Category: Sightings

After relatively benign conditions, strengthening south-westerly winds were always likely to push aerial feeders onto the headland. Consequently, it seemed almost inevitable when an Alpine Swift was located on the outer head late afternoon; it eventually gave spectacularly close views on the southern edge of the Lighthouse car park/Gorse Field.

Elsewhere, 69 Wigeon in the general vicinity of North Marsh represented an excellent local tally. A count of 1370 Starlings included a flock of 500 that headed east at 1800hrs, with smaller numbers of Fieldfares and Blackbirds doing the same late evening. Additional passerine records included 13 Chiffchaffs, 28 Redwing, 23 Fieldfares and two Siskin.

Blustery south-westerly winds featured throughout a day of sunny intervals with temperatures peaking at 14 degrees C. A series of Alpine Swift sightings provided the highlight – yesterday evening’s individual remained over the Gorse Field early morning before drifting west along the North Cliffs. Presumably the same bird was soon relocated over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but it then headed inland at 0936hrs. Amazingly, two Alpine Swifts were located over Micklemires on the eastern edge of Flamborough village at 1500hrs; both remained until 1645hrs, with one still present early evening.

The Whooper Swan was still in residence, while a Goosander was on the sea off the Fog Station mid-morning, where 900 Starlings flew east in two flocks before 0800hrs. In addition, three Sand Martins, 90 Chaffinch, two Redwing and two Siskin indicated passage wasn’t confined to Starlings.

As well as the aforementioned Alpine Swift, notable sightings at RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Red Kite and 110 Starlings flying south-east and 82 Meadow Pipits moving north-west.

The weather consisted of blustery south-west winds, sunny intervals with heavy showers in the afternoon and temperatures peaking at 12 degrees C. Three Shelduck flew north and a Gadwall moved south past the Fog Station. Thornwick Pools attracted two Shoveler and 37 Teal, while South Landing hosted a Woodcock and a Brambling was on Croft’s Hill. The day’s highlight concerned an Osprey that flew north over Muntons, while 40 Redwing were on the south side of Bempton village and ten on the nearby reserve.

Blustery south-west winds only abated from mid-afternoon, with sunny intervals and occasional showers and temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. Three Sandwich Terns moving north past the Fog Station were the first of the year, while a juvenile Glaucous Gull was on rocks near North Landing. Waterfowl included 59 Wigeon, 70 Teal (split between North Marsh & Thornwick Pools) and two drake Shoveler. A Firecrest in the bay Brambles was the first of spring, while a White Wagtail was on the nearby Golf Course and a Brambling in the village. Visible migration included a gradual build-up of 1000 Starlings during the day and 31 Chaffinch flying south. Better still, 432 Starling and 121 Blackbirds headed out to sea at dusk.

A blustery wind initially from the west-north-west veered northerly later during a largely overcast day featuring occasional sunny intervals and light showers; temperatures peaked at nine degrees C. The Thornwick waters attracted seven Mute Swans, the long-staying Whooper Swan, 26 Teal and 12 Coot. Puffins arrived back in numbers, with 500 at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where three Chiffchaffs, five Redwing and ten Bottlenose Dolphins were also recorded.

The weather consisted of relatively overcast skies with occasional sunny intervals, a moderate northerly wind and temperatures peaking at seven degrees C. Three Manx Shearwaters, two Goosanders, 39 Common Scoters and 74 Puffins flew north during the morning’s seawatch. The year’s first Swallow flew east over South Landing, while 21 Chiffchaff and 750 Starlings were also notable.

After initial light snow flurries, it was a sunny day with gentle northerly winds and temperatures peaking at seven degrees C. Wildfowl interest included two Mute Swans, the Whooper Swan, 46 Wigeon and 50 Teal. Passerine migrants included 920 Starlings, nine Chiffchaff and a Redwing.

An overcast day with persistent but generally light rain, a blustery southerly wind and temperatures reaching seven degrees C. Five Velvet Scoters flying south headlined the morning’s seawatch, with 13 Common Scoters and a Knot moving in the same direction. South Dykes attracted the year’s first Blackcap, along with seven Chiffchaffs. The Whooper Swan remained at Thornwick Lakes and five Chiffchaffs fed around Thornwick Pools.

The weather was varied, with the odd brighter spell, mainly overcast skies, misty spells and occasional light rain; winds from from the south and temperatures reached ten degrees C. Two Eider, 12 Common Scoters, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and a pod of 14 Bottlenose Dolphins were recorded on the seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted a Shelduck, 34 Teal, four Coot and a Chiffchaff.

