Category: Sightings

The wind varied from a light to moderate north westerly during the morning to easterly by late afternoon. The temperature reached 20°C.

Seawatching highlights included 15 Common Scoter, 16 Manx Shearwaters and 18 Sandwich Terns. Six Common Scoters were off the south cliffs, a Hobby was seen again around South Landing and 2 Lapwing remained on the Outer Head along with 3 juvenile Grey Herons.

A Corn Bunting sang along Bempton Lane west of Danes Dyke.

Skies were generally overcast, with light rain showers from mid-afternoon, a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with 36 Common Scoters, a Mediterranean Gull, eight Sandwich Terns, a Red-throated Diver and 43 Manx Shearwaters all moving north. A flock of 35 Black-tailed Godwits flew south in the evening, while a second-summer Mediterranean Gull headed north.

The main feature of the day comprised a southerly movement of 466 Swifts pushed onto the outer head by a combination of south-westerly winds and approaching shower cloud: most flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs and North Dykes before heading in a similar direction just inland of the village. A Marsh Harrier overflew fields near Buckton Hall, while two Little Egrets dropped onto Buckton Pond.

A blustery day, with moderate/strong westerly winds, occasional sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 21 degrees C. Four Mediterranean Gulls flew south past the Fog Station (three first-summers, including two together, and an adult) along with nine Black-tailed Godwits; additional sightings included 57 Manx Shearwaters, 29 Sandwich Terns and two Arctic Terns. Puffins were also on the move in the evening, with 1805 recorded moving north in two hours. Thornwick Pools attracted four Dunlin and a Little Egret; the latter subsequently flew west past RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Strong westerly winds developed during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at 19 degrees C. Morning seawatch highlights included 15 Common Scoters, eight Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua south and 34 Manx Shearwaters. An evening seawatch was rewarded with 5000 Puffins flying north (inc. 3000 between 1918-2119hrs), as well as 59 Manx Shearwaters, nine Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Tern. Sightings from South Landing included single Hobby and Cuckoo. Nearby, an Egyptian Goose was on the shoreline between South Dykes and Sewerby. Thornwick Pools hosted Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and Redshank.

In addition, late news from 28th June – a male Blue-headed Wagtail at Thornwick Pools.

Overcast with cloud clearing mid afternoon in a blustery westerly. The temperature reached 18°C.

Thornwick Pools attracted the first Great White Egret of the year and two Little Egrets in addition to two Curlew and the regular Little Ringed Plovers. Three Cuckoos were in the Gorse Field / Lighthouse area where a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling.

Manx Shearwaters again featured heavily on the seawatch with 94 logged along with 31 Common Scoter.

The temperature peaked at 20°C in a moderate to fresh south-westerly.

The morning seawatch was quieter with 22 Manx Shearwaters, 11 Common Scoter, a lone Arctic Skua and a Grey Heron logged.

Yesterday’s Great White Egret reappeared at Thornwick Pools briefly and a Yellow Wagtail was also there. A Grasshopper Warbler continued to lurk in the Lighthouse Grassland and a Common Sandpiper was seen at South Dykes.

A Hobby flew over Bempton Village and two Siskin flew north-west along Bempton Cliffs.

There were light/moderate north-west winds, generally overcast skies with occasional sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. A total of 99 Manx Shearwaters flew north, as did single Arctic Tern and Mediterranean Gull; added interest was also provided by three Arctic Skuas and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Thornwick Pools hosted a Water Rail, while two Mute Swans and a Little Grebe were at nearby Thornwick Lakes.

Skies remained relatively cloudy until late in the day, with light south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. Six Mediterranean Gulls flew past the Fog Station during a morning seawatch that also featured 118 Common Scoters, 23 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns and 92 Manx Shearwaters.

The Great White Egret re-appeared on a pool north of Thornwick, while the nearby Pools held four Teal, a Little Egret, three Grey Herons, two Oystercatchers, two Little Ringed Plovers, three Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper. A juvenile Wheatear was an early migrant at Thornwick, while the good run of Cuckoo sightings continued when one flew through a garden near South Landing.

Sunny throughout, with a light/moderate south-easterly wind developing and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. Nine Med Gulls flew past the Fog Station during the morning, all but one moving north; three off the South Cliffs later set a new day record count of 12 Mediterranean Gulls. Additional sightings included 79 Sandwich Terns, 27 Manx Shearwaters and an Arctic Skua flying north, while 22 Teal, 78 Common Scoters and five Red-throated Divers moved south.

