Category: Sightings

An overcast start, with a cold front bringing a band of rain for a short time before sunny intervals. The strong wind remained in the west, whilst temperatures dropped from 10 to 7 degrees C.

The day’s undoubted highlight was an Alpine Swift that flew north over the sea off the Fog Station at 0950hrs, before it then showed sporadically in the North Landing area until early afternoon. Four Sandwich Terns also headed north on the seawatch, with a Ring Ouzel flying in off the sea. Migrants included eight Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, three Wheatear, one Sand Martin, a Goldcrest, two Fieldfare, two Redwing and a Brambling. A Short-eared Owl frequented North Landing during the evening. Linnets were also on the move, with at least 40 heading south. A drake Wood Duck of suspect origin provided an exotic distraction at Thornwick Pool.

West of the Dykes, there were three Wheatear and a White Wagtail at Bempton RSPB. The Rough-legged Buzzard and a Short-eared Owl remained in the Buckton area; where a Tawny Owl was also relatively unusual.

An overcast morning before a belt of rain arrived and cleared late afternoon. Maximum temperatures of 10 degrees C felt cool in the moderate/strong westerly wind. An above average seawatch produced eight Red-throated Divers flying south, a Manx Shearwater moving north, two Shoveler heading south, 104 Common Scoters south, two Velvet Scoters flying south, one Arctic Skua and five Sandwich Terns north.

Passerine migrants were thin on the ground, but included 13 Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, four Wheatears, a Ring Ouzel at North Landing and a Willow Warbler there.

The Rough-legged Buzzard was again present in the Buckton area, with single Merlin, Short-eared Owl and Wheatear at the same location.

After an overnight frost, a day of sunshine until mid-afternoon, light south-westerly winds and temperatures that reached 10 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch 160 Fulmars flew north, as did a Manx Shearwater, 11 Common Scoter went south, four Sandwich Terns flew north (and two south). Twenty-five Purple Sandpipers remained in residence. A male Ring Ouzel frequented the area around the Fog Station, where a Siskin flew north.

Additional migrants included a Firecrest at South Landing, a Black Redstart on the Outer Head, six Sand Martins, four Swallows, 17 Wheatears, six Chiffchaffs, one Willow Warbler and a Goldcrest. A Corn Bunting was also present near North Marsh.

The Rough-legged Buzzard again showed very well in the Buckton/Bempton area. with a Short-eared Owl, Common Buzzard, Willow Warbler and an early Common Whitethroat also present at Buckton.

A generally overcast day, with light/moderate westerly winds and temperatures increasing to 13 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Manx Shearwaters flying north, a Whimbrel heading north, one Bonxie doing the same and 11 Sandwich Terns moving north. A Marsh Harrier also flew in off the sea before it continued west, whilst five Tufted Ducks on Thornwick Pool were unusual.

Migrants included five Sand Martins, 11 Swallows, an arrival of 17 Willow Warblers, six Chiffchaffs, three Blackcap, six Wheatear, one Black Redstart, two Ring Ouzels and a Brambling. Five Corn Buntings flew over the Outer Head.

Single Blackcap and Goldcrest, together with six Tree Sparrows, were the main rewards of a ringing session.

A day of light/moderate westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures of 13 degrees C. Highlight was a Little Bunting photographed by a visitor near the Lighthouse during the morning; despite searching, it was not relocated.

A Firecrest, the seventh of spring, was located along the hedge running south from the Lighthouse towards the cliffs. Three Ring Ouzels were present on the Outer Head and a Short-eared Owl hunted the Golf Course during the evening. Common migrants increased in number, with 21 Wheatear, 12 Blackcap, 18 Chiffchaffs and a scattering of Willow Warblers across the Headland.

          Little Bunting, by Alexey Kurochkin

          Little Bunting, by Alexey Kurochkin

A light north easterly wind with overcast conditions saw further migrants arrive.

Unfortunately there was no sign of the previous days Little Bunting. However, new in was the years first Sedge Warbler at Thornwick. A Little Egret was at northcliffe marsh, whilst yesterdays Firecrest remained on the outer head. 4 Whimbrel and a notable count of 6 Goosander, flew west off Booted Gully.

In the greater recording area, three summer plumaged Red-necked Grebe remained off Sewerby. A Green Woodpecker was again heard calling to the east of Sewerby hall.

