Category: Sightings

The weather consisted of overcast skies in the main, a moderate/strong south-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. Two Gadwall flew south during the morning’s seawatch which also featured an Eider, 54 Common Scoters, four Red-throated Divers, 12 Manx Shearwaters and seven Sandwich Terns. Two Ruddy Shelduck flew west past South Landing, where a creamcrown Marsh Harrier was also recorded. Thornwick Pools hosted single Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper, as well as two Dunlin.

The Woodchat Shrike remained at the Gorse Field, albeit it was elusive for most of the day. A Green Woodpecker was a notable local record, whilst a Hooded Crow lingered at North Marsh. Two Wheatears, a Tree Pipit and five Corn Buntings were also recorded, while the Black-browed Albatross again visited RSPB Bempton Cliffs, although there were no sign of the bird mid-evening.

Woodchat Shrike, outer head, by Andrew Allport

A blustery south-westerly wind featured throughout a day that started overcast with spells of rain and ended with prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at 18 degrees C. Two Little Terns were a highlight of the morning seawatch that was also rewarded with two Red-throated Divers, 30 Manx Shearwaters, 14 Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie.

The male Woodchat Shrike remained in the Gorse Field, but continued to be elusive. Elsewhere, Thornwick Pools/Lakes attracted a Mute Swan, one Tufted Duck, four Little Ringed Plovers and a Channel Wagtail. A Hobby toured the headland, the Hooded Crow was still in the North Marsh area and a Spotted Flycatcher frequented the Golf Course Willows.

The Black-browed Albatross once again graced RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, fairly strong westerly winds and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. Single Hobby and Marsh Harrier flew over South Landing, while a Short-eared Owl flew east from Old Fall Hedge in the morning. Two Little Ringed Plovers visited Thornwick Pools and a lone Purple Sandpiper remained near the Fog Station. There was no sign of the Woodchat, with a female Common Redstart the most notable migrant passerine. The Black-browed Albatross appeared at RSPB Bempton Cliffs in the afternoon.

A relatively bright, sunny day with a moderate north-north-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 14 degrees C. A summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver flew north during a seawatch that also featured a Red-throated Diver, 78 Manx Shearwaters, eight Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and a Bonxie heading in the same direction. The ever elusive Woodchat Shrike showed in the Gorse Field until mid-morning but not since, while a Cuckoo frequented South Dykes. Elsewhere, the Black-browed Albatross continued to entertain at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; a Marsh Harrier also flew north-west inland of the reserve.

Moderate/strong northerly winds gradually abated as sunny intervals prevailed after a damp start, with temperatures reaching 12 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with a summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver, three Red-throated Divers, 56 Manx Shearwaters, a Bonxie and an Arctic Skua flying north. The Woodchat Shrike continued in residence in the Gorse Field but remained elusive, whilst a pair of Nuthatch were feeding young in South Dykes. The Black-browed Albatross again entertained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A generally overcast day, with occasional showers and temperatures that peaked at 11 degrees C. Nineteen Manx Shearwaters and five Sandwich Terns flew north during a morning seawatch along with a lone Bonxie. Thornwick Pools attracted two Avocets, three Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin and a Water Rail. The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs until 1540hrs when it flew out to sea.

Light northerly winds, occasional sunny intervals and temperatures pegged back at a maximum of 11 degrees C. Three Red-throated Divers, three Manx Shearwaters, 12 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flew north during the morning’s seawatch; a Bonxie was present off South Dykes. A Bee-eater that flew south-south-east over the Lighthouse Grassland at 0800hrs represented the day’s highlight. Otherwise the Thornwick area attracted two Mute Swans, two Tufted Ducks, three Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper. Single Redwing and Spotted Flycatcher were the most obvious passerine migrants. The Black-browed Albatross returned to RSPB Bempton Cliffs mid-afternoon.

The weather consisted of light winds generally from the north, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. Two Mute Swans flew north during the morning’s seawatch, when ten Manx Shearwaters and six Sandwich Terns moved in the same direction; a Hooded Crow over the Fog Station continued the species recent good run of records. Seven Mute Swans frequented the Thornwick area, where a lone Whimbrel overflew the pools.

