Category: Sightings

A raw day; overcast with a strong easterly and the temperature not rising above 3°C.

A Woodcock was sat on Lighthouse Road early morning and the pair of Gadwall remained at Thornwick Pools. A Great White Egret graced Buckton Pond and a Shelduck was at Bempton Cliffs RSPB briefly.

Another overcast day, the temperature reached 5 °C in a moderate easterly veering southerly by the afternoon.

Seawatching was quiet with seven Common Scoter, three Great Crested Grebes offshore and a Woodcock coming in off. Another Woodcock was near South Dykes and the Great White Egret remained at Buckton Pond.

Today’s easterly was strong, maintaining the overcast conditions with occasional light showers and, after early morning, the temperature was no higher than 4°C.

Thornwick Pools hosted a pair of Gadwall, a pair of Wigeon and 136 Teal while 11 Tufted Ducks were nearby at Thornwick Lakes. The Great White Egret at Buckton Pond remained for its third day.

Yet another grey, overcast day with drizzle and rain carried on a fresh easterly and a constant temperature of 5°C.

The Great White Egret was still present at Buckton Pond and two Woodcock were seen on the Outer Head.

Early morning fog slowly lifted leaving a mostly overcast day in a light to moderate southerly. Feeling less cold than recently with a maximum temperature of 8°C.

A flock of White-fronted Geese was heard flying over South Landing in the murk early morning with further 34 over at midday and two Barnacle Geese also passed over the Outer Head. A Short-eared Owl quartered fields on the northern side of the Head and three Woodcock were also seen. Three Gadwall were at Thornwick Pools.

The Great White Egret was still in residence at Buckton Pond while 10 Teal and 40 Fieldfare were further up Hoddy Cows Lane and 30 Redwings were also in the area.

Another overcast day with a temperature of 7°C and a moderate southerly breeze.

White-fronted Geese were a feature of the day with 42 (28 and 14) over Bempton Cliffs RSPB before the flock of 28 were seen over the Outer Head where another three groups totalling 27 birds flew west. Other sightings around Flamborough included a Golden Plover, three Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, 25 Fieldfares and, on its sixth day, the Great White Egret relocated to Northcliff Marsh briefly. Four Shelduck and 66 Red-throated Divers were the pick of the seawatching totals.

A Short-eared Owl was also at Bempton Cliffs RSPB where two Shelduck, two Woodcock, two Golden Plover and 44 Lapwing were also logged.

A moderate south-easterly brought more overcast conditions and a maximum temperature of 8°C.

More Russian White-fronted Geese included 33 on the Outer Head and two at Cliff Lane, Bempton. Movement of Lapwings was also evident totalling 55 east of Flamborough and 71 at Bempton. Other highlights east of Danes Dyke included a Golden Plover, six Woodcocks, 39 Fieldfares, 75 Redwings and three Gadwall remained at Thornwick Pools.

Five Woodcocks were at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and a ringtail Hen Harrier was at Buckton Pond.

A damp and overcast day, a moderate south-easterly and a steady temperature of 6°C.

Highlights on the Outer Head included 25 White-fronted Geese, a Shelduck, a pair of Shovelers, three Gadwall and a Short-eared Owl. At Bempton, 92 Lapwings seen were along Cliff Lane and two Short-eared Owls continued to hunt on the reserve.

The moderate wind, still coming from an easterly direction, brought heavy cloud, mist and rain throughout the day and the temperature remained at a steady 6°C.

Despite the weather-limited opportunities for birding, a Short eared Owl, a pair of Shoveler and three Gadwall remained at Thornwick Pools while a flock of White-fronted Geese were heard passing over Flamborough village in the mist at dusk.

Another day with overcast skies and light rain. The moderate north-easterly pegged the temperature at 4°C.

Thirty Red-throated Divers were the main highlight from seawatching.

