Category: Sightings

Light easterlies established during a mainly overcast day, with some sunny intervals and a high of 21 degrees C. A 235-strong flock of Common Scoters were on the sea off Hartendale. Thirteen Teal, a Dunlin and one Green Sandpiper were on Thornwick Pools, with a Common Sandpiper at High Stacks. A single Marsh Harrier flew east over the Gorse Field, while there were Hobby sightings at Bempton village and Thornwick Bay. In the evening, the first post-breeding Merlin was seen at Thornwick, along with a Cuckoo, 200 Swallows and 100 Sand Martins. Eighteen Yellow Wagtails on the outer head represented a substantial increase, with two Crossbills flying west over Oceanview.

Generally overcast with rain arriving mid-morning that continued until the evening; there were light easterly winds and a high of 18 degrees C. The highlight was a summer-plumaged Black Guillemot that flew south past the Fog Station at 0856hrs. Other seawatch counts included 46 Shelduck south, 416 Common Scoters north, two Bar-tailed Godwits, 37 Redshank, 91 Knot and 39 Dunlin all south and 326 Sandwich Terns moving north. A Minke Whale fully breached off the Fog Station as well. Two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls were off the South Cliffs. Thornwick Pools attracted four Dunlin, with the nearby Lakes hosting seven Dunlin, two Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers.

Fog until 0930hrs preceded sunny intervals, before overcast skies and rain arrived in the afternoon; light/moderate south-east winds established and temperatures reached 18 degrees C. A total of 258 Common Scoters flew north past RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with six Whimbrel and 29 Redshank moving south. Seventeeen Yellow Wagtails were also recorded from the reserve, where a Tree Pipit flew north-west. A Hobby overflew the nearby village.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Teal, two Green Sandpipers, a Greenshank and a Snipe, while North Marsh hosted a Shelduck, one Wigeon, four Teal and a Green Sandpiper.

The day was mostly cloudy with a maximum temperature of 20°C and a light south to south-easterly breeze.

Morning highlights at the Fog Station included 24 Whimbrel, 35 Redshank, five Knot, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and a Minke Whale.

A single Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers and Dunlin were at Thornwick Pools. A juvenile Cuckoo was at Old Fall and 44 Common Scoter were off South Landing.

Three more Minke Whales off the North Cliff were probably the same seen feeding off Bempton Cliffs.

The weather clouded over after a sunny morning followed by periods of rain from mid-afternoon onwards. The maximum temperature was 22°C.

A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was seen again off the Fog Station and a Little Egret was in Selwicks Bay. Waders at Thornwick Pool included two Green Sandpipers and single Greenshank, Common Sandpiper and Snipe while a Cetti’s Warbler sang there briefly. A Common Sandpiper was also on the beach at South Dykes. Minke Whales numbered three off Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Rain from mid-afternoon following a sunny morning in a moderate northerly. Maximum temperature 21°C.

A quiet seawatch with a Whimbrel and two Manx Shearwaters being the highlight. The juvenile Greenshank remained at Thornwick Pools where it was joined by a Little Egret and two Crossbills were seen on the Outer Head.

Eleven Common Scoter passed Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A mainly cloudy day with a moderate northerly breeze and a maximum temperature of 20°C.

Waders were on the move past the Fog Station with 160 Oystercatchers and 68 Whimbrel along with single Golden Plover, Knot and Dunlin. Terns included 287 Arctic and 8 Common while two juvenile Caspian Gulls,a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, two Arctic Skua, 776 Puffins and 99 Manx Shearwaters were also logged.

Thornwick Pools hosted a Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Dunlin and Snipe. Three more Whimbrel were at South Landing and a Common Sandpiper near Sewerby. A juvenile Cuckoo was at South Dykes.

Another 41 Whimbrel passed by Bempton Cliffs RSPB where a Bonxie was offshore. A Marsh Harrier quartered fields at Speeton.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, light onshore winds developing in the afternoon and a high of 22 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with a flock of five Little Terns flying south, the first record of the year, along with 66 Common Scoters, ten Arctic Terns and 127 Sandwich Terns all flying north; a lone Arctic Skua moved south. Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Egret, the juvenile Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper and four Dunlin, while a single Little Eget also flew west past Beacon Hill. The most notable passerine records involved a ‘migrant’ Willow Warbler at Beacon Hill and a Crossbill at Oceanview.