The Black-browed Albatross continued to give good views at RSPB Bermpton Cliffs where a Bee-eater hawked over the visitor centre before drifting towards Buckton.

Sunny throughout with light winds initially westerly in direction backing easterly in the afternoon; temperatures peaked at 16 degrees C. Three species dominated the headlines: a series of Bee-eater records, the Black-browed Albatross which remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs (until it flew strongly out to sea) and a continental Swallowtail butterfly which was a stunning record at the same location; seen to fly in off the sea, it then fed on the cliff top before heading north-west. Quite how many Bee-eaters were present was hard to determine with certainty, although it is likely three Bee-eaters were involved: with a couple of sightings of lone individuals (following similar records over recent days) and two birds together. The latter duo ranged widely and were seen at Bempton on two occasions and as Far East as the lighthouse. Five Little Gulls south along the North Cliffs were notable.

Generally overcast skies, a light/moderate easterly wind and temperatures reaching 12 degrees C. Eight Shelduck and a Red-throated Diver flew south, with another Red-throated Diver, two Manx Shearwaters and 41 Sandwich Terns headed north. Although there were no further signs of yesterday’s Bee-eaters, a Rose-coloured Starling added colour to proceedings when it joined the starling flock in the Gorse Field late afternoon. Elsewhere, five Mute Swans toured the headland, three Ringed Plovers, two Little Ringed Plovers and two Dunlin frequented Thornwick Pools. The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where another four Ringed Plovers flew north.

A cold, overcast day, with temperatures pegged back at 11 degrees C in a moderate north-north-easterly wind. Seawatching produced 45 Canada Geese flying south, 15 Manx Shearwaters and 12 Sandwich Terns. Two Mistle Thrush, a singing Reed Warbler in a hedge and three Corn Buntings were present on the outer head. Thornwick Pools attracted three Ringed Plovers, three Little Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper. A male Bluethroat was reported at RSPB Bempton Cliffs by visitors, where the Black-browed Albatross returned to the cliffs late evening; six Ringed Plovers and a Whimbrel also flew north-west there.

An overcast day, with rain arriving early afternoon and temperatures only reaching 12 degrees C. Seawatching was quiet, with a Red-throated Diver, seven Manx Shearwaters and six Sandwich Terns the sole records of note. Thornwick Pools continued to host a Common Sandpiper and a Dunlin, with two Teal new arrivals; a Hobby overflew the same site in the morning. Passerine migrants were absent, with a Grasshopper Warbler in the Lighthouse Grassland almost certainly in temporary residence for the summer. The Black-browed Albatross showed well sporadically throughout at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a lone Bonxie was also present.

Moderate/strong northerly winds featured throughout an overcast day, with temperatures suppressed at 14 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 30 Common Scoters, five Red-throated Divers, nine Manx Shearwaters, 14 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern, a Bonxie and an Arctic Skua (north). Thornwick Lakes/Pools attracted eight Mute Swans, four Oystercatchers, four Ringed Plovers, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin, one Curlew and a Common Sandpiper. Land-based migrants also included a Cuckoo and two Spotted Flycatchers. Elsewhere, the Black-browed Albatross returned to RSPB Bempton Cliffs late afternoon having been absent.

A day of two halves: overcast with spells of drizzle in a moderate north-westerly initially, followed by sunny intervals and lighter easterlies; temperatures reached 15 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with 11 Common Scoters, nine Manx Shearwaters, a Little Ringed Plover, nine Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie. A Quail sang from a field adjacent to Thornwick Camp, whilst the Black-browed Albatross continued to show on the nearby cliffs at Bempton.

A misty start with drizzle and temperatures of 12 degrees C in the morning, thundery showers early afternoon and the day ended with prolonged sunshine and a high of 21 degrees C. The run of Bee-eater sightings continued, with a lone bird moving south-east over Old Fall at 1230hrs, while a female Red-backed Shrike at South Landing was new for the year. Elsewhere, a Gadwall dropped onto Thornwick Pools and three Corn Buntings lingered on the outer head.

A movement of Swifts was evident at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a total of 61 heading south-east; the Black-browed Albatross was seen on the sea off the same site.

The weather consisted of light/moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching a high of 20 degrees C. A female/immature male Common Rosefinch photographed along Old Fall Hedge mid-morning was the day’s highlight, while yesterday’s female Red-backed Shrike remained at South Landing.

