Category: Sightings

A gentle south-south-westerly for much of the day, temperatures no higher than 7°C. A quiet seawatch saw six Wigeon, four Gadwall, 97 Teal, two Mallard and eight Common Scoter south (one north). In addition,  five Little Gull, three Little Auk and a Snow Bunting were also recorded south.

A wave of thrushes made landfall today, with a couple hundred Blackbird observed across the headland; single figures of Fieldfare, Redwing and Song Thrush were also noted. Elsewhere, a Woodcock was new in at Old Fall and at Thornwick six Twite, three Stonechat and a Snow Bunting were present.

At South Landing, the Water Pipit remained alongside a Grey Wagtail, two Redshank, seven Oystercatcher, Bar-tailed Godwit and a Little Auk which ended up down a Great Black-backed Gull’s throat. A flock of 112 Common Scoter was offshore.

A moderate south easterly F5, increasing to F6, sunshine and temperatures around 11°C. Seawatch movement south included 11 Red-throated Diver (seven north), singles of Red-necked Grebe and Velvet Scoter (one north), 21 Little Gull and eight Little Auk; northbound saw a juvenile Pomarine and four Great Skua.

A Grey Phalarope was at South Landing briefly before flying east. Also there the Water Pipit, five Rock Pipit, Grey and Pied Wagtail, two Curlew and single Bar-tailed Godwit remain. In addition, two Pomarine Skua and four Little Gull were recorded flying east there. Seven Whooper Swan were on Northcliff Marsh. A Ring Ouzel was in the village with plenty of Blackbirds.

Strong south-south-easterlies ranging between F5-7, a midday downpour and temperatures of 11°C. Southbound highlights, unless otherwise stated, included 22 Red-throated Diver (seven north), 51 Teal (ten north), 51 Mallard, two Red-breasted Merganser, Arctic Skua, 64 Little Gull, six Little Auk (two north) and a Short-eared Owl flew in off mid-morning.

In addition, east past South Landing were eight Red-throated Divers, three juvenile Pomarine Skua, three Little Auk and nine Little Gull. Nearby, the Water Pipit continued its stay.

Elsewhere, there were 35 Goldcrest, 36 Fieldfare, 75 Blackbird, 14 Redwing and three Song Thrush on the headland, as were four Chiffchaff and a Woodcock.  At Thornwick Pool, 20 Common and five Jack Snipe were present at dusk.

Continued south-south-easterlies, mean wind speeds of F6, overcast skies. Seawatching produced 20 Red-throated Diver south (eight north), Red-necked Grebe south, single Wigeon and Tufted Duck south, six Teal south, two Gadwall north, 35 Little Gull and a Little Auk south.

Relatively quite on land with a male Ring Ouzel, two Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff noted on the headland. South Landing held 12 Oystercatcher, three Curlew and a Bar-tailed Godwit.

A wet start, south-easterly F7 easing as the day progressed, weather improving midday onwards. A quiet seawatch saw 47 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, six Teal, two Little Auk and 18 Little Gull all south (one of the latter north).

Belated news of a Great Grey Shrike on Monday 20th October seen near Bartlett Nab viewpoint at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Mild conditions across the headland, with an easterly F1-2 wind. Seawatching highlights included three Little Auk flying north (with three more on the sea off the Fog Station) and a Brent Goose north. In addition, three Goosander and a Pomarine Skua headed south. Three Slavonian Grebe were reported on the sea at South Landing mid-afternoon, also there were 35 Common Scoter, three Red-throated Diver and the Water Pipit continued its stay. Thornwick Pool attracted five Jack Snipe, 18 Common Snipe and a lone Water Rail. Passerines included four Stonechat, two Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff. Three Short-eared Owls and single Snow and Lapland Buntings were present at Buckton. However the highlight here was a pair of Mute Swans on the village pond for 30 minutes around mid day, constituting the first record for at least 15 years!

Mild conditions persist, wind switching from east-north-east in the morning to north to north-east in the afternoon, F2-3, mean temperatures of 9°C. A productive seawatch – southbound birds included 69 Red-throated Diver (13 north), Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, five Wigeon, three Teal (three north), two Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Pomarine Skua (five north), five Arctic Skua, 25 Great Skua (two north), 80 Little Gull, two Puffin, 15 Little Auk (96 north); northbound only saw six Brent Geese (Dark-bellied), Velvet Scoter, Mediterranean Gull and 27 Snow Bunting.

