Category: Sightings

Westerly winds throughout, with overcast skies following sunny intervals; light rain arrived in the afternoon and temperatures reached eight degrees C. Single Storm Petrel and Little Auk represented the highlights of a morning seawatch that also featured two Long-tailed Ducks, a Goldeneye, one Red-breasted Merganser, an Arctic Tern, 118 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, an Arctic Skua and two Sooty Shearwaters. A Merlin, one Short-eared Owl, 20 Twite and a Snow Bunting were around the Fog Station.

A flock of 112 Pink-footed Geese rested on fields near North Dykes, a single Barnacle Goose flew north, while 14 (10 & 4) Whooper Swans moved south. An increase in Blackbird numbers was apparent, with 40 at Holmes Gut and 20 at Oceanview indicative of a much larger total across the headland. Elsewhere, a Yellow-browed Warbler was at South Landing and 15 Redpolls at South Dykes.

Single Yellow-browed Warblers were at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Bempton Caravan Park, while 50 Blackbirds were on the reserve.

Moderate north-westerly winds gradually dropped in strength; the day began with heavy showers, but ended with sunny intervals, while temperatures reached 11 degrees C. Despite the inclement conditions, the day’s highlight was the early morning discovery of a Night Heron; an adult flew south over Lighthouse Road at 0645hrs, the first record since 2012.

Seawatching was rewarded with two Velvet Scoters, a Long-tailed Duck, four Arctic Terns, 141 Little Gulls, two Mediterranean Gulls, five Arctic Skuas, a Bonxie, a Little Auk (north), two Great Northern Divers and a Manx Shearwater.

Ten Whooper Swans flew south over South Dykes and a Velvet Scoter sheltered off South Landing. On the opposite side of the headland, a Short-eared Owl hunted fields near Thornwick. Migrant passerines included a Siberian Chiffchaff at Thornwick, a Yellow-browed Warbler near South Dykes, a Black Redstart along North Marine Road and 15 Twite at the Fog Station.

The long-staying Yellow-browed Warbler remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a Merlin and solitary Twite were along the cliff top at nearby Buckton.

Sunny intervals, a blustery westerly wind developed and a high of 14 degrees C. Five Little Auks flew north during a seawatch that also featured two Goosander, a Grey Plover, nine Arctic Terns, three Little Gulls and a Great Northern Diver; a Woodcock also flew in off the sea. Sixteen Whooper Swans flew south over the outer head and the Velvet Scoter was again off South Landing. Surprisingly, what was presumed to be the long-staying Barred Warbler re-appeared in South Landing ravine. Additional sightings included one Swallow, a Lapland Bunting, 15 Twite and two Snow Buntings.

Single Red Kite and Lapland Bunting were recorded at Buckton, with the Yellow-browed Warbler remaining at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A day of sunny intervals, relatively light south-west winds and a high of 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Whooper Swans flying south, two Great Northern Divers and two Arctic Terns. Another Great Northern Diver flew south over Lighthouse Road, while a Merlin continued to hunt the outer head.

A Kingfisher made a brief appearance at Thornwick Pools; four Water Rails and three Cetti’s Warblers were also in the Thornwick area. It was apparent a small arrival of passerines had made landfall, further illustrated by birds heading west at dusk. Totals included two Swallows, 250 Starling (west), 28 Redwing, 330 Fieldfare, one Brambling, six Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

Twenty Whooper Swans and 50 Golden Plovers flew south over Bempton, while a Swallow overflew the reserve. Additional records from the village involved 27 Grey Partridge, a Merlin, five Goldcrests, eight Fieldfare and two Redpoll.

A bright day, with light westerly winds until late afternoon when an increasingly strong south-south-easterly airflow established; temperatures reached 11 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with a Goosander, five Arctic Terns and a Great Northern Diver. A Merlin continued to hunt around the Fog Horn, five Twite remained in the same area, while another Twite was along the South Cliffs. Elsewhere, a Short-eared Owl flew in off the sea near Booted Gully. Passerine interest included a Yellow-browed Warbler (South Landing), three Grey Wagtails, six Redpoll, four Siskin and 20 Reed Buntings.

