Category: Sightings

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, a south-easterly wind and a high of 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included three Goosanders, six Arctic Terns, 42 Common Terns, 147 Sandwich Terns, three Arctic Skuas and 15 Manx Shearwaters. In addition, two juvenile Caspian Gulls were recorded, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls flew south (Fog Station & North Dykes), as did a juvenile Mediterranean Gull.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Gadwall and three Green Sandpipers, with another of the latter species on the outer head. Single Grey Partridge and creamcrown Marsh Harrier were near North Dykes, while a Red Kite flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Passerine migrants included two Pied Flycatchers, four Yellow Wagtails and three Willow Warblers.

It was a relatively overcast day, with some brighter intervals, a light variable wind and top temperature of 20 degrees C. The year’s first Balearic Shearwater flew south during a morning seawatch that also featured 36 Teal, 71 Common Scoters, two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, ten Arctic Terns, 107 Sandwich Terns, three Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie and 48 Manx Shearwaters. A third-summer Caspian Gull lingered on rocks below Cattlemere, where a Little Egret fed in rock pools.

Elsewhere, four Grey Herons, four Teal, two Wigeon and a Lapwing frequented the outer head. A Green Sandpiper headed south over Oceanview, a juvenile Marsh Harrier overflew RSPB Bempton Cliffs and South Dykes, while passerine interest included the first Common Redstart on return passage.

Overcast, with a light south-westerly wind and top temperature of 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Sooty Shearwaters flying north and another juvenile Caspian Gull (new individual). Additional sightings included 93 Common Scoters, six Arctic Skuas, 255 Sandwich Terns and 27 Manx Shearwaters moving north, with 115 Oystercatchers, 12 Whimbrel and a Bar-tailed Godwit flew south. Four Little Egrets included three together, while a Minke Whale fed offshore. Elsewhere, a Marsh Harrier flew over North Marsh and three Willow Warblers were on the outer head along with a lone Whinchat.

Although it was an overcast day, temperatures reached 24 degrees C in south-westerly winds. Two Gadwall remained at Thornwick Pools, a juvenile Marsh Harrier hunted the North Marsh area, while a Greenshank flew over Oceanview. The shoreline below the South Cliffs attracted five Whimbrel, a Little Egret and two juvenile Caspian Gulls.

Elsewhere, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and a Green Sandpiper were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Overcast skies predominated, although the day ended with sunny spells; there were light south-west winds and a top temperature of 23 degrees C. Single Little Egret and Bar-tailed Godwit were at South Landing. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull followed a fishing boat off Thornwick Nab and a juvenile Caspian Gull visited Thornwick Lakes.

Three juvenile Marsh Harriers together flew north-west at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a Hobby chased hirundines over the nearby village. A Common Sandpiper dropped onto Buckton Pond, where a covey of 11 Grey Partridges were present.

A bright morning was followed by overcast skies; there were moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 19 degrees C. The highlight was a record-breaking influx of eight Caspian Gulls across the headland: apart from a sub-adult and a second calendar-year, all were juveniles. These included three individuals that came in off the sea and head inland, while another was recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls were also caught up in the same influx. Additional seawatch highlights included 13 Teal, 100 Common Scoters, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 22 Black-tailed Godwits (south), 249 Sandwich Terns (north), ten Mediterranean Gulls and a Marsh Harrier.

Two Gadwall and a Shoveler were in residence on the outer head, with other sightings including a Green Sandpiper, one Greenshank, two Marsh Harriers, a juvenile Merlin and 13 Willow Warblers.

A Marsh Harrier flew north-west through RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Merlin and a Quail were recorded; the latter calling from cliff top grassland in the morning.

There were relatively overcast skies, a blustery south-west wind and high of 21 degrees C. Waders were on the move, with nine Golden Plovers, 45 Whimbrel, 48 Black-tailed Godwits and 36 Redshank south past the Fog Station. A total of 273 Sandwich Terns flew north, while larid interest included two juvenile Caspian Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull and a Mediterranean Gull. A juvenile Caspian Gull also visited Thornwick Lakes, while the nearby Pools attracted a Ringed Plover, a Little Ringed Plover and two Dunlin. Single Marsh Harrier and Merlin hunted the North Marsh area, but the day’s biggest surprise related to a Green Woodpecker at Oceanview; the year’s third record of a species that is usually less than annual.

There were strong south-westerlies throughout, prolonged sunny intervals and a top temperature of 21 degrees C. A Sooty Shearwater flew south during a morning seawatch that also featured seven Shelduck south, 352 Sandwich Terns north and three Arctic Skuas south. Better still, a Cory’s Shearwater flew north on the evening seawatch, while an adult Roseate Tern headed south; both were first records for the year.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Gadwall, four Teal, two Redshank and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover. Elsewhere, the outer head hosted two Shoveler, 43 Swifts and seven Willow Warblers. Three juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull were recorded along the South Cliffs, while a Red Kite drifted west over Mid Dykes.