Overcast, with light winds and a maximum of 21 degrees C. The morning seawatch highlights included 128 Common Scoters, 339 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua and a lone Bonxie all flying north. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull went south, while a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying in off the sea from significant distance appeared incongruous. An evening seawatch produced two juvenile Caspian Gulls, 55 Arctic Terns, 78 Sandwich Terns and 1035 Puffins all north. Elsewhere, a Little Egret, adult Mediterranean Gull and four Whimbrel were along the South Cliffs. On the opposite side of the headland, a Marsh Harrier overflew cliff top fields at North Dykes. Passerine interest included 14 Yellow Wagtails on the outer head and a Willow Warbler along Lighthouse Road.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 118 Common Scoters, 13 Whimbrel, three Marsh Harriers, 100 Swallows, nine Yellow Wagtails and four Minke Whales.

Relatively overcast, with light/moderate north-westerly winds and a best of 20 degrees C. A minimum two juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull were in residence around the outer head. Eleven Arctic Terns and 162 Sandwich Terns also flew north during the morning seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted a Wigeon, one Shoveler, a Greenshank and two Dunlin, while the summering male Wigeon remained at North Marsh. A Marsh Harrier came in off the sea at North Landing and two Little Egrets were below the South Cliffs. Further evidence that the ‘autumn’ passage of Willow Warblers has started, two were in Flamborough village, with another at Bempton village. A Minke Whale was seen from the nearby reserve, where a Cuckoo was present.

Generally overcast with some sunny spells, light winds which were variable in direction and a high of 20 degrees C. Two Sooty Shearwaters flew north during seawatch sessions that also logged an adult Mediterranean Gull, 125 Arctic Terns, a Bonxie and a Minke Whale. Two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, two juvenile Caspian Gulls (including a Dutch colour-ringed individual) and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull rested on the rocks at Cattlemere.

Bird of the day was undoubtedly a white juvenile Swallow around the outer head which is officially described as ‘brown’ due to a DNA mutation. Passerine interest included ten Willow Warblers and 32 Yellow Wagtails.

Elsewhere, a Merlin hunted cliff top fields around RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, light northerly winds and a high of 20 degrees C. A Marsh Harrier hunted fields along the South Cliffs, while the nearby rocks at Cattlemere attracted three juvenile Caspian Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, two Little Egrets, two Knot, 48 Turnstones and eight Sanderling.

A Cetti’s Warbler ringed at the Thornwick roost reedbed was an excellent reward for recent dedicated effort. Additional migrant records included a Cuckoo, 15 Willow Warblers, one Wheatear, 11 Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail.

Elsewhere, the shore between South Dykes and Sewerby attracted 36 Turnstones and three Ringed Plover.

A light northerly wind featured during a day of sunny intervals and maximum of 21 degrees C; understandably attention was focused on the sea. Three Pomarine Skuas (north) represented a marked improvement and were accompanied by two Sooty Shearwaters, 59 Arctic Terns, 231 Sandwich Terns, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and two juvenile Caspian Gulls. Away from the sea, a Cuckoo was at Thornwick Pools, while a Quail was sound-recorded flying over Bempton village overnight.

Light/moderate northerly winds featured during the afternoon; there were sunny intervals and a high of 20 degrees C. Predictably seawatching provided the day’s highlight with a Great Shearwater offshore in the morning. Other sightings included 131 Common Scoters, 19 Arctic Terns, 56 Common Terns, 312 Sandwich Terns, three Arctic Skuas, three Sooty Shearwaters and 51 Manx Shearwaters all flying north. A Little Gull and 25 Whimbrel flew south, while two juvenile Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull lingered offshore.

Single Marsh Harriers were recorded at Buckton and RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a Redstart at the latter location. A Hobby hunted over the nearby village.

