequented fields at Buckton, along with a Wheatear and a Corn Bunting. 

The weather consisted of moderate westerly winds, generally overcast skies with occasional sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. During the seawatch, three Manx Shearwaters, a Whimbrel, one Little Gull, 29 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern and an Arctic Skua flew north, whilst a Grey Heron and a lone Arctic Skua headed in the opposite direction. Thornwick Pools hosted a Grey Heron, two Snipe and a Dunlin, with 12 more Dunlin on Stainforth’s Flash. South Landing attracted four Whimbrel, seven Willow Warblers and a Siskin.

West of the Dykes, sightings included two Sanderling and 33 Sandwich Terns at Sewerby, with a Common Sandpiper on Buckton Pond.

A relatively overcast day, with a light/moderate south-west wind and periods of light rain. During the seawatch, 47 Common Scoter, a Blue Fulmar, two Golden Plover, 267 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns, two Arctic Terns, a Bonxie and an Arctic Skua flew north, with 36 Teal, 12 Manx Shearwaters and two Bonxies moving in the opposite direction.

West of the Dykes, a total of 115 House Martins at Buckton included 110 flying south-east; a cream crown Marsh Harrier, 60 Swallows and two Golden Plover were recorded at the same location.

An overcast day, with light/moderate northerly winds and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Shelduck, 18 Common Scoter, one Sooty Shearwater, 186 Sandwich Terns, 82 Common Terns, three Arctic Terns flew north, whilst three Wigeon, 32 Manx Shearwaters, four Bonxies and an Arctic Skua headed in the opposite direction. 

Sightings from South Landing included a Little Egret, three Mediterranean Gulls and two Yellow-legged Gulls. A Black-tailed Godwit flew east, lone Sanderling and Green Sandpiper were present, whilst a juvenile Cuckoo frequented the cliff top near Old Fall. The Brown Argus butterfly remained in residence at South Landing.

The wing-tagged Marsh Harrier present at Buckton recently was a juvenile male, ringed as a chick at Burnham Norton, Norfolk on 28th June 2018.

A day of light south-west/southerly winds, overcast skies with sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 22 Common Scoter, two Sooty Shearwaters, 57 Manx Shearwaters, a Grey Plover, a Mediterranean Gull, 144 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern, nine Arctic Tern, a Bonxie and two Arctic Skuas flying north, with three Whimbrel, a Greenshank, six Common Terns, a Bonxie and two Arctic Skuas heading south. 

Two Little Egrets overflew South Landing, where lone Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls were present, a Greenshank flew south over the headland and a Green Sandpiper dropped onto Thornwick Pools. Migrant passerines included a Tree Pipit that headed south over Old Fall. In addition, the Pied Crow continued to frequent Thornwick camp. 

West of the Dykes, sightings from Buckton included two un-tagged creamcrown Marsh Harriers, 35 Curlew flying north, 27 Common Whitethroats, three Wheatear, two Whinchat, seven Yellow Wagtails and 22 Reed Buntings. 

A day of moderate south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 25 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included eight Teal, 16 Manx Shearwaters, 284 Sandwich Terns, 18 Common Terns, three Arctic Terns and an Arctic Skua flying north, with four Whimbrel, 12 Dunlin and 18 Redshank moving south.

A Little Egret fed on the rocky beach near the Lighthouse, single Wood Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper were on Thornwick Pools, ten Dunlin frequented Stainforth’s Flash and a Greenshank also flew south. South Landing attracted an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull. A juvenile Red-backed Shrike in hedges on the eastern edge of the Gorse Field represented the first scarce drift migrant of the autumn; additional migrants included a Cuckoo and one Wheatear.

West of the Dykes, records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier and a Whinchat.

Conditions were overcast during the morning, with brighter skies in the afternoon and a moderate south westerly wind. Highlight of the morning sea watch was a juvenile Black Tern which flew north just after 11am, additional birds included a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 27 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 63 Sandwich Tern, 13 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, a single Arctic Skua and a Swift.

On the land, the juvenile Red-backed Shrike remained along the hedge south of Head Farm, with a nearby Whinchat in the Gorse field. Two juvenile Mediterranean Gull were at South Landing, whilst an adult Yellow-legged Gull frequented Stainforth’s Flash. A Little Egret was again on rocks south of the fog station and a Marsh Harrier overflew South Dykes.

