30th December 2024

A bright day, with prolonged sunny spells, a blustery south-west wind and a high of nine degrees C. Seventeen Great Crested Grebes sheltered in the bay between South Dykes and Sewerby, while the Dykes hosted two Mistle Thrush and two Goldcrest. Eight Pink-footed Geese rested on fields at Buckton, while the nearby Pond hosted a Lapwing, one Wigeon and six Snipe; a Woodcock also remained at nearby RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Snipe, Buckton Pond, by Alan Walkington

31st December 2024

After a bright start, the last day of the year was overcast with a blustery south-west wind and a high of 11 degrees C. The Thornwick area attracted a Mute Swan, two Little Grebes, 98 Teal, two Pochard and 28 Tufted Ducks. Elsewhere, four Goldcrests and a Fieldfare were at South Dykes.

Kestrel, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Dean Evans

1st January 2025

Happy New Year to one and all.

2025 began with heavy rain which gradually abated to leave some bright spells; temperatures dropped from eight to four degrees as the blustery wind switched to the north-west. The morning’s seawatch featured two Velvet Scoters that initially flew north before returning south later and eight southbound Wigeon. Also moving in the same direction were 45 Great Black-backed Gulls and a ‘northern’ Herring Gull.

The Thornwick area hosted a Mute Swan, 53 Teal, 27 Tufted Ducks, two Pochard, 26 Coot and two Little Grebes. Passerine interest included a Goldcrest at South Landing, a Grey Wagtail, two Mistle Thrush and a lone Fieldfare.

Three Woodcock were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with a Merlin and one Water Rail. In addition, 11 Pink-footed Geese remained on fields near Buckton Hall.

Pochard, Thornwick Lakes, by Craig Thomas

2nd January 2025

Largely sunny, with some light snow showers late afternoon, a moderate north-westerly wind and a maximum of a mere two degrees C. A Velvet Scoter and two Great Northern Divers flew north during a seawatch that also witnessed a Short-eared Owl coming in off the sea. A lone Snow Bunting also flew south over the outer head.

Three Shoveler, 72 Wigeon and 136 Teal were on the outer head, along with two Water Rails, two Jack Snipe, four Woodcock and 12 Sanderling.

Redshank, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

3rd January 2025

A bright, but cold day with a high of just three degrees C in a west-north-westerly wind. The morning’s seawatch highlight was a lone Great Northern Diver flying north, while a Manx Shearwater headed in the same direction in the afternoon. On the land, there was evidence of cold weather movement including: seven Lapwing, two Grey Plover, a Woodcock, 112 Skylarks, 12 Meadow Pipits, six Redwing and three Fieldfare.

Single Little Owl and Short-eared Owl were present at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Black Redstart was also in residence.

Sanderling, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

4th January 2025

Overcast, with a light south-westerly wind and a high of just three degrees C. An adult Iceland Gull that flew west along the South Cliffs represented the headland’s first white-winged gull since New Year’s Day 2024. Three Goldeneye also flew south past South Dykes, while two Grey Plover and 11 Sanderling were also in residence. A flock of 26 Snow Buntings lingered on Beacon Hill until flushed by a Woodcock.

Eight Snow Buntings at RSPB Bempton Cliffs were later joined by a flock of 24 individuals. Additional reserve sightings included 61 Pink-footed Geese, single Woodcock and Merlin, 1500 Starlings and two Corn Buntings. Nearby, Hoddy Cows Lane Buckton attracted a Jack Snipe.

Stonechat by Craig Thomas

5th January 2025

The weather was best described as challenging – rain throughout, with blustery winds backing from the south to the north-east and a high of five degrees C. A productive morning seawatch featured five Blue Fulmars flying north, together with a Black-throated Diver and two Puffins. On the headland, wildfowl interest included two Shovelers and two Pochard. Twenty Pink-footed Geese were on fields near Buckton Hall, while nearby Buckton Pond hosted a Wigeon, two Teal and eight Snipe.

Common Buzzard, outer head, by Brett Richards

6th January 2025

A day of moderate notherly winds, overcast skies after heavy overnight rain and a top temperature of four degrees C. A Blue Fulmar flying north was the best of the seawatch. However, evidence of the effect of the inclement weather was more obvious on the land – increased water levels pushed wintering Water Rails into the open, with three in the Lighthouse Crop Field and two in the Bay Brambles. Thrushes were also scattered across the headland, with five Fieldfare, a Redwing, two Song Thrush and two Mistle Thrush in one field at Hartendale.