Two Great White Egrets graced Thornwick Pools in the afternoon, along with a Little Egret, five Oystercatchers, a Green Sandpiper, one Common Sandpiper and a Dunlin; another Green Sandpiper was on the outer head. A White Wagtail at the Fog Station was unseasonal.

Seven Gadwall that flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs represented a good site record; 127 Swift and 38 Sand Martins also moved south-east over the reserve, while a Little Egret flew north-west.

There were easterly winds throughout a relatively overcast day, with occasional sunny intervals and showers; temperatures reached 18 degrees C. Seawatching rewards included seven Eider and 89 Common Scoters, while 14 Whimbrel and a Bar-tailed Godwit flew south. There was further evidence of gulls making landfall from the east including a Little Gull and three Mediterranean Gulls; 960 Herring Gulls also flew south. A total of 59 Sandwich Terns were accompanied by a Common Tern and 23 Manx Shearwaters. More unusual was a Great White Egret that circled off the Seawatch Obs before flying inland over Selwick’s Bay.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Common Sandpiper and a juvenile Yellow Wagtail, while a Great White Egret and two Green Sandpipers remained on wetlands on the outer head.

There were overcast skies and fog early morning, followed by some sunny intervals, light/moderate south-west winds and temperatures that reached 22 degrees C. Wildfowl interest on the seawatch included four Teal, a Tufted Duck, two Eiders, 72 Common Scoters and a Red-breasted Merganser. In addition, 230 Common Scoters headed north off South Dykes, but U-turned before an early morning fog bank. Other seawatch sightings included three Mediterranean Gull, 88 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern and 43 Manx Shearwaters. A Hobby also flew past the Fog Station.

Wader interest included single Common and Green Sandpipers on Thornwick Pools, while a Greenshank overflew the outer head. Sightings from Oceanview included a flyover Great White Egret and a Cuckoo. Elsewhere, a Swift movement was noted over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with 143 moving south-east ahead of approaching shower cloud.

Moderate south-east winds established during a day of overcast skies and some sunny intervals, while temperatures reached 19 degrees C. A significant movement of 208 Redshank took place during a seawatch that also featured two Whimbrel, a Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Dunlin, four Mediterranean Gulls, 39 Sandwich Terns (including the first juvenile), four Common Terns, a Bonxie, two Red-throated Divers and seven Manx Shearwaters.

The outer headland’s freshwaters attracted a Great White Egret, nine Teal, a Water Rail, four Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper and two Green Sandpipers. An additional Green Sandpiper was present at Buckton Pond, while a juvenile Cuckoo showed well at Oceanview.

A day of sunny intervals and showers, moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 20 degrees C. Waders again moved south during the morning seawatch including 62 Dunlin and 12 Redshank. A total of 123 Common Scoters also flew past the outer head, together with 40 Sandwich Terns, four Arctic Terns and 41 Manx Shearwaters. A Green Sandpiper and two Common Sandpipers were at Thornwick Pools, while a Great White Egret overflew Church Lane on the southern edge of the village early morning.

A cloudy day with a blustery south west wind and the temperature reaching 20°C.

The highlight of the seawatch was 7 Little Terns in addition to 2 Arctic and 13 Sandwich Terns. A lone Arctic Skua and Mediterranean Gull, 30 Manx Shearwaters, one Red-throated Diver, a Turnstone, 3 Dunlin and 9 Redshank also passed.

Thornwick Pools attracted 3 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers and a Redshank while the pair of Little Ringed Plovers were still in residence. A Manx Shearwater and an Eider were both seen off South Dykes.

An Hobby was seen again west of Danes Dyke while at Bempton Cliffs RSPB a Golden Plover, 2 Manx Shearwaters, a juvenile Wheatear, two Yellow Wagtails and a Siskin were logged.

A warm day with a maximum temperature of 23°C even tough it was mainly cloudy in a moderate westerly.

Seawatching was rather subdued, highlights being 20 Common Scoter, 32 Manx Shearwaters and 3 Sandwich Terns.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Common Sandpiper, an adult and a juvenile Dunlin while the pair of Little Ringed Plovers remained.

