Category: Sightings

Variable cloud and a strengthening south-easterly gave a maximum temperature of 18°C.

Ten Arctic Skuas were seen from the Fog Station together with 63 Teal and 6 Tufted Duck. Two first year Caspian Gulls and 500 Common Terns were also offshore.

Caspian Gulls were also seen at The Lakes, Cattlemere and Bempton Cliffs. Passerine migrants on the Outer Head included Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and two Goldcrests.

Highlights of passerines at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included two each of Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, eight Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, a Whinchat, two Wheatears, twelve Yellow Wagtails, ten Goldcrests and a Siskin. Wader passage saw a Greenshank and three Whimbrel while a Merlin was also present.

The sun shone for most of the day with a moderate south-easterly and the temperature reaching 20°C.

The day started with a flyover Common Rosefinch at Bempton Cliffs RSPB followed quickly by the discovery of a Greenish Warbler at Thornwick Camp.

Other passerine migrants on the Outer Head included a Sedge Warbler, 19 Whinchats, six Redstarts, eight Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher, three Redpolls and a Siskin. While at Bempton Cliffs RSPB there was five Pied Flycatchers, two Spotted Flycatchers and eight Whinchat.

Non-passerine highlights included a Hobby, two Little Egrets and a first-year Caspian Gull at Thornwick Lakes while vismigging at Bempton Cliffs logged a Golden Plover,a Green Sandpiper and 51 Teal.

The best of the seawatch included 195 Teal, two Pochard, two Tufted Duck, a Mediterranean Gull,

Another warm, sunny day with a light south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 21°C.

Highlights from both morning and evening seawatches included 317 Teal, a Whimbrel, a Black Tern, 244 Common Terns, 115 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, two Caspian Gulls, four Arctic Skuas as a Marsh Harrier and two Grey Heron came in off.

The elusive Greenish Warbler at Thornwick Camp was seen again but only early morning while another, all to brief, active and vocal bird, was equally frustrating at the Golf Course Willows. Good numbers of commoner migrants were also present with 13 Willow Warblers, 50 Chiffchaffs, three Spotted Flycatchers, 19 Pied Flycatcher, eight Redstarts, 14 Whinchats, two Wheatears and a Siskin.

A video of a Spotted Crake taken at Thornwick Pools emerged late afternoon; it was the second of the year. Other Outer Head highlights included a Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, eight Golden Plovers, two Whimbrel, two Green Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper and a Yellow-legged Gull

A flyover Pacific Golden Plover called as it passed low south over Bempton Cliffs RSPB. Other sightings there included two Willow Warblers, five Chiffchaffs, eight Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, four Lesser Whitethroats, five Whitethroats, three Goldcrests, three Pied Flycatchers, two Whinchats, six Yellow wagtails and a Siskin. Four Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest and two Siskins were seen in Bempton village.

Sunny and warm again with a maximum temperature of 21°C. Light to moderate south-easterly breeze.

A Cory’s Shearwater was offshore during the morning’s seawatch which also featured a Great Northern Diver, 150 Teal, eight Whimbrel and Black Tern as well as four Redpolls and a Sikin.

A quieter day for migrant passerines on the Outer Head with a Spotted Flycatcher, three Pied Flycatcher, two Redstart, four Whitethroat, six Lesser Whitethroat, nine Willow Warblers, 24 Chiffchaffs, three Redpolls and four Siskin. The Cetti’s Warbler remained at Thornwick Pools.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB continued to draw birds with a Whinchat, three Pied Flycatchers, a Willow Warbler, six Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat, five Whitethroat, five Blackcap, a Garden Warbler and six Goldcrests as vismig logged two Yellow Wagtails, five Siskin and two Golden Plovers. A hobby was over Bempton village.

A late report from yesterday evening was for four Short-eared Owls at dusk at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A moderate to fresh south-easterly brought mainly overcast conditions with evening rain and a maximum temperature of 20°C.

Morning seawatching yielded ten Wigeon, 70 Teal, 54 Common Scoter, eight Knot, a Caspian Gull, six Arctic Skuas, four Manx Shearwaters and a Little Egret.

Thornwick Pools held three Shoveler, two Wigeon while the Cetti’s Warbler is still present. Two Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart continued to be seen nearby.

Thundery showers from mid-afternoon followed a sunny morning with a moderate south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 18°C.

Seawatching in the morning produced five Wigeon, 63 Teal, a Ruff, two Black Terns, two Caspian Gulls and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua.

The Outer Head continued to retain some passerine migrants from earlier in the week – three Whinchats, two Pied Flycatchers, a Spotted Flycatcher and five Yellow Wagtails. The Cetti’s Warbler, was noted again and a Cuckoo was found in a village garden. Other notable birds included three Little Egrets, three Shoveler and a Marsh Harrier

Sightings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a Garden Warber, Pied Flycatcher and Short-eared Owl.