Red-throated Diver, South Landing, by Andrew Allport

7th January 2025

A bright but cold day, with temperatures only reaching two degrees C. Unsurprisingly, there was further evidence of a cold weather influx, including: two Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, five Golden Plover, five Mistle Thrush, two Redwing, 21 Fieldfare and 50 Yellowhammers.

Tawny Owl, South Landing, by Brett Richards

8th January 2025

Sunny and chilly throughout, with light winds and a high of just two degrees C. The day’s highlight was the surprise re-discovery of the family party of Lesser White-fronted Geese on fields east of North Marine Road; having been absent since 9th December. Nearby, two Shoveler visited Thornwick Pools. In addition, a male Black Redstart was reported at Buckton.

Lesser White-fronted Geese, outer head, by Rob Little

9th January 2025

There were relatively light west-north-west winds throughout another bright day, albeit one that featured snow showers late afternoon; temperatures reached three degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was quiet apart from 28,000 Guillemots that moved north. Elsewhere, the seven Lesser White-fronted Geese remained in residence. Five Golden Plovers and a Lapwing on the outer head were undoubtedly displaced due to the cold conditions, while 12 Siskins near South Landing were also new. A Short-eared Owl and 14 Grey Partridge featured at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while the male Black Redstart lingered on the cliff top at Buckton.

Shags & Cormorant, High Stacks, by Alan Walkington

10th January 2025

A bright day, with occasional light showers over lying snow; a high of five degrees C in a light west-north-westerly. Wader interest included a Jack Snipe, two Woodcock, two Grey Plovers, seven Golden Plovers, eight Lapwing and 11 Ringed Plovers. A Water Rail was on the outer head, where the cliff top fields hosted 85 Skylark, ten Fieldfare and 13 Song Thrush. A 32-strong flock of Snow Buntings were on Beacon Hill early morning before they headed north-west. Elsewhere, two Woodcock and a Merlin were along Cliff Lane, Bempton.

Snow Bunting, Beacon Hill, by Craig Thomas

11th January 2025

The weather consisted of light north-westerly winds, sunny intervals and a maximum of six degrees C. A Great Northern Diver that flew spouth represented the seawatch highlight. On the land, the party of Lesser White-fronted Geese were relocated on fields east of North Landing, while at least 36 Snow Buntings were on Beacon Hill. Additional totals included three Golden Plover, 12 Lapwing, five Woodcock, 25 Fieldfare, three Redwing, 30 Meadow Pipits and eight Pied Wagtails. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included four Pink-footed Geese, a Merlin and 25 Snow Buntings.

Shoveler, Thornwick Lakes, by Brett Richards

12th January 2025

A relatively overcast day, with light south-westerly winds and a peak temperature of two degrees C. A Blue Fulmar and a Great Northern Diver flew north past North Landing. The Thornwick area hosted a Pink-footed Goose, a Little Grebe, one Water Rail, 20 Tufted Ducks, a drake Pochard, 112 Teal and a Shoveler; two Mute Swans also flew west. On the opposite side of the headland, 13 Great Crested Grebes and a Goldeneye were off the South Cliffs, while 35 Snow Buntings remained on nearby Beacon Hill.

A flock of passerines on the cliff top at Buckton included 100 Yellowhammers and 60 Linnets. RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted five Grey Partridges, a Woodcock, two Fieldfare, two Redwing and 16 Corn Buntings.

Teal & Shoveler, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington

13th January 2025

Overcast, with a moderate south-west wind and a high of five degrees C. The Snow Bunting flock (30 birds) remained on Beacon Hill. Further evidence of cold weather movement included 20 Redwing, 37 Fieldfare and 39 Lapwing all moving west. Elsewhere,a drake Pochard lingered on Thornwick Lakes and a Short-eared Owl hunted fields adjacent to Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton.

Water Rail, outer head, by Craig Thomas

14th January 2025

Winds were light, generally from the south-west, with a marked increase in temperature to a high of 11 degrees C. A southbound Velvet Scoter was the highlight of a morning seawatch. On the land, a Water Rail remained on the edge of the Lighthouse Field, while a Merlin and 30 Snow Buntings were at Beacon Hill.

The first Gannets returned to the cliffs at Bempton, where a lone Snow Bunting and 24 Corn Buntings were recorded.

