Category: Sightings

A relatively overcast day, with occasional light showers and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C in a light northerly wind. Seawatch highlights included 275 Common Scoters, 22 Manx Shearwaters, two Mediterranean Gulls, 40 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and two Arctic Skuas moving north. Thornwick Pools attracted a juvenile Little Ringed Plover and three Dunlin.

Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where further sightings included one Marsh Harrier, a Cuckoo, one Redwing and a juvenile Common Redstart.

A relatively overcast day, with occasional light showers, a moderate westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 22 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, a total of 53 Common Scoter flew north, together with the year’s first Red-breasted Merganser, 35 Manx Shearwaters, 24 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua,; five Oystercatchers and a Dunlin moved south. The juvenile Little Ringed Plover remained at Thornwick Pools, whilst 252 Swifts moved west over South Landing and a juvenile Cuckoo frequented the Lighthouse Grassland. Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike continued in summer residence at Bempton.

The day was sunny throughout with a light to moderate south-easterly keeping temperatures comfortably warm, peaking at 19°C.

Seawatching produced the expected Common Scoters (49) and Manx Shearwaters (21) as 214 Sandwich Terns and two Mediterranean Gulls also passed. Single Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit were the only waders but the bird of the watch was a dark phase Pomarine Skua. A Black Redstart was at the lighthouse while Thornwick Pools again held a Little Ringed Plover and a Green Sandpiper.

The star birds, Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike, showed well again. Other notable birds at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a Red Kite, a Marsh Harrier, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and two Siskin and four Yellow Wagtails passed through.

A pleasant day weather-wise with light variable winds and a maximum temperature of 20 Celsius.

The morning watch at the Fog Station logged 221 Common Scoter north, 15 Manx Shearwaters, a Mediterranean Gull, two Arctic Skuas and 297 Sandwich Terns. In addition, a Storm Petrel was lured and trapped at 2 a.m.

South Landing attracted two Nuthatches while Thornwick Pools still held a juvenile Little Ringed Plover as well as six Yellow Wagtails and a Corn Bunting.

The Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike still enthralled at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where other highlights included a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, three Mediterranean Gulls, a Golden Plover and a Marsh Harrier.

A hot day, the sun only broken by occaisional high, thin cloud. The afternoon temperature, moderated by a light easterly breeze, reached 23 Celsius.

The morning’s seawatch logged 13 Manx Shearwater, 228 Sandwich Terns an two Dunlin.

Thornwick Pools still held a Little Ringed Plover, one Teal, four Yellow Wagtails and a Corn Bunting.

Wader passage was noted at Bempton Cliffs RSPB with 22 Black-taild Godwit, 30 Knot, 12 Dunlin and a Redshank all heading south-east. The Red-tailed Shrike remained in situ.

Certainly the hottest day of the year thus far. Temperatures only fell to 18 Celsius overnight and rose to 25 Celsius often with high hazy cloud. The temperature was undoubtedly much lower than it would otherwise have been without a cooling light to moderate south-easterly sea breeze.

Southbound waders were the main feature of the seawatch with 47 Knot, 25 Sanderling, 204 Dunlin, 148 Redshank and two Whimbrel. A Great Skua and 157 Sandwich Terns were also logged.

The unseasonal Fieldfare was seen again at Oceanview. Fourteen Dunlin, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover and four Yellow Wagtails were present at Thornwick Pools.

Both star birds, the Black-browed Albatross and the Red-tailed Shrike, were present at Bempton Cliffs RSPB supported by a Treecreeper and a Great Spotted Woodpecker which are both unusual for the site. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull also passed.

Very warm overnight, the temperature being 26 Celsius at 2 a.m. then becoming cooler being no higher than 20 by early afternoon. After a sunny start cloud thickened as the day wore on in a fresh northerly.

The morning watch at the Fog Station logged 75 Common Scoter, eight Manx Shearwaters, 63 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua.

A Lapwing at Thornwick Pools was the only notable new bird there.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike again with added interest in the form of an Arctic Skua and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull.

