Category: Sightings

Moderate south-westerly winds increased in strength during the afternoon, with light rain arriving before dark. The two star birds remained in residence in South landing with the Taiga Flycatcher and the Red-flanked Bluetail showing well to a procession of admirers.

Three Great Northern Divers flew past on the seawatch, as did three Velvet Scoters (south) and a Little Auk (north). Away from the sea, a total of 38 Whooper Swans flew south, whilst two Long-tailed Duck joined the scoter flock on the sea opposite Old Fall. Ten Woodcock included a bird watched coming in off the sea, whilst passerine migrants included 190 Blackbirds, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 135 Siskins, a Lesser Redpoll, five Brambling and a Lapland Bunting.

A bright day with prolonged sunny intervals, an increasingly strong wind that veered west-north-west in the afternoon and temperatures reached a maximum of 11 degrees C. The Taiga Flycatcher and Red-flanked Bluetail both remained in South Landing; at one point the bluetail chased the flycatcher, surely a European first! Both the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat and Siberian Chiffchaff also remained on a hedgerow south of the Lighthouse. Another feature of recent days, Pink-footed Geese (several skeins) and Siskin were moving south-west, with 60 of the latter over South Landing in three hours.

It was a relatively bright day with variable amounts of cloud, a light south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. Highlights of the morning’s seawatch were three Brent Geese, three Goldeneye, two Sooty Shearwaters, a Little Gull and five Little Auks flying north; a Mediterranean Gull went south.

Whilst there was no sign of the Taiga Flycatcher, the Red-flanked Bluetail remained in South Landing where it showed well at times. North Marsh/Thornwick Pools shared eight Wigeon, 115 Teal and 62 Mallards between them, with a Water Rail in residence at the latter site. Two Long-tailed Ducks lingered off Old Fall, 104 Common Scoters and four Goldeneye were off South Dykes, whilst seven Woodcock were also located on the outer head. Passerine interest included the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat and the Siberian Chiffchaff near the Lighthouse, two Ring Ouzels, 154 Blackbirds, 130 Fieldfare, 125 Redwing, six Goldcrests, two Grey Wagtails, six Brambling, 388 Siskins, four Lesser Redpolls and three Snow Buntings. In addition, a Jay frequented Sewerby Gardens.

The weather consisted of relatively light south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures eventually reaching 15 degrees C. A northerly movement of 344 Common Scoters took place during the morning’s seawatch, with single Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Little Gull, Little Auk and Bonxie also recorded.

Three Whooper Swans flew south over the headland, while a lone Velvet Scoter and two Long-tailed Ducks were off the South Cliffs. The Red-flanked Bluetail continued to show well in South Landing, whilst the Siberian Chiffchaff and Eastern Lesser Whitethroat lingered on the eastern flank of the Gorse Field. Siskin continued to be on the move, with 147 heading west.

Light winds, variable amounts of cloud with sunny intervals and occasional light rain and temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose, two Great Northern Divers and two Little Gulls flew south during the seawatch, with a lone Little Auk lingering offshore. The Velvet Scoter, two Long-tailed Ducks and a Goldeneye remained off the South Cliffs, while 29 Curlew were on fields at Head Farm. Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Egret, a Goldeneye, 17 Teal and a Woodcock. The Red-flanked Bluetail showed well throughout at South Landing, with a Jay also there.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, 1000 Starlings and six Corn Buntings.

The weather consisted of light south-westerly winds, sunny intervals with cloud increasing later and temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew north during the morning’s seawatch, whilst the freshwater sites attracted 94 Teal. An arrival of Woodcock accounted for 15 birds on the outer head (with an additional 11 birds at RSPB Bempton Cliffs) and 25 Golden Plovers headed south. Migrant passerines included an Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, a Siberian Chiffchaff and a Yellow-browed Warbler; the latter at South Landing. Other notable records included 261 Skylarks, 184 Siskins and four Lapland Buntings. In addition to the Woodcock, further sightings from Bempton included 1500 Feral Pigeons, 2000 Starlings, a Chiffchaff and 34 Siskins.

A relatively overcast day, with a strong south-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 13 degrees C. A Velvet Scoter, six Goldeneye, four Great Northern Divers, a Sooty Shearwater, six Puffins and a Little Auk flew south during the morning seawatch; lone Woodcock and Snipe flew in off the sea together with small numbers of Starlings, Redwing and Fieldfare.

