Strong to gale force northerly winds persisted, bringing rain at times, occasional fog and single figure temperatures. During the seawatch, 297 Fulmars, ten Manx Shearwaters, five Ringed Plover, 32 Sanderling (double May’s previous daily maximum tally), the year’s first Arctic Skua and 759 Puffins flew north.

Two Red-breasted Mergansers sheltered off South Landing and the Nuthatch remained in South Dykes.

Nuthatch, South Dykes, by Tony Simpson

juvenile Coal Tit, South Dykes, by Andy Hood

Very strong northerly winds and generally overcast skies after a foggy start resulted in difficult birding conditions. The pair of Garganey and drake Teal remained on Thornwick Pools, with two Garden Warblers in South Landing the only passerine migrants.

West of the Dykes, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew south over Bempton village.

Garganey, Thornwick Pools, by Tony Simpson

Garganey, Thornwick Pools, by Craig Thomas

It was an overcast and cold day, with an increasingly strong northerly wind. A pair of Garganey gave great views at Thornwick Pools all day, with a drake Teal also present there. A juvenile/first-summer Glaucous Gull rested on the Golf Course early morning, whilst a Short-eared Owl hunted the Gorse Field before heading west. Passerine migrants included a Garden Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher.

West of the Dykes, the Little Egret remained on Buckton Pond.

Garganey, Thornwick Pools, by Lee Johnson

Garganey, Thornwick Pools, by Andy Hood

Garganey, Thornwick Pools, by Craig Thomas

Little Egret, Buckton Pond, by Tony Simpson

Glaucous Gull, Golf Course, by Lee Johnson

It remained overcast and relatively cool all day, with a light north-north-easterly wind. Two Tufted Ducks and a Grey Heron frequented North Marsh, with Thornwick Pool attracting an Oystercatcher, one Ringed Plover, two Little Ringed Plover and two Dunlin.

Only a few passerine migrants were located including one Garden Warbler, a Redwing, one Black Redstart, a White Wagtail and two Siskin. Three pairs of Stonechats were feeding young between Thornwick and the Fog Station.

West of the Dykes, a Little Egret, two Shelduck and two Tufted Ducks visited Buckton Pond, with a Short-eared Owl nearby.

Little Egret, Buckton Pond, by Paul Reed

Short-eared Owl, Buckton, by Paul Reed

Stonechat, Thornwick, by Andy Malley

It was an overcast morning with a light easterly breeze, followed by prolonged sunny intervals during the afternoon. During the seawatch, 28 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, seven Manx Shearwaters and seven Sandwich Terns moved north.

Amongst a scattering of migrants a male Red-breasted Flycatcher in the Outer Head gardens stood out, whilst a male Red-backed Shrike frequented South Landing. Other records included a Jay, two Garden Warblers, three Spotted Flycatchers, a Wheatear, two Yellow Wagtails, one Redwing and a Lesser Redpoll. The Nuthatch remained in residence at South Dykes.

Knot, Lighthouse Car Park, by Andy Hood

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Outer Head, by Craig Thomas

Red-backed Shrike, South Landing, by Lee Johnson

Red-backed Shrike, South Landing, by Tony Dixon

It was a generally overcast day after a foggy start, with light south-easterly winds. Thornwick Pools attracted two Dunlin and a Whimbrel flew over Old Fall.

The day’s highlight was a singing Icterine Warbler in Old Fall. Additional migrants included two Garden Warblers, two Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher and two Yellow Wagtails.

West of the Dykes, Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher were trapped at Buckton, where there was also a Cuckoo.

Whitethroat, North Marsh, by Craig Thomas

Strong north-north-westerly winds featured throughout a very wet day. During the seawatch, 128 Fulmars, 16 Manx Shearwaters, a Sandwich Tern and 321 Puffins flew north.

Thornwick Pools attracted a Ringed Plover.

Stonechat, Thornwick, by Alan Walkington

A moderate north-north-westerly wind lasted throughout a day that started relatively bright, but ended with thick cloud. During the seawatch, four Common Scoter, three Great Northern Divers, one Blue Fulmar, five Manx Shearwaters, eight Sandwich Terns, an Arctic Tern and 666 Puffins flew north.

