22nd May, 2019

It was a fine, sunny day with little cloud, a moderate westerly and a maximum temperature of 20°C.

Eight Common Scoters flying and two Sandwich Terns heading northwards were the highlights from the Fog Station while a Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter and 3 Whimbrel passed Bempton Cliffs.

The only wader interest was a Dunlin at Thornwick Pools and a pair of Little Ringed Plovers at Stainforth’s Flash.

A Cuckoo was seen again at Bempton Cliffs while on the Outer Head 2 Spotted Flycatchers and 2 Wheatears were noted.

Meadow Pipit, North Dykes (Don Hustings)

23rd May, 2019

Another mainly sunny day with a moderate westerly helped the temperature reach 19°C.

At the Fog Station, passage over the sea was evidenced by 56 Common Scoters (47N, 9S), 7 Red-throated Divers (5N, 2S) and 8 Sandwich Terns (6N,2S). In addition, 3 Great Skuas, a Red-throated Diver and 4 Eider were offshore at Bempton Cliffs.

A cream-crown Marsh Harrier over Bempton was preceded by a different unidentified harrier heading east between Speeton and Buckton Hall.

Thornwick Pools attracted 2 Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits and a Dunlin while 2 Little Ringed Plovers were at Stainforth’s Flash.

A Cuckoo calling near Bempton Cliffs was different to the female seen in recent days.  Passerine interest included single Spotted Flycatchers at Bempton and South Landing, a Garden Warbler at Buckton and a Whinchat and Reed Warbler at Bempton Cliffs.

Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits, Thornwick Pools (Brett Richards)

24th May, 2019

Cloudless skies held throughout the day until early evening when cloud slowly increased. The moderate westerly had veered to southerly by evening with a maximum temperature of 16°C.

A late date for Whooper Swans but six were noted flying north over Bempton Cliffs.  The same birds had been seen earlier in the morning over Spurn and also in The Wash yesterday.

A Red Kite flew east over South Landing and a Hobby flew south over Bempton.   Today’s waders included two Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Dunlins and a Wood Sandpiper at Thornwick Pools.

It was a better day  passerine-wise than of late with some quality provided by a male Grey-headed Wagtail near Old Fall and a calling female Serin flying west over North Landing.  In addition, the Old Fall circuit also produced a Whinchat, a Wheatear and 2 Spotted Flycatchers while Bempton Cliffs also attracted 2 Spotted Flycatchers.  Three Siskin were also seen on the Outer Head.

Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pools (Andrew Allport)
Whinchat, Lighthouse (Andrew Allport)
Chalk Carpet, South Landing, by Andrew Allport

25th May 2019

Winds became even lighter and variable in direction after light/moderate northerly winds first thing. There were occasional sunny spells, although it was generally overcast, with light rain during the evening and temperatures that reached 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver flying north, along with three Red-throated Divers, two Teal, 21 Manx Shearwaters, the year’s first Little Tern, three Common Terns and 267 Puffins; 24 Common Scoter, 15 Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie headed south.

Elsewhere, a Greenshank flew over Oceanview, a singing Garden Warbler frequented Old Fall, whilst a pair of Corn Buntings near North Landing included a singing male.

Puffin, Flamborough, by Steve Meredith

26th May 2019

After an overcast morning with rain first thing, the afternoon was much brighter; moderate/strong westerly winds were a feature throughout. During the morning seawatch,  seven Common Scoter flew south, with a Sandwich Tern heading north. In an otherwise quiet day, the year’s first Osprey flew south-west over South Dykes mid-afternoon, whilst the only passerine migrants were an acredula Willow Warbler near North Dykes and a Garden Warbler at Hartendale.