A Whooper Swan rested on fields on the outer head, two Long-tailed Ducks remained off the South Cliffs, while a Water Rail frequented Thornwick Pools.

Relatively strong northerly winds featured throughout a largely overcast day, with occasional light rain and temperatures peaking at 11 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included one Goosander, a Sooty Shearwater, four Little Gulls and 27 Puffins flying north, with two Bonxies, a juvenile Pomarine Skua, an Arctic Skua and a Little Auk heading south. The sea off the South Cliffs sheltered two Velvet Scoters, 197 Common Scoters and five Great Crested Grebes. Four Woodcock were located on the out head, whilst passerine interest included a House Martin, 35 Fieldfare and three Snow Buntings.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Woodcock, a Puffin and 71 Snow Buntings; consisting of flocks of 16 and 55 birds flying north-west.

Light easterly winds(!) and overcast skies predictably resulted in an arrival of migrants despite the late date. Two Pallas’s Warblers were present on the outer head: one opposite the Golf Course Willows showed well from early afternoon, while another bird on the north side of the headland proved less co-operative. Two Siberian Chiffchaffs and the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat were also present on the outer head. An appreciable arrival of 35 Woodcock took place, along with a Short-eared Owl in off the sea. There was also an increase in passerine migrants with a Swallow, four Chiffchaffs, two Blackcaps, 11 Goldcrests, 260 Blackbirds, 285 Redwing, 90 Fieldfare, four Brambling, 88 Siskin, six Snow Buntings, a Lapland Bunting and three Corn Buntings.

Seawatching highlights included two dark-bellied Brent Geese, 78 Eider, two Long-tailed Ducks, five Sooty Shearwaters, three Little Gulls, two Bonxies and a juvenile Pomarine Skua all flying north. A single Velvet Scoter and two Long-tailed Ducks remained on the sea below the South Cliffs.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Water Rails, nine Woodcock, 80 Blackbirds, 50 Redwing, a Goldcrest, one Blackcap, a Chiffchaff, four Lapland Buntings and four Snow Buntings.

Overcast throughout, with light south-west winds and temperatures that peaked at 11 degrees C. A Shoveler, two Gadwall, two Little Gulls and a Bonxie flew south during the morning seawatch. The two Pallas’s Warblers remained in residence, with the individual in the Golf Course Willows showing well.

A Bean Goose sp. flew in off the sea at the outer head, whilst two Long-tailed Ducks and two Velvet Scoters were off the South Cliffs and wader interest included four Golden Plover, five Lapwing and five Woodcock. Passerine migrants included 190 Blackbirds, four Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, nine Goldcrests, four Lapland Buntings and a Snow Bunting.

An additional three Snow Buntings were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where there were also a Chiffchaff and three Brambling.

Another overcast day, with a light south-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at nine degrees C. A drake Velvet Scoter flew south during the seawatch, with a female/immature Velvet on the sea off the Fog Station; two Woodcock also flew in off. Two Long-tailed Ducks lingered off South Landing, while Thornwick Pools attracted 43 Teal and a Water Rail. Siskins continued to be recorded in above average numbers, with 93 heading west in the morning. RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted another Woodcock.

A relatively bright, but cooler day, with light/moderate westerly winds and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. A skein of 60 Pink-footed Geese flew south during the seawatch along with four Goosander. Two Velvet Scoters and 92 Common Scoters were below the South Cliffs. A Little Grebe graced Thornwick Pools along with 44 Teal and a Water Rail. One Snow Bunting over Thornwick Nab was the most noteworthy passerine record.

A strong west-south-westerly wind developed during a day of sunny intervals, with temperatures rising in the afternoon to reach 15 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Goosanders, a Great Northern Diver and two Mediterranean Gulls all flying south. Four Egyptian Geese provided a surprise at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; initially on cliff top fields, they eventually flew south. A late Swallow was also recorded the reserve.

High pressure continues to dominate the weather. Another mainly sunny and very mild day with the temperature reaching 14C and a moderate westerly breeze.

