Category: Sightings

Overcast throughout, with a light/moderate easterly wind and temperatures reaching 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included an immature Pomarine Skua and three Sooty Shearwaters flying north. Wildfowl were on the move with 465 Teal, six Shovelers, two Velvet Scoters and 392 Common Scoters logged flying past the Fog Station. Two Little Gulls, three juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull were offshore, with 564 Common Terns, 18 Arctic Terns, 26 Arctic Skuas and two Red-throated Divers recorded.

A total of six Greenshank included two on the seawatch, two Wood Sandpipers dropped onto Thornwick Pools while two Little Stints flew south over the headland. A small arrival of passerine migrants occurred with many arriving in the afternoon including seven Pied Flycatchers, two Wheatear, two Whinchat and nine Yellow Wagtails.

Passage past RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 253 Teal, 209 Common Scoter, 18 Whimbrel, nine Arctic Skuas and a Hobby all flying south-east, while 209 Common Scoters moved north-west. Passerine migrants included single Garden Warbler, Common Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.

Blustery south-westerly winds were a particular feature of daylight hours, with sunny intervals throughout following early fog and temperatures reached 25 degrees C. The timing of the overnight rain precluded any chance of new arrivals, but there were plenty of migrants awaiting discovery that had made landfall late yesterday.

The morning’s seawatch featured a Cory’s Shearwater flying north at 1014hrs, with a juvenile Long-tailed Skua north at 0934hrs the year’s first. A summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver also flew north, with other notable sightings including 255 Teal south, a juvenile Caspian Gull, a Mediterranean Gull, 13 Arctic Skuas and the year’s first Black Tern feeding offshore. A Scaup flying south was the highlight of an evening seawatch that also recorded juvenile Mediterranean Gull and Yellow-legged Gull.

A Wryneck discovered along Old Fall Hedge mid-morning was another first for the year. Following a good spring for both species, a Marsh Warbler was a surprise find on the edge of the Lighthouse Field, while a juvenile Red-backed Shrike showed well at South Landing. A total of 19 Pied Flycatchers were located, alongside three Garden Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Wheatears, a Whinchat, one Tree Pipit and 22 Yellow Wagtails. An Osprey flew south-west past the Fog Station early morning, with a juvenile Merlin hunting the same area. Four Wood Sandpipers were noted, two remaining on Thornwick Pools and two south over the outer head.

A Hobby flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where grounded migrants included a Garden Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Pied Flycatchers and a Whinchat. Single Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and Wheatear were recorded at Buckton.

The weather consisted of prolonged sunny intervals, lighter south-west winds and temperatures reaching 24 degrees C. Seawatching again proved productive for terns, the main highlight being seven Black Terns, the highest total for over a decade; other counts included 787 Common Terns and 436 Sandwich Terns. Four Goosanders, two Bonxies, 19 Arctic Skuas, 11 Little Gulls, a juvenile Caspian Gull and a Sooty Shearwater were also recorded during the morning and evening sessions.

The year’s first Common Rosefinch was an early morning discovery along Lighthouse Road, while the juvenile Red-backed Shrike lingered at South Landing. Four Pied Flycatchers also remained, while Willow Warbler numbers increased – 15 at Oceanview alone hinting at a significant increase.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Wood Sandpipers, a Ringed Plover, two Little Ringed Plovers, six Dunlin and a Greenshank; a Hobby overflew Mid Dykes.

A south-easterly raptor movement took place over RSPB Bempton Cliffs in the morning, involving three Marsh Harriers, six Sparrowhawks, nine Kestrels and 14 Common Buzzards. Additional sightings there included 244 Swifts, a Black-tailed Godwit, both juvenile Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls, six Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher, one Pied Flycatcher and a Common Redstart; a Minke Whale was also recorded.

Another day of sunny intervals, moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching 23 degrees C. The morning seawatch was relatively quiet, with a lone Mediterranean Gull, three southbound Black-tailed Godwits, a Bonxie, four Arctic Skuas and a Red-throated Diver moving past the outer head. In addition, a Great Northern Diver flew east past South Dykes.

Single Hobby and Merlin toured the headland, while Thornwick Pools hosted two Shoveler, two Wood Sandpipers, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, five Dunlin and three Snipe; a Green Sandpiper also flew south over Oceanview.

There were sunny intervals throughout a day that featured strengthening south-westerly winds and a top temperature of 22 degrees C. Four Roseate Terns (three adults, one juvenile) flew south during the seawatch, with a Black Tern, two juvenile Caspian Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull also recorded.

A juvenile Little Stint graced a Thornwick Pools that also played host to two Wood Sandpipers, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover and five Dunlin. A Merlin again toured the headland, while a Short-eared Owl frequented the Lighthouse Grassland; a Tree Pipit was the most notable passerine migrant logged.