Sixty Russian White-fronted Geese flew in to roost on the Outer Head at dusk, in addition to one on the Golf Course and another seven over the Bowling Green during the morning. Nine Woodcock were found at South Landing and a further three took evening flights over Bempton Lane. Other sightings included two Shoveler, three Gadwall and five Redwings.

West of Danes Dyke, three White-fronted Geese fed on fields near mid-Dykes, presumably part of the flock roosting on the Outer Head. There were 52 Fieldfares in Bempton village and three Woodcocks at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Heavy cloud during the morning with showers with a slightly brighter afternoon in a moderate to fresh easterly. The temperature didn’t vary from 4°C all day.

The evening flight of geese over Flamborough village to their roost comprised 82 Russian White-fronts; another nine flew over the Outer Head earlier in the day. Thirty Fieldfares passed over the village and a further nine were along Old Fall Hedge with six Redwings. A single Woodcock was also seen.

At Bempton, a Blackcap and three Fieldfares were seen in the village while two Short-eared Owls continued their stay at the RSPB reserve.

In stark contrast to recent days and weeks, it was a bight sunny day with a light to moderate north-westerly. After a frosty start the temperature rose to 8°C by early afternoon.

Seawatching highlights included a pair of Pintail, 44 Common Scoter and 59 Red-throated Divers on the sea.

Two Cranes circled over South Landing before heading out over Bridlington Bay. Nine Barnacle Geese that passed over the Outer Head during the morning, a locally rare Egyptian Goose at Thornwick Fishing Pond, 20 Snow Buntings at Northcliff Marsh and a Black Redstart at Water Lane Paddocks were all new finds. Thornwick Pools attracted three Shoveler, three Gadwall and three Wigeon. A flock of 62 Russian White-fronted Geese dropped into the Northcliff Marsh area mid-afternoon and five Woodcock were also on the Outer Head.

At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, a Red-breasted Merganser flew by and a Short-eared Owl was still on the reserve. Fifteen Snow Buntings were along the clifftop at Buckton.

The brighter weather was all too short-lived. Today was a return to overcast, damp and very cool conditions. The wind was a fresh southerly and the temperature rose to no more than 3°C.

A flight of White-fronted Geese of about 70 birds passed over Flamborough village at dusk towards its roost on the Outer Head. Other sightings included two Shoveler, three Gadwall, a Woodock and six Redwings. A Shelduck was on a flash east of Buckton Hall.

A milder, bright day with variable cloud cover, a moderate south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 9°C.

A Little Gull, 68 Red-throated Divers and six Eiders were the best of the seawatch. Five Great Crested Grebes were on the sea off Bridlington Links. Outer Head sightings included four White-fronted Geese, two Shoveler and three Gadwall as Teal numbers increased to 120.

A White-fronted Goose and a Pink-footed Goose flock were sound recorded over Bempton village last night.

A strong north-westerly brought broken cloud cover with occasional wintry sprinkles; the temperature peaked at 4°C.

Ducks at Thornwick Pools included three Shoveler, three Gadwall and 80 Teal. Small numbers of thrushes were also present on the Outer Head with 9 Fieldfares and a Redwing.

Mainly overcast in a fresh south-easterly. The maximum temperature was 5°C.

An adult Little Gull was off the Fog Station during the morning. The flock of 60 White-fronted Geese flew to roost over Flamborough village at dusk again. Three Woodcock were also seen on the Outer Head. Eleven Snow Buntings were reported from Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The theme of overcast skies and a fresh easterly continues, the temperature reached 5°C.

A Blue Fulmar and two Great Crested Grebes were the seawatching highlights. Outer Head sightings included a Woodcock, three Gadwall and four Shovelers. Two Short-eared Owls continued to hunt over grasslands at Bempton Cliffs RSPB and two Woodcock were still present on the reserve.

The wind turned to the south-west but conditions remained overcast and damp. The temperature rose to 9°C during the afternoon.

Another relatively quiet seawatch – a single Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit and 44 Red-throated Divers were the highlights.

