Category: Sightings

Strong west-south-westerly winds throughout a day of sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Red-throated Diver flying south, two Little Egrets, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and five Arctic Terns all north and a Bonxie south; an additional Bonxie and two Arctic Skuas lingered offshore. Thornwick Pools attracted nine Dunlin, a Little Ringed Plover, one Green Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail. A juvenile Cuckoo was on the cliff top at Wold Farm; nearby, the Black-browed Albatross returned to RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a juvenile Marsh Harrier was also present.

Initially light winds strengthened during the day and, having gone blown from almost every direction, eventually settled into north-easterlies. Spells of rain were occasionally heavy and temperatures reached a mere 14 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 82 Whimbrels flying south, along with single Little Egret, Bonxie and Arctic Skua; a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull loafed off the headland. A count of 253 Grey Seals continued the remarkable upsurge in numbers witnessed recently. Thornwick Pools attracted three Dunlin, a Little Ringed Plover and two Green Sandpipers.

The Black-browed Albatross continued in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Minke Whale was offshore.

An overcast day, with spells of light rain throughout, a light northerly wind developing and temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with 34 Manx Shearwaters, 130 Oystercatchers, six Whimbrel, 41 Common Terns, five Arctic Skuas and a Pomarine Skua flying south; 62 Common Scoters, a Sooty Shearwater, 65 Sandwich Terns and 134 Arctic Terns headed north. It was evident an influx of four Minke Whales had taken place, with all watched feeding in the inshore waters on the northern side of the headland between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and the Fog Station. Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Ringed Plover, three Dunlin, four Green Sandpipers and a Grey Wagtail.

The Black-browed Albatross continued to show well at Bempton, where a Short-eared Owl was also in residence.

The NNW wind strengthened throughout the day from F2 to F4. Mainly cloudy though dry all day, the maximum temperature being 17C.

Seawatching at the Fog Station to place from early morning until evening proved very fruitful. There were many highlights during the day with single Cory’s Shearwaters being seen at 09:20 (N) and 19:15 (with a feeding Kittiwake flock), a Balearic Shearwater at 11:12 (S) along with 11 Sooty Shearwaters and 166 Manx Shearwaters moving north. Skuas were also represented by 2 Long-tailed, a Pomarine (S), 9 Arctic and a dozen Bonxies. A Roseate Tern also flew north while a juvenile Caspian Gull was over the cliff. Few waders were noted but included 2 Whimbrel. A Minke Whale and 8 Porpoise were also seen.

Thornwick Pools hosted 2 Green Sandpipers and a Little Ringed Plover.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, the Black-browed Albatross was still present during the morning at Staple Newk and a Short-eared Owl was hunting over the RAF field.

During the morning the wind was a westerly F2 but veered to a south-easterly F4 by late afternoon. Overcast with occasional broken cloud by midday, temperature reaching 17C.

The morning seawatch continued in yesterday’s vein, with plenty happening to keep one’s interest going. The main highlights during the morning session included a Cory’s Shearwater heading south at 09:25 while 3 Balearic Shearwaters slowly flew north, joining feeding flocks of Kittiwakes as they progressed. Single Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas and a Roseate Tern were also offshore. The evening session was generally much quieter but still managed to log the Black-browed Albatross heading south at 17:25. Also noted were respectable day totals for Sooty Shearwater (15), Manx Shearwater (229), Common Scoter (117), Arctic Skua (11) and Bonxie(15). A Minke Whale was offshore again.

Thornwick Pool still held 2 Green Sandpipers along with a Greenshank and a Dunlin while another Greenshank was seen over North Dykes. A juvenile Cuckoo was at South Dykes and a Grey Wagtail at Hartendale.

There was also a focus on the sea at Bempton Cliffs which was rewarded with a single Balearic Shearwater along with 4 Sooty and 8 Manx. A Pomarine, 4 Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie were also present. There was a suggestion of migrant passage with 4 Yellow Wagtails and a Sedge Warbler. Surprisingly, a Quail sang mid-afternoon near Staple Newk. Finally, the Black-browed Albatross had returned to Staple Newk late evening.

Today’s weather was mainly cloudy and dry with a light WSW wind, temperature reaching 18C.

The morning seawatching session was quieter than recent days, the highlights being a single Sooty Shearwater, 23 Manx Shearwater, 2 Bonxies and an Arctic Skua. There were relatively low numbers of Arctic and Common Terns by recent standards though 292 Sandwich Terns were better. Wader passage was limited with 3 Whimbrel being the best.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper and a Snipe while a Whimbrel was at South Landing. A juvenile Cuckoo was seen on the southern cliffs as were 15 Yellow Wagtails at Cattlemere.

The Black-browed Albatross showed well at Bempton Cliffs RSPB yet again.