A light to moderate northerly brought cloud through most of the day with temperatures 19-20 Celsius.

Improved seawatching in both morning and evening sessions included teh following highlights: 278 Manx Shearwaters, six Whimbrel, a Little Gull, three Mediterranean Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 12 Arctic Terns, a Great Skua and three Arctic Skuas.

Single Dunlin and Green Sandpiper and five Yellow Wagtails were at Thornwick Pools.

At Bempton Cliffs, the Red-tailed Shrike continued to show well and the Black-browed Albatross was only seen briefly early evening.

Cloudy and relatively coolby recent standards with a maximumtemperature of 17 Celsius and a light breeze varying from north-east to south back to east.

The combined totals for both morning and evening seawatches included 151 Common Scoter, 121 Manx Shearwaters, 311 Oystercatchers, two Whimbrel, 27 Black-tailed Godwits, eight Mediterranean Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 342 Sandwich, 5 Common and two Arctic Terns.

Two Green Sandpipers and a Dunlin with six Yellow Wagtails were attracted to Thornwick Pools while a Whinchat was along the Motorway Hedge.

Bempton Cliffs continued to steal the limelight, this time with an adult Long-tailed Skua, which must have been an incongruous sight sat on a fence post for a while before it flew east. The Red-tailed Shrike, now without its red tail due to moult, and the Black-browed Albatross were both still in residence. Other highlights included a Whimbrel, two Golden Plover and a Wheatear. A Quail was calling near Buckton.

The day grew progressively warmer through to early evening when the temperature has reached 23 Celsius. There was a moderate south-easterly breeze veering to south-west by evening.

There were both morning and evening seawatch sessions where the highlights were one Shoveler, 96 Common Scoter, 53 Manx Shearwater, 31 Whimbrel, 15 Turnstone, eight Dunlin, two Mediterranean Gulls, 110 Sandwich, 2 Common and 3 Arctic Terns and a single Arctic Skua.

Away from the sea, Thornwick Pools held two Little Ringed Plovers, a Green Sandpiper, three Dunlin and six Yellow Wagtails. A Short-eared Owl was at the Gorse Field briefly and and most unexpected was a Willow Tit at South Landing, either species is a very scarce bird locally.

The main attractions, the Red-tailed Shrike and Black-browed Albatross, remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB while a singing Quail provided added interest.

The weather consisted of moderate south-westerly winds, overcast skies with occasional sunny intervals and showers, while temperatures peaked at 23 degrees C. The year’s first juvenile Caspian Gull was seen on the seawatch, together with two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull; other notable sightings included 93 Whimbrel, 42 Knot and 123 Swifts south, with a further 75 Swifts feeding over the village. Thornwick Pools attracted two Grey Herons, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Green Sandpiper, a Dunlin and a Grey Wagtail, with a creamcrown Marsh Harrier hunting the outer head. Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where the reserve’s first Small Red-eyed Damselfly was found, along with c.150 Swift and a Red Kite.

Blustery winds veered from the south-west to the north-north-west during a day of sunny intervals; however, a band of heavy rain arrived late afternoon, whilst temperatures peaked at 21 degrees C. The relatively warm, strong winds pushed raptors onto the headland, headlined by a Honey Buzzard cresting the cliff top at Staple Newk, RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1320hrs; it was then relocated over the Dykes and eventually flew west over Sewerby at 1340hrs. Two Red Kites tracked in a similar direction, while a Marsh Harrier also overflew the Dykes; a Short-eared Owl hunted cliff top fields at North Dykes. Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, while a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was over the sea.

Highlights from a seawatch session on the outer head included six Teal, 22 Manx Shearwaters, 18 Oystercatchers, five Knot, a Mediterranean Gull, 40 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern. Two Little Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools, with 12 Knot frequenting South Landing beach. A pair of Grey Partridge that accompanied six young represented a notable breeding record.