A juvenile Caspian Gull and four juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls loafed on the shore at Sewerby. On the opposite side of the headland, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier toured cliff top fields at Bempton.

Sunny intervals, a moderate south-westerly wind and a high of 24 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included five Whimbrel and seven Black-tailed Godwits moving south, 26 Manx Shearwaters heading in the opposite direction and a Marsh Harrier flying in off the sea. Two Ruff were recorded on the outer head, where eight Ringed Plovers and 14 Dunlin were also noted. A juvenile Caspian Gull was on the beach below Beacon Hill. The juvenile Merlin re-appeared at North Marsh, where its penchant for dragonflies continued unabated, while the outer head hosted 17 Willow Warblers.

Elsewhere, the increase in Willow Warblers was also apparent at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with the reserve attracting ten birds. Additional sightings there included a Mediterranean Gull, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, two Marsh Harriers and 48 Swifts. Nearby, a Green Sandpiper dropped onto Buckton Pond.

Sunny thoughout, with a light onshore wind developing during a day where temperatures reached 20 degrees C. Single juvenile Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls were recorded on a morning seawatch that also saw 43 Common Terns, 146 Sandwich Terns and 31 Manx Shearwaters moving north.

Two Green Sandpipers flew south over the headland, where a lone Ruff remained in residence. Single Merlin and Hobby were also recorded, while 15 Willow Warblers were on the outer head.

On the insect front, a Roesel’s Bush-cricket at Oceanview represents a headland first.

A day of sunny intervals, occasional light showers, a light/moderate south-easterly wind and a high of 20 degrees C. Two juvenile Caspian Gulls, three juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and three juvenile Mediterranean Gulls were recorded during the morning seawatch; four Shovelers also flew south. Thornwick Pools attracted two Ringed Plovers, a Little Ringed Plover, a Redshank, four Snipe and two Dunlin; a Ruff also flew over. Additional migrants on the outer head included a Short-eared Owl, a Wheatear and a scattering of Willow Warblers.

A small arrival of passerine migrants was apparent at RSPB Bempton Cliffs including two Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Wheatear and eight Willow Warblers.

Another warm, sunny day with a maximum temperature of 22°C and a light to moderate south-easterly.

The first Red-necked Grebe of the year was the best of the seawatch that also included single Mediterranean, Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, an Arctic Skua, 52 Manx Shearwaters, 21 Common Scoter and 53 Teal.

Waders at Thornwick Pools included a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover, two Dunlin and three Snipe while a Greenshank and three Golden Plover passed over the Outer Head. The young Merlin remained in the North Marsh area. A Hobby flew west over the village.

Variable cloud and a light to moderate northerly, veering easterly during the afternoon. Maximum temperature 18 °C.

Seawatchers logged two juvenile Caspian Gull and two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls together with 11 Manx Shearwaters, six Arctic Skuas, 278 Sandwich Terns and sprinkling of Common and Arctic Terns. Also passing were six Whimbrel and 46 Common Scoter.

Away from the Fog Station, wader interest included a Bar-tailed Godwit, three Greenshank, 8 Snipe and a Golden Plover. A Little Gull passed over South Dykes while single Caspian Gulls were present off both the north and south cliffs. A Pied Flycatcher was at the Golf Course Willows.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted three Marsh Harriers, a Hobby. Gulls were represented by both juvenile Caspian and a Mediterranean while passing waders included four Whimbrel and a Golden Plover.

The temperature reached 20°C on an overcast day with occasional showers and a moderate to fresh southerly.

Three juvenile Caspian Gulls and three juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls lingered off the Fog Station. Other seawatching highlights included 58 Common Scoter, four Whimbrel, a Knot and a Little Egret.

A Caspian Gull and a Whimbrel were also off the south cliffs while two Little Egrets dropped in at Thornwick Pools.

A Hobby was over Bempton village where a Tree Pipit was sound recorded overnight.

A partly sunny day with a maximum temperature of 21 °C and a light to moderate south-westerly.

The best of the seawatch was a juvenile Roseate Tern, other terns logged included an Arctic, 26 Common and 211 Sandwich. Also logged were 13 Manx Shearwaters and 12 Common Scoter.

A juvenile Caspian Gull lingered at Thornwick Lakes while a surprise find was a Green Woodpecker on the cliff top east of Beacon Hill late afternoon. A Hobby chased Swifts north of the village.

A bright day, with sunny intervals, relatively light south-west winds and a high of 22 degrees C. An influx of large gulls included four calendar-year Yellow-legged Gulls together, nine first calendar-year Caspian Gulls and 49 Lesser Black-backed Gulls – the vast majority of the latter also in their first-year. An adult Roseate Tern fed off the Fog Station early morning before drifting off north, while a juvenile Mediterranean Gull also lingered offshore. The majority of Caspian Gulls loafed on rocks at Cattlemere, where single Little Egret and Greenshank were also present.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Greenshank, one Marsh Harrier, six Willow Warblers and a Whinchat.

