Category: Sightings

A quieter day weather-wise with a light westerly but temperature struggled to reach 4°C.

The undoubted highlight of the morning seawtch was a Cory’s Shearwater that ambled north at 09:28. Also logged were three Great Northern and 115 Red-throated Divers, 18 Little Auks, a Long-tailed Duck and 143 Common Scoters.

On land,the Red-headed Bunting remained at Northcliff Marsh. Four hundred Pink-footed Geese roosted nearby, leaving early morning and another 200 passed over North Dykes. Thornwick Pools attracted a Long-tailed Duck and a Jay was seen there again. Offshore at South Landing, there were two Long-tailed Ducks, seven Goldeneye, 126 Common Scoter and 30 Wigeon. A single Brambling and 30 Siskin were also noted and the Eastern-type Lesser Whitethroat continued its stay in village centre gardens.

Snow Buntings numbered 49 at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where there was also 3 Short-eared Owls.

A dull day with a maximum temperature of 7°C in a moderate northerly.

Thornwick Lakes held a Goldeneye and 21 Tufted Ducks. Nearby, Thornwick Pools retained its Long-tailed Duck and the two at South Landing were also still present.

Seawatching was quieter than recent days with highlights including a single Sooty Shearwater, three Goldeneye, 84 Common Scoter and a Pintail.

A moderate westerly and sunny intervals but the temperature struggled to reach 6°C.

Sewatching was quiet although birds seen included a Pintail and a Short-eared Owl seen coming in off the sea.

The Red-headed Bunting was seen briefly again at its ususal spot at Northcliff Marsh. A Long-eared Owl sat in a hedgerow at the Golf Course during the morning. A Jay at South Landing flew towards Whelkie Wynds, the Long-tailed Duck at Thornwick Pools continued its stay, and two Woodcock and three Siskin were also noted on the Outer Head.

Four Snow Buntings scattered around the Outer Head were eclipsed by 52 at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where two Short-eared Owls continued to quarter the fields.

Remaining cold with a maximum temperature of 4°C and a moderate north-westerly.

The Red-headed Bunting continued to be seen at Northcliff Marsh and the Long-tailed Duck remained at Thornwick Pools.

A Great Northern Diver passed the Fog Station during the morning seawatch with a Red-breasted Merganser and 66 Common Scoters also being seen.

Occasional wintry showers came in on a moderate to fresh north-easterly pegged the temperature to a high of 4°C.

A single Manx Shearwater was the highlight of an otherwise slow seawatch.

Five Waxwings were in the village centre. The Long-tailed Duck remained at Thornwick Pools and a short distance away at Thornwick Lakes wildfowl included a Goldeneye, 17 Tufted Duck and ten Mute Swans.

A raw day with a maximum temperature of 3°C with a few wintry showers and a moderate north-westerly.

Two Manx Shearwaters were offshore at the Fog Station and a Bonxie flew north in an otherwise uneventful seawatch. Elsewhere a Woodcock was seen on the Outer Head.

Seventeen Golden Plover and 170 Skylarks were present in fields to the south of Bempton village.

The cold spell continues. A hard overnight frost didn’t ease many places during the day, the maximum temperature being 3°C. Bright with a light westerly.

Tufted Duck numbers at Thornwick Lakes increased to 24 , the Goldeneye remaining. Numbers of Teal also grew with 384 on fresh waters on the north side of the Head where 3 Shoveler and 56 Wigeon were noted. Cold weather movement was indicated by two Jack and nine Common Snipe at South Dykes but passerines were thin on the ground – three Siskins still by the bowling green being the most notable.

Fields south of Bempton village produced 115 Golden Plover and 40 Snow Buntings were seen on the reserve with a further six at Buckton where a Water Rail and two Lapwing were also logged.

A cold, dull, overcast day with a maximum temperature of 2°C.

Slim pickings on this morning’s seawatch with a single Manx Shearwater, a Pink-footed Goose and 22 Red-throated Divers.

Fresh waters held 3 Shoveler, 56 Wigeon, 384 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck and a Goldeneye.

A Lapland Bunting flew NW at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and 3000 Starlings fed in the stubble.

Overnight temperatures improved and reached 7°C though all day rain was driven by a moderate easterly.

Wildfowl at Thornwick Lakes included a Goldeneye, 25 Tufted Ducks. Nearby, at Thornwick Pools 97 Teal and 11 Snipe were noted with a Grey Wagtail and Goldcrest adding some extra interest. About 480 Pink-footed Geese passed over the village late afternoon.

A moderate to fresh northerly and heavy cloud kept the tempertature to 6°C.

