Category: Sightings

A light west-south-west wind, sunny intervals and relatively low temperatures, reaching 4 degrees C after a frosty start. Fourteen Red-throated Divers flew south on an otherwise quiet seawatch. The Greenland & Russian White-fronted Geese remained in the vicinity of North Marsh, where a Pink-footed Goose accompanied the Greylag flock. A total of 53 Teal were recorded, whilst the female Velvet Scoter was seen off South Landing, where a Woodcock roosted in the ravine. A Common Buzzard flew over the Dykes, whilst five Grey Partridges were the first recorded this year and one Golden Plover toured the headland.

Two Short-eared Owls were near North Landing, with Tawny Owls calling on Church Lane and Oceanview and Barn Owls seen at Mid-Dykes and Church Lane. A pair of Stonechat returned to territory at Thornwick and another remained near North Marsh. Two Mistle Thrushes frequented Stainforth’s Flash, 25 Rock Pipits were at South Landing and a Coal Tit on Church Lane.

The day’s highlight came in the form of a Rough-legged Buzzard observed mid-afternoon at Buckton, where there were also three Short-eared Owls, a Barn Owl, one Golden Plover and 31 Corn Buntings.

A light/moderate west-north-westerly wind, sunny intervals and temperatures of 6 degrees C. The Greenland & Russian White-fronted Geese remained with the Greylag flock, as did one Pink-foot. Single Shelduck, 30 Teal and three Velvet Scoters were seen; the latter were off South Landing/South Dykes, where an unprecedented 337 Cormorants gathered, of which 260 belonged to the ‘sinensis’ race. There were also four Sanderling in the same area, with a Woodcock roosting in South Landing and another near South Dykes. Other sightings from South Dykes included six Coal Tits, ten Long-tailed Tits, a Treecreeper and two Bullfinch. The Stonechat remained near North Marsh.

The Rough-legged Buzzard was also seen again patrolling the cliff top near Buckton.

After a frosty start and light south-south-west winds, the wind strengthened considerably and rain arrived from early afternoon, whilst temperatures reached 4 degrees C. Highlights of the seawatch included two Shelduck flying north, four Common Scoter north, a Velvet Scoter south, a 2nd/3rd calendar-year Glaucouc Gull south and seven Puffins north. Both the Greenland & Russian White-fronted Geese remained in residence, with nine Wigeon and 18 Teal present and seven Common and one Velvet Scoter off South Landing, where the Bar-tailed Godwit and Woodcock lingered. Two Coal Tits and a Treecreeper were also present at South Landing, whilst a Scandinavian Rock Pipit was located near North Marsh.

Buckton sightings included a Water Rail, six Short-eared Owls, two Peregrines, four Lapwing, 150 Yellowhammers and 60 Corn Buntings. So far this year, 36 Yellowhammers have been caught and ringed at Buckton, with large numbers now coming to the corn being put out around the main dell.

A day of strong south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures of 4 degrees C. The seawatch was very quiet, with six Common Scoters flying north the only sign of movement. The lone Russian & Greenland White-fronted Geese and the Pink-footed Goose remained on the Headland. Other wildfowl included a Shelduck, one Wigeon and 18 Teal. There were 14 Long-tailed Tits at Thornwick, a Stonechat near North Marsh and a Bullfinch at Greenacres.

A day of strong westerlies, overcast with occasional heavy showers and temperatures of 6 degrees C. During the seawatch ten Red-throated Divers flew south, as did one Great Northern Diver, whilst an adult Mediterranean Gull also headed south. An Ocean Sunfish represented an unseasonal record.

Elsewhere, wildfowl included the Pink-footed Goose, two Shelduck, a Wigeon and 22 Teal. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was new, with other records including a Short-eared Owl near North Landing, two Scandinavian Rock Pipits (littoralis), single Fieldfare and Stonechat and three Bullfinch at South Landing.

Light west-south-west winds throughout, with sunny intervals after an overcast start and temperatures of 6 degrees C. Eleven Wigeon flew south on the seawatch, with a Pergerine also present and 1500 Kittiwakes offshore.

