Month: November 2015

It was a warm day, with very light variable winds and sunshine throughout. Four Whooper Swans and 63 Common Scoter flew south on the seawatch, whilst a total of 320 Pink-footed Geese flew south over the Headland, including a partially-leucistic individual.

Thornwick attracted a Little Grebe, nine Snipe, one Jack Snipe, single Redshank and Dunlin, an adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Rock Pipit. A Greenshank overflew the Headland, with additional records including three Woodcocks and three Short-eared Owls.

Migrants included two Black Redstarts, two Stonechat, a Firecrest, 35 Siskin and three Lesser Redpolls.

Bempton RSPB hosted a ringtail Hen Harrier and a Ring Ouzel.

Insect interest included a Hummingbird Hawkmoth at the Living Seas Centre and a Comma.

A calm, but foggy day which restricted birding possibilities.

Thornwick Pool hosted a juvenile Whooper Swan, nine Teal, a Grey Heron, one Water Rail, a Greenshank and 12 Snipe. Pink-footed Geese were heard passing overhead in the fog. Passerine migrants included six Goldcrest, a Chiffchaff, 34 Blackbirds, six Fieldfare and 11 Redwing.

It remained misty all day, with a light southerly wind. Seawatching highlights included 18 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, 57 Pink-footed Geese, 19 Gadwall, a Pintail and ten Shoveler all heading south.

Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Grebe, a Grey Heron, one Cormorant, a Pochard, four Wigeon, ten Teal, a Gadwall, three Tufted Ducks, a Water Rail, 11 Snipe and single Dunlin and Greenshank. Thirty-six Pink-footed Geese were accompanied by four Eurasian White-fronted Geese at Oceanview. Other records included 74 Golden Plovers, a Woodcock, one Short-eared Owl, three Stonechats, 57 Siskin, ten Lesser Redpolls, four Brambling and a Snow Bunting.

A southerly movement of 900 Pink-footed Geese occurred late afternoon, whilst the ringtail Hen Harrier re-appeared at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

There were very light southerly winds, a heavy overcast with mist. Seawatching was rewarded with 22 Red-throated Divers flying south, three Shelduck, six Gadwall, single Shoveler, Pochard and Goosander. A Bonxie lingered offshore and a Little Gull headed south. A flock of 220 Common Scoter briefly headed north before returning to Bridlington Bay.

A total of 152 Pink-footed Geese flew south, whilst two Pintail, 17 Wigeon and six Teal frequented North Marsh. The Greenshank was still at Thornwick Pool, along with single Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shoveler, Little Grebe and eight Snipe.  Migrants included one Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl that hunted fields near the Lighthouse, where a Black Redstart remained in residence, 82 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, three Stonechat, three Grey Wagtails and a Snow Bunting on the cliff top near Old Fall.

West of the Dykes, Buckton attracted 45 Golden Plover and a Merlin.

It remained misty throughout, with drizzle and periods of heavy rain and light/moderate southerly winds. During the seawatch five Pink-footed Geese, 37 Wigeon, 157 Teal, a Pintail, two Shoveler and three Goldeneye flew south, as did ten Lapwing, three Knot and 14 Dunlin.

Three Whooper Swans headed south over the Headland. Thornwick Pool attracted a single Gadwall, nine Teal, a Pintail, two Shoveler, a Pochard and two Tufted Duck and the Greenshank remained. A Short-eared Owl lingered on the Outer Head, 130 Fieldfares arrived, two Stonechats were near the Lighthouse and one Lesser Redpoll was recorded.

A Woodcock was flushed at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Overcast conditions prevailed for much of the day, with a brief sunny interlude and moderate southerly winds. Seawatching highlights included a Great Northern Diver, 28 Red-throated Divers, 548 Gannets, 26 Whooper Swans, 51 Pink-footed Geese, six Shelduck, two Shoveler and a Goosander all flying south. In addition, a Tufted Duck moved north and 117 Golden Plovers, one Arctic Skua and six Bonxies tracked south.

Sightings around the Headland included five Whooper Swans, 343 Pink-footed Geese, a Goosander, two Woodcock, 23 Golden Plover, 300 Lapwing, a Marsh Harrier and a Short-eared Owl. Thornwick Pool hosted a Little Grebe, drake Pintail, one Gadwall, a Pochard, a Wigeon, 12 Snipe, one Dunlin, a Water Rail and a Grey Wagtail. Passerine interest included 105 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 22 Goldcrests, two Chiffchaffs, five Brambling, four Siskin and two Snow Buntings. There were also 55 Tree Sparrows at Oceanview.