Classic ‘high pressure loop’ conditions promised much, with high expectations of a good seawatch and so it proved: the northerly winds gradually dropped in strength during the morning, with sunny intervals by late afternoon following earlier overcast skies and spells of light rain. Pride of place were five Cory’s Shearwaters that flew north, along with 1951 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater and ten Sooty Shearwaters. Two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Caspian Gull, seven Mediterranean Gulls, a Little Tern and 25 Arctic Terns were also recorded off the outer head. Away from the sea, a Cuckoo frequented South Landing, with the Fieldfare remaining at nearby Oceanview and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler was at South Dykes.

Elsewhere, both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with a Redwing.

The day featured sunny intervals, a south-easterly wind developing and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included the Black-browed Albatross flying past the Fog Station, along with 94 Common Scoters, a Sooty Shearwater, 165 Manx Shearwaters, a Mediterranean Gull, ten Arctic Terns and an Arctic Skua flying north; another Mediterranean Gull lingered offshore. In addition to the aforementioned albatross and long-staying Red-tailed Shrike, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included five Goosanders, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, a Cuckoo and a Hobby. Land-based sightings on the outer head included a lone Marsh Harrier.

A relatively overcast day, with a light south-easterly establishing and temperatures peaked at 18 degrees C. The seawatch was rewarded with 29 Common Scoters, 47 Manx Shearwaters, 48 Oystercatchers, 47 Whimbrel, four Mediterranean Gulls, 177 Sandwich Terns, three Common Terns and two Arctic Skuas. Thornwick Pools attracted a Teal, four Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper and a Redshank.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike, together with a Yellow-legged Gull; a Marsh Harrier hunted cliff top fields at nearby Buckton.

A day of sunny intervals, light south-easterly winds and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. A total of 487 Common Scoters flew north during the morning’s seawatch that also featured 17 Teal, an Eider, 38 Manx Shearwaters, a Mediterranean Gull, 47 Sandwich Terns, five Common Terns, two Arctic Terns, a Bonxie and an Arctic Skua. Unusually, an additional 14 Common Scoters flew north over the headland. Thornwick Lakes/Pools attracted a Mute Swan, one Teal, five Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper and a Redshank, as well as a juvenile Caspian Gull. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was off the North Cliffs between Thornwick and RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier frequented fields on the outer head, while six Grey Wagtails represented a notable influx.

An overcast day, with spells of light rain in a gentle south-west wind and temperatures peaking at 22 degrees C. The morning seawatch featured 11 Teal, six Eider, 102 Manx Shearwaters, 19 Whimbrel and 24 Black-tailed Godwits flying south, with 177 Common Scoters, two Red-throated Divers, 14 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns and two Arctic Skuas heading north. Thornwick Pools attracted a juvenile Wood Sandpiper, one Green Sandpiper, a Little Ringed Plover, a Redshank, four Dunlin, two Snipe, four Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail; a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull bathed on nearby Thornwick Lakes. Meanwhile, South Landing hosted three Mediterranean Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, two Whimbrel and a Marsh Harrier. Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 13 Whimbrel were also recorded. Nearby, a Quail sang late evening from crop at Buckton.

The morning’s weather was dominated by persistent rain, albeit relatively light at times, and misty conditions; clearer later, with occasional sunny intervals and a moderate northerly wind. Southbound waders past the Fog Station included 58 Knot, 12 Sanderling, 60 Redshank and 12 Dunlin, while 847 Puffins tracked north. Both the Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was also present.

Generally onshore winds, with overcast skies and some sunny intervals; temperatures reached 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Yellow-legged Gulls (juvenile & 1st-summer) and a juvenile Caspian Gull, 60 Manx Shearwaters, 224 Oystercatchers south, a Little Ringed Plover, one Black-tailed Godwit, 48 Redshank also all south, whilst 151 Sandwich Terns and nine Arctic Terns tracked north. Thornwick Pools hosted six Teal, a Little Ringed Plover, a juvenile Wood Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper and seven Dunlin; the escaped Baikal Teal also made a re-appearance there. The usual suspects, albeit of high quality, remained at Bempton Cliffs – Black-browed Albatross and Red-tailed Shrike, with a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull offshore; three Marsh Harriers hunted adjacent cliff top fields.