Tawny Owl, South Landing, by Rob Little

27th May 2019

Wind direction switched from relatively strong westerlies to north-westerlies during the day, with sunny intervals in the morning and rain arriving late afternoon. A Red-throated Diver, three Manx Shearwaters and five Sandwich Terns were all recorded during the morning seawatch. Wader interest included a Ringed Plover and two Little Ringed Plovers on Stainforth’s Flash, with another Little Ringed Plover visiting Thornwick. The day’s highlight related to the discovery of a male Grey-headed Wagtail at Thornwick Pools during the afternoon, whilst Spotted Flycatchers frequented Old Fall and Bempton Chalet Park.

Grey-headed Wagtail, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards

28th May 2019

The weather consisted of light/moderate northerly winds, occasional sunny intervals but also prolonged cloud, with temperatures peaking at 12 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 14 Common Scoters, three Red-throated Divers and six Great Northern Divers flying north, 36 Manx Shearwaters, 11 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and a Bonxie.

Passage waders included three Ringed Plovers, two Little Ringed Plovers and a Redshank. Early afternoon, a Red Kite circled Thornwick Pools, whilst an additional Arctic Tern flew over the outer head. A total of 62 Swifts represented a significant increase. Passerine interest included single Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher, together with two Corn Buntings.

Redshank, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington

29th May 2019

The weather consisted of moderate southerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 13 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 41 Common Scoters, a Great Northern Diver, 20 Manx Shearwaters and five Sandwich Terns flying north, with single Red-throated Diver and Arctic Tern heading south. Two Little Ringed Plovers were present, along with single Dunlin and Redshank. A Cuckoo frequented South Landing, with passerine interest also provided by two Nuthatch, a Garden Warbler and one Spotted Flycatcher at South Dykes.

Little Ringed Plover, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport

30th May 2019

A much warmer day, with moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included a Red-throated Diver, two Blue Fulmars, 12 Manx Shearwaters, two Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns flying north, with a Bonxie lingering offshore. 

A Hobby flew west over Stainforth’s Flash, whilst Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers and two Dunlin. The day’s highlight was a Bee-eater which rested briefly at RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1025hrs, before it headed west towards Buckton and wasn’t relocated. Two Corn Buntings were seen at North Landing, with one bird nest building.

Badger, Flamborough, by Paul Reed

31st May 2019

A relatively overcast day, with occasional sunny intervals, light/moderate south-west winds and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included three Red-throated Divers, a Blue Fulmar, 33 Manx Shearwaters and seven Sandwich Terns flying north, with 30 Common Scoters, 18 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Tern heading south. A Bonxie lingered offshore, whilst two Bottlenose Dolphins initially swam south past RSPB Bempton Cliffs and, latterly the Fog Station, before they re-orientated back north past the latter site early afternoon. Passerine interest included a Garden Warbler, two Spotted Flycatchers and three Corn Buntings.

Kestrel, South Landing, by Rob Little
Chinese Character, South Landing, by Andrew Allport

1st June 2019

The weather consisted of light southerly winds, generally overcast skies and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. During the morning’s search, six Barnacle Geese, three Eider and seven Sandwich Terns flew south, with 13 Common Scoter, two Red-throated Divers, 20 Manx Shearwaters and 29 Common Terns moving north.

The day’s highlight related to two Great White Egrets that flew south over the outer head mid-morning. Passerine interest included a Garden Warbler, five Spotted Flycatchers and a Corn Bunting.

Barnacle Geese (with Greylag), Fog Station, by Colin Scott

2nd June 2019

Another relatively overcast day, with occasional light rain, a moderate southerly wind and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. During the morning seawatch, 89 Common Scoters, 26 Manx Shearwaters, two Sanderling, eight Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern all flew south; a Bonxie remained offshore. Thornwick Pools hosted a pair of Tufted Ducks, one Redshank, two Ringed Plovers, two Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin; a Bar-tailed Godwit was present at South Landing. Single creamcrown Marsh Harrier and Hobby were seen at North Dykes, with presumably another Hobby present at Old Fall. The Bee-eater made another appearance near RSPB Bempton Cliffs mid-afternoon, watched over fields south off the reserve. Almost as rare nowadays, a Turtle Dove visited a garden near Sewerby.