The Pink-footed Goose remained, as did four Shelduck. The Velvet Scoter and a Great Northern Diver were on the sea off South Landing, with five Great Crested Grebes off South Dykes. Additional sightings from South Landing included a Grey Heron, one Bar-tailed Godwit, two Coal Tits (with another in the village) and 40 Linnets. Elsewhere, single Stonechat and Mistle Thrush were present, whilst two Siskins flew in off the sea on the Outer Head.

Two Short-eared Owls and a Goldcrest were noted at Buckton.

An overcast start with rain during the morning before a brighter afternoon, temperatures of 8 degrees C and a light/moderate south-west wind. Seawatching produced 13 Red-throated Divers flying south and 13 Puffins north, with two heading south. The Velvet Scoter appeared again off South Landing, where there was also a Red-necked Grebe. Bar-tailed Godwit and Woodcock were also still present at South Landing, but an Avocet on Thornwick Pool was unexpected. Two Fieldfares were on the Outer Head, whilst a Blackcap was present in the village.

A day that featured a light/moderate west-south-west wind, sunshine and temperatures of seven degrees C, after a frosty start. Seawatching was quiet, with four Puffins flying north the highlight.

Four Shelduck and 11 Wigeon were still present, with 12 Snipe at Thornwick Pool. The Red-necked Grebe showed well off South Landing, where there were 16 Lapwing, two Woodcock, a Stonechat and two Coal Tits. Thornwick hosted another Stonechat, whilst there were two more Coal Tits in South Dykes and 95 Linnets represented an increase.

An overcast day with a moderate to strong south-south-west wind and temperatures of 7 degrees C. During the seawatch, 17 Red-throated Divers flew south, including a partially leucistic individual, as did seven Teal and two Puffins, whilst two Eider flew north. Forty-five Purple Sandpipers were also present on the Outer Head. Large numbers of Guillemots/Razorbills moved south in the morning, with 22,500 per hour then heading back north late afternoon.  Other sightings included seven Wigeon, 20 Teal, one Bar-tailed Godwit at South Landing, a Jack Snipe and seven Snipe at Thornwick, and a Stonechat near North Marsh.

Two Short-eared Owls were still in residence at Buckton, along with a Stonechat, 100 Yellowhammers and 40 Corn Buntings.

The month opened with strong westerly winds, there were sunny intervals during the morning and temperatures reached 8 degrees C. A 2nd-calendar year Iceland Gull lingered off the Headland during the morning; the same individual then re-appeared off Sewerby late afternoon and joined a large feeding flock of 7000 Herring Gulls and 500 Gannets. Nearby, the Velvet Scoter was again off South Landing.

A day of moderate/strong west-south-west winds, occasional wintry showers and temperatures of 4 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Blue Fulmar flew north, as did a Shelduck, two Eiders moved south, whilst a Peregrine flew past the Fog Station. In addition, 126 Cormorants was another well above average tally. Additional sightings included four Shelduck and a Bar-tailed Godwit.

A moderate/strong south-west wind, temperatures reaching 4 degrees C, with sunny intervals and occasional snow flurries. Twenty-nine Red-throated Divers were on the sea off the Outer Head, two Common Scoters flew south there and a further 22 were off South Landing/South Dykes. No fewer than four Red-necked Grebes were present together off Sewerby and three drake Eiders were off South Landing, where the Bar-tailed Godwit was on the beach.

A moderate west-north-westerly, sunny conditions and temperatures reached 9 degrees C. A total of 429 Fulmars moved north during the morning’s seawatch, together with two Blue Fulmars, whilst two Puffins also flew north. The Velvet Scoter accompanied two Common Scoters off South Dykes, but the undoubted highlight related to a group of five Red-necked Grebes together off Sewerby; close inshore, a summer-plumaged adult spent time displaying to the other birds which were all relatively vocal. Four Long-tailed Tits and two Treecreepers were present in South Landing.

A day of light south-west winds, overcast conditions and temperatures reaching 7 degrees C. A Blue Fulmar flew north during the seawatch, together with 304 Pink-footed Geese, seven Wigeon and seven Common Scoters headed south, whilst 35 Puffins did likewise. A Great Crested Grebe was on the sea, whilst 40 Purple Sandpipers were on the Outer Head.