A day of sunny intervals, heavy showers, light/moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 18 degrees C. An Osprey briefly perched on the cliff represented the highlight of a morning seawatch that also featured two first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gulls and a similarly aged Caspian Gull. A Little Gull, 137 Common Terns and an Arctic Tern were also logged.

Cattlemere hosted six Little Egrets, Thornwick Pools three Shoveler, 24 Teal and a Water Rail. A total of 33 Swifts were pushed onto the headland by the winds and were also accompanied by a Hobby. Passerine migrants on the outer head included a Goldcrest, two Whinchat, a Wheatear, a Redstart, three Pied Flycatcher and two Redpoll. Another Redstart was at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

After a damp start, sunny intervals dominated apart from the odd shower; there were moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 18 degrees C. Seawatch records included a Brent Goose, one Shoveler, a Black-tailed Godwit, two Arctic Skuas and single 1st calendar-year Caspian, Yellow-legged and Mediterranean Gulls. Away from the sea, a Marsh Harrier, two Hobby and 14 Swifts flew west over the village. It was also apparent that the blustery winds had pushed southbound passerines onto the coastal fringe: two Tree Pipits, 250 Meadow Pipits, four Grey Wagtails, eight Redpoll, 104 Siskin and nine Reed Buntings re-orientated inland from the outer head. Grounded passerines included one Pied Flycatcher, a Wheatear and nine Yellow Wagtails.

After overnight showers, a relatively bright morning preceded overcast skies; there were light/moderate south-west winds and a high of 16 degrees C. An adult Long-tailed Skua lingering off the Fog Station was the highlight of a morning seawatch that also featured a first calendar-year Caspian Gull, 15 Golden Plovers, an Arctic Skua, two Bonxies and six Little Egrets.

Autumn’s first skein of Pink-footed Geese moved south. Additional interest was provided by a Merlin at Oceanview and a Greenshank, two Whimbrel and ten Golden Plovers overflying the headland. The year’s second Green Woodpecker surprised at South Landing. The overnight showers grounded passerine migrants including 16 Goldcrest, 55 Chiffchaff, 13 Willow Warbler, six Wheatear, three Whinchat, one Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, 13 Yellow Wagtails, 40 Siskin and a Redpoll. While a fraction of the numbers recorded at other sites, 530 Meadow Pipits on the outer head were notable, with many heading off south-west. Elsewhere, a Marsh Harrier flew over RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Overcast, with blustery south-west winds, squally showers and a maximum of 16 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with a Merlin, four Pintail, six Snipe in off the sea, 16 Red-throated Divers and three Little Egrets. Better still, an Osprey flew south over the sea at 1026hrs, with a second Osprey flying south-west over Beacon Hill/Hartendale at 1715hrs. A Mediterranean Gull, single Black Tern and two Caspian Gulls were also recorded from the Seawatch Observatory. Eleven Swifts were pushed onto the outer head by the strong winds, while six Siskin over RSPB Bempton Cliffs were similarly displaced.

Sunny intervals, occasional showers, a moderate westerly wind and a high of 19 degrees C. Two juvenile Long-tailed Skuas represented the highpoint of seawatch sessions that also recorded five first calendar-year Caspian Gulls, 21 Arctic Skuas, six Bonxies, five Sooty Shearwaters and 39 Red-throated Divers. The blustery winds and showers again delivered migrants, including two Marsh Harriers, a Hobby, one Merlin, an impressive tally of 53 Swifts, a Redstart, one Whinchat, three Wheatear, three Pied Flycatchers, three Spotted Flycatchers, 161 Siskin and four Redpoll.

A single Short-eared Owl frequented cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs where a lone Pied Flycatcher was also present.

Blustery winds, generally from a southerly direction, were feature throughout a day that began with overcast skies and rain and ended with sunshine; temperatures peaked at 22 degrees C. Seawatching was productive, with 82 Sooty Shearwaters flying north and two Long-tailed Skuas: an adult that lingered offshore and a juvenile that flew south. A first calendar-year Caspian Gull was also recorded. Sightings from the land included a juvenile Hobby, one Water Rail, 11 Swifts, the long-staying Cetti’s Warbler at Thornwick, a Spotted Flycatcher and 50 Siskin.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a Hobby, one Short-eared Owl, eight Swifts, six Willow Warblers, 18 Chiffchaffs, 18 Goldcrests, a Whinchat and 23 Siskin.

A relatively overcast day, with occasional sunny intervals, a high of 22 degrees C and a light/moderate south-westerly. The morning seawatch was rewarded with a first calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull and a Sooty Shearwater together with 11 Arctic Skuas and a Bonxie. Four skeins of Pink-footed Geese flew south from late afternoon; the two visible flocks c.50 strong each. Elsewhere, a Hobby flew west over Bridlington Links, while passerine migrants included two Wheatears, six Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, 30 Siskin and two Redpoll.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 31 Pink-footed Geese, a Short-eared Owl, 42 Swifts, 20 Goldcrests, a Whinchat and 15 Siskin.

