Category: Sightings

It was an unseasonably warm day, with temperatures reaching 17 degrees under sunny skies. A flock of five hirundines of which at least three were Red-rumped Swallows over Wandale Farm stole the headlines; unfortunately, they flew south-west towards Bempton village, but weren’t relocated.

The morning seawatch produced a dark-bellied Brent Goose, eight Whooper Swans, a Black-throated Diver, a juvenile Sabine’s Gull, one Mediterranean Gull, a Bonxie and 18 Puffins all flying south, with a Velvet Scoter moving north and 750 Little Gulls offshore. As well as the flock of Whoopers south on the seawatch, a further nine southbound birds crossed the headland, with a Jack Snipe at Thornwick Pools. Raptor interest included the ringtail Hen Harrier, the juvenile Osprey first seen yesterday and the long-staying Merlin.

A Pallas’s Warbler was caught and ringed at South Landing, where a Ring Ouzel, the Dusky Warbler and a Firecrest were also present. A second Firecrest was located in nearby Booted Gully, while the two Pallas’s Warblers remained at Old Fall and nine Yellow-browed Warblers were also in residence. Additional passerine migrants on the outer head included five Black Redstarts, 25 Brambling and 71 Siskin.

Four Barnacle Geese flew south-east at Bempton, where a Swift sp. moved in a similar direction and a Siberian Chiffchaff was present.

Overcast throughout, with a light/moderate south-south-easterly wind and rain arriving from the middle of the day; temperatures reached 14 degrees C. One Sooty Shearwater and 75 Little Gulls flew north during the morning’s seawatch and a pod of 25 Bottlenose Dolphins frequented the outer head. Thornwick Pools attracted two Jack Snipe, a Water Rail and a Yellow-browed Warbler. The Merlin continued to hunt the outer head and at one point pursued a male Snow Bunting over the sea which eventually escaped. There was no sign of the Dusky Warbler in South Landing, but single Pallas’s Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler and Firecrest remained. Two Black Redstarts lingered at the Lighthouse and Thornwick Camp attracted another.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included six Goosander south-east, a Willow Warbler, 30 Goldcrests and a Black Redstart. Nearby Buckton attracted one Woodcock, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Firecrest.

A relatively overcast start with brighter intervals later, moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 16 degrees C. Identification of autumn swifts can be confusing at the best of times, so evaluation of images was needed to help ascertain how many birds were involved: it appeared three Pallid Swifts were present, with a lone bird commuting between South Landing and the Old Lighthouse and two birds together over High Stacks which eventually drifted north-west; in addition, another individual was photographed that showed characteristics of Common Swift. The other highlight was the afternoon discovery of a Serin in the Lighthouse Cover Crop; the same finch flock also attracted a lone Twite.

Wildfowl interest away from the sea included 20 Whooper Swans south, 219 Pink-footed Geese and a lone Barnacle Goose. The ringtail Hen Harrier appeared over Cattlemere early morning, with the juvenile Merlin in the same area and another Merlin over the Dykes. A Pallas’s Warbler continued to show well at South Landing, with Siberian Chiffchaff and Firecrest in nearby Booted Gully. additional migrant records included three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Reed Warbler, two Black Redstarts, 13 Lesser Redpoll, 58 Siskin and five Brambling.

Single Gadwall and Pintail, three Goosanders, a Sooty Shearwater, a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull and six Arctic Skuas flew south during the morning’s seawatch. Two Pomarine Skuas flew north, while 109 Little Gulls were offshore.

On the edge of the recording area, a Ring-necked Parakeet was present at Marton.

It was a relatively bright day, with a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. Eight Goosanders south on the seawatch continued an above average run of sightings, with a Pale-bellied Brent Goose north, 167 Pink-footed Geese, a Great Northern Diver north, 110 Little Gulls, three Mediterranean Gulls and a 30-strong pod of Bottlenose Dolphins. An additional 108 Pink-footed Geese moved south over the headland as did 20 Whooper Swans (12,8). The Merlin continued to show well around the Lighthouse Crop field.

A flock of 14 Bearded Tits that flew north over the Lighthouse Grassland represented an excellent local total. Other passerine sightings included three Yellow-browed Warblers, two Willow Warblers, eight Chiffchaffs, three Blackcaps, 53 Goldcrests, five Black Redstarts, 14 Twite, 11 Siskin and six Brambling.

Overcast at first, but prolonged sunny intervals later, a moderate south-south-westerly wind and temperatures hitting a warm 18 degrees C. A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull flew south during the morning seawatch that also featured two Manx Shearwaters, 45 Little Gulls, an Arctic Tern, a Bonxie and two Arctic Skuas. A Snow Bunting also flew south and six Fieldfare flew in off the sea.