This evening’s flight of geese over Flamborough village included c.90 Russian White-fronts, a Brent and 8 Barnacles heading to roost on the Outer Head. Three Woodcocks were also seen in the village.

A bean goose sp. was sound recorded overnight in Bempton village.

A significantly milder day, the temperature rising to 12°C. Still mainly overcast with occasional rain in a moderate south-westerly.

Sightings on the Outer Head included a Pink-footed Goose, two Shelduck, 50 Wigeon, eight Great Crested Grebes and a Woodcock. Highlights at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a single Russian White-fronted Goose and 150 Corn Buntings.

A day of variable cloud cover in a moderate westerly. The temperature rose to a spring-like 13°C.

Four Tundra Bean Geese flew north at the Fog Station at 08:47. Ducks at Thornwick Pool included five Gadwall and two Shoveler while 50 Wigeon were at Northcliff Marsh. A single Woodcock was also seen on the Outer Head. The best of the passerines noted were a Grey Wagtail and 8 Redwings.

At Bempton, a Marsh Harrier was south of the village, a Woodcock was along Cliff Lane and a second Woodcock and a Grey Wagtail were on the reserve.

The weather comprised sunny intervals, a moderate westerly wind and high of 12 degrees C. A third calendar-year Mediterranean Gull flew north during a morning seawatch that also saw 25 Pink-footed Geese moving in the same direction. The goose flock that roosted on the outer head contained five Tundra Beans, 84 White-fronts, a dark-bellied Brent and eight Barnacle Geese. Elsewhere, a Short-eared Owl hunted the cliff top at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

A moderate to fresh southerly brought scattered clouds after an overcast morning, the temperature rising to 14°C.

A Dark-bellied Brent Goose flew inland from the Fog Station during a morning seawatch. A Common Crane fed in fields near Northcliff Marsh from late afternoon. Other highlights from the Outer Head included a Russian White-fronted Goose, five Shoveler, seven Gadwall, 15 Tufted Ducks, a Grey Plover and a Woodcock.

A foggy and overcast start of the day gave way to sunny skies during the afternoon and the temperature rose to a very mild 15°C. The wind was moderate from the south-west.

Perhaps heartened by the spring-like weather, two Chiffchaffs below the lighthouse were the first of the year and a Goldcrest was seen at South Landing. The Common Crane remained in its favoured field at Northcliff Marsh. The number of Shovelers rose to six; other duck sightings included two Shelducks and four Gadwall. A Golden Plover also passed over the Outer Head. The now regular flock of geese passed east over Flamborough village to roost at dusk containing about 80 Russian White-fronts with a few Barnacles mixed in.

Overnight, 14 flocks of Pink-feet a small flock of Bean Geese were sound recorded over Bempton village. Wigeon, and Teal were also recorded.

A relatively overcast day, with moderate south-west winds and high of 12 degrees C. Seawatch records included five Shelduck, a Gadwall, two Eider, 98 Cormorants, 414 Herring Gulls south and, unusually, a Mistle Thrush in off the sea.

The Crane remained in residence adjacent to North Marsh, as were the 80-strong flock of White-fronted Geese that again roosted on the outer head. Thornwick Pools attracted eight Gadwall and a pair of Shoveler. A single Chiffchaff in South Dykes was further evidence of ‘spring’. Elsewhere, a Raven flew south-east at Buckton.

Overcast, with light variable winds and a high of 11 degrees C. Seawatch sightings included 12 Curlews, 36 Skylarks and 11 Meadow Pipits flying south, while single Siskin and Scandinavian Rock Pipit were also recorded. The Crane remained in fields adjacent to North Marsh for its fourth day, while wildfowl interest included eight Shoveler, nine Gadwall and 23 Tufted Ducks. In addition the 80-strong Russian White-fronts and eight Barnacle Geese roosted on the outer head once again. A Russian White-fronted Goose flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where five Kittiwakes and a Chiffchaff were the reserve’s first of the year.