Shelduck, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington

3rd June 2019

A day of moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. During the seawatch, 15 Common Scoters, a Blue Fulmar, four Manx Shearwaters and nine Sandwich Terns flew north, with seven Canada Geese heading south.

Three Little Egrets flew south over South Landing, whilst migrant waders included three Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, two Little Ringed Plovers and a Bar-tailed Godwit. The elusive Bee-eater made a brief re-appearance at RSPB Bempton Cliffs once again; observed over the Dell and then flying towards the cliffs. A singing Reed Warbler along Stonepit Lane, Bempton was an undoubted migrant; additional passerine interest included two Garden Warblers (South Dykes & South Landing), three Nuthatch in South Dykes and three Corn Buntings at Thornwick.

Tawny Owl, Flamborough, by Alan Walkington
Moorhen, Oceanview, by Andy Hood
Little Ringed & Ringed Plover, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards
Dunlin, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards
Wall butterfly, Flamborough, by Steve Meredith

4th June 2019

A day of light south-easterly winds, with rain from late afternoon. Seven Shelduck were recorded, including five at Thornwick; three that flew south, with a pair on the Pools, where there were also two Little Ringed Plovers and two Dunlin. A Woodcock flushed at South Dykes was unseasonal. Three Mistle Thrushes were located, along with two Garden Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Yellow Wagtails and a Siskin.

Corn Buntings, Flamborough, by Craig Thomas
Large Skipper, Thornwick, by Andrew Allport
Holly Blue, Thornwick, by Andrew Allport
Common Blue Damselfly, Thornton, by Andrew Allport
Azure Damselfly, Buckton, by Phil Buxton

5th June 2019

The weather consisted of light/moderate south-westerly winds, generally overcast skies with brighter intervals later. During the seawatch, 58 Common Scoter and 123 Manx Shearwaters flew south, with a Red-throated Diver, six Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flying north. Despite rain the previous evening, newly arrived passerine migrants were scarce: although a singing Reed Warbler in the Golf Course Willows and three Spotted Flycatchers were fresh in. 

Bar-tailed Godwit, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

6th June 2019

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, and light, rather variable winds. During the seawatch, eight Common Scoters and 465 Puffins flew north, with seven Sandwich Terns heading south: 50 Manx Shearwaters lingered offshore. Thornwick Pools attracted a single Black-tailed Godwit. Late news, a Nightjar churred at South Landing at 2130hrs and again at 2140hrs. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs RSPB included 40 Manx Shearwaters offshore, 127 Swifts flew south and four Coal Tits represented an unusual local record. 

Black-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards

7th June 2019

After a relatively bright start to the day, increasing cloud developed and rain arrived late afternoon; easterly winds picked up throughout and temperatures reached 15 degrees C. The day’s avian highlight was undoubtedly the discovery of a male Black-headed Bunting on Old Fall Hedge early afternoon; it showed sporadically in the same vicinity, near ‘Old Fall Steps’, until the bad weather arrived.

Additional sightings included ten Common Scoter flying south, with 15 Manx Shearwaters, 19 Sandwich Terns and 788 Puffins heading north; a Bonxie remained offshore. Ten Grey Herons were also noted flying over the headland, whilst a Cuckoo was calling on the southern side. Odonata interest was headlined by the discovery of a Hairy Dragonfly; the first record for the headland.

Black-headed Bunting, Old Fall Hedge, by Andrew Allport
Black-headed Bunting, Old Fall Hedge, by Andrew Allport
Black-headed Bunting, Old Fall Hedge, by Brett Richards
Black-headed Bunting, Old Fall Hedge, by Tony Dixon
Hairy Dragonfly, Flamborough, by Andrew Allport
Poplar Hawk Moth, Flamborough, by Andrew Allport

8th June 2019

Light winds gradually increased in strength, with a switch from south-west to north-westerlies; cloud also increased after a morning of prolonged sunny intervals, whilst heavy rain showers featured from mid-afternoon. Seawatching was rewarded with two Teal, two Shelduck, 274 Common Scoters, one Red-throated Diver, 75 Manx Shearwaters, a Curlew and 11 Sandwich Terns flying south. 