The five Red-necked Grebes remained off Sewerby, the Velvet Scoter appeared again off South Landing, a Barn Owl was near North Marsh and two Coal Tits and a Grey Wagtail frequented South Dykes.

A light south-west wind, generally overcast conditions and temperatures reached 12 degrees C. A total of 27 Red-throated Divers flew south on the seawatch, along with 167 Puffins, whilst 55 Purple Sandpipers were present.

Wildfowl included two Shelduck, 31 Teal and a drake Pintail; the latter at North Marsh. The five Red-necked Grebes and one Great Crested Grebe were off Sewerby, along with 1500 Common and 1000 Black-headed Gulls. Additional sightings included three Barn Owls, a Short-eared Owl (at Thornwick Pool), two Peregrines and one Stonechat.

A day of strong south-westerly winds, an overcast morning, but sunny intervals in the afternoon and temperatures reaching 14 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Great Northern Diver and a Blue Fulmar flew south, whilst 34 Whooper Swans and 450 Pink-footed Geese moved north. Four Eider headed in the same direction, with 127 Puffins flying south and two Peregrines off the Headland.

Three Red-necked Grebes, two Great Crested Grebes and a Great Northern Diver were present off Sewerby. Four Shelduck, four Wigeon and 41 Teal frequented the wetland areas, with two Barn Owls also present. However, the highlight was a Rough-legged Buzzard that hunted the cliff-top opposite Buckton Hall from early afternoon. Thrushes were moving, with three Redwing, two continental Song Thrushes and four Blackbirds near the Lighthouse, with another Redwing and a Grey Wagtail at Thornwick Pool.

A day of moderate south-westerly winds, overcast during the morning before a belt of rain and sunny intervals later; temperatures of 10 degrees C. Pink-footed Geese continued to head north, with three skeins containing a total of 194 birds and a drake Pintail was again on North Marsh. However, a party of three Egyptian Geese that flew south-east over Speeton/Bempton was more unexpected. The five Red-necked Grebes were again off Sewerby, together with two Great Crested Grebes, a Velvet Scoter, a Peregrine and 1000-strong feeding flock of Gannets. Five Lesser Black-backed Gulls were noted off the Headland.

The Rough-legged Buzzard was again present at Buckton, which also hosted three Short-eared Owls and there was an increase in Stonechats, with five at Buckton and five in the Thornwick area. The best passerine migrant was a female Black Redstart at South Landing that frequented the area around the Lifeboat station and nearby beach. Two Scandinavian Rock Pipits were on the beach at South Landing, with another at Sewerby.

A moderate southerly wind and a belt of rain arrived during the middle of the day after a bright start, whilst temperatures reached 6 degrees C. The seawatch was quiet, with 38 Puffins maintaining that species daily sightings. Two Red-necked Grebes were present off Sewerby, while four Pied Wagtails represented an increase.

A light variable wind, sunny and temperatures of 12 degrees C. Seawatching produced a Blue Fulmar flying north and 40 Purple Sandpipers on the Outer Head. The five Red-necked Grebes remained off Sewerby, where a 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull was also present late afternoon. A single Great Northern Diver and two Velvet Scoter were on the sea off South Landing, with a Woodcock in the nearby ravine and at least two Scandinavian Rock Pipits on the beach. Two Barn Owls and a Tawny Owl were located during daylight hours, whilst Thornwick hosted nine Teal, two Shelduck and three Stonechat. Additional passerine interest included three Goldcrest, four Treecreepers, two Coal Tits, six Pied Wagtails, a Mistle Thrush and a Siskin.

The Rough-legged Buzzard was seen again at Buckton, where there were two Short-eared Owls.

A moderate/strong south-westerly wind and a belt of rain arrived after a sunny start, with temperatures reaching 7 degrees C. The seawatch produced a Velvet Scoter flying south, 239 Puffins moving north and 95 Shags leaving the roost. Six Scandinavian Rock Pipits remained on South Landing beach and one Goldcrest was on Church Lane.