An overcast day, with light/moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 25 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included seven Shelduck, a Grey Plover, 39 Knot and a second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew south, with seven Teal, 50 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern moving in the opposite direction. Thornwick Pools attracted a Tufted Duck, a Black-tailed Godwit, five Dunlin, an adult Little Ringed Plover and two Yellow Wagtails. A Spotted Redshank that flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs was an excellent local record, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was again offshore, while the Red-tailed Shrike remained in residence nearby. However, there were no signs of the Black-browed Albatross.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, moderate south-west winds and temperatures peaking at 26 degrees C. A Minke Whale was a highlight off the Fog Station during a morning seawatch that also featured 22 Manx Shearwaters, 58 Whimbrel (south), 46 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and two Bonxies. Thornwick Pools attracted single Black-tailed Godwit and Wood Sandpiper, along with six Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail. A Marsh Harrier flew south over North Dykes, with the Red-tailed Shrike still nearby at Wandale Farm. A Clouded Yellow butterfly represented the year’s first record.

A south-westerly wind veered northerly late afternoon, whilst the day also featured sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 22 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 54 Common Scoters north, ten Manx Shearwaters, 66 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns and an Arctic Tern. Thornwick Pools attracted two Dunlin, a Snipe and the long-staying Wood Sandpiper, while a Red Kite overflew the Dykes. There was an influx of aerial migrants onto the outer head including 725 Swifts, 1330 Swallows and 770 House Martins. Passerine interest included three Goldcrests, four migrant Willow Warblers, 15 Yellow Wagtails and two Grey Wagtails. The Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton where lone Merlin and Spotted Flycatcher were recorded.

Light northerly winds featured during a cooler day, with occasional light showers and temperatures that peaked at 17 degrees C. Seawatch sightings included two Red-throated Divers, 19 Manx Shearwaters, 38 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns and four Arctic Skuas. Thornwick Pools attracted two Redshank, a Dunlin and one Green Sandpiper. Single Greenshank and Green Sandpiper flew south over the outer head, as did a Little Egret, while a Marsh Harrier hunted the adjacent cliff top fields and a Yellow-legged Gull bathed at Cattlemere. Passerine interest included 17 Willow Warblers, one Spotted Flycatcher, 11 Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail and a Wheatear. The Red-tailed Shrike continued its residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Merlin, one Golden Plover, a Wheatear and six Yellow Wagtails were also recorded.

There were sunny intervals throughout, with a light wind initially westerly in direction veering south-easterly later, and temperatures peaked at 18 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was quiet, with notable records limited to 14 Manx Shearwaters, 13 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern. A scattering of migrants included one Greenshank, a Cuckoo, three Spotted Flycatchers and a lone Wheatear. The long-staying Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where additional records included two Marsh Harriers north-west, a Hobby south-east, a Redwing, 15 Willow Warblers, 14 Yellow Wagtails and a Wheatear.

Sunny throughout, with a light/moderate westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 24 degrees C. An arrival of 49 Willow Warblers took place on the outer head, where a lone Wheatear frequented the Golf Course. Thornwick Pools attracted a Greenshank and three Dunlin. Aerial specialists were pushed onto the headland by the westerly airstream, with 140 Swifts, 180 Swallows and 80 House Martins recorded. Single Red Kite and Marsh Harrier moved north-west at Bempton, where additional sightings there included 73 Swifts, 102 Swallows and 14 Yellow Wagtails moving west; the Red-tailed Shrike remained, while 16 Willow Warblers represented an increase. A Ring Ouzel was roadside between Flamborough and Bempton villages.

A sunny day, with light onshore winds and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 37 Manx Shearwaters, a Mediterranean Gull, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 45 Sandwich Terns and four Arctic Terns. Both a Marsh Harrier and a juvenile Cuckoo were present on the outer head. The Red-tailed Shrike continued its long stay at Bempton, where three Marsh Harriers and a pair of Grey Partridge were also present.