A relatively overcast day, with blustery north-north-west winds and a high of 18 degrees C. As expected, seawatching proved to be the main event, producing the year’s first Cory’s Shearwater (north at 1155hrs) and two Great Shearwaters (north at 0555hrs & 0900hrs). Additional sightings included 25 Sooty Shearwaters, 61 Manx Shearwaters, 16 Arctic Skuas, eight Bonxies, 121 Arctic Terns, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and three juvenile Caspian Gulls.

A day of two halves: the morning was overcast with light/moderate northerly winds while the afternoon was sunny with a light south-easterly breeze; temperatures peaked at 18 degrees C. Seawatching again stole the show, headlined by a very impressive 1743 Arctic Terns moving north; this represented the headland’s second highest ever count. A Cory’s Shearwater slowly flew north past the headland at 0814hrs. Additional sightings included 25 Teal, 236 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 105 Sandwich Terns, a Yellow-legged Gull, 11 Arctic Skuas, two adult Pomarine Skuas (both seen later at RSPB Bempton Cliffs), six Bonxies, 13 Sooty Shearwaters and 122 Manx Shearwaters. A Minke Whale was also seen off the outer head.

On the land, a Marsh Harrier overflew Mid Dykes and a juvenile Cuckoo remained in the Thornwick/Holmes Gut area. Willow Warblers were scattered across several locations and included seven at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Generally overcast, with some sunny spells; temperatures peaked at 24 degrees C after a band of light rain during the middle part of the day, while variable winds remained light. No fewer than five Minke Whales fed off the Fog Station during the morning; seven Sooty Shearwaters were also recorded along with 149 Sandwich Terns, 29 Arctic Terns, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and a juvenile Caspian Gull. In the evening, two adult Pomarine Skuas flew north.

Passerine interest included a Cetti’s Warbler at Thornwick, five Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail. A Tree Pipit and nine Willow Warblers were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; a single Purple Sandpiper that flew north-west within a Curlew flock was a noteworthy site record for Bempton.

Overcast with heavy showers in the morning followed by sunnier skies and strong westerly winds; temperatures reached 21 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included single juvenile Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls feeding amongst very large numbers of Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Gannets off the Fog Station. On the north side of the headland, four Minke Whales were offshore of RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A day of sunny spells, blustery westerly winds and a best of 20 degrees C. The seawatching was quiet with three Bonxies, three Arctic Skuas, three Arctic Terns and 28 Sandwich Terns recorded. In addition, seven Black-tailed Godwits flew south over Cattlemere. There was also evidence of an arrival of Willow Warblers, with ten along Lighthouse Road/Oceanview alone, while a Cuckoo flew in off the sea by the Foghorn in the evening.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, a moderate westerly wind and a high of 23 degrees C. The undoubted highlight was the headland’s fifth Glossy Ibis that flew south over Thornwick at 1050hrs. The seawatch produced two juvenile Caspian Gulls, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, four Sooty Shearwaters, 41 Manx Shearwaters and two Bonxies. Single Little Egret and Little Ringed Plover were nearby. A Cuckoo stayed around Thornwick Pools, a Nuthatch was an unusual visitor to South Landing, while passerine migrant interest included 25 Willow Warblers and eight Yellow Wagtails on the outer head. Two Linnet flocks in the same area contained a total of 210 individuals and was indicative of a productive breeding season.

Two Minke Whales were offshore of RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where 11 Willow Warblers and a Great Spotted Woodpeckers were in residence. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew south from the reserve, with potentially the same juvenile over nearby fields adjacent to Buckton Hall.

A total of 48 Common Terns flying north represented a marked increase, with 70 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua, three Bonxies and a Sooty Shearwater also logged during the morning seawatch. A minimum of seven Minke Whales fed off Thornwick during the morning, joined by a huge feeding frenzy of 7500 Gannets and 12-14,000 Kittiwakes. Additional interest included a Marsh Harrier over South Dykes and a Red Kite west over the Bowling Green, where six Crossbills dropped in. Elsewhere, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover visited North Marsh, while juvenile Caspian Gull and juvenile Yellow-legged Gull lingered around the Fog Horn.

