Category: Sightings

A light northerly wind and overcast conditions throughout. Seventeen Sooty and 47 Manx Shearwaters flew north during the seawatch, together with two dark-bellied Brent Geese, 182 Wigeon, five Pintail, 22 Arctic Skuas, one juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 46 Little Gulls, and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull. Thornwick Pool attracted 31 Teal and a Dunlin, whilst North Landing held two Jack Snipe and six Common Sandpipers were below the South Cliffs.

Raptors included the dark juvenile Honey Buzzard that toured the headland during the morning, single Hobby and Merlin and an appreciable influx of Kestrels – a minimum of 18 birds were present.

Six Yellow-browed Warblers were scattered across the headland (including individuals at both North and South Landing and Bempton RSPB), three Red-breasted Flycatchers were in the Selwick’s Bay area and two Barred Warblers were present; the long-staying bird at Old Fall Steps and a ‘new’ discovery in the hedge behind the hide at Thornwick Pool. A Hawfinch appeared over the Gorse Field early morning, before dropping into nearby gardens. Additional migrants included 36 Wheatear, 25 Whinchat (including three at Bempton), five Redstarts, three Pied Flycatchers, three Spotted Flycatchers (inc. two at Bempton), 15 Chiffchaffs (inc. one Bempton), an acredula Willow Warbler, three Tree Pipits, nine Grey Wagtails and a Brambling.

A moderate northerly wind and persistent, light rain for much of the day. Seawatching highlights included 51 Red-throated Divers flying south, 41 Sooty and 43 Manx Shearwaters heading north, a Mediterranean Gull south, together with 179 Little Gulls and 189 Common Terns flying north.

Thornwick Pool hosted two Little Stints, two Dunlin, single Snipe, Ruff and Jack Snipe. A Water Rail, 19 Teal, ten Wigeon and a Shoveler were also present, with the Barred Warbler again present near the hide. A Little Bunting was seen frustratingly briefly nearby. First-winter Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls followed the plough near Old Fall; a Merlin was seen in the same area.

Passerine migrants included a Red-breasted Flycatcher on the Outer Head, four Yellow-browed Warblers (including one at Old Fall), four Tree Pipits, 12 Spotted Flycatchers, four Pied Flycatchers, seven Garden Warblers, five Redstart, seven Grey Wagtails, a Reed Warbler and a Brambling.

A light north-westerly, with overcast skies during the morning and sunny intervals later. Another superb seawatching day with 150 Red-throated Divers flying south, two Great Northern Divers, a Blue Fulmar, two Great Shearwaters, 110 Sooty Shearwaters, 332 Manx Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater, all north. A total of 59 Barnacle Geese headed south, as did 37 Pink-footed Geese, along with two Red-breasted Mergansers, whilst 21 Pomarine Skuas went north, 67 Arctic Skuas headed south, two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas flew north and 24 Bonxies moved south. Four Mediterranean Gulls were recorded, but gull interest was focused on a massive movement of 7824 Little Gulls flying north. In addition, 346 Common Terns flew north, along with 2756 Razorbills.

A Little Stint remained in residence at Thornwick Pool. Grey Wagtails continued to feature, with eight over the Fog Station. Scarce migrants were represented by Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler in the Outer Head gardens, whilst single Tree Pipit and Reed Warbler were present and a Snow Bunting flew south.

A moderate westerly wind with gradually cloudy skies prevailing. Seawatching produced 85 Pink-footed Geese flying south, three dark-bellied Brent Geese north, 80 Red-throated Divers flying south, a Blue Fulmar south, a Great Shearwater heading north, 53 Sooty Shearwaters, 182 Common Terns flying north and  1270 Little Gulls doing the same.

Thornwick Pool hosted a Grey Heron, three Wigeon, 13 Teal and single Jack Snipe, Snipe and Dunlin. Migrant passerines included single Red-breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler in the Outer Head gardens.

A light-moderate westerly at the start of the day later veered to a stronger north-westerly; there were also occasional showers and longer spells of rain. Seawatching produced 72 Red-throated Divers flying south, a Red-necked Grebe heading north, 68 Sooty Shearwaters north, three Barnacle Geese north, a Red-breasted Merganser, five Pomarine Skuas flying south and a Mediterranean Gull. In addition, 1100 Little Gulls fed offshore, together with a Black Tern, whilst two juvenile Sabine’s Gulls and 139 Common Terns headed north.

Passerine migrants included a Firecrest at Oceanview, where there were also 2 Jack Snipe, five Goldcrests and a Pied Flycatcher.

A moderate south-westerly and overcast skies dominated the day. Seawatching highlights included 37 Manx and 32 Sooty Shearwaters flying north, nine Pink-footed Geese south (with another accompanying the resident Greylag flock), 20 Barnacle Geese heading north, a Velvet Scoter moving in the same direction, one Black Tern south and 100 Little Gulls offshore. In addition, 200 Common Terns were feeding off Bempton.

Thornwick Pool attracted one Little Grebe, eight Teal and a Shoveler. The Red-breasted Flycatcher remained in the Outer Head gardens, with other passerine migrants including three Chiffchaffs, two Wheatear and a Goldcrest; Bempton hosted three Stonechats.

A moderate south-westerly and sunny, warm weather. Seawatching produced 13 Sooty Shearwaters flying north, four Velvet Scoter south, a Goosander heading north, four Pomarine Skuas (two north, two south), 347 Little Gulls moving north and an adult Sabine’s Gull which flew south.