Overcast until mid-afternoon, when sunny intervals prevailed; light/moderate south-west winds and a high of 21 degrees C. A flock of ten Goosanders flew south during the morning seawatch. Pink-footed Geese were also moving south, with 405 logged during the day including a skein of 70 past the Fog Station in the morning; additional skeins could be heard moving south over the village after dark.

Thornwick Pools hosted a Wigeon, one Gadwall, 24 Teal, two Snipe and a Water Rail. Two first calendar-year Caspian Gulls were off the Fog Station during the morning, with one resting on plough at South Dykes early afternoon. Additional migrants included a Hobby, five Swift, two Mistle Thrush, eight Wheatear, two Whinchat and two Spotted Flycatchers.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Short-eared Owls, a Hobby, one Whinchat and three Spotted Flycatchers. An Osprey flew south over Buckton Pond at 0925hrs.

Overcast, with persistent but generally light rain arriving mid-morning; northerly winds strengthened during the day and temperatures reached 14 degrees C. A relatively quiet seawatch featured wildfowl on the move including two Gadwall flying south, with a drake Scaup, six Pintail and 152 Common Scoters moving north. Two Arctic Skuas also flew north. A first-winter Caspian Gull flew east past South Landing, where a juvenile Arctic Skua harried terns, two Grey Wagtails were on the beach and a Hobby flew west.

A Willow Warbler, ten Chiffchaffs and nine Goldcrest remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Strong northerly winds overnight gradually decreased during a relatively bright day with a best of 13 degrees C. Attention was inevitably focused on the sea, although it was quieter than many had hoped. Single Great Northern Diver and juvenile Pomarine Skua flew south along with two Pintail, two Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Eider, 40 Arctic Skuas, ten Bonxies and 141 Red-throated Divers. Moving north were 51 Sooty Shearwaters, 44 Manx Shearwaters, six Little Gulls and a Black Tern. An evening watch was rewarded with a single Storm Petrel moving north at 1839hrs and a first-winter Caspian Gull.

Sunny throughout, with light northerly winds and a high of 14 degrees C. Seawatching proved productive with single Leach’s Petrel, a juvenile Sabine’s Gull and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua flying north during the morning. Also heading north were 106 Sooty Shearwaters, 70 Manx Shearwaters, four Pintail, 81 Common Scoters, two Red-breasted Mergansers and nine Little Gulls. A Velvet Scoter also flew south.

Mainly sunny with a light northerly and a maximum temperature of 15°C.

Seawatchers were amply rewarded with three juvenile Sabine’s Gulls, two Pomarine Skuas while other highlights included two Dark-bellied Brent Geese, three Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 54 Wigeon, a Pintail, 171 Teal, a single Velvet and 172 Common Scoter, 71 Red-throated Divers, 18 Arctic Skuas and three Bonxies. Also offshore were 10 Manx and 18 Sooty Shearwaters.

The first Brambling of the autumn passed over the Outer Head as other finch species on the move included Redpolls and Siskins.

The number of Buzzards was a feature of early afternoon with five seen at South Landing, seven over Mid-Dykes and six at Bempton Cliffs. Pink-footed Geese also passed over the headland with 190 over South Dykes and 30 over Bempton Cliffs.

Light easterly winds and sunny skies developed by late morning; ideal drift conditions that inevitably produced. The autumn’s first Red-breasted Flycatcher was discovered in the ‘Motorway hedge’ just after 1400hrs and remained until the evening. Additional passerine migrants included six Goldcrests, a Garden Warbler, three Lesser Whitethroats, 23 Redwing, two Redstarts, a Grey Wagtail and a Brambling. Single Grey Plover and Ruff were on the outer head, while 111 Pink-footed Geese moved south.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included six Grey Herons, 85 Pink-footed Geese, a Short-eared Owl, four Goldcrests, two Lesser Whitethroats, two Pied Flycatchers and a Wheatear.

Perfect drift conditions, with sunny skies and a relatively light east-north-easterly wind; temperatures briefly touched 16 degrees C. A Siberian Stonechat at RSPB Bempton Cliffs headlined and was accompanied by a Red-breasted Flycatcher. Additional reserve records included 76 Pink-footed Geese, a ringtail Hen Harrier, a Marsh Harrier, 30 Skylarks, 15 Goldcrests, a Pied Flycatcher, one Whinchat, a Redwing, five Song Thrush and three Grey Wagtails.

