Category: Sightings

Classic early autumn weather conducive for drift, with light north-east winds, sunny skies and temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. Highlights included a Blyth’s Reed Warbler at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and three Greenish Warblers, including two on the outer head (Coastguard Cottages & Lighthouse Field, as well as yesterday’s individual still at South Landing). Passerine migrant totals included a Sedge Warbler, seven Pied Flycatchers, eight Wheatear, four Whinchat and seven Yellow Wagtails. An adult Long-tailed Skua flew south during a morning’s seawatch that also featured 23 Manx Shearwaters and nine Arctic Skuas.

Single Whinchat and Pied Flycatcher made landfall at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a Quail, Spotted Redshank and Pied Flycatcher recorded at nearby Buckton.

A blustery east-south-easterly wind established during a day that began with overcast skies and occasional very light rain, with brighter skies later and temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Long-tailed Skuas north (adult & juvenile), 14 Arctic Skuas, two Bonxies, four Sooty Shearwaters north and 374 Teal south. Greenish Warblers remained at both South Landing and the Lighthouse Field, but the day’s main feature was an arrival of commoner drift migrants, including: 18 Pied Flycatchers, two Spotted Flycatchers, 20 Whinchat, eight Redstarts, seven Wheatear including one bird watched flying in off the sea. Two Yellow-legged Gulls (adult & first-winter) and a Hobby also frequented the outer head.

The Blyth’s Reed Warbler was still present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs although it remained very elusive; additional sightings at the reserve included two Pied Flycatchers, a Redstart, one Sedge Warbler and a Garden Warbler.

Sunny intervals eventually prevailed during a day of moderate south-east winds and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C. A southerly passage of 39 Lesser Black-backed Gulls was a noticeable feature of a seawatch that also included a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull, 23 Wigeon, 132 Teal, six Golden Plover, a Grey Plover, 12 Knot, 23 Dunlin, a Bonxie, an adult Pomarine Skua and 17 Arctic Skuas also moving south; a juvenile Little Gull lingered offshore. Thornwick Pools attracted 35 Teal, a juvenile Little Stint, one Golden Plover, three Ringed Plovers, eight Dunlin, five Snipe and a Common Sandpiper; seven Grey Herons and a flock of 20 Golden Plover also overflew the headland.

The Greenish Warbler continued to perform at the Lighthouse Field during the morning at least, although became more elusive as the wind strengthened, while additional passerine records included a Reed Warbler, 13 Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, eight Whinchat, 15 Wheatear, three Redstarts and 14 Yellow Wagtails.

The Blyth’s Reed Warbler lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, although it remained very elusive: a Yellow-legged Gull, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Greenshank and ten Yellow Wagtails moved through Bempton, where the long-staying Redwing and three Garden Warblers were in the Dell.

It was a relatively bright day, with a south-easterly wind and temperatures peaking at 21 degrees C. Four pale-bellied Brent Geese flew south during the morning’s seawatch, together with a Gadwall, 15 Wigeon, 70 Teal, nine Red-throated Divers, three Little Gulls, 16 Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie; 105 Sandwich Terns, 325 Common Terns and a Little Gull headed north. In addition, two juvenile Caspian Gulls frequented the outer head.

Thornwick Pools attracted a juvenile male Garganey, as well as the juvenile Little Stint, nine Dunlin, two Ringed Plovers and two Greenshank; a Little Egret overflew Thornwick Fishing Lake, a Little Stint was also on South Landing beach and a Green Sandpiper flew south. Raptor interest included single Marsh Harrier, Red Kite and Hobby. Passerine migrants included 18 Willow Warblers, five Spotted Flycatcher, 11 Pied Flycatchers and a Whinchat.

An evening walk at Buckton was rewarded with an Icterine Warbler, nine Willow Warblers and two Pied Flycatchers. Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Greenshank and Cuckoo, nine Whinchat, five Wheatear and six Yellow Wagtails.

After a morning of light, variable winds moderate south-easterlies established during the afternoon; there were sunny intervals but more cloud than of late, while temperatures peaked at 20 degrees C. The year’s first Red-necked Grebe flew south during the morning’s seawatch, with other notable sightings including 44 Manx Shearwaters, a Grey Plover, 294 Common Terns, four Bonxies, 20 Arctic Skuas and two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas moving in the same direction. A juvenile Caspian Gull frequented the shore at Cattlemere. The Garganey remained in residence at Thornwick Pools, where the juvenile Little Stint, two Ringed Plovers, two Ruff, a Greenshank, three Green Sandpipers and eight Dunlin were also present; single Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit were at South Landing. A Wryneck that made landfall between Breil Nook and North Marsh was new for the year, while the numbers of several migrant passerines increased: a Tree Pipit accompanied six Pied Flycatchers, four Spotted Flycatchers, 29 Whinchats, 40 Wheatears, three Redstarts and 21 Yellow Wagtails.

A light/moderate southerly wind backed south-easterly in the afternoon, with occasional sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with three Shoveler, two Gadwall, 15 Wigeon, four Pintail, 241 Teal, 16 Red-throated Divers, four Little Egrets, two Bar-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank, 204 Common Terns and 25 Arctic Skuas all moving south; six Sooty Shearwaters flew north, while first-winter Yellow-legged Gull and Caspian Gull lingered offshore. Thornwick Pools hosted the Garganey, a Little Egret, juvenile Little Stint, four Ringed Plovers, 13 Dunlin and two Snipe. In addition, two Bar-tailed Godwits fed on South Landing beach and three Greenshank flew south over the outer head. Single Marsh Harrier and Hobby overflew South Landing, while passerine migrants included seven Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, three Tree Pipits and three Whinchat. A total of 105 Swallows flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, as did a Marsh Harrier and five Swifts.