                Reed Bunting, by Andrew Allport

A bright sunny day with moderate north easterly winds. A female Redstart at Oceanview was the days highlight. After a quiet winter/spring for the species a single siskin over old fall during the morning was noteworthy. Other migrant totals were 1 Yellow wagtail, 3 Wheatear, 20 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap and a Whitethroat near Old Fall. A pale Buzzard was also seen over the outer head.

Wheatear, by Paul Reed

Another bright sunny day on the headland, with a moderate north-easterly breeze dominated.

A rather unseasonal Grey Phalarope settled on the sea off the fog station several times before flying east; the first ever April record at Flamborough. Also on the seawatch were a Glaucous Gull flying south mid-afternoon, one Mediterranean Gull heading north and a Pochard; the first of the year on the headland.

On the land, the highlight was a Lapland Bunting flying south over the lighthouse grassland during the morning. Two Long-eared Owls were also present on the Headland. A male Ring Ouzel was near North Marsh, while other migrants included two House Martin, 8 Wheatear, 1 Sedge Warbler and 10 Willow Warbler. A Marsh Harrier flew east along the south side of the head at 9am, before heading south-east out to sea.

At Buckton, a Short-eared Owl was again present along with nine Yellow Wagtail and two Shelduck.

A mostly overcast day, with a few sunny spells late morning and early afternoon. Showers during the evening, whilst a strong NNE wind made for challenging conditions on the land.

Today’s highlights came from the seawatch. Birds heading north past the fog station included 2 Red-throated Diver, 458 Fulmar, a Manx Shearwater, 6 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Goosander, 1 Great Skua and 197 Puffin (plus 5 south). Tern numbers are beginning to increase, with 2 Common south, 5 Sandwich south and a single north.

Passerine migrants included single Sedge Warbler, Goldcrest and Redwing, with Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers scattered across the Headland in sheltered spots.

   Puffin, by Alan Walkington

A day of light north-easterly winds, sunny conditions and temperatures that reached 11 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Red-throated Diver flying south, 244 Fulmars moving north, five Shelduck south, a Bonxie north and nine Sandwich Terns north (and four south).

Thornwick attracted the year’s first Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper, with three Tufted Duck, two pairs of Shelduck and six Teal also present. Migrants included a Long-eared Owl, a Firecrest trapped and ringed, one Sedge Warbler, a male Common Redstart, one Ring Ouzel, a Yellow Wagtail, two White Wagtails and two Brambling.

Another sunny day, with light north-north-east winds and temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. Thornwick Pool attracted three Tufted Ducks, a Little Ringed Plover and a Sedge Warbler. A Common Buzzard flew over the village and a Grey Plover was also new. Migrants included three House Martins, a Ring Ouzel and Grasshopper Warbler at Old Fall, whilst a Common Whitethroat was also fresh-in. A Chiffchaff and eight Tree Sparrows were amongst the species trapped and ringed.

West of the Dykes, the Rough-legged Buzzard again hunted the cliff top at Buckton, but a Kingfisher on the Pond there was rarer in the local context.

A day of light north-north-east winds and sunny conditions after an overcast start; temperatures reached 9 degrees C by mid-morning. Seawatching produced a Red-throated Diver flying south, four Shelduck south, 29 Common Scoters doing the same, a Whimbrel heading north and five Sandwich Terns north (and one south).

A Long-eared Owl hunted the edge of the Golf Course during the morning, with other records including 13 Chiffchaffs, nine Blackcap, one Sedge Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, three Yellow Wagtails and a Common Redstart. A remarkably early record of a churring Nightjar, a rare passage visitor to Flamborough anyway, was heard at South Landing during the evening.

A light south-south-west wind, sunny after a misty start, although temperatures still remained cool at only 12 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Blue Fulmar flew north, as did one Manx Shearwater and four Sandwich Terns. Ten Purple Sandpipers remained in residence on the Outer Head.

A creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew west over Thornwick Pool, whilst migrants included 30 Sand Martins and three White Wagtails at the same location, two Ring Ouzels, one Lesser Whitethroat and a Fieldfare. Unusually, three male Great Spotted Woodpeckers were trapped during a ringing session at South Landing.

Warmer temperatures at last reaching 18 degrees in sunny weather and a little southerly wind. Two Ringed Plover and a Dunlin dropped onto Thornwick Pool, with single Whimbrel and Golden Plover present on the Headland. A Rough-legged Buzzard flew west over Old Fall at 0835hrs.