Five Spoonbills flew south-east over Bempton Cliffs RSPB early evening and a Marsh Harrier came in off while a Whimbrel and a singing Reed Warbler were noted earlier in the day.

The south-easterly wind strengthened throughout the day becoming strong with rain by late afternoon. The temperature reached 17°C.

Common Scoter numbered 255 on the seawatch with29 Manx Shearwaters, 29 Sandwich Terns, 17 Redshank and 11 Dunlin adding interest.

Thornwick Pools retained the Common Sandpiper and pair of Little Ringed Plovers and were joined by a Little Stint and 8 Dunlin grounded by the rain. A Hobby flashed by near South Landing.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, vismig included a juvenile Cuckoo, a single Golden Plover and a Yellow Wagtail.

The maximum temperature of 19°C was academic in a strong south to south-westerly with thunderstorms and occasional heavy rain from early afternoon.

Waders generated greatest interest during the morning seawatch and included 3 Whimbrel, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 24 Dunlin and 16 Redshank. Other birds logged involved a juvenile Cuckoo, 23 Manx Shearwaters and a Mediterranean Gull.

Thornwick Pools retained the Little Stint with other waders including a Common Sandpiper, 8 Dunlin, a Snipe and the resident pair of Little Ringed Plovers. A Little Egret also made an appearance. Two Little Egrets flew over Water Lane and a Hobby was seen again over the southern end of the village. Fifty Common Scoter were off Beacon Hill.

West of Danes Dyke, vismigging at Bempton Cliffs RSPB produced 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Little Egrets and serveral waders including 2 Golden Plovers, a Knot, 2 Dunlin and 3 Whimbrel. A Green Sandpiper was at Buckton Pond.

Strong south-west winds featured during a day of occasional sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included six Whimbrel, a Bar-tailed Godwit, one Bonxie, 87 Manx Shearwaters and two Red-throated Divers. The headland’s wetlands attracted four Teal, two Tufted Ducks, 33 Dunlin and two Common Sandpipers. A juvenile Cuckoo remained on the outer head.

The first juvenile Yellow-legged Gull of the season flew past RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with three Golden Plovers, nine Dunlin and 133 Swifts. Nearby, a Green Sandpiper frequented Buckton Pond.

There were blustery west-south-west winds throughout, occasional light showers and temperatures peaked at 21 degrees C. A scattering of waders moved south during the seawatch including two Black-tailed Godwits. Twenty-three Sandwich Terns were logged, along with five Red-throated Divers and 86 Manx Shearwaters. A Little Egret flew past the Fog Station, with sightings also at Thornwick and further west – at Bempton Village Pond and Buckton Pond. A Green Sandpiper was also at the latter location.

Also on the move were 2708 Swifts heading south-west over the outer head before approaching shower cloud, with the majority of the movement concentrated between 0510-0610hrs.

Thornwick attracted two Common Sandpipers, three Little Ringed Plovers, four Dunlin and two Redshank. A juvenile Cuckoo was along the cliff top near Thornwick.

A cloudy day with a maximum temperature of 19°C and a light south-westerly.

The morning seawatch logged 125 Manx Shearwaters, 45 Sandwich Terns, 12 Common Scoter, 2 Eider and a Teal.

Thornwick Pools still held a pair of Little Ringed Plover, now with 3 day old chicks. Also there were a Little Egret, single Common and Green Sandpipers, a Redshank and 12 Dunlin. A juvenile Cuckoo was nearby at Thornwick Nab. Swifts passing South Landing numbered 2658 in an hour during the morning and 2 Little Egrets and an adult Mediterranean Gull passing west in the evening.

A Short-eared Owl and a Cuckoo were the picks of the day at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Winds were light and variable and a maximum temperature of 17°C.

A Cory’s Shearwater passing north at 08:20 was the first of the season. Also logged on morning and evening seawatches were 98 Manx Shearwaters, an Arctic Skua, 31 Sandwich and 8 Arctic Terns, 328 Common Scoters, 16 Teal and an Eider.

At Thornwick Pools, the 3 Little Ringed Plover chicks were doing well with their parents, 15 Dunlin, 3 Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, a Redshank, a Little Egret and a Grey Wagtail also present. In keeping with the wader theme, a Golden Plover and a Whimbrel passed over Oceanview.

A Little Egret remained at Buckton Pond and 2 Arctic Skuas were off Speeton Cliffs.