Typical of the month, there was a notable passage of Canada Geese, with 169 logged during the day. A migrant Reed Warbler sang from cover on the edge of the Golf Course, while there were four Corn Buntings south of the lighthouse. Continuing its daily run, the Black-browed Albatross spent a considerable portion of the day sat on the cliffs at Bempton.

The weather featured a blustery south-west wind, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. A relatively quiet day, with 44 Swifts flying south past the Lighthouse in 30 minutes., while Thornwick Pools attracted a Ringed Plover and two Dunlin. Three Corn Buntings were still present on the outer head, with another two birds near North Dykes. The Black-browed Albatross flew out to sea at RSPB Bempton Cliffs in the morning.

A day of blustery south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. Three Manx Shearwaters, seven Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern were recorded off the headland. Six Mute Swans remained on Thornwick Lakes, while nearby, a Cuckoo was calling near the allotments. On the outer head, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler was indicative of successful breeding. In addition, the Black-browed Albatross returned to RSPB Bempton Cliffs mid-morning and spent much of the day resting on its favoured ledge.

Strong west-south-westerly winds established during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. Seven Shelduck flew north during the morning’s seawatch, as did a Red-throated Diver, Manx Shearwater and 13 Sandwich Terns. Eight Mute Swans, a Ringed Plover and a Dunlin were in the Thornwick area, while a Grey Wagtail south past the Fog Station was presumably the same individual relocated at the Water Treatment Works. The Black-browed Albatross remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where four Ringed Plovers headed north-west.

Moderate/strong westerly winds, sunny intervals and highs of 18 degrees C unusually resulted in the year’s first significant movement of shearwaters, with 327 Manx heading north during the morning; 15 Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns were also recorded during the same seawatch. A White Wagtail at North Dykes was a late record, while nearby, the Black-browed Albatross continued to frequent the cliffs at Staple, Bempton.

Sunny intervals dominated, with light onshore winds establishing in the afternoon pegging back temperatures to a maximum of 15 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 26 Common Scoters, 30 Manx Shearwaters, 31 Sandwich Terns and three Common Terns flying north. Although the Black-browed Albatross was absent all day, a Great White Egret flew north-west at RSPB Bempton Cliffs early evening.

Light onshore winds established once again on a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. A Red-throated Diver, two Manx Shearwaters, a first-summer Mediterranean Gull and 31 Sandwich Terns flew north during the morning’s seawatch; 50 Common Scoters flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Ringed Plover and two Green Sandpipers. Passerine interest included a late migrant Reed Warbler at the Lighthouse with a Grasshopper Warbler singing nearby.

A warm, sunny day with light winds and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. Seven Curlew below the South Cliffs were presumably failed breeders heading south, while the singing Corn Bunting was still in residence nearby at Cattlemere. A Hobby appeared at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but there were no signs of the albatross for the third consecutive day.

The hottest day for several years, with sunny intervals, a strengthening south-westerly wind and temperatures that peaked at 29 degrees C by mid-afternoon. Seawatch highlights included 53 Common Scoters, 19 Manx Shearwaters, six Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flying north. A ‘southerly’ Swift movement was apparent, with 216 moving south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs and smaller numbers skirting the cliffs past the lighthouse; a Hobby at Bempton was also associated with this movement. Late passerine migrants included a White Wagtail at Thornwick Pools and a Spotted Flycatcher at Old Fall, while an influx of migrant insects included three Hummingbird Hawkmoths.

Sunny intervals were followed by overcast skies with light rain arriving by evening; light northerly winds ensured temperatures were pegged back after yesterday’s excesses to only 17 degrees C. A total of 89 Manx Shearwaters flew past the Fog Station together with 27 Common Scoters, a Red-throated Diver and 39 Sandwich Terns. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Great White Egret that flew north-west along with an adult Yellow-legged Gull; a Redwing was an unseasonal visitor to the Dell. Yesterday’s insect arrival was still apparent, with eight Hummingbird Hawk-moths and 30 Red Admiral recorded at Bempton.