Passerines included two Ring Ouzels, four ‘continental’ Song Thrush, one Fieldfare, a Black Redstart near North Dykes, four Stonechats, a Whinchat, 14 Wheatear, three Yellow Wagtails, a Channel Wagtail (Blue-headed x Yellow Wagtail hybrid) on the Golf Course and three White Wagtails. Warblers were represented by 14 Blackcaps, four Lesser Whitethroats, four Common Whitethroats, four Sedge Warblers and 13 Willow Warblers. A Firecrest was located in the brambles below the Lighthouse, whilst single Goldcrest and Siskin were also present.

Twenty birds were trapped during a ringing session, including three Chiffchaffs, three Willow Warblers and three Blackcaps.

Bempton RSPB hosted a Short-eared Owl and a Lesser Whitethroat was also present there.

The day featured moderate westerly winds and sunny intervals, with temperatures of 12 degrees C during the morning. However, a cold front brought rain in the afternoon and temperatures dropped to 4 degrees C.

A Bonxie lingered off the Fog Station during the afternoon, with two Common Buzzards around the Headland, a Dunlin on Thornwick Pool and one Whimbrel nearby. Better still, a Jack Snipe showed well at North Marsh. Passerine migrants again increased in number including 36 Wheatear, 32 Willow Warblers, 20 Blackcap and 17 Yellow Wagtails. In addition, two Blue-headed Wagtails were in the Thornwick area along with a Channel Wagtail. A Ring Ouzel frequented the Golf Course, a male Redstart was at Old Fall and there were 15 House Martins, five Sedge Warblers, five Lesser Whitethroats, a Fieldfare and one Brambling.

Sightings from the Bempton area included five Wheatear, two Yellow Wagtails , one White Wagtail, a Redwing and 50 Yellowhammers.

Light northerly winds changed to variable later in the day, although temperatures remained cold, reaching 8 degrees C despite sunshine. Seawatching produced three Red-throated Divers flying north, as did 618 Fulmars, four Manx Shearwaters and a Whimbrel. A total of 32 Sandwich Terns flew south (and four north), whilst three Arctic Terns moved north, as did 202 Puffins.

Two Shelduck, five Teal and the Dunlin remained at Thornwick Pool, but the majority of passerine migrants had cleared out. However, 21 Wheatears and two Redwing remained, with two newly-arrived Whinchats present. Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Whitethroat were trapped during a ringing session.

A light north-westerly wind and sunshine during the morning, before the wind strengthened from the south-south-east and cloudier conditions prevailed; temperatures rose from 1 degree to 9 degrees C. Seawatching produced three Red-throated Divers, the same number of Manx Shearwaters flying north and three Sandwich Terns.

Sightings on the headland included two Tufted Ducks, a Marsh Harrier, one Long-eared Owl, two Redwing, two Goldcrest, 27 Wheatear, four Yellow Wagtails, a Channel Wagtail, two Tree Pipits and a Little Bunting; the latter briefly near the car-park at Thornwick Pool.

Moderate/strong westerly winds and sunny conditions resulted in a quiet seawatch, with four Sandwich Terns heading north the only noteworthy record. On the land the highlight was the brief re-appearance of the Little Bunting at Thornwick Pool. Typically it showed well to one observer before vanishing and wasn’t relocated. Two Tufted Duck, three Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and single Yellow and White Wagtails were on the Pools, whilst four Wheatear, three Stonechats and a minimum of five singing Sedge Warblers were around Thornwick.

Mixed weather, with heavy rain at times and a strong south-south-west wind. The highlight was a Red-rumped Swallow over Thornwick Pools early afternoon during a heavy shower; unfortunately it soon departed west once the weather cleared. Proving more co-operative, an Egyptian Goose near North Marsh was actually the day’s rarest visitor in the local context. Two Gadwall were also at North Marsh, with single Ringed Plover and Greenshank over Thornwick Pools and three Whimbrel present. Passerine migrants included 16 Wheatears on the Golf Course, one White Wagtail and three Yellow Wagtails.

Moderate north-westerly winds, sunny intervals and showers with temperatures of 9 degrees C. A Roseate Tern flying north represented the highlight of the seawatch, with seven Sandwich Terns recorded and three Common Terns also moving north.