Grey Seal, High Stacks, by Alan Walkington

15th January 2025

A day of sunny intervals, light variable winds and a maximum of 11 degrees C. Appropriate sighting of the day related to a Woodcock overflying Woodcock Road in the village. In addition, the flock of c.30 Snow Buntings remained on Beacon Hill.

Farmland birds were still in good numbers at Buckton including 60 Skylark, 300 Linnets, 48 Yellowhammers and 21 Corn Buntings; 22 Pink-footed Geese were also recorded.

Common Buzzard, outer head, by Brett Richards

16th January 2025

Sunny throughout, with light winds and a high of seven degrees C. A northerly movement of Pink-footed Geese took place, presumably the first birds leaving Norfolk to stage further north: 46 were recorded during the morning seawatch, 120 mid-afternoon, followed by three skeins containing 104 birds before dusk. Single Grey Plover and Merlin were on the outer head. In addition, nine Fieldfare and two Mistle Thrush fed in fields at Hartendale, while the 30-strong flock of Snow Buntings were nearby on Beacon Hill.

Snow Bunting, Beacon Hill, by Alan Walkington

17th January 2025

A relatively overcast day, with south-west winds and a high of six degrees C. Two Pintail and a lone Pink-footed Goose flew south during the seawatch. An additional 76 Pink-footed Geese overflew the headland, where additional sightings included three Woodcock, a Golden Plover, two Lapwing, two Water Rails and 33 Snow Buntings; the latter again on Beacon Hill.

Curlew, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

18th January 2025

Overcast, with a high of three degrees C and light/moderate south-westerly winds. Sightings from Bempton/Buckton included eight Grey Partridge, 29 Lapwings moving north-west, 80 Linnet, 26 Corn Buntings, 51 Yellowhammers and 16 Reed Buntings.

A Water Rail remained on the outer head, as did nine Fieldfare, two Mistle Thrushes and 32 Snow Buntings.

Reed Bunting by Rob Little

19th January 2025

An overcast and cold day, with a peak temperature of two degrees that felt considerably less in a light/moderate southerly wind. Two Water Rails remained on the outer head, while only nine Snow Buntings were on Beacon Hill. Elsewhere, a lone Pink-footed Goose overflew Oceanview and two accompanied Greylags at Buckton Hall.

Blackbird by Brett Richards

20th January 2025

Overcast throughout with light winds and a high of five degrees C. A Little Egret flew west over the Bowling Green, where a single Goldcrest was also notable. Sightings from Oceanview included a Pink-footed Goose, 11 Redwing and a Siskin. The flock of 30 Snow Buntings remained on Beacon Hill. Nearby, 11 Fieldfare and two Mistle Thrush were at Hartendale, while 24 Great Crested Grebes were in the bay off Sewerby. On the opposite side of the headland a Great Northern Diver and three Short-eared Owls were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Curlew, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

21st January 2025

Another overcast day, with light south-west winds and a high of six degrees C. Thornwick Pools hosted 98 Teal, while 118 Linnets on the east side of the camp was notable given their scarcity over the winter. Nine Pink-footed Geese were on the fields at Buckton Hall with two Lapwings also present.

Cormorant, Thornwick Fishing Lake, by Brett Richards

22nd January 2025

Misty and overcast with light rain during the morning in a light westerly and 5°C being the highest temperature.

Guillemots dominated the seawatch with 8200 passing north and 400 south. Other notable sightings included a Bonxie, a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull and a Merlin. Five Water Rails, two Golden Plover and fifty Pink-footed Geese were noted around the Outer Head where passerine interest included a Chiffchaff at North Dykes, a Goldcrest and eight Redwings. A Short-eared Owl, three Woodcock and a Water Rail were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Stonechat, Beacon Hill (Brett Richards)

23rd January 2025

Frosty start with fog becoming clear by mid-morning. Showers from early afternoon were accompanied by a moderate south-westerly that strengthened to become fresh and gusty late afternoon. Maximum temperature 6°C.

Guillemots continued to pass in large numbers with 29,000 moving north. Other notable sightings at the Fog Station included single Pochard, Golden Plover, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Blue Fulmar. A Merlin was also noted.

A flock of 51 Pink-footed Geese settled at South Landing and a further 40 were over Bempton village where eight Fieldfare were seen.

Pink-footed Geese, South Landing (Rob Little)

24th January 2025

Storm Éowyn arrived in the hours before dawn and caused southerly gales backing south-westerly and easing late afternoon. The maximum temperature was academic at 10°C.

