Month: June 2015

Before the forthcoming storm, the weather was reasonable earlier in the day, with clear skies and some cloud with winds south-west and force 5.

A short session sea-watching produced five Sandwich Tern and three Common Tern north, two Curlew and three ‘sinensis’ Cormorants.

Nothing outstanding, but a good mix of species with the highlights being a family of eight Shelduck and one Ringed Plover at Thornwick Pools. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Old Fall, a White Wagtail at the lighthouse and Wheatear at both Cattlemere and North Cliff Marsh. Other birds present included large numbers of Starling with recently fledged young.

Today’s weather started with fairly clear skies, but changing to overcast by late morning, with winds initially SSW veering west and force 6.

A three hour morning sea-watch had one Red-throated Diver south, 24 Fulmar north, nine Manx Shearwater north, 22 Canada Goose south, seven Common Scoter north, with seven Sandwich Tern, three Common Tern and two Arctic Terns all north. A Pomarine Skua was also present off the headland.

Both Ocean View and the outer head attracted a White Wagtail each, with Little Ringed Plover, 26 Sand Martin and one Reed Warbler at Thornwick Pools.

Nearby, Bempton attracted a Great Skua off the cliffs.

A day with some cloud, but becoming brighter and winds westerly force 4. No sea-watch, but a mix of local breeding birds and a few migrants.

At Thornwick Pools, there were two Little Ringed Plover and a Reed Warbler, with a Sparrowhawk over. Passerine migrants included a Garden Warbler at South Landing, with one Spotted Flycatcher, two Lesser Whitethroat and a Chiffchaff at North Landing.

Light winds initially later switched to moderate south-south-easterlies, sunny and temperatures reaching 18 degrees C. During the seawatch 14 Manx Shearwaters, a Bonxie and 80 Sandwich Terns flew north. North Marsh hosted single Little Grebe and Gadwall, with a Ringed Plover at Thornwick Pools. A Marsh Harrier overflew the Outer Head, whilst a Common Buzzard appeared over the Dykes. Passerine interest was provided by three Jays, a Spotted Flycatcher at Old Fall, one Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail and a migrant Reed Warbler.

Light southerly winds featured at the start of the day, with a stronger south-westerly later, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Seawatching produced four Manx Shearwaters flying north, 18 Canada Geese heading south, 115 Common Scoters doing the same and 45 Sandwich Terns heading north. However, the undoubted highlight was a pod of 20-25 Bottlenose Dolphins that went south past the headland.

Three Mute Swans overflew Thornwick, where there were four Tufted Ducks on the Fishing Lake, whilst four Ringed Plovers dropped in at Thornwick Pools. A Common Buzzard appeared over South Landing and 50 Swifts flew south over the Outer Head. Both juvenile Stonechat and Yellow Wagtail visited Thornwick, whilst a Corn Bunting appeared near Old Fall.

A strong south-westerly wind, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 15 degrees C. During the seawatch, two Manx Shearwaters flew north and 25 Canada Geese moved south, as did single Common Buzzard and Pomarine Skua. A Bonxie lingered offshore, while 20 Sandwich Terns moved north.

Pride of place went to five Bee-eaters that flew west over Old Fall at 0720hrs; they were later relocated on the western edge of Bridlington mid-morning before moving on. Five Grey Herons were present; one over the Fog Station, another at Thornwick Pool and a group of three over the same location. A Hobby appeared over Thornwick Pools on several occasions during the day, with Dunlin, Redshank and Yellow Wagtail also present. Another Yellow Wagtail was present on the Outer Head.

A day that featured moderate west-north-westerly winds, sunny conditions and temperatures of 15 degrees C. The seawatch was quiet, with 11 Common Scoters flying north and 11 Sandwich Terns moving south.

A Hobby was present on the Outer Head and three Common Buzzards appeared over the Dykes, whilst Thornwick Pools attracted a Dunlin. Passerines included two Yellow Wagtails, a Wheatear, one Redwing, a Garden Warbler and single Reed and Sedge Warblers in migrant habitat.

