Category: Sightings

A light south-easterly wind established during the afternoon of another sunny day, with temperatures reaching ten degrees C. Thornwick Pools hosted two Tufted Ducks and a Little Grebe, with wader interest including single Golden Plover and Ringed Plover along with two Little Ringed Plovers. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew west over the village, a Red Kite south along the Dykes, whilst a Common Tern flew south over the outer head. A small arrival of passerine migrants took place with 42 Swallows, a Ring Ouzel, two Redstarts, 16 Willow Warblers, the year’s first three Common Whitethroats, nine Wheatear and two Yellow Wagtails. Twenty Bottlenose Dolphins were off RSPB Bempton Cliffs where grounded migrants included lone Common Whitethroat, Goldcrest and Redwing, together with five Wheatears. Six Red-legged Partridges frequented fields between Speeton and Buckton, with five Corn Buntings at Buckton Pond.

The weather consisted of moderate north-north-easterly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at nine degrees C. Seven Eiders and 21 Sandwich Terns flew south during the seawatch, while a lone Manx Shearwaters moved north. Notable passerine migrants included a Hooded Crow on the Golf Course, the year’s first Whinchat at Thornwick, four Wheatears and a Black Redstart at Hartendale. A male Redstart was the day’s highlight from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The weather continued in the same vein, namely light and cool onshore winds, sunny skies after a frosty start, with temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. Another relatively quiet seawatch with a Red-throated Diver and 18 Sandwich Terns moving north. Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers and a Yellow Wagtail. Single Wheatear and Siskin on the outer head were the only passerines that appeared to be newly arrived.

First appearances can be deceptive; at first glance it was another sunny day with light onshore winds developing, but the fact that there wasn’t a heavy frost and temperatures reached 13 degrees C prompted an arrival of migrants.

A Red Kite drifted over the headland on a couple of occasions, a Greenshank that flew north over Old Fall was new for the year, as was a singing Grasshopper Warbler near the Lighthouse. Notable passerine totals included 148 Carrion Crows, a Hooded Crow, 50 Sand Martins, 13 Swallows, 11 Willow Warblers, eight Whitethroats, two Goldcrest, four Ring Ouzels, 18 Wheatears, a White Wagtail and a Siskin.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs two Short-eared Owls, 129 Carrion Crows flying south-east, a Whitethroat and three Wheatears; offshore 15 Bottlenose Dolphins moved north-west. A Great White Egret flew west over nearby Buckton village, with two Whitethroats along Hoddy Cows Lane.

Sunny intervals throughout, a light wind veering easterly after initially being from the north and temperatures reached 11 degrees C. The highlights of the morning’s seawatch comprised two Tufted Ducks, eight Eiders, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 165 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flying south, with 59 Common Scoters and a Blue Fulmar moving north. A Great Northern Diver also lingered on the sea off the Fog Station and another did the same off Hartendale. A drake Tufted Duck frequented Thornwick Lakes, another four Bar-tailed Godwits flew south over the outer head, whilst additional wader interest included a Whimbrel flying north and four Little Ringed Plovers. A Short-eared Owl hunted fields at North Dykes.

Yesterday’s Grasshopper Warbler remained, but there was also evidence of an arrival, including a Fieldfare, 32 Willow Warblers, seven Whitethroats, three Sedge Warblers, a Reed Warbler at Thornwick Pools, one Goldcrest, 14 Wheatears, three Yellow Wagtails, a White Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Goosander flying south-east, a Whimbrel heading north-west, two Short-eared Owls, four Ring Ouzels, a Willow Warbler, two Whitethroats, one Goldcrest and ten Wheatears. The immediate vicinity of Buckton Pond attracted seven Yellow Wagtails, a White Wagtail and a Brambling.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, light northerly winds and temperatures that reached ten degrees C. The day’s highlight was the discovery of a relatively showy Bittern at Thornwick Pools late morning that remained until dusk. Migrants better associated with winter were very much in the ascendency, with single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Jack Snipe located on the outer head. The majority of yesterday’s spring migrants had departed, although the Grasshopper Warbler lingered near the Lighthouse and a White Wagtail visited Thornwick Pools. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted Short-eared Owl, two Ring Ouzels and a Wheatear.