A warm, sunny day throughout with light onshore winds developing and temperatures reaching 23 degrees C. Juvenile Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged and Little Gulls were on the sea off the Fog Station during the morning; other notable seawatch records included 19 Teal, 141 Common Scoters, 93 Sandwich Terns, 20 Common Terns, four Arctic Terns and a Bonxie. Thornwick Pools attracted four Green Sandpipers, two Dunlin, two Greenshank and four Grey Wagtails, while a juvenile Mediterranean Gull was off South Landing. The Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where a Marsh Harrier and a Cuckoo were also recorded.

Sunny throughout, with a moderate south-easterly wind developing and temperatures reached a maximum of 21 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured five Shelduck, 105 Common Scoters, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, 32 Sandwich Terns, ten Common Terns and an Arctic Skua all flying north; a flock of ten Red-breasted Mergansers flew east past South Landing early afternoon. Thornwick Pools attracted four Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank; an additional two Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper flew south over the outer head. A Marsh Harrier also headed over the outer head, while passerine interest included the autumn’s first Pied Flycatcher. Sightings from Bempton included the Red-tailed Shrike, a juvenile Cuckoo, 18 Willow Warblers, the Redwing and six Yellow Wagtails.

It was a foggy start to a day of otherwise unbroken cloud, light onshore winds and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. Juvenile Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls were off the outer head, where a Mediterranean Gull, 33 Sandwich Terns, six Common Terns, six Arctic Terns and an Arctic Skua were recorded during the seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted six Green Sandpipers, a Snipe and a Greenshank. Two Marsh Harriers were over the outer head, with the same number recorded at Bempton; the Red-tailed Shrike remained in residence there, where a Pied Flycatcher, 31 Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler and a Whinchat were also present.

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore wind developing and temperatures reaching 23 degrees C. Conditions were conducive for drift migrants and nine Pied Flycatchers duly arrived on the outer head: additional passerine records in the same area included 23 Common Whitethroats, two Lesser Whitethroats, a Reed Warbler, one Sedge Warbler, 15 Willow Warblers, a Whinchat, five Wheatears, 18 Yellow Wagtails and two Grey Wagtails. There were also signs of wader passage including seven Green Sandpipers (inc. six at Thornwick), three Greenshank (inc. one Thornwick), five Golden Plovers south, a Grey Plover south, 12 Curlew and five Whimbrel. A juvenile Caspian Gull rested with gulls on the rocks below New Fall, while single Hobby and Marsh Harrier toured the headland. Seawatch records included three Arctic Skuas, three Arctic Terns, a Mediterranean Gull and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull all north. The Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where a Grasshopper Warbler and three Pied Flycatchers were in residence.

There were light north-easterly winds throughout another sunny day, with temperatures peaking at 24 degrees C. An Icterine Warbler performed well throughout in the Lighthouse Field commuting between the hedge and the newly sown cover crop. Other notable passerine records included six Pied Flycatchers (inc. three in Old Fall), a Marsh Tit (South Dykes), one Redwing, a Common Redstart, a Whinchat and two Wheatear. A Cory’s Shearwater north past the Fog Station at 1037hrs headlined a seawatch that also produced a Shoveler and 139 Oystercatchers moving south and a Mediterranean Gull north. Thornwick Pools hosted seven Green Sandpipers, two Greenshank, a Redshank and five Dunlin; another Greenshank frequented the shore below the South Cliffs where a Green Sandpiper also flew south, along with 31 Whimbrel. It was a quieter day at Bempton, where the Red-tailed Shrike remained along with one Pied Flycatcher.

Light onshore winds, sunshine after a foggy start and temperatures peaked at 24 degrees C. Thornwick Pools attracted a Ruff, two Greenshank, five Green Sandpipers, two Snipe, three Dunlin and a Redshank. A total of 48 Swifts moved south over South Landing between 1030-1130hrs, while two Red Kites drifted over the Dykes. Passerine interest included two Pied Flycatchers and two Crossbills, the latter at South Landing. On the opposite side of the headland, the Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton.

