Category: Sightings

Frequent snow showers till mid-morning driven on a fresh north-westerly left a dusting of laid snow. The temperature reached 2°C.

Again, wildfowl provided the main interest. Four Mute Swans, two Shelduck, a lone Shoveler, 83 Wigeon, 195 Teal, 33 Tufted Ducks and a Goldeneye. South Landing attracted 10 Ringed Plover, 20 Redshank and a Dunlin. Nearby, 40 Redwings stopped briefly before moving on west, probably newly arrived.

The cold snap continued with overnight frost only slowly easing to 2 °C by early afternoon with a light south-westerly.

Two Shoveler and two Shelduck were on the fresh waters. In addition, the other recent selection of wildfowl continued to reside at their favoured sites. A Golden Plover passed over the Outer Head. Twenty-four Redwing seemed to be newly arrived.

Two Woodcock were found at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A sunny day with a light westerly but remaining cold, the maximum temperature being 2 °C.

Passerines included nine Siskin coming in off the sea, a Black Redstart at the Fog Station and a Waxwing in the village, but the main interest was in fields by the North Cliff where two Shore Larks, 69 Snow Buntings, a single Lapland Bunting and a Merlin were noted. Waders included single Golden Plover, Jack Snipe and a Woodcock on outer head. Wildfowl remained mostly the same with a Shoveler, two Shelduck, 86 Wigeon, 115 Teal, 36 Tufted Duck and a Goldeneye all remaining in situ.

The same Snow and Lapland Buntings above were at the eastern end of the Bempton Cliffs RSBP reserve along with 60 Corn Buntings.

Dawn began with several cm of lying snow; despite the arrival of sunny intervals, temperatures got no higher than two degrees C. While 123 Teal frequented Thornwick Pools, there were several signs of a cold weather influx including 2000 Common Gulls on the outer head and 27 Ringed Plovers at South Landing. Five Woodcock and 88 Skylarks in a relatively small area of the headland hinted at a much larger influx which was also confirmed by several notable records at Bempton.

Two Short-eared Owls remained on the reserve, alongside an impressive 339 Skylarks, two Lapland Buntings, nine Snow Buntings, 47 Yellowhammers and 36 Corn Buntings.

Despite a relatively bright day, snow was still lying throughout, while there was a moderate south-westerly wind and a top temperature of four degrees C. Wildfowl clinging on to the small patches of ice-free water included a Shoveler, 72 Wigeon, 131 Teal and two Tufted Duck. Six Woodcock were also present, a Merlin overflew Thornwick Lakes and a Short-eared Owl hunted cliff top fields at North Landing. Concentrations of passerines as a result of the snow cover included 25 Redwings, 12 Song Thrush, six Fieldfare, 95 Skylarks, 76 Meadow Pipits, 110 Yellowhammers and seven Reed Buntings. In addition, the Black Redstart re-appeared near High Stacks and a flock of seven Waxwings flew south-west over the entrance to Bridlington Links GC.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, a Lapland Bunting and 60 Snow Buntings.

The weather consisted overcast skies, a blustery south-westerly wind and a temperature peaking at five degrees C. Two Long-tailed Ducks flew south during an otherwise quiet morning’s seawatch. The outer head attracted two Shoveler, 68 Wigeon, 154 Teal, nine Lapwing and 64 Yellowhammers. In addition, a lone Waxwing visited a village garden.

A relatively overcast day, with a strengthening south-westerly winds and temperatures eventually reached 11 degrees C. The two Shore Larks re-appeared at the cliff top north-west of Thornwick Camp, while the flock of 67 Snow Buntings were nearby. Gannets have started to return to the colony over the last 24 hours and 180 were recorded during the seawatch; a Lesser Black-backed Gull also flew past the outer head. RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a Merlin, while 50 Fieldfares flew west over the nearby village.