A Bonxie passed the Fog Station during the morning otherwise seawatching was quiet again. The now familiar selection of wildfowl was at Thornwick Lakes with no change to numbers. A first-winter Little Gull was on the cliff top east of Booted Gully. At Bempton Cliffs, two Short-eared Owls were still present.

The winds were light and variable,maximum temperature of 9°C.

Seventy-two Red-throated Divers passed the Fog Station during the morning though there was precious little else moving over the sea. A Lapland Bunting flew over North Landing and two Waxwings came in off the sea at Briel Nook. Other birds logged on on the Outer Head included single Jack Snipe, Woodcock and Shoveler and 350 Pink-footed Geese were at Oceanview.

A second Lapland Bunting flew over Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A south-easterly gale coupled with continuous rain from early morning precluded much birding.

Seawatching produced thousands of Guillemots flying north during the morning but few other birds of note.

A slightly milder day, the temperature rising to 8°C with a light to moderate southerly breeze.

A Shoveler, six Common Scoter and 34 Red-throated Divers were the best of the morning seawatch. Northcliff Marsh held two Shoveler and 204 Teal. A further 65 Teal were at Thornwick Pools. and over 150 Pink-footed Geese came in to roost at Oceanview.

A fresh southerly veered south-west during the afternoon. Rain during the morning with a maximum temperature of 9°C.

Fifteen Little Gulls passed on a late afternoon seawatch while on land, a Grey Plover was in the Northcliff Marsh area with 2 Sholveler, 32 Wigeon and 328 Teal on fresh waters.

A near constant 7°C with moderate south-westerly and frequent rain made for another dreary day for birding.

A Black-throated Diver and a Blue Fulmar was a better return for seawatching efforts than of late though little else of consequence was logged.

Thirty Snow Buntings were noted at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where 35 Pink-footed Geese and two Short-eared Owls were also present.

A quieter day, weather-wise being mainly sunny with a maximum temperature of 8°C.

A morning seawatch delivered highlights of 43 Common Scoter, a total of 79 Red-throated Divers and two Little Gulls.

Three Wigeon continued their stay at Water Lane, otherwise land-based birding was quiet.

A fresh south-easterly became light by midday. Drizzle at first and variable amounts of fog during the afternoon but always very dull. Maximum temperature was 8°C.

The morning seawatch was exceptionally quiet with just 6 Red-thrated Divers and a single Common Scoter. Very little reported elsewhere on the headland.

A fresh to strong northerly drove showers across the headland and the maximum temperature was 6°C.

Many thousands of Guillemots passed north but otherwise seawatching remained very subdued. A Water Rail was at Thornwick Pools and the number of Wigeon at the Water Lane flash increased to five.

Seventy-four Golden Plover were counted flying over fields south of Bempton village.

Brighter skies prevailed after an overcast start, while moderate westerly winds gradually abated. The headland’s freshwater sites attracted two Whooper Swans, three Shovelers, 48 Wigeon and 237 Teal. Five Waxwings graced Water Lane early afternoon before they flew off south-west.

A relatively overcast day, with a light/moderate westerly wind and temperatures that peaked at seven degrees C. Wildfowl interest included ten Mute Swans, 57 Wigeon, two Shovelers, 11 Tufted Ducks, a Goldeneye and the long-staying Little Grebe. A Merlin overflew Beacon Hill, while nearby, a flock of 30 Waxwings frequented gardens on the southern edge of the village. Elsewhere, three Short-eared Owls hunted the cliff top at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Bright throughout, with a blustery south-westerly wind and temperatures reaching a maximum of 11 degrees C. Ever scarce, a Black-throated Diver flying north during the morning seawatch was notable, as were three Velvet Scoters. The outer head hosted a lone Woodcock, while two Water Rails were along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton.

A day of strong south-west winds, sunshine and temperatures that reached nine degrees C. Four Eiders flew north past the Fog Station, while good numbers of Guillemots were on the adjacent cliffs. Thornwick Pools attracted 82 Teal, while the nearby Lakes hosted 21 Tufted Ducks and the lone Goldeneye; five Wigeon remained on Water Lane flash.

Overcast throughout, with a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 11 degrees C. The morning seawatch was quiet with 27 Red-throated Divers, a Kittiwake and one Razorbill. Five Wigeon and 43 Mallard remained on Water Lane Flash, while nearby South Dykes attracted a flock of ten Long-tailed Tits and a Goldcrest. Elsewhere, a 90-strong flock of Fieldfare were immediately south of Bempton village.

