Category: Sightings

The day began with fog, which then cleared for a few hours to leave misty conditions before thick fog returned from early afternoon; there were light northerly winds and a high of 16 degrees C.

It felt almost inevitable that a cracking bird would turn up and that’s exactly what happened with the early afternoon discovery of the headland’s second ever Eastern Olivaecous Warbler along Old Fall hedge. Despite the difficult viewing conditions, it showed well until late afternoon favouring the section north of the plantation. It was heartening to see Old Fall return to form having been relatively quiet for several years; Flamborough’s first was found on the same hedge in September 2010.

Three Red-breasted Flycatchers remained in residence (including one at Old Fall), as did 11 Yellow-browed Warblers. These included an individual in cliff top grass near the Seawatch Observatory late on and obviously fresh in, a bird ringed at Buckton and three at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Also present were two Garden Warblers, two Lesser Whitethroats, seven Willow Warblers, 29 Chiffchaffs, 18 Wheatear, two Whinchat, two Redstart, three Pied Flycatchers, two Spotted Flycatchers, 16 Robins, 20 Song Thrush and a Siskin. Wader interest included three Bar-tailed Godwits overhead and a Little Stint on South Landing beach.

Additional sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included five Goldcrest, nine Song Thrush, 15 Robins, a Redstart, four Wheatear and a Siskin.

Thick fog drifted ashore soon after dawn and preceded a brief misty spell before thick fog returned once again. A light/moderate northerly wind was a constant, with temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. Watching the sea proved nigh on impossible nevermind seawatching, so attention was again was on the land. Despite the challenging visibility, there was an impressive cast list: Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, two Little Buntings, Hoopoe, 27 Yellow-browed Warblers, four Red-breasted Flycatchers and a juvenile Honey Buzzard.

Despite showing well at times from first light, the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler flew north along Old Fall hedge at 1000hrs and wasn’t relocated. Of the aforementioned, one Little Bunting remained in the vicinity of Old Fall, while another flew into the Lighthouse Crop late morning. The Hoopoe remained for its third day, but was only glimpsed twice near Lighthouse Road before disappearing into the fog. Three of the four Red-breasted Flycatchers were considered ‘new’, with yesterday’s bird still present at Old Fall. The dark juvenile Honey Buzzard appeared in the ‘misty window’ at and flew east over North Marsh before circling higher into the cloud base at 1310hrs. Additional sightings included Hobby and Little Stint at South Landing, a first-winter Caspian Gull, four Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Brambling and 13 Siskin.

Within the above totals, two Yellow-browed Warblers were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and three Yellow-browed Warblers and a Pied Flycatcher at Buckton.

An overcast day, with moderate northerly winds, periods of drizzle and occasional heavy showers and a high of 14 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 111 Teal and 47 Red-throated Divers moving south; six dark-bellied Brent Geese, 71 Wigeon, 239 Common Scoters, a Velvet Scoter, 13 Arctic Skuas, five Bonxies, eight Sooty Shearwaters and 35 Manx Shearwaters all headed north.

A Hobby overflew Thornwick and the juvenile Little Stint lingered on South Landing beach, where a Red-breasted Merganser flew east. The Red-breasted Flycatcher lingered in Old Fall and a total of 18 Yellow-browed Warblers (including two at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional migrants included a Jay, two Redwing, two Garden Warblers, two Whinchat, two Redstart, three Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, one Tree Pipit, a Brambling and 12 Siskin.

Another relatively overcast day, with light northerly winds and a peak temperature of 14 degrees C. Two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas and an adult Pomarine Skua flew south on a seawatch that also featured three Shoveler, two Pintail, two Velvet Scoters (north), 58 Little Gulls and 83 Red-throated Divers moving south.

A Great White Egret visited the outer head briefly before heading south-west. The Little Stint remained on South Landing beach, while Marsh Harrier, Hobby and Merlin hunted the outer head.

A Dusky Warbler at North Landing vied for attention with three Red-breasted Flycatchers, all remarkably within a 20m radius. In addition, the ever elusive Hoopoe made a brief appearance in fields along Lighthouse Road, while a Marsh Warbler was photographed on the edge of Lighthouse Field. Additional migrants included a Ring Ouzel, 16 Yellow-browed Warblers, two Whinchat, 24 Wheatear, one Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, four Pied Flycatchers, 170 Meadow Pipits, two Tree Pipits and eight Siskin.

A Wood Warbler graced RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where two Yellow-browed Warblers and three Spotted Flycatchers were also present. Six Yellow-browed Warblers were at Buckton.

A largely overcast day, with some sunny intervals; there were light westerly winds at first light, but a switch to easterlies in the afternoon, while temperatures reached 14 degrees C. Six dark-bellied Brent Geese and 11 Sooty Shearwaters flying north were the highlights of the morning seawatch. Wildfowl interest included skeins containing 130 Pink-footed Geese flying south and 44 Tufted Ducks on Thornwick Lakes. A Jack Snipe flushed from the cliff top path along the South Cliffs was obviously fresh in. Passerine interest included eight Yellow-browed Warblers, a Garden Warbler, two Lesser Whitethroats, one Reed Warbler and two Whinchat.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs proved productive, with a Hoopoe making a brief visit before flying south-east, three Yellow-browed Warblers and two Wood Warblers; unfortunately, a wing-barred phyllosc evaded firm identification.