Buckton Pond attracted 38 Teal, a Shoveler, one Wigeon and a Water Rail, while 40 Golden Plovers flew south over the village.

There were sunny intervals before rain arrived mid-afternoon; a blustery southerly wind and a high of 13 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with two Velvet Scoters, a Goldeneye, one Little Gull and four Great Northern Divers; two Great Northern Divers also flew south over the outer head. Migrants made landfall throughout the day and included two Woodcock, three Snipe, 190 Starling, 190 Redwing, 105 Fieldfare and a Snow Bunting. A Firecrest was at the Golf Course Willows with seven Twite along the South Cliffs.

A juvenile Glaucous Gull flew along the Bempton/Buckton cliffs, while a ringtail Hen Harrier hunted fields at the latter site. A Lapland Bunting overflew RSPB Bempton, where 150 Redwing were also recorded. Eight Lapwing flew west over the nearby village.

The month opened with sunny intervals, a blustery south-west wind and maximum of 14 degrees C. A Red-necked Grebe flew north during a seawatch that also featured two Shoveler, a Gadwall, 206 Wigeon and ten Little Gulls. Migrants made landfall throughout the seawatch including a Woodcock, 20 Lapwing, two Snipe, 480 Starling, 447 Redwing, 32 Blackbirds and 78 Fieldfare. Grounded migrants included an additional Woodcock, 11 Goldcrest, four Chiffchaffs, 275 Redwing, 25 Song Thrush, 70 Blackbirds, 30 Fieldfare and six Crossbills. Elsewhere, the Kingfisher re-appeared at Thornwick Pools, while single Merlin and Cetti’s Warbler were recorded at the nearby Roost.

The ringtail Hen Harrier remained on cliff top fields between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Buckton. Additional sightings from the reserve included a Lapwing, eight Snipe, three Woodcock, two Little Egrets, one Marsh Harrier, a House Martin, an ‘acredula’ Willow Warbler, five Goldcrests, 208 Starling, 47 Song Thrush, 279 Redwing, 75 Blackbirds, 15 Fieldfare, a Redpoll and a Snow Bunting.

Relatively light south-west winds, sunny intervals and a high of 13 degrees C. Two Great Northern Divers flew south and 16 Little Gulls headed north during a morning seawatch.

Three Firecrests continued the recent good run of records and consisted of two in the Golf Course Willows and the other at the southern end of the ‘motorway hedge’. A ‘blythi’ Lesser Whitethroat remained at Old Fall, a Yellow-browed Warbler graced Thornwick, while at least 25 Twite were along the South Cliffs. Frustratingly, an elusive Treecreeper showing features attributable to the ‘Northern’ race eluded confirmation at North Landing; six Whooper Swans flew south here. Additional sightings included one Merlin, a Cetti’s Warbler, one Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, four Brambling, five Siskin, nine Redpoll, a Crossbill, two Snow Buntings and a Corn Bunting.

The ‘acredula’ Willow Warbler remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where the aforementioned Whooper Swans flew through. Two ringtail Hen Harriers hunted cliff top fields at Buckton.

Overcast, with moderate south-west winds and a high of 16 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with one Great Northern Diver, a Pintail and 12 Little Gulls. On the land two Firecrests were in residence, one lingering near the lighthouse and a ‘new’ individual at Hartendale. Thrushes continued to arrive during the day, with totals of 595 Redwing, 100 Blackbirds, 365 Fieldfare, 14 Song Thrush and 545 Starlings; 12 Snipe included 11 in off the sea. Additional migrant totals included four Woodcock, two Grey Wagtails, a Siskin and two Snow Buntings.

The ‘acredula’ Willow Warbler was still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where five Goldcrests and five Redwing were also present.

