Category: Sightings

A bright day though the cold continues with an overnight frost and a maximum of 2°C. The wind was light north-westerly.

A Little Auk and two Great Northern Divers were the best of the morning session at the Fog Station which also included 31 Teal 17 Common Scoter, 2 Little Gulls and 90 Red-throated Divers.

Ten Woodcock and 15 Snipe were noted on the Outer Head, a Jack Snipe was at Thornwick Pools where the Teal flock increased to 98. Four Golden Plover and ten Lapwing were near North Landing and the two Whooper Swans remained nearby. A single Little Auk was off the North Cliff. A Merlin was at Old Fall.

Visible migration highlights at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included five Goldeneye, two Golden Plover, two Snipe, 3 Redwing, 117 Fieldfare and a Grey Wagtail. Also, on the reserve were a Chiffchaff, a Snow Bunting 150 Tree Sparrows and 43 Yellowhammers.

A hard frost overnight followed by a cold day, the temperature struggled to briefly reach 1°C. The wind was alight north-westerly.

Seawatching highlights included a Sooty Shearwater, a ‘Blue’ Fulmar, two Little Auks and two Little Gulls. Ducks also featured with six Wigeon, 34 Teal, 2 Tufted Ducks, ten Common Scoter and a Goldeneye.

Wildfowl numbers have increased on the Outer Head with three Pink-footed, three Barnacle and two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Whoopers Swans flew south, two Tufted Ducks and the Teal flock increased again to 139. Five Water Rails, seven Woodcock, 39 Snipe lurked at various sites. Fifty Golden Plover were noted passing over with a further 56 on fields on the south cliff along with 22 Lapwing. The North Cliff hosted 166 Skylark while 112 Yellowhammers and 24 Reed Bunting were at North Landing.

The Snow Bunting remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Another bitterly cold day, the temperature not rising above freezing all day. Variable cloud cover with occasional mist in a light westerly.

Seawatchers logged highlights of four Velvet Scoter, a lone Little Auk and a Bonxie.

Thornwick Pools retained 117 Teal, a Water Rail and four Snipe while 91 Lapwing and 18 Golden Plover flew over. A further 12 Snipe and a Woodcock were flushed from cover in the Thornwick Bay / North Landing area. Single Snipe, Woodcock and Water Rail were seen in village gardens. Forty Redwing and three Fieldfare came in from the sea.

A Woodcock was also seen at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A moderate to fresh north-westerly drove occasional light snow showers and after an overnight severe frost temperatures managed to reach 3°C briefly.

Seawatching proved hard going with highlights being 20 Common Scoter, 20 Golden Plover, a Little Gull and a ‘Blue’ Fulmar.

Sixty-two Lapwing, 32 Golden Plover, four Woodcock and two Water Rails were seen on Outer Head.

Lapwings were also logged at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where 20 were present and a further 30 flew towards the Head.

Not far outside our recording area, a Hoopoe was found feeding by the main road from Bridlington to Flamborough. An early Christmas present for the lucky finder.

A hard frost overnight again though the temperature rose slowly to 5°C during the afternoon. The wind was a fresh to strong north-westerly.

Seawatching improved on yesterday with highlights including 75 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, six Little Auks and a ‘Blue’ Fulmar. Ten Lapwing and four Golden Plover provided some added interest.

The cold weather movement of waders continues: 59 Golden Plover and 161 Lapwing were on the Outer Head with a further 34 heading east along the south cliffs, eight Woodcock, seven Snipe and Water Rails at Thornwick Pools and South Landing. The waters at Thornwick attracted three Barnacle Geese and two Tufted Ducks. Waders at South Landing beach included a Grey Plover and a Little Auk was off South Dykes. A Chiffchaff lingers at South Landing.

Another cold day with a couple of hours of slow thaw, the temperature peaked at 2°C. The wind was a light westerly.

Today’s seawatching highlights included single Velvet Scoter, Goosander and Mediterranean Gull and two Sooty Shearwaters. A Little Auk was offshore and a Snow Bunting was also present.

Birds were continuing to try to escape from the freezing conditions. Lapwing numbered 202 and Golden Plover 74 as eleven Woodcock were seen at various sites and two Water Rails were at Hartendale and Thornwick Pools. The Grey Plover at South Landing Beach remained where two Goldeneye were offshore.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted 30 Corn Buntings and five Lapwing were also present.