Overnight rain was followed by increasingly bright skies and occasional showers, while temperatures increased to a peak of 15 degrees C. In summary, ideal conditions for the arrival of early spring migrants and so it proved. Once again an Alpine Swift headlined, with a single over Old Fall at 0853hrs and presumably the same individual west over South Landing at 1851hrs. Two Black Redstarts (Fog Station & village) were new for the year and were accompanied by the first Wheatears (seven) on the outer head. A Willow Warbler was another first for the year and was accompanied by an appreciable arrival of 93 Chiffchaffs. Other migrant totals included one Woodcock, four Blackcap, 35 Redwing, 14 Fieldfare, a White Wagtail and one Brambling.

The migrant arrival was also reflected at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where records included five Swallows north-west, ten alba wagtails moving in the same direction, 12 Chiffchaffs, four Goldcrests and a Wheatear.

An overcast and foggy day, with relatively light rain, a moderate north-easterly wind and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. Small flocks of Redwing toured the outer head, with 145 recorded in total. The Black Redstart remained at the Fog Station, with additional migrants including two Brambling and a Fieldfare. Four Chiffchaff and two Fieldfare were located in the fog at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but conditions across the entire headland proved challenging throughout.

Another overcast day, with moderate northerly winds, frequent spells of light rain and temperatures that reached eight degrees C. An appreciable arrival of migrant passerines took place, albeit with a wintery flavour that reflected the weather conditions. Two Hawfinch (male & female) were recorded, with the female visiting a village garden near South Landing and the male frequenting Old Fall/Coastguard Cottage gardens; seven Woodcock were also notable. Large numbers of thrushes toured the outer head, especially over the first two hours of daylight: 290 Redwing, 30 Fieldfare, 24 Blackbirds, two Mistle Thrush and eight Song Thrush. The majority of passerines arrived in the afternoon, with counts of 96 Robins, two Wheatear, 19 Goldcrest, a Blackcap, 24 Chiffchaff, 31 Pied Wagtails, three White Wagtails, 80 Chaffinch, a Brambling, seven Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

The fall was also witnessed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where sightings included five Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, three Goldcrests, 30 Blackbirds, four Fieldfares, 50 Robins, a Wheatear and ten Chaffinch.

A bright day, with sunny intervals, a light northerly wind and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. The legacy of yesterday’s arrival was still very evident, with six Woodcock, a Black Redstart, 225 Robins, two Wheatear, 16 Goldcrests, 32 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 40 Blackbirds, a White Wagtail, 30 Chaffinch, a Brambling and a Snow Bunting all recorded. In addition, the year’s first Little Ringed Plover appeared at Thornwick Pools, a Marsh Harrier flew south, an arrival of 24 Sand Martins included 16 at South Dykes, while a Willow Warbler was also new at Thornwick.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 35 Golden Plovers flying north-west, 49 Robins and a Wheatear; a Siskin was in the nearby village.

The weather consisted of relatively light south-east winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching a maximum of ten degrees C. Single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and Sandwich Tern flew past the outer head during a seawatch, although most attention was focussed on the land. Highlights included a Firecrest (Old Fall), a Long-eared Owl (Lighthouse Grassland) and three Black Redstarts. Additional migrants totals included a Red Kite, two Woodcock, a Willow Warbler, 18 Chiffchaff, four Goldcrest, two Fieldfare, 21 Redwing, ten Wheatears, three White Wagtails and a Brambling.

Two White Wagtails and ten Chiffchaff were along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton, with a Black Redstart, two Blackcap and seven Chiffchaff at nearby RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Sunny throughout, with light south-east winds and temperatures reaching ten degrees C. Four Shoveler and two Shelduck were new arrivals on North Marsh, with a Red Kite moving south-east over the lighthouse. A Willow Warbler and 11 Wheatear were on the outer head, with a Black Redstart a garden visitor at North Landing. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included five Golden Plover, five Fieldfares moving south-east and 20 Robins remaining from the weekend fall.

The weather consisted of light/moderate south/south-west winds, increasingly overcast skies after a bright start and temperatures reaching ten degrees C. There was a southern feel to the day’s highlights, with yet another Alpine Swift featuring on the headland: a lone bird flying south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1012hrs. This was soon followed by a Red-rumped Swallow south along the cliff top at Beacon Hill at 1030hrs, while a drake Garganey was also new at Thornwick Pools. South Landing attracted the year’s first Common Redstart (male) and a Blackcap, while two Red Kites overflew the village and a Ring-necked Parakeet the Fog Station. Additional sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 22 Robins, five Chiffchaff and three Goldcrests.

