26th December 2021

Overcast with light rain, a moderate/strong south-easterly wind and temperatures that reached six degrees C. Two Brent Geese flew south during the morning’s seawatch together with two Shelduck and five Eider heading in the opposite direction. Two Goldeneye remained in the Thornwick area. There was evidence of an influx of thrushes at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with ten Song Thrush, four Redwing and 21 Blackbirds; seven Corn Buntings were also recorded at the reserve.

Goldeneyes, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards
Linnets, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Phil Buxton

27th December 2021

It was another overcast day, with mist/fog at times and temperatures reaching six degrees C. Nineteen ‘Northern Herring Gulls’ flew south during the morning’s seawatch representing a notable count nowadays; additional sightings included a Pintail flying south, one Great Northern Diver north and lone Grey Plover and Little Gull moving south. A Long-tailed Duck was on the sea off Cattlemere.

Further evidence of cold weather movement involved two Fieldfares in off and a further 40 birds grounded at Oceanview. The adult Black Redstart continued to frequent the horse paddocks at Hartendale. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted two Short-eared Owls; Woodcock, 40 Lapwing and 17 Redwing were also seen at the reserve, including 15 of the latter flying north-west indicative of freshly arrived migrants.

Grey Heron, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

28th December 2021

Foggy throughout with persistent rain for much of the day; light northerly winds developed in the afternoon, with temperatures peaking at eight degrees C. There was further evidence of a cold weather influx headlined by a Siberian Chiffchaff at Thornwick and an adult Caspian Gull near North Landing, the latter accompanied by 21 Northern Herring Gulls. In addition, there were also nine Dunlin, 14 Snipe, two Jack Snipe, six Woodcock, a Goldcrest, 31 Blackbirds, nine Song Thrush, 27 Redwing and ten Fieldfare; the male Black Redstart also remained at Hartendale. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Short-eared Owls, 30 Redwing, eight Song Thrush and five Fieldfare.

Weasel, outer head, by Craig Thomas

29th December 2021

An overcast morning, with a belt of rain crossing the coast during the middle of the day associated with an increasingly strong wind – initially south-easterly veering south-westerly later; temperatures peaked at 12 degrees by late afternoon. Seawatch highlights included a flock of five Pochard, a Manx Shearwater and an adult Little Gull flying south. The headland’s freshwater sites hosted 26 Wigeon (North Marsh), 150 Teal, two Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneyes. A Woodcock was on the outer head, nine Fieldfares flew in off the sea, while the male Black Redstart remained at Hartendale.

Grey Seal, by Alan Walkington

30th December 2021

Another overcast day, with occasional light drizzle; it was milder than of late, with temperatures reaching 12 degrees C in a very light south-westerly wind. Seawatch highlights included two Mute Swans, two Pink-footed Geese, a Great Northern Diver, a Manx Shearwater and four Northern Herring Gulls flying south. The female Velvet Scoter remained off the South Cliffs, a Lapwing frequented flood near North Marsh and three Woodcocks were located on the outer head. A total of 20 Redwing and 43 Fieldfare almost certainly represented new arrivals, whilst other notable passerine records included five Stonechats, the lingering male Black Redstart, 67 Greenfinch and a Snow Bunting. Two Short-eared Owls continued to perform at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Mute Swans, Fog Station, by Craig Thomas

31st December 2021

An overcast day, with a relatively light west-south-westerly wind and very mild temperatures which peaked at 14 degrees C. Wildfowl interest included 90 Pink-footed Geese flying south, two Gadwall (Thornwick Pools), two Shelduck, 193 Teal, two Tufted Ducks, two Goldeneye and two Long-tailed Ducks, the latter off the South Cliffs. Single Water Rail and Woodcock were present, whilst passerine interest included the Siberian Chiffchaff still at Thornwick and a lone Snow Bunting over Lighthouse Road. Two Short-eared Owls continued to entertain at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a Mediterranean Gull was on the beach at Sewerby.

Mediterranean Gull, Sewerby, by John Beaumont

1st January 2022

Happy New Year everyone!