A cooler day, with overcast skies, spells of rain and a high of eight degrees C in light/moderate northerly winds. One Barnacle Goose, two Eider and two Dunlin were the most notable records from a seawatch. Thornwick Pools attracted seven Gadwall and two Shoveler; two Gadwall and a Shoveler were also on North Marsh. Elsewhere, the Crane lingered near the latter location, while a Chiffchaff along Lighthouse Road was new. Further migrants included 450 Starlings at North Landing and a flock of 400 near the lighthouse. Two Woodcock were on the edge of Bempton village, with another near Speeton.

A mild day, with a high of 12 degrees C, moderate southerly winds, relatively overcast with occasional brighter intervals. The Crane remained on the outer head near North Marsh, while a Short-eared Owl was at North Dykes. Additional migrants included 28 Redwing, a Fieldfare and a Siskin.

Sightings from the RSPB Bempton Cliffs/Buckton area included a Golden Plover, three Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, 487 Starlings, a Goldcrest and a Snow Bunting.

Mostly overcast, a moderate southerly and a maximum temperature of 13°C.

An adult Mediterranean Gull and 20 Red-throated Divers featured during a morning seawatch. The Common Crane remained at Northcliff Marsh. Four Golden Plover, two Grey Wagtails and a Chiffchaff were also noted on the Outer Head.

Ten Snow Buntings were on the clifftop at Buckton. Teal and Water Rail were sound recorded overnight in Bempton village.

A sunny, mild day with a maximum temperature of 10°C. The wind was a light to moderate northerly.

The Common Crane was sill present at Northcliff Marsh and 28 Corn Buntings were near North Dykes. A Black Redstart was seen on the Outer Head and three Siskin appeared in a Flamborough village garden. Two Ravens flew south-east at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. Nocmigging at Bempton village revealed that Teal, Wigeon, Golden Plover and Redwing passed over. Buckton cliff top retained a flock of Snow Buntings with eleven present.

A bright day, with prolonged sunny intervals, a light/moderate south-easterly wind and high of 11 degrees C. Two Velvet Scoters flying north were the standout of a morning seawatch that also featured three Eiders moving in the opposite direction. A single first-winter Russian White-fronted Goose accompanied a Greylag flock near Mid Dykes, while the Thornwick area attracted five Shoveler, eight Gadwall and 20 Tufted Ducks. Overnight a Little Owl was calling at Oceanview; the third record in little over a week east of the Dykes. In addition, a Red Kite overflew the village early afternoon, two Goldcrest and four Chiffchaffs represented an increase, while 25 Corn Buntings remained near North Dykes.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Golden Plovers, one Woodcock, four Puffins, a Goldcrest and two Snow Buntings.

A day of two halves; thick fog during the morning precluded observation, while unbroken cloud, light onshore winds and temperatures that reached ten degrees C dominated the afternoon. Nine Chiffchaffs arrived on the outer head, where a lone Redwing was the only other passerine migrant. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Woodcock, a Water Rail, a Short-eared Owl, a ringtail Hen Harrier and two Ravens.

Overcast throughout, with light drizzle during the morning, a blustery northerly wind and high of six degrees C. A Blue Fulmar flew north during a morning seawatch. Four Great Crested Grebes were off the Seawatch Observatory, with another ten sheltering off Beacon Hill. The Thornwick area hosted six Gadwall, two Shoveler, 30 Teal and 16 Tufted Ducks. A Woodcock and 170 Linnets were the most notable records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

After a bright start, overcast skies dominated; light winds throughout, with a high of seven degrees C. Three Shelduck flew south past the Fog Station, while four Goosanders headed east past South Landing. Additional wetland interest included a Russian White-fronted Goose flying north-west over the golf course, 37 Wigeon, 40 Teal, eight Gadwall, five Shoveler, 22 Tufted Ducks and a pair of Little Grebe. A Red Kite initially over Buckton later flew north-west over Head Farm. Following record-breaking numbers of wintering Linnets, mainly as a result of the cover crop at North Marsh, the 350-strong flock still in residence contained four Twite there. Other passerine migrants included 1000 Starlings, six Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, nine Pied Wagtails, two Grey Wagtails and three Siskin.