Four Whooper Swans rested on the outer head and a Goosander was seen off South Dykes. Passerine migrant numbers ebb by the day, although one Yellow-browed Warbler remained at the Golf Course Willows and two Black Redstarts at the Lighthouse. Frustratingly, a Swift sp. showing features of Pallid flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and, presumably the same individual, was then relocated at the Lighthouse; it didn’t linger and departed before the full suite of characters could clinch identification.

It was a wet day with the rain only stopping in the afternoon when sunny intervals established briefly, before overcast skies returned; temperatures peaked at 14 degrees C. A Black Guillemot north during the seawatch was a highlight, with a Great Northern Diver and three Eider flying south. Eighteen Purple Sandpipers, 31 Little Gulls and six Arctic Skuas were also recorded. The Thornwick wetlands attracted 53 Teal, a Goldeneye and a Little Grebe. Elsewhere, the Merlin remained on the outer head, while three Black Redstarts included the duo at the Lighthouse.

A belt of rain cleared the headland late morning with sunny skies, blustery south/south-west winds and temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. A juvenile Sabine’s Gull flew south during a morning seaweatch that also featured four Gadwall, seven Golden Plovers, 163 Little Gulls, four Mediterranean Gulls and an Arctic Tern moving south; three Arctic Skuas moved north, as did a pod of ten Bottlenose Dolphins.

Following three birds on 24th October and a couple of tantalising sightings of a Swift sp. mid week, two Pallid Swifts showed well at times over the outer head from early afternoon. Both birds were still present immediately prior to dusk and may have gone to roost on the cliffs east of Breil Nook. Also of note were 11 Whooper Swans south, 60 Teal at Thornwick, a Woodcock at North Landing, the long-staying Merlin and a creamcrown Marsh Harrier south. Passerine interest included a Ring Ouzel in off, 57 Lesser Redpolls, a Brambling, two Twite south and two Snow Buntings also south.

An overcast day, with a moderate south-easterly wind and persistent, but relatively light rain for most of the daylight hours. A total of 62 Little Gulls were recorded during the morning’s seawatch, as were nine Puffins and 20 Bottlenose Dolphins. One of the features of the day was a passage of finches including 40 Lesser Redpolls, 215 Siskins and nine Twite. Two Water Rail were present including a migrant at North Landing, where a Black Redstart was also present.

The two Pallid Swifts re-appeared at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, although didn’t linger long and appeared to head south-east back towards the outer head; two Little Gulls were seen over the sea there.

Bright skies with a light overcast and sunny intervals featured for much of the day before very heavy showers arrived late afternoon; temperatures reached 14 degrees C. The swift influx continued, with no fewer than five Pallid Swifts feeding along the northern side of the headland between North Dykes and Buckton, including four birds together at the latter location. It is now considered up to nine Pallid Swifts have visited the headland since the initial sightings of three birds on 24th October.

The morning’s seawatch on the outer head was rewarded with three dark-bellied Brent Geese south, single Goldeneye and Goosander, two Great Northern Divers south and eight Black-tailed Godwits south, together with 276 Little Gulls (inc. 257 south). A Shore Lark flew in off the sea by the Fog Station, while five Twite fed on the adjacent cliff top. The Merlin continued to hunt the outer head, while a ringtail Hen Harrier there was presumably the same individual that flew north-west at Bempton later in the day. Nine Whooper Swans also flew south over Oceanview. Passerine interest included four House Martins and two Swallows south, two Ring Ouzels in off and six Snow Buntings.

Additional sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Swallows and five House Martins south, a Mealy Redpoll south-east, a Snow Bunting north-west and a Short-eared Owl on the reserve. Another Merlin was located on the edge of Buckton village.

An overcast day, with light/moderate winds backing from the south-west to the south-east and temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. A southerly movement of 1950 Little Gulls past the outer head took place early afternoon. Additional seawatch records included a Goosander, 38 Golden Plovers and an Arctic Skua also moving south; an adult Mediterranean Gull lingered off the headland.

The Merlin remained, a Black-tailed Godwit frequented Thornwick Pools, a Woodcock was also present, while a Short-eared Owl made landfall at North Landing. Four Bearded Tits, including two adult males, commuted between the reedbeds at Thornwick. Other migrant passerines included a Ring Ouzel in off the sea, three Swallows and a House Martin south, a Black Redstart in a village garden and eight Twite flying south.

Further west, at least one Pallid Swift fed off Buckton Cliffs in the morning, although possibly the same bird was later watched flying high west over Reighton. A Jack Snipe flew in off the sea at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where three Goldeneye represented a notable record.

A strong south-westerly kept the temperature the mild side with on an afternoon maximum of 13°C.

Two Whooper Swans and three Mute Swans flew south on the morning seawatch when additional wildfowl seen included 60 Wigeon, seven Pintail, 106 Teal and three Goldeneye. First-winter Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls also passed.

A further 18 Whooper Swans in small groups passed over the Outer Head and three Dark-bellied Brent Geese passed along the south cliffs. Four Woodcocks and two Merlins were noted and a Pallid Swift spent the afternoon feeding over the Bay Brambles.