Blustery westerly winds featured throughout a day of occasional sunny intervals, light showers and a top temperature of eight degrees C. A Mute Swan flew south during the seawatch, although 60 Wigeon on the sea presumably related to the local wintering flock. Elsewhere, five Woodcock were found on the outer head, 65 Redwing frequented South Dykes and the flock of 64 Snow Buntings were still present along the North Cliffs.

An overcast day, with spells of rain, a blustery south-south-west wind that strengthened during daylight hours and a top temperature of 12 degrees C. The Thornwick area hosted two Mute Swans, 53 Teal, two Tufted Ducks, 17 Coot and a Little Grebe. More unusual, a flock of 34 Lapwings overflew the outer head.

Following another storm overnight, the westerly eased throughout a sunny day, the maximum temperature being 11 °C.

A Blue Fulmar passed the Fog Station on an otherwise quiet seawatch. Fields near North Dykes continued to hold two Shore Larks, 63 Snow Buntings and 60 Skylarks. Four Woodcock, 21 Snipe, three Water Rail and a Short-eared Owl were noted on the north side of the Outer Head.

Three Short-eared Owls remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A damp, gloomy day with light southerly and a maximum temperature of 8 °C.

The flock of about 60 Snow Buntings remained in situ in fields near North Dykes and the Short-eared Owl at High Holme was seen again. Two Woodcock were seen at South Landing and two more around the village at dusk.

A sunny day with a maximum temperature of 8°C and a moderate westerly.

Seawatching produced 28 Pink-footed Geese, a single Shelduck and 28 Red-throated Divers.

Two Shore Larks remained on cliff top fields between Thornwick Camp and North Dykes. Passerines included a Goldcrest and 8 Fieldfares on the Outer Head while 85 Redwing were near Needles Plantation.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted three Short-eared Owls, a Woodcock and 65 Snow Buntings as a lone Waxwing flew over. Presumably the same Waxwing was later seen in a Bempton village garden. Further west a Short-eared Owl was over fields between Buckton and Speeton.

A light to moderate south-westerly brought variable cloud cover and a maximum temperature of 8°C.

Seawatching produced a lone Dark-bellied Brent Goose passing southwards and 70 Pink-footed Geese flying in the opposite direction.

At Holmes Gut, another 110 Pink-footed Geese flew north, a Short-eared Owl and Woodcock were also seen. The two Shore Larks and 67 Snow Buntings remained in fields next to the North Cliff and a Marsh Harrier flew south along North Dykes.

A Woodcock spent another day near the pond at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The temperature climbed to 8°C on a sunny day with a moderate southerly.

The two Shore Larks and Snow Bunting flock were in their favoured fields again with a Woodcock also seen on the cliff top. Seventy Pink-footed Geese headed northwest over Danes Dyke and two Lapwings flew west over South Landing mid-morning with another at Beacon Hill later.

Further west, 34 Corn Buntings were near Old Dor, Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Thick cloud and steady rain all day coupled with fog from late morning made for a dreary day. The maximum temperature was 8°C and wind a light north to north-easterly.

Seawatching was uneventful as might have been expected. The number of Tufted Ducks at The Lakes has risen back to 20 after being mostly frozen out during the recent cold snap. The weather discouraged much other birding being done.

A moderate to fresh northwesterly limited the temperature to 7°C.

The best of the seawatch was four Teal and 25 Red-throated Divers.

The two Shore Larks were seen again on the North Cliff. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was at The Lakes while numbers of Tufted Duck there increased again to 30.

A Woodcock was noted near Bempton Village and three Short-eared Owls remained on the reserve.

A fresh south-westerly but feeling cold with the highest temperature being 6°C.

Seawatching produced two Pintail, three Teal and 18 Common Scoter.

Seven Lapwing flew west over South Landing during the morning.

A relatively bright day, with a westerly wind and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. The Thornwick area attracted two Mute Swans, 68 Teal, 29 Tufted Ducks and 16 Coot. Immediately north-west of the camp, the two Shore Larks and 65 Snow Buntings were still in residence.