The cliff top at Buckton attracted a Lapland Bunting, 25 Yellowhammers and 50 Corn Buntings. Records from nearby RSPB Bempton Cliffs included three Russian White-fronted Geese, a Woodcock, one Water Rail, 17 Common Buzzards, a Red Kite, 83 Skylarks and 2000 Starlings.

Overcast, with light south-east winds and a maximum of eight degrees C. Two Eiders and a Shoveler flew south during the seawatch. Seven Shoveler were also on Thornwick Pools together with a Pink-footed Goose, 37 Teal, four Gadwall and a Water Rail. Twelve Whooper Swans also flew east over South Landing.

Continuing the recent good run of records, two Ravens flew south-east at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, while a lone bird toured the outer head and was last seen flying north-west over Whelkie Wynds. Other notable records included four Woodcock, a Goldcrest, three Chiffchaffs, 13 Redwing, a Fieldfare, a Siskin, and 30 Yellowhammers, 36 Corn Buntings.

Overcast and misty throughout, with light southerly winds and a high of seven degrees C. A Woodcock, one Nuthatch, a Chiffchaff, 35 Redwing and a Siskin were located in South Dykes, while 23 Purple Sandpipers sheltered near High Stacks. Two Short-eared Owls hunted cliff top fields at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with single Woodcock and Chiffchaff also on the reserve. Nearby, another Woodcock, three Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrests and 22 Chaffinch were in the village.

A bright morning, clouding over early afternoon in a med oderate south-westerly and a maximum temperature of 12°C.

Single Ravens were seen again over Hoddy Cows Lane and the Outer Head where three Red Kites were also overhead. Chiffchaffs continued to be seen with 8 east of Danes Dyke and other passerines included four Redwing, four Goldcrests and a Siskin.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB recorded a Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest and two Siskins. Seven Snow Buntings were still in residence at Buckton cliff top.

A fresh to strong westerly blew throughout the day bringing variable cloud cover and a maximum temperature of 12°C.

Highlights of the morning seawatch included a second-year Yellow-legged Gull and a Red Kite flying in off the sea. The kite was later seen over Flamborough village before flying west over Danes Dyke. Before dark, birds seen flying high east at the lighthouse included a Jack Snipe, a Redwing, 20 Blackbirds and 92 Starlings. Five Lapwings were also seen on the Outer Head.

A south-south-westerly gale blew all day. The temperature rose to 13°C as rain arrived early evening.

An adult Mediterranean Gull and a Red-breasted Merganser were the pick of the seawatch. A Pink-footed Goose sat on the sea in Selwicks Bay. Overnight, flocks of Common Scoters were heard passing over Flamborough village. At Bempton Cliffs RSPB, three Snow Buntings briefly stopped over before flying north.

Moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and a high of nine degrees C. A Red Kite that flew in off the sea was presumably pushed out east by the blustery airstream, with the same bird later heading west over the village. Elsewhere, a Black Redstart was along the cliffs adjacent to Bridlington Links GC, a Woodcock in South Dykes and a single Goldcrest at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Relatively light winds, mainly from the north, sunny throughout and a high of ten degrees C. Seawatch highlights included an Eider, 3388 northbound Kittiwakes, a Puffin and 27 Red-throated Divers. South Landing hosted two Woodcock, three Chiffchaffs, two Goldcrest and six Redwing. Two Short-eared Owls remained at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Blustery south-westerly winds, mainly overcast with mainly light rain in the afternoon and a best of ten degrees C. Tens of thousands of auks were in residence, including good numbers of Puffins close inshore; four Dunlin also flew north during the seawatch. North Marsh attracted 41 Wigeon, three drake Shoveler and 13 Curlew. A Red Kite, initally at Buckton, later overflew Mid Dykes.