A Little Auk lingered on the sea below RSPB Bempton Cliffs Jubilee viewpoint; also 15 Snow Bunting flew east over the reserve and 14 Twite were present in two feeding parties.

A moderate easterly and overcast prevailed, with light rain during the afternoon. Seawatching proved productive with highlights including two Great Northern Divers flying south, a Sooty Shearwater north, two Gadwall south, one Long-tailed Duck north (and two south), 59 Pomarine Skuas north and nine Bonxies south (and four north). A total of 32 Little Gulls went north (14 south), 53 Little Auks moved north (with one south and one on the sea), four Puffins headed north (and four south), whilst two Short-eared Owls flew in off the sea.

Thornwick Pool hosted 14 Snipe and one Jack Snipe. Passerine migrants included a Ring Ouzel at Oceanview, along with a Blackcap and two Chiffchaffs.

A rather cloudy day but with some occasion brightness with the wind easterly 3-4.

Not as good as yesterday, but the morning sea-watch did produce a mixed bag of species with 14 Red-throated Diver south and 7 north, a Black-throated Diver south, Velvet Scoter north, 8 Pomarine Skua north, 2 Great Skua south and one north, 7 Little Gull south and 2 north, 29 Little Auk north, 50 Fulmar north, 120 Gannet south and 70 north and 6 Wigeon south.

At South Landing, seven Common Scoter flew past, along with 12 Eider, eight Little Auks, one Pomarine Skua, 2 Puffin, 5 Redshank, 26 Turnstone and 9 Rock Pipit (but no report of the Water Pipit). In addition, a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea. South Landing’s tree cover held a Chiffchaff, female Brambling and Coal Tit. Nearby, Whelkie Winds also had another Chiffchaff.

A moderate easterly wind and overcast conditions heralded another good seawatch. Single Great Northern Divers flew north and south, 13 Scaup went south, 53 Little Auks moved north (and one south), 13 Little Gulls went south, as did two Pomarine Skuas, whilst a Bonxie lingered offshore. A Grey Phalarope was on the sea off the Headland and a single also flew south, as did 13 Little Gulls. Three Long-tailed Ducks were on the sea near South Landing.

On the land, three Bean Geese landed briefly at North Marsh before heading off north-west, a Brent Goose remained in residence, whilst two single Waxwing were noted: one flew west at North Dykes and the other went east along Lighthouse Road.

A light east-south-easterly wind and overcast conditions. Seawatching was quieter, with 30 Red-throated Divers flying south, and an additional 58 on the sea, eight dark-bellied Brent Geese south (with another on the Headland), three Red-breasted Mergansers and a Bonxie moving in the same direction and single Little Auk heading north and south.

A Short-eared Owl was hunting around North Marsh, whilst a Water Rail showed in the Thornwick ‘roost’ reedbed. There was an increase in late passerine migrants including two Grey Wagtails, 61 Blackbirds, 43 Redwing, 24 Fieldfare, four Stonechat, six Chiffchaff, three Blackcap, 26 Goldcrest, 34 Siskin and two Snow Buntings.

A moderate south-easterly and overcast conditions once again. The highlight of the seawatch was a Great Northern Diver that flew south. Eighteen Wigeon also headed south, as did 14 Common Scoter. A Little Auk appeared on the sea off South Landing, whilst three Shoveler and a Pintail flew north at South Dykes.

Passerines included the Water Pipit in residence at South Landing and a Chiffchaff and three Goldcrest at South Dykes. Twenty Twite were present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A light north-westerly wind and rain resulted in a quiet seawatch. However, 98 Red-throated Divers flew south, as did 59 Common Scoters and four Snow Buntings. Wildfowl passage included 27 Whooper Swans and 486 Pink-footed Geese heading south. A Short-eared Owl hunted the Outer Head. Two Woodcock were near Old Fall, with nine Goldcrests scattered across the Headland, together with three Chiffchaffs. Two Lesser Redpolls were present at South Landing, where a single Snow Bunting flew over, with an additional two individuals on the cliff top near Old Fall.