Another mild day, with temperatures peaking at 13 degrees C during a day of sunny intervals after an overcast start and moderate south-westerly winds. The seawatch was quiet, although 67 Common Scoters, 17 Sanderlings and a Dunlin flew north. Two Pink-footed Geese associated with the Greylags at Thornwick Lakes, where two Goldeneye were still in residence. Nearby, Thornwick Pools attracted 86 Teal and two Tufted Ducks, whilst a Long-tailed Duck was offshore of Cattlemere. The Water Rail showed on the outer head, a tally of 155 Lapwings was especially noteworthy, with a Woodcock in the Dykes more expected. Other notable records included two Mistle Thrushes, ten Fieldfares, a Chiffchaff (Old Fall), the long-staying male Black Redstart, six Stonechats and a Grey Wagtail. The two Short-eared Owls again showed well at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Short-eared Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington

2nd January 2022

Once early morning cloud cleared, it was a day of sunny intervals, light south-westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 11 degrees C. The following list of notable species – Chiffchaff (Old Fall), Black Redstart (Hartendale), Swallow (RSPB Bempton Cliffs) & Small Tortoiseshell butterfly (south along the cliffs by the Golf Course) were more suggestive of the latter half of March than New Year.

However, the day’s highlight was a drake Green-winged Teal at Buckton, only the second record for the headland; unfortunately it flew west with 20 Teal when disturbed. Additional wildfowl interest included eight Pink-footed Geese, seven Shelduck flying south, 32 Wigeon at North Marsh, 174 Teal shared between North Marsh/Thornwick Pools, two Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneye. Passerine interest included nine Song Thrush, two Mistle Thrush, five Fieldfare, three Redwing, a Goldcrest, eight Reed Buntings and 43 Yellowhammers. Three Short-eared Owls continued to give good views at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Stonechat, Lighthouse Grassland, by Alan Walkington

3rd January 2022

The weather consisted of moderate/strong south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 11 degrees C. A Long-tailed Duck flying south was the most notable sighting of another relatively quiet seawatch.

A first-winter Caspian Gull dropped onto Thornwick Lakes, where two Pink-footed Geese, two Goldeneyes and three Lapwing were also present. Thornwick Pools and the immediate surrounds hosted 140 Teal, two Tufted Ducks, four Woodcock and four Redwing; 32 Wigeon were still at North Marsh. The male Black Redstart continued to show at Hartendale, with two Mistle Thrush nearby, while the female Velvet Scoter was off South Landing. Three Short-eared Owls continued to show well at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Short-eared Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Will Scott

4th January 2022

A bright day, but much cooler with a light/moderate north-westerly wind and temperatures reaching three degrees C. Three Great Northern Divers flew past the Fog Station during the morning’s seawatch, together with a Blue Fulmar and a second-winter Mediterranean Gull. Two Pink-footed Geese, two Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneye remained on Thornwick Lakes, with the Long-tailed Duck still off Cattlemere. On the opposite side of the headland, the Siberian Chiffchaff re-appeared at Thornwick.

At least three Short-eared Owls continued to perform at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Sightings from nearby Buckton included a Mute Swan flying south-east, a Red Kite, 100 Pink-footed Geese over, 37 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 90 Lapwing, two Lapland Buntings and 110 Corn Bunting.

Siberian Chiffchaff, Thornwick, by Andrew Allport

5th January 2022

A moderate/strong north-westerly wind ensured it felt colder than the peak temperature of five degrees C even with extensive sunny intervals. The seawatch was quiet, with a southbound Brent Goose the most noteworthy record. Thornwick Pools attracted 118 Teal and RSPB Bempton Cliffs at least two Short-eared Owls.

Short-eared Owl, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Andrew Mason

6th January 2022

A calm, sunny start to the day proved deceiving, with strong southerly winds and rain arriving later; temperatures only increased from -3 degrees C at dawn to 3 degrees C by mid-afternoon. An adult Glaucous Gull flew north on a seawatch that also produced a lone Goldeneye, a Great Crested Grebe and two Northern Herring Gulls heading south. A Mute Swan re-appeared at Thornwick Lakes, where a Tufted Duck and two Goldeneye remained; 176 Teal were on nearby Thornwick Pools along with another Tufted Duck. A Velvet Scoter flew west past South Landing, while a Great Northern Diver cut the headland at the same location and flew north over the village. The Siberian Chiffchaff also re-appeared at Thornwick.