There were occasional sunny intervals during a day of light, variable winds and temperatures that peaked at 18 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with counts of 183 Common Scoters, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 73 Sandwich Terns, three Common Terns, two Arctic Terns, a Bonxie, two Arctic Skuas and 198 Manx Shearwaters.

Away from the sea, a Honey Buzzard that drifted east over South Landing from 1202-1208hrs represented the first of the year; a Hobby again hunted Swifts over the village. Little Egrets were recorded at Flamborough WWTW and Bempton village pond. Two Grey Wagtails flew south over the outer head, while a Tree Pipit visited Oceanview.

A total of 105 Swifts, 63 Swallows and a Marsh Harrier flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Treecreeper was a notable record.

Following two Dark Green Fritillaries in the Lighthouse Grassland yesterday, another appeared at South Landing.

A cooler day, with gentle west-north-west winds, largely overcast skies with light showers and temperatures that reached 16 degrees C. Seawatching proved rewarding with the year’s first Sooty Shearwater flying north and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull lingering off the headland. Other notable sightings included 208 Manx Shearwaters north, 174 Common Scoters north, a Little Egret, seven Whimbrel south, 161 Sandwich Terns north, seven Arctic Terns north, 11 Common Tern north, two Mediterranean Gulls and four Arctic Skuas.

The day’s highlight was the unseasonal discovery of a Marsh Warbler at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; single Hobby and Cuckoo and 150 Swifts were also recorded around the reserve. Nearby, Little Egret and Green Sandpiper dropped onto Buckton Pond.

Overcast throughout, with persistent, but generally light rain throughout daylight hours and a gentle south-south-westerly wind; temperatures reached 16 degrees C. Given the inclement conditions, focus was on seawatching with wildfowl on the move: 505 Common Scoters flew north, with two Shelduck, eight Shoveler and a Tufted Duck heading south. Thirteen Whimbrel and 14 Turnstones also moved south, as did an adult Little Gull and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. Three Arctic Skuas, an Arctic Tern and 47 Manx Shearwaters were also logged during the seawatch.

Passage was also noted at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, including 120 Common Scoters, two Little Egrets and a Mediterranean Gull flying north-west, while 16 Shelduck, 441 Swifts, a Cuckoo, one Grey Plover and seven Whimbrel tracked south-east. A Wheatear was also in residence.

There was fog early on, persistent light rain throughout and a blustery northerly wind developing from mid-afternoon; temperatures reached 17 degrees C. Three Ruddy Shelduck headlined the seawatch: between 1056-1100hrs they twice attempted to fly north past the headland before U-turning ahead of a fog bank. They were first seen moving north at Spurn at 0905hrs and were relocated mid-afternoon in Filey Bay. Other notable seawatch records included 326 Common Scoters, 81 Oystercatchers, a Grey Plover, two Little Gulls, 14 Arctic Skuas (12 south) and 142 Manx Shearwaters all south.

Elsewhere, a Great White Egret, one Little Egret, two Shoveler, a juvenile Wood Sandpiper, one Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper visited Thornwick. The Marsh Warbler was relocated at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but it remained elusive. Nearby, a Common Sandpiper frequented Buckton Pond.

Moderate/strong northerly winds gradually abated while sunny intervals eventually established after heavy overnight rain; temperatures peaked at 15 degrees C. Single Sooty Shearwater and juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flew north on a seawatch that also featured 32 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 40 Whimbrel (south), 120 Sandwich Terns, 17 Arctic Terns, seven Arctic Skuas, a Red-throated Diver and 160 Manx Shearwaters (north).

Wader interest included two Wood Sandpipers (inc. one at Thornwick), a juvenile Ruff and a Green Sandpiper. Additionally, three Shoveler continued the good run of sightings, while a Little Egret remained in the Thornwick area.

Notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included three Arctic Skuas north-west, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and five Arctic Terns; a juvenile Little Egret also visited the reserve.

Winds were light and variable throughout a largely overcast day that featured thunderstorms and heavy rain late afternoon; temperatures reached 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Blue Fulmar, one Sooty Shearwater, 305 Manx Shearwaters, 335 Common Scoters, 147 Sandwich Terns, 27 Arctic Terns, a Bonxie and 13 Arctic Skuas.

The Wood Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools, where it was accompanied by a Green Sandpiper and lone Dunlin. A Short-eared Owl appeared on the cliff top at Breil Nook, a Grey Wagtail similarly near Thornwick Nab, while a juvenile Cuckoo graced cliff top fields near North Dykes.