Overcast throughout, the day starting with moderate easterly winds and ending with very strong northerlies; there was also heavy rain at either end of the day. A drake Long-tailed Duck flew north during the morning seawatch along with a Balearic Shearwater, 53 Little Gulls and three Sooty Shearwaters.

A Long-eared Owl graced RSPB Bempton Cliffs together with a Siberian Chiffchaff, two Yellow-browed Warblers, six Goldcrests and two Marsh Harriers.

Notable sightings on the outer head included a Jack Snipe, four Yellow-browed Warblers, 11 Goldcrests, a Lesser Whitethroat, two Redstarts and a Whinchat.

Strong northerly winds throughout, frequent showers mainly during the morning and a high of 11 degrees C. Conditions suggested seawatching would steal the headlines, but all attention ended focussed on RSPB Bempton Cliffs. The ever elusive wing-barred phyllosc, first seen on 25th, was relocated; sound-recordings confirmed the identification as Pale-legged Leaf Warbler. There is only one accepted UK record from October 2016, with one in 2012 identified to this species or Sakhalin Leaf Warbler; the latter is morphologically very similar, but critically has a different call. Single Firecrest and Siberian Chiffchaff were also on the reserve, together with 30 Goldcrests, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Water Rail.

A total of 551 Sooty Shearwaters flew north past the outer head, along with a Balearic Shearwater, 224 Manx Shearwaters, a Leach’s Petrel and two Roseate Terns. Six juvenile Long-tailed Skuas moved south, while nine Bonxies and 45 Arctic Skuas were also recorded. Wildfowl interest included 15 Pale-bellied Brent Geese and 56 Barnacle Geese, along with a Velvet Scoter. Gulls were moving north, including 25 Little and one first-winter Caspian. Elsewhere, a Red-breasted Flycatcher was discovered in Needles Plantaion near South Dykes, with additional migrants two Yellow-browed Warblers, one Redwing, a Pied Flycatcher, two Redstart and a Brambling.

The weather consisted sunny intervals, light westerly winds and a peak of 15 degrees C. RSPB Bempton Cliffs was unsurprisingly the centre of many a birders attention due to the continued presence of the UK’s second ever Pale-legged Leaf Warbler. While elusive for long spells, most of the many hundreds of birders on site were able to obtain views at some point. Additional sightings of interest on the reserve included 581 Pink-footed Geese, a Marsh Harrier, three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Siberian Chiffchaff, three Lesser Whitethroats, 25 Goldcrests, a Redstart, two Whinchat, a Tree Pipit and a Common Rosefinch.

A Siberian Stonechat was located at North Dykes in the morning and spent the majority of the day feeding along the fenceline on the eastern side of the dyke. The eastern vibe only intensified with the mid-afternoon discovery of a Red-flanked Bluetail in ‘Booted Gully’ – it showed well flycatching in a lone sycamore until dusk. On the opposite side of the headland, North Landing hosted three Red-breasted Flycatchers and an Icterine Warbler. Equally notable was an influx of five Siberian Lesser Whitethroats on the outer head. Additional migrant totals there included a Jack Snipe, ten Yellow-browed Warblers, 36 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, four Common Whitethroats, two Pied Flycatchers, two Whinchat, a Redstart, one Tree Pipit and two Brambling.

The day began with light south-west winds backing to moderate south-easterlies during the afternoon; temperatures reached 14 degrees C under relatively bright, but overcast skies. Attention focussed once again on RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where the Pale-legged Leaf Warbler remained in residence. Other notable sightings there included a Great White Egret, a Little Egret, 700 Pink-footed Geese, four Whooper Swans (autumn first), a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull, three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Whinchat and four Wheatear.

The Siberian Stonechat also lingered at North Dykes, but as the south-easterly wind established, it moved onto the western and more sheltered side of the Dykes. Elsewhere, the Icterine Warbler was still at Holmes Gut, as were two Red-breasted Flycatchers. Surprisingly, the ever elusive Hoopoe reappeared briefly at North Landing – giving the star bird a run for its money as the most difficult species to view on the headland! A Green Woodpecker overflew South Landing, where two Reed Warblers and no fewer than seven Yellow-browed Warblers were rung; the latter contributing to 16 YBWs on the outer head. Other notable migrants included a Great White Egret, one Green Sandpiper, a Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, a Spotted Flycatcher and one Mistle Thrush.

A juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured nine Sooty Shearwaters and 6038 Razorbills heading in the same direction.

Overcast throughout, with rain setting in during the morning, a moderate easterly wind and high of 13 degrees C. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north during a seawatch, with 18 Arctic Skuas moving in the same direction and three Pintail heading south. Locating passerines proved challenging once the rain set in, although the Icterine Warbler and two Red-breasted Flycatchers remained at North Landing, while five Yellow-browed Warblers and a Whinchat were elsewhere.

Meanwhile the headline grabbing Pale-legged Leaf Warbler remained in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a single Yellow-browed Warbler was also present.

Overcast throughout, with strong northerly winds, driving rain and temperatures no higher than 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two dark-bellied Brent Geese, nine pale-bellied Brent Geese, 18 Barnacle Geese, 35 Pink-footed Geese, a Pintail, two Velvet Scoters, a Red-necked Grebe, a juvenile Little Gull and 21 Sooty Shearwaters.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher was a fresh arrival along Old Fall hedge, where the year’s first Great Grey Shrike also made landfall. Two Red-breasted Flycatchers and the Icterine Warbler continued their residence at North Landing. Additional migrants included a Hobby, 17 Redwing, three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Common Whitethroat and a Pied Flycatcher.