The ringtail Hen Harrier and a Common Buzzard were present at Buckton.

Rain, heavy at times, persisted until late morning, with sunny spells later in a fresh south-south-westerly wind. Seawatching produced 12 Red-throated Divers flying south, a Sooty Shearwater moving north, 36 Whooper Swans (22 south, 14 north) and one Shoveler, a Pomarine Skua, two Arctic Skuas and five Little Gulls.

Thornwick Pools attracted single Little Grebe, Cormorant, Pochard, two Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, three Snipe and one Grey Wagtail. Two Short-eared Owls were present; one at Thornwick and another that flew in off the sea.

West of the Dykes, a Gadwall frequented Buckton Pond and 150 Golden Plover and 200 Lapwing were in fields near Buckton Hall.

A strong southerly wind peaked in strength during the afternoon and after a bright start it was a dull day with periods of rain. Seawatching highlights included a Great Northern Diver and eight Whooper Swans flying south, whilst a second-winter Mediterranean Gull fed offshore.

A total of 120 Pink-footed Geese flew south. Thornwick Pools hosted a Little Grebe, 12 Teal, a drake Pintail, single Pochard Duck and Tufted Duck, two Shoveler and a Short-eared Owl. There were ten Wigeon on North Marsh, where 24 Golden Plovers flew south. Additional sightings included three Chiffchaffs, 60 Skylarks, 16 Siskin, one Lapland Bunting, a lone Snow Bunting and a Corn Bunting.

West of the Dykes, three Whooper Swans were on fields near Buckton and the Gadwall remained on Buckton Pond.

Another day of strong southerly, later south-westerly winds, with an overcast morning preceding a brighter afternoon. During the seawatch, nine Red-throated Divers, two Pink-footed Geese, one Bonxie and an Arctic Skua flew north. Another Arctic Skua moved south, along with a Goosander and 683 Kittiwakes.

Thornwick Pools attracted 17 Whooper Swans, a Wigeon and single Tufted Duck and Pochard. A Swallow also flew south.

Moderate/strong south-westerly winds were a feature of a relatively bright day, with warm temperatures peaking at 17 degrees C. During the seawatch, two Great Northern Divers and 11 Pink-footed Geese  flew south, two Arctic Skuas were recorded and 120 Little Gulls moved north.

Thornwick Pool attracted a Little Grebe, a Pintail, two Shoveler, drake Pochard, Tufted Duck, a Wigeon and three Water Rails, with a Short-eared Owl hunting the nearby grasslands. Further sightings included seven House Martins, a Chiffchaff, one Grey Wagtail, five Stonechats, three Brambling, two Lesser Redpolls, 77 Siskin and two Snow Buntings.

The day featured moderate south-westerly winds and generally bright overcast skies. Seawatching highlights included 21 Red-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver, 21 Pink-footed Geese and two Arctic Skuas flying south.

A flock of 45 Whooper Swans flew south past Bempton/North Dykes, with a four Whoopers in a field west of North Dykes. The Thornwick area attracted a Little Grebe, single Pochard, Tufted Duck and Wigeon, eight Teal, three Jack Snipe, seven Snipe and a Short-eared Owl. Two Stonechat and four Brambling were also recorded.

West of the Dykes, a Merlin frequented Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A south-westerly wind strengthened during a largely sunny day. Seawatching highlights included two Great Northern Divers and 28 Whooper Swans flying south and single Arctic Skua and Bonxie moving north.

Thornwick Pool attracted 11 Teal, a Tufted Duck, a Pintail and one Water Rail. Additional sightings included two Stonechats, 11 Goldcrests, a Grey Wagtail, five Siskin and three Brambling.

West of the Dykes, five Whooper Swans were near Buckton Dell, the drake Gadwall remained on the Pond, the ringtail Hen Harrier was nearby and Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted a Short-eared Owl.

The day started with a south-westerly force six, becoming westerly force five later in the day with patchy sunshine, deteriorating with occasional rain showers. Seawatching highlights included a Velvet Scoter and two Arctic Skua moving north and four Bonxie south.

The Whooper Swan movement continued, with groups of three, 17 and 14 moving south throughout the day. Seventy Pink-footed Geese flew over New Fall, whilst a Swallow and a Snow Bunting flew south over the outer head. Thornwick Pools held Tufted Duck, Little Grebe and drake Shoveler.