Teal, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport

7th January 2022

A bright day with prolonged sunny intervals, but cold – temperatures reaching a mere three degrees C and feeling colder still in a moderate westerly wind. Thornwick Lakes attracted a Mute Swan, a Pink-footed Goose, two Tufted Ducks, two Goldeneye and a Golden Plover, whilst 132 Teal frequented nearbyThornwick Pools. Two Water Rails were still present on the outer head and the Siberian Chiffchaff at Thornwick. RSPB Bempton Cliffs continued to play host to three Short-eared Owls.

Golden Plover, Thornwick Lakes, by Craig Thomas

8th January 2022

The morning’s weather consisted of strong south-south-westerly winds and persistent rain, with clearing skies later when temperatures peaked at seven degrees C. A Long-tailed Duck flying south was the highlight of the morning seawatch. Thornwick Lakes attracted a Mute Swan, two Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneyes, while 81 Teal and two Woodcock were at nearby Thornwick Pools. Three Short-eared Owls continued to entertain at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Sparrowhawk, Flamborough village, by Rob Little

9th January 2022

A sunny day, with light south-west winds and temperatures eventually reaching six degrees C after a frosty start. Seawatching remained quiet, although 60 Kittiwakes represented an increase. Wildfowl interest on the headland included a Mute Swan, 15 Pink-footed Geese, 81 Teal, two Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneyes. Five Grey Partridges near North Dykes represented a notable record, as were 31 Snipe near North Landing. The Siberian Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest re-appeared at Thornwick, while thrush interest included seven Fieldfare, 35 Redwing, 16 Song Thrush and two Mistle Thrush. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Little Egret south-east, 120 Lapwing and three Short-eared Owls.

Siberian Chiffchaff, Thornwick, by Rob Little

10th January 2022

The weather consisted of light westerly winds veering moderate southerly by the afternoon, with generally overcast skies and temperatures reaching six degrees C. Several thousand Guillemots flew past the headland during the morning’s seawatch. A lone Woodcock flew west over the village, while two Sanderling fed on the beach at South Landing. A Water Rail remained on the outer head, with other notable records including six Mistle Thrush, 24 Fieldfare and three Redwing.

Greenfinch, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

11th January 2022

Overcast for the majority of daylight hours, with very light winds and temperatures peaking at eight degrees C. Good numbers of Red-throated Divers remained, with 105 recorded off the Fog Station, where a lone Fieldfare also flew in off the sea. The sea off Beacon Hill attracted seven Great Crested Grebes, 16 Common Scoters and the long-staying Velvet Scoter.

Wildfowl interest from freshwater sites included a Mute Swan, one Pink-footed Goose, 42 Wigeon, 45 Teal, two Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneyes. Three Water Rails included a duo on the outer head, with additional interest provided by four Woodcock and a Jack Snipe. A tally of 12 Mistle Thrushes was notable, as were 19 Fieldfare, 16 Redwing and seven Stonechats.

Away from the outer head, 80 Pink-footed Geese flew south-west over Bempton village, while three Short-eared Owls were still hunting cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Jack Snipe, outer head, by Andrew Allport

12th January 2022

The weather consisted of light south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. A Bonxie flew south during the morning seawatch, while large numbers of Guillemots were back on the cliffs. The Velvet Scoter was still off South Landing where eight Sanderling were on the beach. A flock of 40 Redwing represented a relatively high mid-winter count. Three Short-eared Owls were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a lone Water Rail and five Lapland Buntings at nearby Buckton.

Sanderling, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

13th January 2022

Sunny throughout, with a light westerly wind and temperatures reaching a mild ten degrees C. Notable sightings included seven Sanderling, two Chiffchaffs (including one tristis), two Grey Wagtails and a Corn Bunting, the latter singing at Thornwick. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted 119 Lapwing and three Short-eared Owls.

Satellite moth, by Andrew Allport

14th January 2022

Sunny and cam, with very little wind and temperatures peaking at five degrees C. Thornwick Pools hosted a Shelduck and 138 Teal. A Water Rail appeared on the edge of the pond at Highcliffe Manor; other sightings from the South Landing area included the long-staying Velvet Scoter, seven Sanderling, two Woodcock, 18 Fieldfare, a Chiffchaff and two Grey Wagtails.