A female Subalpine Warbler was the most significant new arrival; it remained elusive in the Golf Course Willows, but showed on and off until late afternoon at least. The male Black-headed Bunting also continued to show well at times throughout the day until the evening. Single creamcrown Marsh Harrier and Hobby were recorded, with additional passerine migrants restricted to lone Spotted Flycatcher and Siskin. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Garden Warbler, whilst Buckton Pond attracted a Cuckoo and four Yellow Wagtails.

A significant influx of Painted Lady butterflies also occurred, with 130 logged over a fraction of the headland: many 100s were undoubtedly present, including several watched coming in off the sea.

Black-headed Bunting, Old Fall Steps, by Andy Hood
Subalpine Warbler, Golf Course Willows, by Craig Thomas

9th June 2019

A day of sunny intervals, occasional light showers early evening and a light/moderate south-westerly wind. During the seawatch, 128 Manx Shearwaters, two Grey Herons, 16 Knot, 16 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns and two Bonxies flew north. However, the seawatch highlight was the summer-plumaged Black Guillemot that flew north out of Bridlington bay, before landing on the sea off the Fog Station and then drifting north.

Whilst the sea had a northern flavour, birding on the land was distinctly Mediterranean in nature: an Alpine Swift circled low over the Viking Pub for a few minutes early afternoon, before heading off north. The female Subalpine Warbler and male Black-headed Bunting also remained in residence at the Golf Course Willows and Old Fall Steps respectively. Further sightings included Marsh Harrier, Hobby and a Grey Wagtail.

Subalpine Warbler, Golf Course Willows, by Andy Hood
Subalpine Warbler, Golf Course Willows, by Tony Dixon
Orange Tip, South Landing, by June & Malcolm Fox

10th June 2019

A generally overcast day, with light/moderate northerly winds and subdued temperatures that reached 13 degrees C. During the morning seawatch, 35 Manx Shearwaters, four Sandwich Terns and two Arctic Terns flew north. Thornwick Pools attracted four Tufted Ducks, two Little Ringed Plovers and two Dunlin.

The highlight was provided by a singing Golden Oriole early morning: vocal between 0640-0700hrs only, it sang in a small woodland on the south side of the headland. In addition, the female Subalpine Warbler remained in the Golf Course Willows, albeit it proved more elusive than previous days.

Tawny Owl, Flamborough, by Alan Walkington
Stock Dove, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

11th June 2019

Strong northerly winds throughout an overcast day, with prolonged rain, often heavy at times, and temperatures that reached a mere 11 degrees C. During the seawatch, 28 Common Scoter, 446 Fulmars, a Blue Fulmar, five Manx Shearwaters, an Arctic Tern and three Bonxies flew north, with another Bonxie remaining offshore. Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers, three Dunlin and two Redshank.

Gannet, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington
Ghost Moth, South Landing, by Andrew Allport

12th June 2019

It was an overcast day following overnight heavy rain, with a light northerly wind and temperatures that reached a mere 12 degrees C. Sightings during an afternoon seawatch included seven Eider, a Red-throated Diver, 12 Manx Shearwaters, six Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and a Bonxie all flying north. The day’s highlight pertained to a Golden Oriole seen in flight at midday in South Landing and heard calling there ten minutes later.

Yellowhammer, South Landing, by Brett Richards

13th June 2019

Another overcast day, with periodic drizzle, light south-south-east winds and temperatures that reached 12 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, 16 Manx Shearwaters and a Sandwich Tern flew north. Thornwick Pools hosted a Teal, three Dunlin and a Redshank.