On the outer head, yesterday’s Red-breasted Flycatcher remained at the Lighthouse Field, while four Yellow-browed Warblers were new (including three at South Landing) along with a Firecrest. Migrant totals on the outer head: a Marsh Harrier, 14 Common Buzzards, a Hobby, six Song Thrush, three Redwing, 65 Skylarks, 56 Goldcrest, 43 Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat, six Redstarts, two Wheatear, three Grey Wagtails, two Brambling and a Snow Bunting. The highlight on the sea was a Grey Phalarope in front of the Seawatch Observatory at 1340hrs.

A cloudy day with some sunny intervals, relatively light easterly winds and a high of 17 degrees C. RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted two Barred Warblers, the Red-breasted Flycatcher lingered along the Motorway Hedge and four Yellow-browed Warblers were in residence: singles at North Dykes, South Dykes, South Landing and Thornwick Camp. Passerine totals on the outer head included 110 Skylarks, three Lesser Whitethroats, 37 Chiffchaff, 185 Goldcrest, a Cetti’s Warbler, 24 Song Thrush, eight Redwing, a Fieldfare, two Redstart, 20 Stonechat, seven Wheatear, two Grey Wagtails, five Brambling, 520 Linnets, eight Lesser Redpoll and two Snow Buntings.

In addition to the Barred Warblers, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs and surrounds included one Short-eared Owl, a Marsh Harrier, a Reed Warbler, one Willow Warbler, 54 Goldcrests, a Whinchat, one Redstart, six Redwing, 19 Song Thrush, a Ring Ouzel and a Brambling.

The weather consisted of occasional sunny intervals, strengthening south-easterly winds and a high of 16 degrees C. Seawatching highlights involved three dark-bellied Brent Geese, 48 Wigeon, four Pintail, 188 Teal, 99 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, a Caspian Gull and two Arctic Skuas.

Two (single) Great White Egrets flew south over the headland at 0730hrs and 1020hrs; presumably the latter bird then settling on the shore at Cattlemere. Elsewhere, a Marsh Harrier flew south over the outer head, as did 22 Golden Plovers, while two first-winter Caspian Gulls were shared between Cattlemere and plough near Old Fall. Passerine interest included three Yellow-browed Warblers, the Cetti’s Warbler, four Lesser Whitethroats, two Common Whitethroats, the lingering Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Pied Flycatcher, 11 Wheatears, a Whinchat, seven Brambling, two Siskin, five Redpoll, 585 Linnets.

Another Yellow-browed Warbler was recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with a Hobby, one Whinchat and a Brambling. Nearby, two Whinchat and a Ring Ouzel were along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton.

Overcast for the majority of the day with sunny intervals late on; rain abated late morning, southerly winds remained light and temperatures reached 13 degrees C. A southerly movement during the morning’s seawatch included two dark-bellied Brent Geese, five Shoveler, 115 Wigeon, six Pintail, 351 Teal, seven Goosander, 19 Knot, 63 Common Terns, three Little Gulls, three first-winter Caspian Gulls, three Arctic Skuas, 60 Red-throated Divers, five Grey Herons and a Great White Egret.

Single Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover remained in residence while a Short-eared Owl overflew Lighthouse Road. Interestingly, a single Redstart came in off the sea during the morning rain and landed on the Seawatch Observatory. Additional passerine interest came in the form of three Yellow-browed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, two Yellow Wagtails, 13 Song Thrush north-west over the village, 13 Redpolls and two Snow Buntings.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Short-eared Owl, 25 Goldcrests, a Whinchat, two Wheatear, a Redstart, seven Redwing, eight Song Thrush and a Brambling.

Generally sunny, with light variable winds and a best of 17 degrees C. A Barred Warbler at South Landing provided the day’s highlight, where a Yellow-browed Warbler also remained. Other notable passerine records included 410 Skylarks, two Wheatear, three Redwings, five Grey Wagtails, two Siskin, 98 Lesser Redpoll and four Brambling.

Single Red-breasted Merganser and Mediterranean Gull were logged on the seawatch. A total of 1384 Pink-footed Geese moved south, while the calm conditions encouraged an unprecedented 75 Common Buzzards and four Red Kites to drift onto the headland early afternoon.

Sightings from the Bempton area included 480 Pink-footed Geese (with some duplication with the outer head totals), 24 Goldcrests, two Willow Warblers, two Grey Wagtails and 50 Yellowhammers.

Light winds throughout a relatively bright but largely overcast day, with temperatures peaking at 17 degrees C. Cattlemere attracted two first-winter Caspian Gulls, 545 Pink-footed Geese traversed the headland, while a Marsh Harrier flew north-west over Hartendale. Two Yellow-browed Warblers lingered at South Landing, the Cetti’s Warbler remained at Thornwick, while additional passerine interest included 115 Lesser Redpolls, 22 Siskin, four Brambling and 19 Crossbills (west over South Landing).