Attention during the day focused on the land, with the highlight consisting of a juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard that flew west over the Old Fall area and eventually South Landing late morning. A Waxwing in a garden on the Outer Head also provided a touch of the exotic.

Other records included Little Grebes at North Marsh and Thornwick Pool, six Whooper Swans over, 29 Teal, a Water Rail at Thornwick Pool, two Common Buzzards, Short-eared Owl over the Golf Course, a pair of Goosander and a single Red-breasted Merganser overflying Thornwick Pool and a Woodcock. A Bonxie flew north off the Fog Station mid-morning. South Landing beach attracted a Bar-tailed Godwit, 21 Ringed Plovers and 19 Rock Pipits, with a Black Redstart also present. There was an increase in Woodpigeon numbers, with 1230 recorded over the Headland.

Passerines included a Blackcap, four Chiffchaffs, 25 Goldcrests, Grey Wagtail, four Twite, a Siskin, two Lesser Redpolls, two Snow Buntings and five Lapland Buntings.

A light south-west wind and sunny intervals, although it was a colder day than of late. The morning’s seawatch produced two Little Egrets flying south, two Pomarine Skuas and two Bonxies doing the same and a Little Auk flying north. Thirteen Purple Sandpipers were in residence on the Outer Head. Wildfowl moving included two Whooper Swans flying south as well as 59 Pink-footed Geese. South Landing beach attracted 37 Ringed Plovers and the Water Pipit was still present, whilst five Bullfinch were in the nearby trees. Additional passerine records included two Stonechats at Thornwick, three Chiffchaff and two Siskin.

A light/moderate easterly wind and drizzle resulted in a quiet seawatch, where the highlight was a single Little Auk that flew south, whilst 37 Red-throated Divers were on the sea and 55 Shag were present.

South Landing beach again hosted a selection of waders, with a single Bar-tailed Godwit, 20 Redshank and 20+ Ringed Plover present, whilst 25 Rock Pipits was an above average tally.

Another misty day, with persistent drizzle and a light south-south-west wind. A southerly movement of wildfowl took place during the morning’s seawatch with 246 Teal, ten Wigeon, two Tufted Duck, single Pintail and Goldeneye all recorded. In addition, 46 Red-throated Divers were on the sea, three Bar-tailed Godwits flew south, two Pomarine Skuas headed north, as did a Bonxie, and a Little Auk also flew north.

Thornwick Pool attracted 12 Teal, nine Snipe, a Redshank and at least one Water Rail. Two Mistle Thrush and a Chiffchaff were present at Oceanview.

The misty conditions once again prevailed, along with occasional drizzle and a light south-easterly wind. Seawatch highlights included 29 Red-throated Divers flying north, a Great Northern Diver south, six Eider north, a single Pomarine Skua north, with a Bonxie doing the same, and five Little Auks heading north.

A Snow Bunting was on the cliff-top at South Landing, where there were also three Woodcock, whilst a Chiffchaff remained at Oceanview.

A light/moderate south-east wind and misty conditions resulted in a better than average seawatch. A Black-throated Diver flew north, 50 Red-throated Divers blogged north/south, 157 Shags left the North Cliff roost, two dark-bellied Brent Geese flew north and later south, 73 Teal moved south, as did 47 Wigeon, six Goldeneye, four Gadwall and single Tufted Duck, Pochard and Goosander. In addition, 104 Common Scoters flew north, together with 64 Eider, four Velvet Scoters and four Red-breasted Mergansers, with another of the latter species flying south. Seventeen Pomarine Skuas flew north (with a single going south), whilst five Bonxies blogged offshore, eight Little Auks headed north (with another on the sea) and single Puffin and Little Gull headed in the same direction.

A first-winter Caspian Gull rested on fields near Thornwick, where single Redshank, Woodcock and Jack Snipe were present. Single Snow and Lapland Buntings were near South Landing, with other records from that general area including a Merlin, another Woodcock, two Chiffchaffs and two Goldcrests.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliifs included 25 Twite and a Lapland Bunting, whilst four Short-eared Owls were present at Buckton.