Sunny intervals prevailed after a dank start, with light westerly winds and temperatures peaking at eight degrees C. A total of 99 Common Scoters flew south during the morning seawatch. Five Wigeon remained at Water Lane, 11 Waxwings toured the village and a Chiffchaff visited an outer head garden. The three Short-eared Owls continued to entertain at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

An overcast day, with a moderate westerly wind and a top temperature of 11 degrees C. A Blue Fulmar moving north was the highlight of a morning seawatch that also saw a Goldeneye heading in the opposite direction and 35 Purple Sandpipers in residence. Wildfowl interest included 24 Tufted Ducks and a Goldeneye on Thornwick Lakes, 56 Teal on Thornwick Pools and five Wigeon at Water Lane. A Water Rail was at South Dykes, while a flock of 80 Linnets at Mid-Dykes was noteworthy.

The definition of quiet is when a cloud is the highlight of the day … so the weather consisted of sunny intervals, strong west-north-westerly winds, temperatures reaching 12 degrees C and, of course, a good showing of colourful nacreous clouds.

A Velvet Scoter flew south during a morning seawatch, as did three Kittiwakes. The only other notable sighting was a lone Snow Bunting on the cliff top at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

An overcast day, with a blustery westerly wind and temperatures that made 11 degrees C. A northbound Manx Shearwater was the most noteworthy sighting of the morning’s seawatch, while a Great Northern Diver, four Whooper Swans and two Goldeneye were on the sea between South Dykes and Sewerby. Wildfowl interest on the outer head included a flock of 484 Pink-footed Geese on fields adjacent to North Marsh, ten Mute Swans, six Shoveler, 62 Wigeon, 322 Teal, 26 Tufted Ducks and two Goldeneyes. Five Water Rails were in residence, along with 23 Snipe and a lone Jack Snipe. Two Chiffchaffs included a single along Lighthouse Road and a Grey Wagtail overflew the village.

A relatively overcast day, with blustery westerly winds and temperatures that reached a maximum of 11 degrees C. Kittiwakes were on the move, with 142 heading north, together with a Great Northern Diver and two Goldeneyes. More unusual, another Great Northern Diver flew north over the village green in the morning.

A total of 540 Pink-footed Geese flew west over the village having roosted near North Marsh. The latter area also attracted 220+ Teal, 86 Wigeon, 70 Mallard, five Shoveler, four Grey Herons and two Woodcock. Additional sightings included a Red Kite west over the Dykes towards Bempton village, four Waxwings on the outer head and a Chiffchaff in South Dykes.

A flock of 50 Fieldfare were at Speeton, with a flock of 45 Snow Buntings at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Six Brambling and a Nuthatch frequented trees around the car park at Sewerby.

Another relatively overcast day, with blustery westerly winds and tempertures reaching 14 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Great Northern Diver flying south, a Manx Shearwater moving north and a lone Woodcock in off the sea. Elsewhere, a drake Long-tailed Duck was on the sea between South Dykes and South Landing. Waterfowl interest on the headland’s freshwater sites included a Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 86 Mallard and 185 Teal. Sightings from Bempton included a Merlin and 58 Snow Buntings, while a Red Kite appeared west of the village.

Firstly, Merry Christmas to one and all from Flamborough Bird Observatory!

An overcast day with some brighter intervals, a relatively light south-westerly wind and a top temperature of ten degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with three Great Northern Divers moving north, two drake Long-tailed Ducks, two Velvet Scoters and a lone Tufted Duck moving past the outer head. In addition, a juvenile Iceland Gull flew east past South Landing in the afternoon. However, in the local context a Green Woodpecker immediately east of the village represented the rarest sighting by a distance. Passerine interest included a Grey Wagtail, one Chiffchaff and seven Siskins.

A Short-eared Owl was at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 32 Snow Buntings were in residence.

There were light westerly winds throughout a bright day, with a top temperature of seven degrees C. Twenty Common Scoters and nine Razorbills were the most noteworthy sightings of a quiet seawatch. Also a pod of at least nine Bottlenose Dolphins hinted at a change of status, having been notably rare in winter previously.

Five hundred Pink-footed Geese roosted on the outer head before feeding on fields near Bempton. Single Short-eared Owls were seen at South Landing and North Landing, while three birds were present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; additional sightings from the latter location included 33 Snow Buntings and two Lapland Buntings.