Two Tufted Duck frequented Thornwick and the Nuthatch, a Goldcrest and one Garden Warbler were at South Dykes.

West of the Dykes, Buckton attracted a Fieldfare.

Sand Matin, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington

After a cloudy start, sunshine broke through during the afternoon, with moderate/strong northerly winds throughout.

A relatively quiet day, with a Hobby overflying the Outer Head and the Nuthatch remaining in South Dykes.

Tawny Owls, Flamborough, by Alan Walkington

It was a day of light variable winds and sunny conditions until evening showers. During the seawatch, four Shelduck, four Common Scoter, two Whimbrel and six Common Terns flew north, with nine Red-throated Divers and 108 Sandwich Terns moving south.

Two Barnacle Geese were on the Golf Course first thing, a Short-eared Owl hunted the adjacent cliff-top and a Turtle Dove sang nearby. The Nuthatch remained in South Dykes and the White Wagtail again frequented the area around the Lighthouse. Migrants included three Reed Warblers on the Outer Head and a Spotted Flycatcher at Old Fall.

Buckton attracted a Fieldfare and six Sedge Warblers were also present.

Nuthatch, South Dykes, by Tony Simpson

Nuthatch, South Dykes, by Andy Hood

Moderate/strong south-westerly winds were the main feature of the weather which also involved sunny intervals and occasional heavy showers. During the seawatch, three Common Scoter and a Manx Shearwater flew north, a Whimbrel headed south and ten Sandwich Terns flew past; as did a Red Kite that was later seen at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

The Pink-footed Goose remained, while single Whimbrel and Dunlin visited Thornwick Pools and a Short-eared Owl was located near Old Fall. However, the day’s highlight related to the discovery of a Nuthatch visiting feeders at South Dykes car-park; one of only a handful of local records. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Thornwick, with another in the Dell at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Whimbrel, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington

Short-eared Owl, Outer Head, by Andrew Allport

Nuthatch, South Dykes, by Andy Hood

Spotted Flycatcher, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Tony Dixon

The weather consisted moderate south-westerly winds and sunny intervals. During the seawatch, five Mute Swans flew past the Fog Station, three Shelduck, a Tufted Duck and three Manx Shearwaters moved south, with a Red-throated Diver heading north.

The Pink-footed Goose remained in residence, whilst a Little Egret spent much of the day on pools alongside Water Lane. Four Common Buzzards were present and a creamcrown Marsh Harrier overflew the Lighthouse. a first-summer Mediterranean Gull flew west into Bridlington Bay and two Short-eared Owls frequented the Headland. Other sightings included two Whimbrel, two Jays, a male White Wagtail, a Wheatear, one Redwing and three Siskin.

Little Egret, Water Lane, by Andy Hood

Jay, Outer Head, by Andrew Allport

juvenile Stonechat, Thornwick, by Tony Simpson

Thick fog engulfed the headland for most of the morning though cleared as sunshine broke through leaving an afternoon of sunny spells and a light south-westerly. As such, seawatching efforts afforded very little reward.

The day’s highlight came in the form of a Honey Buzzard which drifted west over the village late morning. Thornwick Pools still held two Dunlin, two Little Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper.

Common Sandpiper, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington

A moderate southerly reduced to a gentle south-easterly with cloud and rain showers throughout. Out at sea, a single Red-throated Diver and Great Skua headed south and two Sandwich and three Common Terns moved north.

On land a Hawfinch made a brief appearance in a village garden, the Short-eared Owl was hunting over the golf course and Thornwick Pools hosted a Jack Snipe, two Little Ringed Plover, two Dunlin and two Common Sandpiper.

Jack Snipe, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards

A day largely consisting of sunshine and light southerlies. A single Manx Shearwater north and two Sandwich Tern south were noted on the morning’s seawatch.

A Wood Sandpiper overflew the headland; two Corn Bunting frequented the lighthouse grassland as well as a Short-eared Owl there. An immature male Marsh Harrier toured the Outer Head; a Little Egret briefly visited Northcliff Marsh and a Grasshopper Warbler was again reeling at Thornwick Pools early morning.