A moderate south-south-easterly wind developed during an increasingly cloudy day with temperatures peaking at nine degrees C. Notable seawatch records were 48 Common Scoters, three Red-throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver, 24 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Tern all flying south. Four Spoonbills that flew south over the outer head early evening provided the day’s highlight. A House Martin over the outer head was new, whilst the singing Grasshopper Warbler remained in the same area. Single Ring Ouzel and more unusually a Nuthatch frequented the Old Fall area. Two Ring Ouzels remained in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while an Osprey flew east over the nearby village mid evening.

It was an overcast day, with mostly light rain during the morning, afternoon temperatures reaching nine degrees C and moderate south-south-easterly winds. Two summer-plumaged Spotted Redshanks flying south during the morning seawatch were particularly noteworthy. A Great Northern Diver, three Manx Shearwaters, 16 Sandwich Terns and two Bonxies were also recorded during the seawatch.

The Bittern again showed well at Thornwick Pools. The weather conditions delivered a handful of migrants, albeit mainly species more associated with wintering in the UK: a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, three Jack Snipe, seven Snipe, a Redwing, three Fieldfare and a Goldcrest. Migrants arriving from further south included two House Martins, a male Redstart and 12 Wheatears.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted three Ring Ouzels, and single Yellow Wagtail and White Wagtail; offshore, 20 Bottlenose Dolphins again moved north.

Sunny intervals prevailed after an overcast morning, with a moderate north-easterly wind and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. Seawatch highlights included single Red-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver, six Manx Shearwaters and 35 Sandwich Terns. The Bittern continued in residence at Thornwick Pools, while a flock of 35 Fieldfares represented the most noteworthy passerine record.

The relentless northerly winds prevalent throughout spring continued, bringing occasional hail showers and resulting in continued single figure temperatures. Thornwick Pools hosted the Bittern and also attracted a Siberian Chiffchaff; the latter the first ever local April record. A Lesser Whitethroat at Thornwick represented the year’s first, whilst a Fieldfare, two Brambling attending a garden feeding station and three Siskin seemed appropriate given the chilly conditions.

The weather consisted of a light/moderate northerly wind, heavy rain for the first few hours of daylight followed by sunny intervals; temperatures rose from a mere four degrees mid-morning to eight degrees C by mid-afternoon. Two Manx Shearwaters and 12 Sandwich Terns represented the highlights of a relatively quiet seawatch, while a Bonxie overflew the outer head. The year’s first Long-eared Owl was discovered on the northern side of the headland. Additional migrant totals included a Little Egret at Thornwick Pools, 65 Sand Martins, two House Martins, 25 Swallows, two Grasshopper Warblers, four Lesser Whitethroats, three Goldcrests, a Black Redstart, 18 Wheatears, a Tree Pipit at Thornwick (first of the year), two Yellow Wagtails, one Siskin and two Brambling.

Northerly winds persisted throughout a day of sunny intervals and temperatures that reached nine degrees C. A Bonxie and 132 Puffins flew north during the morning’s seawatch, with 13 Sandwich Terns heading south. The long-staying Pale-bellied Brent Goose remained on the outer head, along with two Wigeon, whilst other migrant totals included a Redwing, five Fieldfares, eight Lesser Whitethroats, a Goldcrest, eight Wheatears and a Siskin. A Ring Ouzel remained in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Light winds eventually backed south-east from an initial south-westerly direction; sunny intervals in the morning were followed by light showers from mid-afternoon and temperatures reached nine degrees C. A Red-throated Diver, 46 Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie were recorded during the morning’s seawatch. North Marsh hosted a Little Grebe, whilst wader interest included two Golden Plovers, a Greenshank flying south over the outer head and a Common Sandpiper at Thornwick Pools. Two Swifts, four House Martins and 45 Swallows represented a marked increase over recent days. Additional passerine interest included three Ring Ouzels, a Grasshopper Warbler, two Goldcrests, 14 Wheatears, two Yellow Wagtails and a Corn Bunting. Sightings from Bempton included a Red Kite, a Hobby, three Whimbrel, a Short-eared Owl, two Ring Ouzels along Cliff Lane and six Yellow Wagtails.