Another Mute Swan was on the sea off Hartendale (presumably the same individual had flown past the Fog Station earlier), while seven Red-legged Partridges and a Grey Wagtail were at Beacon Hill.

Sixteen Lapwings flew west over Cliff Lane, Bempton.

Overcast skies cleared to leave sunny intervals, a strong south-westerly wind developed late morning and temperatures reached 12 degrees C. Passerines were hunkered down, but the freshwater sites around North Marsh and Thornwick shared two Mute Swans, 67 Wigeon, 195 Teal, 27 Tufted Ducks and a Little Grebe.

A bright day, with a light/moderate south-westerly wind and a top temperature of 13 degrees C. The flock of 68 Snow Buntings commuted between cliff top fields north-west of Thornwick and RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while the two Shore Larks remained in situ at the former location.

The South Cliffs and immediate hinterland between Beacon Hill and the Fog Station (including South Landing) hosted 13 Curlews, a Woodcock, one Snipe, four Stonechats, six Rock Pipits, 25 Reed Buntings and 30 Yellowhammers.

Additional sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a ringtail Hen Harrier, 53 Pink-footed Geese, six Grey Partridges, three Short-eared Owls, four Siskin, 25 Yellowhammers, 23 Reed Buntings and 41 Corn Buntings.

An overcast day, with a moderate south-westerly wind and a top temperature of 12 degrees C. Wildfowl interest on the outer head included five Mute Swans, a Shoveler, 110 Teal and 21 Tufted Ducks, while 25 Coot represented an all-time record count. The two Shore Larks and 68 Snow Buntings remained on the cliff top north-west of Thornwick.

Pink-footed Geese were moving north-west, with 450 logged from RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional sightings there included a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, two Snow Buntings flying south-east, 20 Reed Buntings, 55 Yellowhammers and 40 Corn Buntings.

There were overcast skies throughout a day that featured strong south-westerly winds and a top temperature of 11 degrees C. The only notable sightings related to wildfowl on the outer head, where a pair of Shelduck and a minimum of 51 Wigeon remained.

Overcast, with a moderate westerly wind and temperatures that reached 11 degrees C. The headland’s freshwater sites held two Mute Swans, a Shoveler, 75 Wigeon, 87 Teal, 23 Tufted Ducks, 22 Coot and a Little Grebe. Passerine interest was confined to eight Redwing at South Dykes.

A relatively bright day, with light winds generally from a north-westerly direction and cooler than of late, with a top temperature of seven degrees C. The highlight of the morning’s seawatch was a Sooty Shearwater flying north. Wildfowl in residence included three Mute Swans, two Shelduck, a Shoveler, 83 Wigeon, 85 Teal and 18 Tufted Ducks. Two Water Rails were present, along with two Grey Partridges, three Lapwing, nine Woodcock and a Short-eared Owl. Passerine interest included the two resident Shore Larks, 86 Redwing, two Fieldfares, a Scandinanvian Rock Pipit, seven Siskin, a Brambling and 60 Snow Buntings.

Three Short-eared Owls remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional sightings included six Lapland Buntings, 35 Yellowhammers and 62 Corn Buntings.

Overcast, with a strong easterly wind developing during a wet and cold day, with temperatures reaching five degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a single Eider, 17 Common Scoters and 194 Gannets flying past the Seawatch Observatory. Two Great Crested Grebes were off South Dykes, while Thornwick Pools attracted a Mute Swan and 33 Teal.

