Friday 1st September

It was bright and sunny for the majority of the day, with some brief showers late afternoon. Wind was a light westerly.

One, possibly two Greenish Warblers remained around the car park at Bempton, where there was also a reported sighting of a Black-browed Albatross late morning. Despite extensive searching by several observers, the there was no subsequent sign of the Albatross. Bempton also held a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whimbrel, 26 Lapwing and 2 Bonxie. A Dotterel flew East over Buckton late morning and 7 Grey Partridge were at Speeton.

Highlights from the outer headland included 2 Teal, Whimbrel, 19 Dunlin, 1 Knot and a White Wagtail. 

Juvenile Gannet, Bempton by Don Hustings.

Saturday 2nd September

A sunny day throughout with light northerly winds, swinging around to SSE by late afternoon.

The morning sea watch produced 2 Whimbrel, 10 Dunlin, 2 Sandwich Tern and a single Common Tern. 30 Common Scoter were off South Landing. Thornwick held 9 Dunlin, 9 Teal and a White Wagtail.

A Yellow-legged Gull, Marsh Harrier, Wheatear and 50 Common Scoter were noted at Bempton. A Whimbrel flew over Buckton.

Stoat, Bempton by Alan Walkington.

Sunday 3rd September

It was a day of moderate to strong south easterly winds and broken cloud.

Highlights on the morning sea watch included a Goosander, 1 Tufted Duck, 41 Teal, 26 Common Scoter, 2 RT Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Manx Shearwater, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Bonxie, 9 Arctic Skua and a Little Gull.

Still something of a local rarity, a Kingfisher was at Thornwick Pool late afternoon.

At Bempton, a single Ruff flew over and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was noted.

Kingfisher, Thornwick Pool by Andy Hood.

Peregrine and Buzzard, Buckton by Paul Reed.

Monday 4th September, 2017

Weather today was of cloud with drizzle and mist, a SSE wind force 4 and 17c.

An interesting sea-watch in the morning and late afternoon had five Pale-bellied Brent south and five north, 12 Wigeon north, four Shoveler south, Pintail north, 283 Teal south, ten Common Scoter south and 215 north, three Red-throated Diver south, Sooty Shearwater south, 32 Dunlin south, 24 Sandwich Tern north, 59 Common Tern south, two Great Skua south, three Arctic Skua south and two north and a Long-tailed Skua north. There were also 150 Shag present off the headland.

South Dykes had two Little Egret, 20 Redshank, eight Curlew, 45 Common Scoter and eight Rock Pipit with 44 Teal in Selwicks Bay. Other highlights were Marsh Harrier, four Whimbrel, two Ruff, 18 Turnstone, nine Dunlin, two Swift, 58 House martin, two Whinchat, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, five Willow warbler, two Lesser Whitethroat, two Reed Warbler, 41 Pied Wagtail and two White wagtail.

West of the Dykes a Reed Warbler was caught and ringed at Buckton and three Wheatear at RSPB Bempton.

Turnstone by Andy Hood

Tuesday 5th September, 2017

An overcast day with early continuous rain and showers later on a SSW force 2 wind.

Sea-watching from the headland recorded five Wigeon south and seven north, 166 Teal south, four Common Scoter south and 35 north, Marsh Harrier south, three Bar-tailed Godwit south, six Greenshank south, 12 Dunlin south, two Sandwich Tern south and 26 north, 24 Common Tern south and ten north, one Great Skua south and one north and a Pomarine Skua south.

Four Dunlin were at Thornwick Pools where also was a Barn Owl and White Wagtail. One late Swift recorded and 570 Great Black-backed Gull.

West of the Dykes at Bempton, seven Teal, 20 Common Scoter, nine Pintail, Yellow-legged Gull and two Yellow Wagtail all south-east. 

Immature Gannet by Geoff Carr

Wednesday 6th September, 2017

A rather cool day 12-15c, winds west force 4 and part cloud cover.

The headland sea-watch highlights had two Oystercatcher south and 48 north, four Curlew south, eight Turnstone south, 75 Black-headed Gull north, 24 Common Gull north, juv Yellow-legged Gull north, five Sandwich Tern north, two Common Tern north, two Arctic Tern south and four north, four Great Skua south and Arctic Skua south.

Elsewhere on the headland, two Sparrowhawk, 39 Swift including a group of 18 together over the Golf Course, Sand Martin, 51 Swallow, eight Chiffchaff, three Lesser Whitethroat, Redstart, Whinchat, two Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail and 30 Meadow Pipit.

Ringing at South Landing had Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and 15 Meadow Pipit.

Meadow Pipit by Jim Morgan

Thursday 7th September

A bright morning with increasing cloud and showers by mid afternoon. Wind was a light to moderate south westerly.