Despite the strong wind off the land there was still plenty of passerines making landfall including three figure counts of Starlings, Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Redwings also four Ring Ouzels. A Cetti’s Warbler was at Thornwick Roost while a Whinchat at Water Lane was very late.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, 68 Pink-footed Geese and a lone Goosander passed south-east and a Swallow flew along the cliff at Buckton.

The main feature of the weather was the wind which was fresh all morning and strengthened throughout the afternoon. The 13°C maximum temperature was academic.

Seawatching was dominated by 1320 Little Gulls moving into Bridlington Bay. Other highlights included two Arctic Terns and an arctic Skua. Wildfowl logged included 14 Whooper Swans, two Red-breasted Mergansers and a Goosander.

Yesterday’s Pallid Swift was seen again but only briefly after first light before heading south . The main event was a passage of Whooper Swans with 35 passing over and another 30 in a field near Sykes Plantation. The day’s passerine highlights included a Lapland Bunting coming in off with Skylarks, a Ring Ouzel and two Bramblings.

West of the Dykes, a ringtail Hen Harrier was at Speeton and a further ten Whooper Swans were in a field between North Dykes and Bempton.

Today was much quieter from a weather perspective with a light westerly, a generally bright day and a maximum temperature of 12°C.

Seawatching produced four Great Northern Divers and single Goosander, Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew south and the number of Little Gulls was lower than yesterday, only 155 being logged.

Eighteen Whooper Swans were logged and the Merlin continued to perform over the Lighthouse Grassland and a Woodcock was at South Landing. Common Scoter numbered 119 between South Dykes and South Landing. Passerines included single Ring Ouzel and Brambling, nine Chiffchaffs, a late Willow Warbler and 17 Lesser Redpolls.

A Hen Harrier was reported from Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A bright, sunny day with alight to moderate north-westerly and a maximum temperature of 12°C.

Seawatchers were rewarded with a Velvet Scoter, two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Three Manx Shearwaters, two Bonxies, four Mediterranean Gulls and 380 Little Gulls. In addition, a Twite and two Snow Buntings came in off the sea.

An Arctic Tern fed off the south side of the Head, 65 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the village and a Woodcock was at Old Fall Steps. A Cetti’s Warbler was again at Thornwick while nine Chiffchaffs and three Blackcaps were present on the Outer Head. Finches were also logged with at least two Twite, 12 Lesser Redpolls and 25 Siskin all in the Lighthouse Grassland area as well as 4 Snow Buntings. Sixteen Siskins also visited a village garden and two Snow Buntings were at Beacon Hill.

Highlights at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included 115 Pink-footed Geese, five Snow Buntings, a Chiffchaff and an acredula Willow Warbler.

A very dull day with intermittent rain from mid-morning and through the afternoon. The wind was a moderate south-westerly and the maximum temperature was 12 °C.

Seawatching produced a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull, two Mediterranean Gulls and fewer Little Gulls than of late with 39 logged. Other sightings included one Great Northern Diver, a lone Barnacle Goose, four Manx Shearwaters and two Arctic Terns.

Away from the sea, birding was much constrained by the poor weather. Teal numbered 51 at Thornwick Pools. A few thrushes were still inbound with at least 35 Fieldfare and smaller numbers of Redwing over the village. during the morning.

A Jack Snipe overflew Bempton Cliffs RSPB and a Bittern was recorded over Bempton village overnight.

Another cloudy day with fog until mid-morning and a maximum temperature of 9°C in a light south-westerly.

Seawatching was profitable with wildfowl providing most highlights: eight Whooper Swans, 66 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Gadwall and one each of Shoveler, Goldeneye and Goosander being the best. Also passing were a Manx Shearwater, a Bonxie and a first-winter Caspian Gull.

Whooper Swans also continued to pass over the Head with 24 in three groups being logged. A Barnacle Goose was at the Lakes while Pink-footed Geese were seen in several locations both in flight and on the ground probably totalling 246. A Goldeneye and Goosander were both on waters at Thornwick. A Merlin was at South Landing and 76 Golden Plover passed over. A late Swallow was at Oceanview. Fieldfares and Redwings continued to come in off with 573 and 62 respectively. Three Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, 12 Goldcrest, two Siskin and six Lesser Redpolls added interest.

A quiet ringing session at South Landing was enlivened by the capture of a Firecrest.

Two Snow Buntings flew north-west at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The south-westerly flow continued with variable cloud and a maximum temperature of 13°C.

A Whooper Swan, two Great Northern Divers, four Goldeneye, two Manx Shearwaters (with four during the afternoon), 26 Little Gulls and an Arctic Tern were the pick of the morning seawatch.

