Category: Sightings

Overcast, with moderate south-west winds bringing a pulse of warm air and resulting in a high of 22 degrees C. Ten Manx Shearwaters were recorded on the seawatch along with a lone Sandwich Tern. Elsewhere, eight Tufted Ducks remained on Thornwick Lakes together with a Little Grebe.

Sunny intervals prevailed after an overcast and sometimes drizzly start; winds were from the south-west and temperatures reached 22 degrees C. Thirteen Sandwich Terns, four Red-throated Divers and 12 Manx Shearwaters were recorded on the seawatch. There were a few freshly arrived passerine migrants including single Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Wheatear on the outer head with another Reed Warbler at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A warm day, with a high of 23 degrees C, sunny intervals after a misty start and strengthening south-westerly winds. Three adult Mediterranean Gulls flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured 75 Sandwich Terns, two Red-throated Divers, 512 Puffins and 23 Manx Shearwaters. In the evening, two second-summer Mediterranean Gulls were off High Stacks. Away from the sea, a Hobby overflew Beacon Hill and a Spotted Flycatcher was on the outer head.

Sunny intervals ‘book-ended’ an otherwise overcast day, with a blustery westerly wind developing and a high of 18 degrees C. Fifteen Canada Geese, 23 Sandwich Terns and three Manx Shearwaters flew north during a brief morning seawatch. In addition, five Egyptian Geese circled the outer head in the morning before departing west. Raptor interest included a minimum of two Hobbies (singles seen simultaneously at Buckton and the outer head), although it is likely several individuals were involved in a series of sightings as the winds pushed aerial feeders onto the headland. Two Marsh Harriers were also in residence at Buckton. Other notable records included two Mute Swans west over Bempton village and a singing Reed Warbler at Hartendale.

A light north-westerly backed to south-easterly by afternoon and strengthened. The temperature reached 16°C.

Morning seawatching yielded 14 Eiders, 52 Common Scoters, an Arctic Skua and 32 Manx Shearwaters.

The second Red-rumped Swallow of the year dashed past the lighthouse at 12:15. Five Garden Warblers was a good count locally. A first-summer Caspian Gull flew past Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Morning rain with a strong and blustery south-westerly. The afternoon became brighter as the wind eased. Maximum temperature 19°C.

Seawatching was relatively quiet with 18 Canada Geese and five Manx Shearwaters being the most interesting sightings. A Gadwall remained at Thornwick Pools.

There were moderate south-west winds throughout a day of sunny intervals that led to a high of 18 degrees C. Seawatch records included seven Common Scoters, 20 Sandwich Terns, two Red-throated Divers and 13 Manx Shearwaters. Six Tufted Ducks remained on Thornwick Lakes where two Little Grebes were in residence.

A relatively overcast day, with rain throughout the morning and a high of 15 degrees C. Twenty Manx Shearwaters, two Sandwich Terns and a Grey Wagtail were recorded during a morning seawatch. Three Siskins visited a village garden, while newly fledged Stonechats were near North Landing and South Landing.

A relatively cloudy day, with spells of rain in the morning preceding brighter skies; light winds were variable in direction, with a high of 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 64 Manx Shearwaters, a Red-throated Diver and six Sandwich Terns. Elsewhere, Thornwick Lakes attracted 16 Tufted Ducks and two Little Grebes. Passerine migrants included a Grasshopper Warbler (North Marsh) while Crossbill and Willow Warbler were at Old Fall.

A day of showers, sunny intervals and relatively light winds, while temperatures reached 15 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with 35 Common Scoters, 15 Sandwich Terns and 14 Manx Shearwaters. Passerine interest on the outer head included one Spotted Flycatcher, a Mistle Thrush and two Corn Buntings.

The year’s first Minke Whale fed off RSPB Bempton Cliffs in the afternoon. Additional reserve sightings included 112 Swifts, five Grey Herons, a Marsh Harrier, one Reed Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher.

The morning featured sunny intervals and moderate north-westerly winds, while there were heavy showers and onshore winds in the afternoon; temperatures reached 16 degrees C. A total of 452 Puffins flew north during a seawatch that also recorded four Sandwich Terns and four Manx Shearwaters.

Elsewhere, RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a singing Grasshopper Warbler.

LATE NEWS: Photos posted on social media in the evening show that a Song Sparrow was present at Thornwick Bay (in the gully opposite the cafe) mid-morning.