Thornwick Pool attracted a Little Grebe, Grey Heron, eight Teal, a Shoveler, two Water Rails, a Snipe and Dunlin and single Grey Wagtail and Whinchat. The Red-breasted Flycatcher remained in the outer head gardens, together with Spotted Flycatcher and Goldcrest; a Mistle Thrush near the Lighthouse was unusual.

A light south-westerly wind and sunshine during the morning, with the wind moving to the south and a heavy overcast developing later. Seawatch highlights included 16 Sooty Shearwaters flying north, 100 Pink-footed Geese moving south (in several small skeins), 118 Common Scoters north, seven Pomarine Skuas north (and one south), 34 Arctic Skuas heading north, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flying south and 130 Little Gulls offshore.

Thornwick Pool hosted single Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Shoveler, 14 Teal, a Snipe and at least one Water Rail. A Swift overflew Thornwick in the morning and four Grey Wagtails appeared together on the edge of the pool; part of a total eight present on the Headland.

Passerines included two Redstarts, a Whinchat, five Stonechats in the Bay Brambles, 18 Goldcrests, and a Lapland Bunting over the Gorse Field. However, best of all, a juvenile Red-backed Shrike was discovered near the car-park at Bempton RSPB. Nearby, six Common Buzzards flew north-west over Buckton, where there were another three Stonechats.

A light southerly wind, mainly overcast during the morning, but brighter in the afternoon. Seawatching produced a Blue Fulmar heading north, three Sooty Shearwaters north, four Tufted Duck flying south, 111 Common Scoters north and two Velvet Scoter moving south. Three Pomarine Skuas went south (and one north), an adult Mediterranean Gull flew north and there was an impressive movement of 888 Little Gulls heading south. In addition, a first calendar-year Caspian Gull gave good views around one of the fishing boats early morning.

Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 102 birds flew south over the headland. Thornwick Pool attracted a Grey Heron, Shoveler and 19 Teal. Passerine migrants included a Redstart in the Gorse Field, but two Jays that headed west over Old Fall Steps towards the village were the high point.

The juvenile Red-backed Shrike continued to show well adjacent to the car-park at Bempton RSPB, where there was also a Merlin.

Very calm overcast conditions with barely a breath of wind dominated the day. North veering south east and east by the end of the day with light rain from 4pm onwards. The early seawatch produced 2 Pomarine Skua, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 7 Manx and small number of terns. Ducks are still on the move with 14 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 6 Eider, 159 Common Scoter north with 9 south and 1 female Red-breasted Merganser north.  Pink-footed Geese flocks moved south with 45 and 38 during the afternoon. 2 Grey Plover flew south over the Outer Head. The migrant passerine highlight was a new small arrival of Yellow-browed Warblers with 2 at Holmes Gut and a further 2 on the Outer Head. A Firecrest was also at Holmes Gut along with a Black Redstart nearby. Common migrants were represented by 12 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 4 Whinchat and small numbers of Goldcrest. At Thornwick Pool 2 Water Rail were in residence with a Shoveler. 3 Little Grebe were a good overall count today. A Merlin hunted the north side of the Headland. At Bempton the Red-backed Shrike remained present.

Another fine and calm day with light south-westerly winds. Mist gradually clearing. Drift migrants were again present in small numbers with 2 Whinchat and a Redstart in the Gorse Field, a single Yellow-browed Warbler in scrub by the Lighthouse, blackcap and lesser whitethroat on Old Fall and small numbers of Chiffchaff and Goldcrest on the Outer Head. A single Jay was in Millennium Wood.  At Thornwick Pool the 2 Water Rails showed again along with the Little Grebe, Shoveler and 3 Snipe.

Pink-footed Geese continued to be recorded in small numbers with flocks of 21, 18 and 37 all moving south east of Flamborough Village throughout the day. An evening seawatch produced a good count of 814 Little Gulls along with 3 Pomarine Skua north and 5 Greenshank south.

At Bempton RSPB Reserve the Red-backed Shrike remained present near the car park along with a Merlin and 2 Stonechat.

A fine, warm and clear day with light to moderate south-westerly winds and sunshine for most of the day. The seawatch produced 6 Sooty Shearwater and 5 Manx. 1 Arctic Skua moved north and 1 Pomarine Skua south in the afternoon. Little Gull numbers dropped today with only 21 south and 54 north. Northcliff Marsh is proving to be a good roost site for freshwater ducks with good water levels this autumn. 83 Mallard, 38 Wigeon, 12 Teal and 1 female Pintail were present at dawn. On Thornwick Pool 18 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Snipe and 2 Dunlin. At least 2 Water Rails were calling again here early morning. A count of 10 Kestrel continued the excellent autumn for this species. 2 Merlin were also recorded on the Outer Head.

The Yellow-browed Warbler was present again by the Lighthouse along with a female redstart. 3 Redwing and a Brambling were in Holmes Gut early morning. There were 3 Great-spotted Woodpeckers on the Outer Head and 1 on the cliff top by Little Thornwick.

Calm weather continued but the wind switched from south-west to a light northerly overnight and consequently improved the seawatch results! A Black Guillemot flying south at 0941 was the highlight, the first records of the year for the Observatory. All 4 species of Skua were recorded with 4 Long-tailed, 1 Pomarine, 10 Arctic and 3 Great. 2 Sooty and 28 Manx Shearwater moved north along with a single Balearic Shearwater. It was another good day for small gulls offshore the highlight being an adult Sabines Gull south at 1737. Little Gulls continue to feed in the calm conditions with 69 recorded south and 96 north. It was also another good day for Black-headed Gull passage with 3,330 logged.

There were very few new passerine migrants today. The Yellow-browed Warbler  remained by the Lighthouse with a single Redwing. A Merlin was recorded near Head Farm.