Seawatchers were rewarded with a juvenile Long-tailed Skua. Also seen were a Bonxie, 16 Common Scoter, a Goosander. Divers numbered 18 Red-throated, a Great Northern and another large diver that evaded identification.

Elsewhere, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose was at South Landing, 21 Sanderling at Danes Dyke beach, 43 Teal at Thornwick Pools and 250 Pink-footed Geese passed south. Passerines were represented by a Yellow-browed Warbler in a village garden, 2 Goldcrest, 18 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted two Short-eared Owls.

A mild, dry day with a moderate westerly and the temperature reaching 13C mid-afternoon.

It was a very quiet seawatch with 17 Red-throated Divers and two Common Scoter passing south, a single Bonxie north and a Velvet Scoter offshore being the highlights.

Pink-footed Geese were on the move again with 510 passing south over the Outer Head. A single Golden Plover overflew Thornwick Pools where 47 Teal continued to dabble. A lone Wigeon frequented The Lakes and a Water Rail in the scrub at South Landing. It was also quiet from a passerine perspective – 17 Redwing, a Grey Wagtail, 35 Siskins and a Brambling coming in off were the best of the day.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, 300 Pink-feet were seen heading south during the morning and a Short-eared Owl appeared late afternoon.

The recent relatively settled weather ended abruptly. Overnight, a strong north north westerly brought temperatures down significantly as they struggled to reach 8C and a few light showers whipped though.

Those that braved the morning seawatch were rewarded with six Great Northern and 48 Red-throated Divers, five Sooty Shearwaters, a Pomarine Skua and seven Bonxies, two Little Auks and two Mediterranean Gulls. A Peregrine and a Woodcock were also seen to come in off.

Elsewhere, pickings were thin though they included two Long-tailed Ducks, numbers of Teal increased to 67. A Chiffchaff was in South Dykes while winter thrushes were limited to nine Fieldfare and four Redwing.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Manx Shearwater flew SE while close by 70 Lapwing were in fields between Speeton and Buckton Hall.

A moderate north to north-westerly kept temperatures on the cool side the maximum being 8C. It stayed dry and there was variable cloud thought the day.

The only words to describe today’s seawatch are ‘absolutely astonishing’. The highlights were many but included three species of diver including 9 Great Northerns and two Black-throated, a Red-necked Grebe, 11 Manx Shearwaters, four Sooty Shearwaters. a Fea’s-type Petrel at 14:04. Wildfowl were also on the move and included 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Shelduck, 54 Eider, 7 Velvet Scoter, 215 Common Scoter, 11 Long-tailed Ducks and surprisingly a Wood Duck. A first-winter Glaucous Gull, three Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Bonxies and two young Long-tailed Skuas and 22 Little Auks also passed. Both Short-eared and Long-eared Owls were seen to make landfall.

Birding elsewhere was much less eventful. Numbers of Teal increased again to 79, a Mute Swan was at The Lakes, a Short-eared Owl overflew the Outer Head a Blackcap was trapped and 16 Siskin were at South Landing.

Pink-footed Geese continued to frequent the area with 100 in fields between Buckton Hall and Speeton.

A light north westerly with increasing cloud during the day kept temperatures between 5 and 8C.

The wildfowl highlights of the morning seawatch included a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, four Shoveler, 58 Eider, a Long-tailed Duck, four Velvet and 92 Common Scoter. There was also a single Black-throated and two Great Northern Divers, a first-winter Glaucous Gull and two Little Auks.

A Long-eared Owl was seen on a fence line at the Gorse Field early morning and a Blackcap was in the Outer Head gardens. At The Lakes, the Wigeon was joined by a female Goldeneye while 69 Teal were at Thornwick Pools. Thirty two Siskin were still in the area around South Landing and six Snow Buntings flew east at Beacon Hill.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, four Snipe flew NW while passerine interest there included a Chiffchaff, a Mistle Thrush, two Brambling and 9 Corn Buntings.

The wind reverted to a light south-westerly and temperatures remained cool when compared to recent standards with a maximum of 8C.

The morning seawatch was quiet with little movement – only four Eider north and eight Red-throated Diver south. Two Manx Shearwaters joined feeding flocks offshore.

