Category: Sightings

The weather continued in the now familiar vein – mainly overcast, a moderate south-easterly and a maximum temperature of 4°C.

A first-winter Yellow-legged Gull and three Shelduck were the best of the seawatch while geese on the Outer Head continued to include 18 Russian White-fronts and eight Egyptian. A Red Kite flew over Old Fall mid-morning. Birds seen at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included two Woodcock, a Merlin and forty Corn Buntings.

Cloud cover was slightly less heavy with a moderate south-easterly and still feeling rather cool with a maximum temperature of 5°C.

A Red Kite passed over the village, a Green Sandpiper fed on fields off North Marine Road while a Grey Wagtail flew over the Outer Head.

A marked change of weather, with overcast skies followed by sunny intervals and an occasional heavy downpour; temperatures reached 14 degrees C. Five Pintail and three Lapwing flew south during a morning seawatch. Eight Egyptian Geese remained, a Red Kite overflew South Dykes and a Merlin dashed past the lighthouse. There was evidence of increased numbers of ‘winter migrants’ with two Woodcock, an additional nine Lapwing, 46 Redwings and a scattering of Chaffinch on the outer head. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a Short-eared Owl, where two Woodcock and 47 Chaffinch were also present.

Largely overcast with some brighter intervals; a strong southerly wind and temperatures reached 15 degrees C. Three White-fronted Geese flew south during a morning seawatch that also featured a Velvet Scoter heading in the same direction. Herring Gulls were also on the move, with 371 flying south from the outer head. The 23-strong flock of Snow Buntings were again on Beacon Hill, where three Great Crested Grebes and a drake Eider were offshore. A Water Rail remained on the outer head, while the North Marsh area hosted four Shelduck (two pairs), a drake Shoveler, 83 Wigeon, eight Tufted Ducks and 19 Curlews.

Spring-like, with light south-west winds, sunny intervals and a high of 14 degrees C. Five White-fronted Geese (3 ads, 2 juvs) frequented fields near North Marsh, with three Pintail, a Shoveler and seven Lapwing in the same area. Migrants included 13 Woodcock, a Golden Plover and 27 Redwing, while Linnets (60) and several pairs of Reed Buntings were newly on territory. It was a good day at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where a Red Kite flew south, a Merlin went south-east and a Raven moved west. Three Golden Plovers and four Lapwing were also recorded, a Water Rail lingered, as did 15 Corn Buntings; in addition, a Small Tortoiseshell provided further evidence that spring was close. Elsewhere, eight Lapwings flew east over Bempton village and 11 Corn Buntings were along Stonepit Lane.

Overcast, with strong southerly winds and a peak temperature of nine degrees C. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included the first five Puffins to return to the colony, together with 12 Golden Plovers and 16 Redwings moving south-east. An additional ten Redwing moved west over the outer head, where 12 Lapwings flew in off the sea.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, light south-west winds and a top temperature of 13 degrees C. Larid movement included a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull, 292 Herring Gulls and 1440 Common Gulls moving south; the latter including 93 over the sea, but the majority overflew the headland. Wildfowl interest included the five White-fronted Geese for their third day, the lingering party of eight Egyptian Geese, a Shoveler, 75 Wigeon and two Pintail. A tally of 33 Rock Pipits represented a sizeable influx and included at least two ‘Scandinavian’, while 21 Snow Buntings were still on Beacon Hill. Elsewhere, a Short-eared Owl was at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a Merlin between Bempton village and North Dykes.

A spring-like day being mostly sunny with a light south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 11°C.

Five Russian White-fronted Geese and eight Egyptian Geese remained in their favoured locations opposite the Viking Hotel and west of Thornwick Camp respectively. Other sightings included eight Tufted Ducks, 77 Teal, eleven Wigeon and five Common Scoter.

A Short-eared Owl continued to quarter fields at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A brighter middle of the day after morning rain followed by a further band of rain late afternoon. The temperature peaked at 9°C in a light southerly.

A Siskin that visited a village garden was new. Otherwise, the five White-fronted Geese continued to favour the field opposite the Viking Hotel and the eight Egyptian Geese were west of Thornwick Camp again. Six Common Scoters were off Beacon Hill.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a flock of 38 Barnacle Geese flew north-west and a Short-eared Owl continued to show.