Little of significance was logged on the seawatch excepting 10,300 Guillemots passing south and 550 north. A flock of 40 Pink-footed Geese passed over the Outer Head as did 17 Lapwings.

Guillemots, Bempton Cliffs RSPB (Alan Walkington)

25th January 2025

After yesterday’s storm it was a much quieter day weatherwise. Mainly sunny with light to moderate south-westerly winds and a maximum temperature of 7°C.

Seawatching was subdued with an Eider and 26 Red-throated Divers being the most notable sightings.

After being missing for a while, three Tufted Ducks returned to Thornwick Lakes with 81 Teal nearby at Thornwick Pools. Bempton Cliffs RSPB continued to host a Woodcock and a Water Rail, other sightings included 14 Teal, two Golden Plover, a Purple Sandpiper, 24 Red-throated Divers and six Corn Buntings.

Fulmar, Bempton Cliffs RSPB (Alan Walkington)

26th January 2025

The day started sunny with a moderate southerly but by early afternoon the wind became a gale and backed south-easterly with rain. Maximum temperature 5°C.

Seawatching was quiet with 13 Common Scoters and 25 Red-throated Divers being the pick.

The flock of Snow Buntings numbering at least 20 reappeared at Beacon Hill. A Woodcock remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where a Merlin, 290 Linnets and 15 Corn Buntings were also noted.

Merlin, Bempton Cliffs RSPB (Dan Howe)

27th January 2025

Mainly sunny with a moderate to fresh southerly, the temperature reaching 8°C.

The Outer Head hosted five Lapwings, three Fieldfares and 35 Snow Buntings at Beacon Hill. Woodcocks continued to be seen at Bempton Cliffs RSPB with three noted as well as two Golden Plover.

Woodcock, Bempton Cliffs RSPB (Ian Howard)

28th January 2025

A gloomy morning with mizzle and occasional rain with a light south-easterly backing northerly by early afternoon. Maximum temperature 7°C.

Beacon Hill continued to host a flock of about 30 Snow Buntings. A Water Rail and 107 Teal were at Thornwick Pools with 6 Tufted Duck nearby at Thornwick Lakes. A Woodcock continued its stay at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Snow Buntings, Beacon Hill (Alan Walkington)

29th January 2025

A light to moderate westerly coupled with a sunny morning encouraged the temperature to reach 9°C before becoming overcast during the afternoon.

Tens of thousands of Guillemots flew north during the seawatch though there were few other notable species. A Gadwall at Thornwick Lakes was a new arrival while flocks of Pink-footed Geese totalling 200 passed over the Outer Head. A Merlin flew over Beacon Hill and a Chiffchaff was at the Shrike Field. Two Water Rails still fed under the hedge in the Lighthouse Field with another at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Gadwall, Thornwick Lakes (Brett Richards)

30th January 2025

A sunny day with a light westerly and a maximum temperature of 7°C.

The flock of 33 Snow Buntings remained in situ while two Water Rails and three Woodcock were also seen around the Outer Head. Nineteen Russian White-fronted Geese were discovered grazing in fields south of North Marine Road late afternoon. Other wildfowl included thirteen Pink-footed Geese, 80 Wigeon, 121 Teal, a Gadwall and six Shoveler.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB continued to hold two Woodcock, a Water Rail and also attracted 31 Lapwing.

Russian White-fronted Geese, Outer Head (Brett Richards)

31st January 2025

Heavy cloud and light westerly winds with morning drizzle. Maximum temperature 5°C.

The 19 Russian White-fronted Geese remained at North Moor, losing one of their number during the day. Greylag Goose numbers increased to 241, a new record count for January while 65 Canada Geese were also in residence. Two Woodcock were also noted.

Watchers at Bempton Cliffs RSPB noted a Short-eared Owl, a Merlin and 16 Corn Buntings.

Russian White-fronted Geese, North Moor (Andrew Mason)

1st February 2025

A dreary day with a light southerly and a maximum temperature of 5°C.

A Lapland Bunting on the Northern Stubbles was the only new find of the day. Eighteen White-fronted Geese remained in the North Moor area and the Snow Bunting flock was still at Beacon Hill.

