Category: Sightings

A light southerly improved the temperature which increased to a maximum of 16°C. After morning brightness clouds gathered during the afternoon with light rain by evening.

An Arctic Skua and 24 Manx Shearwaters were the best of the seawatch. Two Red Kites were over the Outer Head while another was seen near Buckton Hall.

A relatively overcast day punctuated by sharp showers, a light southerly wind and top temperature of 17 degrees C. An Arctic Skua, a Red-throated Diver and two Manx Shearwaters flew north during the morning seawatch. Four Curlew also flew south, with another two lingering on the outer head.

Elsewhere, a Red Kite circled North Dykes, while a Spotted Flycatcher at RSPB Bempton Cliffs reminded that spring migration is far from over for some birds.

Relatively light winds, variable in direction throughout, with overcast skies, sunny intervals and heavy showers; temperatures reached 15 degrees C. Seawatching produced three Teal, 23 Sandwich Terns, a Red-throated Diver and 11 Manx Shearwaters. A Short-eared Owl again hunted cliff top fields near North Landing. Elsewhere, single Gadwall and Dunlin were on the outer head, while a Wheatear and cliff top Reed Warbler were late spring migrants.

Visible migration at RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 11 Lesser black-backed Gulls, 353 Swifts, 81 House Martins and 294 Starlings.

There were sunny intervals, showers moving through in the afternoon, a south-westerly wind that increased in strength and a high of 15 degrees C. Five Common Scoters, 11 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern and 14 Manx Shearwaters were recorded on the morning seawatch. An Arctic Tern was off the Fog Station later, where the season’s first Guillemot chicks were on the water. The showers approaching from the west again pushed Swifts onto the outer head; 159 re-orientated back over Beacon Hill between 1240-1330hrs. In addition, 272 Swifts flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Light winds of variable direction, overcast skies and heavy showers in the afternoon; temperatures reached 13 degrees C. Five Tufted Ducks frequented Thornwick Lakes, while a Little Ringed Plover visited the nearby Pools. A single Mute Swan flew south over the sea off Beacon Hill, with a single Siskin at South Landing. Further west, a Marsh Harrier overflew Buckton Hall.

A moderate northerly carried variable cloud cover and a maximum temperature of 16°C.

At the Fog Station, 33 Manx Shearwaters, 22 Common Scoters, 14 Sandwich and a lone Arctic Tern were all logged on the seawatch.

A sunny day with a light northerly veering south-east by mid afternoon and a maximum temperature of 16°C.

Seawatching featured 10 Teal, 45 Common Scoter and 19 Manx Shearwaters.

Land-based birding still in a lull with little noted other than local breeding species.

Winds light and variable, often sunny with a maximum temperature of 17°C.

Seawatchers logged a Little Tern, a scarce bird here, 31 Sandwich Terns, 13 Manx Shearwaters and 30 Common Scoters.

Two Little Egrets passed over the Outer Head as a Short-eared Owl remained along the north cliffs.

Forty Common Scoter also passed Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A sunny day, with a light/moderate south-easterly and a high of 18 degrees C. The outer head hosted two Little Egrets, four Teal and five Tufted Ducks. Seawatch highlights included 22 Common Scoters, nine Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern, three Red-throated Divers and six Manx Shearwaters.

There were prolonged sunny intervals, light, variable winds and a high of 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 22 Manx Shearwaters and ten Sandwich Terns, while freshwater sites hosted five Teal and a Little Egret. An approaching bank of cloud and very light rain pushed Swifts onto the headland mid-morning, with 135 west over South Landing and 168 south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Later in the day, 300 Swifts headed west over the reserve, where a second-summer Mediterranean Gull also flew south-east.

A sunny day, the maximum temperature reaching 24°C mid-afternoon with a light westerly breeze.

At the Fog Station, 23 Manx Shearwaters, 82 Common Scoter and 31 Sandwich Terns were logged.