A relatively bright day, with blustery north-north-west winds and a high of eight degrees C. The five White-fronted and eight Egyptian Geese remained, while two Pink-footed Geese also toured the outer head. Additional wildfowl included a Shoveler, two Gadwall, 93 Wigeon, 81 Teal and eight Tufted Ducks. Six Lapwing, a Jack Snipe, four Woodcock and 47 Curlew were also in residence. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a further three Woodcock.

Sunny throughout, with light winds and a maximum of 11 degrees C. The five White-fronted Geese, eight Egyptian Geese and two Pink-feet remained. Two Gadwall and three Woodcock were on the outer head, while two Water Rails showed at Thornwick Pools. Passerine interest included single Goldcrest, Fieldfare and Siskin. Elsewhere, a Raven flew south-east over Bempton village, while sightings from the nearby reserve included 100 Pink-footed Geese moving south, two Short-eared Owls and 25 Corn Buntings.

It was sunny throughout following a hard overnight frost, with very light winds and a peak of 11 degrees C. The first Chiffchaff of spring graced the outer head, entirely appropriate to herald the start of March. Other sightings included an appreciable north-westerly movement of Pink-footed Geese: 490 overflew the outer head contributing to a tally of 731 doing the same past RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional outer head sightings included single Water Rail, Merlin, Grey Partridge and Fieldfare, along with three Siskin. Puffins arrived in number, with 70 below the North Cliffs up to and including Bempton, while the eight Egyptian Geese were still near Micklemires.

Other sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Golden Plover, three Woodcock, one Lesser Black-backed Gull moving north-west, two Short-eared Owls, a Goldcrest and 62 Corn Buntings.

A day of light south-west winds, sunny skies in the morning, overcast later, with a high of 11 degrees C. Three skeins of Pink-footed Geese (265 birds) flew north-west over the outer head, where 97 Wigeon, 113 Teal and two Shoveler remained. Other records included three Woodcock, three Fieldfare, three Mistle Thrush, six Siskin and two Corn Buntings.

The day’s highlight was a female Mandarin Duck that flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Nearby, an adult Mediterranean Gull moved south over Buckton Pond.

A mild, sunny day with a maximum temperature of 13°C with a light westerly breeze.

Waters on the north side of the headland held two Shoveler, 68 Wigeon, 97 Teal and 10 Tufted Ducks. The flock of eight Egyptian Geese have moved to the North Moor area. Passerine sightings included two Siskins, three Goldcrest and 13 Redwings.

Sunny throughout, with light/moderate south-west winds and a high of 12 degrees C. A drake Long-tailed Duck that flew north represented the best of the morning’s seawatch. Towards dusk, a Merlin flew south-east from the Fog Station. Other notable sightings included the eight long-staying Egyptian Geese, a Gadwall, one Woodcock, eight Redwing and seven Siskin.

Best of all, a Bittern was sound-recorded flying over Bempton village during the night.

A bright sunny day with a high of 15 degrees C in moderate south-westerly winds. Two Caspian Gulls (1st-winter & 3rd-winter) were at High Stacks late afternoon, when 26 Starlings headed out east. Passerine interest included a Chiffchaff in the Golf Course Willows, two Goldcrest and increased numbers of Stonechats, with four near the Lighthouse and two at South Dykes. Elsewhere, 23 Corn Buntings flew south-east over Cliff Lane, Bempton.

The sun shone throughout the day and the temperature reached 11°C with a light southerly.

Wildfowl continued to include eight Egyptian Geese, a Shoveler, two Gadwall, 73 Wigeon and 92 Teal while Tufted Duck numbers increased to 16. A different, colour-ringed first-winter Caspian Gull was at High Stacks early evening. A small arrival of Chiffchaffs was noted with three in the Bay Brambles / Golf Course Willows area and two at South Landing while a single Fieldfare was presumably making ready to cross the North Sea.

Buckton Pond held three Snipe, a Teal and a Wigeon.

Light south-easterly winds established towards the end of a relatively overcast day, with a high of ten degrees C. Wildfowl interest included the eight Egyptian Geese, a Shoveler and two Gadwall, while a Water Rail remained at Thornwick Pools. A total of eight Chiffchaffs represented an increase and included a single at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; a lone Mediterranean Gull was also on the sea off the reserve. Other passerine migrants on the outer head included a Redwing and eight Siskin.