Overnight rain persisted throughout the morning giving way to a dull showery afternoon. The temperature reached 13°C in a light north-westerly.

Highlights at the Fog Station included a Tufted Duck, 31 Common Scoter, a single Sandwich Tern and 80 Red-throated Divers while a Black Redstart was also present.

The Rose-ringed Parakeet reappeared on the Outer Head as the waters at Thornwick still held a Whooper Swan, nine Mute Swans, 9 Teal and a drake Tufted Duck which was new. A second Black Redstart was present on one of the holiday sites as other migrants included fourteen Redwing, four Siskin and a Brambling which all visited gardens.

Two Ravens flew over Bempton village mid-afternoon and a single Willow Warbler and White Wagtail were at Buckton Pond.

A cool, moderate north-westerly limited the temperature to a maximum of 10°C under overcast skies.

A second calendar year Iceland Gull was the pick of the morning seawatch, a bird that was initially found on the Golf Course early morning. A single Sandwich Tern, two Wigeon, 52 Common Scoter and ten Red-throated Divers added further interest.

A Serin appeared very briefly on the Lighthouse Grassland, otherwise migrants remained thin on the ground but included a Swallow, four Sand Martin, three Blackcaps, a single Fieldfare, twenty Redwing, ten Siskin and four Snipe. The Rose-ringed Parakeet remained on the Outer Head.

A Bittern and a Little Ringed Plover were sound recorded at Bempton village overnight.

A bright, sunny day with light variable winds during the morning settling to a moderate easterly by the afternoon and a maximum temperature of 13°C.

Seawatching highlights included seven Sandwich Terns and five Manx Shearwaters in addition to an Eider, 22 Common Scoter and 13 Red-throated Divers.

A male Serin spent some of the day in a private Outer Head garden with the Rose-ringed Parakeet still in the same area. Two Woodcock were at South Landing. A Brambling, two Siskin and two Redwing were joined by incoming summer migrants in the form of two Blackcap and four Swallows.

Three Red Kites were over Bempton village while visible migration at the RSPB reserve included four Dark-bellied Brent Geese south, a Little Ringed Plover NW in addition to three Sand Martin and five Swallows.

A moderate to fresh south-easterly with variable cloud and a maximum temperature of 10°C.

Seawatching was largely uneventful with highlights of a single Shoveler, 23 Common Scoter and 11 Red-throated Divers.

A drake Garganey graced Thornwick Pools while nine Mute Swans and the long-staying Whooper were at The Lakes. A Marsh Harrier toured the Outer Head during the morning and three Shoveler, three Brambling and the Rose-ringed Parakeet were also seen in the area. There was an increase in Swallow numbers with 9 reported and 33 Sand Martins counted over the west side of the village. The first Common Whitethroat of the year was at South Landing. Five Redwing and six Fieldfare were seen in the village.

Seventy Pink-footed Geese flew over Bempton village.

A moderate to fresh southerly pushed bands of rain, occasionally heavy, across the headland. The maximum temperature was 11°C.

Seawatching highlights included a Shoveler, five Common Scoter, six Red-throated Divers and eight Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

A Marsh Harrier flew westwards over the village and a Green Sandpiper was over Head Farm. Thornwick attracted a Willow Warbler and yesterday’s Garganey was still present. Six Wheatears were counted along the North Cliffs and a Little Grebe was at North Marsh. Two Brambling and three Siskin visited a village garden and the Rose-ringed Parakeet remained on the Outer Head.

A nice overnight arrival

Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted a very elusive Firecrest as other highlights included a Coal Tit, unusual in spring here, a Willow Warbler, eight Chiffchaff, two Blackcap, three Goldcrest and two Wheatear.

A bright start to the day becoming overcast with rain by evening in a fresh to strong south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 14°C.

The morning seawatch produced highlights of three Shelduck, five Eider, nine Common Scoter, six Red-throated Divers and seven Sandwich Terns.

An Alpine Swift flew westwards over the village late morning before being relocated over the North Cliffs late afternoon. A Red Kite came in off near the lighthouse early morning and passed along the south cliffs. The Outer Head also attracted three Yellow Wagtails, the first of spring, nine Wheatears and a Brambling while the Rose-ringed Parakeet remained.