A relatively overcast day, with light winds and temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. A Cory’s Shearwater arrived from the north before feeding with a Gannet flock off the Fog Station late afternoon. Seawatching was also rewarded with a Black Tern and Sooty Shearwater moving north; three Minke Whales fed offshore. It was also apparent a further influx of Caspian Gulls had taken place, with five juvenile Caspian Gulls present around the outer head from early afternoon; two colour-ringed and three unringed individuals.

There was evidence of passerine migration, with single Grasshopper Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Common Redstart arriving in off the sea late morning. Four Whinchat also frequented the nearby Lighthouse Grassland.

Thornwick Pools continued to host two Wood Sandpipers. Five Mute Swans rested on the sea off South Landing, where a Hobby and six Yellow Wagtails were also recorded.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Spotted Flycatcher and ten Willow Warblers.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals after an overcast start and an early shower of rain; winds were light and generally onshore, while temperatures reached 20 degrees C.

An arrival of passerines took place during the morning, the best of which was a Greenish Warbler in the Golf Course Willows. Although elusive, it showed well at times and remained all day. Willow Warbler were present in numbers, as evidenced by seven in a garden at North Landing and five in a garden on the southern edge of the village. Other totals included single Garden Warbler, Whinchat and Pied Flycatcher.

Seawatch highlights included a Sooty Shearwater flying north and four juvenile Caspian Gulls; two Common Sandpipers and a Greenshank also frequented the shore near the Fog Station. The two Wood Sandpipers remained at Thornwick Pools, where a Merlin showed well.

The Willow Warbler arrival was also apparent at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 42 birds were present; two Grasshopper Warblers, a Garden Warbler, one Spotted Flycatcher, three Pied Flycatchers, a Whinchat and a Crossbill. Single Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl were also recorded at the reserve.

The temperature reached 20°C with the wind being light from a westerly quarter.

The day’s seawatching yielded a three Roseate Terns, 400 Common Terns, a Black Tern, one Little Gull, three Bonxies, nine Arctic Skuas, 34 Manx Shearwaters and six Whimbrel amongst many other birds.

Two Ravens passed over Bempton Cliffs RSPB and were later seen flying over the North Dykes / Sixpenny area. A Merlin and Hobby continue to be seen touring the headland while a Short-eared Owl was seen again at Oceanview. The Greenish Warbler remained at the Golf Course Willows although elusive for long periods. Other passerine migrants included a Whinchat and four Yellow Wagtails.

Sightings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, an Arctic Skua, a juvenile Merlin, 13 Common Buzzards, 2 Garden Warblers, a Wheatear and 3 Yellow Wagtails.

Three Minke Whales were seen offshore at both the Fog Station and Bempton Cliffs.

Light westerly winds and prolonged sunny intervals were far from ideal conditions for the start of the Seawatch Festival. However, the benefits of increased coverage (both from land and the sea in the form of the Yorkshire Belle) paid off.

Highlights included a Black Guillemot that eventually flew north-east (seen from the Belle off Bempton), a juvenile Long-tailed Skua north, two Pomarine Skuas south and a Balearic Shearwater lingering off the headland. In addition, gulls were well represented with juvenile Yellow-legged and three juvenile Caspian Gulls off the Seawatch Observatory, together with four juvenile Little Gulls and two Mediterranean Gulls. A single Black Tern joined a Common Tern feeding flock, an adult Roseate Tern flew north mid-afternoon, while three Sooty Shearwaters were also logged. Skua passage picked up post-lunch, ending with a total of 46 Arctic Skuas and three Bonxies moving south. Small numbers of waders also headed south, including a Greenshank and five Ruff. Cetacean interest included 6+ Minke Whales offshore between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and the Seawatch Observatory, 55+ Harbour Porpoises and a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins. Surprisingly, four species of raptors were recorded during the seawatch including single Merlin and Marsh Harrier.

The Greenish Warbler continued to show sporadically around the Golf Course Willows, with four Pied Flycatchers ‘drifting ashore’ from early afternoon and two Whinchat in the Gorse Field.

A Short-eared Owl again hunted cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Sunny skies in the morning were superceded by increased cloud and a band of showers in the afternoon; light winds were generally from the north-west and temperatures reached 19 degrees C. Seawatching was quieter, with a strong northerly movement of Common Terns the most obvious feature: 559 flying north were accompanied by a lone Black Tern. Additional sightings included a Balearic Shearwater, two Sooty Shearwaters, one Ruff, two juvenile Caspian Gulls and a Little Gull, while two Minke Whales were lunge feeding offshore. The juvenile female Merlin was seen from the Seawatch Observatory once again.

The Greenish Warbler remained in the Golf Course Willows alongside a Pied Flycatcher. However, in local context, a Marsh Tit in the same area was much rarer.