Linnet, South Landing, by June & Malcolm Fox
Diamond-back Moth, Flamborough, by Andrew Allport

14th June 2019

The day started with overcast skies and rain, with brighter intervals later and a light/moderate southerly wind. Seawatching was quiet, although a Bonxie lingered offshore, whilst a drake Eider frequented South Landing. Thornwick Pools attracted two male Teal, two Dunlin and two Little Ringed Plovers.

Eider, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

15th June 2019

After an overcast start, sunny intervals lasted throughout most of the day, before heavy showers later; moderate south-south-easterly winds and temperature that reached 15 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, 42 Common Scoter, a Manx Shearwater and seven Sandwich Terns flew north, whilst a Bonxie remained offshore.

The day’s highlight related to the appearance of an Alpine Swift that appeared over the cliffs near North Dykes and flew directly towards Thornwick at 2010hrs; an additional 120 Swifts also flew south-east at the same time. Two Siskins visited garden feeders.

Tawny Owls, Flamborough, by Alan Walkington

16th June 2019

The weather consisted of light/moderate south-south-westerly winds, sunny intervals with the odd shower and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. During the seawatch, two Canada Geese flew south, whilst five Sandwich Terns headed north and four south. Thornwick Pools attracted a pair of Tufted Duck and a Dunlin. Overnight a ringing session in Thornwick Bay proved productive with a Storm Petrel trapped: it already sported a ring.

A Cuckoo frequented the outer head and a Grasshopper Warbler was singing near Sixpenny Plantation. A record number of Reed Warblers continue to hold territory: 12 singing males included three at Thornwick Pools, three at Thornwick Fishing Lake, two at Thornwick roost reedbed, two at Thornwick reedbed and two at Greenacres. In addition, a migrant Reed Warbler was singing in the Golf Course Willows.

The following film of Razorbills at RSPB Bempton Cliffs was taken by David Hutchinson:

17th June 2019

An overcast day, with light/moderate south-south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a June record count of 13 Gadwall, four Eider, a Manx Shearwater, nine Curlew, a Bar-tailed Godwit, eight Lesser Black-backed Gulls and three Sandwich Terns all flying south.

A Short-eared Owl hunted the immediate environs of North Marsh, whilst a Lesser Redpoll around the Fog Station was also unseasonal.

Guillemot adult with chick, Fog Station, by Brett Richards
Dunlin, Thornwick Pools, by June & Malcom Fox
Yellow Shell Moth, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

18th June 2019

The weather consisted light southerly winds, occasional sunny intervals, with overcast conditions later and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C. The seawatch was relatively quiet, with 23 Common Scoter flying north and three Grey Herons heading south. A pair of Grey Patridge frequented the setaside fields near Holmes Gut, the majority of a total of 312 Swifts involved birds heading south and a Grey Wagtail overflew the Lighthouse.  Sightings from Buckton included a pair of Tufted Duck and an additional 50 Swifts. 

Of a total of ten species recorded, odonata interest included a male Vagrant Emperor, four Hairy Dragonflies and six Red-veined Darters.

Tufted Duck, Buckton Pond, by Paul Reed
Grey Heron, Fog Station, by Brett Richards
Vagrant Emperor, Flamborough, by Andrew Allport
Red-veined Darter, Flamborough, by Andrew Allport
Hairy Dragonfly, Flamborough, by Andrew Allport
Large Skipper, Buckton, by Paul Reed

19th June 2019

A relatively still day, with overcast skies and light rain during the morning, with brighter spells later and temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. During the seawatch, an Eider and 57 Common Scoters flew north, with five Curlew, 17 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and a Bonxie heading south. Thornwick Pools attracted a drake Teal and a Little Ringed Plover, whilst the Short-eared Owl continued to hunt fields on the northern edge of the golf course. The day’s main feature related to a southerly movement of Swifts witnessed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs: a total of 1004 flew south between 1030-1600hrs.