Light onshore winds, generally easterly in direction, featured throughout a day of two halves: rain during the morning was followed by sunny intervals and these conditions precipitated a substantial late afternoon fall. A Richard’s Pipit dropped onto a stubble field on the outer head, where 107 Wheatears were present (including 63 in one field), along with 28 Redstarts, ten Whinchat, 27 Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Tree Pipits, 30 Willow Warblers, two Reed Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, 12 Yellow Wagtails and six Siskins. Two Hobbies and four Swift were also present.

The morning’s seawatch proved rewarding with four Sooty Shearwaters heading north, along with a Greenshank and three Little Gulls moving south. The year’s first Roseate Tern was accompanied by a large movement of 1870 Common Terns, three juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Caspian Gull, four juvenile Long-tailed Skuas and 30 Arctic Skuas. The Garganey and Little Stint at Thornwick Pools were also accompanied by a Little Egret.

The arrival was also witnessed at Bempton, including a Greenish Warbler, along with nine Pied Flycatchers, five Redstarts, 17 Willow Warblers, 27 Wheatear, two Whinchat and three Garden Warblers. Nearby, the autumn’s first Yellow-browed Warbler graced Buckton.

A relatively bright day, with sunny intervals, a light northerly wind developing and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. The day’s main feature was the large numbers of drift migrant passerines present, including: 185 Wheatear, 94 Willow Warblers, 63 Redstarts, 37 Whinchat, 36 Pied Flycatchers, 25 Siskin, 13 Lesser Whitethroats, 12 Tree Pipits, nine Spotted Flycatchers, seven Garden Warblers, five Whitethroats and two Reed Warblers.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Stints along with the Garganey, 17 Dunlin and a Greenshank. Raptor interest included a superb Honey Buzzard that flew south low over South Landing mid-morning; two Hobbies and a Marsh Harrier were also recorded, along with eight Common Buzzards moving south-west. A minimum of three 1cy Caspian Gulls frequented the outer head, together with a lone Yellow-legged Gull; seven Sooty Shearwaters, 117 Common Terns and 14 Arctic Terns flew north during the morning seawatch, while 16 Arctic Skuas moved south.

Sightings from Bempton included an adult male Merlin, a 1cy Caspian Gull, 14 Wheatear, nine Redstart, three Pied Flycatchers and three Whinchat. Nearby, an Icterine Warbler was ringed at Buckton.

The moderate to fresh northerly combined with a mostly cloudy sky kept temperatures slightly lower than of late with the afternoon maximum reaching 20C.

Seawatching was quite eventful, starting with a Great Shearwater early morning with 45 Sooty and 91 Manx Shearwaters. Passing ducks included a Shoveler, two Pintail, 111 Wigeon, 64 Teal, 20 Common scoter and two Red-breasted Mergansers. Less common gulls were represented by two Yellow-legged Gulls and a Caspian Gull (all in their first year). Two Long-tailed Skuas were in addition to 13 Arctic and four Bonxies.

It was apparent that many of yesterday’s grounded migrants were still present with some additional new birds found. A young Common Rosefinch fed in the hedge and crop at the Lighthouse Field while a Red-breasted Flycatcher was nearby in the bushes by the lighthouse. A Honey Buzzard overflew the Outer Head while two Hobbies continued to hunt over the southern cliffs and a Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl were also seen. Migrant passerines logged included 22 Redstarts, four Whinchat, 27 Wheatears, six Spotted and four Pied Flycatchers, a Grasshopper Warbler, two Reed Warblers, three Garden Warblers, 20 Willow Warblers, four Tree Pipits and five Siskin. At Thornwick Pools, the Little Stint remained as did the Garganey with the addition of single Ruff, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and three Wigeon. Two Bar-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper and 55 Dunlin were at South Landing beach, while a Little Egret was seen along the southern shore.

At Bempton Cliffs, another Honey Buzzard flew NW while migrant passerines included a Garden Warbler, five Spotted and three Pied Flycatchers, a Redstart, three Wheatear and a Siskin. Further along the cliff, at Buckton, there was 11 Yellow Wagtails, a Spotted Flycatcher, 12 Willow Warblers, five Chiffchaffs and two Lesser Whitethroats.

A light southerly persisted throughout the day with the temperature peaking at 20C under variable cloud cover.

Duck highlights of the morning seawatch included four Shoveler, 12 Wigeon, 118 Common Scoter and a Red-breasted Merganser. Shearwaters numbered three Sooty and 15 Manx while 14 Little Gulls provided some additional interest as did 13 Arctic Skuas and a lone Bonxie.

After the recent fall, land-based birding was the main focus of most and there was plenty to maintain enthusiasm. Birds remaining from previous days included ten Redstarts, two Whinchat, 15 Wheatears, one Spotted and three Pied Flycatchers, three Tree Pipits and three Yellow Wagtails. The main finds of the day were an Icterine Warbler in Old Fall Hedge and a Yellow-browed Warbler in an Outer Head garden. Two Hobbies were present again around the Outer Head and a Marsh Harrier passed over the Dykes. Two Bar-tailed Godwits and 55 Dunlin were still at South Landing.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Wryneck favoured The Dell and a Yellow-browed Warbler was the first of the autumn. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew east over Cliff Lane.