Largely overcast, with a light south-west wind and a maximum of 16 degrees C. Six Mute Swans and 22 Tufted Ducks were on Thornwick Lakes, while a Water Rail and Cetti’s Warbler were at the nearby Pools. Three Great Northern Divers flew south past the outer head, where a lone Great White Egret headed in a similar direction. Eight Little Egrets included a flock of six birds, a first-winter Yellow-legged Gull fed off the Fog Station and a Merlin was at North Marsh. Migrant passerines included two Yellow-browed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Redwing, two Wheatear, four Grey Wagtails, 65 Redpolls and 12 Siskin.

Elsewhere, 1100 Pink-footed Geese at Bempton village included 500 in stubble fields and 600 south. A Common Swift flew south-east past the nearby reserve, where a Short-eared Owl and four Redpolls were also present.

Variable cloud cover with a moderate southerly and a maximum temperature of 16°C.

Highlights of the morning seawatch include three Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 15 Wigeon, a Mediterranean Gull, four Caspian Gulls and an Arctic Skua.

The South Landing Barred Warbler remained and was re-trapped while a Yelllow-browed Warbler was also nearby. Amongst small numbers of Redpolls and Siskins passing overhead were two Crossbills. A Marsh Harrier toured the Outer Head before heading towards Bempton. Thirty-five Pink-footed Geese passed over and 2 Sandwich Terns and 3 Little Egrets were present in the Cattlemere area.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Merlin and Marsh Harrier provide raptor interest. Twenty-eight Redwings and seven continental Song Thrushes made landfall

Overcast, with increasingly strong southerly winds and heavy rain arriving in the afternoon; temperatures reached 15 degrees C. The year’s first Balearic Shearwater flew south during a morning seawatch that also featured three Shoveler, 129 Wigeon, two Pintail, 133 Teal, three first-winter Caspian Gulls and two Arctic Skuas heading in the same direction.

Land-based birding was curtailed to a large extent by the weather but birds noted were the flyover of two Snipe and 11 Lapwing and the Yellow-browed Warbler at South Landing still lingered. Migrants at Bempton Cliffs included a Garden Warbler, four Blackcap and ten Goldcrest; non-passerines included 64 Pink-footed Geese, a Grey Plover and two Caspian Gulls.

Strong west-south-west winds, sunny intervals and a high of 13 degrees C. Six Caspian Gulls (five first-winters, one second-winter) flew south during a morning seawatch along with two presumed Caspian x Herring Gull hybirds. One of the Caspian Gulls sported a Polish darvic-ring. Additional seawatch records included a Red-breasted Merganser, an Arctic Skua and a Mediterranean Gull moving south, with two Grey Plovers flying north.

Thornwick Pools hosted a Mandarin and a Whimbrel. Records from the outer head included nine Golden Plover, two Grey Wagtails, a Wheatear, four Siskin and six Redpoll. A southerly movement of Pink-footed Geese included 183 over RSPB Bempton Cliffs and an additional skein of 65 birds over the outer head.

Winds initially from the west veered west-north-west later; sunny intervals and a high of 16 degrees C. Twelve Sooty Shearwaters flew north during the morning seawatch. The north-westerly airstream prevalent further north encouraged the first southerly movement of Whooper Swans: a party of six flew south over Bempton were the forerunners to 28 (2, 12,5,9) moving over the outer head. In addition, 320 Pink-footed Geese landed in fields near North Dykes; these then split and were responsible for a series of subsequent sightings. Elsewhere, the Cetti’s Warbler remained at Thornwick. Migrant passerines included a 12 Goldcrests, 32 Chiffchaffs, two Wheatear, a Spotted Flycatcher, one Grey Wagtail, 20 Redpolls and three Siskin. Additional sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Garden Warbler and one Wheatear.

Unseasonably warm, with a high of 20 degrees C in a light/moderate westerly wind and sunny skies. A total of 96 Whooper Swans were recorded on the outer head including 16 birds that dropped onto Thornwick Pools; 46 of these were also recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Seawatching was rewarded with 458 Little Gulls (north), 12 Arctic Skuas, six Bonxies, a Great Northern Diver and nine Sooty Shearwaters.

Presumably as a result of the recent strong westerlies pushing southbound birds against the coast, a south-westerly movement of passerines occurred over South Landing from first light involving: 360 Linnets, 70 Goldfinch, 17 Yellowhammers, 12 Redpoll, eight Siskin and three Swallows. Elsewhere, a lone Crossbill rested briefly on Thornwick Camp. Other totals included two Yellow-browed Warblers (South Landing), 19 Chiffchaffs, two Cetti’s Warblers at Thornwick Pools, a Reed Warbler, 14 Redwing, three Mistle Thrush and a Wheatear.

Additional to the Whoopers, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Merlin, while Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and Redpoll were recorded in the nearby village.