A moderate south-south-east wind, overcast conditions and temperatures reaching 8 degrees C. The seawatch produced the year’s first Gadwall, when a single headed north, along with 11 Teal flying south and an Eider north. A Merlin was present near North Marsh and a Barn Owl was hunting in the Hartendale area.

A light northerly wind, overcast with temperatures of 6 degrees C. The seawatch was quiet with 31 Puffins flying past the Headland, with five on the cliffs; the second consecutive day they have been back on the cliffs. Visible migration included three alba Wagtails, two Goldfinch and three Linnets moving north over the Fog Station. A Chiffchaff represented the first spring record.

A light/moderate north-easterly wind, overcast during the morning, before sunshine and temperatures of 6 degrees C. Six Great Crested Grebes were off Sewerby, a drake Pintail and 30 Teal on North Marsh, a Goldeneye flew past South Landing, where the female Velvet Scoter remained, a drake Velvet Scoter also flew north on the seawatch and a pair of Goosander were on the sea off Sewerby. A partially leucistic Cormorant flew north onto the sea off South Dykes.

Three Scandinavian Rock Pipits were on the beach at South Landing, together with a female Black Redstart, three Mistle Thrushes were in the village, single Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were recorded and a Lapland Bunting accompanied Skylarks near North Landing.

A Short-eared Owl was present at Buckton, whilst Bempton hosted a female Stonechat.

A day of light north-easterly winds, an overcast morning gave way to sunny spells in the early afternoon, whilst temperatures reached 9 degrees C. The highlight of the seawatch was the year’s first Manx Shearwater flying north. North Marsh hosted a drake Pintail, a Wigeon and 43 Teal, with eight of the latter also at Thornwick Pool. The female Velvet Scoter remained close inshore off South Landing. A Merlin was again seen near North Marsh, where a pair of Grey Partridges was a welcome record. Four Scandinavian Rock Pipits remained on South Landing beach, with a Goldcrest was present in the nearby ravine. A Chiffchaff appeared in the village on Church Lane.

The Rough-legged Buzzard again re-appeared over the Trig Point along the cliff top at Buckton mid-afternoon. A Black Redstart was on the cliff top at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A cold, but light easterly wind, persistent overcast conditions and temperatures reaching 6 degrees C. The Merlin was chasing a Skylark over Oceanview, whilst at least four Scandinavian Rock Pipits were on the beach at South Landing. Thornwick Pool hosted ten Teal, four Snipe and four Pied Wagtails, with a Barn Owl hunting the adjacent grassland.

An overcast day with a light east wind and temperatures of 6 degrees C.

The early morning seawatch on the headland produced few birds other than a Wigeon north, 20 Puffin north and six south. On the sea 25 Shag, one Common Scoter and 14 Puffin. At South Landing were three Common Scoter, 23 Turnstone and six Rock Pipit. Additional sightings included Barn Owl hunting at Stylerfield, a Woodcock, one Great Spotted Woodpecker, 30 Tree Sparrow, 10 Yellowhammer and eight Reed Bunting.

West of the Dykes there were eight Rock Pipits, a further eight of Scandinavian Rock Pipits/’littoralis’, two Grey Wagtails, 35 Fieldfare, 25 Yellowhammer, eight Reed Bunting and five Corn Buntings. At Bempton RSPB, a pair of Bullfinch was in The Dell and good numbers of Puffin visited the cliffs, while nearby at Buckton were two Short-eared Owl.

Another overcast day, some mist with a light north-north-west wind and temperature of 6c.

The headland seawatch had three Red-throated Diver, 103 Fulmar and 59 Puffin all moving north, with a single Great Skua south. Birds present on the sea included 12 Puffin, whilst 50 Shag also flew past.

At South Landing, the Black Redstart was still around on the beach, along with three Curlew, nine Redshank, one Ringed Plover and at least four Scandinavian Rock Pipits/’littoralis’. On the sea off South Landing, there were three Common and one Velvet Scoter.

West of the Dykes, was a single Snow Bunting, 12 Meadow Pipit and 13 Pied Wagtail.