Overcast with occasional brighter intervals, a moderate south-westerly wind and a high of 15 degrees C. The Firecrest remained along the southern end of the ‘Motorway Hedge’ for its third day, while a confiding Snow Bunting continued its stay alongside the Golf Course. Further west, a ringtail Hen Harrier continued to hunt cliff top fields at Buckton.

A mild day, mainly overcast after overnight rain in a light southerly. Maximum temperature 14°C.

A Pallas’s Warbler that showed briefly in Outer Head gardens was undoubtedly the bird of the day with a Brambling also there. Another garden visitor was a Black Redstart in the village. A Firecrest and a handful of Goldcrests were in the Golf Course Willows. Elsewhere, two Cetti’s Warblers remained at Thornwick Pools where there was also a Water Rail and 5 Snipe.

A Brambling and a Woodcock were noted at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A day of very light southerly winds, sunny intervals and high of 13 degrees C. Small numbers of passerines continued to make landfall, including two Pallas’s Warblers (Motorway Hedge & South Landing), three Firecrests (including two Bay Brambles) and two Yellow-browed Warblers. In addition, there were five Chiffchaffs, five Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Goldcrests, 775 Starlings, 290 Redwing, 96 Blackbirds, 42 Fieldfare, 116 Chaffinch, 14 Brambling, one Redpoll, two Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, five Snow Buntings and four Corn Buntings. Ten Eider, two Sandwich Terns and 11 Little Gulls flew north past Cattlemere.

Elsewhere, a flock of 2000 Starlings flew west-north-west past Buckton Hall.

Light southerly winds, occasionally from the south-east; overcast with misty spells and a high of 13 degrees C. An arrival of 2450 Blackbirds created the day’s main spectacle, while a Dusky Warbler (South Landing) and the week’s fourth Pallas’s Warbler (RSPB Bempton Cliffs) provided further excitement. A Siberian Chiffchaff along the Motorway and a male Northern Bullfinch near North Marsh provided ‘back-up’. Additional totals on the outer head included 62 Lapwing, 12 Woodcock, a first-winter Caspian Gull, 16 Goldcrests, three Blackcap, nine Chiffchaffs, three Cetti’s Warblers, 2150 Redwing, 720 Fieldfare, 35 Song Thrush, one Mistle Thrush, a Ring Ouzel, 550 Starlings, 60 Chaffinch, a Brambling, two Twite, 40 Siskin and five Snow Buntings.

As well as the aforementioned Pallas’s Warbler, RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a Yellow-browed Warbler, 100 Blackbirds, ten Goldcrest and a Brambling. Nearby, Buckton hosted a Jack Snipe, one Water Rail, a Merlin, 430 Fieldfare, 135 Redwing, 17 Song Thrush, 70 Blackbirds, ten Goldcrests, a Yellow-browed Warbler, eight Redpoll, four Siskin and 31 Chaffinch.

Light winds were variable in direction, mainly overcast with spells of mist and drizzle; temperatures reached 14 degrees C. Another impressive cast list, with a Pallid Swift gracing RSPB Bempton Cliffs airspace during the afternoon. Two Pallas’s Warblers included a ‘new’ individual at Thornwick and presumably yesterday’s lingering bird at Bempton. In addition, the Dusky Warbler showed well sporadically at South Landing. Four Black Redstarts were new arrivals (three at the Lighthouse, one at Thornwick), while the two Firecrest in the nearby Bay Brambles were anything but. A Waxwing flew west over Old Fall mid-afternoon. Other migrant totals included a Merlin, three Woodcock, 24 Goldcrests, a Siberian Chiffchaff (Thornwick), a Yellow-browed Warbler (Thornwick), five Blackcap, two Ring Ouzel, two Twite, four Brambling, 15 Siskin, six Redpoll and four Snow Buntings.

An unringed Yellow-browed Warbler at RSPB Bempton Cliffs represented a new arrival.