A very light westerly wind turned into a moderate north-north-westerly later and occasional sunny spells punctuated a generally overcast day. Seawatch highlights included three Great Northern Divers south (two past the Fog Station and another later past RSPB Bempton Cliffs), 191 Shags left the roost on the cliffs, 88 Teal headed south, with 12 Eider north, ten Wigeon south, eight Shelduck north (and two south), three Goldeneye south, two Gadwall south, a Red-breasted Merganser south and a Goosander north. Four Snipe south and one north were relatively unusual seawatch records, whilst six Pomarine Skuas moved south, as did two Bonxies and a Little Gull, with single Little Auks heading north and south.

A Slavonian Grebe was on the sea off South Dykes during the afternoon, where a Grey Wagtail was on the beach. Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese flew south containing a total of 86 birds, with a single on fields east of Bempton village. A Pintail took up residence at Thornwick Pool, where at least one Water Rail remained, a Woodcock was flushed south of the Lighthouse and passerines included five Chiffchaffs, 18 Siskin, a Redpoll and a Lapland Bunting, with three Snow Buntings flying north over the sea and another south of the Lighthouse.

A Short-eared Owl and an impressive 80 Twite were present at Buckton.

An overcast day, with a very light easterly wind. The seawatch again provided the highlight, when a moulting adult White-billed Diver flew south at 1038hrs. Other sightings, all of birds heading south, included two Great Northern Divers, 217 Shags, single Pintail, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser, two Goosanders, four Pomarine Skuas, two Bonxies and a Little Auk.

Thornwick Pool and its immediate environs attracted a female Pintail, Water Rail, seven Snipe, five Jack Snipe, a Redshank and two Stonechats. Passerines elsewhere on the Headland included a Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests.

A strong north/north-north-east wind and overcast conditions throughout. A Great Northern Diver flew north on the seawatch, together with 453 Fulmars, two Sooty Shearwaters moved south, six Pale-bellied Brent Geese did the same, three Pochard headed north, a Velvet Scoter flew north and a Goosander went south. Ten Pomarine Skuas flew south, together with seven Bonxies, whilst 14 Little Auks moved north, with a further three on the sea.

A Chiffchaff at Oceanview was the only passerine recorded of note.

A light/moderate northerly wind and sunny intervals. Seawatching produced a Sooty Shearwater flying north, a dark-bellied Brent Goose south, two Goldeneye north, a Pomarine Skua south, four Bonxies south (and one north), an adult winter Mediterranean Gull north, 15 Little Auks north and a Puffin moving in the same direction.

Elsewhere, a Teal, Redshank, two Snipe and three Water Rails were at Thornwick Pool, whilst Oceanview hosted single Chiffchaff and Lapland Bunting.

A mostly cloudy day, with the wind from the east force 4 and temperatures low at 7 degrees C.

The early morning sea-watch proved steady, but birds recorded flying north included one Red-breasted Merganser, one Curlew, one Pomarine Skua, one Great Skua and flying south were 209 Shag (from the roost) 11 Common Scoter and three Little Auks. Birds present on the sea off the headland included 25 Red-throated Diver and 75 Gannet.

At South Landing there were six Common Scoter, 15 Redshank, 16 Turnstone, 15 Rock Pipits, one Purple Sandpiper, one Dunlin and two Curlew, whilst 62 Teal were recorded at North Marsh.

A Barn Owl was present along North Marine Road a Chiffchaff remained at Oceanview and a Brambling appeared in a village garden.

A moderate west-north-west wind overcast and a maximum temperature of 5 degrees C. The seawatch was quieter, with 58 Red-throated Divers offshore, a further 16 flying south, 164 Shag noted leaving the cliff roost and a single Snow Bunting heading north.

Fifty Teal remained at North Marsh, with at least one Water Rail at Thornwick Pool and another at the nearby Fishing Lake, and single Woodcock, three Chiffchaffs and two Lapland Buntings at Oceanview.

A sunny but cold day, with a light westerly wind that strengthened during the afternoon. A Little Auk was on the sea off the Headland, with Water Rails present on both Thornwick Pool and the nearby fishing pond. Single Teal and Redshank and two Snipe were also present on Thornwick Pool, with a Snow Bunting overflying the site during the morning. The South Landing/Oceanview area hosted seven Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, two Treecreepers, 30 Tree Sparrows and 14 Reed Buntings. In the same area, ten Song Thrush, including a flock of eight birds, four Fieldfare and two Redwing indicated movement.