Razorbill, North Landing, by John Beaumont
June & Malcolm Fox, South Landing

20th June 2019

The day’s weather consisted of moderate south-westerly winds and largely sunny skies, with temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. During the seawatch, 26 Common Scoters and 19 Manx Shearwaters flew north, with a Red-throated Diver and three Sandwich Terns heading south. Two Hobbies flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs and were accompanied by 205 Swifts. 

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Flamborough village, by Craig Thomas

21st June 2019

A day of sunny intervals and light westerly winds. The day’s highlight related to a Spoonbill that flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1036hrs. A total of 469 Swifts were logged from the same site, including 302 heading south-east. Thornwick Pools hosted single Teal, Tufted Duck and Little Ringed Plover, together with a juvenile Black-headed Gull.

juvenile Black-headed Gull, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards
Broad-bodied Chaser, Flamborough, by Rob Little
Roe Deer with fawn, Flamborough village, by Rob Little

22nd June 2019

Initially a calm day, with increasing amounts of cloud and a south-easterly breeze developing. During the seawatch, ten Common Scoters and 20 Manx Shearwaters flew south, whilst 19 Sandwich Terns headed north. Away from the sea, a Little Egret flew north along the Dykes, a Hobby flew west with prey near the Lighthouse and a Green Sandpiper headed south over the outer head. A Short-eared Owl hunted the Gorse Field, whilst the year’s second Ring-necked Parakeet appeared along Lighthouse Road before flying north. Odonata interest was headlined by a male Vagrant Emperor on the outer head.

Little Ringed Plovers, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport
Vagrant Emperor, outer head, by Andrew Allport

23rd June 2019

An overcast day, with a light/moderate easterly wind and temperatures that reached 16 degrees C. During the seawatch, 279 Common Scoters, a Red-throated Diver, 39 Manx Shearwaters and 11 Black-tailed Godwits flew south. Thornwick Pools hosted single Teal and Tufted Duck, two Little Ringed Plovers, two Avocets, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Redshank. In addition, a Cuckoo flew over nearby fields.

The two Avocets had earlier flown south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Hobby and a Reed Warbler were present.

Barn Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington
Black-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pools, by Steve Meredith
South Landing, by June & Malcolm Fox

24th June, 2019

An overcast and slightly misty day with a light northerly breeze.  We are now into what is normally considered traditional midsummer and a lull in new birds is often anticipated.  Not on this day though.  

Seawatching highlights at the Fog Station included 267 northbound Common Scoter with 15 Manx Shearwaters north and 42 south while Bempton Cliffs saw 111 Common Scoter flying SE and also what was without doubt the star bird of the day, an adult Sooty Tern.  It passed  by the cliffs twice within a few minutes at midday before heading north west and was later seen off Filey Brigg still heading north.  This constitutes the first record for the FBO recording area and it can be speculated that this is the same returning bird as seen in Northumberland and Aberdeenshire in July and August last year.  A Hobby also flew NW over the cliffs.

On the Outer Head, birding quality in the form of a male Subalpine Warbler was initially heard singing opposite the Golf Course Willows before showing intermittently – the second Subalpine in this location, found by the same person this June. A very smart bird for those lucky enough to see it well. 

Elsewhere, Thornwick Pools attracted 3 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin while the number of Teal increased to 5.

Adult Sooty Tern, Bempton Cliffs (Will Scott)
Sooty Tern, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Will Scott

25th June 2019

Thick fog persisted until late afternoon, whilst there were periods of drizzle in a strong north-north-westerly wind. During an evening seawatch, eight Common Scoters and 21 Curlew flew south, with two Manx Shearwaters heading north. Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers and five Black-tailed Godwits.

Common Whitethroat, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington
Black-tailed Godwits, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards

26th June 2019

Another overcast day until late evening, when sunny spells developed; moderate/strong northerly winds were a feature of the first half, whilst the temperature reached 14 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 93 Common Scoters, 275 Manx Shearwaters, seven Curlew, 21 Sandwich Terns, three Bonxies and an Arctic Skua flying north; an additional 200 Common Scoter sheltered off South Landing. The year’s first Puffling was seen on the sea off the Fog Station. Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers and a Ringed Plover. Passerine interest was provided by a Cuckoo that frequented Buckton Pond.