A relatively overcast day, with misty spells, a relatively light south-west wind and high of ten degrees C. Having been suspected, increased observer coverage finally confirmed two Dusky Warblers were in residence at South Landing; one favouring the Picnic/Whale bridge area and the other favouring the main ravine/car park. Four Siberian Chiffchaffs were in the Thornwick area, while the two Firecrest and a single Black Redstart remained around the Bay Brambles/Lighthouse. Single Yellow-browed Warbler and Crossbill, together with five Snow Buntings added further interest on the outer head. Other notable records included 19 Whooper Swans, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, three Woodcock, a first-winter Caspian Gull, one Water Rail, 12 Chiffchaff, three Brambling and 19 Siskin.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Water Rail, ringtail Hen Harrier, one Yellow-browed Warbler, 29 Chaffinch and 59 Siskin.

A day of light/moderate southerly winds, heavy showers and a high of 14 degrees C. Three Dusky Warblers were present, with a newly arrived individual along the Motorway Hedge joining the two birds at South Landing. A male Northern Bullfinch was at the latter location for its second day, while the Siberian Chiffchaff remained in bushes near Thornwick Pools. Also lingering, one Firecrest was still at the Golf Course Willows. Additional sightings included 27 Whooper Swans flying south, two Woodcock, a Blackcap, three Black Redstarts, 35 Siskin, two Redpoll, one Brambling, and four Snow Buntings. A Great Northern Diver and 70 Little Gulls were the best of a morning seawatch.

Five Whooper Swans headed south-east over Bempton village, where 20 Siskin and a Redpoll were also recorded; a Yellow-browed Warbler remained at the nearby reserve.

Overcast with spells of rain, a moderate southerly wind and maximum of 12 degrees C. The morning seawatch was rewarded with four Whooper Swans and 82 Little Gulls, while a lone Snow Bunting foraged in front of the Seawatch Observatory. A further nine Whooper Swans were recorded at Oceanview. The two Dusky Warblers remained at South Landing, where sightings also included three Bar-tailed Godwits, 32 Siskin and a Brambling. The Yellow-browed Warbler was still at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while 50 Blackbirds, 14 Redwing and three Goldcrest were in the nearby village.

Overcast, with light south-west winds, intermittent rain and a maximum of 13 degrees C. A Great Northern Diver was on the sea off the Fog Station in the morning, when three ‘northern’ Herring Gulls flew south. No fewer than three Dusky Warblers were present at South Landing: a ‘new’ and highly vocal individual at Highcliffe, along with the long-stayers near the picnic tables and main ravine respectively. Two Bar-tailed Godwits, a Swallow and 32 Siskin were also recorded at South Landing. Elsewhere, a Great White Egret flew west over the village, single Whooper Swan and dark-bellied Brent Goose rested on fields on the outer head, while seven Snow Buntings represented an increase.

A flock of 12 Whooper Swans flew south-east over the sea at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A day of two halves; the morning featured light south-west winds, sunny intervals and a high of 15 degrees C. Minutes after temperatures peaked, winds switched to the north-north-east; cloud rolled in off the North Sea, temperatures dropped to nine degrees C and birds started to arrive.

Good coverage at RSPB Bempton Cliffs was rewarded with a vocal Richard’s Pipit dropping into cliff top fields early afternoon. A Long-eared Owl came in off the sea and additional reserve sightings included three dark-bellied Brent Geese, a Woodcock, one Water Rail, a Siberian Chiffchaff, eight Goldcrests, 27 Redwing, 35 Fieldfare, 50 Chaffinch, 17 Siskin, one Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.

At least one Dusky Warbler remained in residence at South Landing, while a Siberian Chiffchaff was at North Landing. Other records from the outer head included a Merlin, two Woodcock, a Firecrest (Golf Course Willows), two Black Redstarts (Fog Station), 30 Siskin and eight Snow Buntings.

Seawatch highlights included three dark-bellied Brent Geese, two Goosanders, 140 Little Gulls and a Great Northern Diver.