Ringed Plover, South Landing by Andy Hood.

A mostly sunny day with moderate to strong south westerly winds. The juvenile Red-backed Shrike continued to perform along the hedge south of Head Farm. Other highlights from the outer headland included a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Tree Pipit, Little Egret, 67 Willow Warbler, 36 Yellow Wagtail and fly over Green and Wood Sandpipers . South Landing yet again attracted several Mediterranean Gulls with numbers peaking at three during the day, a Greenshank was also on the beach.

The morning sea watch was relatively quiet with 2 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Tern, 16 Common Tern, 70 Sandwich Tern, 10 Manx Shearwater, 4 Whimbrel and a Shoveler.

Birds moving through Bempton included a Marsh Harrier, 4 Whimbrel, Greenshank, 32  Swift and a Wheatear.

In insect news; at least one White-letter Hairstreak remained at South Dykes, whilst odonata counts from the outer head included 1 Small Red-eyed Damsel and good numbers of Emerald Damsel, Ruddy Darter and Migrnat Hawker.

Small Red-eyed Damsel, by Andrew Allport

Another day of moderate south westerly winds and patchy cloud. Counts from the morning sea watch included 14 Common Scoter, 8 Manx Shearwater, 1 Little Egret, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 129 Sandwich, 18 Common and 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Arctic Skua and 3 Bonxie.

On the land, the juvenile Red-backed Shrike remained. A Green Sandpiper was at Northcliffe Marsh. 3 Tree Pipit, 20 Swift, Merlin, a single Wheatear and a Hobby were between the outer headland and South Landing. Buckton held Marsh Harrier and a Whinchat.

Wheatear by Brett Richards

Moderate south-westerly winds and occasional sunny spells yielded another good day for scarce larids with both juvenile Caspian Gull and Mediterranean Gull south past the Fog Station during the morning. A further 2 Med Gulls were at South Landing. Other seawatching highlights included single Red-throated Diver and Whimbrel, whilst tern passage included 70 Sandwich, 3 Common and 2 Arctic.

Counts from the outer headland included single Spotted Flycatcher and Whinchat, 14 Swift, 25 Willow Warbler, Tree Pipit and a Pied Flycatcher, the latter around the car park at South Landing. Stainforth’s Flash held an impressive total of 19 Dunlin, whilst a Green Sandpiper was logged at South Landing. The Pied Crow remained in the Thornwick area.

The Bempton and Buckton area held Marsh Harrier (trapped and ringed), 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 23 Willow Warbler, 12 Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, Wheatear and 4 Swift. A Black Darter dragonfly at RSPB Bempton Cliffs represented the first record for the site.

A day of light onshore winds, generally overcast skies with intermittent fog/mist and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included two Manx Shearwaters and 18 Sandwich Terns flying north, with 132 Oystercatchers, eight Black-tailed Godwits and 15 Redshanks moving south. 

A Little Egret frequented South Landing, with a Kingfisher seen along the adjacent cliff top, whilst Thornwick Pools attracted five Dunlin, along with lone Greenshank, Snipe and Knot. Two Green Sandpipers also flew south over the headland. The day’s main feature was an arrival of passerines, in particular 122 Willow Warblers, together with four Spotted Flycatchers, a Grasshopper Warbler, single Redstart and nine Wheatears on the outer head alone. 

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Common Sandpiper flying south, 42 Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher and four Wheatears; in addition, a Minke Whale was watched from the viewpoints. Records from Buckton included a Greenshank over, ten Willow Warblers and a Tree Pipit.

After an overcast start, sunny periods prevailed throughout a day featuring light winds and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. During the morning seawatch, 23 Teal, 18 Common Scoter, 32 Manx Shearwaters, 24 Sandwich Terns, 221 Common Terns and an Arctic Tern flew north, with two Tufted Ducks and a Bonxie heading in the opposite direction. However, the morning’s highlight related to a Balearic Shearwater that fed with Gannets offshore. 

A Little Egret visited Thornwick Pools, whilst a Green Sandpiper flew over South Landing. Migrant passerines included a Whinchat, two Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher and one White Wagtail. Meanwhile, the Pied Crow once again frequented the centre of the village. Insect interest included a Long-winged Conehead at Oceanview. 