There were sunny intervals throughout, a light/moderate westerly wind and peak temperature of 21 degrees C. A total of nine Caspian Gulls exclusively consisted of first calendar-year birds; three were in juvenile plumage, with the balance showing first-winter features, while none sported darvic colour rings. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was also off the Fog Station, while northbound terns included 187 Sandwich and 30 Common. Two Little Egrets fed on the shore at Cattlemere, with another off Hartendale.

Raptor interest included a Marsh Harrier over South Dykes and a Hobby west over Old Fall Hedge. There was an increase in wader passage, including ten Dunlin and seven Ringed Plovers at South Landing. This movement was also evident at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where six Whimbrel and 69 Redshank were logged; other sightings from the reserve included four Marsh Harriers, a Merlin, five Willow Warblers, a Whinchat and six Yellow Wagtails.

A day of sunny intervals, a blustery southerly wind developing after a calm start and a peak of 20 degrees C. Five Pintail flew south during a seawatch that also featured three Arctic Skuas and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. South Landing attracted a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and five juvenile Caspian Gulls, together with eight Dunlin and a Sanderling.

There was also evidence of passerines on the move, with single Tree Pipit, Common Redstart, Reed Warbler and Garden Warbler on the outer head along with increased numbers of Willow Warblers.

There were blustery westerly/south-westerly winds throughout a day of sunny intervals and a high of 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included seven Shoveler, 88 Teal, three Tufted Ducks, 75 Common Scoter, a Grey Plover, 42 Sanderling, three Roseate Terns (adult & 2 juveniles south), 13 Arctic Terns, 305 Common Terns, 801 Sandwich Terns, a Sooty Shearwater, 210 Manx Shearwaters and three juvenile Caspian Gulls. Wader interest included a Ruff on the outer head, a Green Sandpiper at Thornwick Pools, a lone Sanderling on South Dykes beach and 17 Ringed Plovers at South Landing. A single Whinchat near North Marsh was the most notable passerine migrant.

Two juvenile Caspian Gulls attended a fishing boat off RSPB Bempton Cliffs where two Spotted Flycatchers were new arrivals.

The morning consisted of sunny intervals that were replaced by overcast skies; there were blustery south-west winds throughout and a high of 20 degrees C. Thornwick Pools hosted a Garganey, three Snipe, a Ringed Plover and one Green Sandpiper. Seventeen Ringed Plovers frequented South Landing beach, together with four Dunlin and a Sanderling. Single first calendar-year Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls were along the South Cliffs, while a second calendar-year Caspian Gull sheltered in South Landing in the evening. There was also evidence of an arrival of passerine migrants no doubt pushed onto the coastal fringe by the persistent westerlies, including eight Wheatears, one Whinchat, a Common Redstart and two Spotted Flycatchers.

A flock of 18 Whimbrel flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where five Ringed Plovers, seven Willow Warblers and a Wheatear were also recorded.

Blustery south-west winds featured throughout, with mainly overcast skies and a high of 21 degrees C. Caspian Gulls were noted at various locations, with five first-calendar years off the Fog Station in the morning, two at South Landing and four off South Dykes; although it is likely that there was some overlap between locations. Two Mediterranean Gulls were also recorded, with an adult off the Fog Station and a first calendar-year at South Landing. Twelve Tufted Ducks were on Thornwick Lakes, while the nearby Pools attracted a Green Sandpiper and six Snipe. Elsewhere, South Landing beach hosted 15 Ringed Plovers, 12 Dunlin and a Bar-tailed Godwit.

Fifteen Willow Warblers were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where single Hobby, Reed Warbler, Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher were also present.

Very strong south-westerly/westerly winds gusting to 57mph slowly abated during a day of sunny intervals and a high of 20 degrees C. Single Sooty & Balearic Shearwaters flew south during an afternoon seawatch, while first calendar-year Mediterranean, Yellow-legged and three Caspian Gulls fed offshore before also moving south. Nine Black-tailed Godwits and the year’s first Curlew Sandpiper also moved south. Single Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher were at South Dykes, while nearby South Landing beach attracted 22 Ringed Plovers and a Sanderling.

Buckton Pond hosted a juvenile Garganey and a Wood Sandpiper, with a juvenile Marsh Harrier and five Yellow Wagtails at Bempton village.

The start of this year’s Seawatch Festival inevitably brought a significant improvement in coverage, with an upsurge in interesting records despite the unassuming weather conditions. It was mainly overcast, with sunny skies from late afternoon, a moderate south-westerly wind and high of 19 degrees C.