Whitethroat, Thornwick, by Alan Walkington

The day started with gentle west-south-westerlies but switched to light north-north-easterlies by the afternoon, sunshine and highs of 11°C. At Thornwick Pool the two Little Ringed Plover remain, with two Common Sandpiper and a single Dunlin for company. A Short-eared Owl was present on the Outer Head; a Little Egret flew north past North Landing and a Red-breasted Merganser was at South Landing. Elsewhere, singles of Spotted Flycatcher, Redwing, Lesser Redpoll and Bar-tailed Godwit were noted.

Blackcap, South Landing, by Alan Walkington

Generally sunny throughout the day, with scattered cloud; a light northerly wind persisted.

A Honey Buzzard flew high south over Bempton village at 11:20hrs, representing the day’s highlight. A Short-eared Owl was over North Marsh late afternoon. Thornwick Pools hosted a single Hobby, whilst a Red-breasted Merganser was on the sea off Beacon Hill; two Wheatear and a White Wagtail were also noted.

Sedge Warbler, Buckton, by Paul Reed

Pied Wagtail, Thornwick Pool by Les Day

A strong north-north-westerly wind persisted throughout the day, with occasional showers in the morning and sunny spells becoming more frequent in the afternoon. The day’s outstanding highlight pertained to a Fea’s-type Petrel flying north at 07:00hrs off the Fog Station. Other seawatch highlights included four Great Northern Divers flying north, along with 16 Manx Shearwaters, 11 Sandwich Tern and 383 Puffin.

On the land single Spotted Flycatcher and Brambling were the only notable species. A Reed Warbler was in Booted Gully, whilst a Siskin, two Little Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and two Common Sandpiper were also recorded across the headland.

Bar-tailed Godwit by Alan Walkington

A strong north-north-easterly produced a bitter cold day more akin to winter than late spring! Northbound on this morning’s seawatch were three Common Scoter, four Red-throated Diver, 14 Manx Shearwater (one south), 11 Sandwich Tern (five south), four Common and a single Arctic Tern. In addition, a dark adult Pomarine Skua flew north late afternoon.

A total of six Common Sandpiper and eight Wheatear were logged across the headland, as well as singles of Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Tree Pipit, Short-eared Owl, Fieldfare, Spotted Flycatcher and a Jay which flew from the gorse field toward Old Fall; a summer plumage Great Northern Diver was seen near the latter site. Two Little Ringed Plover resided at Thornwick Pool.

Swallow, Thornwick Pool, by Alan Walkington

A predominantly bright and breezy day dominated by north-north-easterlies. During the morning seawatch a Great Northern Diver, seven Manx Shearwater and singles of Ruff and Common Tern where logged heading north, with three Sandwich Tern noted south.

There was good value on land today with the discovery of a singing male red-spotted Bluethroat near the gorse field; a Hawfinch visited an Outer Head garden and two Dotterel where located near Old Fall in the same field as two were present exactly three weeks ago to the day. In addition, three Bar-tailed Godwit and singles of Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher were also logged on the headland.

Bluethroat, Outer Head, by Tony Dixon

Hawfinch, Outer Head, by Brett Richards

More cloud, patchy sunshine and a moderate north-easterly for much of the day. Seawatching highlights include six Common Scoter north, single Red-throated Diver north, three Manx Shearwater south and 33 Sandwich Tern south (seven north).

Migrants logged today consisted of 30 Arctic Tern, three Pied Flycatcher, three Redstart, two Whinchat, nine Wheatear, a blue-headed Yellow Wagtail on the golf course and a ringtail Hen Harrier cruised through in the afternoon. At Thornwick the Little Ringed Plover remained; also there were 11 Redshank and a Cuckoo.

West of the dyke; Buckton produced a single Black and 11 Arctic Tern, Arctic Skua, Whinchat and two Fieldfare.

Hen Harrier, Outer Head, by Andrew Allport

A mostly cloudy day with periods of sun and light rain later on; gentle to moderate east-north-easterlies.

Migrants noted on the headland today include three Spotted and a single Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Reed Warbler and two Goldcrest. In addition, five Bar-tailed Godwit were logged moving north, a single Whimbrel over and two Shelduck overflew Old Fall.

Thornwick Pool attacked 18 Redshank, three Dunlin, two Ringed and a single Little Ringed Plover and a Grasshopper Warbler.

Pied Flycatcher, Outer Head, by Andy Hood

Another sunny day, with a light northerly breeze strengthening during the afternoon.