A day of two halves, with light westerly winds and sunny intervals in the morning, followed by strong southerlies and driving rain from mid-afternoon; temperatures reached ten degrees C. Six Shelduck, three Red-throated Divers, six Whimbrel and 30 Sandwich Terns were recorded on the seawatch. A drake Wigeon and a Little Egret frequented North Marsh, a Common Sandpiper graced Thornwick Pools and a Swift overflew the village. A light southerly movement of hirundines took place mid-morning, including four House Martins and 35 Swallows. An increase in territorial Whitethroats was apparent, with 35 located on the outer head. Other notable records included a Redwing, three singing Reed Warblers, three Grasshopper Warblers, a Goldcrest, 11 Wheatears, seven Yellow Wagtails and a Tree Pipit.

A Little Egret, 13 Sand Martins and 22 Swallows flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where ten Yellow Wagtails headed in the opposite direction, whilst two Ring Ouzels remained.

Strong north-westerly winds featured through the majority of an overcast day, with squally showers and temperatures peaking at a mere seven degrees C. Seawatch highlights included four Pochard, three Red-throated Divers, a Manx Shearwater, 41 Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie flying south. Thornwick Pools attracted single Common Sandpiper and Dunlin. Two singing Grasshopper Warblers remained on the headland, whilst a Garden Warbler was new for the year, and other notable sightings included 20 Fieldfare, a Redwing and a female Redstart.

Moderate/strong north-north-westerly winds gradually dropped in strength during a day of sunny intervals and showers, with temperatures rising to eight degrees C. Six Shelduck, six Manx Shearwaters and four Whimbrel flew north during the morning seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted five Shelducks, a Little Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper. A sprinkling of passerine migrants were in evidence including a Ring Ouzel, three Fieldfare, three Redwing, two Pied Flycatchers, two Spotted Flycatchers, four Redstarts, two Whinchat and 14 Wheatears. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a drake Goosander flying north-west and a Marsh Harrier south-east. Two Ring Ouzels frequented the golf course at Sewerby.

Winds were light and from all parts of the compass during another cold day, that featured sunny intervals and even snow showers. Seawatch highlights were three Red-throated Divers, a Manx Shearwater, one Whimbrel, 11 Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie. Four Barnacle Geese flew north over the outer head, while wader interest included five Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper on the headland. It was another day that featured a nice selection of passerine migrants, including a Hooded Crow (near North Dykes), three Ring Ouzels, one Grasshopper Warbler, 15 Sedge Warblers, a Common Redstart, three Whinchat, 19 Wheatears and three Yellow Wagtails. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, 17 Common Whitethroats, one Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, two Wheatears and two Yellow Wagtails.

A relatively light north-westerly wind veered south-easterly later, with sunny intervals and heavy showers in the afternoon; temperatures reached eight degrees C. Three Red-throated Divers, four Manx Shearwaters, three Whimbrel, seven Sandwich Terns, six Common Terns and two Arctic Terns were recorded on the seawatch. A Common Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools and four Whimbrel flew north over the headland. Despite temperatures remaining low, surprisingly there was a smattering of passerine migrants including seven Ring Ouzels (including two at Sewerby golf course), a Redwing, the long-staying Grasshopper Warbler, two Garden Warblers, 11 Lesser Whitethroats, 16 Wheatears, a Spotted Flycatcher, a male Pied Flycatcher, three Whinchats, eight Common Redstarts (seven males, one female) and two Corn Buntings. A Little Egret and three Swifts overflew Bempton village.

A belt of often heavy rain arrived early morning and lasted until mid-afternoon, driven onshore by moderate/strong south-easterly winds; temperatures reached nine degrees C. A Hoopoe discovered late afternoon sheltering in Old Fall unfortunately soon moved on as the weather improved; the first record on the headland for five years. The weather conditions also prompted the arrival of 36 Wheatears to the outer head. Other notable passerine records included a Redwing, a Ring Ouzel, three Grasshopper Warblers (two singing males on the outer head, one of which is paired to a female), a Garden Warbler, the male Pied Flycatcher in Old Fall, two Redstarts, a Redpoll and seven Siskin. A Marsh Harrier flew north over the sea, the outer head’s first Hobby of the year headed in the same direction over the village, a lone Common Sandpiper frequented Thornwick Lakes and a Ruff flew south over the Golf Course.