A bright start preceded overcast skies, a light/moderate south-westerly wind and best of 16 degrees C. Thornwick Pools hosted a Whooper Swan, 31 Teal, a Wigeon and one Water Rail. A single at the latter site was one of three Cetti’s Warblers in the area, which included a single trapped and ringed in a garden in the centre of the village. Another surprise was a single Great Northern Diver that flew north over Thornwick Lakes having taken a ‘short cut’.

The long-staying Barred Warbler remained at South Landing, where a Garden Warbler and adult Mediterranean Gull were also present. Further records from the outer head included a Reed Warbler, 33 Redwing, a Fieldfare, two Wheatear, four Grey Wagtails , 15 Redpoll, two Siskin and a Brambling.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included several hundred Pink-footed Geese, one Merlin, a Little Owl, two Short-eared Owls, a Garden Warbler and 30 Redwing. Forty Corn Buntings frequented fields at Speeton.

Light winds, sunny intervals and a high of 16 degrees C – benign conditions that didn’t raise expectation. However, it is October when the headland’s birding can deliver in spades …

… when news broke that a juvenile White-throated Needletail had been photographed at Tophill Low at 1450hrs several locals headed south-west, whereas others wondered if the pull of the local cliffs would prove enticing. Cue pandemonium, when another alert confirmed that the latter was indeed the case – the Needletail flew along the cliffs at Bempton at 1702hrs. Thankfully, it was soon relocated and continued to show fantastically well until 1830hrs when it drifted east; it was thought to have roosted somewhere near Staple Nook.

In other news, 11 Whooper Swans included a lone bird still at Thornwick Pools. Passerine interest included two Cetti’s Warblers at Thornwick, 34 Chiffchaff, the long-staying Barred Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler at South Landing, 27 Redwing, seven Wheatear, 17 Lesser Redpoll, a Brambling, eight Siskin and four Crossbills.

An overcast start preceded sunny skies; there were light/moderate westerly winds and a high of 18 degrees C. There were no definite sightings of the White-throated Needletail on the headland. Four Whooper Swans were near North Dykes and a lone bird remained at Thornwick Pools. Single Cetti’s Warbler, Barred Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler were in residence at South Landing, where two Grey Plovers and a Red-breasted Merganser were offshore. Nearby, three Great Crested Grebes were off Sewerby. Another Cetti’s Warbler sang at Thornwick Pools.

Five Whooper Swans flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where a Merlin was also present. Eleven Grey Partridges were in fields on the edge of Bempton village.

Light winds throughout, with a sunny morning and increased cloud in the afternoon; temperatures reached a warm 19 degrees C. Five Common Scoters, a Common Tern, one Sandwich Tern, 16 Little Gulls and seven Red-throated Divers featured on the morning seawatch. A Red-breasted Merganser was still present off South Landing. At least 400 Pink-footed Geese toured the headland, while nine Little Egrets fed below the South Cliffs at low tide. A Ring-necked Parakeet flew west over Oceanview, and latterly the village, while the Barred Warbler remained at South Landing and the Cetti’s Warbler at Thornwick Pools.

The weather for the first day of Migweek 2025 consisted of sunny intervals, very light winds and a high of 15 degrees C. Morning seawatch highlights included 21 Common Scoters, 21 Common Terns, 23 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, four Pomarine Skuas, three Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, four Sooty Shearwaters and five Manx Shearwaters. Elsewhere, one Whooper Swan flew south over Hartendale, the Red-breasted Merganser lingered off South Landing, while five Little Egrets fed below the South Cliffs. The lone Whooper Swan remained on Thornwick Pools, where a Kingfisher and Cetti’s Warbler were also present. Additional sightings included a Ring-necked Parakeet, 19 Goldcrest, 52 Redwing, two Wheatear, five Grey Wagtails, a Crossbill, 110 Redpoll and six Siskin.

Two Water Rails and a Willow Warbler were highlights at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Very light winds throughout, generally from the north, and relatively overcast with a best of 15 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included nine Sooty Shearwaters, three Velvet Scoters and two adult Pomarine Skuas flying north. Also recorded were a dark-bellied Brent Goose, single Shoveler, 100 Wigeon, a Pintail, 52 Teal, two Eider, two Little Gulls, four Mediterranean Gulls and three Arctic Skuas.

The Red-breasted Merganser was still off South Landing. Four Whooper Swans on fields near North Dykes then roosted on Thornwick Pools, with a Water Rail, a 2nd calendar-year Mediterranean Gull and two singing Cetti’s Warbler also at the latter location. Further records included a widely ranging Marsh Harrier, two Golden Plovers, a Grey Plover, eight Redwing, 22 Redpolls and four Brambling.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included seven Golden Plover, 102 Skylarks, four Blackcap, four Redwing and a Brambling.