The weather consisted of light/moderate northerly winds and relatively bright skies, but viewing on the outer head was often hampered by thick fog which impacted on seawatching in particular. A juvenile Caspian Gull attended a boat, while other notable records included 15 Manx Shearwaters north, 53 Oystercatchers south, ten Common Terns north and four Arctic Terns flying south; two Arctic Skuas lingered offshore. Thornwick Pools attracted a Ringed Plover, a Ruff, two Greenshank, six Green Sandpipers, a Snipe and five Dunlin, while 12 Golden Plover and three Whimbrel flew south. A juvenile Marsh Harrier once again toured the headland, while a scattering of passerine migrants included two Reed Warblers on the outer head, together with a Grasshopper Warbler, three Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart. In addition, the Red-tailed Shrike remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A relatively cloudy day, with a moderate northerly wind developing and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Frustratingly a large shearwater that flew south during the morning evaded identification. More certain were four Sooty Shearwaters north, 30 Teal, 431 Oystercatchers south, 148 Sandwich Terns north, 13 Arctic Terns north and a Pomarine Skua south. Thornwick Pools attracted a Ruff, six Green Sandpipers, two Greenshank, seven Dunlin, a Snipe and a Ringed Plover; a Grey Plover overflew North Dykes, where seven Whimbrel flew south and a Red Kite was also recorded. Passerine migrants included a Common Redstart, two Pied Flycatchers and 14 Yellow Wagtails. Elsewhere, the Red-tailed Shrike continued its residence at Bempton, where it has almost completed its moult.

A gusty northerly airflow and overcast skies in the morning delivered promising seawatching conditions which didn’t disappoint. Highlights included a Great Shearwater that slowly flew north at close range past the Seawatch Observatory from 0746-0750hrs and then moved past RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 0817hrs. The following shearwater totals referred to birds heading north: two Balearic Shearwaters, 1709 Manx Shearwaters and 40 Sooty Shearwaters; a lone Blue Fulmar was also caught up in the movement. Skuas were also on the move with 15 Bonxies and 37 Arctic Skuas southbound, while a juvenile Long-tailed Skua typically tracked north late afternoon. Wader passage included 311 Oystercatchers south and nine Bar-tailed Godwits and a Grey Plover moving north. A juvenile Caspian Gull flew north during the morning, two Mediterranean Gulls also flew past the outer head, while 27 Arctic Terns and 194 Commic Terns tracked north.

Thornwick Pools hosted three Greenshank, four Green Sandpipers, a Ringed Plover, one Ruff, a Redshank and six Dunlin. Passerine migrants included two Common Redstarts and a Pied Flycatcher. The Red-tailed Shrike continued to entertain visitors at Bempton throughout.

It was a relatively overcast day, with light variable winds and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C by the evening. A quieter day on the sea, although a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north in the evening; two Sooty Shearwaters, 94 Manx Shearwaters and single juvenile Little Gull and Yellow-legged Gull moved north, as did 276 Sandwich Terns. Thornwick Pools attracted a Ruff, three Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank, four Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit. A Hobby flew over the outer head where a Pied Flycatcher visited one of the gardens.

The Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where additional sightings included five Golden Plover and a Yellow-legged Gull flying south-east; nine Willow Warblers, two Grasshopper Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher and one Pied Flycatcher were also present.

A day of sunny intervals, a light/moderate westerly wind and temperatures reaching 22 degrees C. The seawatch was quiet, but included 20 Teal, 44 Common Scoters, 119 Sandwich Terns (north), 131 Common Terns (north) and an Arctic Skua south. Thornwick Pools attracted a Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, four Green Sandpipers and four Dunlin. A Turtle Dove south through a garden near South Landing was particularly noteworthy. Twenty Swifts hawked over South Dykes, where single Common Redstart and Pied Flycatcher were present. In addition, the Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton.

A blustery south-west wind developed during a sunny day with temperatures reaching 24 degrees C. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls flew south during the day’s seawatching which also featured a flock of six Little Egrets south, three Arctic Skuas, three Bar-tailed Godwits and an Arctic Tern. Thornwick Pools attracted a Black-tailed Godwit, one Greenshank, two Snipe, seven Dunlin and three Green Sandpipers; two sanderling frequented the beach at South Landing. The Red-tailed Shrike continued to frequent its favoured hedge along the permissive path at Bempton.