The Pale-legged Leaf Warbler was still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but continued to be elusive; it was joined by a Sand Martin, two Yellow-browed Warblers, seven Goldcrest and two Redwing.

The fantastic birding spell continued during a relatively cloudy day with some sunny intervals, a moderate north-north-east wind and high of 13 degrees C. The Pale-legged Leaf Warbler remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while an Eastern Olivaceous Warbler was located on the edge of the Gorse Field early afternoon. Elsewhere, an Olive-backed Pipit delighted large numbers of visiting birders on the edge of Thornwick Camp, where it fed in the leaf litter adjacent to the ‘activity barn’. Also present were five Red-breasted Flycatchers, a Great Grey Shrike, four Ring Ouzels, a Marsh Warbler, an Icterine Warbler, six Yellow-browed Warblers and the year’s first Barred Warbler; the latter caught during a ringing session at Thornwick. Additional totals included single Hobby, Merlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Woodcock and Jack Snipe, 70 Goldcrest, a Lesser Whitethroat, 17 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 13 Wheatear, one Redstart, a Whinchat, four Pied Flycatchers, four Grey Wagtails, five Brambling, 13 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

A Black-throated Diver flew north during a seawatch that also featured 11 dark-bellied Brent Geese, six Velvet Scoters and three Sooty Shearwaters; a further 12 dark-bellied Brents flew north-east along the South Cliffs.

Migrant numbers at Bempton included two Woodcock, a Yellow-browed Warbler, eight Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 40 Goldcrests and a Brambling.

Out with the old, in with the new. A changeover day, with no sign of the Pale-legged Leaf Warbler although new arrivals included a Daurian Shrike at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a stunning male Red-flanked Bluetail at Needles Plantation near South Dykes. Two Little Buntings also made landfall (Bempton & Old Fall), as did a Rustic Bunting at Thornwick. Three Red-breasted Flycatchers remained (Old Fall & North Landing), as did the Icterine Warbler at the latter site and the Great Grey Shrike. Elsewhere, a Marsh Warbler was at Old Fall, a Firecrest at Thornwick and a Barred Warbler was caught and ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Single Hobby, Merlin and Marsh Harrier hunted the outer head. Passerine migrants there included 150 Goldcrests, 12 Yellow-browed Warblers, three Willow Warblers, a Common Whitethroat, a Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, 40 Blackcap, two Garden Warblers, six Pied Flycatchers, nine Wheatear, a Whinchat, two Common Redstarts, seven Mistle Thrush, seven Brambling and seven Siskin.

Additional sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Water Rails, 47 Golden Plovers, a Reed Warbler, three Yellow-browed Warblers, eight Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, one Whinchat, 45 Goldcrests, a Grey Wagtail and two Brambling. 

The weather consisted of largely sunny skies, light variable winds followed by moderate south-south-easterlies in the afternoon; temperatures peaked at 15 degrees C. The Daurian Shrike remained in residence at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, as did the Olive-backed Pipit at Thornwick.

New arrivals on the outer head included three Little Buntings at Old Fall (presumably one of these was relocated at Oceanview late afternoon) and two Richard’s Pipits, again including an individual over Old Fall. Although there was no sign of yesterday’s male Red-flanked Bluetail, what is assumed to be last week’s individual was relocated at Booted Gully. The Icterine Warbler was still at North Landing, the Great Grey Shrike near Old Fall and four Red-breasted Flycatcher remained.

Between 5000-10,000 Pink-footed Geese moved north along the Holderness coast early morning to feed on stubble fields near Bempton/Buckton; at least 5000 relocating to Oceanview in the afternoon. A ‘vis mig’ watch south of Bempton village was rewarded with 186 Redwing moving west. Meanwhile, six Bearded Tits at Thornwick Pools fitted a pattern of birds erupting from the Humber colonies over recent days. Thirty-three Yellow-browed Warblers on the outer head represented the highest total of the autumn. Other notable passerine migrants included a Marsh Warbler, three Firecrests, a Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, one Whinchat and three Pied Flycatchers.

Additional sightings at RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Great White Egret flying south-east and two Yellow-browed Warblers. Another Yellow-browed Warbler appeared in a Bempton village garden.

Moderate south-south-easterly winds featured from mid-afternoon; it was a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. The Daurian Shrike remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs for its third day. Additional sightings on the reserve included 2500 Pink-footed Geese, a Jack Snipe moving south-west, a Great White Egret that flew west and single Marsh Harrier, Hobby and Merlin. Two Yellow-browed Warblers were still in residence alongside a Reed Warbler, a Whinchat, one Wheatear and three Grey Wagtails.

Elsewhere, the Red-flanked Bluetail entertained at Booted Gully and an elusive Little Bunting made a brief appearance along Old Fall hedge. A Kingfisher and two Jays didn’t make the national headlines, but remain local rarities. Additional migrants included a Siberian Chiffchaff, 13 Yellow-browed Warblers, two Pied Flycatchers, one Red-breasted Flycatcher and a Lapland Bunting.