Ringed & Little Ringed Plovers, Thornwick Pools, by Andy Malley
Ringed Plover, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards

27th June 2019

The weather consisted of light north-westerly winds, largely sunny skies after a cloudier start and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. During the seawatch, 89 Manx Shearwaters, two summer-plumaged adult Mediterranean Gulls, three Common Terns, an Arctic Tern and a Bonxie flew north. Thornwick Pools attracted a Teal, one Grey Heron, two Little Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper.

Green Sandpiper, Thornwick Pools, by Rob Little
Grey Heron, Thornwick Pools, by Mike Smith
Marsh Pug, Flamborough, by Andrew Allport

28th June 2019

An overcast day, with light easterly winds and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. During the seawatch, 60 Common Scoter, five Manx Shearwaters, two Curlew and two Sandwich Terns flew north. Thornwick Pools attracted three Little Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper, whilst a Hobby hunting there early morning was later seen at various places across the headland. Setaside near Thornwick attracted 70 Linnets and two Corn Buntings.

Green Sandpiper, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards
Tawny Owl, Oceanview, by Andy Hood
Coal Tit, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

29th June 2019

Fog early on precluded observations, although sunny conditions prevailed from mid-morning in a moderate south-easterly breeze. During a seawatch, sightings included 29 Common Scoters and two Manx Shearwaters flying north; 128 Swifts off the outer head were presumably part of a southerly movement witnessed at other coastal locations. A Marsh Harrier hunted fields between South Landing and Old Fall.

Redshank, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington

30th June 2019

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, moderate westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 22 degrees C. A total of 114 Common Scoters was recorded on the seawatch, along with a Bonxie flying north and 94 Swifts heading south over the sea. Elsewhere, a Hobby flew west over the southern edge of the village. Surprising passerine interest included a female Redstart in gardens on the outer head and a Spotted Flycatcher at Bempton RSPB; a Little Egret also flew over the reserve.

Meadow Pipit, Thornwick, by Don Hustings
Chaffinch, Oceanview, by Andy Hood
Common Seal, Fog Station, by Brett Richards

1st July 2019

A day of moderate/strong westerly winds and sunny intervals, with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. During a quiet seawatch, two Manx Shearwaters, two Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flew north. Away from the sea, three Little Egrets frequented North Marsh, whilst a Short-eared Owl hunted the Gorse Field.

Gannet, Flamborough, by Chrys Mellor

2nd July 2019

Light/moderate winds, initially from the west-north-west, veered to northerlies late morning, before becoming variable later; relatively overcast skies, with temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. Highlights of the seawatch included 401 Manx Shearwaters, a Mediterranean Gull, two Common Terns and a Bonxie flying north. A Siskin also flew over the Fog Station, but the most notable sighting related to a Marsh Tit near Buckton Pond.

Marsh Tit, Buckton, by Paul Reed
Lesser Whitethroat, Thornwick, by Brett Richards

3rd July 2019

The winds remained light throughout, initially northerly in nature, with southerlies by the evening; sunny all day, with temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 53 Common Scoter, 313 Manx Shearwaters, three Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and a Bonxie flying north, whilst a flock of 17 Black-tailed Godwits flew south during the evening. Sightings from Thornwick Pools included five Teal, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Hobby, one Barn Owl and 45 Sand Martins.

Puffin (Puffling), RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington
Barn Owl, Thornwick Pools, by Mike Smith
Blood-vein Moth, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

4th July 2019

A day of moderate westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 21 degrees C. Seawatching produced 103 Manx Shearwaters, 16 Sandwich Terns and two Bonxies, whilst two Dunlin and a Common Tern flew south. Five Teal remained on Thornwick Pools. The day’s highlight related to a Quail singing in crop opposite the Living Seas Centre at South Landing. At least one Hobby was present; with sightings at the Lighthouse, South Dykes and South Landing.