An overcast day, with light south-west winds and temperatures reaching two degrees C. Single Goldeneye and Mediterranean Gull flew south during the morning’s seawatch, while an influx of 525 Lapwings included southbound birds over the sea and burgeoning numbers settling on ice free fields. A total of 110 Golden Plover were also associated with the influx, as were seven Dunlin, a Grey Plover, 16 Snipe and seven Woodcock.

The Thornwick area attracted two Whooper Swans, two Mute Swans, three Barnacle Geese, a Little Grebe, 65 Teal, two Tufted Ducks, a first-winter Caspian Gull and a Kingfisher; a Great Northern Diver flew south-east past nearby North Landing, while a Velvet Scoter was off South Landing. Passerine interest included a Chiffchaff, 150 Fieldfare, eight Redwing and a Snow Bunting.

The Lapwing influx was also noted at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where 256 birds were recorded, the majority in off the sea. Additional sightings involved eight Golden Plovers, five Woodcock, 32 Snipe, a Mediterranean Gull, one Little Owl, a Merlin, 193 Fieldfares, nine Redwing, two Snow Buntings and 28 Corn Buntings.

Overcast, with a strong southerly wind developing, temperatures starting to slowly increase and rain arriving late afternoon. Three Barnacle Geese flying south was the most notable record of the morning’s seawatch and reflected a larger southerly movement of the same species: 79 flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, whilst a flock 90-100 strong rested on fields between South Landing and South Dykes before moving south; yesterday’s trio also remained in residence on the north side of the outer head. Two juvenile Whooper Swans, a Pink-footed Goose, two Tufted Ducks, a Little Grebe and the first-winter Caspian Gull also lingered in the Thornwick area.

A ringtail Hen Harrier flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where seven Woodcock and 43 Corn Buntings were also present.

A significant change in the weather with blustery southerly winds and overcast skies, but importantly temperatures peaking at 11 degrees C. A December record count of 418 Teal flew south during the morning’s seawatch and were accompanied by 14 Shoveler, two Gadwall, 85 Wigeon, two Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 25 Grey Plover, 28 Dunlin, two Woodcock and one Puffin; single Mediterranean Gull and Snow Bunting headed north. The Thornwick area hosted three Barnacle Geese, two Mute Swans, 35 Teal, two Tufted Ducks, a Little Grebe and the first-winter Caspian Gull. A Merlin hunted Mid-Dykes, while good numbers of Lapwing (365) and Golden Plover (28) remained.

The weather consisted of relatively light south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and occasional light rain, with temperatures reaching nine degrees C. A Great Northern Diver and three ‘northern’ Herring Gulls flew south during a quiet seawatch. The Thornwick area continued to attract an array of wildfowl including two Mute Swans, two Whooper Swans, a Pink-footed Goose, three Barnacle Geese, 49 Teal and two Tufted Ducks. A ringtail Hen Harrier overflew fields near South Landing, while seven Woodcock and 22 Snipe were a legacy of the recent cold snap; the first-winter Caspian Gull again visited Thornwick Lakes. Passerine interest included six Goldcrests, 56 Redwing, 152 Fieldfare and two Grey Wagtails. The Snow Bunting remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and an additional 65 Fieldfare were near Buckton Hall.

There were moderate south-westerly winds throughout a day of sunny intervals with temperatures reaching nine degrees C. A Little Auk flying south headlined the morning seawatch which also saw one Great Crested Grebe and four Dunlin moving in the same direction. Wildfowl interest on the headland included two Whooper Swans, two Mute Swans, three Barnacle Geese, 48 Wigeon and two Tufted Ducks.

After a brief bright spell, it became increasingly overcast with light rain, light/moderate south-west winds and temperatures reaching seven degrees C. Two Velvet Scoters flew south during a seawatch that also featured a Great Crested Grebe and two Puffins south. Two Whooper Swans lingered on fields near Mid Dykes, while a skein of 42 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the outer head. Three Snow Buntings frequented the cliff top at Bempton.

Moderate easterly winds established during an overcast day, with rain arriving and temperatures peaking at seven degrees C. Single Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver and Manx Shearwater flew north during the seawatch, with three Eiders moving south. The Thornwick area attracted two Mute Swans, three Barnacle Geese, 13 Teal and two Tufted Ducks. The long-staying, but elusive, Kingfisher made an appearance at Thornwick Pools, while a Chiffchaff was at South Landing.