An overcast day, with spells of rain, a light south-west wind and temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. A northerly movement of 811 Razorbills took place during a morning seawatch that also featured first calendar-year Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls attending a fishing coble. South Landing continued to prove attractive to waders, with eight Ringed Plovers, three Bar-tailed Godwits, two Little Stints, a Knot and 61 Dunlin present. Thornwick Pools hosted the Garganey, a Ruff, four Dunlin and a Little Stint. While quieter than of late, passerine interest on the outer head included 600 House Martins at Old Fall alone, a Garden Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and four Redstarts.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Honey Buzzard west at 0958hrs, 1800 House Martins south-east over the reserve between 1000-1025hrs, the Yellow-browed Warbler remaining, together with single Spotted Flycatcher, Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler and Redstart.

A light westerly wind veered east-south-east by late afternoon, with prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch featured a drake Red-breasted Merganser, one Sooty Shearwater, two Little Gulls and two Bonxies flying north; ten Arctic Skuas were also offshore. A Kingfisher graced Thornwick Pools where the Garganey and Little Stint remained. South Landing beach attracted 22 Ringed Plovers, three Bar-tailed Godwits, five Sanderling, 47 Dunlin and two Little Stints. A Hobby overflew South Landing, while a Merlin was notable at North Marsh. Passerine migrants included two Pied Flycatchers and three Redstarts, while the Common Rosefinch was relocated within the Lighthouse Field. A Yellow-browed Warbler graced Buckton early morning.

A relatively light wind veered from a westerly to a northerly direction during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 16 degrees C. A skein of 50 Pink-footed Geese that flew south during the seawatch were the autumn’s first. Four Long-tailed Skuas also flew past the outer head (three south, one north), together with two Sooty Shearwaters, 20 Manx Shearwaters, a Little Egret, 66 Little Gulls, two first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gulls, 125 Sandwich Terns, 189 Common Terns, 13 Arctic Terns and 11 Arctic Skuas.

Thornwick Pools continued to host the Garganey, along with a Little Stint; two Little Stints were the headline waders at South Landing beach, where they were accompanied by three Sanderling, two Knot, three Bar-tailed Godwits and 32 Dunlin. Migrants also included a Hobby, five Swift, two Spotted Flycatcher and three Redstart.

Initially light, but later moderate, north-north-westerly winds featured throughout a day of sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. In essence, conditions conducive for good seawatching which ought to improve even further over forthcoming days. Highlights included a Storm Petrel re-orientating back north at 0818hrs, two Great Shearwaters north (1725hrs, 1740hrs), 159 Sooty Shearwaters north and no fewer than 13 Long-tailed Skuas (ten south, three north). Other records included 66 Red-throated Divers south, 186 Manx Shearwaters north, 166 Little Gulls north, two first calendar-year Caspian Gulls, three first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gulls, four Bonxies, 43 Arctic Skuas and 13 Puffins.

The Garganey remained at Thornwick Pools, whilst a Goldeneye lingered on Thornwick Lakes. A skein of 37 Pink-footed Geese tracked south, two Little Stints remained on South Landing beach, where a Hobby was also seen, while passerine migrants included a Redstart.

A blustery north-north-westerly strengthened throughout a day of sunny intervals and showers, with temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. A Great Shearwater headlined along with 172 Sooty Shearwaters and 203 Manx Shearwaters. All four skuas were recorded including a juvenile Long-tailed Skua north, a juvenile Pomarine Skua south along with 139 Arctic Skuas and 13 Bonxies. Other notable sightings included 90 Red-throated Divers south, a Blue Fulmar north, 84 Little Gulls, single juvenile Yellow-legged and Caspian Gull and two Roseate Terns (adult & juvenile) flying north.

The weather consisted of moderate north-westerly winds, prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures only reaching 13 degrees C. It was proved to be another good day’s seawatching, with 12.5 hours rewarded with the following: a Great Shearwater and a Grey Phalarope north late morning, a Storm Petrel north close inshore early afternoon and no fewer than ten juvenile Long-tailed Skuas tracking back north. Additional totals included nine Pale-bellied Brent Geese north, 105 Sooty Shearwaters north, 258 Manx Shearwaters, three Pomarine Skuas (ad & juvenile south, juvenile north), 492 Little Gulls and a juvenile Caspian Gull. The last notable seawatch record was an Osprey south over the sea early evening. A Snow Bunting on the cliff top at the southern end of the Lighthouse Grassland was notable.

An overcast day with light showers in the afternoon, strengthening north-north-west winds and temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. Another all day seawatch once again proved productive, with a Storm Petrel, the year’s first juvenile Sabine’s Gull and a remarkably early Little Auk stealing the headlines. However, there were plenty of other notable sightings including 16 pale-bellied Brent Geese, five Pintail and a Red-breasted Merganser north. Fifty-eight Sooty Shearwaters were down on recent days, but 370 Manx Shearwaters north was an appreciable increase. A total of 161 Little Gulls moved north out of Bridlington bay to feed offshore in the morning, while a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull headed south. Fifteen Bonxies were notable, equally eight Pomarine Skuas which included four ‘spooned’ adults, 74 Arctic Skuas and three juvenile Long-tailed Skuas moving north. A Black Redstart frequented the cliffs around the Fog Station.