Lesser Whitethroat, South Landing, by Brett Richards
Barn Owl, Flamborough, by Andy Hood
Ringlet, Flamborough, by Andrew Allport

5th July 2019

A light westerly wind switched to a northerly by mid-morning, with sunny intervals throughout and temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 168 Manx Shearwaters, four Whimbrel, six Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua flying north, with two Common Terns and an Arctic Tern heading south; a Bonxie also lingered offshore. Thornwick Pools attracted Little Ringed Plover and two Green Sandpipers, with a Golden Plover flying over Oceanview.

Gannets, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington
Little Ringed Plover, Thornwick Pools, by Kevin Groocock
Large & Small Skippers, South Landing, by June & Malcolm Fox

6th July 2019

A light/moderate northerly wind developed during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 79 Common Scoters and 133 Manx Shearwaters flying south, four Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, two Bonxies, an Arctic Skua and nine Sandwich Terns. In addition, a Cuckoo frequented Old Fall early morning.

Bonxie, Fog Station, by Brett Richards

7th July 2019

A day of light northerly winds, occasional sunny intervals, but also prolonged periods of cloud and temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 122 Common Scoters south (32 north), single Red-throated Divers south and north, 372 Manx Shearwaters north, nine Whimbrel, nine Sandwich Terns, seven Arctic Terns, a Common Tern, three Bonxies and an Arctic Skua. An adult Yellow-legged Gull also loafed on rocks below Cattlemere, south of the Lighthouse. 

Puffin, Thornwick Bay, by Alan Walkington

8th July 2019

A day of light northerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Tufted Duck, 398 Common Scoters, 294 Manx Shearwaters, eight Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns, an Arctic Tern, two Bonxies and an Arctic Skua flew north; ten Dunlin and a Whimbrel moved south. Away from the sea, there were two Greenshank, including one at Thornwick Pools, and a Cuckoo at South Landing.

Thornwick, by David Hutchinson

9th July 2019

An overcast day, with spells of light drizzle and a light south-easterly wind developing. The headline-grabbing Sooty Tern re-appeared early morning when it flew south past the Seawatch Observatory at 0653hrs. Presumably whilst messages were being relayed, the bird switched back and flew north past Long Nab at 0808hrs; it was then noted at several watch-points heading north at a rate of knots, until it rested on rocks near Seahouses, Northumberland at 1235hrs. 

Other sightings from the seawatch included 505 Common Scoters, 95 Manx Shearwaters, nine Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns, three Arctic Terns, two Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie flying north; 20 Teal, six Whimbrel, 14 Dunlin and ten Redshank headed south. Records from South Landing included 150 Common Scoters and two Teal in Bridlington Bay and three Whimbrel and an adult Mediterranean Gull on the beach. Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers, three Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper.

Tawny Owl, South Landing, by Jo Hood
Clouded Border, Thornwick, by Andrew Allport

10th July 2019

The weather consisted of light south-westerly winds, mainly overcast skies, with occasional sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 22 degrees C. During the seawatch, 38 Common Scoters, 16 Manx Shearwaters, seven Sandwich Terns and four Arctic Terns flew north, with three Whimbrel and an adult Mediterranean Gull moving south. Thornwick Pools attracted single Dunlin, Green Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail, with a Hobby also seen over South Landing.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Tufted Duck, 127 Common Scoters, three Whimbrel and an Arctic Skua heading north(-west), whilst a Red-breasted Merganser and a Little Gull moved in the opposite direction. A total of 418 Swifts were also recorded at the reserve, with the majority flying south. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier and 12 Curlews flew north at Speeton.

Grey Heron, Thornwick Pools, by Mike Smith
Skylark, North Landing, by Don Hustings
Cinnabar Moth, Thornwick, by Alan Walkington