The day started with a light south-west wind which turned into a moderate west-north-westerly later, whilst sunny intervals and occasional light showers featured. A Great Northern Diver flew north during the seawatch, with two Bonxies moving south and 191 Shag leaving the roost.

The North Marsh area hosted a Pintail, 65 Teal, a Jack Snipe, five Sparrowhawks together and a Short-eared Owl, whilst five Chiffchaffs remained at Oceanview.

A moderate south-west/westerly wind and sunny intervals. Seawatching produced a Bonxie flying north, two Little Auks north and one south and 41 Red-throated Divers on the sea. Typical of recent mid-winters, after 1000s of Guillemots were present as recently as 5th, less than 100 were present today.

Water Rails were noted at Thornwick Pool and the nearby fishing lake, 18 Ringed Plovers were on South Landing beach, with 14 Fieldfare, five Goldcrests, five Chiffchaffs and a Grey Wagtail in the same general area.

A light south-westerly wind strengthened during the morning, with overcast conditions throughout and temperatures barely exceeding 4 degrees C. The seawatch was quiet, with 17 Red-throated Divers on the sea, three Common Scoters flying south and two Kittiwakes moving north. A single Razorbill was present amongst fewer than 100 Guillemots.

The female Pintail was again on North Marsh, together with 27 Teal, whilst single Lapwing and Redshank were present on Thornwick Pool. Oceanview hosted a Grey Heron and one Chiffchaff.

A strong south-west wind, sunny intervals and temperatures between 4 and 6 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew south, 1188 Fulmars moved north, with a single Blue Fulmar noted for the first time since late September. A Velvet Scoter flew south, two Peregrines overflew the Fog Station and 12 Purple Sandpipers were present on the Outer Head. Waders on South Landing beach included a Bar-tailed Godwit and four Sanderling, whilst a Chiffchaff remained at Oceanview.

A strong westerly wind and sunny conditions. During the seawatch, a Great Northern Diver flew south, 295 Fulmars headed north (with 50 south), a Bonxie went south, whilst 31 Red-throated Divers were on the sea, 150 Shag left the roost and seven Purple Sandpipers were present. A female-type Velvet Scoter remained off South Landing, with single Bar-tailed Godwit, five Sanderlings and a Grey Wagtail on the beach. Two Wigeon and 34 Teal were on North Marsh, whilst Thornwick Pool continued to host a Water Rail. A Chiffchaff remained at Oceanview.

A moderate north-westerly changed into a south-westerly later, with sunshine predominating after an overcast start and temperatures were low at 3 degrees C. The seawatch produced 246 Fulmars flying north, a Velvet Scoter also north, 120 Shags heading south from the roost, a Peregrine over and three Little Auks flying north.

Another Velvet Scoter remained off South Landing, where a Bar-tailed Godwit and six Sanderling were on the beach. A female Stonechat frequented the Bay Brambles, whilst a Chiffchaff stayed at Oceanview.

A light westerly wind, sunny throughout and cold, with temperatures barely above freezing (2 degrees C) after a heavy frost. Seawatching produced a Black-throated Diver flying north, 559 Fulmars doing the same, a Pomarine Skua and two Bonxies heading north, as did three Little Auks.

Another Little Auk appeared off South Landing late afternoon, with the female Velvet Scoter still in residence. Other South Landing sightings included a Water Rail, ten Sanderling, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Mistle Thrush and six Siskin. Five Whooper Swans flew south over nearby Oceanview, where there were also two Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests and 60 Tree Sparrows. Seventeen Yellowhammers and a Grey Wagtail were present at Hartendale.

Thornwick Pool hosted two Water Rails, three Redshank and four Snipe, whilst a Barn Owl hunted the adjacent grassland. Four Stonechats were located alongside the cliff top path between Thornwick Bay and North Dykes, where a Pink-footed Goose flew south.

The Buckton area held a Grey Heron, two Short-eared Owls, a male Stonechat and 40 Yellowhammers.