The weather consisted of light/moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at nine degrees C. Lone Pintail and Mediterranean Gull flew south during the seawatch, as did 11 ‘northern’ Herring Gulls. The day’s highlights involved the discovery of a Bittern at Thornwick and the relocation of the Firecrest in South Dykes. Additional records included three Barnacle Geese, two Whooper Swans, six Goldcrest and two Nuthatch.

Firstly, Happy Xmas to one and all from everyone at Flamborough Bird Observatory!

A seasonal seawatch proved rewarding with a Velvet Scoter flying north, a second calendar-year Mediterranean Gull and a Little Auk moving south along with 11 ‘northern’ Herring Gulls. Away from the sea, a Water Rail was along Bempton Lane early morning, a flock of 70 Lapwing overflew Thornwick Lakes and 60 Fieldfare were near Buckton Hall.

It was a bright day, with a light westerly wind and temperatures peaking at six degrees C. Two Velvet Scoters flew south during the seawatch, along with a Mediterranean Gull, two Bonxies and a Great Northern Diver. Wildfowl interest included two Whooper Swans, three Barnacle Geese and 44 Wigeon. A male Blackcap was a new arrival on the outer head, with a Brambling frequenting the nearby cover crop.

An overcast day, with spells of rain, a moderate south-south-westerly wind and temperatures that peaked at eight degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was quiet, with lone Pink-footed Goose and ‘northern’ Herring Gull flying past the Fog Station. Two Whooper Swans, two Mute Swans and the long-staying Little Grebe continued to feature. A covey of 12 Grey Partridge on the northern side of the headland was a notable local record. Fresh in, a Chiffchaff on the cliff top at Bempton then flew off south-east.

Strong southerly winds established during an overcast day, with persistent rain arriving mid-morning. Two Bonxies moved north during the seawatch, while two Little Gulls, a Puffin and a ‘northern’ Herring Gull flew south. Thornwick Lakes continued to host three Barnacle Geese, two Mute Swans and a Little Grebe. Of particular local interest, a Jay showed well around the car park at South Dykes in the morning. A large movement of Woodpigeons took place over RSPB Bempton Cliffs involving 1040 birds heading north-west and 134 moving south-east.

The weather consisted of blustery south-west winds, some sunny intervals and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. Two Little Auks flying south were the highlight of a morning seawatch that also witnessed a Great Northern Diver and ‘northern’ Herring Gull moving in the same direction and a Manx Shearwater heading north. Wildfowl on the move included 12 Whooper Swans and 66 Pink-footed Geese, all southbound. The long-staying Whooper Swan duo remained, a Gadwall dropped onto Thornwick Pools, while two Mute Swans and three Barnacle Geese continued in residence at Thornwick Lakes. A dark-bellied Brent Goose was on cliff top fields near Thornwick and 71 Wigeon on the outer head was a respectable local tally. A Red Kite flew south-west over Beacon Hill late morning, while the Kingfisher reappeared on a wetland on the outer head. Passerine interest included nine Goldcrests and six Siskin.

There were very strong southerly winds throughout, with rain arriving mid-morning and temperatures peaked at nine degrees C. Seven Teal, a Red-breasted Merganser, a ‘northern’ Herring Gull and one Puffin flew south during the morning’s seawatch. A Short-eared Owl hunted cliff top fields at Bempton late afternoon.

An overcast day, with rain for the majority of daylight hours, light winds and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. A Bonxie flew south during the morning seawatch, as did a single ‘northern’ Herring Gull, whilst a solitary Snow Bunting fed on High Stacks. In addition, 35 Common Scoters and two Eider were off the South Cliffs.

Happy New Year to all!

The year began with blustery south-westerly winds, bright skies and temperatures that reached ten degrees C. Seawatching proved rewarding with a juvenile Glaucous Gull flying south the highlight, alongside three Velvet Scoters moving north, and single Manx Shearwater, Puffin and Bonxie south. In addition, 33 Pink-footed Geese flew south during the seawatch, with a further eight birds moving south over Thornwick.

Away from there sea, wildfowl interest included three Mute Swans, two Whooper Swans, three Barnacle Geese and 21 Teal. A Little Grebe remained, as did the Kingfisher. Improved coverage in South Dykes resulted in the relocation of the wintering Firecrest along with a Chiffchaff and two Nuthatch. Notable sightings elsewhere included three Woodcock, eight Snipe and 17 Fieldfare.

One of the most notable sightings related to two Ravens that flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Bonxie was also offshore.

Sunny throughout, with light westerly winds and temperatures peaking at six degrees C. The seawatch was quiet, although 196 Kittiwakes continued above average numbers for the turn of the year.