The day’s highlight was the discovery of the headland’s first ever Silver-washed Fritillary at Thornwick Pools; two Clouded Yellow butterflies near the Lighthouse were also noteworthy. A Roesel’s Bush Cricket at Oceanview maintained the rare insect theme.

Bright throughout, with a moderate west-south-westerly wind and a high of 23 degrees C. Two Minke Whales and 350 Common Terns were recorded during the morning seawatch, while a juvenile Caspian Gull was at South Landing in the evening. A Merlin hunted the cliff top adjacent to North Marsh, Willow Warblers were scattered across the headland, a Whinchat frequented the Lighthouse Grassland and a Tree Pipit overflew Bempton Lane.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a Little Owl, a Garden Warbler, one Reed Warbler, nine Willow Warblers and a Whinchat. Nearby, Bempton Caravan Park attracted 17 Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler and three Yellow Wagtails, while a juvenile Caspian Gull also went east over the village.

Sunny intervals, a moderate west-south-westerly wind and a high of 23 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 41 Common Scoters, a Great Crested Grebe, 192 Common Terns, 264 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua and ten Manx Shearwaters all flying north; a juvenile Caspian Gull fed close inshore. A flock of 215 House Martins gathered on the Fog Station buildings early morning and, nearby, a Cuckoo was at Cattlemere. A Clouded Yellow in the Lighthouse Field added a touch of colour.

Two Yellow-legged Gulls and a Caspian Gull were seen from RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where four Marsh Harriers included an adult male. Passerine migrants there included 25 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, one Reed Warbler, a Whinchat and 16 Yellow Wagtails. Two Minke Whakes were offshore. Records from Bempton Caravan Park included a Marsh Harrier, 140 Swallows, 14 Willow Warblers, two Spotted Flycatchers and two Yellow Wagtails.

A bright day throughout, with light westerlies in the morning preceding south-easterlies in the afternoon; temperatures reached 22 degrees C. The morning seawatch highlights included 1650 Common Terns moving north along with 186 Sandwich Terns, two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls, three Arctic Skuas and 30 Manx Shearwaters. A juvenile Caspian Gull was again off the Fog Horn in the evening. Passerine migrants on the outer head included a Grasshopper Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 30 Willow Warblers, a Goldcrest, three Tree Pipits, a Pied Flycatcher, one Whinchat, two Wheatears, eight Yellow Wagtails, two Crossbill and one Siskin.

Three Minke Whales were off Bempton RSPB, where records included eight Willow Warblers, a Wheatear, two Whinchat, 24 Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail and a Redpoll. Sightings from the nearby Bempton Caravan Park included a Hobby, 17 Willow Warblers and a Garden Warbler.

A warm day with variable cloud cover in alight westerly backing easterly by early afternoon. Maximum temperature 24°C.

Seawatching highlights included three Roseate Terns, a Cory’s Shearwater flying north and juvenile Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. In addition, there were 353 Common and 208 Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Skua, two Great Skuas and nine Manx Shearwaters and a Little Egret. Two Knot flew south.

Again, there were good numbers of passerine migrants on the Outer Head including 70 Willow Warblers, 44 Whitethroats, 24 Lesser Whitethroats, a Redstart, four Whinchats, two Wheatears, a Pied Flycatcher, 15 Yellow Wagtails and two Crossbills. Over two hundred House Martins continued to to congregate on the Outer Head. Fourteen Whimbrel passed over the lighthouse. Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Egret and two Dunlin. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at South Landing and over a hundred Common Scoter in Bridlington Bay.

Mainly sunny with a light easterly and a maximum temperature of 20°C.

Seawatching highlights included a Little Tern, 285 Common Terns north and 201 south, a single Arctic Tern, a total of 77 Sandwich Terns, a Mediterranean Gull and a Little Gull, three Arctic Skuas, two Sooty and 12 Manx Shearwaters. A Little Egret also passed as did three Grey Plover, 32 Whimbrel, 10 Redshank and 6 Knot.