A Balearic Shearwater flew north mid-morning, while two Roseate Terns (adult & juvenile) did the same early afternoon. An increase in Manx Shearwaters was evident, with 291 south in the evening (following 47 north in the morning), while a lone Sooty Shearwater also flew north. A southerly passage of waders included a Little Stint, one Ruff, 52 Whimbrel and 164 Oystercatchers. A Common Sandpiper rested on the rocks below the Seawatch Observatory, while an impressive 62 Ringed Plovers and 16 Dunlin frequented South Landing beach. Five first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gulls flew south, as did 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and seven Little Gulls, while four first calendar-year Caspian Gulls remained in residence. A large pre-roost southerly movement of Commic Terns took place between 1900-2000hrs and involved 3300+ birds, the majority being Common.

Away from the sea, single Hobby and Merlin hunted the outer head, while passerine migrants included three Whinchat, a Common Redstart, one Spotted Flycatcher and six Yellow Wagtails.

The Garganey remained at Buckton Ponds. The wader passage was also witnessed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 51 Oystercatchers, 20 Ringed Plover and 15 Turnstone moved south-east. Single Marsh Harrier and Merlin overflew the reserve, where 15 Willow Warblers were fresh arrivals together with four Yellow Wagtails and a Tree Pipit. A flock of 21 Yellow Wagtails were on the edge of Bempton village.

A sunny morning was followed by overcast skies, increasingly strong south-west winds and a maximum of 18 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included an adult Roseate Tern moving south, two Sooty Shearwaters north, three first-calendar year Caspian Gulls, a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull and three juvenile Mediterranean Gulls flying south. Additional records from the Seawatch Observatory included ten Arctic Skuas, three Bonxies, 500+ Common Terns, 12 Whimbrel, a 20+ strong pod of Bottlenose Dolphins performing offshore before swimming off north, and 550+ Grey Seals. South Landing beach hosted an impressive 108 Ringed Plovers, 13 Dunlin, 11 Sanderling and three Mediterranean Gulls.

A juvenile Merlin again hunted the outer head, where passerine interest included single Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart and ten Willow Warblers.

The Garganey remained at Buckton Pond, while the nearby RSPB reserve at Bempton attracted a Green Sandpiper, one Marsh Harrier, seven Willow Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher.

A day of sunny intervals, light/moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 21 degrees C. Seawatching provided the main focus as befits the last day of the Festival. Two Sooty Shearwaters (south/north) were logged alongside 38 Manx Shearwaters moving south and a Balearic Shearwater heading north. Waders on the rocky shore included 65 Turnstones, three Knot, two Dunlin, a Sanderling and 12 Redshank together with two Little Egrets. Five 1st calendar-year Caspian Gulls were in residence, including a ‘hulking’ fresh juvenile, a first calendar-year Mediterranean Gull flew south, as did 25 Little Gulls. Impressive tern numbers were the most obvious feature once again, with 1722 Common Terns, 132 Sandwich Terns and a noteworthy seven Roseate Terns flying south between 1600-1900hrs. Three Black-tailed Godwits also headed in the same direction.

South Landing hosted 118 Ringed Plovers, 20 Dunlin and seven Sanderling, while six Ringed Plovers and ten Dunlin were on Thornwick Pools and a Black-tailed Godwit was on a pool near North Marsh. Two Mediterranean Gulls rested on the beach between Hartendale and South Dykes, where a lone Crossbill flew east. Two Redstarts were also present on the outer head, along with a scattering of Willow Warblers.

A Marsh Harrier flew through RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while seven Whimbrel went south over the nearby village.

It was largely overcast, with some brighter spells, a blustery south-west wind and top temperature of 21 degrees C. Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Egret, 12 Dunlin, five Snipe and two Ringed Plovers. A first calendar-year Caspian Gull was at South Landing, along with nine Dunlin and a lone Sanderling amongst the Ringed Plover flock. Small numbers of Swifts also remained on the headland, including 12 at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where three Willow Warblers were still present.

A day of occasional sunny intervals and brief showers, light winds generally from the south and a high of 18 degrees C. An adult Pomarine Skua flew north during a seawatch that also featured 261 Teal flying south, 855 Commic Terns (the vast majority Common), seven Little Gulls, 16 Arctic Skuas, three Bonxies and four Sooty Shearwaters. Three 1st-calendar-year Caspian Gulls were in residence, as were a 1st calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull and a Mediterranean Gull. Wader interest included 118 Ringed Plovers, a Bar-tailed Godwit, seven Sanderling and 31 Dunlin. A Merlin overflew the Golf Course and a Marsh Harrier headed over the village. Passerine migrants included a Pied Flycatcher, ten Willow Warblers and a Grey Wagtail.

Three Pied Flycatchers graced RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with seven Willow Warblers.