A sunny day, with a light/moderate north-north-west wind and temperatures peaking at 15 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two juvenile Pomarine Skuas and a juvenile Sabine’s Gull flying north; other notable records included 17 pale-bellied Brent Geese, 171 Wigeon, 181 Teal, 162 Common Scoter, 61 Sooty Shearwaters, 225 Manx Shearwaters and 52 Arctic Skuas also moving north. Away from the sea, two Little Egrets and a Hobby were located on the outer head. In addition, a small arrival of passerines took place, involving single Pied Flycatcher, two Spotted Flycatchers, two Yellow-browed Warblers (Old Fall & South Landing), two Goldcrests, a Redwing, a Tree Pipit, four Grey Wagtails, a Yellow Wagtail, two Brambling and two Common Rosefinches (Old Fall & the long-staying individual frequenting the Lighthouse Field).

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 14 Barnacle Geese south-east, 24 Dunnocks, two Goldcrests and a Brambling.

A quieter day weather-wise with light variable winds and a maximum afternoon temperature of 18C.

The highlight of the morning’s seawatch was a Balearic Shearwater along with 12 Sooty Shearwaters and 21 Manxies. Wildfowl also passed with two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 83 Teal, a Tufted Duck and 222 Common Scoter. Skuas were fewer than in recent days with only 16 Arctic and a single Bonxie.

Two Yellow-browed Warblers were on the Outer Head. A Snow Bunting was by the Golf Course while six Redwing, at least three Brambling and two Siskin were also logged. A Hobby was in the South Landing area again.

West of the Dykes, a Yellow-browed Warbler was at Buckton.

The quiet theme in the weather continued with light winds, full cloud cover though dry and a maximum temperature of 19°C.

Two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls were the high light of the seawatch with a supporting cast of two Sooty and 29 Manx Shearwaters and 10 Arctic Skuas. Small numbers of geese also passed the Fog Station – four Pink-feet along with three Pale-bellied and two Dark-bellied Brents.

The Snow Bunting remained by the Golf Course while a Whinchat was a Thornwick Pools. A Little Egret frequented the rocks below Cattlemere.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB saw 140 Pink-footed Geese pass over during the morning though a flyover calling Common Rosefinch was only the second record for the reserve.

The weather consisted of blustery south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. A dark-bellied Brent Goose flew north on a seawatch that also featured two Sooty Shearwaters, two Little Egrets, a. Bar-tailed Godwit, six Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, ten Arctic Skuas and a first calendar-year Caspian Gull. The shore between South Dykes and Sewerby attracted a Grey Plover, 50 Ringed Plovers and a Kingfisher. On the passerine front, the Snow Bunting remained along the cliffs near the Golf Course.

A day of light northerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 16 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch highlight was a juvenile Sabine’s Gull that flew north at relatively close range at 0845hrs; 25 Little Gulls also moved in the same direction. Wildfowl passage included two Shoveler, two Pintail, 63 Common Scoters and a Red-breasted Merganser. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua tracked north along with a Sooty Shearwater; a first-winter Caspian Gull attended ploughing near Old Fall. Migrant passerines were more evident than recent days with a three Goldcrest, a Spotted Flycatcher, three Wheatear, two Whinchat, a Common Redstart and two Grey Wagtails present.

The weather consisted of moderate northerly winds, sunny intervals and heavy showers and temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with a pale-bellied Brent Goose, three Sooty Shearwaters, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, a Mediterranean Gull and a first-winter Caspian Gull all moving north, with two Minke Whales offshore. Land-based migrants included two Yellow-browed Warblers, three Willow Warblers, three Whinchat, four Lesser Redpolls, two Brambling and two Snow Buntings.

It was a relatively overcast day, with occasional brighter spells, a moderate westerly wind developing and temperatures peaking at 15 degrees C. Wildfowl on the move included single Goldeneye and Velvet Scoter, 141 Common Scoters and five Red-breasted Mergansers; 16 Sooty Shearwaters moved north, along with an adult Pomarine Skua and 11 Arctic Skuas. A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull was offshore, as was one of the two first-winter Caspian Gulls recorded during the day, with the other loafing off Beacon Hill. Cetacean interest included a 20-strong pod of Bottlenose Dolphins and a Minke Whale. Thornwick Pools attracted two Pink-footed Geese, a Goldeneye and four Wigeon; 41 Dunlin frequented South Landing beach, while three Grey Plover were located on the rocky shore below the South Cliffs.

Five Yellow-browed Warblers graced the outer head, along with a Yellow Wagtail, Common Redstart, single Pied Flycatcher, a Common Whitethroat, five Goldcrests, eight Redwing, nine Stonechats and a Lesser Redpoll.

Strong north-north-west winds featured during a day of squally showers and temperatures peaking at 12 degrees C. The seawatch was relatively quiet despite potentially promising conditions with a Long-tailed Skua south, 11 Arctic Skuas, one Sooty Shearwater north, two Little Gulls and 100 Red-throated Divers offshore. Two Pink-footed Geese and a Goldeneye lingered at Thornwick Pools. Three Grey Plovers remained on the shore below the South Cliffs, while a Yellow-browed Warbler at South Landing was the pick of the passerines.