The weather featured a moderate/strong south-westerly, overcast and temperatures rising to 7 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew south on the seawatch, as did 245 Shag from the roost and four Common Scoter. Large numbers of Guillemots were again present, with significant numbers in breeding plumage on the ledges.

A breezy but fine day, with moderate south-westerly winds and overcast conditions dominating the weather. The seawatch was relatively quiet, but did produce 2 Whooper Swan flying south and a single Black-throated Diver. At South Landing an adult Long-tailed Duck was seen along with a single Velvet Scoter. Six species of wader were on South Landing beach, including 6 Sanderling and a Bar-tailed Godwit.

The calm weather continued today, with moderate westerly winds and hazy sunshine for most of the day. Temperatures were around average, dropping to freezing by the end of the day. The morning seawatch produced some variety with a Black-throated Diver and a Little Auk. Eight Pomarine Skua was a good day count for December, along with a single Great Skua.

Northcliff Marsh continues to hold the best numbers of freshwater duck on the headland, with 69 Teal counted along with 2 Wigeon and 11 Mallard. Also at Northcliff Marsh, were 2 Stonechat and 2 Peregrine. Thornwick Pool held 2 Water Rail and a single Teal.

West of the Dykes, there were three Short-eared Owls and 12 Corn Buntings at Buckton and pairs of Stonechat at both Bempton and Buckton.

A Great Northern Diver and a drake Long-tailed Duck were located on the sea immediately east of South Landing. Water Rails were noted both at Thornwick Pool and also in the nearby ‘roost reedbed’, the Barn Owl was again feeding over the nearby grassland, whilst two pairs of Stonechat were present on the cliffs in and around Thornwick Bay. One Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests remained in residence at Oceanview.

A mild, overcast day with a moderate south-westerly wind. Seawatching produced a single Great Northern Diver flying south, a Purple Sandpiper south and single Kittiwake and Razorbill. A total of 239 Shags left the roost, whilst 20 Purple Sandpipers were also in residence. Seaduck off South Landing included a drake Long-tailed Duck, 11 Common and one Velvet Scoter. A Rock Pipit that has visited a garden in the middle of the village recently represents an especially unusual record.

A moderate west-south-westerly wind and sunny conditions predominated. Seawatching produced 203 Fulmars moving north, one dark-bellied Brent Goose doing the same, a Bonxie flying south, four Kittiwakes and a Little Auk heading north. At least one Water Rail remained in residence at Thornwick Pool, whilst single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest lingered at Oceanview.

The Grey Heron remained at Buckton, with a Water Rail near the Dell, a minimum of three Stonechats and 30 Twite.

A strong west-north-westerly and variable cloud resulted in an excellent winter seawatch. A single Great Northern Diver flew south, 1806 Fulmars flew north, including six ‘Blue Fulmars‘, a Whooper Swan went north, as did two Pintail. Fourteen Pomarine Skuas flew south, a record December tally, whilst a single Arctic Skua moved south, four Bonxies did the same (with one north), a Mediterranean Gull flew south, 17 Little Auks headed north and a Puffin flew south. Elsewhere, the beach at South Dykes attracted six Sanderling.

A moderate south-westerly later switched into a south-easterly, whilst conditions remained overcast throughout. A Black-throated Diver flew south during the morning’s seawatch, with two Great Northern Divers heading north and 45 Red-throated Divers in residence. A Blue Fulmar flew south, whilst 319 Shag left the roost. A Velvet Scoter went south, two Pomarine Skuas moved north and another went south.

A strong south westerly force 5 wind predominated. Temperatures were again mild. The seawatch produced 5 Red-throated Diver (plus 21 on the sea), 77 Fulmar (57 north), 3 Common Scoter and 2 Razorbill, whilst 278 Shag left the roost. A total of 650 Common Gull were roosting off Selwick’s Bay.

Elsewhere, North Marsh hosted 4 Wigeon, 76 Teal, 21 Mallard and a Lapwing. Waders at South Landing included 9 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew, 7 Turnstone and 10 Redshank.

Weather was again overcast, with a moderate south westerly wind. A Water Pipit found at South Landing along with 9 Rock Pipit and is thought to be a different bird to that present in November. Also at South Landing were 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 22 Common Scoter and a Goosander flew west. Elsewhere on the land, a Merlin was present at North Landing and a single Chiffchaff remained at Oceanview.