A light/moderate northerly wind established during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 291 Manx Shearwaters north, 16 Sandwich Terns, four Common Terns, three Arctic Terns (north) and an Arctic Skuas south. Thornwick Pools hosted an eclipse male Shoveler. Elsewhere, the Redwing remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The weather consisted of light/moderate north-north-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 17 degrees C. A significant northerly movement of shearwaters took place, with 680 Manx logged moving north between 0740-1630hrs; other notable records included 118 Common Scoters, a Red-throated Diver, six Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern and an Arctic Tern all heading in the same direction. Five first-summer Mute Swans re-appeared on Thornwick Pools, with four birds on the sea off Beacon Hill in the morning. However, the star re-appearance was the Black-browed Albatross back over Staple Newk, RSPB Bempton Cliffs from late afternoon.

Shoveler, Thornwick Pools, by Don Hustings (19/06)

A largely warm, sunny day with onshore winds developing in the afternoon; temperatures peaked at 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 15 Manx Shearwater, a second calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull, 16 Sandwich Terns, eight Common Terns and an Arctic Tern all flying north. The Black-browed Albatross showed well on the sea off North Landing early afternoon before it returned to RSPB Bempton Cliffs in the evening. The Thornwick area attracted six Mute Swans and a Little Grebe.

Gannet, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore wind developing and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was quiet, with 24 Common Scoters, a Manx Shearwater and 13 Sandwich Terns. Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Egret and two Oystercatchers, while the Black-browed Albatross spent the day at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Moderate east-south-easterlies developed during a largely sunny day, with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Four Manx Shearwaters, six Sandwich Terns and four Common Terns flew south during the seawatch, with two Arctic Terns moving in the opposite direction. Five Mute Swans and a Little Ringed Plover were in residence at Thornwick, with a lone Mute Swan south over Breil Nook. A total of 142 Swifts headed south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where the Black-browed Albatross continued to entertain.

Another generally sunny day, with spells of high cloud, a light south-south-easterly and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. The day’s highlight related to a Fin Whale that moved north past the Fog Station at 1005hrs; this represents the fourth record over the last decade. Additional seawatch records included 103 Common Scoters, 21 Manx Shearwaters and eight Sandwich Terns flying north, with an Arctic Tern south. A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins swam south past RSPB Bempton Cliffs heading for the outer head late afternoon, but there were no signs of the albatross. Thornwick Pools attracted a Red-Veined Darter along with five Mute Swans, two Oystercatchers and a Little Ringed Plover. Elsewhere, 70 Swifts moved south past the outer head, with a Cuckoo and two Corn Buntings in the same area.

The spell of prolonged sunny intervals continued, with a blustery south-easterly wind developing and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was quiet, with 18 Common Scoters, a Red-throated Diver, five Manx Shearwaters and 12 Sandwich Terns logged. Thornwick Pools hosted two Oystercatchers, a Little Ringed Plover and two Green Sandpipers, while Black-browed Albatross once again graced the cliffs at Bempton.

Another day of prolonged sunny intervals, a strong southerly wind and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. A lone Arctic Skua flew south during the morning seawatch that also featured a Mediterranean Gull and a Red-throated Diver. Six Mute Swans remained on the Lakes, while a pair of Stonechat were feeding young at South Dykes; the fourth successful pair of a record-breaking year. The Black-browed Albatross showed sporadically at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a creamcrown Marsh Harrier hunted fields east of the village.

The weather consisted of moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and a band showers in the afternoon, while temperatures peaked at 18 degrees C. The latter half of June can turn up long distance vagrants and, whilst the outer head slumbers due to a lack of coverage, RSPB Bempton Cliffs delivered the goods when an adult Turkestan Shrike made landfall on the cliff top at Staple mid-afternoon. Unfortunately, it soon headed inland and there were no further signs. Nearby, the Black-browed Albatross proved more co-operative.

Seawatching on the outer head produced four Teal, a Red-throated Diver, four Manx Shearwaters, a Whimbrel, two Mediterranean Gulls, six Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua. Elsewhere, one Black-tailed Godwit dropped onto Thornwick Pools, a Hobby hunted the skies above South Dykes, while a Cuckoo frequented nearby South Landing.