That’s better …. passerines arrived in numbers as high pressure nudged further east into the North Sea. There was thick mist and light drizzle at first light and a heavy overcast for the majority of daylight hours; very light north-easterly winds and a maximum of 14 degrees C.

An all time record day for Barnacle Geese: 610 flew south in numerous skeins, with two flocks of 50 birds each re-orientating back north. Three Short-eared Owls also flew in off the sea and headed west, as did one Woodcock, while the Red-breasted Merganser remained off South Landing. Thrushes arrived en masse including 6100 Redwing, 560 Fieldfare, 675 Blackbirds, 28 Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush. Additional passerine totals included 175 Skylark, three Cetti’s Warblers, nine Yellow-browed Warblers, a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Old Fall), three Grey Wagtails and 80 Brambling.

Seawatch highlights included four dark-bellied Brent Geese, four Pochard, three Goldeneye, 50 Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and an adult Pomarine Skua.

Elsewhere, a Yellow-browed Warbler was at Buckton Pond.

Overcast with relatively light northerly winds and a high of 12 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 36 Barnacle Geese, 142 Wigeon, 28 Eider, 426 Common Scoter, two Red-breasted Mergansers, a Great Northern Diver and one Sooty Shearwater all flying north; six Little Gulls were also recorded alongside single Sandwich Tern and Goldeneye. Additional skeins of 34 and 20 Barnacle Geese also flew south over the headland. Wader interest included a Grey Plover, three Golden Plover, 15 Snipe, two Jack Snipe and two Woodcock. Single first-winter Caspian Gulls were at South Landing and flying east over Thornwick Pools. A Merlin hunted over South Dykes, a Long-eared Owl came in off the sea, while a Short-eared Owl hunted fields near North Marsh.

Six Yellow-browed Warblers were in residence, five of which were caught and ringed, including four at South Landing. Totals of 1293 Redwing, 46 Fieldfare, 107 Blackbirds, 24 Chaffinch and a House Martin all moved west off the headland during a ‘vis mig’. Additional passerine records included one Swallow, an ‘acredula-type’ Willow Warbler, a Bearded Tit near North Marsh, a Ring Ouzel (Old Fall), a Wheatear, two Grey Wagtails, 15 Redpolls, ten Siskin, two Brambling and 11 Crossbills.

Two Yellow-browed Warblers were ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs along with 14 Goldcrests and a Brambling.

Light northerly winds, overcast with a maximum of 12 degrees C. Attention turned to the sea and was rewarded with a passage of 21 Pomarine Skuas and a Grey Phalarope flying north. Additional records included a Great Northern Diver south, 28 Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, 137 Little Gulls, five Mediterranean Gulls and three Brent Geese. An unringed first-winter Caspian Gull was on the shore at Cattlemere, while South Landing continued to play host to the Red-breasted Merganser and Grey Plover.

The Barred Warbler was present at South Landing (in the main ravine) for its 17th day. Four Cetti’s Warbler were in the Thornwick area, where the Kingfisher reappeared. A vocal Siberian Chiffchaff and a Woodcock graced Old Fall. Additional passerine migrants included six Yellow-browed Warblers, an acredula-type Willow Warbler, one Garden Warbler, a Ring Ouzel and a Snow Bunting (North Landing car park). Two Twite joined the Linnet flock at Cattlemere. In addition, a Red-breasted Flycatcher was reported at North Landing.

A Lapland Bunting that flew north-west over RSPB Bempton Cliffs was notable, where a Reed Warbler was also present, while a Little Owl was along nearby Cliff Lane.

Overcast once again, with light north-west winds and a best of 12 degrees C. The morning seawatch featured single Red-necked Grebe and Pomarine Skua flying south and a Black-throated Diver heading north; the latter the year’s second record. Other sightings included four dark-bellied Brent Geese, 13 Eider, a Common Tern, 167 Little Gulls, one Mediterranean Gull and a Sooty Shearwater.

A Great Northern Diver flew south high over Head Farm and four Whooper Swans rested in fields near North Dykes. The Red-breasted Merganser lingered off South Landing, where the Grey Plover and a Bar-tailed Godwit were also in residence; three Woodcocks were flushed on the outer head. Five Water Rails included three at Thornwick Pools, while a first-winter Caspian Gull was at Cattlemere. Two Hawfinch that flew north over South Landing were new arrivals. Additional migrants included five Yellow-browed Warblers, including three at South Landing, and a Wheatear.

Another four Water Rails were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, along with a Merlin.