A relatively overcast day with sunny intervals, light/moderate westerly winds and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. Seawatching produced nine Sooty Shearwaters and 60 Manx Shearwaters flying north, with a lone Great Northern Diver, four Pomarine Skuas and ten Arctic Skuas moving south. Elsewhere, a Green Sandpiper overflew the outer head where a Merlin hunted the grasslands, while a Kingfisher also visited a nearby pool. Passerine migrants included one Lesser Whitethroat, a Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaffs, three Yellow-browed Warblers, 15 Goldcrests, ten Fieldfare, four Whinchat, a Redstart and three Brambling. An additonal Yellow-browed Warbler associated with a tit flock at Marton near South Dykes, while 57 Ringed Plovers frequented the shore west of South Dykes.

The temperature reached 13°C in a moderate north-westerly with occasional showers.

Seawatchers were rewarded with 35 Sooty and 44 Manx Shearwaters, three Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie while terns included four Sandwich, six Common and a single Arctic. Two Long-tailed Ducks also passed and a Great Northern Diver was off the Fog Station late afternoon.

Yellow-browed Warblers were still present at South Landing and Highcliffe Manor as were two Brambling in a village garden. Overhead were a Whooper Swan, seven Redwing and, an unexpected Ring-necked Parakeet flying west at South Landing.

Forty Pink-footed Geese passed over Bempton. An exceptional 4500 feral pigeons gathered in fields at Hoddy Cows Lane with approximately 70% of these with wild rock dove type plumage.

A moderate north north easterly blew all day with an afternoon temperature of 15°C.

Those seawatching were amply rewarded with a Balearic Shearwater, quickly followed by a Great Shearwater minutes later. Sooties numbered 33 and Manxies 91. Further highlights included 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, a Shoveler, two Bonxies and ten Arctic Skuas.

A Merlin was hunting Linnets around the Lighthouse Grassland for much of the day. Sixteen Pink-footed Geese flew overhead while two remained at Thornwick Pools. A Cetti’s Warbler at Thornwick Pools was new and Yellow-browed Warblers continued to feature with six birds (singles at Highcliffe, Old Fall, Oceanview, South Dykes and two in village gardens). A Barred Warbler was reported from Old Fall as other inbound migrants included 9 Brambling and 17 Redwing. Five Redstarts, a Whinchat and a scattering of Chiffchaffs in the usual places were all probably birds that had been present for a few days.

At Bempton Cliffs, a Red-throated Pipit was seen and heard in flight but unfortunately didn’t stop. Forty two Pink feet were in a field next to the reserve. Further along the cliff, at Buckton, a blythi Lesser Whitethoat, Grey Wagtail, two Redstarts and two Brambling were all trapped.

It was a day of two halves, with moderate south-south-westerly winds and relatively bright skies in the morning encouraging birding, while strong southerlies and heavy rain in the afternoon bringing such activities to a halt. The morning’s seawatch was quiet, with three Sooty Shearwaters and three Arctic Skuas the most noteworthy sightings. Once again, the juvenile Merlin hunted the outer head pursuing thrushes making landfall which were a particular feature. Passerine migrants included a Siberian Chiffchaff at Old Fall, 11 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, three Yellow-browed Warblers, 13 Goldcrests, a Fieldfare, 128 Redwing, 22 Song Thrush, two Mistle Thrush, 12 Stonechats, two Redstarts and 18 Brambling. Better still, at least one Raven was heard over Old Fall, presumably the same two Ravens that headed east over Buckton; a Yellow-browed Warbler was also trapped there. Nearby, RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a lone Ring Ouzel, 50 Redwing and a Brambling.

A sunny day, with a blustery west-south-west wind developing and temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. It was another quiet seawatch with two Manx Shearwaters, an Arctic Skua and 25 arbour Porpoise the most noteworthy records.

A total of 215 Pink-footed Geese overflew the outer head, along with seven Golden Plovers and a Marsh Harrier. Meanwhile, the juvenile Merlin continued to hunt the Lighthouse Grasslands. Thursday’s Barred Warbler was relocated at Old Fall, albeit it remained elusive; two Yellow-browed Warblers there contributed to a total of eight Yellow-broweds on the outer head. Also in residence were a Willow Warbler, 17 Goldcrests, one Ring Ouzel, a Lesser Redpoll and three Brambling.

There were sunny intervals throughout, with a light/moderate west-north-westerly wind and temperatures reached 18 degrees C. A lone Velvet Scoter moved south past the outer head, where a first-winter Grey Phalarope flew inshore from distance and then lingered throughout the day off the Seawatch Observatory; the Merlin continued to show well along the cliffs in the same area. A Little Owl was a surprise visitor to South Landing, where two Yellow-browed Warblers remained. Additional Yellow-browed Warblers frequented Old Fall, Thornwick and South Dykes (2), while the outer head also attracted a Spotted Flycatcher, one Reed Warbler, a Redstart and two Lesser Redpolls.

Relatively light winds backed from a westerly to a southerly direction during a largely overcast day with temperatures peaking at 15 degrees C. Two Sooty Shearwaters flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured 86 Common Scoters and a Minke Whale moving north. A large movement of 782 Pink-footed Geese too place, with skeins moving north during the morning before returning south at dusk. A Little Grebe and Goldeneye were on Thornwick Lakes. Two Merlins were present on the headland, the long-staying juvenile near the Seawatch Observatory and another along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton. The Barred Warbler showed again at Old Fall, while two Yellow-browed Warblers were also in residence along with 12 Chiffchaffs and a Ring Ouzel.

It was a relatively overcast day, with a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. Two Little Gulls flew south during the morning’s seawatch together with 36 Teal, 31 Red-throated Divers and two Arctic Skuas. A Ruff frequented South Landing beach, with two Yellow-browed Warblers in the nearby ravine. Another Yellow-browed Warbler lingered at South Dykes, with a lone Brambling also present. A lone Snow Bunting overflew the cliff top at Bempton.