Damp throughout, with persistent but mainly light rain in combination with misty conditions; strong easterly winds soon abated, while temperatures reached eight degrees C. Six Mute Swans included four at North Marsh, where a lone Shoveler, 70 Wigeon and 65 Teal remained; a Goldeneye flew north during the morning’s seawatch. Two Grey Partridges toured the outer head, where two Woodcock, 14 Snipe and a Jack Snipe were present. Elsewhere, at least one Short-eared Owl remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Almost spring-like at times, with light winds and weak sunny intervals interspersed with foggy conditions; temperatures reached seven degrees C. Two drake Pochard on the outer head were noteworthy, while three Lapwing were also new arrivals. A Woodcock and four Snipe were located immediately adjacent to Lighthouse Road, where an adult male Merlin chased finches early morning before flying west. The benign conditions encouraged Water Rails to be vocal and three birds were located in isolated ponds/wet ditches east of the village; with birds wintering at Thornwick Pools, Thornwick roost and South Dykes, a population of at least six is above par. The two Shore Larks, at least 40 Snow Buntings and a Short-eared Owl were present along the cliff top north-west of Thornwick.

Thirty Pink-footed Geese flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Lesser Black-backed Gull and six Pied Wagtails were new; additionally, the three Short-eared Owls remained in situ there.

Heavy overnight rain continued through the first hours of daylight before dryer, brighter conditions arrived in the afternoon; temperatures reached eight degrees C in relatively light winds. An increase in Gannets was apparent during the morning seawatch, with 477 birds recorded passing the Seawatch Observatory, while four Great Crested Grebes flew south. Thornwick Lakes hosted two Mute Swans, the long-staying Little Grebe and eight Tufted Ducks. Nearby, the Pools held another two Mute Swans and 60 Teal. The two Shore Larks were still on cliff top fields near Thornwick, with 67 Snow Buntings also present. Additional sightings included a Pink-footed Goose, four Golden Plovers and a Woodcock.

A day of prolonged sunshine, light/moderate westerly winds and temperatures that reached nine degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a dark-bellied Brent Goose flying north and 85 Red-throated Divers moving south. The two Shore Larks and 68-strong flock of Snow Buntings remained along the North Cliffs. An influx of winter thrushes was also apparent, with 97 Fieldfare and 45 Redwing; additional passerine interest included a Lesser Redpoll and 16 Siskins.

Generally overcast, with some brighter intervals, a light/moderate south-westerly wind and a top temperature of eight degrees C. Waterfowl interest included 56 Wigeon, 140 Teal and eight Tufted Ducks, while five Snipe and a Woodcock were also in residence. Two Velvet Scoters flew east past South Dykes, where a Red Kite flew south-west and 34 Redwing remained. Nearby, Beacon Hill attracted a Merlin, 100 Linnets, 11 Snow Buntings and 24 Yellowhammers. Elsewhere, the two Shore Larks and single Short-eared Owl were still on the cliff top near Thornwick. An additional three Short-eared Owls continued to hunt the grasslands at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The temperature reached a very mild 13°C on a variably murky day with a light south-westerly.

Great Crested Grebes numbered 21 offshore at the Fog Station though seawatching was again subdued. Generally very quiet on land but with a report of an unspecified parakeet in the Outer Head gardens during the morning and possibly the same bird in Bempton village late afternoon. The trio of Short-eared Owls remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The weather consisted of mainly overcast skies, a light/moderate southerly wind and temperatures that peaked at 12 degrees C. A Water Pipit immediately east of South Landing represented an excellent discovery; a species whose records are less than annual. It was accompanied by 51 Rock Pipits of which at least eight were Scandinavian. Elsewhere, three Water Rails were in residence, while the recent influx of Great Crested Grebes was again obvious, with 18 birds off South Landing. Wader interest included ten Lapwings, a Golden Plover, 25 Snipe and five Woodcock. The two Shore Larks were still on the cliff top north-west of Thornwick, while 75 Snow Buntings were split between 68 there and seven on Beacon Hill. Adding a touch of the exotic, an Alexandrine Parakeet toured the outer head.

A skein of 65 Pink-footed Geese flew north-west over Bempton, where 39 Golden Plovers, three Short-eared Owls and two Grey Wagtails were also present.