Another sunny day, with light winds initially westerly in direction veering onshore later; temperatures reached 23 degrees C. The morning seawatch was quiet, with 57 Redshank and two Arctic Skuas flying south the best. Thornwick Pools played host to a Black-tailed Godwit, three Snipe, three Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank, three Dunlin and a Redshank. An influx of Willow Warblers was evident, with a fraction of the outer head covered and 21 birds located; a Tree Pipit also flew south. Passage over RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Marsh Harriers, a Green Sandpiper and 21 Yellow Wagtails. Grounded migrants at the same location included two Quail, a Cuckoo, the Red-tailed Shrike, 18 Willow Warblers, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Black Redstart and 55 Yellow Wagtails.

A relatively overcast day, with a light south-easterly wind developing and temperatures reached 20 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, six Teal, 11 Manx Shearwaters, 21 Whimbrel, 19 Dunlin, 53 Redshank and four Arctic Skuas flew south; a Little Gull was located on the sea off the outer head. Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Ringed Plover, three Ringed Plovers, six Green Sandpipers and six Dunlin; nine Ringed Plover and six Dunlin frequented South Landing beach. The Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton where additional sightings included a Little Owl and 31 Whimbrel south-east.

An overcast morning preceded an afternoon of sunny intervals, temperatures reached 22 degrees C while there was a light/moderate south-easterly wind. It was a busier seawatch with 289 Teal, 216 Common Scoters, five Ringed Plovers, 14 Whimbrel, two Bonxies and three Arctic Skuas. Thornwick Pools attracted five Wigeon, two Teal, a Ruff, six Green Sandpipers, one Redshank, a Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover and four Dunlin; 24 Whimbrel also flew south-east past South Dykes. A juvenile Caspian Gull roosted on the Golf Course in the evening. Passerine migrants included three Pied Flycatchers and two Common Redstarts. In addition, the Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton.

A relatively overcast day, with sunny intervals later, a light wind generally from the south-west and temperatures that peaked at 25 degrees C. Two Mediterranean Gulls, three Arctic Skuas and 20 Harbour Porpoise were the highlights of a relatively quiet morning’s seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted nine Teal, 49 Mallard, five Wigeon, a Little Ringed Plover, a Ruff, five Green Sandpipers, two Snipe, five Dunlin and a Kingfisher. A scattering of passerine migrants on the outer head included three Whinchat. Meanwhile, the Red-tailed Shrike continued its long vigil at Bempton.

An overcast day, with a band of rain in the middle of the day and light northerly winds. Thornwick Pools attracted five Wigeon, eight Teal, a Ruff, three Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, five Dunlin, a Snipe, a Hobby, a juvenile Caspian Gull, four Grey Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail. A Garden Warbler was in the Bay Brambles and a Common Redstart at RSPB Bempton, with the Red-tailed Shrike lingering nearby.

A relatively bright day, with light northerly winds and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. A Great Shearwater that flew north past the outer head at 0710hrs was the highlight of a morning seawatch that also featured ten Wigeon, 60 Teal, four Sooty Shearwaters, 27 Manx Shearwaters, 65 Sandwich Terns, 76 Common Terns and nine Arctic Terns flying north; two Little Egrets and a Black Tern flew south, while a juvenile Caspian Gull attended a boat off the Fog Station. Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Egret, five Wigeon, three Green Sandpipers and a Dunlin; single Greenshank and Ruff visited the outer head. The Red-tailed Shrike remained at Bempton, where two Whinchat were present; a Marsh Harrier overflew Buckton and a Red Kite at present at nearby Speeton.