A day of relatively light south-west winds, occasional brighter intervals and a high of 18 degrees C. Unfortunately there was no sign of yesterday’s Song Sparrow – the news that a singing male had been photographed mid-morning at Thornwick Bay only broke late evening. A North American passerine, there have only been ten previous records in the UK, with the only other Yorkshire record at Spurn in May 1964.

A Cuckoo at South Landing was only the year’s second, while three Siskin visited a village garden. Seawatch records included a Common Tern, 32 Sandwich Terns and four Manx Shearwaters.

Moderate northerly winds gradually dropped in strength during a relatively bright day, while temperatures peaked at 16 degrees C. Surprisngly, and to the joy of a great many, the Song Sparrow was relocated in the gully adjacent to Thornwick cafe. Singing periodically through the day, it could be elusive feeding on the ground amongst nettles, before ‘giving itself up’. Otherwise it was quiet apart from a Cuckoo next to Whelkie Wynds, a Marsh Harrier over Buckton and three Siskin over Thornwick.

A bright sunny day, with a strengthening south-easterly wind and high of 17 degrees C. Unfortunately there was no sign of the Song Sparrow all day. A morning seawatch was rewarded with eight Sandwich Terns, two Manx Shearwaters and a Red-throated Diver. In addition, five Gadwall were on Thornwick, a summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver flew north and eight Sandwich Terns also headed in the same direction over the village. Five Gadwall were on Thornwick Pools, a Garden Warbler sang on the southern edge of the village and a creamcrown Marsh Harrier moved south-east there. Mid-evening a Marsh Harrier was also hunting fields near Buckton Hall.

Sunny throughout the majority of daylight hours, with a moderate easterly wind and a high of 17 degrees C. The day’s highlight were three Bee-eaters that flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with presumably two of the same off South Landing an hour later.

Ten Eiders flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured four Shelduck, 219 Common Scoters (south), five Sandwich Terns and a lone Manx Shearwater. Elsewhere, four Mediterranean Gulls flew east past South Landing where a further five Eider were offshore. A Red Kite and a Wheatear were along the cliffs between the Golf Course and North Landing.

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore wind strengthening during a day when temperatures reached 21 degrees C. Nine Shelduck flew south over North Marsh where the drake Wigeon, a pair of Shoveler and four Grey Herons were in residence. A Black Redstart frequented Lighthouse Road near the Chalk Tower in the morning, when a singing Garden Warbler and a Little Ringed Plover were also on the outer head.

Sunny skies dominated after an overcast start, with strengthening south-west winds and temperatures reaching a warm 26 degrees C. Seven Gadwall flew south past the outer head, where 35 Sandwich Terns flew north. There was evidence of the first returning waders including single Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper (Thornwick Pools), Lapwing, Golden Plover and Curlew on the outer head. A pair of Shoveler remained on North Marsh, while a Banded Demoiselle was unusual.

Three Crossbills and a Little Owl were the most notable sightings from Buckton, while two Curlews and a Lapwing were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

There were sunny intervals for the majority of daylight hours, blustery south-west winds and a peak temperature of 23 degrees C. The year’s first Sooty Shearwater (north) was the highlight of a seawatch that also witnessed a Blue Fulmar heading in the same direction. A Bittern was a surprise visitor to Thornwick Pools, while North Marsh continued to host the pair of Shoveler and the summering drake Wigeon. A Hobby toured the outer head, where a late Redwing appeared along Lighthouse Road.

Sightings from the Yorkshire Belle cruise around the headland included a first-summer Mediterranean Gull and two Arctic Terns. A Quail was sound-recorded heading over Bempton village during the night of 14th/15th.

Sunny throughout, with relatively light winds and a high of 25 degrees C. Odonata provided the most interest, headlined by an impressive influx of an estimated 62 Red-veined Darters in the Thornwick area; also present were good numbers of Broad-bodied Chasers amongst others. Butterflies were also very evident with Small Tortoiseshell numbers continuing to increase alongside Red Admirals and Painted Lady.

A sunny morning becoming cloudier from from early afternoon in a light south-westerly. The temperature reached 25°C.

A Mediterranean Gull, six Manx Shearwaters and seven Sandwich Terns passed the Fog Station. Two Siskins were seen separately in the village

An unseasonal Redwing was at Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton and a Spotted Flycatcher was sound recorded overnight in Bempton village.

A light easterly breeze with a cloudy morning and sunnier afternoon. The temperature reached 20°C.

Thirty-one Manx Shearwaters, 38 Common Scoter and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull were off the Fog Station during the morning with four Mediterranean Gulls and six Manx there during the evening. A Grey Plover passed over Bempton Lane.