The weather consisted of relatively bright skies, increasingly strong south-easterly winds and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. A moderate southerly passage of waders occurred during the morning seawatch, including three Knot, 22 Dunlin and 12 Redshank; 121 Sandwich Terns, 11 Common Terns and four Arctic Terns flew north, whilst two Bonxies and an Arctic Skua were also recorded. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull loafed on rocks on the outer head, with Thornwick Pools attracting two Dunlin and a Snipe.

Moderate/strong south-easterly winds featured throughout a day that started with sunny intervals and ended with rain arriving at dusk. Seawatching was rewarded with seven Shelduck, eight Dunlin, 13 Knot, 16 Redshank, a Greenshank and one Pomarine Skua flying south. The headland itself was quiet, although Thornwick Pools attracted seven Teal, three Dunlin, a Greenshank and a Grey Wagtail. After a day’s absence, the Black-browed Albatross returned to RSPB Bempton Cliffs during the afternoon and showed well once again from the Staple Newk viewing platform.

A relatively overcast day with heavy showers, a light southerly wind and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. Wildfowl passage included a Garganey, one Shoveler, 43 Teal and 69 Common Scoters flying south past the Seawatch Observatory. Thirteen Whimbrel, 28 Knot and a Ruff moved in the same direction over the sea, whilst single adult Pomarine Skua and Arctic Skua also flew south; eight Bonxies headed north. Thornwick Pools hosted lone Dunlin, Snipe and Greenshank, with another of the latter flying south over the headland.

The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional sightings included 39 Teal and 50 Swallows moving south-east and a juvenile Cuckoo in residence; a Minke Whale appeared offshore.

The summer that just keeps on giving – following on from the UK’s first ever Soft-plumaged Petrel on 1st July, today featured the Black-browed Albatross gracing airspace off the Fog Station (having earlier been at RSPB Bempton Cliffs) as well as the headland’s first ever Black Stork.

A combination of sunny intervals and moderate south-south-westerlies in the morning provided ideal conditions to push thermal-loving birds onto the head. Nevertheless, a juvenile Black Stork flying relatively low over cliff top fields at Grange Farm at 1135hrs provided a major surprise. It soon realised it was running out of land and ‘U-turned’, before departing along the northern side of the headland – overflying RSPB Bempton Cliffs and was last seen heading towards Speeton at 1225hrs.

Albatross aside, a juvenile Roseate Tern was an excellent sighting on the morning’s seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted a juvenile Wood Sandpiper, three Snipe, a Greenshank, two Redshank, two Dunlin and two Little Ringed Plovers. Further records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 14 Golden Plover flying south-east, two Stonechat and a Whinchat. Nearby, a Marsh Harrier hunted cliff top fields at Buckton.

Blustery south-westerly winds were accompanied by sunny intervals and occasional heavy showers; temperatures peaked at 19 degrees C. An adult Roseate Tern and four Little Terns flying south during the seawatch were particularly noteworthy; also heading south were 70 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 38 Common Scoters, 79 Oystercatchers, 22 Knot, 11 Sanderling, 138 Common Terns, ten Arctic Terns and two Arctic Skuas.

The juvenile Wood Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools together with seven Green Sandpipers, two Dunlin, two Little Ringed Plovers and three Snipe. The strong winds and heavy showers resulted in an influx of 635 Swifts onto the outer head. The Swift influx was also witnessed over RSPB Bempton Cliffs where 512 flew north-west; a Short-eared Owl frequented the reserve, where a Greenshank flew south-east.

The weather consisted of light/moderate south-west winds, sunny intervals and occasional showers, with temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. Seawatching was quiet, with three Eiders, 52 Common Terns, three Arctic Terns and a Bonxie off the outer head. Thornwick Pools hosted the Wood Sandpiper, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin and one Snipe; a Greenshank overflew Oceanview. Two Wheatears on the cliff top at Thornwick were further signs of the beginnings of the autumn passerine season.

A day of sunny intervals, light south-south-west winds and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. A Balearic Shearwater that flew south headlined the morning’s seawatch that also featured two Little Gulls flying south, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull north and an Arctic Skua south. Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, one Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper and the long-staying juvenile Wood Sandpiper. A juvenile Cuckoo frequented the outer head around the Gorse Field.

It was a relatively cloudy day with sunny intervals, light south-west winds and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. Seawatching proved to be quiet, with 50 Sandwich Terns and 208 Common Terns flying north during the morning the most noteworthy records. Only the second Spotted Redshank of the year flew south over Thornwick, where a Banded Demoiselle was an excellent local record. A Green Sandpiper also flew south over Oceanview and a Cuckoo was there early morning. Butterfly interest included a Dark Green Fritillary at South Landing.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a pod of 20-30 Bottlenose Dolphins heading north-west and a creamcrown Marsh Harrier; a Green Sandpiper frequented Buckton Pond.