Weather much the same as yesterday, with cloud cover, a force 3-4 north-east wind and temperatures of 6c.

Early morning sea-watching on the headland produced one Red-throated Diver heading north and two south, 63 Fulmar north, five Curlew south, three Lesser black-backed Gulls north, 23 Great black-backed Gull north and 16 Puffin north. Birds present on the headland included a Woodcock hiding in the Fog Station compound and another in the outer gardens, both probably awaiting nightfall to cross the North Sea, whilst a single Chiffchaff frequented the same area. The Black Redstart was still present at South Landing, where there were also three Common Scoter, a Bar-tailed Godwit and six ‘littoralis’/Scandinavian Rock Pipits still. Additional sightings included six Wigeon, a lone Pintail and an Avocet at North Marsh.

West of the Dykes were 30 Corn Bunting, five Redwing, three Short-eared Owls at Buckton and another at Bempton, with a Water Rail also at Buckton in the main Dell. Two Red-necked Grebes remained on the sea between Sewerby and South Dykes.

A day of light west-south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures rising to 14 degrees C; the eclipse was barely visible due to cloud cover.

Wildfowl included the drake Pintail, 37 Teal and a drake Wigeon. The two Red-necked Grebes were near South Dykes, whilst a Great Northern Diver was off South Landing. Three Common Buzzards appeared over Mid Dykes, single Woodcocks were present at South Landing and ‘Booted Gully’, whilst a Short-eared Owl frequented Oceanview. Passerines included four Redwing, a Fieldfare, 2500 Starlings, two Black Redstarts (at South Landing beach and below the Fog Station), a Stonechat, 13 Scandinavian Rock Pipits (12 South Landing beach and one below the Fog Station), one Chiffchaff, five Goldcrests and a Siskin.

West of the Dykes, 18 Whooper Swans flew north over Buckton, as did two Red Kites, with three Short-eared Owls in the same area. Four Common Buzzards appeared over Bempton, with a Stonechat at Bempton RSPB.

A strong north-north-west wind, overcast conditions and temperatures struggling to 6 degrees C. A total of 213 Fulmars flew north during the seawatch, as did five Common Scoters, a Lesser Black-backed Gull and 24 Puffins.

Four Red-necked Grebes were again on the sea off Sewerby, the Velvet Scoter remained off South Landing/South Dykes, with a Bar-tailed Godwit on the beach at the former location and seven Snipe were present at Thornwick Pool. Five Scandinavian Rock Pipits fed on the seaweed at South Landing, whilst additional records from South Dykes included a Tawny Owl, a Grey Wagtail, two Coal Tits and two Goldcrest. A total of 65 Pied Wagtails roosted at Thornwick Pool.

One Short-eared Owl was present at Buckton.

A day of light south-south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 9 degrees C after a frosty start. Seawatching highlights included 31 Red-throated Divers flying south and a Blue Fulmar moving north, together with 219 Fulmars.

The four Red-necked Grebes were again off Sewerby, along with four Eiders. Elsewhere, there were 41 Teal, two Shelduck, one Wigeon and the drake Pintail, with a Grey Heron, three Snipe and a Dunlin also at Thornwick Pool. One of the highlights was a Long-eared Owl on the Outer Head, with additional records including a pair of Grey Partridge, six Goldcrest and two Siskin.

West of the Dykes, the Rough-legged Buzzard re-appeared over the cliff top at Buckton and hunted the grassland there all afternoon. Nearby, two Common Buzzards were recorded and there was a White Wagtail near Bempton, where there were also a minimum of four Scandinavian Rock Pipits, a Grey Wagtail, 10 Reed Buntings, 25 Corn Buntings and 40 Yellowhammers.

The day featured light/moderate south-south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 10 degrees C. The seawatch was again relatively quiet, with a Great Crested Grebe flying north, eight Eider also moving north, whilst three headed south.

The highlight was a Firecrest on Old Fall Hedge south of the wood that showed well throughout the day. Additional migrants included a Water Rail on the Outer Head, four Redwing, four Goldcrests, one Chiffchaff and a Stonechat. A Little Grebe on a pond near the Lighthouse represented the year’s first record, while a pair of Coal Tits frequented gardens on Church Lane.