Two Minke Whales fed off RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where the Marsh Warbler continued its residence. Little Egrets were seen on the reserve and also on the outer head.

A relatively overcast day, with moderate westerly winds and temperatures rising during the day to a peak of 21 degrees C. A flock of eight Little Egrets flew south during the morning seawatch; a lone Little Egret also visited a garden pond at North Landing and one appeared once more at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional seawatch records included 135 Common Scoters, 83 Sandwich Terns, three Common Terns, eight Arctic Terns, two Arctic Skuas, a lone Sooty Shearwater and 63 Manx Shearwaters all flying north; the juvenile Yellow-legged Gull remained offshore.

A southerly movement of Swallows took place mid-morning, with 417 logged passing South Landing/Beacon Hill. A Merlin near North Marsh mid-evening was an early returnee and only the third record of the year. The Wood Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools, where there were also six Shoveler and four Dunlin.

Another relatively overcast and misty day, with heavy, thundery showers late afternoon; temperatures reached 18 degrees C. Single Sooty Shearwater and juvenile Yellow-legged Gull were recorded during the morning’s seawatch, while a juvenile Caspian Gull loafed offshore from the Seawatch Observatory early evening; fourteen Arctic Terns included 13 birds re-orientating back north. Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Egret, one Shoveler, an Oystercatcher, five Dunlin and the Little Ringed Plovers.

Light, variable winds throughout a brighter day, with temperatures peaking at 22 degrees C. Four juvenile Caspian Gulls together off the Seawatch Observatory early evening represented a record-breaking tally. Small numbers of Black-headed Gulls also made landfall throughout the day, while a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull provided further instruction Other notable seawatch records included 353 Common Scoters, 12 Whimbrel, seven Bar-tailed Godwits, 25 Arctic Terns, a Bonxie, four Arctic Skuas and two Little Egrets.

An eclipse drake Garganey was a surprise near North Marsh, where the juvenile Merlin remained, while two Wood Sandpipers included one still on Thornwick Pools.

Single Little Egret and Green Sandpiper were on Buckton Pond.

A relatively bright day, with moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching 23 degrees C. Three juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull were seen off the Fog Station, where the highlight of the morning’s seawatch was a spooned adult Pomarine Skua that flew south. A Minke Whale swam north, with five Shovelers and 16 Whimbrel moving south.

Elsewhere, a juvenile Caspian Gull visited Thornwick Lakes, the juvenile Wood Sandpiper remained on Thornwick Pools and a Cuckoo was seen on the roadside between North Dykes and Bempton. Little Egrets were recorded at both North & South Landing and Buckton Pond.

Warblers were on the move at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a Wood Warbler and 31 Willow Warblers moving through. A juvenile Caspian Gull flew past, while two Hobbies moved south-east and a Cuckoo remained in residence. Two Minke Whales fed offshore.

There were blustery south-west winds throughout, early morning showers followed by occasional sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C. A Sooty Shearwater flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured a Merlin.

The drake Garganey was seen again in flight heading towards North Marsh; two Great White Egrets, two Little Egrets and two juvenile Little Ringed Plovers were in the same area. The long-staying juvenile Wood Sandpiper flew south from Thornwick Pools early afternoon. Passerine migrants on the outer head included a Tree Pipit and five Yellow Wagtails.

Four Minke Whales fed off Bempton Cliffs where sightings included a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, a male Merlin, a Hobby, a juvenile Cuckoo, 22 Willow Warblers, a Treecreeper and two Yellow Wagtails.

A relatively overcast day, a band of rain from mid-afternoon, light south-west winds and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees. Cetaceans stole the show, with seven Minke Whales recorded off the North Cliffs between Thornwick Nab and the Fog Station during the morning. In addition, pods containing 50 Bottlenose Dolphins were present off Thornwick Nab, but rarer still in the local context were two Common Dolphins noted off RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A juvenile Caspian Gull, two Little Egrets and Common Sandpiper were recorded at the Fog Station. Thornwick Pools attracted seven Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper. There was also evidence of passerine migration, with nine Willow Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher on the outer head.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a juvenile Merlin and 12 Willow Warblers.