A Willow Emerald damselfly was the sixth reserve record at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, a Short-eared Owl and three Minke Whales were also recorded from there.

Winds were light and variable in direction; it was sunny thoughout the morning, with increasing cloud later and temperatures reached 18 degrees C. The Seawatch Festival concluded with four juvenile Long-tailed Skuas recorded during the day: a dark juvenile flying north in the morning preceded two juveniles (intermediate, dark) north and another juvenile (intermediate) south in the evening. A Balearic Shearwater headed north, while 33 Sooty Shearwaters (30 north, three south) and 63 Manx Shearwaters were also recorded. Larid interest included 2157 Little Gulls moving north out of the bay to feed well offshore in the morning and five juvenile Caspian Gulls inshore late afternoon. Other notable sightings included a Blue Fulmar, a Black Tern, eight Bonxies and 44 Arctic Skuas.

A relatively overcast day, with a light/moderate westerly wind and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Seawatching again provided the highlights, with two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas and a Great Northern Diver moving north. Additional totals included 213 Common Scoters moving north, 105 Little Gulls, single Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls and two Sooty Shearwaters. Tens of thousands of auks, mainly Razorbills were on the sea; such totals are highly unusual during August, with the previous August record of 240 smashed many times over. A Balearic Shearwater also attended the feeding flocks.

The long-staying Merlin remained on the outer head, while passerine migrants included single Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher and a Goldcrest; the latter additional to the breeding pair at South Landing.

Elsewhere, a Short-eared Owl remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where 12 Little Gulls and a Whinchat were present.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, moderate north-westerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 15 degrees C. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north, while two Balearic Shearwaters were recorded alongside 13 Sooty Shearwaters. A total of 1366 Common Terns was notable, as were five Black Terns.

Thornwick Pools hosted 13 Teal, a Water Rail, two Little Ringed Plovers and three Dunlin.

Single Bonxie and Sooty Shearwater flew past RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Light winds switched from north-westerlies early on to south-easterlies later during a sunny day with temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. Two Cory’s Shearwaters and three juvenile Long-tailed Skuas flew north during a seawatch that also featured 724 Common Terns, 27 Little Gulls, 22 Sooty Shearwaters and 63 Manx Shearwaters.

Two Little Egrets and two Greenshank were on the rocky shore below Hartendale, while single Merlin, Hobby and Short-eared Owl frequented the outer head. Passerine migrants included two Pied Flycatchers and two Whinchat.

Overcast throughout, with spells of light drizzle and a light/moderate easterly wind. Seawatching again proved productive with juvenile Long-tailed Skua, five Pomarine Skuas (inc. ‘spooned’ adult) and an adult Roseate Tern flying north. A northbound movement of terns was a particular feature of the day, with 633 Sandwich Terns and 609 Common Terns flying past the Seawatch Observatory. Three juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull were also in residence, while 394 Teal and 271 Common Scoters flew north and five Gadwall headed in the opposite direction. Fifty-four Arctic Skuas, 17 Little Gulls and a fly-by Merlin added further interest.

A Merlin and a Hobby also graced airspace at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. A juvenile Caspian Gull flew south-east there, the Short-eared Owl remained, while a flock of 28 Crossbills that dropped into the Dell was particularly unusual.

Initial cloud soon burnt off to leave a sunny day with a light onshore breeze developing; temperatures reached 20 degrees C. One of the features of the day was a record influx of 66 Common Buzzards moving south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs; flocks then split over the outer head before birds headed back inland in a south-westerly direction.

Seawatch highlights included a Little Stint south, a 1st calendar-year Mediterranean Gull lingering offshore, 30 Little Gulls, an immature Pomarine Skua south, one Sooty Shearwater north and a Marsh Harrier. A small arrival of drift migrants was apparent including two Garden Warblers, two Pied Flycatchers, one Wheatear and a Whinchat. Additional records included the Merlin, two Common Sandpipers, a Ruff, and two Swifts.

As well as the Common Buzzard influx, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Caspian Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull, a Great Northern Diver (south-east), a Merlin and three Marsh Harriers. Passerine migrants were also in evidence, with two Garden Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Whinchat, a Wheatear and one Tree Pipit.

Henceforth, the 3rd September will always be known as ‘Brown Booby‘ day – Yorkshire’s first ever lingering off the headland for 30 minutes late morning. The weather certainly suited a visitor from tropical waters, with light south-westerly winds, sunny skies prevailing after a relatively overcast start and temperatures reaching 26 degrees C.

The year’s star bird, an adult, appeared off the Fog Station at c. 1015hrs, where it loosely associated with a small group of Gannets feeding c. 1km offshore. It sat on the sea on a couple of occasions before drifting north at c. 1045hrs and unfortunately wasn’t relocated. A total of five juvenile Caspian Gulls included three birds flying north during the seawatch while a Balearic Shearwater ‘U-turned’ before eventually flying back north. A first calendar-year Mediterranean Gull was on the rocks at Cattlemere and 74 Little Gulls were offshore.