A Short-eared Owl was still present at Buckton.

A day of light variable winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reached 8 degrees C. Highlights of the seawatch included a Blue Fulmar flying north, 127 Fulmars doing the same, 11 Common Scoter moving south and a Bonxie also south.

Thornwick Pool attracted a Grey Heron, 11 Teal and five Snipe. The Little Grebe was again present on the Outer Head, whilst three Great Crested and three Red-necked Grebes were on the sea between South Landing and Sewerby. Additional sightings included a Common Buzzard, one Woodcock, two Scandinavian Rock Pipits, four Goldcrest and three Chiffchaffs.

A light north-westerly wind, sunny and temperatures reaching 6 degrees C. A Great Crested Grebe flew south during the seawatch, whilst numbers of Puffins continued to recover after many had vacated the cliffs during the weekend’s strong northerlies; 27 flew north and 12 were below the cliffs.

The four Red-necked Grebes were offshore between South Landing and Sewerby. Additional records included a Grey Heron, two Common Buzzards, one Golden Plover, a Tawny Owl, three Goldcrests, a Chiffchaff, a pair of Stonechat and 28 Yellowhammers.

A day of inclement weather, with rain throughout the morning giving way to showers and a moderate/strong west-north-westerly wind; temperatures reached 8 degrees C. The Barn Owl showed well at Thornwick Pool, where there were also ten Teal, a Snipe and three Dunlin; a Stonechat frequented the nearby cliff top gully.

Three Scandinavian Rock Pipits were on the beach at South Landing, whilst a Woodcock showed well in the nearby ravine.

A light/moderate north-westerly wind, sunny intervals and temperatures that eventually reached 10 degrees C after a cold start. Wildfowl included a Wigeon, 18 Teal and the drake Pintail. A Grey Heron was also present, with a Woodcock remaining in South Landing. A Short-eared Owl hunted the cliffs near South Landing, whilst three Barn Owls were observed.

A feature of the day was the almost complete lack of auks, with many thousands having vacated the cliffs and headed out to sea; only three Razorbills, less than 100 Guillemots and no Puffins were recorded on the seawatch. Passerine interest was limited to a Chiffchaff and three Goldcrests.

A day of strong south-westerly winds, rain during the morning, before sunny intervals later and temperatures reaching 15 degrees C. The seawatch was quiet, with two Common Scoters flying south, as did a Lesser Black-backed Gull, while thousands of auks were back in residence. However, Puffins remained scarce, with only two on the cliffs near the Fog Station. Wildfowl included the drake Pintail, 27 Teal and the Wigeon, whilst three Chiffchaff, two Goldcrest and a Fieldfare were recorded.

West of the Dykes, a White Wagtail was seen near Bempton, together with 28 Pied Wagtails and ten Corn Buntings, with a pair of Shelduck in the same area. In addition, 100 Meadow Pipits were recorded heading north-west along the cliffs.

A generally overcast day, with a belt of rain from late morning and sunny intervals later; a westerly wind picked up whilst temperatures reached 10 degrees C. Seawatching produced five Curlew flying south, three Lesser Black-backed Gulls also south and eight Puffins moving north. Two Red-necked Grebes were again off Sewerby. Thornwick Pool hosted two Shelduck, three Teal, six Snipe and a Dunlin. A Water Rail was on the Outer Head and passerines included three Chiffchaffs, seven Redwing, one Scandinavian Rock Pipit and parties of Meadow Pipits moving north along the cliffs.

Sightings from the Bempton area included a leucistic Guillemot, a Black Redstart, two Scandinavian Rock Pipits, a ‘Nordic-type’ Jackdaw and ten Corn Buntings.

Moderate/strong westerly winds featured, with sunny intervals giving way to cloudier conditions and temperatures rose from 3 to 9 degrees C. During the seawatch, 254 Fulmars flew north and more surprisingly, an unseasonal Sooty Shearwater. Elsewhere, a Tawny Owl was located in South Landing, whilst passerine interest was limited to two Goldcrests, a Coal Tit, one Fieldfare and 20 Pied Wagtails.