Highlight of the day was a Great Shearwater which flew north past the fog station at 09:45. Other notable birds on the sea watch included 15 Common Tern, 22 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 3 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Swift and a Little Egret.

On the land a Little Owl was near the Village. Thornwick Pools held a Greenshank and another Little Egret was noted a South Dykes.

A Lapland Bunting was at Bempton early morning before flying off South east. Bempton also held a Redstart and 2 Wheatear, whilst nearby, totals from Buckton included the autumn’s first Brambling, Willow Tit, Marsh Harrier and 2 Whinchat.

Weasel by Andy Hood.

Friday 8th September

Light rain showers during the morning gradually abated by the afternoon. Wind was a light to moderate westerly.

Counts from the outer headland included Marsh Harrier, 8 Swift and a Garden Warbler.

Buckton held 7 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear and 2 Swift, whilst at nearby Bempton a Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Hobby, 5 Swift and 8 Golden Plover were noted.

Whinchat, Buckton by Paul Reed.

Sandwich Tern, South Landing by Andy Hood.

Saturday 9th September

Another day of heavy showers and a westerly wind.

The good run of Greenish Warbler continued with one in private gardens on the outer headland early morning. Thornwick held the first Barred Warbler of the year, with 4 Ruff noted over the Gorse field and 8 Swift.

At Bempton a single Dotterel flew NW during the morning and was followed by a further 4 heading SE during late afternoon. Other sightings included a Marsh Harrier, Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, Ruff, 5 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Skua and a Redstart. The Willow Tit continued at Buckton along with an escaped Saker Falcon.

Peregrine, Buckton by Paul Reed.

Sunday 10th September

A day of mixed weather with sunny spells and some light rain showers during the late afternoon. Wind was a moderate SSW, increasing in strength through the day.

A decent morning sea watch produced Black Tern, 154 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Tern, 6 Arctic Tern, Balearic Shearwater, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 11 Manx Shearwater, Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret, 38 Common Scoter, 30 RT Diver, 8 Whimbrel, 8 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Skua, 7 Swift and 62 House Martin.

On the land the Barred Warbler remained at Thornwick camp, with a Little Egret on nearby Thornwick Pools. 2 Ruff flew over Holmes Gut and other totals included 3 Whinchat, 1 Lesser Redpoll and a Wheatear.

Little Egret, Thornwick Pools by Andy Hood.

Monday 11th September, 2017

A part cloudy day with south-west winds force 5 and 15c.

The morning sea-watch had a sprinkling of species with five Wigeon south, 12 Teal south, four Red-throated Diver south, one Manx Shearwater south and two north, Grey Plover south, juv Yellow-legged Gull north, 20 Sandwich Tern south and 157 north, six Common Tern north, Arctic Tern north and Great Skua north.

A Ruff was on the headland Golf Course, Osprey over Selwick’s Bay and then south, Barred Warbler still at Thornwick, a late Swift and also Sand Martin.

Great Skua by Geoff Carr

Tuesday 12th September, 2017

A mainly clear day with some cloud, winds west force 4 to north force 5 and 15c.

A reasonable sea-watch today with two Pink-footed Goose north, three Pintail north, four Eider south, five Common Scoter south and five north, 22 Red-throated Diver south, 25 Fulmar south and 355 north, two Sooty Shearwater south and four north, Little Egret south, 1cy Mediterranean Gull north, two Sandwich Tern south and 117 north, five Common Tern north, five Common/Arctic south and 11 north, 20 Great Skua south, 19 Arctic Skua south, 198 Razorbill south, Swift north and seven Meadow pipit in-off.

Some 20 Manx Shearwater were around the headland, 50 Shag and 34 Cormorants.

Nine Ruff were on the Golf Course and two late Sand Martin through.

West of the Dykes: An Osprey flew from Hunmanby south over Buckton Cliffs and a Hobby west and five Swift at Bempton. At nearby Buckton three Sand Martin, 40 Skylark and 150 Meadow pipit, all west. Buckton also had six Whinchat, four Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, four Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Tit.

Whinchat by Paul Reed

Wednesday 13th September, 2017

A part cloudy day, a westerly wind force 6 and 14c.

Again, a rewarding sea-watch with five Wigeon north, seven Common Scoter south, 15 Red-throated Diver south, 14 Fulmar south and 263 north, two Sooty Shearwater north, eight Manx Shearwater south and two north, Balearic Shearwater south, Grey Phalarope north, two Sandwich Tern south and 15 north, Roseate Tern north, 12 Common Tern north, four Great Skua south and three north, two Arctic Skua south, juv Peregrine north and a Swift.