A genuinely warm day was a shock to the system and precipitated a spring birding reboot, with the birds certainly obliging. After a damp start, sunny intervals eventually prevailed and temperatures reached 18 degrees C. It was apparent early on that yesterday’s heavy rain and south-easterly winds had prompted a significant arrival of Wheatears; during the course of the day 263 Wheatears were located east of the Dykes, smashing the previous record (205). To the delight of many, the Hoopoe was also relocated at the bowling green near South Landing and commuted between there and Highcliffe Manor throughout the day. Two Little Egrets, single Hobby and Merlin, five Swift and a Cuckoo were noted. However, most focus was on passerine migrants including: 95 Swallows south, 30 Willow Warblers, two Ring Ouzels, four Spotted Flycatchers, the male Pied Flycatcher, six Whinchat, two Redstarts, a Tree Pipit, 18 Yellow Wagtails and eight Siskins. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, 21 Swallows, single Spotted Flycatcher, Ring Ouzel and Redstart, along with six Wheatears; an additional six Wheatears were in cliff top fields at Buckton.

Another day of sunny intervals and occasional light showers, an increasingly blustery south-west wind and temperatures that reached 14 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch featured five Shelduck, three Tufted Ducks, nine Red-throated Divers, a Manx Shearwater and a Bonxie; the highlight related to four Little Terns that flew south, while four Lesser Redpolls in off were notable.

A female Garganey at Thornwick Pools was new for the year, whilst the Hoopoe continued to make sporadic appearances on the bowling green, where it showed well. Equally scarce in the local context, a Nightjar overflew the Gorse Field. Additional migrants included one Little Egret, a Hobby, 278 Swallows south, a Ring Ouzel, the year’s first Wood Warbler at Old Fall, two Spotted Flycatchers, two Redstart, a Whinchat, 61 Wheatears and two Siskin.

The weather consisted of light south-easterly winds, sunny intervals with showers developing late afternoon and temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. The Hoopoe continued to visit the bowling green throughout the day, whilst the Wood Warbler also remained in residence at Old Fall. A Marsh Harrier flew south over the headland, while passerine interest included four ‘migrant’ Reed Warblers, three Garden Warblers, three Spotted Flycatchers, 14 Wheatears, a Tree Pipit, three Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll. A ringing session at South Landing was rewarded with 31 birds processed, including single Reed Warbler and Garden Warbler. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Cuckoo and Ring Ouzel flying south-east and a White Wagtail north-west; lone Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher were in residence on the reserve, along with 17 Wheatears and a Lesser Redpoll.

Relatively light winds backed from a south-westerly to a south-easterly direction during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 40 Common Scoters, a Greenshank, 11 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern moving south, with single Red-throated Diver and Manx Shearwater heading north. The Hoopoe only showed sporadically in and around the bowling green; three Swift, a Ring Ouzel, a Garden Warbler, four Wheatear and a Whinchat also frequented the outer head. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included four Knot moving south-east, two Short-eared Owls (including one flying north-east out to sea), a Marsh Harrier, a Redwing, a male Pied Flycatcher, two Garden Warblers, nine Wheatears and a White Wagtail.

Sunny skies until mist/overcast developed from late afternoon, a light easterly wind and temperatures that peaked at 13 degrees C. The day’s highlight related to the discovery of a male Golden Oriole that flew in off the sea at Old Fall before alighting in the plantation; although it sang briefly, it soon departed. Nearby, the Hoopoe surprisingly relocated to the Gorse Field, while the year’s first Firecrest was located at North Landing. Other migrant totals included a Short-eared Owl, 20 House Martins, three Garden Warblers, a Redstart, one Whinchat, two Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll. Buckton hosted four Wheatears and a White Wagtail.

Light northerly winds throughout, with overcast skies and spells of persistent light rain, especially in the morning; temperatures reached nine degrees C. Two Dotterel were located in a field near Sykes Plantation mid-morning and remained in situ for several hours; nearby, the Hoopoe continued to show occasionally in the Gorse Field. Elsewhere, a Hobby hunted the skies near South Landing and Thornwick Pools hosted single Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper, with a Golden Plover overflying the outer head. Passerine migrants were scarce, but included a Garden Warbler, two Spotted Flycatchers, nine Wheatears, a White Wagtail, a Lesser Redpoll and four Siskin – three Corn Buntings, including a singing male, were also near Sykes Plantation. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included Short-eared Owl, Marsh Harrier and four Wheatears; a Hobby overflew fields on the edge of Buckton.