Strong east-north-east winds and rain throughout, with a maximum of nine degrees C. Seawatching provided the highlights, headlined by a close Leach’s Petrel that slowly flew north just beyond the surf mid-afternoon. Also on the move were three Sooty Shearwaters, seven Manx Shearwaters, a Blue Fulmar, four Great Northern Divers, a Velvet Scoter, one Long-tailed Duck, seven dark-bellied Brent Geese, six Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, a Little Auk, 13 Little Gulls and two Bonxies. A Merlin and seven Snow Buntings were also recorded from the Seawatch Observatory.

Unsurprisingly given the conditions, there were scant few additional records although two Woodcock and a Black Redstart (South Landing) were logged.

Overcast with persistent but light rain until early afternoon, a blustery easterly wind and top temperature of nine degrees C. Wildfowl moving past the Seawatch Observatory included 123 dark-bellied Brent Geese, two pale-bellied Brent Geese, three Pintail, 466 Common Scoters and two Goldeneye. In a local context, the 40 Grey Plovers and 25 Bar-tailed Godwits that flew north represented eye-catching totals. Single Sandwich Tern and Arctic Tern were late records, while 109 Little Gulls moved north. A Long-tailed Skua that flew north was also late, with eight Arctic Skuas more seasonal. Four Little Auks and three Manx Shearwaters headed north, as did a Black-throated Diver and three Great Northern Divers.

A Dusky Warbler remained at South Landing and two Firecrests at the Golf Course Willows. However, there was plenty of evidence of newly arrived migrants including 52 Lapwing, 11 Woodcock, a Long-eared Owl, 50 Goldcrests, a new Firecrest (North Landing), 1905 Starlings, 680 Blackbirds, 50 Redwing, ten Fieldfare, a Black Redstart, five Brambling, a Siskin and five Snow Buntings.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 20 dark-bellied Brent Geese, four Goosanders, six Lapwing, eight Woodcock, eight Little Gulls, 80 Blackbirds, eight Redwing, 20 Goldcrests and a Brambling.

Relatively light northerly winds, overcast skies and a high of nine degrees C. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua chased Little Gulls off the Fog Station before flying south. Two Little Auks flew north during the seawatch, as did a single Red-necked Grebe. Other sightings included 48 dark-bellied Brent Geese, ten Eider, 52 Little Gulls, an Arctic Skua and 168 Red-throated Divers. A Merlin and single Snow Bunting were also seen from the Fog Station, while three Snow Buntings were along the South Cliffs.

The long-staying Dusky Warbler (South Landing) and two Firecrests (Golf Course Willows) were still present. Additional migrants included a ‘new’ Firecrest on Thornwick Camp, three Siberian Chiffchaffs on the outer head and a Waxwing over South Landing. A Russian White-fronted Goose was a new arrival on Thornwick Lakes, while two Golden Plover and 14 Woodcock were also present. Other totals included one Whooper Swan, a Water Rail, a Kingfisher, 110 Goldcrest, three Blackcap, 13 Chiffchaff, two Black Redstarts, a Brambling, six Redpoll and 40 Siskin.

The weather consisted of blustery northerly winds, sunny intervals and occasional showers, with a maximum of eight degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Sooty Shearwater flying north and a Red-necked Grebe heading in the opposite direction; a Goosander, three dark-bellied Brent Geese, four Little Gulls, a Bonxie and four Manx Shearwaters were also logged. Elsewhere the Russian White-fronted Goose was again on Thornwick Lakes and two dark-bellied Brent Geese accompanied eight Pink-footed Geese at Oceanview. A Siberian Chiffchaff fed alongside two Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests in trees alongside Thornwick Fishing Lake, while a Brambling was at the Bowling Green.

Overcast with heavy showers, light winds, and a high of four degrees C – chilly. The morning seawatch was rewarded with three Great Northern Divers, three dark-bellied Brent Geese, five Tufted Ducks, 19 Eider and four Little Gulls.

Two Mute Swans flew west over the Dykes, while three Water Rails were in the Golf Course Willows. Thornwick Pools hosted 106 Teal and a Woodcock. Another Woodcock was at the Bowling Green, with 25 Siskin at nearby South Landing. Elsewhere, the long-staying Firecrest duo remained in the Bay Brambles.