Another day of prolonged sunny intervals, a light/moderate southerly wind and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. Yesterday’s Turkestan (Red-tailed) Shrike delighted many when it was relocated east of Bempton village mid-afternoon; it was still present late evening. Nearby, the Black-browed Albatross remained on the reserve.

On the outer head, the run of Mediterranean Gull records continued on the seawatch, with four birds off the Fog Station, including three together, while a Nuthatch at South Landing was unsual.

After a relatively overcast start with light showers, sunny intervals and a moderate south-easterly wind established; temperatures reached 18 degrees C. The Red-tailed (Turkestan) Shrike delighted many east of Bempton village, albeit b y the evening it could only be viewed distantly. Nearby the Black-browed Albatross also entertained on the nearby cliffs.

Passage waders at Thornwick Pools included the first Wood Sandpiper of the year, together with two Green Sandpipers, an Oystercatcher, one Little Ringed Plover and a Redshank; five Whimbrel also flew south-east over the Hedland, with another ding the same on the morning’s seawatch.

A more overcast day than of late, with cloud increasing in the afternoon, a south-easterly wind developing and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. The Red-tailed (Turkestan) Shrike remained east of Bempton village, while the Black-browed Albatross again showed well at Staple Newk; the reserve’s purple patch continued, when an Alpine Swift flew in off the sea early afternoon and, after showing over the visitor centre, it headed south.

A Hawfinch visiting garden feeders in Flamborough village represented the second consecutive mid-summer occurrence in similar circumstance. Thornwick Pools attracted five Green Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover, one Redshank and a Greenshank, while at least four Mediterranean Gulls were off the Fog Station/South Landing.

Thundery showers during a day of sunny intervals, light winds and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. Both the Red-tailed Shrike and Black-browed Albatross remained at Bempton, where two Spoonbills flew north over Staple Newk in the morning.

A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was the highlight of the morning’s seawatch at the outer head, with other notable totals comprising 46 Common Scoters, 28 Manx Shearwaters, a Bonxie, 22 Sandwich Terns and five Arctic Terns. A Hobby hunted over Thornwick Pools, where there were also two Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and a Little Ringed Plover. The Hawfinch again visited feeders in Flamborough village.

The morning featured several showers, while sunny intervals dominated the latter half of the day; temperatures reached 21 degrees C in a light/moderate south-south-westerly. The continued presence of both the Black-browed Albatross and the Red-tailed Shrike stole the headlines. A Quail was heard from the RSPB car park and additional sightings there included a Blue Fulmar, two Spoonbills in off the sea, a Black-tailed Godwit flying south-east and 385 Swifts over the village late afternoon.

A seawatch at the Fog Station produced 19 Manx Shearwaters, 11 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern. Thornwick Pools attracted two Ruff, two Green Sandpipers, a Dunlin, one Little Ringed Plover and a Ringed Plover; a Hobby also hunted the outer head.

The weather consisted of westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at 20 degrees C. The Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike continued to delight visitors, with the latter taking up residence at Wandale Farm; the value of increased observer coverage was amply demonstrated at the latter site with a Quail, Little Owl, Nuthatch and two Black Redstart also present. Additional sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Marsh Harriers and a Grey Plover flying south-east and 313 Swifts moving north-west.

Thornwick Pools hosted a Grey Plover, one Black-tailed Godwit, five Redshanks, two Green Sandpipers and a Grey Wagtail. Seawatch highlights included an Arctic Skua, six Eider and five Teal moving south.

Blustery westerly winds established during a cloudier day, with sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. The Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where four Great White Egrets flew south-east over Staple Newk before they headed around the headland; a colour-ringed individual chose to linger on the outer head, whilst the others pushed south over Bridlington Bay. In addition, the Little Owl and a Black Redstart were still in residence at Wandale Farm.

Seawatch highlights included two Gadwall, 57 Common Scoters, two Red-throated Divers, 14 Manx Shearwaters, a Mediterranean Gull, six Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua.

It was a day of variable, but light winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. A tally of 48 Manx Shearwaters flew north during the morning, with three Gadwall, two Red-throated Divers, 11 Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns also recorded. Elsewhere, a Mediterranean Gull flew past South Dykes and a juvenile Dunlin dropped in at Thornwick Pools. The Black-browed Albatross loafed on the sea between North Dykes and North Landing, then returning to the cliffs before heading out to sea. Also remaining, the Red-tailed Shrike continued its residence at Wandale Farm.