Generally overcast, with a belt of rain crossing the headland in the middle of the day; winds were from the south-west and temperatures briefly reached 18 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Great Northern Diver, one Grey Plover, a Mediterranean Gull and five Bottlenose Dolphins moving south. Thornwick Lakes hosted a Goldeneye, one Little Grebe and a Mediterranean Gull. The weather conditions proved challenging for searching for passerines, although a Ring Ouzel remained at Oceanview and two Yellow-browed Warblers were at South Landing. A late Swift flew south, with presumably the same individual initially at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and subsequently South Dykes.

The weather consisted of relatively overcast skies, with occasional sunny intervals, a blustery south-west wind and temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. Seawatching was relatively quiet with first-winter Caspian Gull and Yellow-legged Gull recorded, along with a lone Little Egret and Arctic Skua. Thornwick Pools attracted a Pink-footed Goose, 39 Teal and two Little Stints; three Grey Plovers and 15 Curlew were on the shoreline below the South Cliffs. Two Yellow-browed Warblers remained at South Landing where 85 Redwing headed west, while another Yellow-browed Warbler was again at South Dykes. Elsewhere, an estimated 2000 Pink-footed Geese fed on stubble fields near RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

It was a day of strong south-west winds, brighter intervals either side of a band of heavy rain and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. Five Little Gulls and a pod of six Bottlenose Dolphins moved south; an Arctic Tern and two Common Terns fed offshore. Two flocks comprising 24 Whooper Swans flew south, together with 200 Pink-footed Geese. The two Yellow-browed Warblers remained in residence in South Landing, while a Lapland Bunting over the outer head was new.

Migweek 2022 began with bright, sunny skies, a light/moderate westerly wind and temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. Wildfowl were on the move with 52 Whooper Swans (51 south, 1 north), 3000+ Pink-footed Geese flying north from the Humber to feed on cliff top fields. A Barnacle Goose also briefly visited Thornwick Pools where a Bittern proved popular.

There was an obvious increase in passerine migrants including a Ring Ouzel, 18 Redwing, 78 Skylarks, 17 Blackcap, five Yellow-browed Warblers (including four at South Landing), a Willow Warbler, 23 Chiffchaffs, 23 Goldcrests, four Lesser Redpolls, eight Siskin and a Brambling. Seawatch highlights included 12 Little Gulls, two first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls, nine Common Terns and an Arctic Tern. The Merlin continued to hunt the outer head favouring the cliffs around the Fog Station, with presumably another individual at South Landing.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs reflected those on the outer head, including 1930 Pink-footed Geese, 46 Whooper Swans and 53 Skylarks moving north-west; a lone Barnacle Goose was located within a Pink-feet flock along Cliff lane late afternoon. In addition, a Barred Warbler made an appearance in the Dell. Another three flocks of Whooper Swans and a Little Owl were recorded during a ‘noc mig’ session in Bempton village.

Blustery south-south-west winds featured during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at 15 degrees C. Feeding flocks attracted two Mediterranean Gulls, three Common Terns and five Arctic Terns; an Arctic Skua flew north, as did a lone Goosander. A Little Egret overflew South Landing, where an Arctic Tern fed offshore, while several hundred Pink-footed Geese again flew north over the Dykes to feed in cliff top fields. Locating passerines proved difficult in the strong winds, although three Yellow-browed Warblers were still in residence, with other totals including nine Redwing, 11 Goldcrests, a Brambling and two Lesser Redpoll.

Light overnight winds, albeit still from the west, and a band of rain prompted the arrival of thrushes overnight, with many then watched departing west soon after dawn. A total of 3390 Redwing moved inland, together with 27 Fieldfare, small numbers of Song Thrush and a lone Ring Ouzel; 11 Snipe, six Lapwing, a Golden Plover and 265 Starlings also flew west.

The first two Woodcock of the autumn were located on the outer head, along with an ‘eastern’ Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Siskin, two Lesser Redpolls and eight Brambling. A Barred Warbler in the Bay Brambles was new, while four Yellow-browed Warblers remained. Thornwick Pools attracted a single Whooper Swan, seven Pink-footed Geese, 61 Teal, two Tufted Ducks, a Water Rail, the Bittern and a Kingfisher. The long-staying Merlin continued to frequent the Lighthouse Field and adjacent cliff top.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs also witnessed an increase in migrants including six Whooper Swans, the second-ever reserve record of Cetti’s Warbler, a Siberian Chiffchaff, one Redstart and a Firecrest.

A bright day with a light to moderate south-westerly and maximum temperature of 15°C.

Morning seawatching produced single Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, a lone Bonxie, five Little and two Mediterranean Gulls while three Goosander (seen at South Landing earlier) also passed. A pod of 26 Bottle-nosed Dolphins went north.

An estimated 1000 Pink-footed Geese again headed north early morning and Whooper Swan was at Thornwick Pools during the evening where a Water Rail and Bittern were also seen briefly. Thirty three Whoopers flew south and a Great Egret east at South Dykes. A Kingfisher was seen again on the Outer Head where passerine interest continued with small numbers of inbound Redwings, three Brambling, five Siskin, a Lesser Whitethroat, five Yellow-browed Warblers and a Cetti’s Warbler briefly at the Golf Course Willows. The Merlin continued to hunt the finch flock in the Lighthouse area.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB retained the Firecrest and Whooper Swan and two Lapland Buntings flew south-east.