The long-staying Merlin continued to hunt the outer head, where drift migrants included single Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart and Whinchat. The first post-breeding movement of Meadow Pipits was also evident, with 30 flying south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and seven ringed at South Landing.

A sunny day, with light variable winds and temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. The seawatch was certainly less eventful than yesterday, with a juvenile Caspian Gull and a lone Sooty Shearwater providing the highlights. Waders continued to feature at South Landing, where there were 20 Ringed Plovers, 80 Turnstone, four Knot, three Sanderling and 34 Dunlin. Passerine migrants included a Pied Flycatcher, ten Wheatear and 32 Meadow Pipits.

Elsewhere, the long-staying juvenile Merlin continued to hunt cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Another sunny day, with light onshore winds and temperatures reaching 22 degrees C. Notable seawatch records included the year’s first adult Sabine’s Gull tracking north in the evening, two southbound Roseate Terns, a Sooty Shearwater, 12 Little Gulls and two first-winter Caspian Gulls.

The highlight was the discovery of a Common Rosefinch in the Dell at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; two Ruff and two Short-eared Owls also frequented the reserve.

A Spotted Redshank at Thornwick Pools early morning was another first for the year, while two Water Rails were also present. The regular Merlin again hunted the outer head. Passerine migrants included two Spotted Flycatchers at South Dykes and another at Old Fall.

Persistent fog remained on the outer head, with visibility much reduced elsewhere. Nevertheless, a first calendar-year Caspian Gull, four Sooty Shearwaters, eight Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie emerged out of the gloom.

South Landing beach hosted 106 Turnstones, seven Knot, 25 Ringed Plovers, two Sanderling and 15 Dunlin. A Crossbill spent the morning feeding on thistle heads in the Bay Brambles.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a Marsh Harrier and a Common Redstart.

Another foggy day, with a light north-easterly wind pushing a sea fret ashore especially on the northern side of the headland; temperatures resached 18 degrees C by late morning. Seawatching was difficult but was still rewarded with 104 Teal moving south, 18 Sanderling north, seven Arctic Skuas and two Bonxies. Thornwick Pools attracted 27 Teal, two Dunlin, five Ringed Plovers and five Snipe. Passerine migrants included a Pied Flycatcher and eight Siskin.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included lone Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl, a Common Redstart and two Siskin.

Foggy throughout, with visibility only clearing on the southern side of the headland; seawatching proved impossible. The Thornwick area hosted a Mute Swan, 31 Teal, 15 Tufted Ducks, a Water Rail and eight Snipe. On the opposite side of the headland, South Landing beach attracted a Little Egret, two Whimbrel, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 29 Ringed Povers, 26 Dunlin and six Knot. A Common Redstart was present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a Pied Flycatcher in the nearby village.

A subtle shift to an offshore breeze early on pushed the mist out to sea and visibility was much improved if a little hazy at times; sunny throughout, with temperatures reaching 24 degrees C.

Seawatch highlights included a Great White Egret south over the sea, a Balearic Shearwater lingering off the Fog Station, a Velvet Scoter north and a Sooty Shearwater moving in the same direction. An influx of Shags was noticeable, with a count of 240 the highest for seven years. Two Minke Whales and seven Little Gulls were off the headland, while other seawatch records included 194 Teal and eight Wigeon flying south. Raptor interest included two Marsh Harriers and a Merlin. Passerine migrants included 110 Meadow Pipits heading back ashore, two Whinchats, two Wheatears, a Grey Wagtail and one Lesser Redpoll.

A Marsh Harrier also flew through RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where two male Willow Emerald damselflies were present.

The day began with a light northerly wind and sunny skies, but ended with still conditions amid a brief thunderstorm. A Long-tailed Skua flew south during a morning seawatch that also featured a first-winter Caspian Gull and a lone Marsh Harrier. Two Balearic Shearwaters lingered off the Seawatch Observatory in the evening before flying north, while three Pintail headed in the opposite direction. The long-staying Merlin also flew past the Fog Station in the evening. There were scant signs of passerine migrants, although 120 Meadow Pipits and five Wheatear were present.

Sightings from Bempton included two Short-eared Owls, 55 Meadow Pipits and 13 Siskin.

A relatively overcast day, although there were some sunny intervals; relatively humid, with temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. There was one spectacular highlight when a male Killer Whale (Orca) was watched moving south at range off RSPB Bempton Cliffs mid-afternoon; at least five Minke Whales were feeding in the same area.

Four Sooty Shearwaters moved north past the Fog Station. A Balearic Shearwater fed in a Gannet-frenzy off Bempton, where nine Sooty Shearwaters were also recorded. A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull lingered off the Fog Station, while other notable records from the outer head included a Marsh Harrier, the Merlin and two Common Swifts. Eight Bar-tailed Godwits fed on South Landing beach.