A male Red-backed Shrike was seen and photographed on the Outer Head by a non-birding visitor. Waders included a juvenile Little Ringed Plover and a Green Sandpiper while two Little Egrets remained on the Outer Head. The Short-eared Owl continued to hunt on the north side of the headland. A congregation of Swifts over the village numbered 120.

Swifts were also over Bempton village with 85 counted and another 157 over Bempton Cliffs where a Marsh Harrier was also noted.

Variable cloud cover but a warm day nonetheless with a maximum temperature of 21°C. Winds were light and variable in direction.

The bird of the day was undoubtedly an adult Purple Heron that alighted at one of the pools on the golf course early morning before being immediately disturbed by greenkeepers and then flying south past the Fog Station. It was the second of the year after the individual at Thornwick Pools on 6th April, the first for thirty years.

Seawatching was relatively quiet with 3 Manx Shearwaters, 26 Sandwich Terns and 62 Common Scoter logged.

The juvenile Little Ringed Plover remained at Thornwick Pools where there were also single Garden and Grasshopper Warblers. Elsewhere, the Little Owl re-appeared near Lighthouse Road close to the golf course.

A Great White Egret passed southeast over Bempton Cliffs RSPB early morning and a Green Sandpiper was at Buckton Pond.

An overcast morning that was followed by blue skies and sunshine; light easterly winds developed in the afternoon and temperatures peaked at 18 degrees C. The highlight was a lone Black-tailed Godwit that graced Thornwick Pools.

Light easterly winds were a feature of a day that began with overcast skies followed by sunny intervals until a sea fret arrived; temperatures reached 19 degrees C. Two Little Terns that flew north during a morning seawatch were particularly noteworthy given the barely annual status of the species; 48 Common Scoters, 15 Sandwich Terns, a Red-throated Diver and 17 Manx Shearwaters were also logged during the same seawatch.

Elsewhere, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier continued to hunt fields at Buckton.

Sunny intervals, a strengthening south-westerly wind and a high of 23 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew south past the Fog Station, where sightings also included 35 Sandwich Terns and six Manx Shearwaters. A Shoveler, three Teal, two Green Sandpipers and three Redshank were on the outer head.

An eclipse drake Mandarin Duck was on Buckton Pond in the evening, while a Hobby flew through RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Sunny intervals prevailed after a relatively overcast start to a day that featured blustery westerly winds and a top temperature of 19 degrees C. Thornwick Pools hosted a Gadwall, two Oystercatchers, an adult Little Ringed Plover, a juvenile Ringed Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit. Three Shoveler and a single Teal were also on the outer head, while a juvenile Little Egret visited Buckton Pond; earlier a single Black-tailed Godwit flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Overcast skies, with a band of light rain in the morning; winds were light and temperatures reached a high of 15 degrees C. The year’s first Pomarine Skua flew south during a morning seawatch; 105 Manx Shearwaters and four Sandwich Terns also flew north. Thornwick Pools hosted single Gadwall and Common Sandpiper, while North Marsh attracted nine Shoveler, a Teal and a Green Sandpiper.

A day of sunny intervals, a light/moderate northerly wind and high of 17 degrees C. Wildfowl interest included eight Shoveler, a Teal, four Tufted Ducks and a Gadwall, while a Green Sandpiper also frequented the outer head. A Water Rail at Thornwick Pools was notable, while a singing Corn Bunting on the outer head was similar.

Seawatch highlights included 36 Common Scoters, 14 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and 32 Manx Shearwaters.

A relatively overcast day, with light rain from early afternoon and a high of 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 43 Common Scoters, an Arctic Tern and 98 Manx Shearwaters flying north. Elsewhere, a Great White Egret headed north-west over North Landing at 0555hrs. Five Shoveler remained on the outer head, with single Gadwall and Water Rail at Thornwick Pools. A Hobby overflew South Landing, with a single also hunting the eastern edge of Bempton village early evening.