A moderate northerly wind, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 13 degrees C. Seawatching improved, with 88 Manx Shearwaters heading north, a Pomarine Skua flying south, 12 Sandwich Terns south (and eight north), with two Common Terns and one Arctic Tern also north.

A Hobby frequented the north side of the Headland, with a Spotted Flycatcher and a pair of Yellow Wagtails in the Old Fall area. Best of all, a first-summer Common Rosefinch was singing in the Bay Brambles and later on the edge of the Gorse Field.

Moderate north-north-easterly winds during the morning gradually decreased during the day, with temperatures only reaching 13 degrees C, despite sunny conditions throughout. Seawatching was again rewarded, with two Red-throated Divers flying north, 156 Manx Shearwaters and a Bonxie  moving in the same direction. Two immature Pomarine Skuas lingered offshore, with 12 Sandwich Terns heading south (and 11 north) and an Arctic Tern flying north.

Two Common Buzzards appeared over the Outer Head and a Black-tailed Godwit visited Thornwick Pool. Passerines included a Coal Tit near the Lighthouse, two Garden Warblers, two Yellow Wagtails, a male Stonechat and two Siskins. In addition, the first-summer male Common Rosefinch sang briefly in the Bay Brambles early afternoon.

It was a day that featured light northerly and then easterly winds, sunny conditions and temperatures that reached 15 degrees C. A four hour seawatch from first light produced 9950 Gannets flying north (and 1800 south), three Mute Swans heading south, 46 Common Scoters moving north, with three Sandwich, two Common and one Arctic Tern also north. A Wigeon on the sea off South Landing was unseasonal, a Grey Heron visited North Marsh and a Common Buzzard drifted over the village.

Away from the sea there was a marked improvement in quality; a Bee-eater appeared over the Gorse Field mid-evening, whilst a male Red-backed Shrike frequented hedges immediately west of the Golf Course. The ever elusive Common Rosefinch also appeared briefly in the Bay Brambles early afternoon. A Chiffchaff that moved through the environs of Old Fall Steps may have been a late migrant.

A day of light south-easterly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. The seawatch was rewarded with a Great Crested Grebe flying north, 15 Common Scoter heading north, three Oystercatcher moving south and 40 Sandwich, one Common and two Arctic Terns flying north. A Mediterranean Gull also headed east past South Landing.

Four Stonechats and a Yellow Wagtail were in the North Landing area, but presumed breeding birds, as was another Yellow Wagtail near Old Fall. However, a White Wagtail at North Marsh and single Black Redstart and Fieldfare were most certainly not.

The day featured moderate south-easterly winds and overcast conditions, with occasional mist. A Hobby appeared over Thornwick Pool which also attracted single Little Ringed Plover and Dunlin, whilst two Ringed Plovers were also present. Two Mistle Thrushes on the Outer Head were unusual.

It was a generally overcast day, with rain during the morning when the temperature reached 12 degrees C. Seawatching from South Landing produced a Red-throated Diver flying south, two Manx Shearwaters south (and one north) and 76 Common Scoters moved north.

Thornwick Pool attracted a Grey Wagtail, four Dunlin and six Ringed Plover. Two Curlew flew south, whilst a male Siskin was on the Outer Head.

A moderate northerly wind, drizzle during the morning and temperatures that peaked at 11 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 152 Fulmars heading north, one Blue Fulmar and 18 Manx Shearwaters doing the same, a Tufted Duck and three Eiders flying south and ten Sandwich Terns moving north. Two Pomarine Skuas again lingered offshore, whilst a Bonxie was off Bempton Cliffs. Elsewhere, the Grey Wagtail frequented Thornwick Pools for its second day.

Buckton Pond attracted a pair of Garganey, with a Hobby nearby.

A light south-easterly wind, sunny intervals and temperatures attained 14 degrees C by late morning. Seawatching was rewarded with seven Manx Shearwaters flying north, 36 Common Scoters and a Bonxie also north and four Sandwich Terns south (plus four north) along with a Common Tern. Better still, a group of five immature Pomarine Skuas remained off the Headland.