Guillemots, outer head, by Alan Walkington

15th January 2022

The day was dominated by thick fog which stymied most birding opportunities. However, the Siberian Chiffchaff remained at Thornwick, where a Shelduck and 99 Teal visited the Pools. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included four Pink-footed Geese, a Short-eared Owl and six Fieldfare; five Lapland Buntings were in cliff top fields at Buckton.

Lapland Bunting, Buckton, by Will Scott

16th January 2022

The weather consisted of relatively light westerly winds, sporadic sunny intervals and temperatures that reached seven degrees C. There was evidence of several species of wildfowl on the move, headlined by a vocal Bean Goose sp. that circled North Marsh before it headed south; 95 Pink-footed Geese flew south, a group of five headed north, while 28 frequented the outer head. In addition a Gadwall flew south on the seawatch and a Pochard visited Thornwick Pools. North Marsh attracted 32 Wigeon, whilst 125 Teal were shared between the latter and Thornwick Pools. Thornwick Lakes hosted a Mute Swan, two Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneye. The Siberian Chiffchaff remained at Thornwick.

Short-eared Owl continued to show well at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a cliff top field at Buckton attracted a Shore Lark and eight Lapland Buntings.

Turnstone, South Landing, by Brett Richards

17th January 2022

A sunny day, with a light westerly wind and temperatures reaching a mild nine degrees C. A Tundra Bean Goose flew north-east over South Landing early morning. Thornwick Pools/North Marsh attracted 201 Teal, 30 Wigeon, two Tufted Ducks, a Pochard and two Goldeneye, while a Great Northern Diver was off the South Cliffs. A Water Rail was located at South Landing, with wader interest including 136 Lapwing, a Golden Plover, eight Sanderling and ten Woodcock. Notable passerine records included a Chiffchaff (Dykes), two Goldcrests, a Nuthatch (South Dykes), seven Fieldfare, three Redwing and a Snow Bunting.

Greater scrutiny of the recent plough/ patchy stubble cliff top field at Buckton was rewarded with two Shore Larks and six Lapland Buntings; three Short-eared Owls continued in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; 44 Fieldfare and three Redwing were along Cliff Lane.

Wren, Lighthouse Grassland, by Andrew Allport

18th January 2022

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, a light south-west wind and temperatures peaking at six degrees C. Most attention was focused on the cliff top fields at Buckton that hosted three Shore Larks, 30 Lapland Buntings and 50 Corn Buntings. Elsewhere, 65 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Flamborough village, while 221 Teal on Thornwick Pools represented a January record; the Pochard remained at the same location. Nineteen Sanderlings fed on South Dykes/South Landing beach. On the opposite side of the headland, two Grey Partridges and a Lapland Bunting were recorded along the North Cliffs.

Lapland Bunting, Buckton, by Dan Howe

19th January 2022

A light north-westerly wind developed during a sunny day, with temperatures reaching nine degrees C. Again the main focus was on cliff top stubble at Buckton where one Shore Lark and 14 Lapland Buntings remained. Thornwick Pools attracted 79 Teal and a Pochard, while a lone Golden Plover overflew the nearby village. A Nuthatch was seen in Sewerby Gardens once more.

Rock Pipit, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

20th January 2022

Moderate/strong north-westerly winds featured throughout an overcast day, with temperatures peaking at five degrees C. The northerly airflow led to a slight improvement in the seawatching, with four Eiders, a Blue Fulmar and a Manx Shearwater moving north and a Bonxie heading in the opposite direction. Away from the sea, the Water Rail re-appeared at South Landing, with nine Woodcock including eight at the latter location.

Stonechat, Lighthouse Grassland, by Brett Richards

21st January 2022

A light north-westerly wind remained after yesterday’s stronger northerly airflow, with sunshine and temperatures reaching six degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Great Northern Diver, 497 Fulmars, 178 Kittiwakes and a Northern Herring Gull flying north, with a lone Bonxie heading south. The Long-tailed Duck was still off Cattlemere, while a first-winter/female Black Redstart feeding on the nearby beach at High Stacks was new. Thornwick Pools attracted a Shelduck, 118 Teal, a Pochard and a Water Rail; a skein of 29 Pink-footed Geese also flew south. Two Shore Larks were still present at the cliff top at Buckton along with 40 Lapland Buntings.