A bright day with prolonged sunny intervals, a light/moderate south-westerly wind and high of 21 degrees C. The morning seawatch witnessed 67 Teal and a Sooty Shearwater moving south, with two 1st calendar-year Caspian Gulls and 2100 Common Terns heading north. An evening watch was rewarded with two Black Terns feeding offshore before moving south along with 3634 Commic Terns, 308 Sandwich Terns, a Little Gull, 23 Arctic Skuas and two Bonxies; three Sooty Shearwaters also flew north. Elsewhere, a juvenile Merlin hunted the outer head, where a second calendar-year Caspian Gull rested on stubble and a Short-eared Owl hunted the cliff top near the Seawatch Observatory. The long-staying Redstart lingered at the Roadside Pool.

A Hobby overflew Bempton village, with sightings at the nearby reserve including eight Willow Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Wheatear and five Yellow Wagtails. The Garganey remained on Buckton Pond.

A sunny day, with light winds which started offshore but switched to onshore in the afternoon; temperatures peaked at 18 degrees C. The morning seawatch featured a Balearic Shearwater lingering offshore, with two Pomarine Skuas, a Little Gull and 3100 Commic Terns moving north. A single Pomarine Skua also flew south in the evening along with 860 Common Terns and eight Arctic Terns. In addition, a Roseate Tern rested on rocks off Cattlemere, as did a green darvic-ringed first calendar-year Caspian Gull and a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull.

Away from the sea, the juvenile Merlin reduced the Linnet flock near Old Fall by one, while a Hobby overflew Hartendale. Wader interest included a Greenshank flying south over the village; a Common Sandpiper joined three Sanderling, eight Dunlin and 46 Ringed Plovers at South Landing. Six Spotted Flycatchers on the outer head were accompanied by a Pied Flycatcher, six Wheatear, a Whinchat and two Redstarts.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included ten Willow Warblers, 11 Yellow Wagtails, a Whinchat and three Wheatear.

A bright, sunny day with a light east-north-easterly wind and a high of 19 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included four Sooty Shearwaters, 543 Common Terns and 35 Arctic Skuas flying north. Nine Pale-bellied Brent Geese acted as a reminder that colder conditions are not far away. Wader interest included six Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper. Once again, the Merlin successfully chased Linnets near the lighthouse. Small numbers of drift migrants made landfall in the afternoon with final totals of 12 Willow Warblers, three Pied Flycatchers, four Wheatears, a Redstart and two Yellow Wagtails.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a Marsh Harrier, four Willow Warblers, one Pied Flycatcher and eight Yellow Wagtails. Nearby, the Garganey remained on Buckton Pond.

That’s better – it was if the first day of September heralded the start of autumn’s birding.

An overcast start was followed by hazy sunshine, there were light/moderate easterly winds that gradually dropped in strength and a high of 18 degrees C. The highlight was a mid-afternoon arrival of passerine migrants headlined by a Greenish Warbler on the edge of Lighthouse Field. Counts on the outer head included five Garden Warblers, eight Blackcap, a Reed Warbler, 24 Willow Warblers, 19 Pied Flycatchers, three Spotted Flycatchers, 32 Wheatears, 20 Whinchat and 17 Redstarts. Raptor interest included an Osprey in off the sea early afternoon and the highly mobile juvenile Merlin. Waders included six Golden Plovers, four Whimbrel, a Green Sandpiper and three Greenshank.

Seawatching was rewarded with 12 pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Red-necked Grebe (eventually flying north), four Sooty Shearwaters (3 north, 1 south), 137 Manx Shearwaters south, a Roseate Tern north and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua south. Two Caspian Gulls (first and second calendar-year) rested on rocks below the Seawatch Observatory, while a first calendar-year Mediterranean Gull fed offshore.

Five Pale-bellied Brent Geese also flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional sightings included seven Golden Plovers, a Greenshank, two Hobbies and a Marsh Harrier. Passerine migrants were also well represented with five Pied Flycatchers, three Redstart, two Whinchat, 16 Wheatears and eight Yellow Wagtails. Another Pied Flycatcher was present along Stonepit Lane, Bempton. The Garganey also remained at Buckton Pond.

An overnight storm and heavy rain in combination with light winds almost inevitably resulted in foggy conditions that dominated the outer head until mid-afternoon. Two Greenish Warblers graced the headland, with yesterday’s bird still in the hedge bordering the Lighthouse Field and a second individual located at Old Fall mid-afternoon. Good numbers of commoner drift migrants were still present, including a Tree Pipit, one Reed Warbler, nine Garden Warblers, 14 Pied Flycatchers, four Spotted Flycatchers, 11 Whinchat, 15 Redstart and 12 Wheatear. In addition, a Jay that visited Oceanview was particularly noteworthy, while a Hobby flew over Old Fall.

Eight Whinchat, 12 Wheatear, six Pied Flycatchers, a Redstart and three Garden Warblers were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with another in Bempton village. Both single Hobby and Marsh Harrier were also recorded at the reserve. The Garganey remained at Buckton, where two Pied Flycatchers and three Wheatear were also present.