Overcast throughout, with prolonged spells of rain and north-north-easterly winds that strengthened in the afternoon. Much improved seawatching conditions delivered two Cory’s Shearwaters – one north at 1435hrs which also tracked past RSPB Bempton Cliffs and another south past the Seawatch Observatory at 1715hrs. A total of 13 Long-tailed Skuas (9 north, 4 south) included two adults, while four Balearic Shearwaters represented the year’s highest count. Other notable sightings included 11 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 102 Manx Shearwaters north, 43 Sooty Shearwaters, a juvenile Pomarine Skua, 65 Arctic Skuas, 20 Bonxies, two Little Gulls and a first-winter Caspian Gull. Three Green Sandpipers flew south past the Seawatch Observatory, as did five Pink-footed Geese. Five Minke Whales included two simultaneously full breaching out of the water repeatedly.

Additional sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 117 Pink-footed Geese south-east, a first calendar-year Caspian Gull and one Merlin.

There were extensive sunny intervals throughout; light/moderate north-easterly winds gradually abated, with the day ending with light south-easterlies. A good seawatch was expected and so it proved. Five species of shearwaters included a Great Shearwater north at 0620hrs, a Cory’s Shearwater south at 1635hrs, three Balearic Shearwaters and 304 Sooty Shearwaters flying north. Getting ever rarer, a Leach’s Petrel that flew north in the morning was particularly noteworthy, while two juvenile Sabine’s Gulls headed in the same direction at 1800hrs – both were the first for the year. A lone Storm Petrel also headed north. Four species of skuas were recorded, including four juvenile Long-tailed Skuas and four adult Pomarine Skuas, along with 55 Arctics and 13 Bonxies. Four Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew south over rafts of auks feeding amongst five Minke Whales.

Seawatching proved rewarding at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a lone Leach’s Petrel recorded moving north-west alongside 62 Sooty Shearwaters. Two Short-eared Owls remained in residence, while passerine migrants included four Goldcrests and a Whinchat. Four Minke Whales also fed offshore, with at least the majority likely to be different animals than those observed off the outer head.

After an overcast start, sunny spells established during the afternoon; temperatures reached 19 degrees in a light south-westerly. Three Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 63 Pink-feet flew south during a seawatch that also featured 37 Little Gulls, 19 Arctic Skuas, two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, 12 Sooty Shearwaters and one Balearic Shearwater. A first-winter Caspian Gull again frequented the outer head.

Away from the sea, an additional 165 Pink-footed Geese moved south and a creamcrown Marsh Harrier overflew South Landing. A drake Scaup at Thornwick Lakes was unusual and accompanied 16 Tufted Ducks there, while 48 Teal and a Little Stint were at the nearby Pools. The wader assemblage on South Landing beach included 11 Bar-tailed Godwits and three Ruff.

Three Short-eared Owls hunted cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where a Marsh Harrier flew south-east; four Goldcrests and a Whinchat were also present.

A relatively bright day, with light winds variable in direction and a top temperature of 20 degrees C. Seawatching proved productive once again, with a Cory’s Shearwater flying north at 1614hrs, a Balearic Shearwater again close inshore, nine Sooty Shearwaters, a Great Northern Diver moving north and a ‘spooned’ Pomarine Skua south. A minimum of five Minke Whales were present offshore between Thornwick Nab and the Fog Station.

Surprisingly, Thornwick Lakes hosted a seabird treat, when a juvenile Long-tailed Skua offered fantastic views for a couple of hours; the Scaup also remained there alongside 19 Tufted Ducks and ther long-staying Little Grebe.

A first-winter Caspian Gull was seen off RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Thornwick Nab. Two Hobbies lingered in the Thornwick area, where passerine migrants included four Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail and eight Chiffchaffs.

Two Short-eared Owls remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Hazy sun at times in combination with spells of heavy overcast and mist; winds were from the north-east, but not very strong, while temperatures reached 17 degrees C. One of the harbingers of autumn made its first appearance of the year, when a Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered in the car park at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. A Ruff, single Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls, two Short-eared Owls, a Merlin, one Goldcrest and a Common Redstart were also recorded from the reserve.

Seawatch highlights from the outer head included three Balearic Shearwaters (two north, one south), a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flying south and an adult Pomarine Skua heading in the same direction. Notable records included seven Pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Pintail, a Goosander, two Mediterranean Gulls, 11 Bonxies, 51 Arctic Skuas and 107 Red-throated Divers south.

The Scaup remained on Thornwick Lakes, while passerine migrants were represented by a Common Redstart, one Whinchat, a Yellow Wagtail and two Grey Wagtails.