The day’s highlight was a Woodlark that flew south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where additional records included five Grey Partridge, a Woodcock, one Chiffchaff, eight Pied Wagtails, 30 Chaffinch and a Siskin.

Moderate south-westerly winds throughout a day that started brightly before overcast skies dominated; temperatures reached ten degrees C. The headland was graced by a Woodlark for the second consecutive day; a single on the cliff top path near Sykes Plantation then flew south-west along the cliffs at 0750hrs. Two single Red Kites were recorded from a wide range of sites between Buckton and the outer head. Other notable records included six Chiffchaff and three Siskin.

Sunny skies dominated after an overcast start; there were moderate south-west winds and a high of 15 degrees C. Four Pintail flew south during the morning seawatch, while a Red Kite again flew west over South Landing/Mid Dykes. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Water Rail, one Woodcock, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, one Short-eared Owl, two Chiffchaff, two Goldcrest and a Grey Wagtail. Two Dunlin were on the nearby Cliff Lane flash.

Sunny throughout, with a light onshore breeze developing and a high of 11 degrees C. Raptor interest included single Red Kite, creamcrown Marsh Harrier and Merlin, while a Pintail, four Gadwall, pair of Shelduck and 26 Tufted Ducks provided wildfowl interest. An appreciable arrival of 23 Chiffchaffs on the outer head were accompanied by four Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, two Redwing and two Grey Wagtails.

An additional four Chiffchaffs were in Bempton village, with five at the nearby RSPB reserve. Lone Goldcrest and Short-eared Owl were also recorded at the latter site, while two Chiffchaffs were along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton.

Light northerly winds featured during a largely overcast day, although mid-afternoon brought brighter skies; temperatures reached 11 degrees C. The cooler weather resulted in a quieter day with a Woodcock, one Water Rail, three Goldcrests, single figures of Chiffchaff and four Corn Buntings the most notable records.

Generally overcast with light south-east winds throughout and a maximum of nine degrees C. The day’s highlight consisted a Hooded Crow flying east over the Bowling Green with an early Willow Warbler also in the village. Additional sightings included a Great Crested Grebe off South Landing, where a Mistle Thrush was singing in the main ravine.

A bright, sunny day, with light south-east winds and a high of ten degrees C. Single dark-bellied Brent Goose and Barnacle Goose moved south off the Fog Station. Additional wildfowl interest in residence included two Shelduck, eight Gadwall, two Shoveler, 48 Teal, 28 Wigeon and 20 Tufted Duck. An increase of migrant snipe was apparent, with 37 Common and four Jack Snipe appreciable totals. A lone Grey Heron flying east high out to sea was also of interest. Passerine migrants were scarce, but included three Goldcrests and three Chiffchaffs.

A bright overcast, with periodic sunny intervals, a light/moderate southerly wind and high of eight degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Eider, a Ringed Plover, the year’s first two Sandwich Terns and 172 Common Gulls moving south. The headland’s freshwater sites hosted two Shelduck, eight Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 107 Teal and 24 Tufted Ducks. A lone Woodcock was at the Bowling Green, while single Marsh Harrier and Red Kite toured the outer head. Passerine interest included three Goldcrest, two Redwing, a ‘continental’ Song Thrush, one Grey Wagtail and 11 Siskin.

Scattered clouds and a light breeze from the north during the morning followed by a freshening wind from the south-west and full cloud cover by late afternoon. The temperature reached 12°C.

A Manx Shearwater and 14 Common Scoter were the seawatching highlights. A female Black Redstart was in an Outer Head garden while a Brambling and three Siskins were in the Bowling Green area.

A Siberian Chiffchaff was found at Buckton Pond in the evening with seven Common Chiffchaffs, four Goldcrests and a Water Rail also in the area.

An overcast day with a fresh south-westerly that became strong late afternoon. Maximum temperature 14°C.

A male Wheatear at the Fog Station was the first of the spring. A Goosander was off South Dykes and the Red Kite, present for several days, was again over the Outer Head. Three Siskin continued to visite a village garden.