South Dykes again received good coverage, with the Firecrest still present along with a Chiffchaff, two Nuthatch, 17 Fieldfare and five Redwing; another skein of 81 Pink-footed Geese, two Woodcock, a Water Rail, four Lesser Redpoll and three Siskin were also recorded on the outer head. Bempton hosted a ringtail Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl.

The weather consisted of blustery southerly winds, periodic rain and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. Two Little Gulls, a ‘northern’ Herring Gull and a Manx Shearwater flew south during the morning’s seawatch. A lone Snow Bunting fed on High Stacks.

The Bittern reappeared when it roosted at Thornwick Pools, where 201 Teal represented a significant count. On the opposite side of the headland, the Firecrest graced trees adjacent to the South Dykes car park.

The weather comprised strong westerly winds, sunny intervals developing and temperatures that reached 12 degrees C. The Thornwick area attracted three Barnacle Geese, one Pink-footed Goose, three Mute Swans, a Shelduck, 186 Teal, one Little Grebe and a Water Rail. However, better still, the Bittern showed sporadically in the reeds at Thornwick Pools. Nearby, the long-staying Whooper Swan duo remained on fields east of North Landing. A Scandinavian Rock Pipit on the flood next to Water Lane was the most notable passerine recorded.

A first-winter Little Gull flew south during a seawatch that also featured 223 Fulmars heading in the same direction.

A relatively overcast day, with light/moderate south-west winds and temperatures peaking at ten degrees C. Single pale-bellied and dark-bellied Brent Geese flew south during the morning’s seawatch along with three Eider, while 293 Fulmars and a Blue Fulmar moved north; five Bottlenose Dolphins that swam past the headland represented an unusual mid-winter record.

The Bittern again roosted at Thornwick Pools and three Barnacle Geese were near Micklemires. The Firecrest reappeared in trees on the edge of the South Dykes car park, where flock of 70 Lapwing, two Nuthatch and a Chiffchaff were recorded. Another Chiffchaff frequented Hartendale, while four Siskin appeared nearby at South Landing.

A relatively overcast day, with a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at eight degrees C. Four Goldeneyes flew south during the seawatch along with seven Wigeon. Two Whooper Swans spent the daylight hours on fields twixt North Landing and North Marsh before both headed to roost at Thornwick Lakes; three Mute Swans and a Little Grebe remained at the latter site. Two Sanderling and a Grey Wagtail fed on South Dykes beach; nearby, three Eider were off Hartendale, where a Chiffchaff was still present. A covey of eight Grey Partridge on the outer head was notable, with another flock of seven at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Strong southerly winds peaked in strength during the morning; there were overcast skies throughout with light rain, whilst temperatures reached ten degrees C. A southbound Little Auk headlined a morning seawatch that also featured the largest January movement of Kittiwakes for at least 12 years; in total, 646 Kittiwakes were recorded. Four Shelduck and four Little Gulls also flew south during the seawatch.

It was a bright start with overcast skies by the afternoon; moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures that reached seven degrees C. The morning’s seawatch featured a southbound Great Northern Diver accompanied by six Tufted Ducks and three Shelduck; six Bottlenose Dolphins also moved south. With the headland’s freshwater bodies increasingly charged, numbers of ducks continue to increase; 257 Teal represented an all-time January maximum, while 47 Wigeon were also in residence. Also present were the two Whooper Swans, three Barnacle Geese, Little Grebe and five Mute Swans, while a party of four Grey Herons was another January maximum. Other notable counts included a Woodcock and 51 Yellowhammers.

A day of sunny intervals, moderate westerly winds and temperatures peaking at eight degrees C. Wildfowl were on the move and included 165 Pink-footed Geese, a Pintail, five Eider and a Red-breasted Merganser moving south on the seawatch. Skeins of geese also crossed the headland, with a total of 390 Pink-footed Geese flying south; three Barnacle Geese and five Mute Swans lingered at Thornwick Lakes. Better still, a Merlin also present frequented the latter site. Two Woodcock were in residence on the outer head, as were two Snow Buntings on the southern side of the headland.

An overcast day, with rain for the majority of daylight hours and strong southerly winds. The seawatch was quiet with much reduced numbers of Kittiwakes (5) and Fulmar (16) compared to the weekend. The Thornwick freshwater sites hosted five Mute Swans, 42 Mallard, 96 Teal, seven Coot and a Little Grebe.