A productive seawatch saw a Slavonian Grebe heading south, along with a Great Northern Diver. Other totals included 5 Red-throated Diver and 62 Fulmar; 264 Shag left the roost and 14 Purple Sandpiper were around rocks below the fog station.

Weather was sunny with a force 5 south-westerly wind. The Water Pipit was again on the beach at South Landing. Other notable land birds included the Chiffchaff at Oceanview and 2 Sanderling on the beach at South Landing.

Another Great Northern Diver flew south on the mornings sea watch, with single Pomarine and Great Skuas north. The number of Shag leaving the roost dropped considerably to just 116.

Water Pipit, South Landing, by Martin Garner

A force 3-4 north-westerly resulted in good sea watching conditions, with 303 Fulmar heading north, including one blue morph. Two Great Northern Diver flew south, with 24 Red-throated Diver also noted and 153 Shag left the roost.

Elsewhere, the Water Pipit remained at South Landing along with 6 Rock Pipit. A Woodcock and Grey Heron were at Thornwick Pools.

Peregrine, by Martin Garner

Conditions were overcast, with a light southerly wind. The Water Pipit continued its stay at South Landing, along with 2 Chiffchaff. A further Chiffchaff was again at Oceanview. A single Velvet Scoter was on the sea off South Dykes. Jack Snipe and Woodcock were at Thornwick Pool, with another Woodcock at Breil Nook. 89 Teal were recorded around the headland, whilst a notable count of 200 Lapwing were in fields immediately west of Danes Dyke.

Single Long-tailed Duck and Red-breasted Merganser flew past on the seawatch. The number of Shag in the roost dropped again to just 72.

Water Pipit, South Landing, by Andy Hood

Weather was unsettled with heavy rain showers throughout the day. A force 3 north-westerly was again conducive to good sea-watching. Particularly notable were movements of duck heading north, including 1 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Shoveler (south) and 5 Wigeon. Other birds on the seawatch were 1 Pomarine Skua (south), 1 Great Northern Diver (north), 10 Red-throated Diver and 73 Fulmar, including 1 blue morph. A total of 17,350 Guillemot flew north, with 250 heading south; only 5 Razorbill were seen and 56 Shag left the roost.

On the land, the Chiffchaff at Oceanview was the only notable occurrence.

Guillemot, by Martin Garner

Seawatching again provided the day’s highlights as a result of a force 2 north-easterly wind. Totals of birds heading north included 83 Red-throated Divers (plus 9 south), two Black-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 188 Fulmar (8 south), two Manx Shearwater, 90 Eider, 17 Common Scoter (11 south), 1 Velvet Scoter, 2 Goosander, 1 Pomarine Skua and 2 Great Skua. Just 34 Shag left the roost.

On the land, the Thornwick area held four Jack Snipe, 9 Common Snipe and a Water Rail.

Fieldfare, by Martin Garner

The weather was cold and sunny, with a moderate north westerly wind. The Chiffchaff remained at Oceanview, along with a flock of 20 Reed Bunting. Elsewhere, North Marsh held 49 Teal and a Shelduck.

On the seawatch, highlights included 30 Red-throated Diver (16 north), one Great Northern Diver (south), three Great Skuas (south) and 396 Fulmar.

A partly cloudy day, with south-westerly winds of force 3-4 and temperature 6c.

Seawatching from the headland was steady, but produced 34 Red-throated Diver south, 12 Fulmar south and five north, two Gannet south and seven north, one Puffin south and 135 Shag around the headland. There were also a few hundred Guillemot moving both north and south during the seawatch.

In the South Landing area there were 16 Red-legged Partridge, one Curlew, six Redshank, and two Great Spotted Woodpecker. North Marsh held 89 Teal, seven Wigeon and one Short-eared Owl. Thornwick Pools produced a lone Jack Snipe, three Snipe and five Fieldfare, while nearby Oceanview recorded a single Grey Plover flying south.

At Buckton, up to two Water Rail were calling from the Main Dell at dusk.

So, on the last day of 2014, the Flamborough Team would like to thank everyone for all the records and images kindly submitted and wish everyone a Happy New Year. What will we get in 2015?