Sunny all day with light breeze and a maximum temperature of 19°C.

Three Manx Shearwaters and ten Sandwich Terns passed the Fog Station during the morning seawatch. Elsewhere, an out of season Redwing was at the Golf Course Willows and a Green Sandpiper at Thornwick Pools.

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore wind and a high of 20 degrees C. A record-breaking day for Mediterranean Gulls: six adults were off the Fog Station in the morning; a lone adult then flew south over the Bowling Green. In the evening, nine Mediterranean Gulls flew north past the Fog Station including two second calendar-year and a third calendar-year. Elsewhere, 26 Tufted Ducks and two Little Grebes were on Thornwick Lakes, with a drake Teal at the nearby Pools.

A sunny morning preceded a more overcast afternoon, with spells of very light rain; temperatures reached 21 degrees C with an onshore wind establishing. Nineteen Manx Shearwaters were recorded during a relatively quiet morning seawatch. Several ‘feeding fenzies’ established off the headland during the day and one attracted two Caspian Gulls (2nd and 4th calendar-year) alongside 400 Herring Gulls and eight Lesser Black-backeds. Thornwick Lakes/Pools attracted 32 Tufted Ducks, two Little Grebes and two Dunlin. The highlight was a singing Marsh Warbler at South Landing in bushes on the edge of the car park near the cafe.

There were blustery south-west winds throughout a day that featured sunny intervals and some light rain; temperatures reached 24 degrees C. The winds were responsible for a southerly movement of 847 Swifts in the early morning, as well as pushing four Red Kites, two Hobbies and eight Siskins onto the headland. A Green Woodpecker at Hartendale was a local rarity, while a Blue Fulmar was the best of a seawatch. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Whimbrel and Mediterranean Gull.

A relatively overcast day after a brighter start, with a blustery westerly wind and high of 20 degrees C. The Green Woodpecker appeared for the second day running, flying over the Bowling Green towards Hartendale mid-afternoon. A Hobby toured the outer head, while the winds also pushed four Crossbills and two Siskin onto the headland. Elsewhere, an Arctic Skua flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Overcast for the majority of daylight hours, with moderate south-west winds and a best of 23 degrees C. A total of 34 Manx Shearwaters flew north during a morning seawatch. While several wader species are clearly already moving south, a dispersing juvenile Wheatear at the Fog Station illustrated some passerines are doing the same.

A relatively overcast day, with light winds variable in direction and a peak of 20 degrees C. A Spoonbill flew south at RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 1625hrs. Elsewhere, 108 Manx Shearwaters moved north past the Fog Station in the morning and 98 did the same in the evening. In addition, two adult Mediterranean Gulls and 1500 Puffins moved past the headland late on. Single Cuckoo and Corn Bunting graced South Landing, while 11 Siskin flew south-west over the village.

South-westerly winds strengthened during a relatively bright day where temperatures reached 25 degrees C. The Green Woodpecker was heard on the southern edge of the village near South Dykes, where Hobby and Nuthatch were also recorded. A Green Sandpiper dropped onto Thornwick Pools, while a juvenile Cuckoo lingered in the Bay Brambles. A Grasshopper Warbler sang at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A warm day, with sunny intervals, a blustery south-west wind and high of 26 degrees C. An escaped juvenile Saker led would-be observers a merry dance around the outer head since the original sighting at North Landing; it eventually showed well in the evening and was wearing a closed ring.

By local standards a flock of 75 Black-tailed Godwits that flew south early evening was exceptional. Additional sightings included a Red Kite, the juvenile Cuckoo, unseasonal Merlin and Whinchat, a Grey Wagtail, two Siskin and five Corn Buntings. Nine Mediterranean Gulls included seven on the morning’s seawatch, when 29 Manx Shearwaters were also logged.

Another warm day that consisted of sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 28 degrees C in a moderate south-westerly wind. The day’s main feature was a record-breaking southerly passage of 210 Black-tailed Godwits, with the majority of flocks following the cliffs from Bempton to the outer head. The juvenile Cuckoo remained in the Bay Brambles, while six Crossbills were in the village before flying south. Less popular than yesterday, the escaped juvenile Saker lingered around the Bay Brambles. Additional seawatch records included two adult Mediterranean Gulls flying south and 19 Manx Shearwaters.

In addition to the aforementioned godwits, highlights from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included six Tufted Ducks, a Marsh Harrier; 152 Swifts headed south, along with 35 Sand Martins.