After a relatively bright start cloud increased during the afternoon; temperatures reached nine degrees C in strong south-west winds. A Great Northern Diver flew south during a seawatch that also saw 14 Pink-footed Geese and a ‘northern’ Herring Gull moving in the same direction. The Bittern again roosted at Thornwick Pools, with 81 Teal and a Water Rail also at the latter site.

South-westerly winds increased in strength during a day of sunny intervals and heavy showers, with a maximum temperature of 11 degrees C. Two Pintail, an Eider and a ‘northern’ Herring Gull flew south, with a Puffin moving north. The Bittern again roosted at Thornwick Pools, where 92 Teal and a Kingfisher were also present. In addition, two Woodcock were located on the outer head.

A bright, sunny day with strong westerly winds and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. The seawatch was relatively quiet, although 900 Fulmars (800 north) was a noteworthy count. Two Whooper Swans again favoured fields near North Landing, while two Water Rails showed at Thornwick Pools at dusk. Otherwise two Barn Owls and two Tawny Owls entertained.

Strong south-westerly winds gradually dropped in strength before picking up again through the afternoon; a wet start with sunny intervals then dominating and temperatures peaking at nine degrees C. An Eider flying south was the best of a very quiet seawatch, otherwise two Whooper Swans and 234 Teal were in residence. The Kingfisher made another brief appearance, while 25 Curlew frequented North Moor.

A relatively bright day, with moderate westerly winds gradually dropping in strength and temperatures reaching seven degrees C. It was another quiet seawatch although a Great Northern Diver flew south. With a replenishing water table, the headland’s freshwaters continued to attract good numbers of waterfowl: two Whooper Swans, five Mute Swans, a Little Grebe, a record-breaking 273 Teal and 44 Wigeon were present. Wader interest included six Lapwing, 39 Curlew, eight Snipe and a Woodcock. The calmer conditions led by six Barn Owls hunting during the daylight hours, but much more unusual, a Little Owl was located on the outer head. The over-wintering Kingfisher remained, while 196 Linnets represented a good mid-winter tally. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Little Egret moving south-east, another two Barn Owls and a flock of 115 Linnets.

Strong northerly winds established during a day featuring snow showers, sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at three degrees C. It was a quiet seawatch, although thousands of Guillemots flew past the headland – by the afternoon, predominantly in a northerly direction. A total of 221 Teal lingered, as did the long-staying Kingfisher. In addition, RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a Water Rail.

A bright day with light westerly winds and temperatures reaching three degrees C. Seawatching was quiet, with 227 Fulmars moving north, while a pod of 12 Bottlenose Dolphins moved east past South Landing. The headland’s freshwater sites attracted five Mute Swans, two Whooper Swans, three Barnacle Geese, 32 Wigeon, 269 Teal, a Water Rail and a Little Grebe. The Bittern roosted at Thornwick Pools and a total of five Woodcock were spread between various sites. The Little Owl was relocated west of the Golf Course and other sightings included a Chiffchaff, 23 Redwing and eight Fieldfare.

A strong north-north-westerly wind established during a day of sunny intervals, occasional light showers and temperatures that reached three degrees C. Thornwick Pools hosted 212 Teal, a Woodcock was at Whelky Wynds, while a Tawny Owl and two Barn Owls were at nearby South Landing.

It was a sunny day, with a light westerly wind and temperatures peaking at four degrees C. A drake Goldeneye was off South Dykes, where 13 Sanderling were on the beach. Three Fieldfare and five Redwing frequented the fields, while 85 Linnets were using the observatory cover crop near the Lighthouse.

Moderate/strong northerly winds throughout, with sunny intervals and frequent showers, while temperatures reached five degrees C. A Great Northern Diver, three Eider and four Great Crested Grebes were off South Dykes. The Thornwick area attracted four Mute Swans, 163 Teal, six Coot and a Little Grebe. A Snow Bunting was again present on cliff top fields east of Booted Gully, but better still, a flock of 28 Snow Buntings flew west over South Landing.

A sunny day, with light winds and temperatures reaching four degrees C. While a Bonxie on the seawatch was notable, more unusual was a northerly movement of 59,000 Guillemots, a record winter count. Despite most sites being frozen, 33 Wigeon and 158 Teal remained, while a Little Egret flew south over South Landing. Twenty Snipe represented a notable increase, with 33 Sanderling, a Ringed Plover and one Woodcock also present. Passerine interest included a Chiffchaff, 14 Song Thrush, three Redwing, 26 Fieldfare and a creditable 380 Linnets, 215 of which utilised the Lighthouse cover crop.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included ten Grey Partridges, 450 Woodpigeon and 25 Corn Buntings flying south-east.