Sunny throughout, with light easterly winds and a high of ten degrees C. The first notable landbirds of spring were represented by two Long-eared Owls at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and a Black Redstart along the cliff top path east of North Landing. Chiffchaff numbers increased further, with four singing at South Landing and a duo in the Hartendale area. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were another indication of changing seasons.

Sunny throughout, with light easterly winds and a high of 12 degrees C in the morning; winds then switched to the north and temperatures reduced to eight degrees. A Goosander flew south along the North Cliffs, while a Little Grebe was at nearby North Marsh. Waders were represented by 13 Lapwing and a Woodcock, while a Red Kite toured the outer head late morning. Chiffchaff numbers continued to increase (11), a Blackcap was a new arrival, and three Siskin were also present. Fifty Corn Buntings were alongside the road between Bempton village and Mid Dykes.

A foggy start with poor visibility(!) which only gradually cleared; feeling cooler, with temperatures no higher than nine degrees C in blustery north-north-west winds. Seawatching proved challenging given the conditions although 182 Fulmars moved north. A flock of 450 Starlings moved west over Bempton village where single Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Chiffchaff were also present. Another Siskin visited the nearby reserve.

The weather consisted of some sunny intervals along with overcast skies, a moderate northerly wind and high of seven degrees C. A substantial movement of Fulmars (973) took place during the morning seawatch, while 29 Siskins also flew north.

The day featured showers, some sunny intervals, but still feeling cold in a moderate northerly wind with a high of seven degrees C. A quiet day, with four Eiders flying past the Seawatch Observatory, but significantly fewer Fulmars re-orientating back north, with just 54 logged.

A day of sunny intervals and sharp showers, with light/moderate northerly winds and a high of seven degrees C. The Thornwick area hosted 23 Tufted Ducks and a Water Rail, while two Great Crested Grebes were off South Dykes. Three Redwing were on the outer head, while 11 Corn Buntings were along Cliff Lane, Bempton.

Lighter northerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reached eight degrees C. Two Velvet Scoters and 1004 Kittiwakes flew north during the morning seawatch. Puffins returned inshore following the drop in wind strength, with 68 on the sea between North Landing and Breil Nook. A Red Kite overflew the church and five Redwing were also in residence.

Sunny, with light northerly winds and a high of eight degrees C. The freshwater sites hosted a pair of Shelduck, 86 Teal, 60 Wigeon, five Grey Herons and a Water Rail. Passerine migrants remained scarce, but included ten Chiffchaffs, 11 Redwing and a Grey Wagtail. Elsewhere, a Merlin flew over Bempton village.

A relatively overcast day, with light north-west winds, occasional showers and a maximum of eight degrees C. The day’s highlight was the discovery of a roosting Long-eared Owl at RSPB Bempton Cliffs that showed well. Notable sightings on the outer head included two Mute Swans, seven Lapwing and two Water Rails.

Daytime temperatures of five degrees C book-ended a brief period where the temperature reached ten degrees in light easterly winds. A Velvet Scoter flew north and two Shoveler headed south during a morning seawatch. Two Mute Swans were on Thornwick Pools and 24 Tufted Ducks on the nearby Lakes.

The weather consisted of light/moderate south-easterly winds, sunny skies and a high of 12 degrees C. A Wood Lark that flew north-west over Lighthouse Road was the highlight of a relatively productive day that also featured single Red Kite and Merlin over the outer head. Spring’s first Wheatear frequented the cliff top at Thornwick Camp, while additional sightings included eight Chiffchaff, a Fieldfare and three Redwing. A Marsh Harrier appeared over fields between North Dykes and Bempton village.