There were light winds throughout, relatively overcast skies and a top temperature of 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Eider, 24 Common Scoters, six Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua and 122 Manx Shearwaters. Ten Shovelers and a lone Gadwall remained, eight Curlew were off the South Cliffs and a Dunlin dropped onto Thornwick Pools. An adult summer-plumaged Mediterranean Gull rested on fields near Hartendale. Single Mistle Thrush were near Marton Manor and on the outer head, with a singing Corn Bunting at Booted Gully.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included an Arctic Skua and a Marsh Harrier.

Late news from Saturday 29th June: a juvenile Cattle Egret photographed at Buckton Pond represents the first record for the headland.

Overcast for the majority of daylight hours, with light/moderate south-west winds and a top temperature of 17 degrees C. Inshore waters were busy with myriad seabirds feeding close inshore, especially Gannets, auks and Kittiwakes. Otherwise ten lingering Manx Shearwaters provided some variety and two Red-throated Divers flew north.

A day of strong westerly winds, a sunny morning followed by overcast skies and a high of 17 degrees C. Wildfowl interest included an unseasonal dark-bellied Brent Goose flying north, nine Shoveler and a lone Gadwall. Elsewhere, Thornwick Pools continued to host a Water Rail. A single Wood Sandpiper, two Greenshank and four Dunlin were also in residence.

A warm day, with light/moderate westerly winds, sunny intervals and a high of 20 degrees C. The morning seawatch produced nine Manx Shearwaters, four Common Scoters and seven Sandwich Terns. Five Shoveler were still on the outer head, together with two Greenshank, a Dunlin and one Little Ringed Plover.

The day began with heavy rain that cleared late morning leaving sunny intervals and occasional showers; there were light north-westerly winds and a high of 15 degrees C. A total of 60 Common Scoters flew north along with seven Manx Shearwaters, while a Red-throated Diver moved south. The outer head also hosted two Teal, a Greenshank, one Little Ringed Plover and a Snipe.

A day of relatively light south-west winds, sunny intervals and heavy showers and a top temperature of 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 31 Manx Shearwaters and 1006 Puffins. Notable sightings on the outer head included at least two Little Egrets, two Greenshank, a Cuckoo and a singing Corn Bunting.

An summer-plumaged adult Mediterranean Gull and a Bonxie were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Sunny throughout, with light winds switching from westerly to south-easterly and a top temperature of 18 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included the season’s first Minke Whale, 83 Common Scoters, seven Black-tailed Godwits and nine Dunlin flying south, six Common Terns, 41 Sandwich Terns and 39 Manx Shearwaters. Six Shoveler, a Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper were recorded on the outer head, while a summer-plumaged Mediterranean Gull flew east past South Landing. A juvenile Wheatear at the Fog Station represented the first passerine on return passage, while Hartendale attracted a Cuckoo.

Elsewhere, Bempton village hosted 400 Starlings and two Siskin.

There was heavy rain throughout the morning till mid-afternoon, winds were a moderate easterly and the maximum temperature 15°C.

Common Scoters dominated seawatching with 782 north and 160 south. Other birds logged included 67 Manx Shearwaters, an Arctic Skua, a single Arctic Tern and 18 Sandwich Terns. 650 Puffins were also notable.

A Cuckoo was seen along Lighthouse Road early morning but it was waders that provided most interest. Ten Common Sandpipers were at Thornwick Pools during the evening, the best ever July count, while two Green Sandpipers were there early morning. Elsewhere on the Outer Head were a Knot, three Dunlin and seven Lapwings . Inbound Teal numbered 32.

Generally overcast, with relatively light south-westerly winds and a high of 19 degrees C. Southern passage on the seawatch included five Teal, 133 Common Scoters, a Black-tailed Godwit and 34 Redshank. The headland’s freshwaters also attracted a Shoveler, eight Teal, a Little Ringed Plover, 11 Lapwing and a Dunlin.