Barn Owl, South Landing, by Ian Howard

22nd January 2022

Another bright day, with light westerly winds and temperatures reaching a maximum of nine degrees C. A first-winter Glaucous Gull that flew north provided the highlight of a seawatch that also featured a Great Northern Diver also moving north, along with 359 Fulmars. The cliff top field at Buckton continued to be productive, with one Shore Lark and up to 80 Lapland Buntings in residence. Elsewhere, a skein of 49 Pink-footed Geese flew south over South Landing where nine Sanderling were on the beach.

Rock Pipit, by Dan Howe

23rd January 2022

A cloudy day, with a light south westerly wind. A Great Northern Diver flew north past the Fog Station during the morning, with other sea watch counts including nine Wigeon, 12 Common Scoter, 64 Red-throated Diver, 31 Fulmar, 38 Gannet, ten Razorbill, 40 Shag and a Kittiwake. Large numbers of Guillemots were present on the cliffs. A female type Black Redstart around the Fog Station is likely to be the bird seen at nearby High Stacks on 21st January. 60 Lapland Bunting remained in fields at Buckton, whilst a Great Northern Diver flew north-west past nearby Bempton.

Shas, Fog Station by Brett Richards

24th January 2022

An overcast and cool day with light south westerly winds. Three Wigeon, one Common Scoter, 47 Red-throated Diver and two Kittiwake were logged on the morning sea watch, with large numbers of Guillemot again prospecting the cliffs. Counts from the southern side of the headland included five Stonechat, Barn Owl, 24 Turnstone and 14 Sanderling. There was a notable movement of thrushes with 60 Redwing at South Dykes, 16 Fieldfare and five Redwing at South Landing and five Fieldfare, seven Redwing and eight Mistle Thrush around the Oceanview area. Wildfowl counts on the headland included two Goldeneye and two Tufted Duck at The Lakes, with a Shelduck at Thornwick Pools, the latter site also holding a Water Rail. 60 Lapland Bunting remained in the clifftop fields at Buckton.

Barn Owl, South Landing by Dan Howe

25th January 2022

It was a misty start to the morning, remaining dull and overcast throughout the day, with light south westerly winds. 14 Dark-bellied Brent Geese heading north were the highlight of the morning sea watch. Additional sea watch counts included ten Red-throated Diver, 14 Shag and single Wigeon and Teal. The Mute Swan returned to The Lakes, with two Goldeneye and two Tufted Duck also remaining. Thornwick Pool hosted a Shelduck and 78 Teal. A Long-tailed Duck was seen again off South Landing.

Sanderling, South Landing by Dan Howe

26th January 2022

A day of moderate south westerly winds and generally overcast skies, with a few short sunny spells. A Cream-crown Marsh Harrier was at Northcliffe Marsh late morning, before flying south over the lighthouse grassland, representing a relatively unusual mid-winter record. The female type Black Redstart was again noted around High Stacks, with the Snow Bunting continuing to show well along the clifftop adjacent to the golf course. Other highlights included five Woodcock, 22 Curlew, Water Rail, 10 Wigeon, Shelduck, 36 Yellowhammer and five Stonechat. Four Lapland Bunting remained at Buckton, with 55 Pink-footed Geese in nearby fields.

Snow Bunting, Golf Course by Andrew Allport
Marsh Harrier, Northcliffe Marsh by Dan Howe

27th January 2022

A mild day with temperatures reaching double figures. Sunny throughout, with a moderate westerly breeze. Most of the days activity was centered around Buckton with three Shore Lark again present in the clifftop fields during the morning and up to 30 Lapland Bunting. 50 Pink-footed Geese remained in fields adjacent to Hoddy Cows Lane during the early morning before flying off west. Elsewhere, 26 Red-throated Diver, 102 Fulmar, 25 Kittiwake and 12 Shag were logged on the sea watch.