There were light, variable winds throughout a largely overcast day, with brighter skies by the evening; temperatures reached 17 degrees C. The two Greenish Warblers remained in residence on the edge of the Lighthouse Field and Old Fall respectively. Although much reduced, totals of passerine migrants included 11 Wheatear, two Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, two Whinchat, three Redstarts, two Garden Warblers and two Grey Wagtails. A Storm Petrel flew south during an evening seawatch, while eight first calendar-year Caspian Gulls were off the Seawatch Observatory late evening.

A Hawfinch at RSPB Bempton Cliffs then flew west, as did a Great White Egret; two Pied Flycatchers also remained on the reserve. The long-staying Garganey and a Merlin both graced Buckton.

Overcast throughout, with a blustery northerly wind developing and a high of 13 degrees C. A Cory’s Shearwater that flew north close inshore represented the seawatch highlight. Other notable sightings included a Red-necked Grebe north, 29 Arctic Skuas, 128 Manx Shearwaters, two Sooty Shearwaters and a first calendar-year Caspian Gull. Single Common Sandpiper and Sanderling were at High Stacks, with another Sanderling on the beach at South Dykes. Thornwick Pools hosted 20 Teal, four Snipe, four Dunlin and two Redshank, while South Landing attracted 28 Ringed Plover and seven Dunlin. A Hobby flew over South Dykes, while two Hobbies and a Merlin were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Blustery northerly winds developed during a day that started with overcast skies, before drizzle and thick fog brought birding to a halt. Seawatching was only possible for the first few hours, but included a Balearic Shearwater, two Sooty Shearwaters, a Blue Fulmar, a spooned dark morph Pomarine Skua and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua moving north. Sightings elsewhere were limited by the conditions, but two Bar-tailed Godwits dropped onto Thornwick Pools and a Hobby dashed through South Landing.

A bright, sunny day albeit misty at times, with a light/moderate north-easterly wind and a high of 20 degrees C. Two juvenile Sabine’s Gulls flew north during a seawatch that also featured two Roseate Terns (ad & juv) heading in the same direction. The majority of species were re-orientating back north after yesterday’s strong winds including 108 Sooty Shearwaters, 414 Manx Shearwaters, three Pale-bellied Brent Geese and an adult Pomarine Skua. Two 1st-calendar Caspian Gulls rested on High Stacks, while a Hobby flashed over the outer head.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher in the Golf Course Willows in the morning headlined an arrival that included 21 Willow Warblers, three Garden Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, nine Spotted Flycatchers, 11 Pied Flycatchers, two Redstarts, one Whinchat, 38 Wheatear and six Yellow Wagtails.

This arrival was also witnessed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where there were nine Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, five Pied Flycatchers, three Spotted Flycatchers, three Redstarts, five Whinchat, seven Wheatear, two Tree Pipits, five Yellow Wagtails and five Redpolls. Single Merlin, Marsh Harrier and Ruff also flew over the reserve.

A misty start to the day with intermittent hazy sunshine that was soon replaced by a heavy overcast with showers, some of which were heavy; temperatures reached 17 degrees C in a light/moderate north-easterly wind. Seawatch highlights included a Balearic Shearwater, 78 Manx Shearwaters and 21 Sooty Shearwaters moving north. An adult Pomarine Skua did the same along with 23 Arctic Skuas and six Bonxies. Five Little Gulls flew south, while two first calendar-year Caspian Gulls and a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull remained in residence. However, the rarest sighting related to two Common Dolphins that headed north, an exceptional local record.

Passerine migrants featured once again, headlined by a Blyth’s Reed Warbler photographed in Lighthouse Field early morning only. It showed several times while the hedge was lit by the sun, but melted away once the overcast established. Two Red-breasted Flycatchers were both new arrivals, with one in scrub near the cliff top north of Thornwick Camp and the other in Lighthouse Field after the rain cleared. Additional migrants included four Tree Pipits, six Sedge Warblers, 12 Garden Warblers, 14 Lesser Whitethroats, 82 Wheatear, seven Whinchat, 12 Pied Flycatchers, eight Spotted Flycatchers, 18 Redstarts and one Siskin. A Hobby toured the outer head, where five Sparrowhawks represented an increase.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted one Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, three Lesser Whitethroats, three Garden Warblers, a Tree Pipit, seven Wheatear, a Whinchat, five Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher and two Redstart. Raptor interest there included single Marsh Harrier, Hobby and Merlin, while the Garganey remained at nearby Buckton Pond; there were four Wheatear nearer the cliff top.

Once again fog dominated the weather, with the morning’s birding in particular proving challenging. However, visibility cleared early afternoon to leave warm, sunny spells in light onshore winds and a high of 18 degrees C. A first calendar-year Caspian Gull flew east past Beacon Hill, where a Common Sandpiper was on the beach. Both Merlin and Hobby were recorded on the outer head, while a Nuthatch at South Landing was unusual.