A day of sunny intervals, blustery south-easterly winds and a high of 15 degrees C. The highlight was the discovery of the headland’s second ever Cattle Egret in fields north of Thornwick Camp. After a brief flight over Hartendale, it returned to its favoured sheep field. Surprisingly, the Olive-backed Pipit re-appeared at Thornwick, again alongside the activity barn. After a brief no show in the morning, the Daurian Shrike continued to entertain at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional sightings on the outer head included nine Yellow-browed Warblers, a Cetti’s Warbler at North Landing, one Garden Warbler, a Common Whitethroat and a Pied Flycatcher.

Two Yellow-browed Warblers remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 4000 Pink-footed Geese moved south late afternoon having earlier fed on cliff top stubbles.

A day of sunny intervals, relatively light south-west winds and a high of 17 degrees C. The Daurian Shrike was still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, as was the Olive-backed Pipit at Thornwick. The year’s first Radde’s Warbler ringed at South Landing represented the most notable new arrival. Ten Bearded Tits rested briefly at the Golf Course Willows before they flew off south. Also on the outer head were 22 Whooper Swans, a Merlin, three Jays, eight Yellow-browed Warblers, a Firecrest, one Pied Flycatcher, a Ring Ouzel, five Wheatear and a Ring-necked Parakeet.

A Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where three Yellow-browed Warblers were also present. Substantial numbers of Pink-footed Geese again toured the headland, with 2500 moving south over Bempton village early evening.

The weather consisted sunny intervals, showers and relatively light south-east winds. The Daurian Shrike remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where sightings included a Water Rail, 30 Redwing and a Yellow-browed Warbler. Large numbers of Pink-footed Geese again featured, with 1516 flying south over Bempton village early evening.

The Firecrest was still in residence at Old Fall and other notable passerines included a Jay, five Yellow-browed Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher and two Bearded Tits, the latter at Thornwick Pools.

A relatively overcast day, with showers and an increasingly strong northerly wind. Unsurprisingly given the conditions, seawatching proved rewarding with five Long-tailed Skuas (four south, one north) and an adult Pomarine Skua south. A total of 179 Red-throated Divers flew south, along with a Great Northern Diver. Also on the move were five dark-bellied Brent Geese, a pale-bellied Brent Goose, a Velvet Scoter, 15 Little Gulls, a first-winter Caspian Gull and two Sooty Shearwaters.

An Arctic Skua was recorded at Thornwick Pools, where Water Rail and 58 Teal were also present. South Landing hosted a Merlin, while a Yellow-browed Warbler joined a tit flock on Bempton Lane.

The Daurian Shrike continued its stay at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Humpback Whale was offshore.

Variable cloud cover with a good deal of sunshine and scattered showers. A fresh northerly making it feel cool with a maximum temperature 10°C.

The pick of the seawatch included three Pintail, five Velvet Scoter, a Mediterranean Gull, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, a Great Northern and 141 Red-throated Divers together with 47 Manx and 31 Sooty Shearwaters.

A Shore Lark flew south at the Golf Course while another Jay was present on the Outer Head.

The Daurian Shrike at RSPB Bempton Cliffs has now been present eight days while two Yellow-browed Warblers were also seen.

A cold and bright start to the day. Dry with long sunny spells and fresh south-westerly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.

A Little Auk passed the Fog Station during the seawatch which also included 16 Whooper Swans, two Mediterranean Gulls, single Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas and a Sooty Shearwater.

Whooper Swan passage over the headland numbered 81 during the morning while c.2500 Pink-footed Geese continued to visit local stubble fields from their roosts on the Humber. A Little Bunting was found at Thornwick mid-afternoon.

Whooper Swans were also logged west of Danes Dyke with eight in fields near Buckton Hall, where there was also 200 Golden Plover, and 12 in off the sea at Bempton Cliffs. A Jack Snipe was at Bempton, a Yellow-browed Warbler continued its stay in the Dell at Bempton but the Daurian Shrike has finally moved on.

Migweek 24 began with moderate south-west winds, heavy showers under mainly overcast skies and a high of ten degrees C. Seawatching provided the highlights, with seven juvenile Long-tailed Skuas reorientating back north following strong northerlies earlier in the week. Two Little Gulls and two Common Terns also flew north, with 32 Golden Plovers moving south. A flock of 475 Pink-footed Geese fed on stubbles on the outer head before legions headed south around dusk, when a Short-eared Owl was hunting cliff top fields at Thornwick. Single Yellow-browed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were also present, while a Merlin hunted the North Marsh area.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 1000 Pink-footed Geese, six Whooper Swans, two Water Rails, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 37 Song Thrush, 67 Redwing, four Brambling, 29 Siskin and 42 Reed Buntings.

A cool day, with relatively light north-westerly winds, sunny intervals in the morning preceded cloudier skies and a high of nine degrees C. Another juvenile Long-tailed Skua flew north during a seawatch that also featured 62 Wigeon, six Eider, nine Little Gulls, a Puffin and a Sooty Shearwater moving in the same direction. In addition, a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea; two of the latter also hunted cliff top fields at Thornwick late afternoon. A Merlin frequented the outer head for much of the day, while a Hobby at South Landing was noteably late in the season. Wildfowl interest included eight Whooper Swans (three on stubbles north of Thornwick & five south) and 3000+ Pink-footed Geese that fed on cliff top fields. A first-winter Little Gull that dropped onto Thornwick Pools was unusual. Passerine interest included two Jays, seven Yellow-browed Warblers and two Cetti’s Warbler, one ringed at Thornwick and another at South Landing.