The weather consisted of blustery westerly winds, largely overcast skies and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. A total of 64 Common Scoters flew past the outer head during a seawatch that also featured eight Manx Shearwaters, 20 Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie; a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins lingered off the headland for much of the day. Six Mute Swans remained on Thornwick Lakes, while the nearby Pools attracted single Little Ringed Plover and a Dunlin.

Elsewhere, both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike continued their prolonged stay at Bempton. A Great White Egret flew north over Sewerby, while details of the Great White Egret that lingered on the outer head two days ago: a juvenile female ringed on 12 May 2022 at Ham Wall in Somerset and, surprisingly, this is the first sighting since then.

The day started with blustery northerly winds, although ended with a light, variable breeze, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. A total of 276 Manx Shearwaters flew north, together with 40 Common Scoters, a Red-throated Diver, one Little Egret, two Common Terns, an Arctic Skua and a Bonxie, with four Sandwich terns and an Arctic Skua moving south. The Black-browed Albatross flew out to sea mid-morning at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with the Red-tailed Shrike at Wandale Farm.

A sunny day, with light variable winds and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. The day’s undoubted highlight came during the morning’s seawatch when a Caspian Tern flew north past the Fog Station. Picked up on call, the bird flew north at 1036hrs at very close range and represented the third record for the headland, following accepted records at Bempton on 18th July 1973 and off the Fog Station on 6th May 1990. Additional seawatch records included 138 Common Scoters, two Red-throated Divers, 35 Manx Shearwaters, 29 Sandwich Terns, three Common Terns, two Arctic Terns, a Bonxie and an Arctic Skua all moving north. An adult and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover spent the day at Thornwick Pools. Meanwhile, both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton.

Relatively light winds veered from the north-west to the east during the afternoon; otherwise the weather consisted of sunny skies and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 119 Common Scoters north, a Red-throated Diver, 29 Manx Shearwaters, 15 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and six Arctic Skuas. Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike lingered at Bempton.

Sunny throughout, with light onshore winds and temperatures reaching 22 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 128 Common Scoters, 12 Manx Shearwaters, four Little Egrets, a Bar-tailed Godwit, three Mediterranean Gulls, 34 Sandwich Terns, five Arctic Terns and two Bonxies north; another Mediterranean Gull flew south, while the year’s first Minke Whale fed amongst the ‘seabird frenzies’. The Black-browed Albatross fed off South Landing early morning amongst large numbers of seabirds, but had returned to Bempton by the evening; the Red-tailed Shrike remained at Wandale Farm, where a Hobby was also recorded.

Another warm, sunny day with temperatures reaching 20 degrees C before an onshore wind developed. A total of 360 Common Scoters moved north during the morning’s seawatch, with other notable sightings including 45 Sandwich Terns north, two Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull. Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Ringed Plovers, a Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper.

Both the Black-browed Albatross and the Turkestan Shrike lingered at Bempton, where single Little Egret and Marsh Harrier flew south-east, along with six Siskin.

A relatively overcast, calm but warm day, with temperatures reaching 22 degrees C. The undoubted highlight was the sight of hundreds of thousands of seabirds feeding off the headland in a scene described as unprecedented by observers who have seawatched locally for over 50 years! Presumably the vast majority were from the local colony or those within the vicinity, with the following also logged flying past; 283 Common Scoters, 13 Manx Shearwaters, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 42 Sandwich Terns (including the year’s first juvenile), an Arctic Tern and three Arctic Skuas. An additional three second calendar-year Mediterranean Gulls and 60 Common Scoters were off South Landing early evening, while Thornwick Pools hosted two Shoveler, a Tufted Duck, two Little Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper.

Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where another Mediterranean Gull and a lone Whinchat were recorded.

The temperatures were lower than of late, with a light/moderate north-north-westerly wind resulting in peak temperatures of 18 degrees C. Four Teal, 88 Common Scoters, three Manx Shearwaters and 16 Sandwich Terns flew north during the morning’s seawatch. Thornwick Pools hosted four Teal, two Little Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper, while the first southbound migrant Wheatear was nearby. Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike continued in residence at Bempton.