Treecreeper, South Landing by June and Malcolm Fox

28th January 2022

An overcast day with light westerly winds. The female-type Black Redstart continued to linger around the Fog Station, with the Snow Bunting still along the clifftop near the Golf Course. Thornwick pool held a Shelduck and 75 Teal. A Woodcock and four Mistle Thrush were around Oceanview. Highlights from the sea watch included two Common Scoter, 56 Red-throated Diver, 60 Fulmar and ten Kittiwake. A minimum of 30 Lapland Bunting remained at Buckton, with two seen over nearby RSPB Bempton. Eight Corn Bunting and 25 Yellowhammer were also at Buckton.

Black Redstart, Fog Station by Brett Richards

29th January 2022

A day of strong westerly winds and occasional sunny spells. Counts from the sea watch included three Common Scoter, nine Red-throated Diver and 38 Kittiwake. A Velvet Scoter was off South Landing, along with 11 Common Scoter and 21 Great crested Grebe. Thornwick pools held two Tufted Duck, Shelduck, Snipe and 97 Teal. A pre-roost of Magpie at Whelkie Wynds included 51 individuals. At least 30 Lapland Bunting remained in the clifftop fields at Buckton.

Tufted Duck, Thornwick Pools by Brett Richards

30th January 2022

A generally sunny day, with a light westerly wind increasing in strength through the afternoon. Sea watching was more rewarding than of late with Great Northern Diver, 92 Red-throated Diver, Eider, four Common Scoter, three Manx Shearwater, 122 Kittiwake and a Great crested Grebe. Wildfowl at The Lakes included the Mute Swan, two Goldeneye and two Tufted Duck. A Velvet Scoter was again off South Landing, with a Woodcock nearby. The female-type Black Redstart remained around High Stacks and a Chiffchaff was at Thornwick. A single Shore Lark and 30 Lapland Bunting continued in the clifftop fields at Buckton.

Stonechat, Fog Station by Alan Walkington

31st January 2022

A sunny day, with a strong north-westerly wind. Sea watch highlights included one Manx Shearwater, 11 Red-throated Diver, 124 Kittiwake, Shelduck and a Great crested Grebe. The Shelduck was still at Thornwick pool and had been joined by a Wigeon and an impressive count of 150 Teal. Three Goldeneye and 33 Great crested Grebe were off South Landing, where a Pale-bellied Brent flew past. A Red Kite flew west during the afternoon.

Grey Wagtail, South Landing by Alan Walkington

1st February 2022

A relatively warm sunny day, with a moderate westerly breeze. The days highlight pertained to a Red Kite, initially seen at RSPB Bempton, the bird flew east and spent some time off the Fog Station during the late morning. The Black Redstart remained around High Stacks. Wildfowl totals included the lingering Mute Swan, 17 Wigeon, 156 Teal and two Tufted Duck. Sea watch counts included two Shelduck, Eider, nine Common Scoter, 32 Red-throated Diver and 35 Kittiwake.

Tufted Duck, Thornwick Pools by Andrew Allport

2nd February 2022

A light wind initially from the north-west backed westerly later, with sunny intervals prevalent during the second half of a day where temperatures reached 11 degrees C. An adult Glaucous Gull flew past the outer head during a seawatch that also featured 37 Red-throated Divers south and 13 Razorbills north. A tally of 38 Great Crested Grebes gathered off Hartendale, whilst 12 Fieldfares frequented nearby South Landing. At least one Short-eared Owl remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with the cliff top flock of Lapland Buntings still in residence at Buckton.

Tawny Owl, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

3rd February 2022

Bright intervals established after an overcast start, with light/moderate south-west winds and temperatures that peaked at nine degrees C. A Velvet Scoter that flew north was the highlight of the morning seawatch that also yielded 50 Razorbills. The Mute Swan remained on Thornwick Lakes, whilst the nearby Pools attracted a Shelduck and 104 Teal.

Reed Bunting, by Dan Howe

4th February 2022

A relatively bright day, with a moderate westerly wind and cooler temperatures reaching a maximum of six degrees C. The Mute Swan remained on Thornwick Lakes, while nearby Thornwick Pools hosted a lone Shelduck, 115 Teal, a Water Rail and six Snipe; nearby the Siberian Chiffchaff re-appeared north of the ‘Red Brick House’.