There were light/moderate south-westerly winds throughout a relatively bright day, with occasional light showers and a temperature that peaked at 13 degrees C. The Water Pipit remained east of South Landing, while a lone Snow Bunting was on nearby Beacon Hill. A total of 110 Pink-footed Geese flew north over the outer head, with a skein of 147 birds doing the same over Bempton village later. Up to seven Short-eared Owls were recorded, with three at Buckton, three at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a single west over Flamborough village. A Water Rail, 17 Lapwing, a Woodcock and nine Snipe were also located on the outer head.

There were overcast skies for the majority of a day that saw temperatures reach nine degrees C before rain arrived late afternoon. Large numbers of auks arrived back at the colony; joining the Guillemots were many hundreds of Razorbills, with a couple of Puffins off the Fog Station and nine at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional sightings on the outer head included 60 Pink-footed Geese moving north, 14 Snipe, a Jack Snipe and the Water Pipit. Additional sightings from Bempton included eight Lapwings, a Golden Plover, a second calendar-year Mediterranean Gull, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, two Short-eared Owls and two Mistle Thrush.

Heavy overnight rain cleared after dawn to leave a relatively overcast day, with temperatures peaking at 13 degrees C in light winds. Three ‘northern’ Herring Gulls were the standout of a quiet seawatch. The Water Pipit and two Shore Larks remained, while a Jack Snipe was flushed near Thornwick Pools. Elsewhere, two Mistle Thrush, four Redwing and 17 Siskins were at South Dykes, where a Short-eared Owl hunted the adjacent Links Golf Course.

Three Short-eared Owls, 71 Snow Buntings and two Lapland Buntings were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with 11 Lapwing and 47 Corn Buntings.

Moderate westerly winds and sunny intervals developed after an overcast and damp start to a day that saw temperatures reach 13 degrees C. Wildfowl interest included five Mute Swans, six Shoveler, 39 Wigeon, 125 Teal and nine Tufted Ducks. The two Shore Larks were still on the cliff top near Thornwick, while passerine interest was limited to 15 Redwings at South Dykes.

Sunny intervals, moderate south-west winds and temperatures that reached 13 degrees C. A skein of 61 Pink-footed Geese visited fields near North Dykes, while additional wildfowl interest included four Mute Swans, 81 Wigeon, 173 Teal and ten Tufted Ducks. Seven Grey Herons, a lone Water Rail, two Woodcock, two Jack Snipe and 24 Snipe were also recorded. The two Shore Larks remained along the North Cliffs and the Water Pipit near South Landing, with 26 Fieldfares also notable. In addition, the Alexandrine Parakeet toured the outer head.

Single Short-eared Owl and a Merlin represented the highlights from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Rain throughout the majority of daylight hours, albeit often light, with a blustery southerly wind and temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. Nine Wigeon and a Lesser black-backed Gull flew south during the morning seawatch. Thornwick Pools hosted two Mute Swans, 71 Teal and four Snipe, while ten Lapwing flew south over Hartendale. Nearby, two hooting Tawny Owls were in South Dykes, where a lone Woodcock was also present. A Merlin was the most notable record from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Another overcast day, with rain throughout the majority of daylight hours, light and variable winds and lower temperatures, with a maximum of six degrees C. On the outer head, a Water Rail was located in the Bay Brambles, while two Woodcock were in South Landing and 15 Redwing in South Dykes. Two Short-eared Owls lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A bright day with a light south-westerly and 9°C being the maximum temperature.

The Water Pipit remained in the stubble field east of South Landing. A young male Merlin was at the Fog Station late afternoon and a Little Egret paused briefly on a flash to the east of the village. Raptors over Danes Dyke included ten Buzzards and a Red Kite. The Alexandrine Parakeet continued to tour the Outer Head.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB continued to support two long-staying Short-eared Owls and 54 Snow Buntings.