A Short-eared Owl appeared near Old Fall, but the undoubted highlight was a Greenish Warbler singing at Oceanview. A White Wagtail near the Lighthouse appeared to be collecting nesting material.

The day featured a light north-westerly wind and sunny intervals after an overcast start. Seawatching produced three Manx Shearwaters, 12 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Tern all moving north.

Thornwick Pools attracted its first ever Temminck’s Stint, which stayed all day; Tufted Duck and Redshank were also present. A male White Wagtail displayed to a female Pied near the Lighthouse and another White Wagtail visited Thornwick Pools. Nearby a pair of Stonechats fed a brood of juveniles.

Most spectacular of all, 11 Bee-eaters flew south over Bempton Cliffs RSPB at 1104hrs and continued the excellent run; these followed two singles and a party of five birds over the Headland over the last few weeks.

A moderate westerly wind and largely overcast conditions prevailed. During the seawatch, two Manx Shearwaters, 24 Common Scoters and three Sandwich Terns flew north. Three immature Pomarine Skuas remained offshore once again.

The White Wagtail was collecting food near the Lighthouse.

It was a generally overcast day with a moderate/strong westerly wind. The only appreciable record during the morning’s seawatch consisted of seven Manx Shearwaters flying north and one moving south. A pair of Garganey was reported from Thornwick Pools; presumably the same pair that appeared at Buckton Pond several days earlier.

A light northerly wind and overcast conditions dominated throughout. Seawatching produced 108 Fulmars and 20 Manx Shearwaters flying north, seven Common Scoter heading south, three Curlew flying north and an immature Pomarine Skua also north, together with three Sandwich Terns.

Three Grey Herons overflew the village during the morning, 13 Common Scoter were present offshore, a pair of Grey Partridge frequented the Thornwick area, where there was also one Corn Bunting. Another singing Corn Bunting was located near the Dykes, with a Spotted Flycatcher between South Landing and South Dykes. 

A light southerly wind, and generally light rain arrived from late morning which then lasted on and off for most of the day. Seawatching produced 111 Fulmars and 93 Manx Shearwaters flying north, together with a Grey Heron, 120 Common Scoters, 15 Sandwich Terns, two Common and two Arctic Terns. In addition, seven immature Pomarine Skuas were present. A first-summer Mediterranean Gull appeared off the Fog Station where the first Razorbill chicks were off the ledges.

A Green Sandpiper at Thornwick Pool probably represented the first returning migrant, whilst the White Wagtail breeding near the Lighthouse remained in residence.

Ahead of the band of rain, 1300 Swifts moved south-east over Buckton in ten minutes.

A day of sunny intervals, moderate/strong westerly winds and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. During the seawatch, 167 Fulmars flew north, with four Manx Shearwaters, one Barnacle Goose and a Grey Heron doing the same. Common Scoters were on the move, with 389 recorded heading north, whilst 34 Sandwich Terns did the same. Four immature Pomarine Skuas were still in residence, together with one Bonxie.

A Red Kite appeared over the Outer Head during the morning and a Green Sandpiper visited Thornwick Pool. Two Spotted Flycatchers were late migrants, with three Siskin and a Crossbill more typical. About 80 Swift moved south/west through the day and the White Wagtail again frequented the Lighthouse car-park.

After a relatively bright but generally overcast start, the weather rapidly deteriorated, with showery rain throughout and strong northerly winds; temperatures reached 11 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch four Manx Shearwaters went north, as did 58 Common Scoter, whilst 65 Sandwich Terns moved south. Four Pomarine Skuas lingered offshore, as did a single Bonxie.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Ringed Plover and single Crossbill and Siskin were at Old Fall. A Fieldfare in South Landing was unseasonal, but entirely in keeping with the weather!

Strong north-north-west winds, overcast for much of the day and temperatures reached 11 degrees C; all of which combined to produce an excellent day’s seawatching, as birds headed north into the wind. Totals included a Red-throated Diver, 317 Fulmars, 128 Manx Shearwaters, 14 Teal, 1420 Common Scoters, two Bar-tailed Godwits, four Pomarine Skuas and five Bonxies. The highlight was a summer-plummaged Black Guillemot observed off South Landing during the afternoon.