Another relatively overcast day, with some brighter spells in the evening, a moderate northerly wind and top temperature of 15 degrees C. Three Arctic Skuas flew south during a seawatch that also featured an Arctic Tern and 28 Manx Shearwaters. Wildfowl interest on the headland included single Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler along with 11 Tufted Ducks.

Blustery northerly winds featured throughout an overcast day with relatively light showers and a top temperature of 15 degrees C. Seawatching was the order of the day, with a Humpback Whale lingering off the Seawatch Observatory from 0650-0810hrs when it moved off north. Feeding close to the shore, it fully breached on one occasion and represents the fifth to be recorded off the headland since the start of 2018. A Minke Whale north of the headland was presumably the same animal that was recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. A Storm Petrel flew north at 0920hrs, while the season’s first juvenile Caspian Gull joined other gulls on the sea off High Stacks. Other notable records included 17 Shelduck south, two Arctic Terns north, a first-summer Mediterranean Gull, six Arctic Skuas, two Red-throated Divers and a Hobby that headed inland. A Sooty Shearwater flew north past RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with three Arctic Skuas.

Persistent rain throughout, albeit often light, a moderate northerly wind and temperatures no higher than a paltry 13 degrees C. Seawatching again proved rewarding, with two Storm Petrels flying north late afternoon the best. Other notable records included a Velvet Scoter, 178 Common Scoters, five Bar-tailed Godwits, 25 Arctic Terns, four Common Terns, 38 Sandwich Terns, five Arctic Skuas, a Sooty Shearwater and 20 Manx Shearwaters all flying north. Four Red-breasted Mergansers and an adult summer Mediterranean Gull headed in the opposite direction. Elsewhere, a Hobby sheltered in bushes along Lighthouse Road early morning.

Overcast throughout, with persistent but mainly light rain until mid-afternoon, a moderate north-westerly and a high of 13 degrees C. Single Arctic Skua and Bonxie flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured 14 Arctic Terns, 21 Sandwich Terns and 14 Manx Shearwaters heading in the same direction. Wader passage included six Dunlin on a burgeoning flash near Breil Nook and a Whimbrel below the Seawatch Observatory; two juvenile Shelduck were also new arrivals. Elsewhere, Beacon Hill attracted a juvenile Cuckoo.

Two Minke Whales were off RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 250 Swifts moved north-west. Other sightings from the reserve included 23 Oystercatchers, a Whimbrel, eight Curlew, four Dunlin, an Arctic Skua, one Bonxie and a Mediterranean Gull.

A calmer day, with light variable winds, sunny intervals and a high of 18 degrees C. The year’s first substantial tern movement took place during the morning: 39 Arctic, four Common and 237 Sandwich Terns flew north. Two Minke Whales also moved south. Wader passage on the headland included four Green Sandpipers and a Wood Sandpiper. Better still, a Great White Egret lingered at North Marsh all day, while three Little Egrets toured the outer head. Elsewhere, a Greenshank flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with another doing the same over Buckton village.

Overcast until late in the day, with rain in the morning, relatively light northerly winds and a top temperature of 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Pomarine Skua flying north in the evening, an Arctic Skua moving south and ten northbound Arctic Terns. The overnight rain prompted an arrival of waders including ten Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers and 13 Whimbrel. Sixteen Teal were also new arrivals on the outer head, along with two Gadwall and five Tufted Ducks on Thornwick Pools. The Great White Egret remained at North Marsh.

Sunny throughout, with light winds and a peak of 20 degrees C. Sightings from Beacon Hill/South Dykes included a Little Egret, two Whimbrel, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier, one Grey Partridge, a Short-eared Owl flying south-west and eight Marbled White butterflies in a cliff top grassland. Elsewhere, the Great White Egret toured the extreme outer head, two Gadwall remained at Thornwick Lakes, another Whimbrel was on the outer head where a creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew south-east over the sea.