Two Yellow-browed Warblers remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Little Owl and three Whooper Swans were also recorded.

A perfect day to be out and about with very light winds and sunny throughout; temperatures reached 14 degrees C. Wildfowl interest included 1700 Pink-footed Geese over the outer head, a vocal Tundra Bean Goose that flew west and six Whooper Swans. Five Water Rails were in residence, along with nine Snipe and a Mediterranean Gull. A Marsh Harrier also hunted the outer head, as did the late-staying Hobby. Passerine interest included one Cetti’s Warbler, three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Reed Warbler, 63 Redwing, ten Brambling, four Siskin, a Twite and ten Corn Buntings. Better still, the Little Bunting remained on the northern fringe of Thornwick Camp.

Three Whooper Swans flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Jack Snipe and two Water Rails were also recorded. Other sightings included a Yellow-browed Warbler, five Redwing, a Brambling and five Siskin. Ten Dunnocks included five birds that flew off high in a north-westerly direction.

A relatively overcast day, with blustery south-east winds and a high of 13 degrees C.

Conditions proved conducive for an arrival of passerines, dominated by 10,100 Redwings. A Great Grey Shrike was also ringed at South Landing, with subsequent sightings at Booted Gully and Hartendale. Additional new arrivals included three Woodcock, five Yellow-browed Warblers, a Ring Ouzel, eight Siskin, 40 Brambling, one Twite and a Snow Bunting. The Little Bunting continued in residence at Thornwick, while single Water Rail, Hobby and Merlin were on the outer head.

Another Little Bunting graced RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Hawfinch was also fresh-in. Additional sightings there included three Woodcock, 900 Redwing, three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Black Redstart, one Ring Ouzel, 21 Brambling and five Siskin. A total of 5500 Pink-footed Geese toured the cliff top fields and three Whooper Swans flew south-east.

Overcast throughout, with occasional showers, a light/moderate south-easterly wind and a high of 13 degrees C. It was another cracking day headlined by the third Red-flanked Bluetail of the autumn and a Dusky Warbler at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a Pallas’s Warbler (Lighthouse bushes) and Richard’s Pipit (west over Old Fall hedge) on the outer head. Three Siberian Chiffchaffs made landfall, one at Bempton and the others at Thornwick and Old Fall. The long-staying Little Bunting also remained at Thornwick.

Non-passerine migrants included 16 Shelduck, a Pintail, one Merlin, a Water Rail, a Jack Snipe, eight Woodcock and a Short-eared Owl. Passerines included two Cetti’s Warblers, 14 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Firecrest, two male Black Redstarts, eight Ring Ouzels, 15 Brambling and a Snow Bunting.

Four Ring Ouzels were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with the Hawfinch for its second day. Other sightings there included 107 Teal, four Pintail, a Purple Sandpiper, two Yellow-browed Warblers, four Brambling and a Siskin.

A bright, warm day, with prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C in light south-westerly winds. The highlight was a showy Radde’s Warbler that spent the day in the Bay Brambles below the lighthouse. Only a few metres away, the Pallas’s Warbler continued to show and a Red-rumped Swallow flew south, while three Black Redstarts were in residence on the edge of the lighthouse car park. Another Black Redstart and a Cetti’s Warbler were near Thornwick cafe. Two Richard’s Pipit were present, a single dropped onto fields next to Old Fall hedge, with another on the cliff top at Buckton, where the Dusky Warbler lingered. In addition, the long-staying Little Bunting was still at Thornwick, while the Red-flanked Bluetail was ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Huge numbers of Pink-footed Geese again fed on cliff tops stubbles, with 8200 birds producing aural delight. A ringtail Hen Harrier began the day over the Lighthouse grassland, but appeared over North Dykes later; at one point it was mobbed by a Merlin. Raptor interest also included two Marsh Harriers. Eight Woodcock included several in off the sea, while additional records included one Water Rail and a Short-eared Owl. Passerine migrants included two Jays, 12 Yellow-browed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, three Redpoll, two Siskin and a Hawfinch, the latter overflying Thornwick Pools.

Four Whooper Swans flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where one Jack Snipe, a Short-eared Owl and the Hawfinch remained.

A foggy morning was followed by brighter skies, with a high of 15 degrees C in south-westerly winds. The Red-flanked Bluetail and Little Bunting were still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and the Pallas’s Warbler near the lighthouse. Six Great White Egrets that flew south from the outer head represented a headland record tally. Otherwise it was a much quieter day, with eight Whooper Swans south, a Merlin, two Black Redstarts and three Yellow-browed Warblers.

Heavy rain in the morning preceded sunny intervals, very light winds and a high of 15 degrees C. The Red-flanked Bluetail remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, as did the Pallas’s Warbler near the lighthouse.

Thornwick Pools hosted two Water Rails and a Jack Snipe. Short-eared Owls were also recorded in the Gorse Field and over North Landing, while the male Black Redstart at the lighthouse proved photogenic. Eight Yellow-browed Warblers were scattered around the outer head, while Old Fall also attracted a Firecrest. Seawatch highlights included 107 Wigeon, five Pintail, ten Little Gulls and an Arctic Skua moving south.