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included five Whimbrel, two Golden Plovers, 11 Willow Warblers, three Pied Flycatchers and two Spotted Flycatchers.

The weather consisted of increasing south-south-west winds, generally overcast skies and temperatures reaching a sultry 24 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included single Gadwall, Pintail and Tufted Duck, 52 Teal, 27 Oystercatchers, two Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flying south, with three Eider, 41 Common Scoter, nine Manx Shearwaters, 38 Sandwich Terns, 672 Common Terns, 34 Arctic Terns, four Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas heading north. An additional six Arctic Skuas lingered offshore and two Common Sandpipers fed on rocks near the Fog Station.

Thornwick Pools attracted nine Teal during the morning, with an additional bird at North Marsh. Wader interest included a Grey Plover, three Whimbrel, 26 Dunlin, five Snipe and single Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull loafed at Stainforth’s Flash early morning. An increase in hirundine numbers was apparent, with 470 Swallows recorded, including good numbers moving south, and 260 House Martins. Passerine interest included 42 Willow Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler at Old Fall, two Spotted Flycatchers, seven Pied Flycatchers and a White Wagtail.

Insect interest included a Common Hawker, several Small Red-eyed Damselflies and a Brown Argus butterfly.

The weather consisted of light variable winds, overcast skies with occasional light showers and sunny intervals. Seawatching highlights included seven Wigeon, 19 Teal, a Red-throated Diver and 19 Manx Shearwaters flying past the Fog Station, together with a Balearic Shearwater, a Yellow-legged Gull and 297 Common Terns heading north; one Greenshank, a Little Gull, another Yellow-legged Gull, 13 Bonxies and five Arctic Skuas moved south. 

A Little Egret was on the beach at Hartendale, 15 Dunlin and a Redshank at Thornwick Pools, with nine Dunlin and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Stainforth’s Flash. North Marsh hosted a Short-eared Owl. Passerine interest included a Wheatear, two Whinchat, one Redstart, three Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher and good numbers of Willow Warblers, including 25 at South Landing alone.

The day’s highlight was discovered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, when an Ortolan Bunting visited the car park early morning only; other sightings there included 40 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler and two Pied Flycatchers.  Nearby, Buckton attracted a Short-eared Owl, a Whinchat and six Willow Warblers.

A much cooler day, with temperatures hardly feeling their peak of a mere 16 degrees C in a strengthening westerly wind and heavy, at times, thundery showers of rain and hail. During the seawatch, a Sooty Shearwater, 75 Sandwich Terns, 220 Common Terns and six Arctic Terns flew north, 13 Manx Shearwaters, three Bonxies and six Arctic Skua flew south, whilst two Black Terns fed offshore. However, easily the most notable record related to two Fin Whales that fed distantly offshore on and off for the best part of 90 minutes from 0755hrs.

The Short-eared Owl remained at North Marsh, but passerines were difficult to locate in the conditions, with five Wheatear, one Whinchat, a Spotted Flycatcher and a White Wagtail. In addition, 40 Pied Wagtails roosted at Thornwick Pools.

West of the Dykes, RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted ten Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Brown Hawker dragonfly.

A sunny day, with a light/moderate north-westerly wind with a switch to lighter easterlies later. In a late summer notably lacking a northerly influence, there was always the potential for an improved seawatch and so it proved. Twelve Teal, three Red-throated Divers, 14 Sooty Shearwaters, 161 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, one Great Shearwater, a Greenshank, one Little Gull, 55 Sandwich Terns, 100 Common Terns, 1535 Commic Terns, 17 Bonxies, three Pomarine Skuas and 16 Arctic Skuas flew north. In addition, 53 Oystercatchers, six Golden Plovers, 12 Bonxies and 26 Arctic Skuas moved south. 

A Little Egret headed over the village, South Landing beach attracted four Ringed Plover, four Sanderling a Bar-tailed Godwit, one Knot and a Whimbrel, whilst a Merlin overflew the nearby ravine. Stainforth’s Flash attracted a Marsh Harrier and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull.

West of the Dykes, three Whimbrel flew over Bempton village, where a Tawny Owl was also present, whilst sightings from the nearby RSPB reserve included nine Golden Plovers over, a Reed Warbler, one Garden Warbler, six Willow Warblers, four Wheatear and 12 Yellow Wagtails.