The hepatic Cuckoo, present on the Outer Head for several days remained. An adult and juvenile Roseate Tern fed off Cattlemere where there were two Common Sandpipers. Passerine migrants were fewer compared with yesterday but still included 20 Willow Warblers, 21 Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, eight Blackcap, 36 Whitethroat, two Whinchat, single Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher and Yellow Wagtail. Two Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper passed overhead and a Little Egret was on the beach at South Dykes.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted good numbers of passerine migrants too with a Wood Warbler, 52 Willow Warblers, nine Chiffchaffs, three Blackcaps, 13 Whitethroats, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, three Sedge Warblers, a single Wheatear and Whinchat, two Pied Flycatchers and 12 Yellow Wagtails overhead. A Caspian Gull and three Golden Plover were also seen.

Sunny throughout, with light easterly winds and a high of 21 degrees C. A Pomarine Skua flew north during a seawatch that also featured 156 Sandwich Terns, a Little Gull, one Sooty Shearwater, a juvenile Caspian Gull, one Little Egret and two Marsh Harriers. Drift migrants continued to make landfall on the outer head including five Pied Flycatchers, three Redstarts, four Whinchat and 40 Willow Warblers. In addition, Thornwick Pools hosted a single Green Sandpiper, three Dunlin and a Cetti’s Warbler.

There was no sign of yesterday’s Wood Warbler at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where sightings included two Grasshopper Warblers, two Reed Warblers, two Whinchat, four Pied Flycatchers and 20 Willow Warblers. The nearby village attracted a lone Pied Flycatcher.

Light westerly winds, sunny intervals and a best of 26 degrees C. A juvenile Roseate Tern provided the highlight of a morning seawatch that also featured 122 Teal, 88 Oystercatchers, 38 Whimbrel and five Black-tailed Godwits all moving south. Two Sooty Shearwaters and a juvenile Caspian Gull were also recorded. The hepatic Cuckoo remained in residence on the outer head along with a Little Egret, a Hobby, one Green Sandpiper, 20 Yellow Wagtails, a Whinchat and a Crossbill. An additional four Yellow Wagtails were noted at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A relatively bright day, with light/moderate northerly winds and a high of 22 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with the year’s first Black Tern, 1528 Common Terns flying north along with 14 Arctic Terns, 227 Sandwich Terns, two Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and two Sooty Shearwaters.

Four Little Egrets flew south over the outer head (single & flock of three), a Merlin lingered at South Landing and two Cuckoos were in residence. A Whinchat at North Marsh was the best of the rest. RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted three Whinchat and two Wheatear, with a Minke Whale offshore.

A relatively overcast day featuring brighter intervals, a light northerly wind and high of 18 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 80 Common Scoters, 140 Oystercatchers and 63 Redshank south, 639 Common Terns, 366 Sandwich Terns, single juvenile Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 450 Little Gulls (south), five Arctic Skuas, five Bonxies, 13 Sooty Shearwaters and 90 Manx Shearwaters. Three Common Sandpipers and six Whimbrel were on the shore below Beacon Hill, with two Little Egrets feeding in tidal pools at Cattlemere. In addition, seven Wheatear, a Whinchat and a Spotted Flycatcher were on the outer head.

Nine Grey Partridge and two Marsh Harriers were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with a Reed Warbler, 25 Common Whitethroats, a Treecreeper, one Pied Flycatcher and four Whinchat; a lone Minke Whale was offshore. The presumed same escaped juvenile Saker that frequented the outer head several weeks ago re-appeared at Bempton.

The year’s first Long-tailed Skua, an adult, flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured three Common Dolphins moving north; the latter anything but common locally, with a mere handful of records. Also on the move were 177 Common Scoters, single Greenshank and Ruff, 14 Arctic Terns, 490 Common Terns, 263 Sandwich Terns, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 40 Little Gulls, four Arctic Skuas, five Bonxies, eight Sooty Shearwaters and 40 Manx Shearwaters. The most notable passerine record was a Redpoll west over the Bay Brambles.

A Minke Whale was off RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where four Marsh Harriers, eight Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler, four Whinchat and nine Yellow Wagtails were also recorded.