In the Buckton area, 20 Whooper Swan flew west, five Pink-footed Geese went south-east and the ringtail Hen Harrier remained. Gadwall and five Teal were also present and the drake Gadwall also frequented Bempton village pond.

The weather consisted of a moderate south-westerly wind, generally overcast conditions with rain later. Seawatching highlights included 46 Red-throated Divers and nine Great Northern Divers flying south (only one short of the day record), two Manx Shearwaters heading north, nine Whooper Swans, 15 Pink-footed Geese, three Goldeneye and two Goosanders all flying south. Five Bonxies, three Arctic Skuas and a Little Gull also headed south. Thirty-five Purple Sandpipers were located on the Outer Head.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Little Grebe, one Little Egret, 11 Teal, a Tufted Duck, a Pintail, one Shoveler and a lone Water Rail. In addition to the nine flying south over the sea, an additional 24 Whooper Swans flew south over Thornwick Pools, Thornwick Bay attracted a Brent Goose, whilst 15 Wigeon frequented North Marsh. A Short-eared Owl appeared near North Landing, whilst four Stonechats were in residence. More unexpected, a late Wheatear was located south of the Lighthouse.

West of the Dykes, sightings included the Gadwall on Buckton Pond, a Short-eared Owl, three Stonechats and 100 Linnets.

It was another day of moderate south-westerly winds, generally overcast conditions with sporadic rain. Seawatching highlights included 17 Red-throated Divers, four Great Northern Divers, 33 Pink-footed Geese and two Arctic Skuas flying south.

The day’s main feature was a southerly movement of 154 Whooper Swans that included a flock of 46 birds; movement was confined to the period from 0745-1130hrs. A White-fronted Goose toured the Headland during the morning, with a skein of 14 Pink-footed Geese also cutting the Headland as they flew south. A total of 145 Common Scoter appeared off the South Cliffs and a Goldeneye flew past South Landing. Thornwick Pools attracted single Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and Wigeon, three Teal, one Water Rail and a Stonechat. A juvenile Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrid also dropped onto the pool to bathe during the morning. There was a Chiffchaff in South Landing and two Snow Buntings on the cliff top south of the Fog Station.

The day featured moderate westerly winds, with overcast conditions and sunny intervals. Seawatching highlights included 41 Red-throated Divers, six Great Northern Divers, 43 Whooper Swans, 1209 Pink-footed Geese, two Goldeneye, seven Arctic Skuas, 13 Bonxies and a Puffin all flying south.

Three Short-eared Owls were recorded, one south of the Lighthouse and two near Thornwick. Thornwick Pools attracted single Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Pintail, Tufted Duck and Shoveler. A Mediterranean Gull was at South Landing, whilst 12 Twite were along the cliffs east of North Landing and three Snow Buntings were recorded.

Another Short-eared Owl frequented Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

After light westerly winds and bright conditions heralded the start to the day, the winds strengthened and heavy rain set in from early afternoon. During the seawatch, 62 Red-throated Divers flew south, two Black-throated Divers moved north and seven Great Northern Divers moved south. Two Manx Shearwaters were recorded, but more surprising were two Balearic Shearwaters heading north. Fifteen Whooper Swans went south, whilst two Arctic Skuas and five Bonxies were recorded. In addition, a Mediterranean Gull headed south. Thornwick Pools attracted single Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Jack Snipe and five Snipe.

Away from the sea, a Whooper Swan and seven Pink-footed Geese overflew the Headland, two Woodcock were located and a Short-eared Owl hunted the cliff-top at Thornwick. Three Stonechats, eight Twite and three Snow Buntings were along the cliff-top between North Landing and North Marsh; another Twite was at the Fog Station, with a Brambling at South Landing.

Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted a Short-eared Owl.

It was another day of moderate/strong south-westerly winds and generally overcast conditions. Seawatch highlights included six Whooper Swans flying south, a Velvet Scoter moving north, two Arctic Skuas and eight Bonxies.

Sightings around the Headland included 16 Teal and single Tufted Duck and Shoveler, together with a Woodcock, whilst three Twite were around the Fog Station.

The day featured light/moderate westerly winds and generally bright, but overcast conditions. Seawatching highlights included 13 Red-throated Divers and two Great Northern Divers flying south, single Balearic and Sooty Shearwaters moving north, 76 Pink-footed Geese flying south, with an Arctic Skua and four Bonxies also recorded. A total of 542 Kittiwakes went north, together with a Sandwich Tern.