The Goosander and Goldeneye remained in the Thornwick area as a second Goosander passed the south cliffs. A Mute Swan flew south west over South Landing late afternoon. A Bar-tailed Godwit frequented the beach at South Landing and a Woodcock flew over the village. Fieldfares were making landfall during the afternoon with 993 passing over along with 52 Redwing. Other passerine interest included a Black Redstart, three Chiffchaff and six Goldcrest.

Over 200 Pink-footed Geese flew south-east over Bempton Cliffs RSPB and a Whooper Swan also passed over.

The temperature reached 14°C on another day of blustery south to south-westerly winds.

The seawtching highlights included two Shoveler, a Pintail, two Manx Shearwaters, an Arctic Skua and the first-winter Arctic Tern was still offshore. Gulls included a first-winter Yellow-legged and 91 Little.

The Goosander was still in residence at Thornwick Pools and close by a first-winter Caspian Gull and two Mute Swans were at The Lakes. A Woodcock was seen on the Outer Head, a Swallow passed South Dykes where there were two Ring Ouzels and 15 Siskin were at South Landing.

Another day of south-westerlies. The temperature maximum was 13°C generally bright skies in the morning and afternoon showers.

Seawatching was productive with highlights of 43 Pink-footed Geese, three Velvet Scoter, three Great Northern Divers, three Manx Shearwaters, a Little Egret, two Arctic Terns and three Woodcock in off. It was the gulls that stole the show though, with a juvenile Sabine’s Gull north at 11:15, 95 Little Gulls, a Caspian Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull, both first-winters, and an apparent adult Baltic Gull.

Thornwick Pools still held the Goosander while 299 Pink-footed Geese and eight Whooper Swans passed south. Woodcock numbered 7, including one carried in off by a Peregrine. Migrant passerines were few and included two Swallows, four Chiffchaff, seven Goldcrest.

A Short-eared Owl was mobbed by a Peregrine as it came in off at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Strong south-westerlies again though mild with an maximum temperature of 15°C.

The main seawatching highlight was two Storm Petrels moving south while other species included a Velvet Scoter, three Great Northern Divers, a Great Skua, a first-winter Caspian Gull, 83 Little Gulls, 109 Puffins and, unusually, two Jack Snipe south. Also offshore were four Manx Shearwaters and three Arctic Terns. All making for an eventful day.

Land-based birding was hampered by the strength of the wind. Even so, 52 Pink-footed Geese, a Goldeneye, three Snipe and a Kingfisher were at Thornwick Pools. South Landing held 20 Sanderling and 39 Common Scoter were offshore.

Six Grey Partridge were noted at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Another day of strong south-westerlies and unseasonably mild temperatures not falling below 14° overnight and a maximum of 17°C.

Seawatching was profitable again with eleven Whooper Swans, a Great Northern Diver and the second Little Auk of the autumn. Little Gulls were also present with 134 passing and a further 10 offshore. In addition, an Arctic Tern and three Manx Shearwaters were feeding off the Fog Station.

A relatively quiet day weatherwise. A dry day with maximum temperature of 12°C and a moderate southerly.

A first-winter Caspian Gull was offshore during the seawatch which also produced 13 Whooper Swans, four Great Northern Divers, a Manx Shearwater, 82 Golden Plover, 44 Little Gulls and a Bonxie. Passerines were also passing with four Redpolls, three Siskin and two Snow Bunting.

On land, a total of 80 Siskins and 3 Lesser Redpolls were noted in addition to small numbers of winter thrushes. Eight Sanderling were at South Landing beach.

Sightings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB reflected those further east with about a Siskin, 90 Golden Plover, 12 Whooper Swans on the sea and another in a field just to the west of North Dykes.

The wind subsided to a light to moderate southerly and allowed fog to descend which lasted all day with visibility typically 100m. The maximum temperature was 11°C.

Despite the poor visibility, seawatching was predictably quiet. Even so, it produced two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, a Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, four Lesser Black-backed Gulls and three Little Gulls.

There was some evidence of new birds arriving with two Woodcock, 76 Fieldfare and 27 Redwing. Two Chiffchaff were at Old Fall. Thornwick Pools held two Gadwall, 22 Teal and a Snipe.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, six Grey Plover, five Golden Plover, five Dunlin and a Snipe all came in off the sea. Inbound passerines included eight Song Thrush, four Redwing, 75 Blackbird, six Fieldfare and three Siskin while four Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, three Chiffchaff and a Grey Wagtail were also present.

Another grey, gloomy and variably misty day finally gave way to sun for a brief period around midday. The maximum temperature was 12° in a light southerly.

Seawatching was lively with a good selection of species, particularly wildfowl. Highlights included Dark-bellied (13), Pale-bellied (1) and unassigned (3) Brent Geese, nine Shelduck, a Shoveler, two Gadwall, 85 Wigeon, two Pintail, 149 Teal, nine Tufted Duck, 154 Eider, a Goldeneye and six Red-breasted Mergansers. Also logged were two Great Northern Divers, a Sooty Shearwater, 26 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, two Bonxies and an Arctic Skua. Four Twite, two Siskin and a Snow Bunting added further to a good session.