An Osprey headed north high over Bempton village.

Strong southerly winds blew all day with showers late afternoon and a maximum temperature of 10°C.

Spring migrants were few and far between but included two Wheatears on the Golf Course and a Willow Warbler at North Marsh and another in the village.

At Bempton, four Wheatears were along Cliff Lane and another at Buckton.

A strong westerly drove bands of rain, sometimes heavy, during the afternoon after a mainly dry morning. The maximum temperature was 11°C.

The main highlight of the morning session at the Fog Station was a second year Iceland Gull following a fishing boat, presumed to be the same as last week’s bird.

The first House Martin of the spring was at Thornwick Pools and the Rose-ringed Parakeet remained in the Coastguards area. Departing winter visitors continued to be seen with three Brambling, eleven Fieldfare and two Redwing.

At Bempton, there were still two Wheatear along Cliff Lane.

A sunny morning before clouding over early afternoon with light rain by evening. the wind was a moderate south-easterly and a maximum temperature of 11°C.

Highlights of the morning seawatch included a Pintail, 33 Common Scoter and 16 Sandwich Terns.

On the Outer Head, yesterday’s Iceland Gull was still present. The range of spring migrants improved with a Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, four Yellow Wagtails, eight Wheatears and numbers of hirundines increased including two House Martins. A Black Redstart was on the Golf Course, a Corn Bunting flew by the lighthouse and twelve Golden Plover were at Old Fall. A drake Pochard was new at Thornwick Pools. Two Brambling were still in the Coastguards area.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, single Wheatear and Willow Warbler with five Chiffchaff while a late report from yesterday of a Nuthatch was only the fourth reserve record. Overnight, both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits and ten flocks of Common Scoter were sound recorded over Bempton village.

A White Wagtail was at Buckton where an escaped Gyr Falcon headed south.

A moderate northerly became lighter and veered east by mid afternoon. Cloudy to begin with and becoming clear and sunny after midday, maximum temperature 12°C.

The best of the morning seawatch was 35 Common Scoter, six Red-throated Divers and four Sandwich Terns.

Seven Mute Swans and the second year Whooper left Thornwick early morning and shortly afterwards were seen passing SE at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. The long-staying Rose-ringed Parakeet was still in residence as was the Iceland Gull and a Ring Ouzel was seen briefly by the lighthouse. A male Redstart at the North Star. Numbers of hirundines increased further with 50 Sand Martins at Thornwick Pools.

A Yellow Wagtail and five Wheatear were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and a Redshank and a Yellow Wagtail at Buckton.

Cloudy with a moderate south-easterly, the maximum temperature was 12°C.

A Goosander, five Common Scoter and three Red-throated Divers were the main highlights of the morning seawatch.

Passerine passage was limited with eleven Redwing, a Fieldfare, five Wheatear and a single Black Redstart. The North Marsh area held 5 drake Shoveler, 7 Wigeon and 29 Teal.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB had a flyover Tree Pipit, the first of the year, and a Siskin. A late report concerned a lone Whimbrel flying west over Bempton village yesterday evening.

A dry day maximum temperature of 12°C in a moderate south-easterly.

The morning seawatch was uneventful with highlights of two Shelduck, single Teal and Eider and eight Common Scoter along with six Sandwich Terns.

The Outer Head retained the Rose-ringed Parakeet. Spring migrants remained thin on the ground with a female Black Redstart, two Wheatear, a White Wagtail and a single Golden Plover the most notable. The long-staying Whooper Swan was sill present. A Great Crested Grebe and three Common Scoter were off South Dykes.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted a Ring Ouzel, four Wheatear and a Little Ringed Plover. A White Wagtail and a Wheatear were along Hoddy Cows Lane.

A foggy start to the day gradually cleared by late morning leaving a cloudless afternoon. The wind was a moderate to fresh northerly veering north-east by midday and the maximum temperature was 13°C.

Two Grasshopper Warblers were on the Outer Head where the Rose-ringed Parakeet was also seen. A Yellow Wagtail passed over Beacon Hill and a Brambling was at Hartendale Gutter with another in Outer Head gardens. Several Sandwich Terns were over the Living Seas Centre in the fog. Two Red-breasted Mergansers flew past Cattlemere and four Shoveler remained in the Northcliff Marsh area.

A small flock of Arctic Terns were sound recorded over Bempton village overnight.

Another day with a cloudy start becoming sunny by midday in a fresh to strong easterly and a maximum temperature of 11°C.