A change in weather conditions today with cooler stronger winds from the south west but still mild and dry for the time of year. The morning seawatch was again productive with the highlight being a second calendar year Sabines Gull north at 0935. Little Gull numbers increased again with 2186 all moving north slowly and feeding today, 7 Common Tern and 6 Arctic Tern represented typical numbers seen daily this week. 3 Sooty and 11 Manx Shearwaters were seen along with a good variety of ducks: 100 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 2 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 90 Common Scoter and 1 Red-breasted Merganser. 2 Pomarine Skua were recorded along with 2 Arctic and 4 Great Skua. Small numbers of waders were on the move with Bar-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Dunlin, Grey Plover and Curlew recorded.

The day started with moderate south-south-easterly winds and darkening clouds as the first rain for several weeks approached. After moderate rain, westerly winds and clear weather ended the day. The large number of Little Gulls continued to dominate the morning seawatch with 2145 moving north and 77 south. This mass feeding helped once again produce a Sabines Gull south at 0833 followed by another sighting of a juvenile which roosted on the sea off the Fog Horn at 1730. It was another good Skua day with 7 Pomarine, 1 Long-tailed, 17 Arctic and 9 Great recorded. Red-throated Divers were again on the move after a quiet few days with 33 south and 2 north. The variety of ducks were up with 8 species seen including 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pochard and 5 Pintail. 15 Manx Shearwater moved south but only 1 Fulmar was logged in 8.20 hours!

At Thornwick Pool, Water Rail and Little Grebe were still present along with 3 Snipe. A Yellow-browed Warbler on the Outer Headland was considered a new bird continuing the good run of daily sightings for this species.

Weather was sunny throughout the day with a light SW wind, turning SSE.

The sea watch produced 1 Balearic, 13 Sooty and 14 Manx Shearwater, 4 Pom and 24 Arctic Skua. Another impressive count of Little Gull saw 2166 going north. 4 Dark-bellied Brent and 3 Pintail were also noted along with 2 Short-eared Owl heading north.

On the land, Jays provided the most excitement with at least 8 birds recorded (5 south landing, 4 Gorse field). Thornwick pool held Little Grebe and snipe.

Weather conditions were difficult with a strong SSE wind and constant rain from 9:30am onwards. The sea watch again produced the days highlights. A notable passage of wildfowl included; 16 Pintail, 188 Teal, 321 Wigeon and 2 Velvet Scoter. 1 Balearic, 22 Manx shearwater, 1 Pom and 11 Arctic Skua and 3 Arctic Tern were also recorded. Little Gull numbers dropped dramatically to just 21. Another 1st calendar year Caspian Gull was off the fog station during the morning. 80 Dark bellied Brent were off south landing along with 2 Little gull. Thornwick pool again held single Little grebe, 39 Teal, 2 Dunlin and 4 Snipe.

Little Gull, Martin Garner

Wigeon and Pintail, Martin Garner

Fog during the morning, with scattered showers and a strong SW wind produced a notable arrival of passerines. 3 Yellow browed warbler were new on the outer headland, whilst a large pipit species was seen to fly west over cattlemere but was not relocated. Song Thrush were present in particularly high numbers with a minimum count of 460. 18 Brambling, 2 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Reed warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Woodcock, 4 Lapwing, 3 Grey Wagtail and at least 22 Rock Pipit were also recorded. A Merlin was on the outer head.

High numbers of wildfowl were again moving south during the sea watch including; 402 Dark bellied Brent, 1398 Wigeon (plus 54 north), 2 Gadwall, 462 Teal, 15 Pintail, 2 Shovler, 2 Tufted duck and 1 Scaup. 2 Jack Snipe, 28 RT Diver, 1 Manx, 23 Little Gull and 3 Great Skua were also seen.

Dark bellied Brents, Martin Garner

Weather was sunny for most of the day with brief showers early afternoon. A stong SW wind began to ease during the afternoon. There was a further arrival of passerines during the day. Highlights included 6 Yellow browed Warbler (2 outer head, 2 old fall, 1 Thornwick, 1 Booted gully), 1 Firecrest (old fall), 1 Ring ouzel (Booted gully), Black redstart (Thornwick) and a Snow bunting (over gorse field). Jays were again mobile around the headland with a minimum of three birds recorded. Song Thrush numbers were noticeably lower than the previous day though Redwing increased to 15. 1 Merlin, 6 Brambling, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow warbler, 1 Reed warbler, 5 Blackcap, 3 Wheatear, 9 Redpoll and 12 Goldcrest were counted. A British race Treecreeper near north landing was unusual for this location. 3 Mistle Thrush on wires north of lighthouse road was also noteworthy.

The sea watch produced a single Scaup, 286 Little gull north (plus 14 south), 9 Pink footed geese and 6 Dark bellied Brent. Presumably the same flock of Brent were later in fields by north marsh along with a single Barnacle and 2 pink feet. A further two Brents were off south landing.

An additional Yellow browed warbler was present on the cliff top at Bempton, along with 2 Wheatear. Buckton held a single whinchat.

Firecrest, Lee Johnson

Redwing, Andrew Allport

Ring ouzel, Martin Garner

Weather was generally sunny with scattered showers in the afternoon. Wind was again a strong south westerly. Though many passerines had moved on, 3 Yellow browed warbler were seen. This inlcuded a new individual in the lighthouse bushes. A single whinchat at North Marsh was also notable. Other passerine totals included; 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest and 2 Grey wagtail.