Passerine migrants again made landfall in the afternoon, with the best a Greenish Warbler at the southern end of Lighthouse Field and a Wryneck visiting a village garden during the afternoon. Commoner drift migrant totals included 13 Garden Warblers, 15 Lesser Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler, four Reed Warblers, eight Redstarts, 17 Whinchat, 19 Wheatear, 12 Pied Flycatchers, 15 Spotted Flycatchers and a Tree Pipit.

A first-winter male Nightjar entertained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Sedge Warbler, four Lesser Whitethroats, two Garden Warblers, three Pied Flycatchers, three Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart, one Wheatear and a Whinchat were also present. The long-staying Garganey remained on Buckton Pond.

It was a much quieter day, with the window from the east closing and cooler conditions encouraging many migrants to depart. Strong north-north-westerly winds gradually relented during a relatively overcast day with a high of 15 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with two Pochard, 19 Arctic Skuas, four Bonxies, 33 Red-throated Divers, 26 Sooty Shearwaters (north) and three first calendar-year Caspian Gulls. Passerine migrants included five Whinchat, five Pied Flycatchers, four Spotted Flycatchers, one Garden Warbler and a Redstart.

The Garganey remained at Buckton Ponds, where there was also a Spotted Flycatcher. Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Hobby were recorded from RSPB Bempton Cliffs once again, where there were also two Garden Warblers, a Redstart and a first calendar-year Caspian Gull.

The morning featured strong west-south-westerly winds and heavy showers; the wind gradually dropped in strength and sunny intervals established while temperatures reached 14 degrees C. Fourteen Pale-bellied Brent Geese were recorded on a seawatch that also featured a Pintail, two first calendar-year Caspian Gulls, eight Arctic Skuas and a Sooty Shearwater. Thornwick Pools attracted 45 Teal, a Ringed Plover, five Snipe and seven Dunlin, while a Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Ringed Plovers and six Dunlin were on South Landing beach.

Given yesterday’s north-westerly airflow, it wasn’t a surprise that Pink-footed Geese had used a tailwind to head south-east from Iceland. Skeins totalling 138 birds flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs mid-afternoon, with another 115 geese moving south over the outer head late afternoon. A Spotted Redshank that flew south over the Golf Course represented the year’s first record. Other notable records included a Mediterranean Gull, a Tree Pipit, two Spotted Flycatchers and a Redstart.

It was a relatively bright, but chilly day, with a light/moderate west-north-westerly wind and a high of 14 degrees C. Four Roseate Terns (three adults, one juv) flew north during seawatching that also featured two Balearic Shearwaters, 13 Sooty Shearwaters, seven Arctic Terns, 605 Common Terns and a Little Gull all flying north, while seven Pale-bellied Brent Geese and seven Arctic Skuas moved south. Thornwick Pools hosted 39 Teal, a Ringed Plover, three Dunlin, seven Snipe and a Water Rail. Although decreasing day by day, migrants on the outer head still included two Goldcrest, two Grey Wagtails, five Spotted Flycatchers and a Redstart.

Elsewhere, a ringtail Hen Harrier hunted the cliff top at Buckton. Single Marsh Harrier and Merlin visited RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where single Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit and Garden Warbler were also recorded.

Bright and sunny throughout, with a strengthening north-westerly wind developing and temperatures reaching a mere 13 degrees C. A good seawatch had been predicted for several days and so it proved – best were three juvenile Sabine’s Gulls that tracked north, albeit two of these stopped off to feed in tern/kittiwake flocks. Two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas also flew north, together with three Roseate Terns, eight Black Terns and 65 Little Gulls. Additional counts included three Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 36 Pink-footed Geese, 40 Arctic Skuas, seven Bonxies, 218 Sooty Shearwaters and 162 Manx Shearwaters. A Merlin hunted the outer head, but the only noteworthy passerine migrants were two Whinchat and two Spotted Flycatchers.

A day of light, variable winds, prolonged sunny intervals and a high of 14 degrees C. The day’s seawatching again proved rewarding as birds continued to re-orientate back north. Totals included 281 Sooty Shearwaters, 338 Manx Shearwaters, four Balearic Shearwaters, 31 Arctic Skuas, 622 Little Gulls, a first-winter Caspian Gull, three Black Terns and a Little Tern.

Away from the sea, a 120-strong skein of Pink-footed Geese flew south over the headland. A Merlin hunted dragonflies at North Marsh, a Hobby overflew Thornwick Pools, while two Little Egrets fished the rockpools below the South Cliffs. Two Spotted Flycatchers were the most notable passerine migrants.

Two Marsh Harriers hunted fields south of RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where five Yellow Wagtails were present.