The morning seawtach was relatively quiet, 26 Common Scoter and 18 Sandwich Terns being the pick of the sightings.

A Grasshopper Warbler was on the Lighthouse Grassland and with only two Wheatears seen all day, passerine migration was quiet. Four Bar-tailed Godwits flew over the Golf Course.

The event of the day was four Cranes that alighted on Hood’s Flash late evening and still present at dusk, at times showing courtship dancing. Also, on waters in the same area were four Shoveler and 35 Teal while the long-staying Whooper Swan remained at The Lakes.

A sunny day with a moderate north to north-easterly and maximum temperature of 12°C.

Seawatching remained subdued – two Sandwich Terns being the highlight.

Yesterday’s four Cranes remained in the North Marsh area till mid-morning when they departed to the west. Undoubtedly the bird of the day was a Green Woodpecker, seen all too briefly along Lighthouse Road and shortly afterwards over the Gorse Field. A Marsh Harrier passed over the Outer Head while wader records included a Bar-tailed Godwit at Hood’s Pool and seven Lapwings in two groups. Passerine migrants included two Ring Ouzels and single Grasshopper Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, female Black Redstart and singing Brambling.

There was a Sedge Warbler and a Whitethroat at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A strong north-easterly limited the temperature to 11°C and eventually brought rain by late afternoon.

The weather seems to have choked off inbound migration of summer passerine migrants. Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Sand Martins, Swallows are all in similar numbers as they have been for several days. Three Brambling and a single Redwing were using the Outer Head as a launchpad for their crossing of the North Sea. The North Marsh area held the long-staying Whooper Swan, five Mute Swans, and four Shovelers.

It eventually brightened following overnight, heavy rain and a misty, overcast start; winds were relatively light and essentially from the south-west while the temperature rose to a maximum of 13 degrees C. Unsurprisingly, the weather conditions resulted in an increase in summer migrants, with 11 Ring Ouzels particularly noteworthy; this represents the largest spring count this century. A drake Garganey overflew the Golf Course before relocating to waters at North Marsh and immediate surroundings. A Crane circled the Dykes at 1705hrs before it drifted east and then settled on stubbles near North Marsh. Wader interest included 26 Curlews at North Moor, five Snipe and a Green Sandpiper at Thornwick Pools, while two Water Rails were also unearthed. The juvenile Iceland Gull re-appeared, initially off the Fog Station it relocated to fields west of Old Fall. Passerine migrants included seven House Martin, 24 Swallows, two Grasshopper Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Sedge Warbler, two Goldcrests, two Tree Pipits, 30 Fieldfare, a Redwing, seven Wheatear, a Yellow wagtail, five Siskin, three Brambling, a Lesser Redpoll and a Corn Bunting.

Seawatching was rewarded with a Blue Fulmar flying north, three Bar-tailed Godwits south and a second calendar-year Common Gull showing features of ‘heinei’ also moving south.

An increase it migrants was also evident at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where sightings included a Short-eared Owl, 42 Swallows, a Grasshopper Warbler, two Goldcrests, two Wheatears, a White Wagtail, six Yellow Wagtails, a Redpoll sp. and two Brambling.

Cloudy all day with a moderate to fresh northerly pegging the temperature to a maximum of 9°C.

A second year Yellow-legged Gull was the pick of the seawatching session with other highlights of three Manx Shearwaters, four Sandwich Terns and 17 Common Scoter.

An early Hobby flashed by Beacon Hill. Yesterday’s Crane remained in the North Marsh area. There was a small influx of summer migrants as shown by a Firecrest, Whinchat, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler at Thornwick Pools, three Redstarts at Old Fall, three Whitethroats and four Lesser Whitethroats and many more Willow Warblers than previously. Three Grasshopper Warblers reeled at the Lighthouse Grassland. A Ring Ouzel was at North Marsh and the female Black Redstart remained in the Chalk Tower area. Six Bramblings, two Siskins and a Fieldfare were staging before onward migration. Four Shelduck and five Bar-tailed Godwits overflew the Outer Head.

A Whinchat was at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and a Ring Ouzel along Hoddy Cows Lane.