A light/moderate wind initially from an east-north-east direction veered south-east later; overcast during the morning, with brighter intervals in the afternoon and temperatures peaking at ten degrees C. A Great Northern Diver, seven Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flew north during a morning seawatch, whilst Thornwick Pools attracted single Little Ringed Plover and Knot, along with two Common Sandpipers. Passerine migrants were particularly scarce, with two Spotted Flycatchers, six Wheatear and a Whinchat located; a mixed flock of buntings on the outer head contained 45 Yellowhammers and a Corn Bunting. However, the day’s highlight came from RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Spoonbill flew south early afternoon; a second calendar-year Mediterranean Gull and seven Wheatear were also recorded at the reserve.

The weather consisted of light south-east winds, overcast skies, a sea fret occasionally drifting ashore and temperatures eventually reaching 11 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, five Whimbrel, five Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flew north. A Short-eared Owl hunted fields near North Marsh. Despite overnight rain, passerine migrants were notable by their absence, and the following meagre total were recorded: two Whinchat, one Wheatear, a Tree Pipit, six Yellow Wagtails and three Siskin. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Willow Warblers, two Wheatears, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Tree Pipit flying north-west.

A light easterly wind developed during a day that featured overcast skies and some sunny intervals, with temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included seven Red-throated Divers, a Manx Shearwater, 12 Dunlin and seven Sandwich Terns. Single Goldcrest and Corn Bunting were the most notable passerines on the outer head. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Tree Pipit flying north-west, one Grey Wagtail heading south-east and a Wheatear; another Wheatear frequented the cliff top at Buckton.

The weather consisted of very light westerly winds, sunny intervals and heavy showers, with temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. Two Mediterranean Gulls flew past the headland (first-winter and adult), along with a Red-throated Diver and 23 Sandwich Terns. A Little Egret overflew the outer head, with a Golden Plover in the same area and a Hobby graced the skies over Thornwick Pools. The day’s highlight consisted a first-summer male Golden Oriole that frequented Oceanview early morning. Additional passerine interest included a Goldcrest, one Spotted Flycatcher, two Wheatears and a White Wagtail. Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Hobby and three singing Corn Buntings.

Light north-north-west winds, sunny intervals with occasional showers and temperatures that peaked at 13 degrees C. Single Manx Shearwater and Bonxie were recorded on a seawatch that also featured six Sandwich Terns. The first-summer male Golden Oriole remained in residence and sang from Old Fall mid-morning. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew east over the latter location, whilst a Spotted Flycatcher frequented South Landing.

A day of two halves, with light westerly winds and sunny skies in the morning, followed by strengthening south-easterlies and driving rain by the afternoon; temperatures reached a meagre 11 degrees C. Seventeen Common Scoters flew north during a seawatch that also featured 11 Sandwich Terns. Two Little Egrets initially on North Marsh later flew south, with wader interest including single Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper. A second-summer Yellow-legged Gull visited Thornwick Lakes, whilst lone Marsh Harrier and Hobby overflew the outer head. Migrants also included a Cuckoo and two Lesser Redpolls at South Landing. Eight birds were rung at the latter location, including two Common Whitethroats and a Lesser Whitethroat. Twelve Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a lone Wheatear remained.

Overcast, with frequent rain showers throughout and a light/moderate south-westerly wind. Thornwick Lakes/Pools attracted 80 Sand Martins, three House Martins and a Yellow Wagtail. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Hobby flying south-west and 40 Swifts flying south-east ahead of approaching shower cloud.

Strong north-westerly winds gradually abated during an afternoon that featured sunny intervals after an overcast start to the day; temperatures peaked at eight degrees C. An impressive 3336 Puffins flew north past the Seawatch Observatory alongside tens of thousands of Razorbills/Guillemots, a Red-throated Diver, 67 Common Scoters, 575 Fulmars and 39 Manx Shearwaters; a Bonxie and the year’s first Arctic Skua moved south. Thornwick Lakes attracted a Knot, a Hobby appeared over South Dykes, where there was also a lone Wheatear. Eleven Barnacle Geese flew south-east at Bempton, where a Hobby hunted over the village.

A day of sunny intervals, increasing levels of cloud and a strengthening southerly wind, whilst temperatures reached 12 degrees C. During the seawatch, six Red-throated Divers, five Manx Shearwaters and three Sandwich Terns flew north. Surprisingly the best seabirds were seen elsewhere – a summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver flew north over Flatmere, whilst two Little Terns headed south over Breil Nook. Elsewhere, a Pink-footed Goose visited Thornwick Lakes, with a lone Common Sandpiper at Thornwick Pools. A Reed Warbler singing in a hedge near Flatmere represented the only notable migrant passerine. A Marsh Harrier hunted the fields adjacent to Hoddy Cows Lane at Buckton.