Overcast, with occasional brighter intervals, heavy showers which were occasionally wintery in nature and a blustery northerly wind; temperatures reached five degrees in the morning, but no higher than two degrees during the afternoon. Two Great Northern Divers, a Puffin, one Manx Shearwater, seven Goosander and three Little Gulls flew north during a seawatch that also featured a Velvet Scoter moving south.

A covering of snow at first light preceded snow showers throughout the day, light/moderate north-westerly winds and a high of three degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Little Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull, one Manx Shearwater and a lone Snow Bunting. South Landing beach attracted two Bar-tailed Godwits and five Sanderling, while two Eider were offshore.

Seven Grey Partridge, 30 Lapwing, two Woodcock, 32 Skylark, a Blackcap, 32 Blackbirds and six Snow Buntings were recorded at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Nearby, single Blackcap and Brambling were recorded in the village.

A bright, sunny day with light west-north-westerly winds and a high of five degrees C. A family party of five Whooper Swans flew south-west over the headland, where seawatching also produced five Eider and four Little Gulls. A Barnacle Goose flew west over the sea off South Landing, where additional records included single Long-tailed Duck and Goldeneye, four Golden Plovers and a Grey Wagtail. A Little Egret was off the nearby Hartendale Gutter, while two dark-bellied Brent Geese, six Woodcock and a single Snow Bunting were on the outer head. Elsewhere, the Russian White-fronted Goose re-appeared at Thornwick Lakes and 60 Lapwing were along Bempton Lane.

Records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 19 Lapwing, a Woodcock, 5000 Guillemots and a Chiffchaff, with a Blackcap in the nearby village.

Overcast, with light south-west winds and a high of seven degrees C. Single Mediterranean and Little Gulls flew south during a seawatch that also featured 262 Common Gulls and 121 Great Black-backed Gulls moving in the same direction.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted two Woodcock, two Song Thrush, 22 Blackbirds, two Goldcrests and a Brambling. A Woodcock was flushed from a village garden, with a Blackcap at the Bowling Green; another Woodcock was at North Dykes.

Overcast, with rain and occasional sunny intervals, a light/moderate south-west wind and a high of nine degrees C. Two Wigeon, 12 Teal, 29 Kittiwakes, a ‘northern’ Herring Gull and 39 Red-throated Divers were recorded during the morning seawatch. Elsewhere, ten Tufted Ducks were on Thornwick Lakes.

Relatively overcast throughout, with occasional sunny intervals and longer spells of rain. Winds were light initially, before a switch to a stronger northerly airflow from late morning; temperatures reached seven degrees C. Seawatch highlights included four Eider, four Little Gulls, 1030 Kittiwakes, 44 Red-throated Divers, a Sooty Shearwater and two Manx Shearwaters all flying north. A Woodcock flew in off the sea, with three more in the South Landing area, and four Snipe flew west over the headland. The latter location also hosted two Eider, a Little Egret, two Bar-tailed Godwits, two Sanderling, a Ringed Plover and a Grey Wagtail.

Two dark-bellied Brent Geese were in fields at Hartendale. A Chiffchaff was on the cliff top at Beacon Hill, with another at South Dykes along with four Goldcrest. Better still, a Siberian Chiffchaff was at the entrance to Thornwick Camp. Elsewhere, RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a lone Snow Bunting.

Overcast once again, with frequent showers, a moderate northerly wind and maximum of eight degrees C. Five Sooty Shearwaters flew north during a seawatch that also saw a Great Northern Diver moving south, four Eider, ten Little Gulls, a Manx Shearwater and a Bonxie. A Snow Bunting flew in off the sea, while another single was on the cliff edge by the golf course.

Elsewhere, the Russian White-fronted Goose and lone Pink-foot accompanied the Greylag flock at Thornwick Lakes. Two dark-bellied Brent Geese lingered in fields at Hartendale. Wader interest included two Bar-tailed Godwits, two Sanderling and 14 Ringed Plovers. Five Chiffchaffs and four Goldcrests were also in residence.