Pink-footed Geese, Micklemires, by Brett Richards

5th February 2022

A largely overcast day dominated by strong south-westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at seven degrees C. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured a significant increase in Gannets, with 421 flying past the outer head. Three Pink-footed Geese were again in fields adjacent to Micklemires. A Golden Plover flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a lone Northern Herring Gull moved south-east there.

Bullfinch, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

6th February 2021

Strong test-north-westerly winds developed during a day of sunny intervals and occasional sleet showers, with temperatures reaching a maximum of seven degrees C. Seawatching remained quiet, although 1240 Gannets represented a further return to the inshore waters around the colony. Wildfowl interest on the headland included the Mute Swan, three Pink-footed Geese and 118 Teal. The Siberian Chiffchaff showed again at Thornwick. Notable sightings from Bempton/Buckton included a Short-eared Owl and 20 Lapland Buntings.

Mute Swan, Thornwick, by Brett Richards

7th February 2022

A relatively bright day, with moderate south-west winds and temperatures that eventually reached five degrees C. The headland’s freshwater sites shared a Mute Swan, three Pink-footed Geese, 41 Wigeon, 128 Teal, a Goldeneye and two Water Rails, while the Velvet Scoter remained off South Landing. Wader interest included eight Sanderlings and five Woodcock, while seven Mistle Thrush represented a noteworthy local count. Two Short-eared Owls continued to hunt the cliff top at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Brown Hare, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington

8th February 2022

The weather consisted of blustery south-west winds and overcast skies with persistent drizzle during the morning; temperatures peaked at ten degrees C. Thornwick Pools attracted a Shelduck and 90 Teal, while three Goldeneye and 11 Great Crested Grebes were on the sea off South Landing; a Tawny Owl and Grey Wagtail were also at the latter location.

Stonechat, Lighthouse Grassland, by Andrew Allport

9th February 2022

It was a day of sunny intervals, at times a blustery westerly wind and temperatures that peaked at nine degrees C. Tens of thousands of Guillemots returned to the cliffs, with hundreds of Razorbills on the water close inshore. Eighteen Great Crested Grebes gathered on the sea off the South Cliffs. On the opposite side of the headland the three Shore Larks and 40 Lapland Buntings remained in cliff top fields at Buckton.

Teal, Thornwick Pools, by Dan Howe

10th February 2022

A sunny day, with a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures that reached a maximum of seven degrees C. Tens of thousands of Guillemots were again on the cliffs, with hundreds of Razorbills on the sea; a Goosander that flew south during the seawatch was notable. The first-winter Velvet Scoter lingered off South Landing, where three Sanderling were on the beach, while a lone Woodcock was in North Dykes. At least two Shore Lark remained on the cliff top at Buckton together with several Lapland Buntings.

Pink-footed Geese, by Andrew Allport

11th February 2022

A sunny day with a light south-westerly wind gradually increasing during the afternoon; temperatures only reached five degrees C. There was further evidence of the colonies seabirds returning to inshore waters, with 292 Fulmars and 152 Kittiwakes flying north past the Fog Station together with thousands of Guillemots.

Three Pink-footed Geese lingered, whilst a Jack Snipe and two Grey Partridges were discovered near North Landing. The three Shore Larks were present at Buckton during the morning, but there were no sign in the afternoon, although 45 Lapland Buntings were in residence there. Nearby, a Short-eared Owl hunted the cliff top at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where four Bottlenose Dolphins were offshore.

Stonechat, by Dan Howe

12th February 2022

The weather consisted of strong south-south-west winds, rain arriving after a relatively bright start and temperatures that reached five degrees C. A Goldeneye that flew south represented the highlight of a quiet seawatch; there were fewer birds than of late, with the Guillemots having left the cliffs and moved back out to sea. The first-winter Velvet Scoter remained off South Landing, whilst Thornwick Pools hosted 94 Teal and four Snipe.

Bullfinch, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

13th February 2022

An overcast day, with persistent light rain, strong southerly winds and temperatures peaking at seven degrees C. Three Eiders flew north during the morning’s seawatch, with a second-winter Mediterranean Gull heading south. Four Snipe and 84 Teal remained on Thornwick Pools, while 14 Corn Buntings flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Pink-footed Goose, Micklemires, by Brett Richards