Thornwick attracted a Siberian Chiffchaff, a Common Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest, a Corn Bunting was by the Golf Course and a Brambling near South Landing. Sixteen Siskin were also seen.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, sightings included a Golden Plover, a Grey Wagtail flying out to sea, two Siskin, three Snow Buntings, six Lapland Buntings and seven Corn Buntings.

A cold day in a north-westerly with the temperature struggling to reach 6C.

Highlights from the morning’s seawatch included six Wigeon,40 Mallard, 12 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated and a single Great Northern Diver and three Great Skuas.

Numbers of Teal increased again at Thornwick Pools and now number 87. Passerine interest included a single Chiffchaff, Siskin and Brambling.

The cooler theme to the weather continued with temperatures hovering around 6C in a moderate north westerly.

The morning seawatch produced two Pale-bellied Brent Geese passing north and two Dark-bellied in the opposite direction, eighteen Eider, three Common Scoter a single Great Northern Diver passing both north and south and a Mediterranean Gull.

The Outer Head’s fresh waters held 87 Teal and a single Goldeneye. A Woodcock was by the Seawatching Observatory, four Snow Bunting on the Outer Head and and a village garden attracted a Brambling and a Siskin again.

A Long-tailed Duck passed NW at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Storm Arwen hit the local coastline with a vengeance, bringing sustained force 10 winds (gusting force 11), extreme seas, driving rain/sleet and daytime temperatures as low as two degrees C – weather by any definition! Seawatching on the outer head proved difficult, with the extreme wind speeds stalling movement – although five Pale-bellied Brent Geese, an Eider and two northern Herring Gulls flew past the Seawatch Observatory. A check of the sheltered bay between South Dykes and South Landing proved more rewarding with two Great Northern Divers, six Pale-bellied Brent Geese, two Long-tailed Ducks (including an adult drake) and 110 Teal; the beach at South Landing attracted 34 Sanderling. Thornwick Lakes hosted a Mute Swan and a Goldeneye, whilst nearby Thornwick Pools hosted an impressive 112 Teal. A Woodcock made an impressive sight making landfall over the breakers, whilst two Brambling frequented a village garden. For the more intrepid, a juvenile Glaucous Gull south past RSPB Bempton Cliffs offered reward for braving the elements.

Storm Arwen delivered the goods, with strong north-westerly winds gradually dropping in strength to allow seabirds pushed into the North Sea over the last 48 hours to reorientate back north. Pride of place was a White-billed Diver that flew north past the Seawatch Observatory close inshore at 0818hrs. All three of the more regular divers were also recorded in good numbers with 193 Red-throated Divers north, nine Great Northern Divers (eight north, one south) and three Black-throated Divers also north. Also northbound were 46 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a drake Scaup, four Velvet Scoters, eight Long-tailed Ducks, two Manx Shearwaters, 16 Little Auks and 80 Puffins. Two Goosanders and a juvenile Glaucous Gull moved south, while another Little Auk rested on the sea and a Snow Bunting flew in off. Sightings from the South Cliffs included a dark-bellied and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Velvet Scoter, two Little Auks and a Snow Bunting.

A seawatch at RSPB Bempton Cliffs was rewarded with a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, four Mediterranean Gull and seven Puffins headed north-west, while a Great Northern Diver flew south.

A light north-westerly wind backed west during a day of prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at a mere three degrees C. Seawatch highlights included eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Eiders, 75 Red-throated Divers, one Black-throated Diver, a Red-necked Grebe, six Northern Herring Gulls, a Bonxie, seven Little Auks and 49 Puffins flying north; a Great Northern Diver flew south past the outer head, where single Mediterranean Gull and Little Auk lingered.

In addition, a Great Northern Diver flew north over the village having overflown Beacon Hill and another flew east past South Dykes. A Goldeneye remained on Thornwick Lakes, with two Chiffchaffs, 15 Siskin and a Brambling at South Landing. A Blackcap and seven Siskin were at Oceanview, whilst a lone Snow Bunting fed on the cliff top alongside the edge of the golf course.

A light/moderate westerly wind, increasingly overcast skies with rain later and milder temperatures which peaked at ten degrees C. The seawatch was much quieter than of late, with six Eiders the most noteworthy record. A Great Northern Diver flew south over Lighthouse Road and a Velvet Scoter remained on the sea off Cattlemere. In addition, the sea between South Landing and South Dykes attracted single Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver and Little Auk. Passerine interest at South Dykes included two Nuthatch, two Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest; Brambling and Siskin visited a village garden.