There were strong north-north-west winds throughout a chilly day that featured occasional showers and temperatures peaking at eight degrees C. Three Cranes spent the majority of the morning on fields near North Marsh, albeit with a brief visit to Mid Dykes; they eventually headed west at 1335hrs. Four Shelduck, two Tufted Duks and two Little Grebes frequented the outer head wetlands, as did a lone Green Sandpiper. Conditions weren’t conducive to the finding of passerine migrants, although 18 Willow Warblers, 11 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, one Redwing, a Fieldfare, three Common Redstarts, a Siskin and two Brambling were unearthed. Frustratingly a large, pale pipit on the Golf Course flew off before being conclusively identified.

Cranes, outer head, by Andrew Allport

A relatively bright day with the odd light shower, a moderate northerly wind and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. Seawatch highlights included single Velvet Scoter, Bonxie and Manx Shearwater flying north. A male Blue-headed Wagtail graced Thornwick Pools, where the long-staying Whooper Swan and a pair of Tufted Duck were also present. Elsewhere, a Marsh Harrier flew north over the Lighthouse, a Garden Warbler and a Brambling lingered at South Landing, while three Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail frequented the outer head.

The day was mainly cloudy with a light to moderate south-easterly flow and a maximum temperature of 11°C.

The morning seawatching session was much more lively than recently. The tally included the first Arctic Skua and Common Terns (5) of the year. Other highlights included a Yellow-legged Gull, a Manx Shearwater, 16 Sandwich Terns, single Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit and a Marsh Harrier.

The three Cranes appeared briefly in flight to the north-west of the village. Another Marsh Harrier passed over the village late morning. Single Brambling, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll all seen around The Outer Head. An arrival of Whitethroats brought 15 while four Lesser Whitethroats, two Sedge Warblers, two Grasshopper Warblers and a Wheatear were also logged. Willow Warblers numbered 14, Chiffchaffs 25 and Blackcaps nine.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, warblers included one Sedge, three Willow, five Chiffchaff, two Whitethroat and a Lesser Whitethroat. Three Yellow and a White Wagtail were also seen.

A light southerly backed to south-east and strengthened through the afternoon. The maximum temperature was 11°C.

The recent second year Iceland Gull was logged again on an otherwise quiet seawatch.

The three Cranes remained in the area and toured the north side of the headland between Northcliff Marsh and Bempton Cliffs RSPB before settling north of Crofts Hill where they spent much of the afternoon. Seven Shelduck passed south and the pair of Tufted Duck were still at Thornwick Pools. A Marsh Harrier flew east over the village. Two Whimbrel appeared on the Golf Course during the evening. Passerine interest included two Brambling, two Siskin, a Redstart, four Wheatear, 13 Whitethroat, five Lesser Whitethroat, five Sedge Warbler, three Grasshopper Warbler and a Yellow Wagtail.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Marsh Harrier flew south east. Migrant passerines included a Brambling, five Willow Warblers, four Chiffchaffs, two Whitethroat, one Lesser Whitethroat, three Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, A Sedge Warbler, a Redstart, a Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit. A Whimbrel was at Buckton Pond.

Light rain and misty conditions during the morning were eventually replaced with brighter skies; winds remained light and temperatures hovered around eight degrees C. Single Red-throated Diver and Whimbrel flew north during a morning’s seawatch that also featured nine Sandwich Terns.

The three Cranes re-appeared when they flew east over the village early evening, while wader interest included three Snipe, four Bar-tailed Godwits and a Green Sandpiper. There was an increase in summer migrants including the year’s first Reed Warbler, a Common Redstart, a female Black Redstart (Hartendale), one Whinchat, ten Wheatears, 11 Common Whitethroats, 14 Lesser Whitethroats, three Grasshopper Warblers, seven Sedge Warblers and four Yellow Wagtails.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Green Sandpiper, two Common Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler, one Goldcrest, a female Common Redstart and a Yellow Wagtail; a male Black Redstart was in the nearby village. Another female Common Redstart was located along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton.

The weather consisted of light, variable winds; there were only occasional sunny intervals and temperatures peaked at 12 degrees C. Thirty-three Sandwich Terns were logged on an otherwise quiet morning seawatch. In addition, a Great Northern Diver moulting into summer plumage was off the South Cliffs, while the juvenile Iceland Gull re-appeared: briefly settling on newly ploughed ground along North Marine Road.

The three Cranes spent much of the day on fields near North Marsh, where four Shelduck, three Teal and a Wigeon were also present. A lone Whimbrel flew north over the Gorse Field, while Common Swifts (4) made a welcome return. Passerine migrants included three Common Redstarts, five Wheatears, a marked increase in the number of Common Whitethroats, 80 Fieldfares, a Tree Pipit and 18 Yellow Wagtails.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted four Willow Warblers (two showing characteristics of ‘acredula’), two Sedge Warblers, a Tree Pipit, five Yellow Wagtails, a ‘continental’ Stonechat, a Wheatear and a Whinchat.