Thornwick Pool proved its worth once again, with four Dunlin, a Little Ringed Plover and a Yellow Wagtail. The year’s first Garden Warbler appeared on the edge of the allotments. Best of all, a Red-rumped Swallow appeared over the pool during the evening and showed well before drifting towards the village.

A moderate north-north-westerly wind, sunny intervals with occasional showers and temperatures reaching 9 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, a total of 379 Fulmars flew north, a Blue Fulmar appeared off the Headland and eight Manx Shearwaters headed north, as did three Sandwich Terns. Thirty Common Scoters were also off South Landing.

Single Snipe, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper were at Thornwick Pools, with four Whimbrel nearby. Passerine migrants included 15 Wheatear, four Yellow Wagtails, two White Wagtails and better still, a Hawfinch on the Outer Head.

Sightings from the Buckton/Bempton area included three Common Buzzards, six Whimbrel and a White Wagtail.

The winds switched from light north-easterlies to moderate/strong south-easterlies, with sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 9 degrees C. Seawatching produced a Blue Fulmar flying north, one Manx Shearwater heading in the same direction, 15 Sandwich Terns moving north and an Arctic Skua offshore. In addition, a party of seven Pochards flew past the Fog Station and a flock of six later overflew the Headland. Five Whimbrel were near Thornwick, where a Snipe also lingered.

Migrants included single Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart, three White Wagtails, a Reed Warbler, 15 Wheatear and three Yellow Wagtails.

The morning was wet, with heavy rain and moderate/strong east-south-east winds. However, the afternoon was completely different, with sunshine, calm conditions and temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. Two Wigeon frequented North Marsh, ten Eider were off the South Cliffs, a Little Egret landed briefly on the Golf Course before heading north, one Whimbrel also flew north and 20 Arctic Terns flew east past North Landing.

There was an increase in Lesser Whitethroats, with a minimum of 24 present, a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling at Oceanview and other migrants included single Fieldfare, Whinchat, Garden Warbler and Goldcrest, two White Wagtails, with a male Black Redstart at North Landing. Two Common Swifts were recorded, whilst four Corn Buntings appeared near North Landing.

The winds switched from moderate west-south-westerlies to south-easterlies later in the day, coupled with sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 16 degrees C. During the seawatch, 46 Sandwich Terns headed north (with 14 south), two Common Terns moved in the same direction and three Arctic Terns went south. In addition, three Whimbrel flew north.

A Barnacle Goose commuted between Thornwick Pools and North Marsh, with a pair of Gadwall at the latter site. Five Whimbrel were on fields near Thornwick, four Dunlin, a Snipe, a Ringed Plover and an Oystercatcher visited Thornwick Pools, with another Dunlin at North Marsh. A Common Buzzard flew over the Dykes and a Short-eared Owl frequented the Outer Head.

Migrants included 12 Swifts, 21 Wheatears, two Tree Pipits, nine Yellow Wagtails and single Fieldfare, White Wagtail, Grasshopper Warbler (at South Dykes), Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Goldcrest and Siskin. A Black Redstart also visited a garden in the village.

The day started with moderate east-south-easterly winds, heavy rain followed by foggy conditions. The wind switched to strong south-south-westerlies and sunny intervals then featured whilst temperatures reached 16 degrees C. The highlight of the seawatch were nine Eiders flying south and a pair of Tufted Ducks toured the Outer Head.

A Hobby flew west over Thornwick Pool, where there were also eight Dunlin, two Ringed Plovers, one Snipe and a Redshank, together with the Barnacle Goose and single White and Yellow Wagtails. A scattering of passerine migrants were found before the wind picked up, including six Wheatear near the Fog Station, three Whinchats and single Garden Warbler and Redstart.

Strong south-south-west winds allied to heavy showers ensured any birding was difficult. Seawatching was rewarded with three Red-throated Divers, two Shelduck flying south, 36 Common Scoters moving in the same direction, one Whimbrel north, 11 Sandwich Terns also north and an Arctic Tern flying south. Fourteen Purple Sandpipers remained in residence.

Thornwick Pool attracted five Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and a Redshank as well as two Wheatear.

Records from Buckton included a Swift, one Redstart and five Wheatear.