After a frosty start, today was bright and spring-like. A light westerly backing south and a maximum temperature of 9°C.

Pink-footed Geese were noted moving north during the morning with 365 counted overhead. The Water Pipit continued to show with Rock Pipits near South Landing and a flock of 50 Yellowhammers and 10 Reed Buntings fed in stubble nearby. The Alexandrine Parakeet is still frequenting the Outer Head.

Three Lapland , 49 Snow and 20 Corn Buntings were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where 15 Pink-footed Geese headed north-west.

A light to moderate easterly and a mainly sunny day saw the temperature rise to 12°C.

There were Fulmars and Guillemots on the cliffs with thousands of the latter on the sea and passing.

The first Cetti’s Warbler of the year was found at Thornwick Pools. There was more psittacine interest as the Alexandrine Parakeet that has been present for a few days was joined by a Rose-ringed Parakeet in the Outer Head gardens. A lone Short-eared Owl was seen again at High Holme.

Numbers of Lapland Buntings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB increased to six and returning Puffins numbered 158 on the sea with a couple on the cliffs.

Frequent showers throughout the day were driven on a moderate northerly. The maximum temperature was 8°C.

Seawatching was quiet, a single Lesser Black-backed Gull arguably being the best bird.

Eight Great Crested Grebes were off South Dykes and eight Pink-footed Geese flew west there. Also noted on the Outer Head were a Water Rail and a Woodcock.

An overcast day and feeling cold with the temperature struggling to reach 5°C.

A lone Great Northern Diver passed south on the seawatch and many Guillemots were also passing.

Away from the Fog Station, wildfowl included 45 Pink-footed Geese heading north, 12 Tufted Duck and 70 Teal. Four Snipe were at Thornwick Pools.

Overcast with alight to moderate southerly and a maximum temperature of 8°C.

Twenty Red-throated Divers, three Common Scoter and a Lesser Black-backed Gull were the best of the morning seawatch.

There was little change in wildfowl numbers with four Mute Swans, 12 Tufted Duck and 26 Teal on waters at Thornwick. The Water Pipit near South Landing was seen again for the first time in several days. Both Rose-ringed and Alexandrine Parakeets remained on the Outer Head.

Three Short-eared Owls continued to be seen at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

An overcast day with a light south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 9°C.

A Water Rail was by the Golf Course Willows. Wildfowl included 125 Teal and 62 Wigeon. Passerine-wise, there were 30 Redwing at South Dykes and two Siskin at Thornwick.

Three Short-eared Owls remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. Four Teal and two Redwing were noted at Buckton.

Rain from late morning blown on a fresh south-easterly and a maximum temperature of 6°C.

Both Rose-ringed and Alexandrine Parakeets were still favouring the Outer Head gardens early morning.

West of the Dykes, at least one Short-eared Owl was at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A fresh south-easterly pegged the temperature to 8°C on a mainly overcast day.

The Water Pipit was noted again with 12 Rock Pipits and a Grey Wagtail near South Landing. A Great Northern Diver also flew high into Bridlington Bay.

Two Short-eared Owls were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and a further two at Buckton where 350 Linnets were a notable count.

The wind was a light southerly and the maximum temperature 7°C.

At Thornwick Pools, the Cetti’s Warbler reappeared after being unseen for a week. Two Woodcock were also noted nearby. The Water Pipit remained at South Landing though elusive as ever and both the Rose-ringed and Alexandrine Parakeets were still in the Outer Head Gardens.

Three Short-eared Owls were reported again at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

After a frosty start, a sunny day saw the temperature rise to 11°C with a light south-easterly.

The Cetti’s Warbler remained at Thornwick Pools. Fresh waters on held 56 Wigeon, 105 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, 5 Mute Swans and a Little Grebe. The Rose-ringed Parakeet continued to be seen.

Two Short-eared Owls were on view at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.