A moderate southerly wind established during a day that featured occasional sunny intervals and a resultant spike in temperatures to 16 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with two Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin, two Sandwich Terns and four Red-throated Divers.

The three Cranes were located in the afternoon on cliff top fields between North Dykes and North Landing. Passerine migrants included two Goldcrests, a Garden Warbler, 33 Willow Warblers, three Grasshopper Warblers, two Ring Ouzels, two Tree Pipits, seven Yellow Wagtails, three Common Redstarts, 13 Wheatears and a Siskin.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs sightings included a Whimbrel, one Ringed Plover, 14 Willow Warblers, five Yellow Wagtails, a Wheatear and a Brambling. Two Marsh Harriers overflew the nearby village along with four Swifts, while Buckton Pond hosted a Common Sandpiper.

Light winds, initially from the west, veered northerly and strengthened later; there were occasional sunny intervals and temperatures reached 13 degrees C. An adult Pomarine Skua flew north during a seawatch that also featured a first-summer Yellow-legged Gull.

The day’s highlight was a Raven that flew north over North Dykes early morning. A Mute Swan was on the sea off Old Fall and a drake Shoveler at North Marsh. The three Cranes showed sporadically on the outer head, while two pairs of Grey Partridges were encouraging. Passerine migrants included two Fieldfare, a Common Redstart (South Landing), eight Wheatear and seven Yellow Wagtails.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Short-eared Owl, an Arctic Skua and a Goldcrest.

The weather consisted overcast skies, light onshore winds and temperatures that peaked at ten degrees C. During the morning seawatch two Gadwall flew north (relocating to Thornwick Pools) and 28 Common Scoters flew south. A Mediterranean Gull, two Common Terns and a Manx Shearwater also flew north, while 44 Sandwich Terns were logged.

North Marsh attracted a Mute Swan, while the three Cranes were on nearby fields in the morning, but later overflew the village. Oceanview attracted a Dunlin, two Ring Ouzels and two Yellow Wagtails, while a Brambling frequented a village garden.

The temperature reached a high of 12°C on a mainly sunny day with a light to moderate south-easterly.

The recent second-year Yellow-legged Gull was present again off the Fog Station. Other highlights of the morning seawatch included two Gadwall, 15 Common Scoter, four Sandwich Terns, a single Common Tern and a Manx Shearwater.

On the Outer Head, waders logged included a Golden Plover, twelve Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin and a Bar-tailed Godwit at South Landing. Passerine migrant interest was provided by a Whinchat, four Wheatears, a Tree Pipit, twelve Yellow and two White Wagtails. A Minke Whale swam north off Selwicks Bay.

A Yellow Wagtail was also at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and two Lesser Whitethroats along Hoddy Cows Lane.

A strong easterly blew all day and although the temperature reached 10°C it felt colder.

Seawatching was relatively quiet, highlights being a Teal, a pair of Tufted Duck, seven Common Scoter, two Sandwich Terns and a single Manx Shearwater.

New arrivals were predictably scarce but included the first Common Sandpiper of the year and a Swift.

West of the Dykes, a Whimbrel was at Metlands.

The afternoon featured sunny intervals and light, onshore winds following a morning of persistent rain; temperatures reached 13 degrees C. Three Shelduck and three Sandwich Terns flew north during the seawatch, with two Red-throated Divers heading south.

Thornwick Lakes hosted seven Mute Swans, the lone Whooper Swan and a pair of Tufted Ducks, with a Common Sandpiper at the nearby Pools. Freshwaters on the outer head also attracted five Curlews, three Dunlin and a Greenshank, while a Marsh Harrier flew west over South Landing.

A scattering of passerine migrants included the first two Spotted Flycatchers of the year, a Grasshopper Warbler on the South Cliffs (additional to the usual territorial males), seven Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler in the Lighthouse Grassland, a Whinchat and three Wheatears. In addition, 63 Swallows flew south during the afternoon, with a further 72 recorded at various locations on the outer head.

Skies were overcast early on with sunny intervals later; winds were light and from a southerly direction, while temperatures reached 14 degrees C. A drake Garganey flew south during a morning seawatch that also featured five Shelduck, two Gadwall, a Whimbrel, 14 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 40 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern, four Red-throated Divers, three Manx Shearwaters and a Little Egret.