The weather consisted of prolonged sunny intervals, light/moderate winds generally from a southerly direction and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. It was a relatively quiet morning seawatch, with 43 Common Scoters, 98 Sandwich Terns and 41 Common Terns flying north, whilst a Grey Plover headed south. Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin and six Snipe.

Sunny intervals throughout a day of blustery south-west winds and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. A movement of 230 Sandwich Terns headed north past the Fog Station, where three Arctic Skuas were also noted during the seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted three Ringed Plovers, two Little Ringed Plovers, three Dunlin, four Snipe and a Green Sandpiper; a Ruff flew south over the outer head. However, the headline was the return of the Black-browed Albatross to RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A relatively overcast day, with some sunny intervals and moderate south-westerly winds; temperatures reached 19 degrees C. Two Ruddy Shelduck that flew south represented the highlight of the morning’s seawatch that also featured a Pochard and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull flying north, whilst three Red-throated Divers moved south. Thornwick Pools attracted a Ringed Plover, two Little Ringed Plovers, five Snipe, two Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper. Swift were once again obvious on the headland, with 420 pushed onto the outer head late afternoon. The Black-browed Albatross lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with an Osprey observed flying south over the nearby village. A Marsh Harrier and a Merlin hunted cliff top fields at Buckton, with 900 Swifts heading west over there by mid-evening.

Following spells of heavy overnight rain, it was a day of light variable winds and overcast skies. An appreciable arrival of Willow Warblers took place, with 112 located on the outer head together with a Whinchat, two Wheatears and a Spotted Flycatcher; 15 Yellow Wagtails also represented an increase. Wader passage included 18 Golden Plovers, 15 Ringed Plovers, two Little Ringed Plovers, two Greenshank and three Green Sandpipers. A Balearic Shearwater flew south on the seawatch, while a Red-breasted Merganser headed north.

The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where the Willow Warbler influx was also apparent with a total of 35 birds. Additional sightings at the reserve included two Marsh Harriers, two Black-tailed Godwits (south-east), a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 184 House Martins (north-west), a Garden Warbler and a Wheatear. Nearby, an Osprey flew south over Buckton.

The weather consisted of blustery northerly winds during the middle of the day, with their strength gradually dropping; there were sunny intervals after an overcast start and temperatures peaked at 16 degrees C. Predictably seawatching improved over recent days: single Red-breasted Merganser and Red-throated Diver flew north together with nine Sooty Shearwaters, 40 Manx Shearwaters, 257 Common Terns and ten Arctic Terns. Heading south were 77 Oystercatchers, 173 Sandwich Terns, 14 Bonxies, a Pomarine Skua and 42 Arctic Skuas. A Green Sandpiper overflew the Fog Station, where a Wheatear was in residence on the cliffs, whilst a lone Whinchat frequented the neighbouring grassland. However, the day’s most noteworthy record related to an exceptionally early Redwing at South Dykes. In addition, the Black-browed Albatross lingered on the cliffs at Staple Newk, RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

An overcast day, with spells of mainly light rain especially during the morning and a light northerly wind establishing which pegged temperatures back to a maximum of 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included the Black-browed Albatross flying north past the Seawatch Observatory together with a Blue Fulmar, 18 Sooty Shearwaters, 32 Manx Shearwaters, 98 Sandwich Terns, 83 Common Terns and 29 Arctic Terns; nine Black-tailed Godwits, 17 Bonxies and 12 Arctic Skuas flew south, whilst a Merlin flew in off the sea.

The Black-browed Albatross soon returned to the cliffs at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional sightings included two Marsh Harriers (with one of the same at nearby Buckton), a Greenshank and eight Whimbrel.

A relatively light wind veered from the west to the north-west during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 22 degrees C. A Cory’s Shearwater flying north past the Fog Station at 0915hrs represented the highlight of seawatching that also featured seven Sooty Shearwaters, 268 Fulmars, 176 Sandwich Terns, 61 Common Terns, 19 Arctic Terns and 14 Bonxies also heading north; five Arctic Skuas and four Bar-tailed Godwits moved south. South Landing attracted a Little Egret and 15 Ringed Plovers, with three Green Sandpipers at Thornwick Pools. An increase in House Martins was apparent with 158 in residence, along with 164 Swallows. The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs early morning, but flew out to sea at 0925hrs and there were no further signs.