The single Barnacle Goose was again near North Marsh along with 6 Dark bellied Brent and 2 Pink feet. A further 120 Pink footed geese flew south. 2 Pomarine Skua flew north on the sea watch, with 4 Great Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 405 Little Gull (324 north, 81 south) and 30 Red throated Diver.

Teal numbers on Thornwick pool built up to 52, with 12 others at North marsh. The Little Grebe remained on Thornwick pool.

Whinchat, Andy Hood

Song Thrush, Richard Baines

Weather was sunny for most of the day, with scattered heavy showers late afternoon. Wind was a moderate south westerly.

Highlight of the day was an Ortolan Bunting, seen briefly in Holmes Gut late morning. 6 Yellow browed Warbler included singles at Thornwick CP, Old fall plantation and North Marsh, with 3 on the outer head. The Firecrest remained in Old fall plantation. A single Snow Bunting flew over the headland during the morning. Other passerine totals included 2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 5 Brambling, 6 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 12 Goldcrest, 4 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail. There was a notable movement of Tree Sparrow, with at least 150 birds passing the outer head during the morning. Small numbers of hirundines were on the move with 4 House Martin and 3 Swallow. Merlin and Buzzard were also recorded.

A Great Northern Diver flew south during the morning sea watch, along with 31 RT Diver, 2 Velvet Scoter, 2 Dark bellied Brent, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 10 Great Skua, 10 Little Gull and 3 Sandwich Tern. However the best bird was a single Grey Phalarope which flew south at 16:10.

Geese were again on the move with at least 210 Pink feet recorded. 2 Barnacle Geese were again near North Marsh. The first Whooper Swans of the autumn were also seen with flocks of 6 and 22 heading south.

Buckton held 2 Whinchat and 2 Barnacle Geese flew west.

 Tree Sparrows, Martin Garner

Weather was sunny throughout, with a light SW wind. A Red breasted Flycatcher was new in, along the hedge running south from the lighthouse and showed well throughout the day. 4 Yellow browed Warbler included birds still at Thornwick and old fall plantation. Other passerine totals included 1 Garden warbler, 10 Blackcap, 2 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat and 1 Lesser Redpoll. Chiffchaff numbers increased with 17 birds recorded. The good passage of Jay over recent weeks continued, with 4 birds passing old fall and a single in Whelkie Wynds. 4 Swallow and a House Martin were also seen.

Wildfowl movements included at least 310 Pink footed geese south (plus 5 on North Marsh), 6 Whooper Swan, 2 Dark bellied Brent and 3 Barnacle Geese. Sea watch highlights included 1 Sooty shearwater, 1 Pomarine Skua, 6 Great Skua and 12 Little Gull. 7 Little Grebe across the headland represented a particularly high count for the species.

Buckton recorded a Long-eared Owl around the Heligoland trap early morning, 4 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Redwing and 530 Pink footed geese (5 flocks). A Little Owl was calling here overnight near the paddocks off Hoddy Cows Lane.

Red breasted Flycatcher, Lee Johnson

Whooper Swans, Andy Hood

Yellow browed Warbler, Lee Johnson

A light SW wind during the morning swung around to a north easterly by mid afternoon. Weather was sunny throughout.

A Radde’s Warbler was found early morning in the gorse field and showed well throughout the day. A Siberian Chiffchaff was also new in, located late afternoon in the hedge south of the lighthouse. 3 Yellow browed warbler were still present including birds at Thornwick and old fall plantation. Other passerines included 4 Brambling, 1 Garden warbler, 6 Blackcap and 5 Chiffchaff. 2 Swallow flew south.

4 Whooper Swan passed over Grange farm. The sea watch was fairly quiet with 14 Red Throated Diver, 7 Little Gull, 2 Great and 1 Arctic Skua.

At Buckton 550 Pink-footed Geese flew SE (4 flocks), 11 Whooper Swans went S and 3 Stonechat were caught and ringed.

Radde’s Warbler, Lee Johnson

Siberian Chiffchaff, Martin Garner

A contrast with the weather today compared with yesterday. A northerly strong wind bringing rain throughout much of the day and cooler.

The morning sea-watch produced some great birds with the highlight being a Brunnich’s Guillemot past, 7 Little Auk, 20 Pomarine Skua, 120 Great Skua, 10 Manx Shearwater, 6 Sooty Shearwater, “Blue” Fulmar, 6 Velvet Scoter, Brent Goose (2 pale-bellied and 5 dark-bellied) and 6 male Eider. Additional sea records later had 15 Little Gull past 20 Common Scoter and a Bar-tailed Godwit.

500 Redwing were inland as well as 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, 2 Brambling, 4 Chiffchaff and 9 Goldcrest.

Interesting weather patterns follow the next few days which may bring in further migrants.

Another day of strong north-easterly winds but plenty of dry weather meant migrant birds were found across many parts of the Outer Headland producing an excellent variety of birds.

With most people concentrating on birds on the land there were only a couple of short sea-watches which produced 2 Long-tailed Skua, 7 Pomarine Skua, 10 Great Skua, 13 Little Auk, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 9 Red-breasted Merganser, 103 Little Gull and 20 Eider. The first Goldeneye of the autumn flew north.

A Radde’s Warbler was present in the gorse-field near the lighthouse, presumably the same bird since Sunday pinned down by the bad weather. North Marsh had 90 Teal and 35 Wigeon but the hedges and fields around the headland produced an excellent mix of migrants. 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, Holmes Gut, Old Fall and Booted Gully 2 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Great-grey Shrike one in Old Fall hedge and 1 at Hartendale, one or two Shore Lark close to Booted Gulley, Siberian Chiffchaff in Old Fall, 15 Chiffchaff, at least 8 Ring Ouzel, 50+ Brambling, 16 Blackcap, 100+ Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, and 100+ Goldcrest.