The weather consisted light south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. Without question the day’s highlight related to the early morning discovery of a singing Thrush Nightingale in the burgeoning shrubs opposite Golf Course Willows. Unsurprisingly elusive at times, it gave sporadic bursts of song throughout the day and showed on occasion. This is only the second Flamborough record, with the first trapped and ringed in June 1983. The year’s first Osprey was also recorded when a single flew west low over South Landing/South Dykes from 1005-1008hrs. In addition, three Spotted Flycatchers frequented Old Fall, with another present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a White Wagtail graced Thornwick Pools.

A day of variable light winds, occasional showers throughout and temperatures that reached 12 degrees C. Rewatching was rewarded with 28 Common Scoters, a Red-throated Diver, six Manx Shearwaters, two Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flying past the outer head. A Pink-footed Goose remained in residence, but with no sign of yesterday’s Thrush Nightingale the most notable passerine was a single Spotted Flycatcher. Sixteen Corn Buntings represented a notable record at Buckton.

Moderate north-north-west winds featured throughout, with persistent rain during the morning, dryer later with sunny intervals by the evening; temperatures peaked at 11 degrees C. A male Red-backed Shrike at RSPB Bempton Cliffs showed well and was the most obvious legacy of the morning’s weather. Two Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, an acredula-type Willow Warbler and one Wheatear were also located on the outer head.

Light winds veered from the north-west to the east during a sunny day, with temperatures peaking at 12 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, 74 Common Scoters flew south, with two Great Northern Divers, five Manx Shearwaters, nine Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern heading in the opposite direction. Other notable sightings included the lone Pink-footed Goose at Thornwick Lakes, two Garden Warblers and one Redstart. The male Red-backed Shrike continued to show well if rather distantly at times at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Little Egret flew south.

Light winds eventually backed easterly having started from a south-westerly direction; frequent sunny intervals throughout, with temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. Seawatch records included two Tufted Ducks, 74 Common Scoters, two Red-throated Divers, three Manx Shearwaters, 14 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flying past the headland. The day’s highlight was the discovery of a male Nightjar flushed from scrub near the South Landing car park. Passerine interest included a Fieldfare, three ‘migrant’ Reed Warblers, nine Spotted Flycatchers, one Wheatear and a Siskin. The male Red-backed Shrike remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where an impressive five Spoonbills flew south-west mid-afternoon; another Reed Warbler was also located on the reserve.

Light easterly winds throughout a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. Two dark-bellied Brent Geese north past the Fog Station were unseasonal, less so the three Spoonbills that flew south over the outer head 1430-1435hrs. Thornwick Pools attracted the year’s first Wood Sandpiper, a Ringed Plover, one Little Ringed Plover and two Oystercatchers. An Icterine Warbler was located by a visiting birder south of Old Fall early afternoon, but there was no subsequent sign; three Wheatears and a Spotted Flycatcher also frequented the outer head. On the western fringe of the recording area, a sub-adult male Marsh Harrier flew south-east at Speeton.

A relatively overcast day, with a seafret in the morning pushed ashore by a light easterly wind; temperatures reached nine degrees C. A flock of ten Bee-eaters that flew north-west along the cliffs at Staple Newk, RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1314hrs provided the day’s obvious highpoint; a Marsh Harrier flew south-east there and two Whimbrel moved north-west. Elsewhere, a drake Goosander flew south over the outer head, and three Ringed Plovers and the Wood Sandpiper lingered on Thornwick Pools. The only obvious migrant passerines on the outer head were two Spotted Flycatchers. Eight Bottlenose Dolphins headed north, initially past the Fog Station and latterly RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The weather consisted of light south-easterly winds, mainly overcast skies before sunny intervals established in the evening, with temperatures peaking at ten degrees C. A Long-tailed Duck that flew south during the morning’s seawatch was unseasonal. A Hobby flew east over North Landing (presumably the same bird had headed east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs earlier), whilst a Whimbrel frequented the shoreline below the South Cliffs. There was a slight increase in the numbers of passerine migrants on the outer head, including a Willow Warbler, three Chiffchaffs, two Garden Warblers, three Spotted Flycatchers, a male Black Redstart and single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll.