Sunny, with light south-easterly winds and a high of 21 degrees C. Six Shelduck and an Arctic Skua flew south during a seawatch that also witnessed 177 Sandwich Terns moving north. The Great White Egret flew south-west over the village at 1545hrs and a Shoveler was on Thornwick Pools. An adult summer Mediterranean Gull headed east over Hartendale and Corn Buntings were on the North Cliff and at Oceanview.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Marsh Harrier and Minke Whale.

Unbroken sunshine, light south-easterly winds and a high of 20 degrees C. Notable sightings during the seawatch included a Greenshank, four Arctic Terns, a Common Tern, 67 Sandwich Terns and a Red-throated Diver. Five Shoveler and two Teal frequented the outer head, while Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Egret, a juvenile Redshank and a Snipe. A juvenile Merlin relocated from the Lighthouse Crop to South Landing and latterly Mid-dykes, where a creamcrown Marsh Harrier hunted the crop.

Another bright day with prolonged sunny spells, light winds and a top temperature of 21 degrees C. Forty Common Scoters and eight Arctic Terns flew north and six Teal moved south during the morning’s seawatch. Two Shoveler and 20 Teal lingered on the outer head. Green Sandpipers were recorded at Buckton Pond and Oceanview; a Corn Bunting was at the latter site, with another at North Marsh. Minke Whales were feeding off the North Cliffs and RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional sightings from the reserve included two Marsh Harriers, a Hobby, three Whimbrel, a Bar-tailed Godwit, two Mediterranean Gulls, 800 Starlings and a Willow Warbler.

Late news from yesterday: a Purple Hairstreak was photographed in the Lighthouse Grassland.

The weather consisted light/moderate winds of variable direction, sunny intervals and a top temperature of 18 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included three Arctic Terns, three Common Terns, 75 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua. Six Shoveler and eight Teal lingered on the outer head that was also visited by juvenile Red Kite and Marsh Harrier were also present. Single Cuckoo and Grey Wagtail were also notable.

Single Marsh Harrier and Willow Warbler were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while an adult Mediterranean Gull graced Sewerby.

Generally overcast, with light variable winds and a high of 23 degrees C. Waders were on the move during the morning seawatch including 31 Oystercatchers, 24 Whimbrel, 63 Redshank, 25 Turnstone, 39 Knot, 28 Sanderling and 26 Dunlin all heading south; 14 Whimbrel also flew north. A juvenile Caspian Gull attended a fishing boat, while a juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew north. Three juvenile Cuckoos were present, singles at the Golf Course and Beacon Hill, with the other at Speeton cliff top.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included six Whimbrel and a Green Sandpiper flying south-east, a Willow Warbler and a Minke Whale.

The day ended brightly after an overcast start, with a light/moderate north-north-westerly wind and a top temperature of 18 degrees C. A juvenile Caspian Gull was again off the Fog Station, where additional sightings included 55 Oystercatchers and ten Whimbrel moving south, 78 Sandwich Terns north and three Arctic Skuas and a Red-throated Diver south. The good run of Cuckoo sightings continued, with a single at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Nearby, two Quail and a Little Ringed Plover were sound-recorded over Bempton village during a ‘nocmig’ session.

Relatively overcast, with light, variable winds and a high of 18 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included five Shelduck, 20 Sanderling, six Arctic Terns, 181 Sandwich Terns (north), four Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie. In addition, 50 Common Terns flew east past Beacon Hill; two Whimbrel and 135 Black-headed Gulls were on the shore there, with a juvenile Yellow Wagtail on the cliff top.

Two Little Egrets dropped onto North Marsh and a Marsh Harrier flew south over the outer head. Earlier a Marsh Harrier hunted cliff top fields between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and North Dykes, with a Cuckoo also there.

Generally overcast, with light south-west winds and a top temperature of 23 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Little Tern and a Blue Fulmar moving north, with additional sightings including 109 Common Scoters, five Whimbrel, 282 Sandwich Terns, two Mediterranean Gulls, five Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, one Red-throated Diver and 27 Manx Shearwaters. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was recorded at South Landing and seven Whimbrel flew south-east over North Landing.