Buckton had Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Brambling, 10 Redwing, 2 Ring Ouzel, Swallow, Whitethroat, 5 Stonechat, Siskin, 5 Chiffchaff, and 100 Goldcrest,

An excellent birding day with lots of good birds! The day started with a north east wind dropping in speed from the previous two days to a force 5, the majority of the day staying dry. By the end of the day the wind switched to an easterly direction. The seawatch was again full of diversity. A Black Guillemot north at 0903 was the highlight with single Great Northern and Black-throated Diver, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 9 Velvet Scoter (4 south, 5 north) 4 Pomarine Skua, 3 Long-tailed Skua, 2 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Little Auk. Little Gulls continue to be seen with 292 north of which 286 were adults.

Up to 4 Grey Phalaropes were recorded 1 off Smithick cliff, south of the Lighthouse at 0850 followed by a further 3 at South Landing on the sea between 1030 and 1122! Duck numbers gathered on the sea off Booted Gulley late in the day with Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, 3 Pintail and 5 Velvet Scoter recorded.

On the land the bird of the day was a Little Bunting found at Holmes Gut. 2 Barred Warblers were also new with 1 in Old Fall late afternoon. The Shore Lark was again in ploughed fields on the south cliffs. Red-breasted Flycatcher, Siberian Chiffchaff and Great Grey Shrike continued to show well in Old Fall along with numbers of common migrants and a late Garden Warbler. Up to 4 Yellow-browed Warblers were recorded with 1 at Hartendale and up to 3 at South Landing, A Lapland Bunting was found near Booted Gulley, a Snow Bunting near Old Fall and a Black Redstart at South Landing. Other migrant totals included 4 Ring Ouzel, 2 Redstarts and 1 Jay.

At Buckton 5 Ring Ouzel (1 caught and ringed), 2 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing, 4 Brambling, Wheatear, 5 Stonechat, 1st W Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Redpoll, Woodcock, 3 Chiffchaff, 82 Goldcrest were ringed and Short-eared Owl were present.

Shore Lark by Tony Dixon

A day of change in the weather started with ESE winds with rain gradually veering south-west by the end of the day as the rain cleared to leave sunny calm conditions. The seawatch was much quieter than recent days the only highlight being 1 Pomarine Skua.

With good numbers of birders covering the land there were some good birds around. The day started with flocks of Redwing arriving in the rain with many flocks of 1-200 in size. It was a good day for Ring Ouzel with up to 30 recorded in the Flamborough area and 3 at Bempton RSPB. The bird of the day was a Short-toed Lark at Thornwick joining the Shore Lark on the Headland which remained near South Landing. 2 Firecrest were also new including 1 ringed in Old Fall Plantation. The Great Grey Shrike remained on Old Fall. Other migrant totals included 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 eastern type Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Jay, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Woodcock.

The male Long-tailed Duck showed well on the sea off Booted Gulley with a Scaup flying east early in the morning. 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese also flew east. 3 Goldeneye were on Thornwick Pool. At the end of the day a Long-eared Owl flew in off the sae by the Fog Station.

Birds at Buckton included 4 Ring Ouzel, 3 Goldeneye east, 250 Redwing, 100 Song thrush, Tree Pipit, 2 Chiffchaff, Woodcock, 6 Blackcap, 30 Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat and a Short-eared Owl hunting at dusk.

Light southerly winds and clear skies dominated the day with no rain. The morning seawatch recorded a good variety of species in small numbers with a light passage of waders, ducks, skuas and terns. 3 Pintail and 2 Goldeneye flew south along with 5 Grey Plover and 18 Knot. A Red-necked Grebe was on the sea off the Fog Station and a Short-eared Owl came in off the sea.

On the land the highlight of the day was a Pallas’s Warbler found at Thornwick and Sea Farm Holiday Centre. Also in the Thornwick area were 2 Yellow-browed Warblers with another 1 in Old Fall, 1 Selwicks Bay, 1 in Hartendale and 1 at Bempton. A Black Redstart was at the big house at Thornwick with another at South Landing. The Great Grey Shrike remained on Old Fall with another bird seen in hedges west of by Danes Dyke entrance. Also at old Fall was a Firecrest. Short-eared Owls were again recorded with 1 in Millenium Wood and 1 over the Golf Course. 300 Tree Sparrow were counted over the Gorse Field early a.m. 3 Whooper Swan flew south at Bempton. Additional migrant records included 1 Whitethroat, 2 Swallow, 1 Garden Warbler and 3 Ring Ouzel.

Two rare micro moths both new for Flamborough were trapped near the Lighthouse a Rusty Dot Pearl and an Olive Tree Pearl.

A mild, dry and breezy day with a southerly wind veering south west. The morning seawatch followed a similar pattern to the previous day with a high number of species 41 recorded mostly in small numbers. The highlights were 2 Long-tailed Skua and a Goosander a scarce species this autumn. 11 species of wildfowl was a good tally including a good passage of 15 Tufted Duck.

On the land migrants continued to arrive in small numbers with thrushes, starlings and lapwings the main movers. The Pallas’s Warbler was found again at Thornwick along with a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Brambling. 3 Ring Ouzel were in the Thornwick/North Marine road area and a short-eared Owl above North Marine Road

2 Velvet Scoter were again on the sea off South Dykes along with the male Long-tailed Duck off South Landing. A little Stint was a late record at Thornwick joining the Water Rail and a Little Grebe.