A day of strong west-north-west/north-westerly winds, occasional heavy showers of rain and hail and temperatures briefly reaching 10 degrees C before dropping once again. The highlight was Flamborough’s third ever record of a Mandarin Duck; a drake lingered on Thornwick Pool, although it skulked in the reeds for much of the time. Seawatching produced 181 Fulmars flying north and only five Puffins, whilst many auks had gone out to sea again. A Scandinavian Rock Pipit, three Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest were located in difficult conditions.

West of the Dykes, a Merlin flew over Buckton village.

The month started as the last left off, with strong west-north-west winds, sunny intervals and showers; temperatures reached 9 degrees C. During the seawatch, 244 Fulmars flew north, as did six Puffins and a single Little Auk. Two Barn Owls hunted the Hartendale area, a Tawny Owl roosted in South Landing, whilst passerines included two Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, two Treecreepers and a Coal Tit.

However, the main interest was at Sewerby, where two Red-necked Grebes remained in residence. Better still, a Green Woodpecker, a local rarity, was present in trees east of the Hall.

The day started with moderate/strong north-westerly winds, although the wind dropped off during the day. Temperatures reached 7 degrees C during sunny intervals. A Blue Fulmar flew north on the seawatch, as did 389 Fulmars, one Manx Shearwater, 349 Puffins and six Lesser Black-backed Gulls also headed north, of which five appeared to be ‘intermedius’. In addition, tens of thousands of auks streamed back north after an absence of several days.

Elsewhere, the Pintail remained on North Marsh, a Merlin hunted over South Landing, a Short-eared Owl was present in the Gorse Field, with single Goldcrest and Chiffchaff also observed.

West of the Dykes, the Bempton/Buckton area attracted two Short-eared Owls, two Common Buzzards, a Jack Snipe, four Scandinavian Rock Pipits and 50 Yellowhammers.

Light/moderate south-south-easterly winds, persistent rain/misty conditions for most of the day and temperatures that peaked at 6 degrees C meant birding was difficult. Seawatching from North Landing was rewarded with eight Eiders heading north and three Common Scoter moving south, whilst Puffin numbers continue to increase. Four Red-necked Grebes were again between South Dykes and Sewerby. Single Grey Heron and Golden Plover were present, whilst two Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests, two Treecreepers, a Mistle Thrush and two Coal Tits were on the Headland, together with the year’s first two White Wagtails.

The northerly wind dropped in strength and, after an overcast start to the day with very light rain, the sun broke through and temperatures ‘climbed’ to 9 degrees C. During the seawatch a Great Northern Diver flew north, as did the year’s first two Sandwich Terns. Two Red-necked Grebes were off South Landing, two Little Grebes were at North Marsh, whilst a pair of Tufted Ducks on the Outer Head represented the first for the year. A Merlin also hunted the north side of the Outer Headland.

Presumably the same Green Woodpecker that had been seen at Sewerby earlier in the week was relocated on the Outer Head, before it was observed flying back towards the village. There was an influx of passerines including the year’s first Wheatear and Ring Ouzel, with singles of both. A Firecrest was new in at Old Fall, whilst 22 Chiffchaffs were recorded along with 17 Goldcrests and three White Wagtails.

Single Short-eared Owls were seen at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and Buckton respectively.

Across the headland a fine day ensued, with plenty of sunshine and light south-westerlies, switching to north then round to south-east, with highs of 10°C in the afternoon. A drake Scaup heading north, followed by the year’s second record of Sandwich Tern, were the morning’s seawatching highlights.

Migration finally started to hot up with three Firecrest recorded on the headland; a single bird at North Landing and two birds between Old Fall steps and the Plantation. Two Ring Ouzels were also welcome finds, with a bird at Booted Gully and another near North Marsh. An impressive total of 51 Goldcrest was also noted across the recording area, as well as a minimum of 16 Chiffchaff, four Woodcocks and single Blackcap and White Wagtail.