Overcast skies throughout, with westerly winds in the morning, switching to onshore in the afternoon and temperatures peaked at 18 degrees C. Single juvenile Caspian Gull and Arctic Skua were off the Seawatch Observatory. Thornwick Pools hosted a Wood Sandpiper and five Dunlin, while the North Marsh area attracted two Shoveler, three Green Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper and a Greenshank. Two Little Egrets fed along the shore between South Landing and South Dykes, with one on the outer head in the morning. In addition, the juvenile Merlin continued in residence in the same area.

Passerines were again on the move, with numbers of Willow Warblers scattered across the headland in suitable habitat; 16 at Oceanview and six in the Golf Course Willows gave an indication of the scale of passage, while a single Spotted Flycatcher was also present in the latter area.

Elsewhere, Hobby and Merlin frequented the access road and cliff top at Bempton.

Heavy rain virtually throughout daylight hours resulted in localised flooding and very challenging conditions; winds backed from the east to the north and gradually strengthened. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls were recorded on the seawatch, which also featured 152 Common Scoters north, two Arctic Terns, a Bonxie and five Arctic Skuas.

A Little Egret visited a garden pond at North Landing, while Thornwick Pools attracted single Oystercatcher, Redshank and Snipe together with five Dunlin.

There were relatively overcast skies throughout a day of moderate north-north-west winds, while temperatures reached 18 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Sooty Shearwaters, 69 Manx Shearwaters, five Arctic Skuas, four Bonxies, two Caspian Gulls (juvenile & 2nd calendar-year) and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull moving north. Lone Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover did the same, while terns were more obvious than of late: 301 Sandwich Terns moved north, as did 36 Arctic Terns, while an additional 47 Arctics fed offshore in the evening. In addition, two Red-breasted Mergansers moved south.

South Landing beach attracted two Little Egrets, 12 Whimbrel, two Knot and oddly a Green Sandpiper. The North Marsh area continued to host a drake Garganey, a juvenile Merlin and single Greenshank and Wood Sandpiper.

Single juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and Caspian Gull flew north at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where 24 Manx Shearwaters, a Bonxie, 124 Sandwich Terns, nine Common Terns and an Arctic Tern flew north, while a Merlin lingered.

Northerly winds gradually abated during a day of some sunny intervals and showers. As expected, a 14.75hour seawatch proved rewarding, with appreciable numbers of terns including a high proportion of juveniles raising the spirit. The year’s first Balearic Shearwater flew north at 1932hrs, with 19 Sooty Shearwaters and 336 Manx Shearwaters also moving in the same direction. There was an excellent total of 388 Arctic Terns flying north, along with 159 Common Terns and 751 Sandwich Terns. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls lingered off the outer head, while an adult Little Gull flew north.

The North Marsh area attracted a Little Egret, juvenile Merlin and a Green Sandpiper, while Thornwick Pools hosted another Green Sandpiper and a Greenshank. Passerine migrants included single Wheatear and Spotted Flycatcher near South Dykes.

In the eye of the deep low pressure system, the day’s weather was full of contrast: heavy, early morning rain gave way to sunny intervals, light winds and muggy conditions, before northerly winds and heavy showers established late afternoon.

Over the last three days, perhaps the seawatching feature has been the high numbers of terns present, including significant proportions of juveniles. While there wasn’t an all day watch today, over the course of 8.25 hours 969 Sandwich Terns (730 north, 239 south) represented the largest daily total for well over a decade. In addition, 251 Common Terns flew north, along with 87 Arctic Terns. A sub-adult Pomarine Skua re-orientated back north in the evening, with a Bonxie and 11 Arctic Skuas also logged. Other notable records included 469 Common Scoters, two Red-throated Divers, a Sooty Shearwater and 52 Manx Shearwaters all moving north. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls lingered off the Seawatch Observatory once again.

Thornwick Pools attracted three Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank; a Green Sandpiper also visited a temporary flash on Croft’s Hill. Sightings from the Old Fall circuit included a Little Egret, two Whimbrel, a juvenile Cuckoo and seven Willow Warblers. Another Green Sandpiper was located along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton.

Blustery northerly winds throughout, with sunny intervals dominating after a showery start and temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. A Goldeneye flew south during the morning’s seawatch, while four Little Gulls were also recorded. Three Sooty Shearwaters and 31 Manx Shearwaters moved north, while ten Arctic Skuas headed south. Tern numbers were reduced with 117 Sandwich Terns south alongside 24 Common Terns and 62 Arctic Terns north. Greenshank were on the move, with two recorded on the seawatch and another in a flooded flash near the Golf Course. Thornwick Pools attracted single Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper.