A F5 south south westerly increasing to a blustery F6-7 later in the day. Wildfowl and gulls very much the theme for seawatching which included seven Wigeon, ten Teal and singles of Long-tailed Duck and Goldeneye all south. In addition, 252 Little Gull, 204 Common Gull and a single 1cy Mediterranean and Caspian Gull recorded south were the highlights.

Very quiet on land with the excepting of a Great Grey Shrike found in the dell at Buckton. Also there were small numbers of Redwing and Song Thrush, as well as c.20 Goldcrest.

Thornwick birds included 14 Teal, 17 Mallard, one Little Grebe and five Snipe. A Buzzard was seen over Danes Dyke being mobbed by two Carrion Crow.

A cooler west south westerly F5, with showers across the headland mid-morning. Seawatching highlights were Pomarine, Arctic and three Great Skua south, one north. Juvenile Sabine’s Gull, Mediterranean, 160 Little, 211 Common and 123 Black-headed Gull south. But the star bird was a Pallid Swift seen flying in off at 1642 hrs but sadly wasn’t relocated.

At Thornwick Pool were three each of Jack and Common Snipe, 13 Teal, 10 Mallard, one Little Grebe and a male Great Spotted Woodpecker. A single Yellow-browed Warbler was still present near the recycling centre.

Other birds include a male Ring Ouzel along the hedge at Old Fall plantation late afternoon, a Merlin was on the outer head as were a flock of 12 Twite and c.30-40 Goldcrest. A skein of 85 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the headland and at South Landing there was a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and an adult male Long-tailed Duck.

Ex-hurricane Gonzalo still packed a bit of a punch as it reached the east coast. West north westerly winds for much of the day, ranging between F6-8, were felt across the headland. A fairly quiet seawatch compared to previous days which included three Pink-footed and two Dark-bellied Brent Geese south, three Arctic, two Great and a single juvenile Pomarine Skua south. Ten Little Gull south (52 north) and a Grey Phalarope north complete the highlights.

South Landing still attracted the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, feeding with four Redshank, two Sanderling, a Curlew and a Grey Wagtail also there. A cracking Little Gull was hanging out amongst the Black-headed Gulls.

A late Barn Swallow was seen over Head Farm sheep field this morning, and at Thornwick Pool five Teal and the Little Grebe remained; Mallard numbers increased to 23.

West north west F4, switching to west south west F5 as the day progressed. Seawatching picked up after yesterday with a fine selection on offer… moving south unless otherwise stated were 12 Wigeon, 12 Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser, 30 Red-throated Diver (three north), Great Northern Diver, Black-throated Diver (a sum plum north), Manx Shearwater (five north), Sooty Shearwater north, 10 Pomarine Skua (two north), eight Arctic, two Long-tailed and 109 Great Skua (two of the latter north) and eight Little Gull north were the best bits.

Thornwick Pool saw four Common Snipe, Little Grebe, nine Teal and Mallard numbers reached 25.

South Landing still held the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and male Long-tailed Duck. Also there were ten Redshank, two Sanderling, two Ringed Plover, two Curlew and one Bar-tailed Godwit. Nearby were 16 Turnstone and eight Oystercatcher completing the wader fest.

South south west F5, temperatures started off cool but increased to a mild 14°C as the day progressed. Seawtching dropped off, compared with yesterday, with Red-necked Grebe and Long-tailed Duck recorded south; Arctic Skua, 12 Great Skua and 231 Little Gull north were the highlights.

At Thornwick Pool, Mallard numbers reached 35! Also there were nine Teal and singles of Little Grebe and Water Rail.

Elsewhere, a Snow Bunting and two Stonechat near the Lighthouse and seven Twite were on the headland. A 1w Yellow-legged Gull was in a field at Old Fall with a Mistle Thrush in Old Fall hedge. A Mistle Thrush was also seen at the golf course as was a Jay. South Landing birds included Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, two Curlew, eight Turnstone, Dunlin, 14 Oystercatcher, 12 Redshank, Merlin, Grey Wagtail, Jay and the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper continued its stay.

Bird(s) of the day were five Bearded Tit which flew north over Northcliff Marsh – a local MEGA. The Snow Bunting and two Stonechat remained on the outer head, Twite numbers increased to 33 and five Little Gull flew south past the Fog Station.

Eleven Whooper Swan flew over Thornwick and on Thornwick Pool the Water Rail lingered. A Barn Owl was also nearby.

The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still loitering at South Landing, as was a Grey Wagtail. At Grange Farm were 40 Pink-footed Geese.

Continued south south westerly’s, a gentle F3 rising to F5 as the day went on, averages of 10°C across the headland. South-bound birds recorded today include 14 Red-throated Diver, Mute Swan (locally scarce), Brent Goose (Dark-bellied), 36 Mallard and two Great Skua; north-bound movement saw a juvenile Pomarine Skua, Arctic Skua and 350 Little Gull (ten south).

The Snow Bunting and charm of 33 Twite were still present near the Lighthouse. At Thornwick Pool two Bearded Tit were noted, as were four Jack Snipe. Also in the Thornwick area was a fem/1w type Black Redstart.

Seven Whooper Swan flew south over South Landing; also there amongst the mixed wader flock the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit remain.

South south westerly’s reaching F6, dropping toward the end of the day, mean temperatures of 11°C. Seawatching highlights recorded two Black-throated Diver north, 33 Whooper Swan south, two Goosander south, three Arctic Skua south, four Great Skua north, an adult winter Mediterranean Gull south and 20 Little Gull south (38 north).