A moderate/strong north-westerly developed during a day of heavy showers and temperatures that peaked at seven degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Great Northern Diver north, a Manx Shearwater south, four Woodcock flying in off the sea and a Grey Phalarope that flew north but then ‘U-turned’ in front of the Seawatch Observatory and headed back south. A Little Gull was also feeding offshore. Passerine interest included single Blackcap and Brambling in village gardens.

A strong north-westerly heavy overnight wintry showers onto the headland overnight to give a light covering of snow and ice to start the day. The temperature never really recovered and by mid-afternoon it had reached 4C before falling away again.

Seawatching was eventful and again included both Great Northern (2) and Black-throated Divers (1), single Velvet Scoter and Long-tailed Ducks flying north while four Pale-bellied Brent Geese headed the same way. Other sightings included a Manx Shearwater, eight Little Auks and the year’s first Black Guillemot.

Another Little Auk flew past South Landing while birds around Flamborough village included two Woodcock, six Fieldfare, three Redwing and also three Brambling.

A light westerly flow with variable cloud allowed the temperature to climb a little higher to reach 6C.

The morning seawatch produced five Mute Swans, a scarce bird here, and otherwise a single Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Velvet Scoter and Great Northern Diver.

Elsewhere, there was a Woodcock, six Pink-footed Geese, the Goldeneye remained at The Lakes and two Brambling continued to frequent a village garden.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Red-necked Grebe passed south-east and a Chiffchaff and 150 Linnet were also present.

The temperature ranged between 3 and 6C in a light south-westerly. It was bright early though became overcast by late morning.

Seawatching produced 275 Pink-footed Geese heading south but passing birds were otherwise limited to two Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Divers and a Little Gull.

The wintering Teal population on the Outer Head has reached 108, 10 Curlew were seen in a flooded field by Needles Plantation and a Grey Wagtail was in the same area.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB saw a Jack Snipe fly south-east and a Lapland Bunting north-west.

The wind was moderate from a north to north-easterly direction, intermittent showers and a maximum temperature of 8C.

A Great Northern Diver flying north was the stand out bird of the seawatch, other passing birds included 26 Red-throated Divers, 3 Common Scoter and 16 Teal.

South Landing attracted 2 Red-throated Divers and seven Common Scoter while a Grey Wagtail fed on the beach there.

A relatively overcast day, with a moderate south-westerly wind developing, rain arriving in the afternoon and temperatures reaching a meagre four degrees C. A dark-bellied Bent Goose flew south during the morning’s seawatch that also featured 5700 Guillemots and five Razorbills moving in the same direction. A Woodcock frequented South Dykes, whilst passerine interest included three Fieldfare, two Goldcrests, a Chiffchaff, one Brambling and a lone Snow Bunting, the latter on the cliff top adjacent to the Golf Course.

Winds initially light and from the west backed south-easterly in the middle of the day and strengthened to near gale force; a belt of driving rain also arrived mid-afternoon and temperatures reached six degrees C. A Shoveler, 30 Red-throated Divers and single Golden Plover and Knot flew south during the morning’s seawatch, whilst a lone Siskin also overflew the Fog Station. Thornwick Lakes continued to host a Mute Swan and a Goldeneye, with 44 Teal at nearby Thornwick Pools. A Pale-bellied Brent Geese frequented the beach at South Landing, where a Woodcock was in the adjacent ravine.

A strong south-south-westerly wind gradually abated during a largely overcast day, with occasional showers and temperatures peaking at six degrees C. An increase in Fulmar numbers was apparent compared to recent days, with 142 recorded flying past the outer head together with 300 Guillemots and two Razorbills. As a result of the inclement weather conditions, locating passerines proved difficult although a Brambling visited a garden on the south side of the village.