A challenging day, with heavy rain until early afternoon followed by thick cloud and strong south-easterly to southerly winds; temperatures reached eight degrees C. The Thornwick area attracted ten Mute Swans, 69 Teal, 27 Tufted Ducks, a Goldeneye and a Little Grebe. A Water Rail and two Snow Buntings were on the outer head.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, blustery south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Great Northern Divers, six Little Gulls moving south, 179 Kittiwakes, a ‘northern’ Herring Gull and 35 Purple Sandpipers. The North Marsh/Thornwick areas shared ten Mute Swans, 286 Teal, a Shoveler, 83 Wigeon, 27 Tufted Ducks, a Goldeneye and a Little Grebe; in addition a drake Goosander flew west over North Marsh. Passerine interest included a Waxwing along Lighthouse Road and 36 Yellowhammers.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 203 Linnets and 20 Snow Buntings.

There were strong south-west winds from early morning which gradually relented, sunny intervals developed after an overcast start and a top temperature of eight degrees C. Three Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew north during a seawatch that also saw two Velvet Scoters heading south and 87 Kittiwakes. The North Marsh area attracted two Shelduck, three Shoveler, 215 Teal and 72 Wigeon. Two Waxwings were near the Old Lighthouse and two Siskins flew west over the outer head.

The Snow Bunting flock grew to 65 birds at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a single Whooper Swan and three Short-eared Owls were also present. A Short-eared Owl also frequented the cliff top at Buckton.

After an overcast start, rain arrived from mid-morning; southerly winds were relatively light through daylight hours and temperatures reached seven degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew south during a seawatch that also featured a pod of six Bottlenose Dolphins moving in the same direction. Four hundred Pink-footed Geese roosted on the outer head before heading inland to feed, while a lone Waxwing remained along Lighthouse Road near the Golf Club.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included nine Grey Partridges, two Short-eared Owls, two Lapland Buntings and eight Snow Buntings.

Another overcast day, with a moderate southerly wind developing in the afternoon and temperatures peaking at seven degrees C. A Velvet Scoter and a ‘northern’ Herring Gull flew south during a morning seawatch that also included 40 Purple Sandpipers. Sixty Pink-footed Geese flew west over Bempton village, while the outer head hosted a Water Rail, one Woodcock, two Grey Wagtails and a single Waxwing.

Happy New Year to one and all!

The year dawned with brighter skies, extensive sunny intervals, a moderate westerly wind and temperatures peaking at eight degrees C. Seawatching started well, with a juvenile Iceland Gull flying south close inshore soon after first light. More surprisingly still, the headland’s first ever winter Common Tern headed north at 1102hrs. An increase in Red-throated Divers was also apparent, with 213 recorded during the morning.

Another surprise was a southerly movement of Pink-feet that took place throughout the morning, including several skeins moving well offshore: a total of 505 geese were logged heading south. In addition, the usual c.500 Pink-feet roosted near North Marsh before heading west just before dawn to feed. Additional wildfowl records included seven Mute Swans, two Shelduck, 61 Wigeon, 285 Teal, one Shoveler, 23 Tufted Ducks, a Goldeneye and one Little Grebe. In addition, a Short-eared Owl hunted the cliff top grasslands near North Marsh.

Three Short-eared Owls also remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Woodcock and 63 Snow Buntings were present.

Overcast throughout with persistent rain, heavier in the afternoon and a variable wind direction; temperatures reached eight degrees C. Notable sightings included two Grey Wagtails, two Siskin and 40 Snow Buntings on the outer head. RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted 58 Snow Buntings, with additional records including 78 Pink-footed Geese moving north-west, three Short-eared Owls and 115 Linnets.

A dry day with light westerlies and maximum temperature of 8 °C.

Single Chiffchaffs were noted at South Landing and Hartendale while a Nuthatch was at South Dykes. A Short-eared Owl was seen again at Thornwick

Bempton Cliffs RSPB still held a flock of Snow Buntings with an estimated 50 present as three Short-eared Owls were also seen there. Nearby, 118 Fieldfare and 40 Pink-footed Geese passed over Bempton village.

A bright day with light south westerlies and a high temperature of 8 °C.

A single Velvet and 25 Common Scoter were the best of the seawatch.

Singleton Golden and Grey Plovers passed over the Outer Head, the Short-eared Owl at Thornwick remained and a Lesser Redpoll visited a local garden.

The Snow Bunting flock and three Short-eared Owls continued to entertain at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Feeling colder in a light north-easterly. Dry with a maximum temperature of 6 °C.

Two Woodcock were in the Bay Brambles and a Lesser Black-backed Gull passed east along the cliffs at Hartendale.

The flock of c.50 Snow Buntings remained on the reserve at Bempton Cliffs.