Light south-east winds, sunny skies throughout and a high of 12 degrees C. Raptors were a notable feature over the outer head, including three Red Kites, a Marsh Harrier and displaying Common Buzzards. In addition, two Short-eared Owls graced RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The equinox featured sunny skies, light winds and a high of 11 degrees C. Notable sightings on the outer head included one Little Egret, a Little Grebe, three Water Rails, three Woodcock, a Golden Plover, an influx of 25 Chiffchaffs, one Goldcrest, a Blackcap, five Redwing, a Black Redstart and a Redpoll (Lesser). Two Short-eared Owls and a Marsh Harrier were the best from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Hazy sun for the majority of daylight hours, with a moderate easterly wind establishing and a high of ten degrees C. A much quieter day with a Water Rail, two Grey Partridge, a single Fieldfare and 360 Starlings on the outer head. One Woodcock roosted in the Dell at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Rain ‘book-ended’ a day that featured sunny spells, light easterly winds and a high of 12 degrees C. There were increased number of migrants on the outer head, including the year’s first Ruff and Sandwich Tern. Other notable sightings involved a Jack Snipe, two Woodcock, three Water Rails, two Short-eared Owls, one Scandinavian Rock Pipit, a Black Redstart (Fog Station) and a Brambling.

An adult Mediterranean Gull flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Merlin, one Woodcock, four Redwing, 34 Blackbird, four Fieldfare, a Wheatear and 14 Corn Buntings were also recorded.

A relatively overcast day, with a blustery northerly wind developing and a high of eight degrees C. Highlights were the year’s first White Wagtail, another Black Redstart and a first-summer male ‘Continental-type’ Stonechat, part of a small arrival of migrants that included six Golden Plovers, seven Goldcrest, a Blackcap, one Wheatear, ten Stonechats, 11 Redwing, three Fieldfare, 24 Pied Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, one Siskin and a Brambling.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a Water Rail, one Jack Snipe, two Woodcock, four Redwing, 24 Blackbirds and four Fieldfare.

Sunny skies dominated after early overcast; winds remained light and temperatures reached 12 degrees C. A total of 26 Great Crested Grebes were on the sea off South Dykes; wader interest included two Woodcock at South Landing, 33 Curlew and two Dunlin that dropped onto Palmer’s Flash. Passerines included two Goldcrests, 17 Chiffchaffs, a Mistle Thrush, two Scandinavian Rock Pipits, one Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.

A relatively overcast day, with light winds initally resulting in temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. Conditions were clearly more conducive and resulted in the year’s first Firecrest making landfall at North Landing. A single Hooded Crow was also fresh in, touring the newly ploughed fields on the outer head. Additional migrants included two Golden Plovers, a Short-eared Owl, nine Goldcrests, a Blackcap, 21 Redwing, three Fieldfares and two White Wagtails.

Five White Wagtails were on fresh plough between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and North Dykes along with two Redwing. Two Short-eared Owls and a Woodcock remained on the reserve.

Sunny skies prevailed after a foggy start, with south-west winds and a high of 16 degrees C. The Firecrest remained at North Landing and the Hooded Crow at North Marsh. Two Red Kites flew south over the Dykes early afternoon. A switch to south-westerly winds prompted the departure of migrants pre-dusk including 20 Wigeon, six Grey Herons, 216 Starlings, 34 Redwing and 32 Blackbirds all flying out east.

Sunny throughout, with light/moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 18 degrees C. Unsurprisingly the warm weather resulted in a good day, with one Marsh Harrier, three Red Kites and a Long-eared Owl on the outer head. Additional migrants included one Shoveler, a Water Rail, three Goldcrest, 32 Chiffchaffs, 67 Redwing, 40 Fieldfare, three White Wagtails and a Brambling.

The headland’s first Sand Martin and Willow Warbler of the year were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with a Red Kite, five Chiffchaff, eight Redwing and two Fieldfare.

Despite sunny intervals, it felt cooler than of late with a blustery westerly wind and a high of 12 degrees C. Migrant interest included single dark-bellied Brent Goose, Red Kite, Water Rail and Jack Snipe along with a flock of five White Wagtails, a Black Redstart and 15 Redwing.

A sunny day, with a blustery south-west wind developing and a high of 13 degrees C. A White Wagtail that remained on the Golf Course was the outer head’s most notable sighting. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted one Woodcock, a Merlin, one Goldcrest, two Redwing and a Siskin.

Initially westerly, winds strengthened and switched to a northerly direction; bright throughout, with a top temperature of 15 degrees C. A quiet day, with the Black Redstart again on the cliffs between the Lighthouse and the Fog Station. Otherwise a calling male Grey Partridge along Lighthouse Road and a Golden Plover south over Bempton village were the only other notable records.