The weather consisted of prolonged sunny intervals, a light/moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching six degrees C. A northerly movement of 882 Kittiwakes during the morning seawatch was especially notable for the time of year; 50 Common Scoters, 33 Red-throated Divers, 97 Guillemots and two Razorbills also flew north. South Landing to South Dykes hosted three Redwing, a Fieldfare, two Stonechat, two Grey Wagtails and one Brambling. A skein of 60 Pink-footed Geese and a Mediterranean Gull headed south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

It was a day of moderate/strong north-westerly winds, sunny intervals eventually prevailing and temperatures reaching five degrees C. Six Little Auks flying north headlined the morning’s seawatch that also featured a dark-bellied Brent Goose, two Velvet Scoters, two Red-breasted Mergansers, two Great Northern Divers, 736 Kittiwakes (north), a Bonxie and one Puffin.

Overcast skies dominated after a relatively bright start, with a moderate south-westerly wind developing and rain arriving late afternoon; late morning temperatures were only three degrees C. The seawatch was quiet, although single Velvet Scoter and Goldeneye were seen off South Landing. An influx of thrushes was evident, with 360 Fieldfares (& six Redwing) making landfall on the outer head before they headed west; five Song Thrush were likely relatively local birds displaced by recent frosts.

The weather consisted of overcast skies, light south-west winds and milder temperatures that peaked at ten degrees C. A Brent Goose, 26 Red-throated Divers and 39 Kittiwakes flew south during a morning seawatch, with a Bonxie moving in the opposite direction.

North Marsh and its immediate environs hosted a Pink-footed Goose, 63 Teal, 21 Wigeon, six Snipe and a Snow Bunting; more unusually, a Great Northern Diver flew north over the headland west of North Marsh. Another Great Northern Diver was on the sea off New Fall. Additional sightings included two Water Rails on the outer head, two Woodcock, six Redwing, five Fieldfares, ten Song Thrush and eight Stonechats.

A skein containing 120 Pink-footed Geese flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 67 Red-throated Divers rested on the sea; single Woodcock and Stonechat were also in residence and 33 Corn Buntings overflew the reserve.

A relatively overcast day, with light westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at nine degrees C. Several thousand Guillemots flew past the Fog Station, accompanied by just one Razorbill; 28 Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe also headed south. The female Velvet Scoter remained in residence off South Landing, where a Grey Wagtail was on the beach. Thornwick Pools hosted 54 Teal and a Goldeneye.

Brighter intervals prevailed after an overcast start, with a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, 37 Red-throated Divers flew south together with several thousand Guillemots and four Razorbills. Three Whooper Swans moved south over Old Fall late morning, whilst a Water Rail and two Stonechats were in residence south of the Lighthouse. Single Jay and Nuthatch were present at Sewerby.

Sunny intervals dominated a day of relatively light south-westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 12 degrees C. A total of 52 Red-throated Divers flew south during a seawatch that also produced 90 Kittiwakes north and a Bonxie south. However, the highlight was a melanistic Guillemot that tracked north; 68 Cormorants were also notable, with the majority sinensis. Thornwick Pools attracted 79 Teal and a Goldeneye, whilst a Long-tailed Duck was seen off the South Cliffs. A Red Kite overflew nearby South Landing.

The weather was kind, with prolonged sunny intervals, light winds and temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. The Mute Swan remained at Thornwick Lakes and 65 Teal and the Goldeneye at nearby Thornwick Pools. Passerine interest included a Redwing, two Mistle Thrush, ten Fieldfares, a male Blackcap and three Corn Buntings. A Short-eared Owl hunted cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with 40 Lapwings on adjacent stubble and three Snow Buntings flew north-west over the reserve.

A sunny morning, with light cloud arriving later; there were light winds and temperatures peaked at nine degrees C. The seawatch was relatively quiet, with 83 Red-throated Divers and 32 Kittiwakes the most noteworthy records. A Velvet Scoter and 42 Common Scoters were on the sea off the South Cliffs, while 120 Teal were shared between Thornwick Pools and North Marsh; 19 Wigeon were also in residence at the latter site. Passerine interest included 13 Fieldfare, a Chiffchaff at Old Fall, six Stonechat and a Snow Bunting south over Cattlemere. Two Short-eared Owls entertained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where 34 Lapwings and two Fieldfare were also present.

Persistent fog throughout negated most opportunities to bird. However, the Mute Swan and Goldeneye remained at Thornwick Lakes, where a Pink-footed Goose was heard in the murk. Nearby Thornwick Pools hosted 57 Teal, whilst a Water Rail continued in residence on the outer head. A field at South Dykes attracted 26 Fieldfare, eight Redwing and four Song Thrush.