There were easterly winds throughout a day that began with overcast skies and ended with sunshine; temperatures reached 19 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with a Pale-bellied Brent Goose south, a Velvet Scoter north, a Red-necked Grebe north onto the sea, four Little Gulls, 11 Bonxies, two Pomarine Skuas north, 27 Arctic Skuas, a Long-tailed Skua north and 64 Sooty Shearwaters. Three Little Egrets and a Ruff frequented the outer head, while the drake Scaup and a Common Sandpiper were on Thornwick Lakes. A Yellow-browed Warbler was discovered in Old Fall, where Marsh Harrier and Hobby were seen. Other migrants included two Redstarts, a Pied Flycatcher, four Wheatear and an early Snow Bunting.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Common Sandpiper, three Short-eared Owls, four Goldcrests and a Tree Pipit.

The day began with heavy rain which cleared mid-morning to leave occasional sunny intervals, blustery south-west winds and a top temperature of 18 degrees C. A Cory’s Shearwater that flew south during the morning’s seawatch was the year’s eleventh record. A Balearic Shearwater also flew south, along with six Pale-bellied Brent Geese, seven Pintail, six Grey Plovers and a Little Gull; six Sooty Shearwaters were also recorded.

The day’s highlight related to the late morning discovery of a Red-breasted Flycatcher at North Landing. A Yellow-browed Warbler remained in Old Fall, with additional migrants including a Ruff, a juvenile Hobby, two Common Redstarts and eight Wheatears. The Scaup continued in residence at Thornwick Lakes.

The three Short-eared Owls were still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a Sand Martin, seven Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest were in the nearby village.

Strong south-westerly winds were a particular feature of the day’s weather that also witnessed spells of heavy rain and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C. Sixteen Pink-footed Geese flew south past the outer head, where a juvenile Hobby appeared over the Fog Station. Thornwick Lakes continued to host the drake Scaup, as well as 22 Tufted Ducks and the Little Grebe. Nearby, the Red-breasted Flycatcher re-appeared at North Landing, while a juvenile Osprey flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs. A Short-eared Owl was also seen on the reserve, where a Common Swift was recorded, with another of the latter over Flamborough village.

An overcast day with spells of heavy rain, strong south-westerly winds and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. A juvenile Sabine’s Gull was the highlight of the seawatching that also featured a Pale-belllied Brent Goose, 50 Little Gulls, a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull and 20 Arctic Skuas. The Red-breasted Flycatcher remained at North Landing, while RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted four Short-eared Owls.

It was a bright day, with extended sunny intervals, relatively light south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching a maximum of 18 degrees C. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose on the Golf Course later flew south, while 191 Pink-footed Geese also headed in the same direction. The drake Scaup lingered on Thornwick Lakes together with 17 Tufted Ducks. Thornwick Pools hosted a single Water Rail, while the outer head attracted four Little Egrets and a Merlin. Short-eared Owl numbers continued to increase, with five at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and another at North Landing. The Red-breasted Flycatcher was still at North Landing and the Yellow-browed Warbler at Old Fall. Additional passerine migrants included one Garden Warbler, a Blue-headed Wagtail, a Common Redstart, two Spotted Flycatchers, five Wheatears, two Lesser Redpolls and two Siskin.

A day of sunny intervals, light showers from mid-afternoon, a light westerly wind and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Pale-bellied Brent Goose north, one Pintail south, a first-winter Caspian Gull, six Little Gulls and 37 southbound Red-throated Divers.

The main feature of the day was a movement of 1870 Pink-footed Geese flying south. Additional interest included three Swifts, one Sand Martin, a Garden Warbler, one Sedge Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Spotted Flycatcher and three Wheatears. Visible migration was also very evident, with passerines moving south-west along the southern side of the headland including 340 Meadow Pipits, 45 Skylarks, 650 Starlings and 12 Chaffinch.

Four Short-eared Owls continued to hunt cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The weather consisted light/moderate north-westerly winds that soon abated, sunny intervals and occasional showers and temperatures that reached 14 degrees C. A Cory’s Shearwater flew north close inshore past the Fog Station at 1134hrs and then did the same past RSPB Bempton Cliffs 14 minutes later. In addition, 54 Sooty Shearwaters and 83 Manx Shearwaters headed north. There was an appreciable movement of gulls flying north in the morning, including 1211 Common Gulls, 868 Black-headed Gulls and two first calendar-year Mediterranean Gulls. Additional larid interest included three first calendar-year Caspian Gulls and six Little Gulls. Other notable seawatch records included a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 14 Arctic Skuas, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua north and 232 southbound Red-throated Divers. Passerine interest included 165 Meadow Pipits, a Garden Warbler, eight Goldcrests and a Ring Ouzel.

The autumn’s first two Whooper Swans flew south at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Single Little Gull and Sooty Shearwater were offshore there, where other sightings included four Short-eared Owls, nine Goldcrests and a Pied Flycatcher.