Light onshore winds developed during a sunny day, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. A flock of ten Black-tailed Godwits flew south over the sea, while a Common Tern and two Mediterranean Gulls were off the South Cliffs. In the evening, an additional flock of 35 Black-tailed Godwits flew south over Thornwick. A Cuckoo was at Oceanview and a lone Crossbill in the village.

The weather consisted sunny skies, a moderate south-easterly wind and a peak temperature of 20 degrees C. Mediterranean Gulls were prominent once again, with two (adult, first summer) off the Fog Station, a first-summer at South Landing and four adults feeding off South Dykes. In the evening 152 Manx Shearwaters flew north, while a 300-strong flock of Common Scoters rested in the bay off the South Cliffs. Elsewhere, a Green Sandpiper flew south and a Little Ringed Plover dropped onto Thornwick Pools; passerine interest included a Grey Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll. A third calendar-year Caspian Gull flew south-east past RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Late news from yesterday evening, a Quail called from arable fields between Thornwick and North Dykes.

A marked change of weather, with light/moderate northerly winds developing, overcast skies and a high of 19 degrees C. Seawatching proved productive with 46 Teal south, 434 Common Scoters, single Mediterranean Gull and Red-throated Diver, 54 Manx Shearwaters, a Little Egret and a Minke Whale. A further three Little Egrets and a Green Sandpiper overflew the village, while three Black-tailed Godwits and a Little Ringed Plover dropped onto Thornwick Pools. Another first-summer Mediterranean Gull frequented South Landing beach. Passerine migrants included a Redwing, a juvenile Wheatear and three Grey Wagtails.

Rain from the early hours eased late morning. The light wind came from the north-west and the temperature reached 18°C.

Seawatching proved to be productive with 241 Manx Shearwaters, 552 Common Scoters, two Mediterranean Gulls and a Little Gull all logged.

A further three Mediterranean Gulls passed north-west at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. An adult Little Ringed Plover and a Redshank were at Thornwick Pools.

Mainly sunny with a light, variable breeze and a maximum temperature of 22°C.

The seawatch featured 138 Manx Shearwaters, a single Common Tern and seven Sandwich Terns. Two Gadwall were at Thornwick Pools where there was a Little Egret early morning. What may have been the same egret flew over Cattlemere later. A Hobby harried Swifts over the Bowling Green and an adult Mediterranean Gull was at South Landing during the evening. Two Lapwings and a Ringed Plover flew south over North Dykes.

A relatively overcast day, with some brighter spells and light rain from mid-afternoon; there were moderate south-west winds and a best of 22 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 35 Manx Shearwaters and a Red-throated Diver. Four Mediterranean Gulls also flew north including three birds crossing the headland. A flock of 15 Black-tailed Godwits headed south near South Landing, while a Common Snipe was on Thornwick Pools. Also on the move were 231 Common Swifts that moved south during the morning. The day’s highlight was a Quail flushed from the edge of the Golf Course that showed well before dropping into the Bay Brambles.

Blustery south-westerly winds featured throughout a day of sunny intervals and a high of 23 degrees C. The morning seawatch was relatively quiet, with two Whimbrel, nine Sandwich Terns, an adult Mediterranean Gull and one Red-throated Diver. The wind forced passerines along the cliff edge including four Siskin and two Grey Wagtails. A record-breaking 41 Tufted Ducks were on Thornwick Lakes, while a Wigeon, three Oystercatchers and one Little Ringed Plover frequented the nearby Pools.

It was an overcast day, with light winds until the arrival of a front late morning which brought heavy rain; subsequently winds switched to the north, while temperatures reached 18 degrees C. An adult Pomarine Skua flew north during an evening seawatch that also featured 762 Puffins and 188 Manx Shearwaters heading in the same direction; an additional 32 Manx moved north during a morning seawatch.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Mute Swans, 52 Common Scoters, two Whimbrel and 486 Swifts; the latter moving south-east ahead of the rain.

Relatively overcast, with showers at either end of the day, a light/moderate north-north-westerly wind and high of 17 degrees C. Seawatching in the morning was rewarded with four Arctic Terns, a Mediterranean Gull, single Bonxie and Arctic Skua and 68 Manx Shearwaters. The year’s first juvenile Yellow-legged Gull appeared off the Fog Station in the evening, while two Mediterranean Gulls were on the shore below Beacon Hill. In addition, eight Black-tailed Godwits flew south over the village.

A bright sunny day, with relatively light northerly winds and a high of 17 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included single Velvet Scoter, Sooty Shearwater, Arctic Skua and Bonxie along with four Arctic Terns and 115 Manx Shearwaters. Elsewhere, a single Grey Wagtail overflew Bempton village.