Another dull and overcast day, with occasional drizzle, a light northerly wind and temperatures that reached six degrees C. Fifty Red-throated Divers were off the outer head, where two Goldeneyes also flew north. A skein of 40 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the Dykes. The Mute Swan remained on Thornwick Lakes, whilst single Goldeneye and Tufted Duck were in residence on Thornwick Pools.

Light north-east winds, generally overcast skies and temperatures reaching six degrees precipitated a movement of Velvet Scoters; 16 flew past the outer head (15 north, one south), with an additional bird still in residence off Beacon Hill. Seawatching also produced a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and two Bonxies moving south, with seven Eiders and a Manx Shearwater flying north. Additional sightings off Beacon Hill included two Great Northern Divers flying east, 114 Red-throated Divers on the sea, along with 12 Great Crested Grebes, 47 Common Scoters, 19 Wigeon and five Eider. The headland itself hosted the long-staying Mute Swan at Thornwick Lakes, a Woodcock, 16 Fieldfares and two Redwing. Two Short-eared Owls continued to entertain at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The skies were overcast and it was calm throughout, with temperatures reaching four degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a dark-bellied Brent Goose, a drake Long-tailed Duck, 65 Eiders, two Goosanders and a Black-throated Diver flying north; excellent numbers of Red-throated Divers were a feature once again, with 193 off the South Cliffs. A Long-tailed Duck was on the sea off Cattlemere and the Velvet Scoter remained off South Landing, while a single Woodcock and two Jack Snipe frequented the outer head. Passerine interest included a further arrival of Fieldfare (103), 12 Redwing and five Stonechats. The two Short-eared Owls lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

After a relatively bright start, overcast skies dominated during a day of moderate south-south-west winds and temperatures that reached three degrees C. Three dark-bellied Brent Geese that flew south represented the most notable record from the morning’s seawatch. The headland’s freshwater sites attracted a Mute Swan, 20 Wigeon, 181 Teal, a Tufted Duck, two Goldeneye and four Grey Herons together. A count of 25 Snipe represented an improvement, whilst a lone Woodcock was also located. Passerine migrants included 27 Fieldfare, two Redwing, a Chiffchaff (Thornwick) and a male Black Redstart (Hartendale).

Overcast skies throughout, a light west-south-westerly wind and temperatures peaked at seven degrees C. Five Eider and two Bonxies flew north during the morning’s seawatch, with a northern Herring Gull heading in the opposite direction. The male Black Redstart continued to frequent the horse paddocks at Hartendale.

A light/moderate easterly wind developed during an overcast day when temperatures peaked at seven degrees C. Two Bonxies lingered off the Fog Station, with four Eiders flying south during the seawatch. The Velvet Scoter remained in residence off South Landing, whilst 21 Sanderling frequented nearby South Dykes beach. The male Black Redstart continued in residence at Hartendale and other notable sightings included nine Fieldfare, including one bird predated over the sea before it could make landfall, and five Redwing.

Single Jay and Nuthatch frequented Sewerby gardens. However, RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted the day’s highlight: two Ravens ‘U-turned’ before heading back north-west along the cliff top. Other sightings from the reserve included a Red-breasted Merganser, nine Song Thrush, ten Redwing, 15 Blackbirds, 31 Fieldfare, two Lapland Buntings, 29 Yellowhammers and 13 Corn Buntings.

Happy Xmas to all, we hope you have an enjoyable and safe festive season.

Christmas Day proved to be relatively bright, with prolonged sunny intervals, a moderate/strong east-north-easterly wind and temperatures reaching four degrees C. The highlight of the morning’s seawatch was a Sula species that showed features consistent with an adult Brown Booby; it flew south at 0912hrs at relatively close range, but unfortunately was only picked up when slightly past the observers. Eleven Eiders also flew north, while four Bonxies were a notable tally for the year-end.

Three Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew east and four Shelduck moved west past South Landing. Thornwick Pools attracted 153 Teal, two Goldeneye and a Tufted Duck. The outer head also attracted a Short-eared Owl, one Woodcock, 16 Fieldfare, 17 Redwing and the male Black Redstart (Hartendale). A flock of 170 Linnets were on the cliff top at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.