There were light/moderate westerly winds throughout a day of sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at 19 degrees C. The year’s first adult Roseate Tern joined the Kittiwake feeding flock off the Fog Station late afternoon. Birds on the move included 18 Teal, 90 Common Scoters, 718 Sandwich Terns, 172 Common Terns, 65 Arctic Terns, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, three Sooty Shearwaters and 33 Manx Shearwaters all flying north; two Ruff flew south, while three Bonxies, four Arctic Skuas and a juvenile Caspian Gull were also recorded.

Two Little Egrets were along the shoreline below the South Cliffs, while Thornwick attracted single Greenshank and Green Sandpiper. A Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea at South Dykes early morning, while the juvenile Merlin lingered in the North Marsh area. Other sightings off South Dykes included a flock of 110 Black-headed Gulls moving east and 200 Common Scoters offshore. Shower cloud early evening pushed 185 Swifts onto the headland, with a large flock feeding over the south end of the village.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a juvenile Marsh Harrier moving south-east and an adult Mediterranean Gull flying north-west.

Winds were initially from the west before switching to onshore, with sunny intervals throughout and temperatures peaking at 19 degrees C. Terns featured once again on the seawatch, with 172 Sandwich, 36 Common and 39 Arctic Terns flying north together with a Bonxie, two Sooty Shearwaters and 37 Manx Shearwaters.

Single juvenile Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls flew past Beacon Hill and a Little Egret and a Common Sandpiper were along the shore; passerine migrants included lone Wheatear and Grey Wagtail on the nearby cliff top. Elsewhere, Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Egret and one Green Sandpiper, while North Marsh hosted a Shoveler and a Greenshank.

The weather was a mirror image of yesterday, with westerly winds in the morning followed by an onshore breeze later, sunny intervals and temperatures reached 19 degrees C. Seawatching was relatively quiet, with two Sooty Shearwaters and 18 Manx Shearwaters flying north and an Arctic Skua moving south. The adult and three young Little Ringed Plovers remained at Thornwick, while Little Egret and two Whimbrel were on the shore between South Landing and South Dykes.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a juvenile Caspian Gull and a Sooty Shearwater flying north-west; a Marsh Harrier overflew the nearby village.

Overcast and calm seas in the morning preceded sunnier skies, a moderate south-easterly breeze and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. The day’s undoubted highlight was a pod of 15+ Long-finned Pilot Whales moving north and filmed from a fishing boat off the South Cliffs at 1611hrs.

Avian sightings included the following flying north past the Fog Station: 75 Common Scoters, 352 Sandwich Terns, 171 Common Terns, a juvenile Roseate Tern, 34 Arctic Terns, five Bonxies, two Arctic Skuas, ten Sooty Shearwaters and 59 Manx Shearwaters. Single juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and Caspian Gull lingered offshore.

On the land, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew from Bempton towards North Dykes.

Sunny throughout, with moderate south-west winds and temperatures peaking at 26 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included three Goosanders and 16 Redshank moving south, with a Mediterranean Gull, four juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Caspian Gull, 248 Sandwich Terns, 82 Common Terns, seven Bonxies and a creamcrown Marsh Harrier flying north. Elsewhere, the juvenile Merlin appeared over Thornwick Pools, where a Green Sandpiper was present. Late news: a ringtail Hen Harrier was photographed over South Landing.

Sunny intervals throughout, with light showers from mid-afternoon and an increasingly strong south-west wind; temperatures peaked at 21 degrees C. Two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and one juvenile Caspian Gull were recorded on a seawatch that also witnessed six Goosanders, a Red-throated Diver, 18 Whimbrel and a Greenshank flying south. An influx of Lesser Black-backed Gulls also took place, with 32 recorded between the South Cliffs and Fog Station. Thirty Harbour Porpoise off the Fog Station early morning represented an excellent count. The outer head’s freshwaters attracted three Green Sandpipers, a Snipe and a Greenshank, while two Green Sandpipers also overflew Oceanview. In addition, a Common Redstart graced South Landing.