A lone Pink-footed Goose and eight Shelduck flew over Thornwick Pools, with other sightings there including three Tufted Duck, a Little Egret, one Little Ringed Plover, six Redshank, two Greenshank and three Dunlin.

Migrant passerines included two Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Whinchat on the Outer Head.

Little Egret, Thornwick Pools, by Michael Smith

Greenshank, Redshank and Dunlin, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport

The day again started with fog which gradually cleared during the morning to leave a sunny day, with light north-east winds. Although seawatching was hampered, 25 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, eight Manx Shearwaters, a Whimbrel, 42 Sandwich Terns and 608 Puffins flew north.

A Pink-footed Goose visited North Marsh, whilst Thornwick Pools attracted three Ringed Plovers, three Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper; three Little Egrets flew over there early morning. In addition, another five Ringed Plover visited other wetlands and/or flew north. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier, initially on the Outer Head, later flew west through Buckton.

The day’s best passerine was a relatively late Firecrest at South Landing. There were also five ‘migrant’ Willow Warblers, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart, five Whinchat and five Yellow Wagtails.

West of the Dykes, a Hobby was seen near Speeton and a Hooded Crow flew over Bempton village.

Firecrest, South Landing, by Craig Thomas

Strong northerly winds, but more especially fog/thick mist for most of the day, ensured birding was very difficult. Thornwick Pools attracted Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and two White Wagtails.

With such poor visibility, it was surprising that four Spotted Flycatchers were located, along with a Black Redstart near the Lighthouse, two Goldcrests and a Siskin.

West of the Dykes, Bempton Cliffs RSPB attracted a male Black Redstart and another Spotted Flycatcher and Buckton hosted a Short-eared Owl.

Spotted Flycatcher, Outer Head, by Brett Richards

Stonechat, Fog Station, by Brett Richards

A light northerly breeze lowered temperatures despite prolonged periods of hazy sunshine. Seawatching was rewarded with 18 Common Scoter, three Red-throated Divers, three Manx Shearwaters, five Dunlin, a Little Gull, 284 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns and an Arctic Tern – all heading south.

Thornwick Pools attracted one Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover and one Common Sandpiper, with three Dunlin also present. A Little Ringed Plover also flew south over the Outer Head. Two Tufted Duck were also on North Marsh, with three Whimbrel present on the Headland.

The Hoopoe stayed in the vicinity of the Old Lighthouse, but it roamed more widely and was elusive for most of the day. There were far fewer migrants in general, with a scattering of Willow Warblers and a Goldcrest.

West of the Dykes, nine Yellow Wagtails frequented fields at Buckton.

Dunlin, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington

Grasshopper Warbler, by Paul Reed

Sunshine prevailed once again, while a moderate south-easterly breeze established during the day and temperatures attained 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included two Shelduck, eight Common Scoter, five Red-throated Divers, single Manx Shearwater, Whimbrel and Knot, four Dunlin and 130 Sandwich Terns all moving south.

The 1st-summer drake Surf Scoter was seen again off the Fog Station, with a lone Pink-footed Goose near Thornwick new. A 1st-summer Spoonbill (early evening) and two Little Egrets (mid-morning) dropped onto North Marsh, but eventually flew south. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier initially over Thornwick later hunted North Marsh. Thornwick Pools attracted 11 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper and a singing Reed Warbler was new.

Swifts arrived in numbers with birds screaming over the village roof tops for the first time. On the Outer Head, the Hoopoe continued to show well in its favoured garden near the Old Lighthouse. Migrants included a Cuckoo at North Dykes, 19 Wheatear, three Whinchat, a Redwing, two Grasshopper Warblers, three Garden Warblers, 15 Blackcap, nine Willow Warblers (including an ‘acredula-type’), a Goldcrest and two White Wagtails.

West of the Dykes, a Red Kite flew south at Buckton, with a Whinchat nearby.