On land, the ay started with a Kingfisher at Thornwick Fishing Lake as six Whooper Swans. A Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew east at South Dykes where 130 Common Scoter and a Goldeneye were offshore. There was an arrival of thrushes overnight resulting in counts of 382 Blackbird, 90 Fieldfare and 595 Redwing. The Northern Stubbles held a fine count of 192 Skylark and a lone Snow Bunting. Chiffchaff numbered 13 and Blackcaps 7 as other highlights included three Lesser Redpoll, 14 Siskin and a single Brambling.

Ten Golden Plover went south at Buckton where seven Fieldfare, four Redwing and a Chiffchaff were present. Finally, 12 Siskin flew over Speeton churchyard.

Heavy rain from early morning and south-south-easterly gales throughout the day. The maximum temperature reached 11°C.

The morning seawatch saw good numbers of wildfowl passing with two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 11 Shoveler, six Gadwall, 234 Wigeon, 22 Pintail, 486 Teal, 3 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 210 Common Scoter and 3 Goldeneye. Further highlights included 166 Little Gulls, 34 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover and a Woodcock in off. Single Sandwich and Arctic Terns were also offshore.

The poor weather effectively stopped land-based birding after early morning. Birds logged at South Dykes included 26 Eider, a Shoveler, seven Lapwing and an Arctic Skua.

A bright morning was followed by a showery afternoon in a moderate south-easterly. The maximum temperature was 11°C.

Seawatching provided the greatest rewards again. The many of the highlights were wildfowl including eight Dark-bellied Brent Geese. a Shoveler, two Gadwall, 62 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 819 Teal (a record November day count), two Tufted Duck, 164 Common Scoter and three Goldeneye. Other notable birds logged were two Manx Shearwaters, 650 Little Gulls with another 120 feeding offshore, a Mediterranean Gull, two Arctic Terns and six Little Auks. Birds were also coming in off with a Woodcock and 30 Siskin while a Twite and 2 Snow Buntings were also overhead.

Both Snow Bunting and Lapland Bunting were on the northern cliffs where four Dark-bellied Brent Geese flew south. Other passerine records included eight Chiffchaff, three Blackcap and 34 Siskin. Thornwick Pools hosted a Goosander an five Snipe. A Woodcock was at South Landing.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Willow Warbler, three Chiffchaff and four Goldcrest were present with a Pintail, six Siskin and a Lapland Bunting passing.

A day of constant rain, at times heavy, driven by an easterly gale. The temperature reached a maximum of 11°C.

Due to the truly grim weather, birding was severely curtailed. Despite this, dedicated seawatchers did see some movement, highlights being a single Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Little Auk, 50 Common and two Velvet Scoters, two Tufted Duck, three Goldeneye, 13 Brent Geese, and a single Arctic Tern and Arctic Skua.

Birding through windows at home was as good as it got for most. A Brambling, 4 Redwing and 6 Fieldfare were in one village garden.

Watching from the cliff top at Bempton was rewarded by a Great Northern Diver, two Great Skua and 25 Common Scoter.

Yesterday’s heavy rain and easterlies continued overnight and resulted in a good day’s birding, with interest both on the sea and land including a significant arrival of thrushes, especially Blackbirds. Generally light south-westerlies featured throughout a relatively overcast day, with temperatures peaking at 10 degrees C.

Wildfowl pushed south during the morning seawatch including six dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Whooper Swans, 87 Wigeon, 143 Teal, 37 Eider, seven Velvet Scoter, 410 Common Scoters, 16 Goldeneye, seven Goosanders and three Red-breasted Mergansers. Two Great Northern Divers headed north and a Manx Shearwater moved in the opposite direction. Larid enthusiasts were entertained with 48 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, a first-winter Caspian Gull, a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull and, by modern standards, an impressive 61 ‘Northern’ Herring Gulls moving south. A late Arctic Tern also flew south, along with 16 Little Auks, while 18 Puffins were also recorded.

Nine Whooper Swans and three White-fronted Geese went south overland, two Short-eared Owls and 72 Lapwing flew in off the sea, while a ringtail Hen Harrier hunted the outer head. Grounded migrants included 12 Woodcock, a Water Rail, 2250 Blackbirds, 305 Fieldfares, 105 Redwing, 25 Song Thrush, four Waxwings in the village, nine Chiffchaffs, nine Blackcap, a Brambling and five Snow Buntings (incl. two in-off).

A vis mig watch of birds heading west over the Dykes late afternoon was rewarded with 1020 Blackbirds together with 16 Golden Plovers and 50 Redwing. Presumably the same ringtail Hen Harrier visited RSPB Bempton Cliffs in the morning.