Nine Whooper Swans flew south, whilst three Eurasian White-fronted Geese frequented a stubble field adjacent to North Dykes. Thornwick Pools hosted a Grey Heron, one Little Grebe, nine Teal and single Shoveler, Pintail and Tufted Duck. A Short-eared Owl was in the Gorse Field, with three Stonechats in the same area.

West of the Dykes, another Short-eared Owl was at Buckton, together with two Stonechats and 100 Linnets.

Although still from a south-westerly direction, the winds moderated and a large arrival of thrushes took place during relatively bright conditions. During the seawatch, 19 Red-throated Divers, two Great Northern Divers, 30 Common Scoters and 316 Shags flew south; an Arctic Skua and four Bonxies were also recorded.

A total of 148 Whooper Swans were recorded flying south (two on the seawatch, 64 east of the Dykes and 84 west of the Dykes). In addition, 620 Pink-footed Geese flew south (140 over Flamborough and 480 over Bempton/Buckton). The three Eurasian White-fronted Geese remained in residence on the stubble field adjacent to North Dykes, a Velvet Scoter flew past South Landing, whilst Thornwick Pools hosted 11 Teal, single Tufted Duck and Pintail and two Water Rails.

Migrant totals included a Merlin, 37 Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, a Swallow, 1310 Blackbirds, 220 Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, one Blackcap, four Goldcrests, two Brambling, 60 Chaffinch, 40 Siskins, five Lesser Redpolls and six Snow Buntings.

Further sightings from Buckton/Bempton included a Goosander flying north, a Gadwall on the Pond, three Woodcock, 18 Lapwing in off the sea, one Short-eared Owl, four Stonechats and 300 Linnets.

The day started with gale force northerly winds and overcast conditions after heavy rain before dawn. The winds then gradually abated during the day which eventually featured sunny intervals and occasional heavy showers. Seawatching proved impossible on the Outer Head, but was still rewarding off South Landing. A total of 18 Red-throated Divers and a Great Crested Grebe flew north, as did a Manx and two Sooty Shearwaters. Four pale-bellied Brent Geese flew north, whilst six Brent Geese moved south. Additional wildfowl on the move included 43 Wigeon, 38 Mallard, three Eider, a drake Long-tailed Duck, five Velvet Scoters all heading north and three Goldeneye. A Merlin flew in off the sea, whilst two Arctic Skuas went south and 41 Little Auks headed north; with another four moving south. With less than ten Flamborough records, a Black-necked Grebe that lingered off South Landing represented the day’s highlight, with a juvenile Glaucous Gull also sheltering in the bay before flying off south.

A Great Grey Shrike was located in South Landing ravine mid-afternoon and a Long-eared Owl frequented the same area.

West of the Dykes, a Little Auk was noted off Buckton, where there was also a Short-eared Owl. Another freshly dead Short-eared Owl was discovered at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

A light/moderate north-westerly wind brought heavy and prolonged showers during the morning and less frequent squalls in the afternoon. Seawatching produced 41 Red-throated Divers and a Black-throated Diver heading north, two Great Northern Divers north (and two south), two Great Crested Grebes north along with a Red-necked Grebe. Four Manx and two Sooty Shearwaters flew north, as did six Shelduck, 57 Wigeon, 59 Teal, 15 Mallard, two Pintail, 23 Eider, three Long-tailed Ducks, 207 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, six Goldeneye and a Red-breasted Merganser. A drake of the latter species was also off South Landing, along with two Scaup. In addition, 34 Dunlin moved north, along with two Arctic Skuas and two juvenile Pomarine Skuas; 14 Bonxies were also recorded. Juvenile Little and Glaucous Gulls flew north, whilst a total of 130 Little Auks flew north together with two Puffins. The post-dawn southerly movement of Shags involved 446 individuals, the highest count of the autumn thus far.

Thornwick Pools attracted ten Teal, a Pintail, two Water Rails and a Short-eared Owl.

Sightings from Buckton included a Whooper Swan on the Pond, two Great Northern Divers and a Snow Bunting along the cliff-top.