Moderate westerlies and sunshine throughout. Highlights of the seawatch included six Manx Shearwaters flying north and four Arctic Terns. The Barnacle Goose remained at North Marsh, with a Hobby and a Merlin nearby. Three Turtle Doves flew west over the Outer Head, with a Jay near the Lighthouse. Migrants included a Goldcrest, a singing Grasshopper Warbler, 11 Willow Warblers, a Redwing, one Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat, 15 Wheatears, a male Redstart, six Yellow Wagtail, a Tree Pipit and a Siskin.

A light north-east and later easterly wind, with generally overcast/misty conditions. During the seawatch, 158 Fulmars flew north, as did a Mute Swan, two Whimbrel, 63 Sandwich Terns and single Common and Arctic Terns. Six Little Terns offshore during the early afternoon were the year’s first and an above average count.

The Barnacle Goose remained, with additional sightings including two Whimbrel,a Common Sandpiper and second calendar-year Yellow-legged and Iceland Gulls; the latter near North Marsh, before it headed south. Forty Swallows flew south; passerine migrants included a singing Grasshopper Warbler, single Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart were new, whilst a White Wagtail and two Yellow Wagtails were also present.

An overcast start to the day, with a moderate/strong westerly wind. Seawatching produced a Red-throated Diver flying north, a Blue Fulmar, one Gadwall flying south, a Marsh Harrier flying in the same direction, a Hobby that toured the Headland throughout the day, an Arctic Skua heading south, a second calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull flying north and 56 Sandwich Terns went south (and 21 north).

Two Barnacle Geese frequented North Marsh, a drake Velvet Scoter appeared off South Landing and a Common Buzzard appeared over the Dykes. A Temmick’s Stint flew over the cliffs at Thornwick heading for the Pool, but unfortunately wasn’t located. Three Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper were also present, whilst three Whimbrel were on the Outer Head, where a Greenshank flew over.

Good numbers of migrants included two Turtle Doves (at Old Fall and near North Marsh), 28 Wheatears, a Whinchat, two Redstarts, two Yellow Wagtails, three Spotted Flycatchers, 26 Willow Warblers, one Garden Warbler and a singing Tree Pipit at Old Fall.

A day of moderate south-south-westerly winds and occasional sunny intervals after an overcast start; temperatures reached 16 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included two Manx Shearwaters flying north, a drake Garganey north, single Bonxie and Little Gull moving in the same direction and 27 Sandwich Terns also heading north.

Two Mute Swans overflew Hartendale, a Marsh Harrier and two Short-eared Owls appeared along the cliffs between Thornwick and North Dykes, whilst the Hobby again graced the Outer Head. Thornwick Pool attracted four Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper, with single Reed Warbler, Redstart and Corn Bunting also present there.

Additional migrants included a Hooded Crow flying north-east from Old Fall, where there were also two Pied Flycatchers.

A moderate/strong southerly wind dominated, with sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 20 degrees C. Seawatching produced a single Red-throated Diver flying north, five Shelduck moving south and 12 Sandwich Terns heading north. A second-summer Yellow-legged Gull fed off the Fog Station during the evening.

Single Merlin and Hobby were recorded, with a Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper and three Dunlin at Thornwick Pools. An arrival of Wheatear took place during the day, with 41 present by the evening. Additional migrants included two Whinchat, a Redstart, two Spotted and one Pied Flycatcher, three Yellow Wagtails and two White Wagtails. The singing Grasshopper Warbler also remained in residence.

After an overcast start, sunny intervals and strong westerly winds dominated the day.  The highlight was a female Garganey that dropped onto Thornwick Pool before it was harassed by the resident pair of Shelduck and flew off west. Three Tufted Duck were on North Marsh, with four Dunlin, one Little Ringed Plover, three Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper and 56 Sand Martins at Thornwick Pools. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier hunted the Outer Head/North Landing areas, with the Hobby noted over South Landing. Three Arctic Skuas were present offshore, including two off South Landing.

Swallows were moving south, with 127 noted in two hours. Two White Wagtails were still present at Thornwick Pools, seven Yellow Wagtails flew west and a Reed Warbler was singing at North Landing. Elsewhere, one Whinchat appeared near the Lighthouse, whilst a Spotted Flycatcher and ten Siskin were at Old Fall.

Light north-westerly and latterly northerlies, with sunny intervals throughout. Seawatching highlights were limited to single Manx Shearwater, Sandwich and Arctic Terns flying north. A Whimbrel frequented fields near Thornwick, where the Common Sandpiper remained. Passerines included 15 Wheatear, one Whinchat, three Stonechats, two Garden Warblers and single Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher and Siskin.