An overcast morning, with light drizzle at times following heavy overnight rain before brighter spells eventually prevailed; temperatures reached nine degrees C in a moderate/strong south-southeasterly wind. A total of 34 Little Auks (29 north, five south) were logged from the Seawatch Observatory, with singles also noted off South Landing and South Dykes. A juvenile Pomarine Skua flew north during the seawatch, with a Velvet Scoter, four Goosanders, one dark-bellied Brent Goose, two pale-bellied Brents, 30 Little Gulls and 47 Puffins also recorded. Another Velvet Scoter was off South Dykes, while Thornwick Pools hosted one Wigeon, 60 Teal, a Goosander and one Snipe.

The ringtail Hen Harrier continued to tour the outer head, where five Woodcock, 13 Goldcrests and five Twite were in residence. Better still, eight Waxwings frequented the village, including six birds favouring trees on Woodcock Road.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included four Goosanders, two Long-tailed Ducks, three Woodcock, 12 Little Auks, 27 Little Gulls, four Goldcrests, a Ring Ouzel and one Brambling.

Blustery south-south-easterly winds initially, with lighter south-west winds later; sunny intervals eventually established and temperatures reached ten degrees C. A Grey Phalarope spent 20 minutes feeding on the sea off Cattlemere late morning, with notable records from the nearby Seawatch Observatory including a dark bellied Brent Goose south, 44 Eider north, a Slavonian Grebe and two Goosanders south, a Great Northern Diver north, a Manx Shearwater and 25 Little Gulls south, 27 Little Auks and a juvenile Arctic Tern.

The ringtail Hen Harrier re-appeared over the outer head, while a Kingfisher was again on Thornwick; the freshwater complexes at Thornwick also hosted a Barnacle Goose, two Mute Swans, a Wigeon, 47 Teal, a Goosander, a Little Grebe and one Water Rail. A total of 23 Waxwings included 16 birds feeding in the centre of the village and an additional flock of seven that visited a garden near South Landing before heading south-west towards Bridlington. Attention on the trees favoured by the latter was further rewarded with the mid-morning discovery of a Hawfinch. Other notable records included a Ring-necked Parakeet, 194 Fieldfare in off and west, one Black Redstart, two Brambling and a Snow Bunting.

A 200-strong flock of Golden Plovers near Buckton Hall was a particularly notable record for recent times, while a Long-eared Owl in the Dell at RSPB Bempton Cliffs was confiding and attracted a stream of admirers. Additional sightings at the reserve involved a Little Auk, four Little Gulls and ten Siskin.

Variable in direction, winds strengthened during the day which ended with moderate south-easterlies, overcast skies and temperatures that reached eight degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 18 Little Auks (17 south), a juvenile Pomarine Skua north, four dark-bellied Brent Geese and nine Little Gulls; another Little Auk was off South Landing. Thornwick Pools attracted 108 Teal and a Goosander, while nearby Woodcock Road continued to attract 15 Waxwings. In addition, four Snow Buntings were present on the outer head.

The Long-eared Owl continued to entertain at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Hen Harrier, a Jack Snipe, one Long-tailed Duck, a Ring Ouzel and a lone Snow Bunting also provided a late autumn flavour.

The weather consisted of relatively light onshore winds, generally overcast skies and temperatures peaking at nine degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 40 Little Auks, a Blue Fulmar, one Pomarine Skua and 11 Little Gulls. The Thornwick area hosted 47 Teal, a Goosander and two Water Rails. A ringtail Hen Harrier hunted the cover crop in the Lighthouse Grasslands early morning, while a lone Little Auk rested on the sea off Breil Nook. The Hawfinch re-appeared in the middle of the village, but there were no signs of the Waxwing flock. Additional sightings included a Jack Snipe, one Short-eared Owl in off, a late Willow Warbler, two Lapland Buntings and eight Snow Buntings.

Another day that featured a band of heavy rain crossing the headland, with strong southerly winds and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. The seawatch featured southbound Great Northern Diver, two Little Auks and a Puffin; five Little Gulls also moved south past High Stacks late afternoon. The Goosander lingered on Thonrwick Pools, while a covey of nine Grey Partridges nearby was notable. The cover crop near the Lighthouse once again attracted the attention of the long-staying ringtail Hen Harrier. A flock of 69 Lapwings flew south-east over the headland and a Water Rail crossed Lighthouse Road near Whelkie Wynds. In addition, a Short-eared Owl hunted the cliff top at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Strong south-westerly winds featured throughout a day that began with bright intervals before squally showers arrived mid-afternoon; temperatures reached ten degrees C. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew south during the morning seawatch, with a Red Kite moving in a similar direction and three Twite also south over the Fog Station. Sightings around South Landing included 13 Red-legged Partridges, two Woodcock, a Grey Wagtail and 16 Siskin. Two ringtail Hen Harriers were present on the headland, with the individual continuing to hunt the outer head and another at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; Short-eared Owl and Snow Bunting were also present at the latter site.