A cloudy day with an afternoon maximum temperature of 15°C in a moderate to fresh south-westerly.

Highlights from the Fog Station included a Great Northern Diver, three Manx Shearwaters, six Arctic, two Common and one Sandwich Tern, 66 Little Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull. Skuas included a Pomarine and five Arctic.

Away from the sea, the Merin continued to terrorise the finch flock at the Lighthouse Field and the Bittern and Whooper Swan remained at Thornwick Pools. In terms of migrant passerines, two Yellow-browed Warblers were at South Dykes and one at South Landing. Otherwise, there were scattered small numbers of Redwings and Goldcrests and a Cetti’s Warbler was caught at South Landing.

Three Short-eared Owls were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB along with a Whooper Swan and 165 Pink-footed Geese and two House Martins. A Bittern was seen to come in off the sea at dusk, only the second record for the reserve.

A sunny day, with light variable winds and temperatures that reached 14 degrees C. Wildfowl featured on the morning’s seawatch including 217 Wigeon, 56 Teal and three Eiders. A total of 27 Little Gulls moved past the Fog Station, along with two Common Terns, four Arctic Terns and two Arctic Skuas. The long-staying Merlin continued to hunt the cliff top around the Fog Station.

There were no signs of the Bittern at Thornwick Pools, although 61 Teal, a Wigeon, a Goldeneye, two Water Rails, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail were present, while a Merlin hunted finches over the pool late afternoon. Two Jack Snipe were located, with birds at South Landing and North Marsh, while a Short-eared Owl arrived in off the sea. Passerine migrants included a Yellow-browed Warbler, 13 Goldcrests, a Whinchat, one Lesser Redpoll, 16 Siskin, two Brambling and two Snow Buntings.

Sunny intervals featured throughout a day of moderate south-west winds and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. A Velvet Scoter north, three Manx Shearwaters, together with single Bonxie and Arctic Skua were the highlights of the morning’s seawatch. A dark-bellied Brent Goose, two Little Egrets, four Eiders and four Arctic Terns frequented Cattlemere late afternoon, where the Merlin continued to entertain. A lone Water Rail was located in the Thornwick Reedbed.

A Cetti’s Warbler caught and ringed at Thornwick continued the unprecedented autumn influx. Thrushes started to make landfall mid-afternoon comprising mainly of one species, with 845 Redwing arriving mainly from 1500hrs until dusk; the odd Blackbird, Song Thrush and Starling also flew west, along with ten Brambling.

A Whooper Swan remained in residence along Cliff Lane, Bempton, where the influx of Redwings was also apparent: 162 flew west south of the village between 1720-1750hrs. Further west, 500 Pink-footed Geese frequented fields between Buckton and Speeton. On the opposite side of the headland a lone Yellow-browed Warbler was located between Sewerby and South Dykes.

Rain at first light soon cleared to leave a bright day, with blustery south-west winds and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was rewarded with 21 Pink-footed Geese north, 35 Wigeon and 49 Teal south, 17 Little Gulls, an Arctic Tern, one Bonxie, two Arctic Skuas and three Puffins; a Short-eared Owl also flew in off the sea, with presumably the same bird later hunting the Gorse Field.

A Manx Shearwater was off South Landing, while seven Whooper Swans flew south over the headland during the morning and three Little Egrets were near High Stacks. Pink-footed Geese flocks featured over the entire headland, with 1100 in fields near Bempton, of which 500 later moved south over the outer head. Twelve Goosander flying south represented a good tally, but the most noteworthy wildfowl record referred to two Tundra Bean Geese that circled Thornwick. Nearby Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Grebe and a Cetti’s Warbler. A Marsh Harrier also flew in off at the Fog Station, quite possibly displaced out to sea by the strong winds which also pushed other large raptors onto the headland, including a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Red Kite and several Common Buzzards. The Merlin continued to perform near the Seawatch Observatory, while a Little Owl near Oceanview was notable.

‘Vis mig’ at RSPB Bempton Cliffs proved rewarding with 16 Goosanders, 18 Golden Plovers, eight Snipe, the aforementioned Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, 239 Redwing, three Fieldfares, a Lesser Redpoll and two Snow Buntings. A Ruff was located on nearby fields at Metlands.

Strong south-westerly winds only dropped in strength late afternoon; it was sunny throughout, with temperatures peaking at 15 degrees C. Thirteen Little Gulls, an Arctic Skua and six Puffins were recorded on the seawatch, as were two Common Terns and two Arctic Terns. Cetacean interest included a Minke Whale and six Bottlenose Dolphins. The Merlin continued to show well on the outer head.

Six Whooper Swans flew south during the seawatch, with an additional seven south over the headland late afternoon; seven Barnacle Geese also moved south over the outer head. Thornwick Pools/Lakes hosted two Little Grebes, a Goldeneye and a Jack Snipe. Other migrants included a Woodcock, six Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, five Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Yellow-browed Warbler (South Dykes), a late Yellow Wagtail, 32 Siskin, three Lesser Redpolls and two Brambling.

Better still, a juvenile Spoonbill flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1045hrs, while a ringtail Hen Harrier overflew the reserve in the afternoon.

The weather consisted of blustery south-west winds, sunny skies and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. The seawatch highlight comprised a movement of 504 Little Gulls moving south, the vast majority from late afternoon. Wildfowl interest included 59 Wigeon, 44 Teal and a Goosander moving south, while a Great Northern Diver and nine Manx Shearwaters were also recorded. A juvenile Pomarine Skua flew north, with three Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie also flying past the outer head.