The weather during the morning consisted of overcast skies and increasing winds, whereas strong southerly winds and driving rain featured throughout the afternoon. During the seawatch, the following flew north: 335 Manx Shearwaters, three Balearic Shearwaters, 40 Sooty Shearwaters, 112 Sandwich Terns, 305 Common Terns, two Black Terns, two Pomarine Skuas, a Long-tailed Skua, 26 Bonxies and 14 Arctic Skuas; a Goosander also flew south past the Fog Station. Thornwick Pools attracted two Green Sandpipers during the afternoon rain.

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Little Egret flying north-west, an adult Hobby moving south-east, a juvenile Cuckoo, a Wheatear and six Yellow Wagtails. Records from Buckton included the aforementioned Little Egret, five Willow Warblers, five Sedge Warblers, a Garden Warbler and one Whinchat.

A moderate/strong westerly wind dominated a day of sunny intervals. An evening seawatch was rewarded with a Manx Shearwater flying north, a Grey Heron in off, three Red-throated Divers south and another north, 12 Whimbrel and seven Oystercatchers south, five Bonxies north and three south, three Arctic Skuas, 50 Sandwich Terns and 85 Common Terns flying south; 56 of the latter also headed north.

A ringtail Hen Harrier came in off the sea at the outer head, whilst the stretch of beach between South Landing and South Dykes attracted 11 Curlew, two Whimbrel, one Bar-tailed Godwit, three Redshank and five Dunlin.

West of the Dykes, sightings from Buckton included six Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier, five Golden Plover, a Whinchat and two Corn Buntings.

An overcast day, calm first thing, before a light south-westerly developed, and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. South Landing hosted single Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone and four Dunlin. A scattering of migrant passerines included a Tree Pipit at North Landing, Garden Warbler and Reed Warbler near the Lighthouse/Bay Brambles and a Spotted Flycatcher at Danes Dyke. 

The day’s highlight was located west of the Dykes, with a ringtail Hen Harrier hunting the cliff top at Buckton. Other sightings from the same area included a Marsh Harrier, Hobby, two Swifts and 20 Yellow Wagtails.

A dull start, with rain at midday. This cleared by early afternoon to sunny skies. Wind was a light to moderate north westerly. There were a few grounded migrants, with highlights including single Spotted and Pied Flycatchers at South Landing and Booted Gully respectively, a Whinchat and 4 Yellow Wagtail. 2 Corn Bunting toured the headland. A clear movement of hirundines was taking place with 124 Swallow and 68 House Martin, along with 2 Swift.

Thornwick pools hosted a Water Rail, White Wagtail and 2 Ruff. A Common Sandpiper and three Whimbrel were logged. Wildfowl tallies consisted of 182 Greylag Geese, 46 Teal, 18 Mallard and a single Shoveler. A Little Egret flew over South Landing.

Bempton held 10 Yellow Wagtail and 17 Willow Warbler, with 2 Corn Bunting over. 

Pied Flycatcher, Booted Gully by Andy Hood.

White Wagtail, Thornwick Pools by Andrew Allport.

A day of relatively light, variable winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. An evening seawatch proved productive, with an adult Sabine’s Gull flying north close inshore. Other sightings during the day’s seawatch were: 13 Wigeon, 90 Teal, three Sooty Shearwaters, 12 Manx Shearwaters and four Bonxies moving north, with four Red-throated Divers, nine Whimbrel and six Arctic Skuas heading south. Wader interest included a Ringed Plover on Thornwick Pools, along with a Common Sandpiper, whilst two Spotted Flycatchers represented the most notable passerine migrants.

West of the Dykes, a Dotterel flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional records included seven Whimbrel, single Whinchat and Redstart.

A light easterly wind developed during a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. During the morning seawatch, 26 Common Scoters, two Velvet Scoters and 106 Teal flew north, whilst single Bonxie and Arctic Skua flew south. Thornwick Pools attracted eight Teal, a Water Rail and five Dunlin, with an additional 20 Teal and a Golden Plover flying north. Elsewhere, two creamcrown Marsh Harriers were recorded, including an individual that flew north over the sea, along with three Ringed Plovers, one Golden Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit and one Common Sandpiper. Passerine migrants included six Wheatear, a Whinchat and a Garden Warbler; the Pied Crow remained at Thornwick.