Late hirundines in the form of two Swallow and a House Martin flew over North Landing; the Snow Bunting remained on the outer head and Twite numbers reduced to two. Other birds on or around the headland included 12 Long-tailed Tit at Bay Brambles, two Stonechat, Great Northern Diver and 12 Purple Sandpiper.

Two Whooper Swan flew south east over Thornwick Pool; an additional 11 were recorded south earlier in the day with a further six an hour later. On the pool were three Common Snipe, Jack Snipe, Grey Wagtail and Little Grebe. The fem/1w type Black Redstart remained near the Big House.

South Landing saw eight Oystercatcher, Sanderling, juv Curlew Sandpiper, two Curlew, three Redshank, 22 Turnstone and a Grey Wagtail.

A light/moderate south-south-west wind and sunny intervals. Seawatching recorded a single Great Northern Diver flying south, one Manx Shearwater north, two Tufted Duck south, 55 Little Gulls moving north and a Common Tern.

The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper remained at South Landing, whilst a Yellow-browed Warbler appeared in the Roadside Willows along Lighthouse Road. Single Brambling and Twite overflew the Fog Station, with the single Snow Bunting still present there.

A light/moderate north-north-westerly and sunny intervals resulted in 33 Bonxies moving south; in addition, a Great Northern Diver flew south, three Shoveler did the same, 231 Little Gulls moved south and three Common Terns were present offshore.

A Jack Snipe appeared near Old Fall, where there was also a Ring Ouzel, whilst 11 Twite were present near the Fog Station. Additional migrants included 40 Blackbirds at North/South Landing, three Goldcrests and a Woodcock. At least 220 Starlings came in off the sea, the Snow Bunting remained at the Fog Station and another overflew Old Fall.

A high pressure window, with a light easterly airflow and overnight rain, produced a large arrival of thrushes. Only partial coverage of the area yielded 1550+ Redwing, 600+ Fieldfare, 400 Blackbirds, 40 Song Thrush and five Ring Ouzels. Two Yellow-browed Warblers were new in; singles near the Lighthouse and at Thornwick CP. A Hawfinch flew in off the sea, two Black Redstarts frequented the Outer Head and three Woodcock were also present.

Four dark-bellied Brent Geese went south, a single Barnacle Goose overflew the headland, whilst single Little Grebe and Water Rail remained at Thornwick Pool. The Snow Bunting was still present at the Fog Station, where two Little Gulls appeared offshore.

The large thrush arrival was mirrored at Bempton Cliffs, where another Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart were on the cliff top, together with four Woodcock, a Jack Snipe and a Short-eared Owl.

A south-south-west wind picked up in strength during the day, whilst overcast conditions predominated. Seawatch highlights included 17 Red-throated Divers flying south, a Great Crested Grebe north, a dark-bellied Brent Goose heading south, a Gadwall north, one Goldeneye south and 21 Little Gulls also moving south. Seven Whooper Swans flew south over South Landing and were accompanied by three Greylags, whilst a Little Gull was on the beach there. Two Jack Snipe and two Water Rail were again at Thornwick Pool.

In a local context, the day’s highlight was provided by a Green Woodpecker that visited a garden on the Outer Head; one of only a handful of records over the last 15 years. Forty Twite were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and the Snow Bunting remained at the Fog Station.

A Jay was noted in Bempton village. Single Yellow-browed Warbler and Ring Ouzel were trapped at Buckton. Other birds here  were 65 Blackbirds, Great-Spotted Woodpecker (male), 210 Lapwing and 90 Pink-footed Geese SE.

The day featured moderate south-westerly winds and sunny intervals. Seawatch highlights included a Great Northern Diver flying south, as did single dark-bellied Brent Goose, Pochard and Velvet Scoter. Two Common Terns and 120 Little Gulls also fed offshore. Two Snow Buntings remained around the Fog Station, with an additional seven moving north there.

Two Whooper Swans and 230 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the headland, four Common Buzzards appeared at Buckton and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull rested on the rocks at Sewerby. A Woodcock was on the Outer Head, with passerine migrants including a Mistle Thrush, six Chiffchaffs, 12 Goldcrests and five Brambling. Visible migration included 70 Skylarks, 60 Chaffinch and five Siskins heading south.

Thornwick Pool hosted the Little Grebe, two Wigeon, 27 Teal, two Dunlin, a Jack Snipe, whilst a Sparrowhawk killed a Water Rail there. In addition, a minimum of 3500 Starlings roosted in the reeds and a Grey Wagtail also appeared at Thornwick.

Buckton held 265 Lapwing, 55 Golden Plover and 22 Corn Bunting.

A moderate south-westerly wind and generally light overcast conditions throughout. The seawatch produced 18 Red-throated Divers heading south, one Tufted Duck, a drake Long-tailed Duck also south and 208 Little Gulls doing the same.

Thornwick Pool hosted two Little Grebes, three Dunlin and two Water Rails.

Lingering summer visitors included single Swallow and House Martin flying south, whilst a late Willow Warbler appeared in Bempton village. A pair of Stonechat was near the Lighthouse, two Mistle Thrush were on the Outer Head, with two Black Redstart lingering around the Coastguard Station. In addition, the two Snow Buntings remained around the Lighthouse/Fog Station all day.

A Little Grebe was on Buckton pond (less than annual here) with 35 Siskin south-east.

A moderate southerly wind and overcast conditions with light rain during the morning. Seawatching produced 15 Red-throated Divers heading south, a Great Northern Diver, one Manx Shearwater, five Shoveler, a Velvet Scoter flying south and one Pomarine Skua north. A total of 410 Little Gulls flew south (with 55 north), two Common Terns lingered offshore, whilst two Twite flew south and six Snow Buntings flew in off the sea; the two Snow Buntings also remained in residence.