A sunny day with a light south-westerly and the temperature recovering from an overnight frost to 6°C.

During the morning, a seawatch produced a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Long-tailed Duck, two Red-breasted Mergansers, a Great Northern and 66 Red-throated Divers and a Manx Shearwater while twelve Siskins came in off the sea.

Two Snow Buntings at Cattlemere, two Dark-bellied Brent Geese at Hartendale were the best around Flamborough while three Woodcocks were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The temperature rose steadily through the day reaching 14°C by mid-afternoon. The light to moderate south-westerly brought overcast skies.

A Goldeneye and eight Goosander were the pick of the morning seawatch. Other sightings included 93 Teal at Thornwick Pools, two Dark-bellied Brent Geese remained at Hartendale and 125 Pink-footed Geese passed over the Outer Head.

A strong south-westerly drove the occasional squally showers through on a mainly sunny day. The temperature reached a maximum of 10°C.

The two Dark-bellied Brent Geese continued their stay at Hartendale and twenty Lapwing passed over the village.

A dreary day with steady and occasionally heavy rain throughout. The light northerly slowly strengthened and the temperature struggled to reach 7°C.

Six Common Scoter, 75 Red-throated Divers and seven Little Gulls were logged on a morning seawatch and a Manx Shearwater during the afternoon. Otherwise a Water Rail and three Goldcrests were at Thornwick Pools.

A fresh westerly blew throughout a mainly sunny day and the temperature reached 8°C.

Thornwick Pools hosted a Water Rail, a Chiffchaff and four Goldcrests while another Goldcrest was at South Landing. Three Woodcock flew over North Marine Road at dusk. Seawatchers logged a Bonxie, a Great Northern Diver.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB reflected the above with two Goldcrests, and two Woodcock but three Snow Buntings were also seen.

Heavy cloud and periods of rain throughout the day in a fresh south-westerly although slightly milder with the afternoon temperature reaching 11°C.

Seawatching met with limited success with a single Manx Shearwater and six Common Scoter being the highlights. Other birds noted on the Outer Head included 51 Pink-footed Geese and two Grey Wagtails.

A pleasant early winter day: cloudless skies, a moderate south-south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 10°C.

A flock of swans containing seven Whoopers and a Mute that passed Bempton Cliffs flew past the Fog Station shortly afterwards. A Siskin and Snow Bunting were also noted there and a Lapland Bunting flew over Northcliffe Marsh. during the morning. About 50 Pink-footed Geese remained in the Oceanview area all day and 50 Lapwing moved south-west over South Landing. Two Siskin and a Woodcock were noted at Hartendale.

A sunless day and a moderate to fresh southerly limited the temperature to 5°C.

Thirty-six Wigeon and 20 Red-throated Divers were the best logged at the Fog Station. The flock of c.50 Pink-footed Geese continued their stay in the Oceanview area while two further skeins passed unseen in the low cloud over both Bempton Cliffs RSPB and then the Outer Head.

A fresh to strong south-easterly brought overcast skies and the temperature reached 9°C.

Three Barnacle Geese on the Outer Head were new as the number of Pink-footed Geese increased to 70 and a Grey Wagtail was also seen.

Six Snow Buntings were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. In late news from yesterday, a Tawny Owl calling there late evening was only the fourth record for the reserve.

A strong southerly brought occasional sun, the temperature reached 7°C.

Seventeen Lapwings flew west over the Outer Head and Teal numbers reached 127 at Thornwick Pools. A Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were seen in Bempton village.

A fresh southerly slowly abated through the day. Mainly overcast with a maximum temperature of 10°C.

Watching the sea yielded a Great Northern and 19 Red-throated Divers, four Wigeon and 18 Teal. There was a drake Shoveler at Thornwick Pools with a Water Rail nearby. A count of more than 75 Corn Buntings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB was noteworthy.