An overcast day, with spells of light rain and a strong southerly wind. The morning’s seawatch was a much quieter affair, with two Sooty Shearwaters, a first calendar-year Caspian Gull, 22 Little Gulls, two Arctic Terns, three Bonxies and five Arctic Skuas the most notable sightings. Nineteen Tufted Ducks remained on Thornwick Lakes, with a Water Rail at the nearby Pools. The long-staying Merlin again hunted the cliff top around the Seawatch Observatory, while the Ring Ouzel was again near the Lighthouse car park.

Another Merlin remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, a Green Sandpiper and 12 Goldcrest were present.

A bright day, with prolonged sunny intervals, a moderate south-westerly and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. Wildfowl were on the move during the seawatch with 21 Wigeon, seven Pintail and 183 Teal flying south. Notably, five juvenile Pomarine Skuas flew north, with 26 Little Gulls,a first calendar-year Caspian Gull and a Merlin also recorded.

Wader interest included a flock of 31 Lapwing west over the village and 14 Bar-tailed Godwits on South Landing beach. A Shoveler dropped onto Thornwick Pools, ducks were also represented by 25 Wigeon, 82 Mallard and 118 Teal. Elsewhere, Oceanview attracted a Yellow Wagtail and two Lesser Redpolls.

After a relatively bright start, a band of heavy rain arrived from mid-morning; there were moderate south-south-west winds and a top temperature of 18 degrees C. Seawatching proved surprisingly productive with a Cory’s Shearwater flying north mid-morning, three Balearic Shearwaters lingering offshore and a juvenile Pomarine Skua initially heading north and then later moving south. An adult Sabine’s Gull was reported late afternoon, while other sightings included three dark-bellied Brent Geese, four Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, a first calendar-year Caspian Gull and two Sooty Shearwaters.

Elsewhere, a skein of 80 Pink-footed Geese flew south over Bempton village. The Shoveler and 38 Teal remained at Thornwick Pools, with 12 Bar-tailed Godwits on South Landing beach and two Little Egrets at nearby South Dykes.

A south-westerly wind backed south-east and strengthened during a day that ended with rain; temperatures reached 16 degrees C. Wildfowl on the move during the seawatch included 46 Wigeon and 260 Teal flying south, while four Little Gulls and five Arctic Skuas were also recorded. Clearly there remained plenty of food offshore, with significant numbers of birds joined by 19 Bottlenose Dolphins, 15 Harbour Porpoise and especially notable, six Common Dolphins that swam south. While much larger numbers of Lesser Redpoll were moving south inland of the headland, ten birds ringed at South Landing were unusual.

Overcast skies were followed by sunny intervals, with temperatures reaching 16 degrees C in a blustery south-westerly wind. A southerly wildfowl movement during the seawatch included a Shoveler, 187 Wigeon, four Pintail, 509 Teal and 69 Common Scoters. A single Grey Plover, one Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Dunlin and four Ruff also headed south. Thornwick Lakes hosted seven Mute Swans, 24 Tufted Ducks and a Little Grebe, while the nearby Pools attracted a Shoveler, 18 Teal, seven Dunlin, two Knot and a Water Rail. Elsewhere, three Short-eared Owls remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A bright, sunny day with a blustery westerly wind and a high of 19 degrees C. A total of 460 Pink-footed Geese flew south, while wildfowl in residence included seven Mute Swans, 26 Tufted Ducks, two Shoveler, 20 Wigeon and 130 Teal. The Merlin continued to hunt cliff top fields around North Marsh, with the outer head also attracting two Little Egrets, one Swift, a Sand Martin, a Common Whitethroat, ten Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, one Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat, five Stonechat, two Wheatear and two Lesser Redpolls.

Odonata interest at RSPB Bempton Cliffs included four Willow Emerald dragonflies and three Black Darters.

September has disappointed, but for a couple of exceptions – one of which waited until the last day to grace the headland. A Red-eyed Vireo was discovered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs mid-afternoon and, although elusive, it remained until the evening. This represented the first North American passerine for the reserve and only the third ever for the headland, following previous records of Blackpoll Warbler (1993) and White-throated Sparrow (2002).

Elsewhere, a Merlin hunted Linnets over Mid Dykes, while the autumn’s first Barred Warbler was discovered at Thornwick Pools in the morning. Additional migrant passerines included five Song Thrush, 17 Blackcaps, six Whitethroats, a Lesser Whitethroat, one Reed Warbler, 16 Chiffchaffs, three Willow Warblers, four Goldcrest, 23 Stonechats, one Wheatear and a Lesser Redpoll.