Thornwick Pools attracted plenty of interest including a Whooper Swan, one Barnacle Goose, three Wigeon, 52 Teal, a Goldeneye, the Bittern, a Water Rail, four Snipe, a Kingfisher and a Cetti’s Warbler. The Merlin lingered on the outer head and continued to show well. Passerine migrants included nine Swallows, a Lesser Whitethroat, four Chiffchaffs, eight Goldcrests, two Fieldfare, 48 Redwing, three Lesser Redpolls and 52 Siskin.

The winds finally switched from the west, as light northerlies developed during a sunny day; temperatures reached 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included four Barnacle Geese south, a Great Northern Diver north, 135 Little Gulls south (13 north), three Manx Shearwaters north, a Mediterranean Gull, seven Arctic Terns, two Bonxies, three Pomarine Skuas south (two adults, one juv) and nine Arctic Skuas south.

Elsewhere, four Barnacle Geese rested on Beacon Hill, while seven Whooper Swans flew south. A Richard’s Pipit on the outer head headlined passerine interest that also included three Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, a Yellow-browed Warbler (South Dykes), 14 Siskin, a Brambling, two Twite and a Snow Bunting.

Passage over RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 162 Pink-footed Geese, 33 Whooper Swans, four Goosanders and a Raven south-east, with 89 Golden Plovers moving north-west. In addition, nine Barnacle Geese flew south over Bempton village in the afternoon.

Sometimes life is simple: gale force westerlies aren’t favourable for birding at Flamborough, while easterlies deliver the goods and the first such airflow in an age brought instant reward. Five Pallas’s Warblers arrived on the headland during the day: a lone bird was caught & ringed at Buckton, two frequented Old Fall from late morning, another made landfall and flew west across the Golf Course and one graced Thornwick Camp late afternoon. Perhaps more notable still was a huge arrival of thrushes, once again dominated by one species: 33,565 Redwing flew west, together with 757 Blackbirds, 735 Starlings, 286 Fieldfare and 55 Brambling. Another highlight was the arrival of a Great Grey Shrike at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Additional grounded migrant totals on the outer head included six Woodcock, six Short-eared Owls in off, 162 Blackbirds, 135 Goldcrests, four Chiffchaff, a Black Redstart, 24 Brambling, and a Mealy Redpoll. Seawatch highlights included a Balearic Shearwater north, two Sooty Shearwaters, 200 Little Gulls, four Mediterranean Gulls and a Pomarine Skua north.

Further sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included five Short-eared Owls, 100 Goldcrests, a Firecrest, one Yellow-browed Warbler, 14 Brambling and a Mealy Redpoll. Additional records from nearby Buckton involved 73 Goldcrests, 18 Robin, a Yellow-browed Warbler and three Mealy Redpolls caught and ringed.; a Woodcock and three Ring Ouzel were also present.

An overcast day, with persistent rain , heavy at times, and a moderate east-south-easterly wind. Two Black-throated Divers flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured two dark-bellied Brent Geese, 189 Wigeon, 57 Teal, 18 Eider, three Red-breasted Mergansers, 240 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and four Arctic Skuas. The long-staying Merlin hunted the outer head, while a Kingfisher added colour to Thornwick Pools.

The persistent rain meant many migrants went undetected, but nevertheless, three Pallas’s Warblers remained in residence on the outer head, including two birds in Old Fall. A ringtail Hen Harrier, three Short-eared Owls and two Woodcock were also present. Passerine migrants included 620 Fieldfare, 2340 Redwing, 105 Song Thrush, 530 Blackbirds, five Ring Ouzels, a Shore Lark (North Landing), four Yellow-browed Warblers, 335 Goldcrests, 16 Chiffchaff, nine Blackcap, 165 Robins, six Black Redstarts, a Common Redstart, 50 Brambling and a Hawfinch (North Landing).

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included one Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, the Great Grey Shrike, 110 Goldcrests, a Black Redstart and 21 Brambling. Late news, a Radde’s Warbler was caught and ringed at Buckton, where three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Tree Pipit, one Ring Ouzel and a Black Redstart were present.

Light/moderate winds backed south-easterly during an overcast day which featured spells of fog and heavy rain showers. A total of 31 Eiders flew north over the outer head, where raptor interest included single Merlin, ringtail Hen Harrier and a late Osprey. An overnight influx of 25 Woodcock was obvious, but most interest focused on passerine migrants. A Dusky Warbler was discovered at South Landing and was seen alongside one of five Pallas’s Warblers on the outer head, including two together at Old Fall and another individual at South Landing. A vocal Richard’s Pipit flew east over South Landing, where a Firecrest was a new arrival. Additional migrant totals included three Willow Warblers, 21 Chiffchaff, seven Yellow-browed Warblers, seven Blackcap, 160 Goldcrests, 145 Robins, 320 Blackbirds, four Ring Ouzels, 1245 Redwing, a Wheatear and nine Black Redstarts.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs continued to host the Great Grey Shrike (although it later flew high south towards the village), along with three Woodcock, 71 Golden Plover south-east, a Short-eared Owl moving north-west, 11 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, a Ring Ouzel and 50 Blackbirds. Nearby, a Black Redstart frequented the Pig Farm at Bempton, while a Merlin was seen at nearby Wandale Farm.