Overcast, with occasional light drizzle and a high of 18 degrees C in light north-north-easterly winds. Seawatching again proved rewarding with an adult Long-tailed Skua and a Scaup flying north. Three Roseate Terns (two adults and a juvenile), a Black Tern, two juvenile Caspian Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull and an additional two Sooty Shearwaters fed offshore. Also on the move were 478 Common Scoters, 268 Common Terns, 250 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and four Sooty Shearwaters all heading north. Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Greenshank overflew Cattlemere, while passerine interest on the outer head included a Tree Pipit. A Hobby, three Marsh Harriers, a Cuckoo, eight Yellow Wagtails and Whinchat were seen at Bempton.

Overcast skies through the day, with a light/moderate north-easterly wind, spells of very light drizzle and a maximum of 16 degrees C. There was little sign of movement during a morning seawatch that featured two juvenile Caspian Gulls, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 20 Little Gulls and a Black Tern feeding offshore. Single Ringed Plover and Green Sandpiper dropped onto Thornwick Pools. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew south over the outer head, where additional records included a scattering of Willow Warblers, five Wheatear and a Pied Flycatcher.

Three Marsh Harriers were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a trio of Whinchat were also in residence.

Overcast, with light/moderate northerly winds and a high of 17 degrees C. An impressive seawatch featured a northbound Great Shearwater, three Long-tailed Skuas (adult, two juveniles) south, an adult Sabine’s Gull south and two Roseate Terns. Equally impressive was a movement of 1518 Little Gulls flying north. Additionally 129 Common Scoters, 15 Arctic Terns, 653 Common Tern, 22 Bonxies, 91 Sooty Shearwaters and 209 Manx Shearwaters all headed north, while 39 Arctic Skuas flew south. A lone Black Tern fed off Cattlemere, a Cetti’s Warbler sang at Thornwick Pools and a Cuckoo was at South Landing. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two juvenile Marsh Harriers, a Whinchat and three Yellow Wagtails.

Overcast skies in the morning preceded sunny intervals; light northerly winds and a best of 16 degrees C. Another excellent seawatch with three Great Shearwaters, a Cory’s Shearwater, three juvenile Long-tailed Skuas and two adult Roseate Terns. Four first calendar-year Caspian Gulls also flew past the outer head, as did an adult Great Northern Diver, 222 Little Gulls, a juvenile Black Tern, 125 Sooty Shearwaters, 245 Manx Shearwaters, two Pomarine Skuas, 19 Bonxies and 18 Arctic Skuas. In addition, a Minke Whale was off the Fog Station.

Elsewhere, 40 Tufted Ducks and a first calendar-year Caspian Gull visited Thornwick Lakes, a Hobby hunted Oceanview airspace and seven Golden Plovers flew east. Passerine migrants included a Pied Flycatcher at Old Fall and three Wheatear.

Nine Grey Partridge were on fields between Buckton and Buckton Hall. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a juvenile Marsh Harrier, six Willow Warblers and a Pied Flycatcher.

The weather consisted of overcast skies until mid afternoon, light winds veering from the west to the north and a best of 18 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, an adult Pomarine Skua, two juvenile Caspian Gulls, 64 Little Gulls, 23 Sooty Shearwaters, 13 Bonxies and ten Arctic Skuas.

Two juvenile Caspian Gulls loafed on rocks at Cattlemere, one sporting a green darvic ring and the other unringed. Two Little Egrets and a Ruff overflew the nearby Lighthouse Grassland. Passerine migrants included three Spotted Flycatchers on the outer head and a Redstart at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

An overcast day, with light south-south-east winds and a high of 18 degrees C. The 2025 Seawatch Festival began with all four species of ‘regular’ skua: two adult Pomarine Skuas, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 30 Arctic Skuas and five Bonxies. An impressive six species of terns included two Little Tern, a Black Tern and a Roseate Tern, while larid interest included a juvenile Caspian Gull, 290 Little Gulls and a Mediterranean Gull. A total of 20 Sooty Shearwaters flew north, as did 46 Manx Shearwaters. A Marsh Harrier flew north over the sea, while cetacean interest included 44 Bottlenose Dolphins, six Harbour Porpoise and a Minke Whale.