It was a generally overcast day, with sunny intervals and light westerly wind. 23 Sooty Shearwaters and 25 Manx Shearwaters were recorded during the seawatch, together with three Red-throated Divers, two Little Gulls, 59 Sandwich Terns, 148 Common Terns and 19 Arctic Terns (all north), whilst 16 Bonxies and 11 Arctic Skuas flew south. Thornwick Pools attracted three Green Sandpipers, two Redshank, a Snipe and four Dunlin; Little Egret and Common Sandpiper frequented the beach at South Landing. Five Yellow Wagtails and two Grey Wagtails flew south over the Fog Station, while two Grey Wagtails also visited a garden pond in the village. RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a Whinchat, but there was no sign of the albatross.

An overcast day, with a light wind backing south-east and temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. The Black-browed Albatross re-appeared off the Fog Station early morning, later relocating to RSPB Bempton Cliffs before once again gracing the outer head briefly mid-afternoon. Seawatching was also rewarded with eight Sooty Shearwaters and four Bonxies flying north, with four Arctic Skuas moving south.

A Bittern at Thornwick Pools was a surprise; the third individual there this year which is unprecedented. Three Green Sandpipers, a Redshank, five Dunlin and five Snipe were also present. The shore between South Landing and the outer head attracted a Little Egret, two Whimbrel, two Knot and 15 Ringed Plovers; an additional Ringed Plover visited Thornwick Lakes and two flew south over the headland. Evidence of passerine migrants came in the form of 16 Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler in Old Fall and a Whinchat at Thornwick.

Overcast with spells of light rain throughout, a light south-easterly wind and temperatures peaking at 16 degrees C. The seawatch proved productive, with 13 Shelduck, a Shoveler, one Balearic Shearwater and the year’s first Black Tern all flying south. A dark-bellied Brent Goose, three Sooty Shearwaters, 296 Sandwich Terns, 172 Common Terns, 31 Arctic Terns and a spooned Pomarine Skua flew north. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua lingered off the headland, whilst 20 Bottlenose Dolphins swam north close inshore.

Although conditions were at times challenging, it was apparent a small arrival of passerines took place in the afternoon; four Pied Flycatchers included two birds at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. The Black-browed Albatross remained in residence there, while other notable records on the reserve including a Cuckoo, 15 Willow Warblers and 18 Yellow Wagtails.

After heavy overnight rain the weather comprised light northerly winds throughout an overcast day, with temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. An adult Sabine’s Gull was the highlight of the day’s seawatch, along with four Shoveler, a Velvet Scoter, two Sooty Shearwaters and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull. A juvenile Caspian Gull roosted on the Golf Course in the evening ,whilst a creamcrown Marsh Harrier hunted fields on the outer head. Wader passage also improved, with nine Golden Plovers, two Wood Sandpipers (inc. one Thornwick), three Green Sandpipers, two Greenshank and three Ruff.

Passerine migrants started to make landfall mid-afternoon and included the year’s first Barred Warbler (Gorse Field) and three Pied Flycatchers. The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where two Ruff were also seen.

With a scattering down the East Coast, it wasn’t too surprising when the year’s first Greenish Warbler was discovered in the Bay Brambles mid-morning; presumed to be the same individual later relocated to nearby gardens. The Barred Warbler first seen in the Gorse Field yesterday remained in the same location throughout. Additional passerine totals included six Pied Flycatchers, a Redstart, two Whinchat and a Tree Pipit.

Seawatch highlights included 11 Sooty Shearwaters, a Gadwall south, four Red-breasted Mergansers, 252 Common Scoters, four Velvet Scoters, 187 Common Terns, a Black Tern and a Pomarine Skua all north. In addition, a pod of seven Bottlenose Dolphins moved north out of Bridlington Bay. The Black-browed Albatross showed well at RSPB Bempton Cliffs until early afternoon, where nine Bottlenose Dolphins were also observed.

The weather consisted of light northerly winds, overcast skies gradually clearing and temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included the following northbound totals: 16 Wigeon, 153 Teal, six Eider, 169 Common Scoters, three Red-throated Divers, six Sooty Shearwaters, 98 Sandwich Terns, an adult Roseate Tern, 143 Common Terns. and two Little Gulls. A Balearic Shearwater moved south, whilst a juvenile Osprey flew in off the sea.

Thornwick Pools hosted a Kingfisher, a barely annual species on the headland, along with four Green Sandpipers. The Greenish Warbler lingered in the Bay Brambles area and additional passerine interest included a Garden Warbler, one Spotted Flycatcher, five Wheatears and three Grey Wagtails. A ringing session at South Landing was rewarded with 52 birds being processed including nine Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff and four Whitethroats. On the opposite side of the headland, Buckton attracted two Grey Partridges, two Bar-tailed Godwits, ten Willow Warblers and a Garden Warbler.