The weather consisted of light easterly winds, a thick sea fret throughout the morning, followed by extensive sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 14 degrees C. Thornwick Pools attracted the year’s first Avocet, together with five Ringed Plover, Redshank and three Dunlin. Elsewhere, a Pink-footed Goose lingered on Thornwick Lakes and a pair of Eider were off the South Cliffs. The highlight was the discovery of a singing Marsh Warbler along the South Cliffs, with lone Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Lesser Redpoll also on the outer head.

Another Marsh Warbler made landfall, with a singing male located in thick umbellifer cover immediately next to the lighthouse mid-morning and remained in situ until the evening. Quite how many Bee-eaters visited the headland during the day was difficult to determine: one flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 0640hrs and a single called twice heading south over the Lighthouse at 1130hrs. Three Mute Swans flew north low over Thornwick, whilst a Hobby flew north over Hartendale early afternoon. Otherwise migrant passerines were decidedly scarce, with a Chiffchaff, one Garden Warbler, a female Black Redstart, one Grey Wagtail, a White Wagtail and two Siskins on the outer head. The Avocet remained at Thornwick Pools, whilst four Dunlin and five Ringed Plover also visited the remaining freshwater.

There were light easterly winds throughout, overcast skies preceded sunny intervals and temperatures peaked at 15 degrees C. The influx of two scarce migrant species have dominated the national headlines within the last week and Flamborough featured both today. An adult Rose-coloured Starling joined the Starling flock in the Gorse Field mid-afternoon, although there were no further signs of the bird in the evening. However, it was the arrival of 12 Bee-eaters that was unprecedented (presuming the following sightings related to different birds): two graced Old Fall at 1105hrs, but soon departed south over Bridlington Bay. A single was then located on wires near the Old Lighthouse at 1215hrs before it flew east; presumably the same individual then headed in off the sea near the Lighthouse at 1440hrs and headed south-west along the cliffs. Finally, a flock of nine birds toured the outer head around Old Fall from 1705-1730hrs before they all headed south-west. Other notable sightings included a Red-breasted Merganser unusually on Thornwick Pools, a Hobby over Thornwick Pools/Selwick’s Bay, the year’s first Quail flushed on the cliff top south of the Seawatch Observatory and single Cuckoo and White Wagtail at Oceanview.

A relatively overcast day, with a few spots of rain during the afternoon; light winds were from the north-east and temperatures reached 15 degrees C. Following yesterday’s excess, the birding was far more mundane, with a scan through 615 Starlings failing to locate any rarer cousins with a pink hue. A Pink-footed Goose continued to linger with the Greylag flock, whilst a northerly movement of 47 Canada Geese over the sea was typical of early June. Single Spotted Flycatcher and Siskin were the only notable migrant passerines.

The weather consisted of light northerly winds, sunny intervals throughout and temperatures that peaked at 15 degrees C. Five Manx Shearwaters flew north during the morning’s seawatch, with 17 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Tern also heading past the headland. A Pink-footed Goose remained with the Greylag flock, with Thornwick Pools attracting a Ringed Plover. Passerine migrants included a Spotted Flycatcher and two White Wagtails; a juvenile Stonechat graced the Gorse Field and a Corn Bunting frequented hedgerows along the South Cliffs. Three Spoonbills that flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs provided the day’s highlight.

A day of relatively overcast skies, very light northerly winds and temperatures peaking at 16 degrees C. The highlight was the week’s second Rose-coloured Starling – with a single discovered mid-afternoon along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton. Thornwick Lakes hosted the long-staying Pink-footed Goose and a pair of Tufted Ducks, whilst the Pools held a Ringed Plover. The recent run of relatively late White Wagtail records continued, with a single at Oceanview.

A relatively overcast day, with occasional showers late afternoon and temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. A total of 106 Common Scoters flew south during the morning’s seawatch, with 47 Sandwich Terns and five Common Terns heading in the opposite direction. Thornwick Lakes continued to host the Pink-footed Goose, whilst three Tufted Ducks were new; four Shoveler flew south over the outer head.

A day of light, variable winds, prolonged sunny spells and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was predictably quiet, with nine Sandwich Terns and four Common Terns the most noteworthy. A Nightjar churring in Old Fall early evening was the third of spring for a species that isn’t usually recorded annually; a Black Redstart on the outer head was relatively late.

A Jay flew south at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; another species that is rare on the headland, especially so on the reserve itself. Additional sightings there included 83 Canada Geese flying past and 50 Swifts.