It was an overcast day with a strengthening south-westerly wind. A total of 75 Red-throated Divers were recorded, five Great Northern Divers and a Red-necked Grebe flew south, whilst a Black-necked Grebe and a Manx Shearwater moved north. Also on the move were 106 Pink-footed Geese heading south, with 52 Eiders, 72 Common Scoter and six Velvet Scoter all flying north. Single Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander went north, two Goldeneye headed in the opposite direction, whilst an Arctic Skua and 12 Little Auks flew north; with a single of the latter species flying south. Two Scaup accompanied Common Scoter off South Landing.

Thornwick Pool attracted a Pintail, two Water Rails, a Dunlin, two Short-eared Owls and a Great Grey Shrike that rested briefly in the reeds near the Pool before departing. Two Goldcrests, three Siskin and seven Bullfinch were at South Landing.

The day featured moderate westerly winds, overcast skies and occasional light rain, with brighter spells during the afternoon. Seawatching produced 25 Red-throated Divers heading south, a Black-throated Diver flying north and two Bonxies and a Mediterranean Gull moving south. A Great Northern Diver was on the sea off South Landing together with the two Scaup.

Thornwick Pools attracted 14 Teal, a Pintail and a Grey Heron. Sightings elsewhere included one Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl and three Stonechats.

A reasonable weather day with sun and some cloud, with a fresh wind from a north-west direction.

The morning seawatch produced a variety of species with the highlights including 29 Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, 293 Fulmar, a late Sooty Shearwater north, 274 Gannet both north and south, nine Eider, 13 Common Scoter, Arctic Skua, Great Skua and eleven Little Auk flying north. Present off the headland were 261 Shag, five Purple Sandpiper and two Turnstone.

South Landing attracted two Woodcock, 22 Blackbird, four Bullfinch and two Goldcrest and there were 22 Tree Sparrows at Oceanview.

The weather featured moderate south-westerly winds and sunny intervals. Seawatching highlights included a Great Northern Diver, one Manx Shearwater, three Eiders and 572 Gannets flying north, whilst a lone Bonxie moved south.

A skein of 41 Pink-footed Geese overflew the Headland, 18 Teal and the drake Pintail remained in residence. A Woodcock was at South Landing, whilst passerine interest was provided by two Stonechats, a Grey Wagtail and 12 Bullfinch at South Landing. However, the day’s highlight was another sighting of the Great Grey Shrike at Thornwick.

West of the Dykes, Buckton hosted a Common Buzzard, two Snipe, a Grey Wagtail and nine Redwing.

The day featured moderate south-westerly winds and overcast conditions. The seawatch was quiet, with 336 Shags leaving the roost, 76 Cormorants and 32 Common Scoters flying south. A Great Northern Diver flew past South Landing, where a single Scaup remained.

Thornwick attracted a Grey Heron, ‘sinensis’ Cormorant, drake Pintail, 18 Teal, one Dunlin, eight Jack Snipe and 16 Snipe. A Short-eared Owl was nearby, whilst additional sightings on the Headland included a Woodcock, two Stonechat and a Grey Wagtail.

After a bright start, cloud increased and rain set in from mid-afternoon; moderate/strong westerly winds continued throughout. A total of 359 Shags flew south from their roost, but the seawatch was very quiet; a Great Northern Diver was on the sea between South Landing and South Dykes. Thornwick Pool hosted 18 Teal, the Pintail and single Dunlin and Lapwing, whilst three Grey Herons represented an increase. A minimum of 1000 Woodpigeons were present, two Stonechats frequented the cliff top near North Marsh, a Blackcap sheltered in South Dykes and 15 Snow Buntings were on Beacon Hill.

Strong south-westerly winds strengthened during the afternoon which featured squally showers and longer periods of rain. During the seawatch, single Manx and Balearic Shearwater flew north, as did lone Bonxie and Little Gull. Two Whooper Swans flew over the Dykes, 17 Teal and the Pintail remained on Thornwick Pools, whilst a Common Buzzard lingered over Mid Dykes.

A total of 650 Pink-footed Geese were in fields near Buckton and two Little Egrets on Buckton Pond departed in the direction of Bempton.

Another cloudy day, with overcast skies initially and heavy rain arriving from mid-morning; winds were again from the south-west. A Great Northern Diver was feeding between South Dykes and Sewerby; also at the latter site were 78 Oystercatchers and two Siskins flew south. A Grey Heron, drake Pintail and five Teal were at Thornwick Pools and additional sightings included two Peregrines, one Grey Plover and three Goldcrests; two in South Dykes, with another at Oceanview.