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, 16 Golden Plovers, a Cuckoo and an Arctic Skua.

Another sunny day, with moderate southerly winds and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. Two Wigeon frequented North Marsh, five Teal Thornwick Pools and 38 Mallard Stainforth’s Flash. A Little Egret flew east from South Landing, whilst a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull rested at Stainforth’s Flash. Passerine interest included two Nuthatch remaining in South Dykes, six Willow Warblers, six Whinchat, a Wheatear and one Pied Flycatcher; the Pied Crow continued its sojourn at Thornwick. 

West of the Dykes, RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a juvenile Marsh Harrier, three Common Buzzards, the juvenile Cuckoo, 27 Yellow Wagtails, 200 Tree Sparrows and three Corn Buntings.

Sunny intervals throughout a day of increasingly strong south-easterly winds, with temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull and a juvenile Little Gull heading past the Fog Station provided the highlights of a seawatch; 68 Teal, a Shoveler and two Arctic Skuas also flew south.

Thornwick Pools attracted 12 Teal, two Wigeon, a Tufted Duck, one Water Rail, a Ringed Plover and two Dunlin. North Marsh pulled in two Wigeon, eight Teal and a Marsh Harrier, South Landing single Common Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit, with Stainforth’s Flash hosting an additional three Teal. Wader interest also included 32 Turnstones at Selwick’s Bay, where a Little Egret was also present. 

Migrant passerines included nine Whinchat, six Wheatear, 26 Whitethroats, nine Blackcap, 16 Willow Warblers, nine Chiffchaff, a Redstart, one Pied Flycatcher and a flock of 60 House Sparrows on Thornwick Camp. 

West of the Dykes, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Swift, 100 Swallows, three Song Thrush in off and 22 Yellow Wagtails. Nearby, highlights from Buckton involved two Teal, one Reed Warbler caught and ringed, a Fieldfare in off, three Robins along the cliff top and six Whinchat.

After a bright start, increasing cloud developed during the day, with mist enveloping the high cliffs by the evening; a northerly wind also established late on. A Hobby appeared over the Golf Course, whilst a Bar-tailed Godwit and five Ringed Plover frequented South Landing, where a Whinchat was caught and ringed.

West of the Dykes, records from Buckton included  single Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard, two Pied Flycatchers, two Sedge Warblers, a Wheatear and five Whinchat. Potentially the same Marsh Harrier overflew RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

An overcast day, with a moderate/strong north-westerly wind and occasional drizzle. Seawatching highlights included four Shoveler, 36 Wigeon, three Pintail, 45 Teal, 20 Sooty Shearwaters, 105 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, two Grey Plover, a Little Gull and 12 Common Terns flew north, whilst five Shelduck, a Velvet Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Red-throated Divers, 88 Sandwich Terns, 30 Bonxies, a Pomarine Skua and 23 Arctic  Skuas headed south.

The weather consisted of moderate north-north-west winds, overcast skies with persistent drizzle and mist for much of the morning. During the seawatch, single Shoveler, Gadwall, Pintail, 63 Wigeon, 169 Teal, 61 Common Scoters, eight Sooty Shearwaters, 73 Manx Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater flew north, with 53 Oystercatchers, a Mediterranean Gull, nine Bonxies and 12 Arctic Skuas flying south. Elsewhere, a Little Egret and ten Ringed Plovers were noted at South Landing, a Greenshank flew over North Landing and Thornwick Pools attracted a juvenile Caspian Gull.

Autumn’s first rarity made landfall, with an Arctic Warbler frequenting the willows on the sheltered south side of Old Fall. Additional passerine migrants included six Pied Flycatchers.

West of the Dykes, a confiding Wryneck proved popular at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there were also two Redstarts, three Whinchat, a Pied Flycatcher and ten Willow Warblers.