Single Woodcock, Water Rail and Great Northern Diver were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Also present on the reserve were two Yellow-browed Warblers, a Grey Wagtail, a Mistle Thrush that came in off the sea, one Black Redstart and two Redpoll. Single Short-eared Owl and Little Owl added further interest there.

The weather consisted of strong southerly winds, rain during the morning followed by a dryer afternoon and a high of 16 degrees C. RSPB Bempton Cliffs continued to host the Red-flanked Bluetail that proved relatively cooperative in the afternoon; single Whooper Swan, first-winter Caspian Gull and Yellow-browed Warbler were also recorded on the reserve.

Sightings from the Thornwick area included 185 Teal, 35 Tufted Ducks and a Little Grebe. An estimated 2000 Pink-footed Geese also flew south to roost in the evening. Seawatch records included two Velvet Scoters south, a Sandwich Tern, one Little Gull, a Mediterranean Gull and a Merlin.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, a light/moderate south-west wind and a high of 14 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included three Whooper Swans, 123 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, a first-winter Caspian Gull and a Great Northern Diver all moving south. Elsewhere, an additional nine Whooper Swans were recorded along with 2700 Pink-footed Geese. North Marsh attracted a Short-eared Owl, South Landing a single Yellow-browed Warbler. However, the best new arrival was a Water Pipit that dropped onto Thornwick Pools.

The long-staying Red-flanked Bluetail remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where two Water Rails, four House Martins and a Yellow-browed Warbler were also present.

Sunny intervals throughout, with light south-west winds and a top temperature of 15 degrees C. Four Whooper Swans flew south during a seawatch that also featured two Arctic Terns, two Common Terns, 114 Little Gulls, an immature Caspian Gull and a Great Northern Diver.

The Thornwick area attracted 172 Teal, 39 Tufted Ducks, a Water Rail and three Little Grebes. Eighteen Whooper Swans flew south over North Landing, a Jack Snipe visited the Water Lane horse paddocks and a Little Egret overflew Thornwick Bay. Passerine interest was confined to a Yellow-browed Warbler in Booted Gully and two Redpolls.

Elsewhere, the Red-flanked Bluetail lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where Short-eared Owl and Yellow-browed Warbler were also present.

An overcast day with morning mist,a light south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 12°C.

A Caspian Gull was the best of the seawatch that also included a Common Tern, two Arctic Terns and 18 Little Gulls.

The Red-flanked Bluetail spent its eighth day at Bempton Cliffs where other passerines included two Common Redpolls, a Blackcap and Chiffchaff as small numbers of Redwings arrived late afternoon.

Wildfowl included 1500 Pink-footed Geese on stubbles near North Dykes and 34 Whooper Swans heading south-east at Bempton Cliffs, 22 being seen over Thornwick Pools. Two Mute Swans flew south at South Landing.

A sunny day with a moderate to fresh southerly backing south-easterly by mid-afternoon and a maximum temperature of 14°C.

Seawatchers logged 240 Little Gulls, an Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua along with a Dark-bellied Brent and 14 Pink-footed Geese, five Bar-tailed Godwits and six Knot.

A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Holmes Gut but there few other migrants.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, the Red-flanked Bluetail was still present and a Short-eared Owl came in off the sea late morning.

The early morning fog eased and then returned by midday. Overall it was a gloomy, overcast day with intermittent drizzle in a light south-easterly. Maximum temperature 12°C.

Wildfowl provided most of the interest in the morning seawatch during a gap in the fog. Wigeon and Teal numbered 269 and 213 respectively supported by nine Dark-bellied Brent Geese, two Shoveler, two Gadwall, a Tufted duck and two Red-breasted Mergansers. Waders were also moving as shown by 28 Lapwing and 27 Dunlin while 28 Little Gulls were also logged.

Passerine interest included four Yellow-browed Warblers, a Hawfinch over Bempton Lane, four Chiffchaffs,and four Siskin. A Jack Snipe and a Short-eared Owl were both on the north side of the Head. Numbers of Teal have reached 165 at Thornwick Pools. Many Redwings were moving over Flamborough village after dark.

The Red-flanked Bluetail at Bempton Cliffs was still present. In addition, there was a small arrival of thrushes, a single Chiffchaff along with seven Siskins. Two further Siskin were over Bempton village.

A sunny morning gave way to an overcast afternoon, the light south-westerly backing southerly and a maximum temperature of 13°C.

Ten Whooper Swans moved south during the morning seawatch, other birds passing over the sea included five Great Northern Divers, two Goosander, a Shoveler, single Common and Arctic Terns, an Arctic Skua and 104 Little Gulls.

The main feature of the day was the passage of Whooper Swans including 149 over Bempton Cliffs with 42 of them being seen east of the Dykes. There was evidence of inbound migration with new birds including eight Twite, four Lapland Buntings, a Hawfinch at South Dykes, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Old Fall, nine Siskin, and four Brambling. Three Yellow-browed Warblers were present on the Outer Head while a House Martin was over Flamborough village.

The Red-flanked Bluetail at Bempton Cliffs RSPB has now extended its stay to eleven days. Other sightings there featured 1914 Pink-footed Geese, 54 Golden Plover, a Short-eared Owl, a Swallow, over 350 Redwings in off, a Black Redstart, three Brambling, two Redpolls and 15 Siskin. In addition, two Hawfinch flew over Bempton Caravan Park.