Thornwick Pool hosted to a Green Sandpiper, two Shelduck and a Little Grebe. Little Grebes were also present at North Marsh, with two birds there, and a single bird on the Outer Head. South Landing produced a Great Northern Diver, five drake Eider, 11 Common Scoter and a Great Crested Grebe, while four Red-necked Grebes remained offshore between there and Sewerby.

As well as birds arriving, there were clearly birds ready to depart, with small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare recorded around the Head. West of the dykes a Short-eared Owl lingered at Buckton, where two Buzzard drifted north-west over the village.

Thick fog engulfed the headland early on, clearing later leaving a predominately overcast day, improving in the afternoon with some sunshine. North-easterlies for the first half of the day, switching to south-south-east for the second half, with highs of 9°C. Little of note on the seawatch due to poor visibility in the morning.

Three Firecrests remained with birds at North Landing, Old Fall Plantation and one along the South Landing nature trail. Two White Wagtails were at North Marsh, with a Wheatear near the Fog Station. In addition, 18 Goldcrest and eight Chiffchaff were logged throughout the course of the day.

Thornwick Pool hosted five Teal, two Shelduck, Barn Owl and two Fieldfare. A Sandwich Tern flew east past South Landing and, nearby, five Red-necked Grebes and a Velvet Scoter were between Sewerby and South Dykes.

Buckton scored again, with the wandering Rough-legged Buzzard, as well as two Short-eared Owls, two Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, two Peregrine and a Water Rail.

A mild start to the day, with gentle westerlies which progressed into a day of sunshine, light north-westerlies and highs of 12°C. A Mute Swan, still a locally scarce bird for Flamborough, drifted north on the sea during the morning’s seawatch, when 187 Meadow Pipits were also recorded flying north.

Reduced observer coverage after the bank holiday weekend still produced a Long-eared Owl on the Outer Head, Black Redstart in the North Landing area and the first Yellow Wagtail of spring overflew Old Fall Plantation. Hirundines trickled through, with four Sand Martin and a Swallow recorded on the headland, with a further two Swallows through Bempton RSPB.

The Rough-legged Buzzard and up to three Short-eared Owl remained in the Buckton area.

A pleasant start this morning, with light north-north-westerlies followed by another fine day of sunshine and temperatures of 11°C; south-south-easterlies during the afternoon. Two Sandwich Tern headed north and a Woodcock which flew ‘in-off’ were the best bits past the headland.

Three Wheatears were located, with a male and female near the Golf Course and a male at Thornwick Pool. Overall eight Chiffchaff were logged (including three birds ringed), 12 Goldcrest (including five birds ringed), three Swallow, a Common Buzzard over the Living Seas Centre and a Jack Snipe at North Marsh.

Thornwick Pool played host to three Sand Martin, two Shelduck and a Grey Wagtail. Two Black Redstarts were present; a female-type in the car park at Thornwick and another in the village. Green Sandpipers were on the Outer Head and North Marsh, with single Snipe, Little Grebe and Sand Martin also present at the former.

The Rough-legged Buzzard remained at Buckton, where a Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard were also recorded.

Thick fog dominated early morning, though it then quickly lifted to leave a day of sunshine and highs of 10°C. The day’s clear highlight was a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins containing up to 18 individuals. Originally picked up at Long Nab at 8:40am, they passed by Filey at 10:50am, Bempton RSPB at 12:50pm and reached the headland at 14:13pm.

Little of note on land with the exception of a White Wagtail on the Golf Course, Wheatear on the Outer Head, a Stonechat, five Fieldfare at South Landing and two Redwings. In addition, 16 each of Chiffchaff and Goldcrest, one Blackcap, two Sand Martin and eight Swallows were recorded.

The Rough-legged Buzzard continued its stay at Buckton.

The day started with moderate south-south-westerlies and ended with breezy south-south-easterly winds, a light mist early on which never fully lifted and highs of 12°C. Star bird on the morning’s seawatch was a summer plumage Little Gull that flew south.

Land-based migrants included Woodcock, Golden Plover, two Sand Martin, two Swallow, six Chiffchaff and a Wheatear.

The Rough-legged Buzzard remained along the cliff top between Buckton and Speeton.