Snow Buntings, Beacon Hill (Andrew Mason)

2nd February 2025

A bright day, with sunny intervals, a light/moderate south-westerly wind and high of seven degrees C. An Eider was off the Fog Station, where three Lapwing flew south. Wildfowl interest on the headland included two Pink-footed Geese, a Shelduck, 74 Wigeon, 143 Teal, six Shoveler and seven Tufted Ducks. Six Woodcock and seven Snipe were also on the outer head, with an additional three Woodcock featuring at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Twenty-four Snow Buntings remained on Beacon Hill, while three Fieldfare were at nearby South Landing.

Pink-footed Geese, Thornwick Lakes, by Brett Richards

3rd February 2025

A bright day, with south-westerly winds and a high of eight degrees C. The eighteen White-fronted Geese flock remained on fields off North Marine Road, while nine Egyptian Geese were a surprise on Water Lane. Elsewhere, the Snow Buntings still featured on Beacon Hill, with 26 birds present.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted two Short-eared Owls, a Little Owl and three Woodcock, while 60 Corn Buntings were on the cliff top at Buckton.

Egyptian Geese, Water Lane, by Alan Walkington

4th February 2025

A relatively bright day, with moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 11 degrees C. One Egyptian Goose dropped onto Water Lane flash before flying north, while a first-winter Caspian Gull joined the pre-roost assembly at High Stacks. In addition, a Nuthatch frequented trees alongside South Dykes car park and 40 Lapwings flew south along Cliff Lane, Bempton.

Peregrine, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Dan Howe

5th February 2025

Sunny throughout, with light winds and a high of eight degrees C. Single Shelduck and Great Northern Diver flew south during a morning seawatch. Wildfowl interest was provided by the 18 White-fronted Geese and eight Egyptian Geese in fields adjacent to North Marine Road. Three Short-eared Owls hunted cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

White-fronted Geese by Andrew Allport

6th February 2025

A sunny day, with light onshore winds and a high of eight degrees C. Huge numbers of Guillemots moved north during the morning seawatch with 120,000 flying past the Fog Station. Thornwick Pools hosted two Shelduck and 85 Teal. Nearby, the 18 White-fronted Geese and eight Egyptian Geese were still in fields along North Marine Road. Three Short-eared Owls continued to hunt the cliff top grasslands at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Song Thrush, South Landing, by June & Malcolm Fox

7th February 2025

Overcast with a blustery easterly wind and a high of five degrees C. Seawatch highlights included eight Pale-bellied Brent Geese, a single Mediterranean Gull and a Bonxie. On the headland, wildfowl interest included 18 White-fronted Geese, eight Egyptian Geese, two Shelduck, 89 Wigeon, a Shoveler and 165 Teal. Thirteen Woodcock, two Jack Snipe, seven Snipe and a Lapwing were also on the outer head.

White-fronted Geese by Andrew Allport

8th February 2025

Overcast throughout, with a light easterly wind and maximum of four degrees C. Thirty-two Red-throated Divers, three talon-grappling Peregrines and two Eider featured on the seawatch. Elsewhere, 18 White-fronted Geese remained along North Marine Road. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted two Short-eared Owls.

Fieldfare, North Dykes, by Andrew Allport

9th February 2025

Overcast, with moderate east-north-easterly winds and a maximum of six degrees C. Wildfowl interest included 18 White-fronted Geese, eight Egyptian Geese, a female Scaup, a drake Shoveler and 70 Wigeon. In addition, a Red Kite drifted over Mid Dykes before eventually flying south-west, while a lone Shelduck headed north-west at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Purple Sandpiper by Dean Evans

10th February 2025

A dull day, with a heavy overcast and spells of light rain; it also felt chilly, with a high of five degrees C feeling much less in blustery easterly winds. The 18 White-fronted Geese and eight Egyptian Geese continued in residence, as did the female Scaup. Following a lack of sightings over recent days, 20 Snow Buntings re-appeared on Beacon Hill.

Scaup by Brett Richards

11th February 2025

Overcast, with a strong east-north-easterly wind and a high of five degrees C. The 18-strong flock of White-fronted Geese remained alongside North Marine Road. A Red Kite overflew the village, while the Scaup relocated to Thornwick Lakes. Sixty Corn Buntings was the best at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Scaup, Thornwick Lakes, by Brett Richards

12th February 2025

Overcast throughout, with relatively light north-essterly winds and a high of five degrees C. There was no sign of yesterday’s Scaup at Thornwick Lakes, where the Little Grebe and 13 Tufted Ducks remained. Nearby, 113 Teal were on Thornwick Pools. Forty Corn Buntings overflew RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Barn Owl, North Landing, by Dan Howe