An overcast day with some brighter intervals, light north-north-easterly winds and temperatures reaching six degrees C. The Thornwick area attracted four Mute Swans, 16 Tufted Ducks, 37 Teal, a Goldeneye and a Little Grebe. Additionally, a drake Goosander flew west over the village. There was evidence of a cold weather movement on the outer head with four Woodcocks, four Redwing, eight Fieldfare and 16 Siskins, while 40 Snow Buntings were along the North Cliffs east of the Dykes.

Perhaps the same individuals contributed to a 50-strong flock of Snow Buntings at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 16 Pink-footed Geese, four Whooper Swans, 19 Grey Partridges, three Woodcock, a Merlin and three Short-eared Owls were recorded. Two Goldcrests, four Song Thrush and four Fieldfares on the reserve were again indicative of birds forced to move following the arrival of very cold conditions further east.

A relatively overcast day, with a light north-easterly wind and cold; temperatures peaking at four degrees C. A Sooty Shearwater that flew north during the morning seawatch was a surprise, whilst 25 Eiders (24 north) undoubtedly represented a cold weather movement. Further evidence of such included three Woodcocks, seven Song Thrush, nine Redwing and 35 Blackbirds on the outer head. Better still, a lone Waxwing graced Lighthouse Road late morning. Two Nuthatch and a Chiffchaff were the best on offer from South Dykes.

Four Short-eared Owls remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where another Woodcock was present.

It was overcast throughout, with a moderate north-easterly wind and temperatures reaching a mere four degrees C. Ten Eiders were off South Landing, while 11 Woodcock provided further evidence of a cold weather influx. The day’s highlight was the discovery of two Shore Larks and 74 Snow Buntings in cliff top fields between Thornwick and North Dykes.

Another two Woodcock were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where single Merlin and Short-eared Owl were present.

An overcast day, with a moderate easterly wind and temperatures peaking at a mere four degrees C. The seawatch featured 14 Eiders moving north, three Shelduck and 11 Dunlin flying south, with a lone Woodcock in off the sea. A single Whooper Swan flew south over the Dykes, with an additional three Woodcock and seven Grey Plovers on the outer head. Passerine interest included 50 Snow Buntings along the North Cliffs and a similar sized flock of Yellowhammers along Lighthouse Road.

Three Short-eared Owls remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a single Lapland Bunting was present.

It was generally overcast, with occasional brighter intervals, lighter north-north-east winds and temperatures reaching six degrees C. Three Velvet Scoters flew north during the morning’s seawatch, while the flock of c.50 Snow Buntings remained along the North Cliffs.

A Water Rail was a notable visitor to RSPB Bempton Cliffs and three Short-eared Owls remained on site; a pod of 15 Bottlenose Dolphins also moved south-east.

Overcast once more, with blustery north-north-east winds and temperatures reaching six degrees C. A Black-throated Diver that flew north was the highlight of a seawatch that also witnessed a pod of 15 Bottlenose Dolphins moving south, while 306 Grey Seals were hauled out on the outer head. Land-based sightings included five Woodcock, 15 Redwing and 65 Snow Buntings, the latter along the North Cliffs west of Thornwick.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Water Rail, one Woodcock and two Short-eared Owls.

An overcast day, with northerly winds reducing in strength throughout daylight hours and temperatures peaking at six degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew north during a morning seawatch that also saw ten Eiders flying south. Thornwick Lakes attracted two Mute Swans, a Little Grebe, 29 Tufted Ducks and a Goldeneye. Sixty-six Snow Buntings remained on cliff top fields immediately west of Thornwick, with six more Snow Buntings flying south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Overcast throughout, with occasional light drizzle, a west-north-westerly wind and a top temperature of seven degrees C. Eighty Wigeon remained in residence on the outer head. Single Woodcock and Water Rail lurked in the vicinity of South Dykes, where 29 Redwing and a Grey Wagtail were also present.

Two Whooper Swans flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where single Golden Plover and Woodcock were also recorded; three Short-eared Owls and 250 Linnets remained.

Temperatures remained low at four degrees C, with a north-westerly wind strengthening throughout a day that was largely overcast with some sunny ntervals and light showers. Wildfowl interest included six Mute Swans, two Shelduck, 88 Wigeon, 101 Mallard, 212 Teal, 34 Tufted Ducks and a Goldeneye. A Bar-tailed Godwit overflew the outer head, where a Lapwing and two Woodcock lingered. Other notable sightings included a Water Rail, a Grey Wagtail and a Siskin. Two Short-eared Owls, a Lapland Bunting and 50 Snow Buntings remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.