A day of light east-north-east winds, overcast conditions with temperatures reaching 9 degrees C. Seawatching produced two red-throated Divers flying north, as did 148 Fulmars, eight Manx Shearwaters and 13 Sandwich Terns.

A Velvet Scoter was on the sea off South Landing, a Black-tailed Godwit dropped onto North Marsh and the Common Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools. A Reed Warbler was singing at the latter location. Additional passerine sightings included two Greenland Wheatears, three Yellow Wagtails and one White Wagtail.

A light north-west wind, overcast and temperatures of 8 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch five Manx Shearwaters flew north and four Sandwich Terns did the same. The Velvet Scoter was again off South Landing and a Bonxie flew west over the Headland. Two Hobbies overflew Thornwick Pools, with two Ringed Plovers, Common Sandpiper, seven Sedge Warblers, one Reed Warbler and a Whinchat in the same area. South Landing attracted another Whinchat and three Yellow Wagtails were recorded.

Twenty birds were caught during a ringing session, including five Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler.

A light/moderate north-westerly, overcast conditions and temperatures of 11 degrees C. A Red-throated Diver flew north, a Little Egret moved south, one Whimbrel did the same, a Bonxie headed north and nine Sandwich Terns flew south. However, the seawatch highlight were two Bottle-nosed Dolphins that headed south.

Two Tufted Ducks, a Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper and three Dunlin were at Thornwick Pools, with a Short-eared Owl nearby and a Marsh Harrier overflew the village. Passerine migrants included four Spotted Flycatchers, single Tree Pipit, White Wagtail, Redstart and Garden Warbler. Three Jays were near Old Fall, the year’s first record of a less than annual visitor.

The day featured moderate westerly and sunny intervals with temperatures reaching 11 degrees C by mid-morning. Seawatching highlights included four Red-throated Divers flying south, nine Manx Shearwaters heading north, 11 Shelduck, four Whimbrel flying north, as did nine Sandwich Terns and one Arctic Tern.

A Common Sandpiper remained at Thornwick Pools, where there were also two White Wagtails. Additional passerines included another Reed Warbler, one Yellow Wagtail, two Wheatears and a Siskin.

Rain during the morning, with a southerly wind and temperatures of 8 degrees C. A Manx Shearwater was the highlight of a seawatch from North Landing. Single Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper were at Thornwick Pool, with an adult Tawny Owl and chick at South Landing. Single Wheatear and White Wagtail were the only obvious migrant passerines.

An largely overcast day with sunny spells and heavy rain showers and temperatures reaching 11 degrees C. Two Manx Shearwaters and two Sandwich Terns flew north on the seawatch. A Short-eared Owl hunted the Outer Head, with single Wheatear, White Wagtail and a migrant Reed Warbler in the same area; another White Wagtail remained at Thornwick Pools.

Sunny intervals throughout, with mainly light northerly winds and temperatures that peaked at 13 degrees C. During the seawatch, two Blue Fulmars flew north, together with 192 Fulmars, four Sandwich Terns also flew past and three Arctic Terns went north.

The highlight consisted a Hen Harrier that flew east over Thornwick early morning, whilst there were three Little Ringed Plovers on the Pools. A Turtle Dove appeared near North Marsh, with other interest provided by a late Redwing, a Reed Warbler near the Lighthouse, a single Goldcrest, five Wheatears, one Stonechat, two White Wagtails and a Tree Pipit.

A day of light/moderate southerlies and sunny intervals. The pair of Shelduck at Thornwick Pool was accompanied by six ducklings, with a pair of Little Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper also present. A Common Buzzard overflew the village, one Jay flew west over the Outer Head and the White Wagtail remained at the Lighthouse car-park.

A light/moderate south-westerly wind, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, three Red-throated Divers flew south (with two north) and two Sandwich Terns also headed south. A Spoonbill flew south over South Landing early morning, whilst a Green Woodpecker was calling in trees near South Dykes.

Two Dunlin and a Ringed Plover were at Thornwick Pools where the family of Shelduck remained. A Short-eared Owl hunted the cliff top near North Marsh, a juvenile Stonechat frequented North Landing, three White Wagtails remained and a Garden Warbler was at South Landing.