Overcast throughout with occasional light drizzle, a light/moderate north/north-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 16 degrees C. The seawatch was quiet, with a Sooty Shearwater flying south; eight Bonxies and seven Arctic Skuas were also recorded. A Wood Sandpiper was present on the outer head, two Little Egrets were in residence and two Mediterranean Gulls located. The autumn’s first Icterine Warbler was discovered in the Bay Brambles and remained until late evening, whilst increased observer coverage in the same area was rewarded with the finding of a Barred Warbler.

Moderate/strong northerly winds, overcast skies and temperatures reaching 16 degrees C suggested seawatching was the order the day and so it proved. In total, 104 Sooty Shearwaters, 43 Manx Shearwaters, 84 Sandwich Terns, an adult Roseate Tern, 17 Boxies and two Long-tailed Skuas flew north; 225 Oystercatchers, a ‘spooned’ Pomarine Skua, 33 Bonxies and 73 Arctic Skuas headed south. The Black-browed Albatross re-appeared at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where it was present until 0930hrs and again from 1648hrs; amazingly, presumably the same individual flew east past Sheringham, Norfolk in the interim, a straight-line round trip of 200 miles.

On the eve of our inaugural Seawatch Festival, it was appropriate that seawatching proved rewarding throughout the day. A Storm Petrel flew north close inshore from 0724-0730hrs, with an adult Sabine’s Gull doing the same at 1918hrs. Eighteen Pale-bellied Geese flew north; presumably the same flock had flown past Cley, Norfolk yesterday and later today flew north past Whitburn. Other notable records included 101 Common Scoters, 78 Sooty Shearwaters, 81 Manx Shearwaters, three juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 34 Bonxies and a Little Gull flying north; 25 Arctic Skuas flew south. Passerine interest included the Barred Warbler that remained in residence in the Bay Brambles and two Pied Flycatchers in and around Old Fall.

The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs until early afternoon, but there were no further signs; a Hobby flew west near the village.

The weather consisted of light northerly winds, sunny skies and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. The guided seawatch sessions were rewarded with 16 Sooty Shearwaters, eight Manx Shearwaters, 25 Common Scoters, ten Wigeon, a Shoveler, 15 Teal, eight Bonxies, 12 Arctic Skuas and a Little Gull moving north, with three Red-throated Divers, a Greenshank and four Arctic Skuas heading south. The Barred Warbler in the Bay Brambles showed well throughout the day, with other migrant passerines including two Pied Flycatchers and three Wheatears.

The Black-browed Albatross showed well at RSPB Bempton Cliffs until early afternoon when it flew north out to sea. Other sightings at the reserve included two Marsh Harriers, with a Greenshank and a Hobby flying south-east. Amongst the grounded migrants were a Hen Harrier, single Pied Flycatcher and Whinchat and two Wheatears.

It was an overcast day, with a moderate northerly wind and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. The Seawatch Festival lived up to its name with an increase in quality. Pride of place went to the Black-browed Albatross that flew south off the Fog Station mid-afternoon, having shown well to a great many earlier at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Three species of shearwaters were logged: 20 Sooty Shearwaters easily outnumbered the only Manx, whilst a Balearic Shearwater was an added bonus. All four of the regular skua species were recorded: an adult Pomarine Skua flew south in the morning, with a juvenile Long-tailed Skua heading north later. Twenty-six Arctic Skuas included a majority flying south, whilst the bulk of 30 Bonxies headed north. Gull interest included a juvenile Caspian Gull that provided great views in the morning as it followed local fishing boats and two juvenile Little Gulls flew north early evening. Other notable sightings included 11 Red-throated Divers, a Pintail, four Eider, one Great Crested Grebe, five Whimbrel and 186 Sandwich Terns.

Another overcast day, with occasional spells of light rain reducing visibility at times in moderate northerly winds. Seawatch highlights included four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 31 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 94 Common Scoters, nine Red-throated Divers, 30 Sooty Shearwaters, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 24 Bonxies and 14 Arctic Skuas all north; a Marsh Harrier and a Mediterranean Gull flew south, with another of the latter species lingering offshore. A Gadwall flew north at South Dykes. Despite focus on the sea, there were also indications of newly arrived passerine migrants: four Pied Flycatchers, a Common Redstart, one Garden Warbler and three Wheatears.

Single Marsh Harrier and Merlin were seen at Buckton, whilst other notable records at nearby RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 26 Wigeon, 13 Sooty Shearwaters, a Little Gull, eight Bonxies and five Arctic Skuas moving north-west. Grounded migrants there included lone Pied Flycatcher and Wheatear.