Sixteen Whooper Swans flew south during the morning (a five and a flock of 11) and a Black Redstart remained near the Coastguard building. However, better still, the year’s first Water Pipit was discovered on the beach at South Landing during the afternoon.

A light westerly wind initially, with a northerly later establishing during a day of cold sunshine. A total of 31 Red-throated Divers flew south, together with one Great Northern Diver, a Red-necked Grebe, nine Whooper Swans, 150 Pink-footed Geese, 13 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 62 Common Scoters, two Velvet Scoter, two Goldeneye, 74 Little Gulls, and three Little Auks.

Twenty-seven Golden Plover and a Twite flew over the Outer Head, whilst Thornwick Pool hosted a Mute Swan, 25 Teal, a Little Grebe and three Water Rails, with two Stonechats in the nearby cliff top brambles.

The Water Pipit remained on the beach at South Landing.

A F5 northerly, and overcast conditions with occasional rain, produced a superb day’s birding. Seawatching produced: 230 Red-throated Divers south, a Black-throated Diver south, three Great Northern Divers north (and one south), a Red-necked Grebe south, two Sooty and two Manx Shearwaters north, 11 dark-bellied Brent Geese south (and one north), two Long-tailed Ducks south, six Velvet Scoter south (and four north), a Red-breasted Merganser north, four Grey Phalaropes south, 38 Pomarine Skuas north, a Mediterranean Gull south, 74 Little Gulls south, 1921 Kittiwakes south, 1024 Little Auks north (13 south) and two Short-eared Owls in off the sea, together with an unidentified Asio owl.

However, the best bird was located on the beach at South Landing, where a Citrine Wagtail showed well; only the fourth ever to be found in the UK in November. The Water Pipit remained in the same area, whilst two Long-tailed Ducks, seven Velvet Scoter and Little Auks were present offshore. Elsewhere, a Black Redstart remained on the Outer Head and two Snow and one Lapland Bunting were recorded.

A southerly wind with increasing cloud during the day. Seawatching produced a Manx Shearwater south, six Whooper Swans south, two Gadwall south, two Shoveler north, one Tufted Duck and five Goldeneye south, two Red-breasted Merganser and a Goosander south, with two Pomarine Skuas north. A total of 720 Little Auks flew east (in effect as part of their northward passage) past South Landing, a Grey Phalarope appeared off the headland and a 2nd-year Mediterranean Gull flew south. Two Great Northern Divers, two Velvet Scoter and a female-type Long-tailed Duck were also noted off South Landing.

The first-winter Citrine Wagtail remained on South Landing beach, where the Water Pipit was still present.

Thornwick Pool hosted 16 Teal, a Little Grebe, a Water Rail, five Dunlin and a Grey Wagtail. There was an influx of thrushes with 660 Fieldfare, 110 Redwing, two Ring Ouzel, 65 Blackbirds and 14 Snow Buntings were also recorded.

A moderate/strong southerly, with showers and later heavy rain. The seawatch produced a Black-throated Diver heading south, one Great Northern Diver south (and one north), 97 Teal flying south, two Velvet Scoter doing the same, five Goldeneye south, a Red-breasted Merganser south and a Bonxie north. In addition, two Little Auks flew east past South Landing.

There was no sign of the Citrine Wagtail at South Landing, but the Water Pipit and Grey Wagtail remained.

Thornwick Pool held a Little Grebe, six Teal, ten Dunlin, two Snipe and a Grey Wagtail.

A Starling roost adjacent to the Flamborough-Bridlington road near Sewerby Hall contained a minimum of 7000 individuals.

A moderate south-south-west wind and bright conditions soon changed to a stronger southerly and rain. Five Whooper Swans flew south, with a dark-bellied Brent Goose heading south, 204 Shag, five Gadwall again south, 55 Teal flying south, a juvenile Pomarine Skua south and 11 Little Gulls. Twenty-four Purple Sandpipers were on the Outer Head, where two Twite were also present.

Thornwick Pool hosted the Little Grebe, a Wigeon, five Teal, five Snipe, two Dunlin and a Water Rail.

The highlight was the relocation of the first-winter Citrine Wagtail feeding on flies on the mass of seaweed on South Dykes beach. The Water Pipit was still present on South Landing beach, with Grey Wagtails noted at both sites and another present in the village.

At Buckton 3 Short-eared Owls, Little Grebe still on the village pond  and 5 Whooper Swans flew east over the sea.

Weather was sunny throughout the day, with a moderate south-westerly. The 1st-winter Citrine Wagtail showed well at South Dykes throughout the day, whilst the Water Pipit was again at South Landing. A probable Short-toed Lark was seen well, but briefly, in flight late morning before heading towards the village with 20 Skylark. 3 Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting were also noted. Other birds on the land included 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Merlin, 1 Blackcap and 3 Chiffchaff. Woodcock were on the move, with 5 birds recorded, including a particularly showy bird on the beach at South Dykes. A Short-eared Owl also flew in off. The seawatch produced 1 Little Auk north, with 8 Little Gull and 4 Goldeneye south. At Buckton, 40 Twite and 80 Skylark were present in the large stubble field next to Buckton Hall; a single Wigeon remained on Buckton Pond. Sightings at Hoddy Cows Lane included 5 hunting Short-eared Owls just east of the Heligoland trap, Woodcock,  150 Lapwing, 9 Whooper Swans and 150 Pink-footed Geese flying east.

Woodcock, South Dykes beach, Andy Hood