Overcast, with light winds that eventually veered northerly and a high of 12 degrees C. A substantial arrival of thrushes took place during the morning, with 12,220 Redwing and 3042 Fieldfares flying in off and moving west. These were also accompanied by 71 Brambling and two Hawfinch heading in the same direction. A Short-eared Owl also flew in off the sea mid-afternoon. Fourteen Yellow-browed Warblers also represented an increase, with several appearing in new locations during the afternoon. Also of note were two Woodcock, a Merlin, three Cetti’s Warblers, a Willow Warbler, one Reed Warbler, 11 Siskin and 16 Crossbills. The four Whooper Swans also remained in residence in fields to the east of North Dykes.

A total of 15 Pomarine Skuas (10 north, 5 south) were recorded during the seawatch; other records included two dark-bellied Brent Geese, four Shoveler, six Pintail, two Velvet Scoters, two Red-breasted Mergansers, a Red-necked Grebe (south), three Arctic Terns, eight Common Terns, two Sandwich Terns, 515 Little Gulls, 15 Arctic Skuas, two Bonxies and four Sooty Shearwaters.

Elsewhere, a single Red Kite circled RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where Merlin, Golden Plover and 37 Pink-footed Geese were also recorded.

Overcast throughout, with light winds that remained variable in direction until mid-afternoon, when slightly stronger south-easterlies established; temperatures peaked at 13 degrees C. Pride of place amongst the passerine migrants were two Firecrests at North Marsh, 18 Yellow-browed Warblers, two Siberian Chiffchaffs and the year’s first Red-backed Shrike, a juvenile at North Landing.

Four Whooper Swans remained in fields near North Dykes. Two Merlin hunted the outer head, frequently flying out to sea and returning with unfortunate thrushes. Notable wader records included the long-staying Grey Plover, six Woodcock and two Jack Snipe. Two Long-eared Owls also flew in off the sea.

Additional passerine interest included 150 Goldcrests, three Cetti’s Warblers, 32 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, two Black Redstarts, a Wheatear, six Ring Ouzel, 60 Brambling, 19 Crossbills, 20 Siskins, a ‘Mealy’ Redpoll, a Hawfinch flying west over the village and ten Twite. ‘Vis mig’ totals of 908 Starling, 1763 Redwing and 1133 Fieldfare were logged flying west over South Dykes.

Meanwhile, seawatch highlights included ten Brent Geese, 283 Wigeon, five Pintail, seven Red-breasted Mergansers, 125 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls and two Sooty Shearwaters.

Elsewhere, two Yellow-browed Warblers were caught and ringed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional records included: 150 Blackbirds, 50 Fieldfare, 500 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, two Ring Ouzel, a Swallow, 50 Goldcrests, 10 Brambling and a Crossbill. A Wheatear was between Cliff Lane Bempton and North Dykes, along with 12 Grey Partridge, three Brambling and 75 Yellowhammers. Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton also hosted a Ring Ouzel. On the opposite side of the headland records from Bridlington Links to South Dykes included four Swallows, four Chiffchaffs and a Garden Warbler.

Relatively overcast skies with sunny intervals, a strong south-easterly wind and high of 14 degrees C; rain arrived late afternoon. An adult Pomarine Skua flew north during a morning seawatch that also featured two Little Gulls.

A dark-bellied Brent Goose flew north over the village, 13 Eider rested on the sea, while two Merlin hunted the outer head. North Landing hosted both Firecrest and Black Redstart. Amongst the thrushes, Goldcrests and Brambling scattered across the area were a single Swallow, four Yellow-browed Warblers, one Lesser Whitethroat and a Ring Ouzel.

Notable sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Purple Sandpiper, 50 Goldcrests, 130 Blackbirds, a Ring Ouzel and 55 Chaffinch.

Overcast, with relatively light winds, variable in direction, and a high of 14 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver flew south during a seawatch that also featured two Shoveler, four Gadwall, 68 Wigeon, 322 Teal, ten Eider, 26 Golden Plover, eight Lapwing, 54 Knot, 34 Dunlin and a Little Gull.

A record-breaking five Great White Egrets flew south; three over the outer head at 1050hrs and two over the sea off Thornwick at 1600hrs. Continuing the long-legged theme, two Glossy Ibis toured the headland from 1550-1605hrs. Four Whooper Swans remained on fields alongside North Dykes, while a drake Mandarin dropped onto Thornwick Lakes.

Notable wader records involved an additional 44 Lapwing, five Woodcock and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Passerine interest included two Swallows, Cetti’s Warbler (Thornwick Fishing Lake), three Yellow-browed Warblers (Old Fall/South Landing), a Willow Warbler, one Lesser Whitethroat, at least one Firecrest (Bowling Green/South Landing), two Siberian Chiffchaffs (Needles Plantation/Old Fall), a Black Redstart (Hartendale), one Wheatear and a single Twite.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Woodcock, Merlin and a first-winter Caspian Gull, two Grey Plovers and two Ring Ouzels. In addition, a Yellow-browed Warbler visited Bempton village, while Jack Snipe and Woodcock were along Cliff Lane.