Overcast throughout, with a moderate/strong northerly wind, light rain showers and temperatures again disappointing, peaking at 15 degrees C. Seawatching was the order of the day once again, with the Black-browed Albatross flying north close past the Seawatch Observatory at 0706hrs before it returned to RSPB Bempton Cliffs. The year’s first Great Shearwater also flew north at 0736hrs. Other sightings included seven Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 73 Teal, two Velvet Scoters, 181 Common Scoters, 53 Sooty Shearwaters, 39 Manx Shearwaters and two Balearic Shearwaters all northbound. Five Little Gulls flew north, seven juvenile Long-tailed Skuas were logged (six north, one south), whilst 32 Bonxies and 12 Arctic Skuas moved north; with 14 of the latter south.

A total of 49 Dunlin represented an appreciable arrival by local standards, with 22 at Thornwick Pools and 27 at South Landing, where there were also two Bar-tailed Godwits. A small fall of Pied Flycatchers included five on the outer head, four at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and three at Buckton; Spotted Flycatchers appeared at South Landing and Buckton, with a Redstart at the latter location.

Promising seawatch conditions delivered once again: moderate north-north-easterly winds, overcast skies with occasional drizzle. The highlight was a Fea’s-type Petrel that flew north past the observatory at 1117hrs; it was watched from RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1126hrs and latterly additional sites along the North-east coastline. A total of 130 Sooty Shearwaters also tracked north, together with two Balearic Shearwaters and two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas. Four Pomarine Skuas included two birds heading each way; 50 Bonxies and 50 Arctic Skuas were also recorded. A juvenile Sabine’s Gull spent the evening feeding amongst a Kittiwake flock, whilst ten Little Gulls were seen off the headland.

There was evidence of an arrival of passerine migrants including 12 Pied Flycatchers and four Whinchats on the outer head.

The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs in the morning, but later flew out to sea and there were no further signs. Eight Sooty Shearwaters, three Balearic Shearwaters and 11 Manx Shearwaters headed north-west off the reserve, whilst seven Bonxies headed in the same direction and three Arctic Skuas south. Three Pied Flycatchers and two Whinchat were also in residence.

Overcast initially with sunny intervals later; moderate north-north-easterly winds and temperatures reached 17 degrees C. Highlights of another good day’s seawatching included 76 Sooty Shearwaters, 47 Manx Shearwaters and five Balearic Shearwaters. Three Sabine’s Gulls included adult and juvenile feeding in the Kittiwake flock and an additional adult flying north past the Fog Station; a total of 87 Little Gulls also moved north. Skua passage included 49 Bonxies and 39 Arctic Skuas moving north, whilst six Long-tailed Skuas comprised four juveniles and an adult tracking back north and an adult also flew south; two adult Pomarine Skuas flew north. A lone Roseate Tern also fed amongst the terns and Kittiwakes offshore.

Two Bar-tailed Godwits and 25 Dunlin fed on South Landing beach, with 13 Dunlin, two Green Sandpipers and a Gadwall on Thornwick Pools. Passerine migrants included a Ring Ouzel in the Gorse Field and four Pied Flycatchers.

Winds shifted subtly from a predominantly northerly direction to a east-north-easterly and dropped in strength during the afternoon; it was again overcast, with temperatures struggling to reach 15 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included six Shelduck, three Pochard, 270 Common Scoters, a Great Northern Diver, 40 Sooty Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater all flying north. No fewer than three Sabine’s Gulls were recorded, with an adult and two juveniles feeding in large Kittiwake flocks off the headland that also attracted an additional 12 Sooty Shearwaters. All four skua species were observed during the morning, with an immature Pomarine Skua flying south and three juvenile Long-tailed Skuas moving north along with 36 Arctic Skuas. Passerine interest included seven Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Whinchat and seven Wheatears.

Six Sooty Shearwaters flew north-west past RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Marsh Harrier, three Pied Flycatchers and a Whinchat were also recorded.

Cloudy throughout with a light north-east/easterly wind and temperatures peaking at 15 degrees C. All four skua species were recorded on the seawatch: three Long-tailed Skuas flew north in the morning and included an adult as well as two juveniles, whilst an adult Pomarine Skua flew north in the evening, with another moving south. Kittiwake feeding flocks featured offshore once again and attracted two Sabine’s Gulls (an adult & a juvenile) and an adult Roseate Tern. Passerine interest included 15 Pied Flycatchers and a Whinchat.

The Black-browed Albatross returned to RSPB Bempton Cliggs where additional sightings included 70 Teal, four Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Grey Partridges, a Merlin, a Little Egret and five Pied Flycatchers; one of the latter was also along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton.

Sunny throughout, with a light east-south-easterly wind off the sea conducive for the small arrival of drift migrants. An Ortolan Bunting was located along Old Fall Hedge early morning and, although elusive at times, it remained in the same area for a couple of hours; this represents the first on the outer head since August 2013. Additional passerine migrants included a Reed Warbler, two Spotted Flycatchers, 29 Pied Flycatchers, four Redstarts, 11 Whinchats and six Wheatears. A total of 24 Common Buzzards also drifted onto the headland together with two juvenile Marsh Harriers.