Elsewhere, a Ruff flew east over Old Fall, a Cetti’s Warbler remained at Thornwick Pools and a Grasshopper Warbler was at South Landing. Single Spotted Flycatcher and Reed Warbler were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Three Marsh Harriers, a Merlin, one Hobby and a Whinchat were recorded at Buckton.

A relatively overcast day, with light south-east winds and a high of 20 degrees C. The day’s highlight was mid-morning discovery of a Barred Warbler on Beacon Hill. It subsequently relocated to Hartendale Gutter where it was still present early evening, albeit typically elusive. Two Garden Warblers, a Tree Pipit and one Whinchat were also present on the outer head.

Seven Little Egrets dropped onto Cattlemere, where a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull was also present. A Marsh Harrier flew south over Old Fall while a Hobby hunted North Landing. Seawatching proved challenging, although two Velvet Scoters were logged along with 46 Little Gulls, three Mediterranean Gulls, a first calendar-year Caspian Gull, nine Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Arctic Skuas and four Bonxies.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a male Marsh Harrier, a Garden Warbler, two Whinchat and 11 Yellow Wagtails.

Sunny throughout, with a moderate south-easterly wind developing and a high of 24 degrees C. Two Pomarine Skuas flew north during a seawatch that also featured two juvenile Caspian Gulls, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, 30 Little Gulls, two Sooty Shearwaters, 22 Arctic Skuas, two Bonxies and a Marsh Harrier. Three Little Egrets were at Cattlemere, while South Landing attracted single Garden Warbler and Goldcrest.

Two Goldcrests were also at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where other records included seven Yellow Wagtails.

The weather comprised occasional sunny intervals, light showers, a light south-westerly wind and a maximum of 24 degrees C. A flock of seven Glossy Ibis that flew south over the outer head was the undoubted highlght; initially south-east over the Golf Course at 1808hrs, they were last watched moving south low over the sea off South Landing ten minutes later. Presumably the same group had earlier flown south over Hartlepool at 1429hrs and likely to be the same seven seen in Somerset on 25th.

The morning seawatch was rewarded with two juvenile Caspian Gulls, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, one Little Gull, a Pomarine Skua, 11 Arctic Skuas and a lone Sooty Shearwater. Another Pomarine Skua flew east past South Landing in the afternoon. Elsewhere, two Mute Swans and 47 Tufted Ducks were on Thornwick Lakes. Two Black-tailed Godwits dropped onto North Marsh while the Lighthouse Grassland attracted a Whinchat.

Sunny intervals, a light/moderate southerly wind and maximum of 23 degrees C. Two Pomarine Skuas represented the highlight of a morning seawatch, with a Shoveler, nine Wigeon, 161 Common Terns and 64 Sandwich Terns also recorded. However, an evening boat trip of the headland proved significantly more fruitful, with sightings including a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, five Caspian Gulls (3rd calendar-year & four juveniles), a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and an adult Roseate Tern. Away from the sea, single Greenshank and Ruff dropped onto Thornwick Pools.

A sunny start to the day preceded cloudier conditions and sharp showers in the afternoon; temperatures peaked at 22 degrees C in a southerly wind. The year’s first Honey Buzzard, a relatively dark juvenile, flew north over Bempton village at 1020hrs. Seawatch highlights included a Little Gull, juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and a Merlin that flew south. Passerine interest included a singing Cetti’s Warbler at Thornwick Pools, a Spotted Flycatcher and nine Yellow Wagtails.

Some sunny intervals, but generally a bright overcast with some heavy showers; a relatively light southerly wind and maximum of 18 degrees C. A foraging Nightjar at South Landing at dusk represented the day’s best sighting. Additional migrants included two Swift, a Spotted Flycatcher and 11 Yellow Wagtails. A further eight Yellow Wagtails and a Whinchat were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Seawatching was rewarded with four Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, 11 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls and eight Red-throated Divers.

A sunny morning with light south-west winds was followed by overcast skies and blustery southerlies, with a high of 21 degrees C. Passerine interest included two Goldcrests, a Pied Flycatcher, two Tree Pipits, 15 Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail and five Siskin. Single Bonxie and Arctic Skua lingered off the headland, 12 Ringed Plovers were at South Landing, while a Hobby graced the skies above Croft’s Hill.