Single Great Northern Diver and Great Crested Grebe were off the South Cliffs. Wader interest on the headland itself included three Bar-tailed Godwits, two Ruff, a Grey Plover, one Whimbrel, a Greenshank and two Common Sandpipers. A Marsh Harrier flew south, while a Short-eared Owl toured the outer head throughout. The Ring-necked Parakeet re-appeared near the Lighthouse. A Hooded Crow near North Marsh was the first for the year, as was a Turtle Dove ‘purring’ along Lighthouse Road in the evening; other passerine migrants included a Grasshopper Warbler alongside the Golf Course, two Garden Warblers, a Redwing, two Common Redstarts, five Wheatears, two Tree Pipits and 20 Yellow Wagtails.

A ‘vis mig’ session was rewarded with 346 Swallows moving south, along with 15 House Martins, 26 Sand Martins and four Corn Buntings; a single of the latter was also seen at Thornwick Pools.

Elsewhere, Buckton Pond attracted a Common Sandpiper.

After a foggy start, sunny skies eventually prevailed as light onshore winds established and temperatures reached 13 degrees C. Conditions looked conducive for the arrival of migrants from the south-east and so it proved: the headland’s first Great Reed Warbler in an age was discovered in Hartendale Gutter early morning. Although very elusive, it showed occasionally on the same stretch of hedge until mid-afternoon although there were no subsequent sightings.

A Dotterel dropped onto a field next to Old Fall Hedge at 1050hrs and remained in situ for the rest of the day. Additonal wader records included a Wood Sandpiper, two Greenshank, five Sanderling, two Common Sandpipers, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a flock of five Whimbrel. Three Mute Swans toured the headland, six Tufted Ducks on Thornwick Pools were notable, while a creamcrown Marsh Harrier hunted fields near North Marsh. Drift migrants started to make landfall from early afternoon including four Pied Flycatchers, a Garden Warbler, five Whinchat, three Common Redstarts and a Tree Pipit; three Wheatears, two Fieldfares and a Brambling were also in residence.

Two Common Redstarts also arrived at RSPB Bempton Cliffs in the afternoon.

After a bright start, cloud increased from mid-morning, with a light/moderate south-westerly wind developing, light rain from early afternoon and temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included the year’s first Long-tailed Duck that eventually flew north, 16 Sandwich Terns, four Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver and a lone Manx Shearwater.

Yesterday’s Dotterel remained on fields between Lighthouse Road and Old Fall and, surprisingly, was joined by a second Dotterel mid-morning; although both departed south-west 35 minutes later. Single Little Ringed Plover and Greenshank flew over the outer head, four Bar-tailed Godwits were on South Landing beach, while three Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper frequented Thornwick Pools. An Arctic Tern flew north past the Fog Station, as did a pair of Goosander.

Other notable sightings included a Hobby that graced the skies above Old Fall and Thornwick Pools and a Short-eared Owl along the South Cliffs. Better still, a Turtle Dove flew west along Lighthouse Road, with both Ring Ouzel and Hooded Crow at Oceanview and a Cuckoo on the outer head.

Additional migrants included four Pied Flycatchers, four Garden Warblers, two Fieldfare, two Redwing, five Common Redstarts, seven Whinchat, ten Wheatears, two Tree Pipits and one Brambling.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a single Garden Warbler.

Although largely overcast with occasional sunny intervals, it was a warm day with temperatures reaching 17 degrees C; winds remained light and variable in direction. Seawatch records included four Eider, a Whimbrel, 20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 41 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern, two Red-throated Divers and a Manx Shearwater; a Great Northern Diver was also off the Fog Station.

Wildfowl interest included two Mute Swans on Thornwick Pools, three Teal and four Shovelers. Two Bar-tailed Godwits, two Grey Plovers, five Dunlin, five Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper were also logged, while a Little Tern north past the outer head represented the first for the year.

The Hooded Crow remained on the headland and showed best on the Golf Course early on, while other passerine migrants included: two Garden Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher, five Common Redstarts, five Wheatears, one Whinchat, a Redwing, a Tree Pipit, 18 Yellow Wagtails, a White Wagtail, four Siskin, two Lesser Redpolls and two Brambling.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Long-eared Owl hunting cliff top fields in the evening, two Common Redstarts, a Whinchat, two Wheatears, five Yellow Wagtails, a Tree Pipit and 20 Corn Buntings.