An overcast morning was followed by sunny skies; winds remained light, while temperatures reached 23 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with 135 Common Scoters, three Arctic Terns, an Arctic Skua, one Red-throated Diver, 124 Manx Shearwaters and three Little Egrets all moving north. A Common Sandpiper appeared below the Fog Station, four Whimbrel flew past Beacon Hill and a Hobby dashed north-west over the village. Dispersing passerines included a Reed Warbler near the lighthouse and four Yellow Wagtails.

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore wind developing and a high of 23 degrees C. The flat calm seas early on proved ideal for cetacean watching and no fewer than seven Minke Whales fed off the north side of the headland as viewed between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and North Landing. In addition, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull attended fishing boats off Bempton.

Fifty-one Tufted Ducks on Thornwick Lakes included a brood of nine ducklings. Nearby, two Little Ringed Plovers were on the Pools, while a single Arctic Skua was the highlight of a morning seawatch.

A Quail sang from roadside fields near Buckton Hall, where a Wheatear was also present.

Sunny throughout, with light onshore winds and a high of 24 degrees C. The day’s highlight was a Bee-eater that flew over the cliff top at Wolds Farm at 0945hrs; after circling, it then headed in a south-easterly direction towards the village. Nearby, Thornwick Pools attracted two Gadwall, two Shoveler, a Wigeon, four Teal, a Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover, three Dunlin, two Oystercatchers, two Redshank, a Green Sandpiper and one Snipe.

Five Whimbrel were at Beacon Hill, a Hobby flew over the Golf Course and ten Yellow Wagtails represented a notable increase. Two Minke Whales were lunge feeding amongst a ‘seabird frenzy’ off North Landing, while nine Arctic Terns were seen off the Fog Station.

An overcast, misty morning was followed by a brighter afternoon; light onshore winds pegged back temperatures to a high of 20 degrees C. The morning seawatch featured 108 Common Scoters, 28 Arctic Terns and three Mediterranean Gulls. A Minke Whale also fed off the Fog Station, while three of the latter were off RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Additional sightings from the reserve included a Marsh Harrier and two Golden Plovers.

A relatively overcast day, with light northerly winds, occasional light rain and a maximum of 20 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with 88 Common Scoters, four Arctic Terns, 20 Sandwich Terns, a Sooty Shearwater and 17 Manx Shearwaters. The Thornwick area hosted a Gadwall and a Green Sandpiper. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier, four Tufted Duck, 14 Whimbrel and three Minke Whales. Nearby, a Little Egret bizarrely landed briefly in trees at Bempton railway station.

The day’s was notable record related to the headland’s fifth Bedstraw Hawkmoth that fed in a Flamborough village garden.

An overcast day, with light south-easterly winds and a high of 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 121 Common Scoters, a Common Tern, 512 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua and a Bonxie all moving north. Thornwick Pools attracted ten Common Sandpipers and two Green Sandpipers; a total of 29 Whimbrel included 19 moving south on the seawatch. There was also an increase in gulls feeding close inshore over the high tide period, including ten Mediterranean Gulls between South Landing and South Dykes. In addition, juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls were seen at Thornwick Pools and off the Fog Station.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Tufted Ducks and a Marsh Harrier.

A bright morning preceded overcast skies and showers, with light/moderate south-south-west winds and a high of 19 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 42 Whimbrel, 12 Knot and 132 Redshank flying south, together with 66 Common Scoters and 189 Sandwich Terns moving north. An additional 23 Redshank and nine Whimbrel flew south past Thornwick Bay, while the nearby Pools attracted single Green Sandpiper and Snipe. A minimum of six Mediterranean Gulls were along the South Cliffs and a Red Kite overflew the Bowling Green.

Light rain early morning soon cleared to leave a bright day, with light northerly winds and a high of 20 degrees C. Up to five Minke Whales were recorded, with most sightings off RSPB Bempton Cliffs, although a lone individual fed off the Fog Station. A calling Bee-eater was reported from the reserve at Bempton, although it wasn’t seen. An evening seawatch from the outer head featured five Arctic Terns and two Little Gulls.

Largely overcast after a foggy start, with south-east winds and a high of 18 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with 37 Common Scoters, three Arctic Terns and 62 Sandwich Terns moving north along with a Mediterranean Gull, nine Whimbrel, 12 Redshank and 22 Dunlin flying south. The first juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew east over Beacon Hill, while Thornwick Pools attracted a Green Sandpiper and four Dunlin.