Pink-footed Geese were moving south once again, with a total of 515 recorded. Other sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Swift, 104 Skylarks, a Willow Warbler, six Goldcrests, five Song Thrush, a Lesser Redpoll, six Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

A relatively overcast day, with occasional light rain, light south-westerly winds and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C. The Red-eyed Vireo remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, albeit it was often elusive. A Yellow-browed Warbler also frequented the reserve car park, with other notable sightings including two Short-eared Owls, five Chiffchaffs, 13 Goldcrests and at least six Willow Emerald damselflies.

Elsewhere, a juvenile Little Stint dropped onto Thornwick Pools. Passerine migrants on the outer head included a Willow Warbler, 21 Chiffchaffs, two Spotted Flycatchers, eight Goldcrests and a Siskin.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, light westerly winds and a top temperature of 18 degrees C. A Marsh Harrier overflew the Golf Course, the Merlin was nearby, while a Short-eared Owl hunted the Gorse Field. Surprisingly, a Jack Snipe at Thornwick Pools comprised the year’s first record. Sightings from South Landing included five Little Egrets (with a sixth on the outer head), seven Bar-tailed Godwits, a Little Stint, 35 Lesser Redpolls and eight Siskin; 11 Lesser Redpoll and 22 Siskin were also recorded at additonal locations.

The Red-eyed Vireo remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, as did the single Yellow-browed Warbler; a first calendar-year Caspian Gull was also present along with three Short-eared Owls.

A blustery south-westerly wind developed during a day that featured sunny intervals and a band of showers, with temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. Seawatching produced a Little Gull, ten Sandwich Terns, three Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, two Puffins, 53 Red-throated Divers and a Manx Shearwater. A Merlin flew over the Fog Station, while finches on the move included four Twite and 14 Lesser Redpolls.

A total of 455 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the outer head, where 28 Tufted Ducks and a Little Grebe were on Thornwick Lakes; a creamcrown Marsh Harrier moved west over South Landing. Passerine interest included a Common Whitethroat, ten Chiffchaffs, 17 Goldcrests and a Wheatear.

While there was no sign of the Red-eyed Vireo at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, the Yellow-browed Warbler remained. Other notable sightings there included 572 Pink-footed Geese moving south-east, a Marsh Harrier, one Short-eared Owl, six Chiffchaffs, ten Goldcrests, three Lesser Redpolls and eight Siskin. Six Willow Emerald damselflies were present, as were two Long-winged Cone-heads – one previous reserve record.

There was also no sign of the juvenile Harris Hawk that had been present on the outer head on 1st/2nd October.

There were moderate south-westerly winds throughout a day that began with overcast skies; sunny intervals developed later and temperatures reached 17 degrees C. Seven Teal, 17 Golden Plovers and two first calendar-year Caspian Gulls flew south during the morning seawatch.

The freshwater sites on the headland hosted seven Mute Swans, two Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, 118 Teal, 24 Tufted Ducks, four Little Egrets, a Water Rail and a Little Grebe. The long-staying Merlin remained, while passerine interest included a Willow Warbler, 23 Goldcrests, two Grey Wagtails, 180 Meadow Pipits, six Siskin and three Lesser Redpolls.

The Yellow-browed Warbler lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there were also 30 Goldcrests and four Chiffchaffs; 65 Pink-footed Geese flew over the reserve, while the nearby village held six Goldcrests and five Chiffchaffs.

The south-westerly freshened during the day becoming quite blustery with showers by late afternoon. The tempertature reached 17°C.

The morning seawatch featured two juvenile Caspian Gulls, a Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx, 4 Arctic Skuas and 2 Great Crested Grebes while 4 Lesser Redpolls came inoff and two Twite and a Wheatear were at the Seawatch Observatory.

Thornwick held 31 Tufted Duck at The Lakes and 5 Snipe at the pools. Passerine interest was again limited with 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Grey Wagtails being the highlights.

Bempton Cliffs fared better with a Jack Snipe, 12 Golden Plover, 6 Chiffchaff, 25 Goldcrest and the first arrival of Redwings with 206 making landfall in the rain late afternoon.

The weather consisted of relatively overcast skies, moderate west-south-westerly winds and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. Wildfowl on the move during the seawatch included 22 Wigeon and 33 Teal south, along with a lone Tufted Duck. A first-winter Caspian Gull was off the Fog Station, while another overflew Thornwick. Seven Mute Swans and 28 Tufted Ducks remained on Thornwick Lakes, while 11 Bar-tailed Godwits were again at South Landing beach. Sightings from South Dykes included 23 Siskin flying west, two Redwing and five Goldcrests, with the juvenile Harris Hawk again seen nearby.

A skein of 130 Pink-footed Geese flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 20 Golden Plover, one Short-eared Owl, a Merlin, 15 Goldcrests, 21 Redwing, two Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll were also recorded. Nine Snipe flew west over the nearby village, where there were also four Goldcrests, four Chiffchaffs, a Redwing and a Grey Wagtail.