The Black-browed Albatross lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there was also single Marsh Harrier and Merlin, two Reed Warblers, two Pied Flycatchers, two Whinchat and a Redstart. A Green Sandpiper frequented Buckton Pond. Thornwick Pools attracted another two Green Sandpipers, four Dunlin, 13 Teal and a Great White Egret that soon departed south.

The weather consisted of light, variable winds, prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. Several species of duck were on the move during the morning’s seawatch, with two Shoveler and 125 Teal heading south and 54 Common Scoters moving north. Single Sooty Shearwater and Mediterranean Gull also flew north, with seven Arctic Skuas flying south.

The early evening discovery of a Common Rosefinch in the Lighthouse Grassland represented the day’s highlight. A Barred Warbler lurked in the Bay Brambles while other migrant passerines included a Redwing, nine Pied Flycatchers, five Whinchats, a Redstart and five Wheatears. Meanwhile the Black-browed Albatross continued to delight visitors to RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Warm, summer weather returned. Cloudless skies with a light south-easterly breeze and an afternoon temperature reaching 21°C.

Seawatching was predictably quiet and providing scant reward for the effort, highlights being single Common Scoter, five Red-throated Divers and three Great Crested Grebes, two Bonxies and an Arctic Skua. Terns provided greatest numbers with 70 Sandwich, 30 Common and four Arctic.

Teal numbered 32 while wader-wise there was 16 Dunlin, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper. Passerine interest included 7 Pied Flycatchers, 16 Willow Warblers, 5 Whinchat, 6 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail and a notable count of 540 Linnet.

The Black-browed Abatross was again at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

There was a new record for Flamborough; 3 Willow Emerald Damselflies graced a pond on the Outer Head. This species has only previously seen once on the headland at Bempton.

The summery weather continued. Cloudless skies again with a maximum temperature of 20°C and a light easterly breeze.

The best of the seawatch included 5 Common Scoter 7 Red-throated Divers, 2 Whimbrel and 26 Sandwich, 16 Common and 2 Arctic Terns rather more unusual were 4 Grey Wagtails.

Passage waders included 30 Dunlin, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Green Sandpiper and a Snipe while a single Little Egret was also present. There was no new passerine arrival, most birds being stragglers from previous days which included a Redwing, 3 Pied Flycatchers, a Wheatear and 3 Yellow Wagtails.

A warm, muggy day, cloudy for the most part with showers during the morning. The temperature reached a maximum of 20°C with a light easterly breeze.

Without any doubt, the bird of the day was a first-winter Green Warbler at Buckton, a major rarity by any standard. Although seen briefly beforehand as a ‘wing-barred phyllosc’, it was not definitively identified until it was extracted from a net about midday. It remained elusive the rest of the day and showed very briefly on a handful of occasions. This bird is not only the first record for the Flamborough headland but after one on the Lizard, Cornwall in 2019, only the second mainland record for Britain. All other seven British records (not all yet published) comprise five from the Northern Isles and singles from Lundy and Scilly.

Other birds at Buckton included a Pied Flycatcher, two Willow Warblers and a Whinchat while a short distance along the clifftop, Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted another Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart and small numbers of common warbler species. The Black-browed Albatross reappeared after its latest fishing sortie lasting a couple of days.

The morning seawatch at the Fog Station was a little better than recent days with a Ruddy Shelduck, 86 Teal and three Mediterranean Gulls. Shearwaters were limited to four Sooty and a single Manx while skuas only numbered nine Arctic and four Bonxies.

The excitement at Buckton curtailed most coverage of the Outer Head.

Another warm, muggy overcast day with afternoon thunderstorms and a maximum temperature of 22°C.

At the Fog Station, the morning seawatch produced a Balearic, a Manx and two Sooty Shearwaters. Further highlights included a Mediterranean Gull, 134 Teal, 137 Sandwich Terns, 47 Common Terns and 2 Arctic Terns. A Coot was an unusual sight sat on the sea at Silex Bay.

The Barred Warbler continued to lurk in the Bay Brambles ,presumably the same bird as has been present for 12 days. There was further passerine interest from 3 Pied Flycatchers, 5 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Wheatear. Thornwick Pools attracted 2 Green Sandpipers and a Wigeon. Two Swifts were over the village late afternoon.

The Green Warbler was still present at Buckton and showed intermittently throughout the day with a supporting cast of a Pied Flycatcher and a Redstart and two Marsh Harriers.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, the Black-browed Albatross showed for most of the day and migrant passerine highlights included a Black Redstart, 2 Whinchats . A Hobby overflew Bempton village and later the cliffs.