A day of two halves, starting with light south-west winds and bright spells but ending with blustery southerlies, overcast skies and rain. The discovery of a Little Bunting along the South Cliffs was a major surprise, although with hindsight fitted an arrival pattern of several ‘late autumn’ migrants along the East Coast over recent days. Unsurprisingly, this represented the first Flamborough record for December.

A total of 650 Pink-footed Geese included 490 flying south and 160 feeding in fields on the outer head. Following recent heavy rains, a series of winter flashes have re-appeared and were favoured by 252 Teal, a Gadwall and 25 Wigeon. Passerine interest included a Cetti’s Warbler, two Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests, 19 Meadow Pipits, 430 Linnets and two Snow Buntings (North Marsh).

Additional sightings from Buckton/RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 167 Lapwing, a Water Rail, two Woodcock, 150 Skylark, two Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, a Fieldfare, 27 Snow Buntings (including 19 flying south-east), a Lapland Bunting, 120 Corn Buntings, 85 Yellowhammers and 15 Reed Buntings.

Sunny, with moderate south-westerly winds and a high of 12 degrees C. A Manx Shearwater flew north during a seawatch that also featured 120 Kittiwakes. Four Whooper Swans and 160 Pink-footed Geese frequented fields at Oceanview. Nearby, two Bar-tailed Godwits lingered at South Landing, while a lone Snow Bunting was alongside the Golf Course.

Heavy rain for the majority of daylight hours, with a blustery southerly wind and a best of 12 degrees C. Oceanview again hosted a flock of Pink-footed Geese (40). Elsewhere, the Thornwick area attracted 96 Teal and eight Tufted Ducks.

Mainly sunny with a fresh south-westerly, the temperature in the middle of the day rose to 12°C.

A flock of 2-300 Pink-footed Geese remained on fields between Oceanview and the South Cliffs.

A mainly sunny day although a fresh to strong southerly blew and the temperature reached 10°C.

A Great White Egret dropped onto Thornwick Pools briefly before passing the Fog Station shortly afterwards. Sightings at South Landing included a Grey Wagtail, two Bar-tailed Godwits while two Great Crested Grebes were offshore there. A Shelduck and a Water Rail were at Thornwick Pools.

A bright overcast early on preceded light rain from late morning; there were light/moderate southerly winds and a high of nine degrees C. The discovery of a Firecrest at the Golf Course Willows was a surprise, while Chiffchaff and Siskin were at South Dykes. The Thornwick area hosted 123 Teal, eight Tufted Ducks, two Water Rails and a Cetti’s Warbler.

Cliff top fields between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Speeton attracted 70 Lapwing, three Water Rails, a Short-eared Owl (Speeton), 200 Linnets and 80 Corn Buntings.

Bright throughout, with light/moderate south-west winds and a maximum of eight degrees C. Single Great Northern Diver and Red-breasted Merganser were the highlights of the morning seawatch. Pink-footed Geese appeared in good numbers, with 515 frequenting fields on the outer head and an additional 460 flying south. Further wildfowl interest was provided by 21 Wigeon and eight Tufted Ducks, while a Woodcock was flushed from the South Cliffs, two Lapwing were at Oceanview and a Water Rail in the Bay Brambles. Two Firecrests were in residence, with yesterday’s bird still near the Golf Course Willows and a new arrival at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Other notable passerine records involved three Chiffchaffs (Old Fall, two South Landing), one Fieldfare, three Redwing, a Grey Wagtail, one Siskin and 18 Snow Buntings (including a flock of 15 flying south over the outer head).

Further west, Buckton Pond hosted a Water Rail and 50 Pink-footed Geese were in fields at Buckton Hall.

Blustery south-west winds and a high of ten degrees C during a day that featured spells of light rain and some brighter intervals. The Thornwick area attracted 124 Teal, a Water Rail, eight Tufted Ducks and two Goldcrests. In addition, a Grey Wagtail toured the village. A Woodcock showed well at Bempton, while nearby five Snipe, 200 Linnets and 72 Corn Buntings were at Buckton.