A bright day, with a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at nine degrees C. Two Little Auks and five Little Gulls flew north during the morning’s seawatch. Four skeins containing a total of 230 Pink-footed Geese flew south, while the Goosander remained on Thornwick Pools and 26 Wigeon on North Marsh. South Dykes attracted two Great Crested Grebes, 90 Common Scoters and 25 Sanderling. The ringtail Hen Harrier continued to tour the outer head. Migrants included three Woodcock, three Chiffchaffs, nine Goldcrests and two Grey Wagtails. A male Black Redstart was discovered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Short-eared Owl was also present.

Overcast skies were eventually replaced by sunny intervals, with a moderate south-westerly wind throughout and temperatures peaking at ten degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was above par and included two Velvet Scoters, 161 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, a Little Egret, one Little Gull, a first-winter Caspian Gull and two Little Auks flying south. In addition, a juvenile Pomarine Skua and two Little Gulls moved north. Two very late Swallows fed around the Fog Station and presumably the same individuals flew west over Thornwick Pools later. The Goosander remained there, while two Mute Swans and a Little Grebe frequented the nearby Lakes.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs and immediate environs hosted the ringtail Hen Harrier, the male Black Redstart and a Snow Bunting; 68 Lapwings flew south-east over the reserve, while 44 Lapwings moved west over Flamborough village.

The afternoon featured brighter intervals after an overcast start; there were light south-westerly winds and temperatures reached 11 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Manx Shearwater, two Great Northern Divers, 180 Red-throated Divers, two Goosanders, 45 Little Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull and a Little Auk; five Bottlenose Dolphins also moved south. A Little Egret flew south over the Gorse Field, while another late Swallow was present at North Landing.

The day’s highlight related to the late morning discovery of a flock of 17 Waxwings at Bempton/Buckton village hall; the ringtail Hen Harrier again hunted cliff top fields at Buckton, while Bempton village attracted a Ring-necked Parakeet and 30 Siskin. The male Black Redstart remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A foggy day, with impaired visibility to a greater or lesser extent throughout, a light south-west wind and temperatures peaking at six degrees C. A Gadwall, three Goosanders and a Mediterranean Gull flew south, with four Little Gulls offshore and a Swallow feeding over the Fog Station. Wetland bird interest across the headland’s freshwater sites included two Mute Swans, two Whooper Swans, 46 Wigeon, 47 Teal, a Little Grebe, three Water Rails, 32 Snipe and a Kingfisher. Migrants included 30 Golden Plovers, a Woodcock, 195 Skylarks, a Chiffchaff, seven Goldcrests and a Snow Bunting.

Another overcast day, with light westerly winds and temperatures reaching seven degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with eight dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Long-tailed Ducks, four Little Gulls and an Arctic Skua flying south; a Sooty Shearwater flew north along with three Little Gulls and two Little Auks. Two Manx Shearwaters and a Mediterranean Gull lingered offshore, while the Swallow remained in residence around the Fog Station. Two Water Rails frequented the Thornwick area, while the ringtail Hen Harrier commented between South Landing and Mid-dykes. Passerine interest included seven Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, two Lesser Redpolls and eight Snow Buntings.

A lone Waxwing was located in trees near Buckton Pond in the morning.Nearby, notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 21 Whooper Swans and 12 Snow Buntings moving south-east (plus one north-west), with lone Short-eared Owl and Merlin also present.

An overcast day, with a light south-west wind and temperatures reaching five degrees C. Eight Shelduck flew south during the morning seawatch, with a Velvet Scoter north, 17 Little Gulls, three Little Auks and a Great Northern Diver north. Four Twite frequented the cliffs near the Fog Station where a lone Swallow remained. A flock of 13 Whooper Swans flew south over the village, while the ringtail Hen Harrier continued to hunt the outer head. Oceanview attracted a Little Owl, with 18 Snow Buntings on cliff top fields nearby.

It was another overcast day, with light winds and temperatures peaking at six degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Goldeneye and a Lapwing moving south, 50 Little Gulls, a very late Sandwich Tern south, four Little Auks and a Manx Shearwater south. The remains of a Water Rail were discovered at the Fog Station where a Swallow continued in residence. Four Chiffchaffs on the outer head ensured the previous December record (two birds) was easily broken. A flock of Bar-tailed Godwits recorded on an overnight ‘noc mig’ session in Bempton village and two Woodcock in Flamborough village were potentially early signs of cold weather movement that will surely increase over forthcoming days.

The temperature barely moved from 8°C all day in a light easterly.

Two seawatching sessions produced wildfowl highlights of a Shoveler, two Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 77 Eider, 80 Common Scoter and two Goldeneye. A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull fed offshore as a Mediterranean Gull and 27 Little Gulls passed by. A lone Little Auk flew south and a new December day count record of 47 Puffins was logged.