Elsewhere, a Little Ringed Plover visited Thornwick Pools, a Hobby flew through Church Lane and three Siskins in a nearby garden.

A very light variable wind, generally overcast although significantly warmer with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with a Red-throated Diver flying south, 177 Fulmars moving north, 22 Manx Shearwaters doing the same, 47 Sandwich Terns north and three Common Terns also moving north. Two Pomarine Skuas were again offshore, along with four moulting drake Eider.

Six Lapwing were new, with single Siskins frequenting both Oceanview and the Outer Head gardens.

The day featured a light southerly wind, a bright start and then generally overcast later, although temperatures still reached 21 degrees C. During the seawatch, ten Manx Shearwaters headed north, 1217 Common Scoters also went north and three Curlews flew south. Three Bonxies and an immature Pomarine Skua were noted, along with 87 Sandwich Terns that flew north. Large numbers of Kittiwakes were feeding well offshore, with an estimated 15-20,000 present in several huge feeding flocks.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Grey Herons, a Little Ringed Plover and a Green Sandpiper, with several Black-tailed Skimmers making an appearance there on one of summer’s first warm days. A male Black Redstart on the Outer Head was unseasonal, with single Siskin and Stonechat in the same area. Two Coal Tits at Oceanview were unusual.

A warm day, with temperatures reaching up to 19 degress C. In a light SW breeze, Swifts moved through in small numbers all day, probably numbering several hundred birds at least. A Hobby appeared over Old Fall and the White x Pied Wagtail pairing, near the lighthouse, appeared to be tending one or two fledged young. A juvenile Ringed Plover was on Thornwick Pool and a Little Grebe on Buckton Pond.

A Little Gull was the best on a seawatch, which was a little quieter than the last couple of days, and also included Common Scoter (218 North, 20 South), three Manx Shearwater, a Bonxie, three Curlew, 34 Sandwich and 2 Common Tern.

One of the hottest days of the year, with temperatures just tipping past 20 degrees C, with a light to moderate westerly breeze. Seawatching in the morning included single Pomarine and Great Skuas blogging, 179 Common Scoters mostly flying north and one Manx Shearwater.

Another day of notable Swift movements, with over 200 feeding early morning over the golf course and lighthouse area, with smaller number of hirundines, followed by a steady trickle of birds heading west through the day. The total movement of Swifts probably involved 1000 birds.

A Merlin was an unseasonal surprise, with a hunting 1st-summer Hobby more usual fare. The White x Pied Wagtail pair were still present with young. Two Crossbill overflew Buckton Pond and two Siskins were in the outer head gardens early morning.

Plenty of birds are fledging now:

After an overcast start the day ended with sunshine and a moderate south-westerly breeze; temperatures peaked at 21 degrees C. During the seawatch 115 Common Scoters moved north, along with a Whimbrel and 29 Sandwich Terns. Two Bonxies and a Pomarine Skua were present, as was a single Manx Shearwater.

Thornwick Pool again attracted a Grey Heron, with three Tufted Ducks and an Oystercatcher flying over.

A light south-westerly wind early on changed to a light south-easterly, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees C and relatively sunny conditions throughout the day. Seawatching was relatively quiet, with three Manx Shearwaters flying north, as did 18 Sandwich Terns and a single Common Tern.

Grey Herons featured once again, with a flock of four touring the Headland and two frequenting Thornwick Pools. A Great Spotted Woodpecker along the cliffs near the Fog Station was presumably a local wanderer, a Grey Wagtail overflew Oceanview, whilst two Siskins were recorded.

A light southerly wind again changed into a moderate south-easterly as the temperature reached 21 degrees C in sunny conditions. During the seawatch, 27 Common Scoters flew north, eight Curlew went south, 12 Sandwich Terns flew north and single Common Terns headed north and south.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Ringed Plover and a Green Sandpiper. A Grasshopper Warbler was singing near Oceanview, where there were three Siskins and a Coal Tit.