Blustery south-west winds, sunny intervals and a best of 22 degrees C. While unconducive for an arrival of passerines from Scandinavia, a south-westerly airflow can push birds moving south onto the headland. This morning’s Osprey fitted a pattern shared by the party of Glossy Ibis (26th) and Honey Buzzard (28th); it ended up on the outer head before leaving west along the South Cliffs. A Marsh Harrier over the Bowling Green was further evidence of the impact of the winds. Unfortunately the corpse of a Short-eared Owl along Lighthouse Road had been hit by traffic. Passerine migrants included single Wheatear, Goldcrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher and Tree Pipit, while 18 Yellow Wagtails remained.

Blustery southerly winds, sunny intervals and occasional light showers and a high of 20 degrees C. A relatively quiet seawatch featured a Minke Whale, three Little Egrets and a lingering Arctic Skua. Thornwick Pools hosted two Shoveler, two Pintail, 13 Teal, a Water Rail and one Snipe. Two Marsh Harriers headed west over the Bowling Green. Passerine migrants included a Spotted Flycatcher, a Tree Pipit and 24 Yellow Wagtails. Elsewhere, a Hobby overflew Bempton village.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, albeit with increasing cloud cover and some light showers, a light/moderate south-south-westerly wind and a maximum of 21 degrees C. Increased feeding activity was noted off the Fog Station, with four Minke Whales in residence, including a young calf. Also present were 300 Common Terns, 200 Little Gulls and two Arctic Skuas. Another Arctic Skua flying south-east over the Bowling Green was unusual. Passerine migrants included 16 Yellow Wagtails and a Spotted Flycatcher.

Relatively light south-westerly winds, the majority of daylight hours were overcast with occasional heavy showers and sunny intervals; temperatures reached 20 degrees C. Good numbers of seabirds were feeding off the Fog Station once again, including a Black Tern, juvenile Roseate Tern, two first calendar-year Caspian Gulls and a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull. A Hobby hunted over the Golf Course and 20 Yellow Wagtails remained in the Water Lane paddocks.

A Hobby fed over Bempton village, while a Spotted Flycatcher, three Willow Warblers and a Yellow Wagtail were at the nearby reserve after the rain.

A cloudy day with a thunderstorm and heavy rain mid-afternoon. The maximum temperature was 18°C and winds light and variable.

Seawatching was lively with highlights of 12 Goosander, 4 Whimbrel, a Green Sandpiper, a Ruff, 762 Common and 206 Sandwich Terns, 82 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, six Arctic Skuas, A Bonxie, two Sooty and 21 Manx Shearwaters all passing with two Roseate Terns, five Black Terns and a juvenile Caspian Gull feeding offshore.

The Cetti’s Warbler at Thornwick Pools is still singing intermittently. The flock of Yellow Wagtails at Water Lane continues to grow with 25 present and a juvenile Cuckoo was on the Outer Head. Falcon activity included a Merlin at North Dykes and a Hobby at High Holme. Two Shoveler were at Thornwick Pools where there was also a Water Rail and a Little Egret.

A Short-eared Owl was at Bempton Cliffs where there was two Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher.

Mainly sunny with a maximum temperature of 20°C and a light westerly breeze.

A quieter day over the sea than yesterday. Highlights included a Shoveler, 55 Teal, 165 Common Terns, a Little Gull and first year Yellow-legged Gull and Caspian Gulls.

A small arrival of migrant passerines appeared on the Outer Head with a Barred Warbler being the main event but also included eight Spotted Flycatchers, three Goldcrests, single Redstart and Whinchat and eight Wheatear while at least 20 Yellow Wagtails remained in the Water Lane horse paddocks. The Cetti’s Warbler at Thornwick Pools sang again. A Short-eared Owl was on the Golf Course and Lighthouse Grassland. A Little Egret graced Cattlemere while another and a Common Sandpiper flew over Thornwick with 200 Swallows coming in to roost there. More than 30 Swifts fed with hirundines over the Outer Head towards evening.

A Spotted Flycatcher was also at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. Hirundines were moving with 300 House Martins and 250 Swallows over Bempton village.