Although south-westerlies throughout, it was a day of two halves starting with overcast skies and a temperature of eight degrees and ended with sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. Seven Sooty Shearwaters and two first-winter Caspian Gulls represented the seawatch highlights, while Thornwick Pools attracted two Water Rails and a Green Sandpiper. The Merlin continued to hunt the outer head, where three Ruff dropped onto the golf course and nine Lapwing flew south. Passerine migrants were in short supply, with a Pied Flycatcher at North Landing and a Whinchat in the Lighthouse Grassland.

Two Marsh Harriers again hunted fields immediately south of RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where sightings included 27 Pink-footed Geese flying south and a Hobby.

A relatively overcast day, with rain from late morning and a high of 16 degrees in a light south-westerly wind. Thirty Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, three Caspian Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull were off the Fog Station. Thornwick Pools continued to host two Water Rails alongside 29 Teal and two Dunlin, but better still, a Kingfisher was in Thornwick Bay mid-afternoon. Three skeins of Pink-footed Geese tallying 115 birds flew south over the headland, while five Goldcrests also represented signs of autumn.

Light winds throughout, with a switch from northerlies to easterlies in the afternoon; there were sunny skies throughout and a high of 16 degrees C. An evening seawatch was rewarded with a juvenile Sabine’s Gull amongst several hundred Little Gulls, two Sooty Shearwaters and four Pale-bellied Brent Geese. A colour-ringed Caspian Gull rested on High Stacks, while a Nuthatch that visited a Flamborough village garden was certainly unusual.

A total of 35 Pink-footed Geese flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 106 Common Scoters, a Mediterranean Gull and one Marsh Harrier were also recorded.

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore wind developing during a day where temperatures reached 17 degrees C. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured two Black Terns and a Minke Whale; 200 Little Gulls, a juvenile Sabine’s Gull and a dark-bellied Brent Goose flew south during an evening watch. Chiffchaff numbers continued to increase, with eight at Beacon Hill/Hartendale and five at Thornwick an indication of a significant tally across the headland. Single Whinchat and Grey Wagtail were also present.

The high pressure conditions proved conducive to raptors drifting onto the headland, with 58 Common Buzzards recorded from RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with a Red Kite, five Marsh Harriers and the long-staying juvenile Merlin. Seven Chiffchaffs were also present on the reserve, together with a Spotted Flycatcher that arrived in the evening and 56 Meadow Pipits flying north-west.

The weather consisted of relatively overcast skies with some sunny intervals, especially towards the end of the day, a relatively light easterly wind and high of 16 degrees C. Autumn’s first Yellow-browed Warbler made landfall in South Landing, where it showed well in a flock of six Chiffchaffs.

A juvenile Sabine’s Gull again fed off the Fog Station, where sightings also included three Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a Black Tern, 138 Little Gulls, 32 Arctic Skuas and four Sooty Shearwaters. Two Wheatears and a Merlin were also recorded on the cliff top.

Overcast throughout, with a relatively light northerly wind and high of 16 degrees C. Conditions looked conducive for an arrival of migrants, and six Yellow-browed Warblers made landfall, including one at Buckton Pond and two ringed at South Landing. However, the day’s star bird was a Hoopoe that was watched flying in off the sea at North Landing at 1430hrs. It landed on the cliff side, where it fed for 10 minutes, before flying over the cafe and wasn’t relocated. Additional migrant totals included two Garden Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Spotted Flycatcher, eight Wheatear, two Whinchat, one Redstart and a Tree Pipit. Added interest was provided by a Merlin hunting the outer head and a first-winter Caspian Gull on the stubble at North Landing.

A pale juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north on a seawatch that also featured one pale-bellied and 12 dark-bellied Brent Geese.

Elsewhere, eight Stonechat, a Whinchat and one Pied Flycatcher graced RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a Redstart was on the cliff top at Buckton. Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese and a Mediterranean Gull also flew past the reserve.

Overcast throughout, misty at times, with a high of 16 degrees C in a light/moderate north-north-easterly wind. Scarce migrants continued to make landfall throughout including a Little Bunting on the cliff top near Old Fall, no fewer than 16 Yellow-browed Warblers (including three at Buckton & one at Bempton) and five Red-breasted Flycatchers (including one at Buckton). Numbers of commoner migrants remained relatively low, but included eight Willow Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, one Garden Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, one Pied Flycatcher, three Redstarts, 16 Wheatear, 20 Stonechat and four Whinchat. Thrushes included a Fieldfare, two Redwing and 20 Song Thrush, excluding one of the latter that was forced to ditch in the sea by an Arctic Skua!

Seawatch highlights included a juvenile Pomarine Skua flying south, with a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, four Pintail and three Sooty Shearwaters moving north. In addition, two Caspian Gulls (1st and 2nd-winters) frequented the outer head, where a Hobby was also recorded; a Grey Plover dropped onto South Landing beach.

Additional records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, two Goldcrest, a Garden Warbler, 13 Song Thrush, two Stonechat, five Wheatear and a Siskin.