A day of light, variable winds, sunny intervals and light showers. Thornwick Pools attracted 15 Teal and South Landing four Little Egrets. However, the headlines were stolen by wing-barred phylloscs, with the Arctic Warbler remaining at Old Fall and a Greenish Warbler located at North Landing. Other passerine migrants included four Goldcrest, three Pied Flycatchers, two Redstarts, 13 Whinchat, a Stonechat, one Yellow Wagtail and 17 Siskins. A flock of 245 Linnets and three Corn Buntings also frequented the Old Fall area. In addition, a total of 41 birds caught and ringed at South Landing included a Reed Warbler, seven Chiffchaffs and eight Meadow Pipits. 

West of the Dykes, RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted single Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Wryneck, Garden Warbler, Redstart along with nine Yellow Wagtail; 165 Meadow Pipits also flew north-west.

An increasingly blustery westerly wind brought sporadic showers from late morning, with temperatures reaching a mere 13 degrees C. Six Mute Swans  were recorded; a party of four birds touring the headland before moving off west, with a duo resting at South Landing; three Little Egrets and nine Ringed Plovers were also present at the latter location. A covey of 12 Grey Partridges near North Marsh represented a notable record, where there were also nine Wigeon. Passerine interest included a Mistle Thrush, five Pied Flycatchers, eight Whinchat, a Redstart, a Reed Warbler, one Sedge Warbler and a single Yellow Wagtail.

West of the Dykes, the Wryneck remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, whilst 137 House Martins flew north-west there. 

The weather consisted of light/moderate south-west winds, increasing amounts of cloud and a band of rain arriving during the afternoon. Three Sooty Shearwaters, seven Manx Shearwaters, 15 Red-throated Divers, 11 Bonxies, two Arctic Skuas, a Black Tern and a first-calendar year Mediterranean Gull were logged on the morning’s seawatch. Elsewhere, a Water Rail remained at Thornwick Pools, whilst 15 Ringed Plovers and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull frequented the shores on the southern side of the headland. 

An Icterine Warbler represented the day’s highlight; although elusive at times, it spent the entire day in the Bay Brambles/Golf Course willows.

A day of moderate/strong south-westerly winds, occasional sunny intervals and light showers. Seawatching highlights included four Sooty Shearwaters, 11 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, seven Bonxies and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flying north, 19 Red-throated Divers and five Arctic Skuas heading south, with a first-winter Mediterranean Gull lingering offshore. 

The Pied Crow continued in residence being seen in various locations in and around the village.

An overcast day, with a moderate south-westerly wind throughout. During the morning’s seawatch, three Goosanders, 34 Sandwich Terns and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north, with 11 Red-throated Divers, two Bonxies and three Arctic Skuas heading south. 

Elsewhere, a Swift flew south over the outer head, a Black Redstart was located at Thornwick, with two Whinchat and a Pied Flycatcher also recorded. West of the Dykes, two Whinchat frequented RSPB Bdmpton Cliffs.

A cloudy start with increasing sun as the day progressed. Wind was a moderate westerly. Highlight of the morning sea watch was a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull which flew south at 10:33. Other sightings included 1 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 155 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Bonxie, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 Puffin and 2 Swift.

Passage on the land was relatively quiet but included a single Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Siskin, 3 Swift and 204 Meadow Pipit, 50 of the latter were ringed at South Landing. Thornwick Pools held a Water Rail and 12 Teal, whilst the Pied Crow remained nearby. An additional Spotted Flycatcher was at Bempton, along with an Arctic Tern. Two Whinchat were at Buckton.

Fox by Paul Reed.

An overcast start to the day, with brighter spells later and a light south-westerly wind. Highlights of the seawatch included a Shelduck, 13 Red-throated Divers, 35 Redshank, a Mediterranean Gull, a first calendar-year Caspian Gull and one Arctic Skua flying south, whilst 107 Sandwich Terns, 101 Common Terns, three Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas flew north. 

Thornwick Pools continued to host a Water Rail. Passerine interest included two Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Redstart, a Black Redstart, four Whinchat, six Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

West of the Dykes, a Hobby was seen over Wandale Farm east of RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The weather consisted of moderate south-westerly winds and sunny intervals. During the seawatch, 86 Common Scoters, 86 Sandwich Terns, seven Bonxies and an Arctic Skua flew north, with two Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas loafing offshore. Away from the sea, sightings included a Hobby, one Sand Martin, six Whinchat, five Wheatear, a Grey Wagtail and six Siskin.

A total of  158 Meadow Pipits flew west at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there were two Whinchats and ten Siskin moved south.