Late news from Friday night, a total of 41 flocks of Common Scoters were sound recorded during a ‘noc mig’ session in the village: this represented the second largest such total since recording began five years ago. These birds will be on migration from wintering grounds in the Irish Sea to northern Europe and transit across country.

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore breeze developing which pegged back temperatures to a high of 12 degrees C. Two Mute Swans and 24 Tufted Ducks were in residence on Thornwick Lakes, with a drake Shoveler and lone Lapwing near North Marsh. A Water Rail was still present along Hartendale Gutter, but five Sand Martins at the breeding colony between South Dykes and Sewerby were fresh in, as was a House Martin at South Landing. A Black Redstart at the Chalk Tower was also new. Elsewhere, a White Wagtail was south-west of Buckton.

Another sunny day, with south-easterly winds and a temperature peak of 13 degrees C. Thornwick Pools attracted the year’s first Little Ringed Plover and a Bar-tailed Godwit, while the North Marsh area hosted a drake Shoveler and a Little Grebe. Passerine migrants included five White Wagtails near North Marsh and a Willow Warbler at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Sightings south-west of Buckton village included a Whimbrel, three Golden Plovers and a White Wagtail.

Groundhog day, with high pressure resulting in unchanged weather: sunny skies, cool onshore winds and a high of 11 degrees C. A drake Eider was on the sea off Beacon Hill, while the Water Rail remained along nearby Hartendale Gutter and two Sand Martins were west of South Dykes. Elsewhere, two White Wagtails were south of Buckton village.

Sunny throughout, with a moderate easterly wind and high of 12 degrees C. The North Marsh area hosted a drake Shoveler, one Little Grebe and a Bar-tailed Godwit. A Little Ringed Plover overflew Holmes Gut, while six Sand Martins and the year’s first Swallow were also in residence. One Short-eared Owl lingered at RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with a Black Redstart.

Sunny throughout, with moderate north-north-easterly winds and a high of 11 degrees C. Wader interest included 15 Curlews and a Bar-tailed Godwit, while two Shelduck, the drake Shoveler and three Little Grebes were also present. A Merlin on the outer head later flew west. There were indications of migrants arriving into the colder coastal air, including two House Martins, five Sand Martins and eight Swallows, as well as three White Wagtails and a male ‘Continental-type’ Stonechat. Two Brambling included a single at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The day comprised of sunny intervals, a moderate north-north-easterly wind and a high of ten degrees C. Passerine migrants included one Goldcrest, a Blackcap, nine Sand Martins, a Black Redstart in the village, a ‘continental-type’ male Stonechat at Thornwick Pools and two Siskin. A Brambling remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 40 Chaffinch were also present.

Sunny throughout, with a high of 12 degrees C although it felt less cold following a switch to easterly winds. Wader interest included two Little Ringed Plovers and a Woodcock. Passerines included one Swallow, four Blackcaps, two Goldcrest, a Willow Warbler, three Redwing, a White Wagtail and one Brambling.

A Red Kite drifted east at Buckton, while sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Swallows and three Brambling. A Black Redstart appeared in Bempton village, where two Sand Martins and a Swallow were also recorded.

Sunny throughout once again, with lighter onshore winds and a peak of 13 degrees C. Migrants included two Little Ringed Plovers, a Water Rail, 18 Sand Martins, nine Swallows, a Willow Warbler, one Redwing, five White Wagtails and a Brambling.

Three Short-eared Owls remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Fields south-west of Buckton attracted 21 Corn Buntings and a Marsh Harrier flew south-west.

The blocking anticyclone remains in place so it was yet another cloudless day with a light south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 13°C.

A pair of Gadwall were at Palmer’s Flash and a Bar-tailed Godwit was at Thornwick Lakes. Summer migrants continued to trickle in and included a Black Redstart, a single White Wagtail, four Blackcaps, 36 Chiffchaffs and a Brambling. Hirundines numbered seven Sand Martins, five Swallows and two House Martins.

The first Grasshopper of the year reeled at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where three Chiffchaffs and two Swallows were also seen. Buckton Pond attracted four Snipe, a Lapwing, four Chiffchaffs and a Swallow.