Elsewhere, a leucistic Kittiwake at RSPB Bempton Cliffs was startling, where a juvenile Cuckoo graced cover next to the visitor centre.

A juvenile Caspian Gull and a Blue Fulmar were recorded on the morning seawatch once again, with 47 Whimbrel, 5 Common Terns and 240 Sandwich Terns also recorded; four Arctic Skuas also lingered off the headland. Elsewhere, Thornwick Pools hosted single Shoveler, Little Grebe and Dunlin, Thornwick Lakes eight Tufted Duck, while a Little Egret was on the shore at Hartendale. A Red Kite flew south over Mid Dykes.

A day of sunny intervals, light winds which switched to onshore in the afternoon, and a high of 21 degrees C. A juvenile Caspian Gull was again recorded on the seawatch along with 131 Common Scoters, two Goosanders, a Little Egret, 20 Whimbrel, 21 Arctic Terns, 201 Sandwich Terns, two Arctic Skuas, two Bonxies, 23 Manx Shearwaters and a creamcrown Marsh Harrier; a Minke Whale also fed offshore. A cruise around the headland was rewarded with a juvenile Mediterranean Gull.

Willow Warblers were on the move, with five at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and two near South Landing. Several Corn Buntings were singing, with a lone bird along Hoddy Cows Lane, three between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and North Dykes, an additional two males east of North Dykes and another at Oceanview.

Sunny throughout, with temperatures reaching 21 degrees C and light winds which were onshore in the afternoon. Juvenile Caspian Gull, a Blue Fulmar and at least three Minke Whales were the highlight of the seawatch; other sightings included 249 Common Scoters north, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, seven Arctic Skuas, two Bonxies and 22 Manx Shearwaters. A ringing session at South Landing was rewarded with a surprise Kingfisher.

A lone Marsh Harrier flew past Buckton, with a duo inland of RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional records included 111 Common Scoters, three Arctic Skuas, five Willow Warblers and a Minke Whale.

A sunny, warm day with a light onshore wind developing and temperatures reached 20 degrees C. Three Minke Whales fed off the headland during the morning. Elsewhere, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull was on the sea off Beacon Hill, while Thornwick Pools hosted single Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal and Dunlin together with two Snipe.

Another sunny day, with light northerly winds and a high of 22 degrees C. Seawatch highlights from the morning included seven Whimbrel, two Arctic Skuas and 19 Manx Shearwaters moving south. The evening watch was rewarded with two Minke Whales, a juvenile Caspian Gull , five Whimbrel and ten Arctic Terns. Elsewhere, a juvenile Caspian Gull and a Hobby provided highlights at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional sightings included five Willow Warblers, a Minke Whale and the year’s first Willow Emerald damselfly.

Sunny skies predominated after an overcast start; there were light easterly winds and temperatures reached 20 degrees C. Southbound waders during the morning seawatch included 78 Oystercatchers, seven Whimbrel and five Sanderling; a 32-strong flock of Whimbrel also flew south in the afternoon. Three Minke Whales were off RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where sightings included two juvenile Marsh Harriers moving north-west, seven Whimbrel south-east and a juvenile Cuckoo.

A dull start followed by heavy showers and clearing by early afternoon. Light south to south-easterly breeze and a maximum temperature of 19°C.

The seawatch featured 115 Common Scoter, 58 Sandwich Tern and 17 Manx Sheawaters. In addition, wader passage was noted with 40 Dunlin and 8 Sanderling being logged.

A small fall at Bempton Cliffs attracted two Pied Flycatchers, the first of the autumn, a Reed Warbler while wader passage was also evident here too with 22 Golden Plover, 6 Ringed Plover, 18 Snipe, 2 Redshank and 3 Dunlin. Two Mediterranean Gulls and a Little Egret added further interest. A juvenile Marsh Harrier was at Speeton.