A light westerly and cloud free skies allowed the temperature to rise to 13°C before cloud cover increased late afternoon.

The Thornwick area attracted two Bearded Tits and a Cetti’s Warbler there still present. Also seen on the Outer Head were a Merlin, 3 Redpoll, a Brambling as 475 Redwing made landfall.

Birds moving over Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a Twite, a Redpoll, a single Snow Bunting and 90 Whooper Swans. Two Short-eared Owls and two Marsh Harriers were also noted while the Red-flanked Bluetail was still present. A Jay flew over Bempton Chalet Park.

Remaining cloudy all day after overnight rain; a light south-westerly allowed temperatures to rise to 15°C.

Single Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Great Northern Diver, Arctic Skua in addition to five Goosander, 14 Whooper Swans and 26 Little Gulls all passed the Fog Station while two Twite were on the cliff top and two Snow Buntings came in off before heading inland.

At Beacon Hill, a notable flock of 27 Twite was found. One Bearded Tit was still present at Thornwick Roost and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Old Fall. Northcliff Marsh hosted a Short-eared Owl and a drake Pintail. Two late Swallows were at the lighthouse.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, the Red-flanked Bluetail still remained as three Short-eared Owls and two Water Rails were present while 42 Whooper Swans were also logged.

A balmy 18°C was the maximum temperature with a light north-westerly on an overcast day.

Seawatchers at the Fog Station logged two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 35 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, two Great Northern Divers and a Manx Shearwater. In addition, two Mediterranean Gulls, a Sandwich and two Arctic Terns passed.

The main event of the day was a significant afternoon arrival of thrushes many seen spiralling from high out of the sky to make landfall. Counts from number of locations make assessment of the true numbers difficult. Ignoring all possible duplication, the minimum counts were 6950 Redwing, 1540 Fieldfare and 250 Blackbirds. Other migrants included four Woodcock, ten Brambling, five Siskin, a Jack Snipe and three Water Rails.

The Red-flanked Bluetail continued to entertain at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Another overcast and mild day with a maximum temperature of 13°C and light south-westerly.

Several species of wildfowl were logged during a lively seawatch including 24 Pink-footed Geese, eight Whooper Swans, five Velvet Scoter, 108 Common Scoter, seven Goosander and four Red-breasted Mergansers. In addition, eight Little and three Mediterranean Gulls, three Arctic Skuas and three Great Northern Divers passed. Further interest came from birds making landfall with a Short-eared Owl, 2 Grey Wagtails and five Snow Buntings all coming in off while five Twite were still on the cliff.

There were frequent flocks of incoming Redwings and Fieldfares, all heading west, amounting to several hundreds of each. Amongst the thrushes was a Ring Ouzel at Old Fall where a Yellow-browed Warbler continued to be seen. Other passerine species included nine Brambling, two Redpoll and 17 Siskin. Two Short-eared Owls, a Marsh Harrier, three Woodcock and 38 Whooper Swans were also noted on the Outer Head.

There was no sign of the Red-flanked Bluetail at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Another cloudy day with a light south-westerly. Maximum temperature of 14°C.

Seawatching yielded two Great Northern Divers, a Long-tailed Duck, an adult Mediterranean Gull, an Arctic Skua, 14 Pink-footed Geese and two Swallows.

Old Fall continued to host a Yellow-browed Warbler while South Landing attracted a Merlin and 35 Common Scoter. Whooper Swans continued to pass though with 32 being noted and Thornwick Pools held 151 Teal.

Counters at Bempton Cliffs RSPB logged 103 Pink-footed Geese, 27 Whooper Swans, 16 Golden Plover, two Swallows and two Siskins.

Mainly sunny with light south-westerly winds allowed the temperature to rise to a mild 16°C.

A Great Northern Diver passed the Fog Station during the morning along with two Mediterranean Gulls, three Little Gulls and three Arctic Terns. A Siskin, four Snow Buntings and 74 Pink-footed Geese were also logged.

Birds seen on the Outer Head included 455 Pink-footed Geese, four Whooper Swans, a Pintail, four Water Rails, two Woodcock and two Short-eared Owls. Two Twite were near Breil Nook and a Black Redstart at the lighthouse while the Yellow-browed Warbler at Old Fall was still present.

Further west, at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Lapland Bunting, six Siskin and a Redpoll flew over and a Short-eared Owl and three Water Rails were on the reserve.

An overcast day with a light to moderate south to south-easterly. The temperature was an almost constant 12°C.

Ducks were the focus of interest on this morning’s seawatch with the following logged: three Shoveler, two Gadwall, 29 Wigeon, 20 Teal, a single Velvet and 81 Common Scoter, three Goldeneye and two Red-breasted Mergansers. Also seen were two Arctic Skuas, two Great Northern Divers while a Short-eared Owl was seen to come in off the sea.

Waters at Thornwick hosted a Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Tufted Duck and 86 Teal. Four Whooper Swans remained at Highcliffe Manor and a different four over Old Fall. About 200 Pink-footed Geese were on stubble on the Outer Head. Two Yellow-browed Warblers were at Old Fall Plantation and a late Wheatear in a nearby field. Other sightings included a Ring Ouzel, two Twite, two Snow Buntings, seven Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl and a Merlin.