A cold day when temperatures reached a mere two degrees C, cloud arriving after a bright start and a light/moderate southerly wind developing. A northbound Velvet Scoter was the highlight of the morning’s seawatch. With most waters frozen solid, a small ice free patch at Thornwick Lakes attracted five Mute Swans, two Whooper Swans and the Little Grebe; a skein containing 37 Pink-footed Geese flew north. Wader interest included 30 Sanderlings and 20 Snipe. Thrushes were again evident, including 33 Fieldfare, 12 Redwing and two Mistle Thrushes. In addition, RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a Black Redstart.

Sunny intervals eventually established after an overcast start, with moderate south-west winds and temperatures peaking at five degrees C. Thornwick Pools hosted 77 Teal, while two Barn Owls hunted the immediate grassland surrounds. Another Barn Owl frequented cliff top fields at South Landing. Above average numbers of Goldcrests continue to survive the cold snap, with nine individuals shared between South Dykes and South Landing.

A mostly bright, sunny day and becoming progressively warmer, the temperature reached 8°C mid-afternoon. The wind was a light south-westerly.

The highlight of the morning seawatch was 30 Pink-footed Geese passing south.

Groups of Pink-footed Geese totalling 181 also overflew the Outer Head, while fresh waters held five Mute Swans, 43 Wigeon and 120 Teal. The Bittern was present again at Thornwick Pools. Passerines included a Grey Wagtail at South Landing, and two Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff at South Dykes.

A milder day, temperature reaching 9°C in a light south-westerly which veered to north-west and brought rain during the afternoon.

Seawatching highlights included a ‘Blue’ Fulmar, eight Common Scoter and three Bottle-nosed Dolphins.

Five Common Scoter were off South Landing. Water Rails were noted at South Dykes and Thornwick Pools. Nearby five Mute Swans and a Little Grebe continued their stay at The Lakes. Passerine-wise there was limited interest with a Grey Wagtail at South Dykes and four Goldcrest at South Landing.

A relatively overcast day with brighter spells later, a moderate northerly wind and temperatures reaching seven degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew north during a seawatch that also featured 186 Gannets. Thornwick hosted 101 Teal, while 20 Curlew frequented cliff top fields. At dusk, 304 Common Gulls roosted off South Landing.

Benign weather conditions, with relatively overcast skies and very light winds; temperatures reached seven degrees C. The main feature of the morning’s seawatch was an increase in Razorbill numbers, with 39 moving north. Forty-seven northbound Red-throated Divers also represented an increase of late. The three Barnacle Geese re-appeared at Thornwick Lakes, while numbers of Teal (58) dropped at nearby Thornwick Pools, presumably as a result of other waters on the headland becoming ice free. Elsewhere, a Water Rail was located on a pool near Beacon Hill. Sixteen Sanderling frequented nearby South Dykes beach. Finally, a total of 118 Goldfinch represented the largest ever January aggregation.

An overcast day, with very light westerly winds and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. Tens of thousands of Guillemots were evident on the seawatch, with significant numbers also on the cliffs and rafting on the sea; additionally, four Eiders and 17 Red-throated Divers flew north during an otherwise quiet seawatch. On the headland, waterfowl included five Mute Swans, two Whooper Swans, 92 Teal, 37 Wigeon and a Little Grebe. Wader interest included two Woodcock and 17 Sanderling, while a Water Rail remained in residence on a small pond east of the village. Following the cold snap, the calm conditions encouraged Barn Owls to daytime hunt and no fewer than seven different individuals were recorded east of the Dykes. Seven Stonechat represented another good count, with other notable records including seven Goldcrest and a Grey Wagtail. Indicative of a change in status, a pod of 12+ Bottlenose Dolphins continued their recent run of sightings, previously such sights were highly unusual in mid-winter.

However, the headland’s most notable record related to a Raven that flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs early afternoon.

A westerly wind increased in strength during a day of occasional sunny intervals; temperatures gradually rose throughout to reach eight degrees C. Two Velvet Scoters and two ‘northern’ Herring Gulls flew north during the seawatch, with 49 Red-throated Divers moving south. The two Whooper Swans remained, with 100 Teal divided between Thornwick Pools and the North Marsh area. A Woodcock appeared near South Landing, while a lone Grey Partridge was at nearby Oceanview.