This year’s Seawatch Festival began with unbroken sunshine, hardly a breath of wind and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C; not ideal conditions, but good coverage proved rewarding nevertheless. A Balearic Shearwater and six Sooty Shearwaters flew north, along with an immature Pomarine Skua and an intermediate juvenile Long-tailed Skua. Southbound waders included 61 Oystercatchers and 82 Dunlin, while lard interest comprised single juvenile Little, Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls, together with an adult Mediterranean Gull. A significant increase in terns included 207 Common Terns, 74 Sandwich Terns and a Black Tern moving north. Cetacean interest was provided by two Minke Whales feeding offshore throughout the morning and a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins. Away from the sea, Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Egret and Little Ringed Plover, while a minimum of 35 Common Buzzards drifted onto the headland. Once again the Red-tailed Shrike entertained at Bempton.

Very light variable winds, bright skies and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C; again not the best for seawatching, but nevertheless there was reward for patience. An unseasonal Black-throated Diver north was a highlight, while four Sooty Shearwaters, 39 Sandwich Terns and 53 Common Terns flew north. Southbound were six Shelduck, 112 Manx Shearwaters, 14 Whimbrel, six Sanderling, a Greenshank, two juvenile Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and 18 Arctic Skuas. Single juvenile Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls lingered off the headland, while eight Bottlenose Dolphins moved north close inshore. Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Egret, a Knot, one Snipe and two Grey Wagtails. Although there was no sign of the Red-tailed Shrike, coverage at RSPB Bempton Cliffs was rewarded with a Marsh Harrier north-west and 20 Common Buzzards and five Hobbies south-east. Grounded migrants on site included 12 Willow Warblers, two Goldcrests and two Whinchat.

Light/moderate north-east winds featured during a largely overcast day, with spells of light rain and temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included an adult Sabine’s Gull south, four juvenile Long-tailed Skuas (three north, one south) and a Blue Fulmar north. Additional sightings included 23 Sooty Shearwaters, 82 Manx Shearwaters, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 209 Sandwich Terns, 125 Common Terns, 67 Arctic Skuas (60 south), an adult Pomarine Skua south and 11 Bonxies. Migrant passerines were scarce, although the discovery of a Wood Warbler at Thornwick mid-evening hopefully hinted at riches to come.

Notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Pomarine Skua, two Marsh Harriers, a Hobby, three Garden Warblers, a Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher and one Wheatear.

It was a relatively overcast day, with a light/moderate north-easterly wind and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. The day’s highlight was the late afternoon discovery of a Siberian (presumed) Stonechat in the Lighthouse Grassland which was still present late evening.

Seawatch highlights included four Wigeon, 66 Teal, 125 Common Scoters, nine Sooty Shearwaters, 28 Manx Shearwaters, 93 Sandwich Terns and a Long-tailed Skua flying north; 20 Sanderling, a Mediterranean Gull, three Bonxies and 29 Arctic Skuas headed in the opposite direction.

A juvenile Caspian Gull flew south-east along the cliffs at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a Marsh Harrier at nearby Buckton.

Late news for yesterday: a Red-backed Shrike was located in the Bay Brambles north of the Lighthouse in the evening.

A relatively bright day, with a moderate north-easterly wind developing and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 53 Teal, five Velvet Scoters, two Sooty Shearwaters, 19 Manx Shearwaters, 153 Sandwich Terns, 15 Common Terns and eight Arctic Skuas flying north. Thornwick Pools attracted six Wigeon, 13 Teal, four Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper; a Wood Sandpiper flew south over the outer head. Notable amongst passerine migrants were a Pied Flycatcher, one Whinchat, a Garden Warbler and 11 Yellow Wagtails.

A bright day with a moderate east-north-easterly wind and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. The seawatch proved productive with single Storm Petrel and juvenile Long-tailed Skua moving north; other sightings included 20 Sanderling south, a Mediterranean Gull south, 171 Sandwich Terns north, two Bonxies and nine Arctic Skuas. A Yellow-legged Gull lingered offshore, while a 20-strong pod of Bottlenose Dolphins also headed north. Thornwick Pools attracted eight Wigeon, a Green Sandpiper and a Dunlin, while three Greenshank and a Hobby overflew the outer head. A Kingfisher at South Landing was unusual, but the day’s star discovery there was a Greenish Warbler that showed early morning only; other migrants included a Garden Warbler, two Goldcrests, two Whinchat and seven Pied Flycatchers.