It was another quiet day, despite light/moderate north-easterly and later south-easterly winds, sunny conditions and temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. The pair of Shelduck remained at Thornwick Pools with their six young, with a Dunlin also present. A Ringed Plover and two Curlew overflew the Outer Head, three Sandwich Terns headed past South Landing, whilst an adult Tawny Owl accompanied a chick there. A Jay flew north from Old Fall and nearby, single Yellow Wagtail and Wheatear were present. A White Wagtail frequented fields near Bempton.

A ringing session resulted in six Sedge Warblers, one Reed Warbler and two Whitethroats being trapped.

Light/moderate variable winds featured throughout the day, with brighter conditions following rain during the morning. Seawatch records included a Red-throated Diver flying south, two Manx Shearwaters and three Barnacle Geese moving north, a single Pochard south, one Ringed Plover north, an immature Pomarine Skua flying south, a Bonxie north and two Sandwich Terns heading in the same direction.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Ringed Plovers and a Whimbrel overflew the Outer Head. A Turtle Dove appeared in the same area, but the highlight was a Bee-eater that initially flew east over Greenacres just gone 1510hrs. It was relocated over Head Farm, where it lingered for 10 minutes from 1525hrs, before it drifted east and wasn’t relocated. There was a scattering of passerine migrants including ten Wheatears, two White and one Yellow Wagtail, single migrant Reed and Garden Warblers and a Stonechat.

Amongst birds trapped and ringed were three Whitethroats, a Chiffchaff, one Blackcap and four Tree Sparrows.

Small numbers of migrants had also made landfall at Buckton, the best of which was a singing Icterine Warbler which wasn’t seen after mid-morning.

A light west-north-westerly wind, overcast and temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. During the seawatch 22 Common Scoters flew north, 16 Sandwich Terns headed south (with four north), two Arctic Terns moved north, whilst an immature Pomarine Skua lingered off the Fog Station.

There were fewer passerine migrants present, with two Reed Warblers, two Spotted Flycatchers and a duo of White Wagtails the more notable records.

Another relatively cool day, with light variable winds and sunny intervals after an overcast start. A drake Gadwall visited North Marsh, with a Dunlin at Thornwick Pool. The young Tawny Owl continued to show at South Landing, whilst another Turtle Dove, that flew out of Old Fall, represented the day’s highlight. Single Wheatear and White Wagtail remained in the Thornwick area.

A light north-westerly wind switched to a north-easterly later, with sunny intervals in the morning and heavy rain during the afternoon. One Manx Shearwater flew north during the seawatch, with single Pomarine Skua and Bonxie lingering offshore.

The Gadwall remained on North Marsh, whilst a Spoonbill flew south over the Outer Head at 1335hrs, but unfortunately it didn’t stop. A pair of Stonechat appeared at Thornwick and a White Wagtail provided additional interest.

A day of moderate westerlies and sunny intervals. The birding continued in a similar vein unfortunately, with an almost complete lack of migrants. The Gadwall and two Grey Herons remained on North Marsh, two Dunlin frequented Thornwick Pools and the Tawny Owl continued to show at South Landing. A pair of Coal Tits visited gardens on Church Lane.

Winds were generally light and from the west, with heavy rain mainly confined to the morning, with occasional showers subsequently and temperatures no higher than 8 degrees C. Two Red-throated Divers and two Sandwich Terns flew north on the seawatch. The Gadwall remained at North Marsh, two Grey Herons were present, with single Ringed Plover and Dunlin at Thornwick Pools. A Hobby also flew over the village. Passerine interest was provided by a Spotted Flycatcher and an acredula Willow Warbler at Old Fall, with a pair of Stonechat and a White Wagtail in the Thornwick area.

https://youtu.be/gq_1T_4P_Ek

A day of moderate westerly winds, sunshine and temperatures that reached 13 degrees C. The seawatch produced one Manx Shearwater, two Barnacle Geese, three Sandwich Terns and one Common Tern all heading north. Thornwick Pool hosted a drake Teal, one Dunlin and a Grey Wagtail. A pair of Grey Partridge remained in the Thornwick area, whilst a male in the centre of the village was more unusual. A Common Buzzard also overflew the village. Two Jays were on the Outer Head, one Wheatear remained and the year’s first Crossbills appeared; a single dropped into a garden on Church Lane, with two at South Landing. The flight call of the latter fit ‘Parakeet’ Crossbill, also known as call type X.

Three Common Buzzards appeared over Bempton, with a Garden Warbler at the RSPB reserve.