A juvenile Cuckoo was seen at Mid-Dykes, with another at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. One of the more notable records from the latter site was a Silver-washed Fritillary located on the cliff top. Two Marsh Harriers, a juvenile Hobby, a Common Redstart and 12 Willow Warblers were also recorded on the reserve.

A relatively overcast day, with a light/moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching a maximum of 21 degrees C. Wader movement was apparent during the morning seawatch, with 45 Whimbrel, four Ruff, a Greenshank and 16 Dunlin moving south. The influx of Lesser Black-backed Gulls that began yesterday continued, with 25 recorded off the Fog Station – mostly juveniles, but most of the adults showed features consistent with L. f. intermedius. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls attended fishing boats offshore, while two Yellow-legged Gulls were also recorded. Cetacean interest included a Minke Whale feeding off the Fog Station for much of the morning and c.30 Harbour Porpoise for the second day running.

The North Marsh area attracted a Merlin, one Greenshank and a Ruff, while Thornwick Pools continued to host the family of Little Ringed Plovers (one adult remaining with three juveniles) and a Little Egret; the latter one of four that toured the outer head. Another Green Sandpiper overflew Crofts Hill.

A total of 19 Whimbrel moved through RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where single Marsh Harrier and Hobby, 16 Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler and a Whinchat were also present.

Overcast throughout, with persistent rain, heavy at times; moderate south-easterly winds and temperatures reached 17 degrees C. The day’s undoubted highlight was the mid-morning discovery of an Alpine Swift at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. It remained throughout, ranging the cliffs from the northern edge of the reserve to North Dykes. An Osprey also flew east along the cliffs there early afternoon.

Two juvenile Caspian Gulls and two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls were off the Seawatch Observatory, while 228 Common Scoters flew north. Thornwick Pools attracted a Wood Sandpiper. The three juvenile Little Ringed Plovers also fledged four weeks to the day since hatching there, while four Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper were also present. Single Greenshank and Ruff frequented the North Marsh area, where the Merlin remained in residence.

Light winds veered from westerly to easterly during a day of occasional sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. A Cory’s Shearwater flew north before settling on the sea off the Fog Station late afternoon; presumably the same individual then headed south 90 minutes later. Additional seawatch records in the morning included a Mediterranean Gull, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and a juvenile Caspian Gull; 3.5 hours in the afternoon also produced two Blue Fulmars and nine Arctic Skuas flying south and three Sooty Shearwaters north.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Wood Sandpiper, two Green Sandpipers, a Snipe, one Dunlin, four Little Ringed Plovers and a Ringed Plover. The North Marsh area hosted single Greenshank, Ruff, Golden Plover and a Dunlin, while another Green Sandpiper overflew Oceanview. There appeared to be an increase in passerine migrants including a scattering of Willow Warblers, while a Spotted Flycatcher was at South Landing.

The same arrival was witnessed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with 25 Willow Warblers and a Garden Warbler present. Thirteen Turnstones moved south-east offshore, where a Minke Whale was present. A Short-eared Owl hunted cliff top fields on the reserve in the evening.

There were prolonged sunny intervals, although a light easterly wind developed early on which pushed a sea fret ashore on the extreme outer head. The morning seawatch was brought to a premature conclusion when the fog arrived; a Sooty Shearwater flew north before visibility reduced, as did a juvenile Mediterranean Gull. Single Bar-tailed Godwit and two Arctic Skuas were also recorded. A juvenile Merlin frequented the cliff top around the Fog Station, where a Wheatear made landfall.

The Wood Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools, where four Teal, four Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin were also in residence. Oceanview attracted a Short-eared Owl.

A total of 176 Oystercatchers moved south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Jay did the same; a Hobby flew north-west, while single Marsh Harrier and Merlin remained. Sixteen Common Whitethroats and eight Willow Warblers were also present on the reserve.

A relatively overcast day after a brighter start, with a light/moderate easterly wind and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. A juvenile Caspian Gull flew north during the morning’s seawatch that also featured five Shelduck, four Shoveler and 18 Teal, with three Bonxies and 11 Arctic Skuas also recorded. Thornwick Pools attracted a Shoveler, two Green Sandpipers, four Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover and two Dunlin. A ringing session at South Landing was rewarded with a Common Redstart, but better still a flock of ten Common Crossbills visited a garden on the south end of the village.

A juvenile Caspian Gull that headed north past RSPB Bempton Cliffs was the most notable sighting from the reserve.