Ringed Plover, Thornwick Pools, by Andy Hood

Puffin, Fog Station, by Alan Walkington

Hoopoe, Lighthouse Road, by Tony Dixon

Garden Warbler, Old Fall, by Craig Thomas

Whinchat, Buckton, by Paul Reed

A spring-like day, with sunshine throughout, light/moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. During the seawatch, three Shelduck flew south, two Manx Shearwaters moved north (and one south), a Little Ringed Plover went north and two Whimbrel flew south. Two Little Gulls, 64 Sandwich Terns and two Arctic Terns also flew north. However, the best bird off the Fog Station was a 1st-summer drake Surf Scoter; located early afternoon and presumably the same individual that has wintered at Filey. It showed well on the sea and gradually drifted north on the tide and re-appeared at North Landing in the evening. A Ringed Plover visited Thornwick Pools.

Whilst the Surf Scoter represented northern climes, the still resident Hoopoe flew the flag for the south; it gave good views on its favoured lawn near the Old Lighthouse for most of the day. Amongst a scattering of passerine migrants, a Garden Warbler in the village was new, with four Fieldfare and a Goldcrest notable.

West of the Dykes, Buckton attracted a Grasshopper Warbler and 11 Corn Buntings, whilst a Cuckoo overflew the road near Sewerby Hall.

Surf Scoter with auks, off Fog Station, by Jo Collins

Hoopoe, Lighthouse Road, by Craig Thomas

Hoopoe, Lighthouse Road, by Tony Dixon

Wheatear, Fog Station, by Les Day

A largely sunny day, with moderate westerly winds and temperatures reaching 12 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Blue Fulmar flew north, together with four Whimbrel, whilst 25 Sandwich Terns moved south.

Thornwick Pools attracted both Common Sandpiper and Dunlin. The Hoopoe was relocated in the Outer Head gardens early morning, where it showed sporadically until mid-afternoon. In addition, there were 19 Wheatears, a Whinchat, a Black Redstart, two Ring Ouzel, one Fieldfare, one Grasshopper Warbler, a White Wagtail, seven Yellow Wagtails and a Lesser Redpoll.

West of the Dykes, Buckton hosted a Short-eared Owl.

Hoopoe, Lighthouse Road, by Andy Hood

Tawny Owl, Whelkie Wynds, by Brett Richards

Light/moderate south-westerlies persisted throughout the day. An overcast morning was followed a band of early afternoon rain, before sunshine later; it was significantly warmer of late, with temperatures peaking at 14 degrees C.

Seawatching highlights included two Scaup and 109 Sandwich Terns flying south, with a Black-throated Diver and one Manx Shearwater moving north.

Fourteen Whimbrel headed north, whilst nine Purple Sandpiper were below the Fog Station. A creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew west from the Outer Head.

The combination of higher temperatures and the band of rain induced an arrival of migrants, with the standout a Hoopoe that made a brief appearance in gardens along Lighthouse Road early evening. Five Swifts and a Cuckoo were new, with other migrants including 21 Willow Warblers, 38 Wheatear, three Whinchat, one male Redstart, a male Ring Ouzel, a ‘continental’ Song Thrush, nine Yellow Wagtails and a Siskin.

West of the Dykes, a Fieldfare and Grasshopper Warbler were at Buckton. A 3rd calendar-year Iceland Gull flew north past Bempton Cliffs RSPB, with four Yellow Wagtails, 20 Yellowhammer and 55 Corn Buntings also near Bempton.

Hoopoe, Lighthouse Road, by Chrys Mellor

Hoopoe, Lighthouse Road, by Chrys Mellor

Wheatear, Flamborough, by Andy Malley

It was an overcast day, with moderate south-westerly winds and temperatures reaching 12 degrees C. Seawatching was quieter, with single Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver and Dunlin flying south and 12 Sandwich Terns moving north.

The day’s highlight was a strikingly pale Rough-legged Buzzard that initially flew south-east over the village at 0952hrs and eventually went out to sea off Head Farm at 0959hrs. However, the same individual clearly headed back inland and appeared over Sewerby at 1027hrs, before once again flying south. It later arrived at Spurn at 1530hrs! A Marsh Harrier also flew north from North Dykes and headed over the sea.

Two Whimbrel flew north, whilst two lone Dunlin visited wetlands on the Head. Passerine interest was provided by seven Willow Warblers, a Hooded Crow, eight Wheatear, six Yellow Wagtails, a continental Song Thrush, one Redwing, a male Ring Ouzel and two Siskins.

Kittiwake, Flamborough, by Les Day