Sightings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a Marsh Harrier, 500 Pink-footed Geese, a Whooper Swan, two Woodcock and two Water Rails. A Little Egret, 17 Bramblings, three Siskins and two Snow Buntings flew over.

A rather dull and cloudy morning with occasional drizzle in a light southerly. Feeling cooler than of late with the temperature never exceeding 11°C.

There was a steady flow of inbound thrushes throughout the day. While numbers were never great there were frequent flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares passing over. A count early morning logged 2000 Redwing and 140 Fieldfares in 2.75 hours. Also making landfall were 12 Woodcock, six Water Rails. Passerine interest included a new Yellow-browed Warbler at Thornwick, a late Swallow, three Blackcaps and a very late Garden Warbler in addition to four Bramblings, 26 Siskins and a Lapland Bunting. Four Whooper Swans were still at Highcliffe Manor. A Great Northern Diver was on the sea off Cattlmere and a Whooper Swan off South Landing.

Watchers at Bempton Cliffs RSPB logged eight Woodcock, three Water Rails, six Siskin and three Brambling. Over 3200 Starlings flew north west while waders were represented by nine Lapwings, four Golden Plover and seven Snipe.

Dull and overcast with patchy light drizzle with a light south-easterly. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

Seawatchers logged the first Scaup of the year and one each of Shoveler and Gadwall as well as 42 Common Scoter and two Red-breasted Mergansers. Single Pomarine Skua, Great Northern Diver and Little Egret were also seen.

A Hawfinch seen in the Outer Head Gardens was perhaps the same as that seen near South Landing. Other passerines included a Yellow-browed Warbler at Old Fall again, two Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Chiffchaff, a Ring Ouzel and 33 Siskins. Eight Woodcocks, five Whooper Swans and a Black-tailed Godwit were the best of the rest.

A Siberian Chiffchaff and two Common Chiffchaffs were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. Other sightings included a Great Northern Diver, three Brambling, three Siskin, two Water Rails, four Whooper Swans, 68 Pink-footed Geese, nine Lapwing and a Short-eared Owl.

A very light south-westerly and gloomy, overcast conditions continued. The temperature was a constant 11°C.

During the morning, seawatchers logged two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 31 Eider, 80 Common Scoter, three Goldeneye and a Red-breasted Merganser,eight Little Gulls and a Great Northern Diver. Birds coming in off the sea included two Woodcock,a Short-eared Owl, 80 Redwings and four Snow Buntings. Three pods of Bottle-nosed Dolphins containing 51 animals also passed.

Lingering birds included the Yellow-browed Warbler at Old Fall, four Whooper Swans at Highcliffe Manor and Black-tailed Godwit at Thornwick Pools. Five Woodcock, four Chiffchaff and a Blackcap were noted around the Outer Head and over 1000 Starlings murmurated over Thornwick cafe.

A Lapland Bunting and a Short-eared Owl were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. A short distance away, a Golden Plover and 3 Grey Wagtails were seen in Bempton village with 1150 Starlings. Large numbers of Starlings were also at Buckton where 7000 were seen.

The anticyclonic gloom continues. A very light south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 13°C.

Three Dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Whooper Swans and a Pintail were the pick of the seawatch.

A steady, if unspectacular, stream of immigrant 370 Blackbirds, 560 Redwings and 235 Fieldfares continued and included a Ring Ouzel in the Bay Brambles. A Siberian Chiffchaff was in the Golf Course Willows. Five Whooper Swans continued to linger, a further nine passed over and 89 Pink-footed Geese were also seen. Two Short-eared Owls, a male Marsh Harrier and two Merlins were also present on the Outer Head. Eleven Woodcocks, 21 Snipe and flocks of Siskin totalling 92 Siskin were logged. Waters at Thornwick hosted a Black-tailed Godwit, 33 Tufted Duck, three Little Grebes

A Dusky Warbler in Bempton village was the find of the day.

Another overcast day when the temperature reached 12 °C in a light southerly.

A quiet seawatch yielded two Bonxies, two Pintail, a Gadwall, eight Eider and ten Common Scoter.

A Ring Ouzel, five Siskins and ten Bramblings were at South Landing where 81 Common Scoter were offshore. A Snow Bunting flew over the Outer Head, a Short-eared Owl at North Landing and a Woodcock in Flamborough village.

Overcast with a light southerly again; maximum temperature 11°C.

Tw Dark-belied Brent Geese passed the Fog Station this morning together with 59 Teal, 5 Wigeon and 15 Common Scoter while a Mediterranean Gull was offshore and a Black Redstart was present.

A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was also on South Landing beach while 6 more passed offshore. A Woodcock was at Little Thornwick Reedbed and a Merlin a short distance away.

Mainly cloudy, light easterly and a maximum temperature of 10°C.

Seven Lesser White-fronted Geese came in off the sea at the Fog Station. Other highlights included two Shoveler, 98 Teal, 27 Common Scoter, 11 Little Gulls, A Great Northern and 26 Red-throated Divers while a Sandwich Tern was offshore.

A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Old Fall Hedge and a Black Redstart near the lighthouse. Just a single Woodcock was noted.

Another Black Redstart was at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where a Great White Egret passed over and a Woodcock, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Goldeneye, a Great Northerm Diver and two Snow Buntings were also logged