Whooper Swans were noted at Marine Valley (2 juveniles), Lighthouse Road (4 adults then flew south) and over South Landing (6 adults flying east). Thornwick Fishing Lake held a Pochard, Tufted Duck and Little Grebe and North Marsh attracted 46 Wigeon. A Great Northern Diver was at South Landing with 116 Common Scoter and 13 Eider between there and South Dykes. Also noted on the Outer Head were a Water Rail, one Twite, two Brambling and seven Snow Buntings.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB a small arrival included a Ring Ouzel, Redwing and Fieldfare, two Goldcrest while two new Moorhens joined the resident group. A small flock of Black-tailed Godwits were sound recorded overnight at Bempton Village.

A mainly cloudy day with a moderate east-north-east wind and a maximum temperature of 8°C although feeling colder.

Two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 82 Eiders, 70 Little Gulls, single Manx Shearwater, Arctic Skua and Bonxie were all logged at the Fog Station but the main attraction was 16 Little Auks.

The two juvenile Whooper Swans remained near North Moor Farm while nearby, at Thornwick there was a Water Rail and 53 Teal.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB retained its Ring Ouzel as well as a ringtail Hen Harrier and Woodcock.

The temperature didn’t exceed 7°C all day, showers being driven by a fresh to strong easterly.

Highlights at the Fog Station included five Shelduck, 6 Little Gulls, a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull, a single Arctic Skua and nine Little Auks.

Two juvenile Whooper Swans remained near North Landing and Teal numbered of 51 at Thornwick Pools. There were small numbers of inbound thrushes with 23 Fieldfare and 6 Redwing at South Landing where a Little Auk flew east. A Chiffchaff was at Hartendale.

The Ring Ouzel at Bempton Cliffs RSPB remained and two Little Gulls flew towards the Head.

A cloudy day with occasional showers in a moderate to fresh north-easterly and a maximum temperature of 8°C.

Rewards for seawatching were a little thin, highlights being a single Little Auk, two Little Gulls, five Wigeon, six Eider and 23 Common Scoter.

Land-based birding didn’t fare much better; the number of Teal in the flock at Thornwick Pools remained similar at 51 and a male Brambling visiting a village garden.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, the Ring Ouzel was again present at Staple Newk and a Chiffchaff was also present on the reserve.

The wind started the day as a north-westerly then settled into moderate northerly by midday. There were occasional showers and a maximum temperature of 8°C.

The morning session at the Fog Station yielded few highlights, the best being a Bonxie, four Eider and 35 Common Scoter.

A Kingfisher and two Chiffchaffs were noted on the Outer Head, otherwise it was relatively quiet until news broke of a Great Grey Shrike on the side of the cliff at Beacon Hill late afternoon. A Water Rail was also on the cliff top path and a Little Auk was offshore at South Landing.

Both the Ring Ouzel and Snow Bunting remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Frequent showers were driven by a cold, moderate north-westerly and the temperature barely reaching 4°C.

Hardy seawatchers were rewarded by two Mediterranean Gulls, eight Little Gulls, a Bonxie, 8 Little Auks, a Great Northern Diver and a Sooty Shearwater.

A Kingfisher was seen again on the Outer Head, other highlights being 3 Chiffchaffs , a Water Rail and three Woodcock.

A Lapland Bunting was noted at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where the Snow Bunting continued to show.

After a frosty night, the day remained cold with a temperature maximum of 1°C in a moderate north-westerly.

The morning watch at the Fog Station logged eight Little Auks, a single Great Northern Diver and a Manx Shearwater in addition to 16 Teal, 23 Common Scoter and both Snipe and Woodcock ‘in off’.

A Great Grey Shrike seen briefly at Hartendale and again very briefly in village gardens was surely the bird from Beacon Hill two days ago. A Black Redstart was found at St. Oswald’s Church and a Woodcock was at South Landing with two at South Dykes.

Two Woodcock were also at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where there were also 45 Lapwing, four Snipe and the recent Snow Bunting continued its stay.

A cold if mainly bright day with a maximum temperature of 2°C, frost not giving in many places, and a light to moderate westerly.

Little Auks passed the Fog Station again with nine logged as were a single Great Northern Diver, a Red-breasted Merganser and six Little Gulls.

Woodcock were noted again at South Landing, on the cliff top near Sykes and in the village. Eight Pink-footed Geese and a single Golden Plover flew over.

The Snow Bunting at Bempton Cliffs RSPB remained.

The cold weather continues with the temperature not exceeding 1°C all day. Cloudy and winds variable and light.

Four Little Auks and a second-winter Mediterranean Gull were the picks of the seawatch which also included four Little Gulls and 21 Common Scoter.

South Dykes was the source of most records today, highlights being a Firecrest, 2 Nuthatch, a Chiffchaff, seven Goldcrest and a Woodcock. Elsewhere, a Little Grebe remained at Thornwick Lakes and 2 Whooper Swans continued their stay near North Landing and 12 Golden Plover passed overhead at South Landing.

Golden Plover and Redwings were sound recorded at Bempton overnight.