Another warm, dry day with variable cloud cover,a moderate westerly breeze and a maximum temperature of 23°C.

The morning seawatch was again quite subdued which included highlights of a Grey Heron, 2 Whimbrel, a Marsh Harrier, 102 Sandwich Terns north. The only skuas to show were a Bonxie and 3 Arctic.

Away from the Fog Station, the pick of the birds included a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, a Great Crested Grebe at South Landing. Waders were represented by two Bar-tailed Godwits, two Whimbrel, four Dunlin, four Snipe, three Green Sandpiper and three Redshank.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, the Black-browed Albatross was seen again on and around the cliffs and it is now 11 weeks since it first arrived. Other sightings there included three Golden Plover, a Garden Warbler, three Blackcap and two Yellow Wagtails. The Green Warbler, present for its third day, again delighted visiting birders in the Heligoland Trap area at Buckton.4

Light northerly winds off a high pressure loop (for more details on such weather systems see http://youtu.be/aT3n_piJHCk) once again produced the seawatch goods in the form of a Fea’s-type Petrel that flew north c.500m offshore at 1612hrs. This represents our third Pterodroma record of the year, following a similar bird on 1st September and the Soft-plumaged Petrel on 1st July. The northerly airflow also prompted 151 Red-throated Divers to move south, 13 Sooty Shearwaters north, single Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls and 169 Sandwich Terns south. Skua interest included 27 Arctics and four adult Pomarine Skuas moving south. Passerine migrants included four Garden Warblers, a Goldcrest and two Redstarts.

The Black-browed Albatross continued to delight at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where 79 Red-throated Divers and 16 Arctic Skuas flew south and a Sooty Shearwater headed north. In addition, the Green Warbler remained in residence at Buckton, albeit it remained elusive but showed well to the most patient at times.

Light onshore winds, overcast skies and temperatures reached 15 degrees C. Seabirds re-orientated back north during the morning and included five Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 79 Sooty Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, two Mediterranean Gulls, 121 Sandwich Terns, 47 Common Terns, 19 Arctic Skuas and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua; 82 Red-throated Divers and two Little Gulls moved south.

Five Grey Herons flying south over Croft’s Hill were noteworthy; two more visited Thornwick Pools, where a Green Sandpiper, 14 Teal and the autumn’s first Brambling were present. A Pied Flycatcher lingered in Old Fall, whilst an upsurge in Grey Wagtails has been apparent over recent days, with six recorded at various locations on the outer head.

The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and the Green Warbler at Buckton, where two Ravens flying north represented an excellent local record.

The weather consisted of overcast skies, persistent rain from late morning and easterly wind throughout, with temperatures peaking at 15 degrees C. Eighty Common Scoters, five Sooty Shearwaters, five Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas flew north during the morning’s seawatch. There was evidence of migrant passerines making landfall before the band of rain arrived, with two Common Redstarts and a Whinchat on the outer head; single Tree Pipit and Pied Flycatcher were also located at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. The Black-browed Albatross remained at the latter site, whilst the Green Warbler lingered at nearby Buckton.

A day of sunny intervals and a light/moderate northerly wind. Wildfowl were moving north during the seawatch, including three Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 112 Wigeon, 11 Pintail and 54 Common Scoters. A total of 32 Sooty Shearwaters and seven Manx Shearwaters also tracked north, as did a Mediterranean Gull, 18 Bonxies and ten Arctic Skuas. Two Bar-tailed Godwits and two Common Sandpipers frequented South Landing beach, with five Snipe and a Green Sandpiper at Thornwick Pools. Yesterday’s easterly winds and rain didn’t produce an appreciable arrival of migrant passerines, although the outer head attracted a Garden Warbler, one Pied Flycatcher, seven Wheatear, a Redstart and seven Yellow Wagtails.

There was no sign of the Green Warbler at Buckton, although the Black-browed Albatross was still present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where there were also single Marsh Harrier and Hobby, one Garden Warbler, a Tree Pipit, four Pied Flycatchers and two Redstarts.

The weather consisted of prolonged sunny intervals, a light south-west wind and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Sooty Shearwaters, 191 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and four Arctic Skuas flying north. Thornwick Pools attracted eight Teal, a Dunlin, one Green Sandpiper and eight Snipe; nearby, 61 Pied Wagtails and three Wheatears were in the vicinity of Thornwick Nab and a Common Redstart was ringed at North Landing.

Two Hobby hawked dragonflies between the village and Mid-dykes early afternoon, with a Marsh Harrier overflying Hartendale. The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs early morning, but later flew out to sea; a Common Redstart was along Cliff Lane.