Three Ruff were on the Golf Course and a Wheatear at Oceanview.

At Bempton a lone spotted Flycatcher.

Spotted Flycatcher by Alan Walkington

14th September 2017

Strong north-north-westerly winds in the morning gradually dropped in strength, whilst the day also consisted of sunny intervals and occasional showers. Seawatching provided the highlights once again, headlined by a Great Shearwater that showed well close inshore as it headed north during the evening. Other sightings included a Pink-footed Goose, 21 Red-throated Divers, a Storm Petrel, 90 Bonxies, 62 Arctic Skuas and one Long-tailed Skua flying south. Amongst species moving north were 106 Wigeon, 19 Pintail, 62 Teal, 378 Fulmar, 54 Sooty Shearwaters, 73 Manx Shearwaters, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, one Little Gull, 100 Sandwich Terns, 65 Common Terns and 30 Arctic Terns.

Six Ruff were on the Golf Course, whilst additional migrants included single Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher.

Teal, Thornwick Pools, by Don Hustings

15th September 2017

Strong northerly winds developed during a day of sunny intervals and heavy showers, the latter featuring in particular during the morning. Seawatching highlights included four pale-bellied Brent Geese, 31 Wigeon, four Pintail, 80 Teal, 121 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, a Little Egret, 67 Sooty Shearwaters, 168 Manx Shearwaters, a Balearic Shearwater, one Little Gull, 75 Sandwich Terns, 219 Common Terns, ten Arctic Terns flying north. There were also five Eider, 61 Bonxies and 46 Arctic Skuas recorded heading south.

Six Ruff remained in residence on the Golf Course. Passerines located despite the strong winds included four Goldcrests, three Spotted Flycatchers, one Whinchat, a Redstart and a Grey Wagtail.

Pied Wagtail, Thornwick Pools, by Craig Thomas

16th September 2017

Our first ever members night.

And what a night it was! With huge thanks to all of our members who turned up and helped contribute to such an enjoyable and memorable evening. A talk by our chairman Craig Thomas kicked off events, with his personal perspective on birding the Yorkshire coast and especially at Flamborough, including a sneak peak of the revised plans for the seawatching hide.

Then with people enjoying and sharing the supper brought with them and by others, we launched into our raffle. The latter hosted by John Beaumont and ably assisted by Jo Hood, with many fantastic prizes from local businesses, members and a host of very generous birding and wildlife companies. The raffle raised over £500 for obs funds, so was a great social and financial success.

Finally, there was the launch of the new FBO branded clothing range. As the pictures show, the members couldn’t wait to try these on, with many of our stock items being snapped up and a book full of orders. As ever, many thanks to Ant of the Living Seas Centre for the use of the venue and all the help setting up.

Raffle prizes galore
Our chairman, then and now…

16th September 2017

Strong northerly winds dominated once again, although the main feature of the day was the series of heavy and prolonged showers that were especially prevalent during the morning; seawatching was not for the faint-hearted! Once again, the latter provided the main highlights: 17 pale-bellied Brent Geese, two Red-breasted Mergansers, 100 Sooty Shearwaters, 65 Manx Shearwaters and 19 Bonxies flew north. Heading in the opposite direction were single Long-tailed Duck and Great Northern Diver, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, two Pomarine Skuas and 39 Arctic Skuas.

Passerine interest included three Spotted Flycatchers, a Whinchat and a Lesser Redpoll.

West of the Dykes, a three-hour seawatch at Bempton Cliffs RSPB was rewarded with an exceptionally early Little Auk.

Purple Sandpiper, Fog Station, by Craig Thomas

17th September 2017

Light north-north-westerly winds increased in strength from mid-morning, with sunny intervals throughout. The seawatch was rewarded with two Pintail, 140 Teal, 351 Common Scoter, 25 Sooty Shearwaters, 60 Manx Shearwaters, two Balearic Shearwaters, an adult Sabine’s Gull, a Mediterranean Gull, 192 Common Terns, 21 Bonxies and 42 Arctic Skuas moving north. In addition, 94 Red-throated Divers and a Pomarine Skua flew south. 

Thornwick Pools attracted two Little Stints, seven Ruff frequented the Golf Course, whilst a Greenshank overflew South Landing. Passerine migrants included two Redwing, 20 Goldcrest, four Yellow-browed Warblers (including one caught and ringed at South Landing), five Lesser Whitethroats, one Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, four Pied Flycatchers, four Spotted Flycatchers, a Tree Pipit, 110 Meadow Pipits, two Whinchats, three Redstarts, five Grey Wagtails and eight Siskin.

West of the Dykes, a creamcown Marsh Harrier hunted fields between North Dykes and Bempton village, whilst a Red-backed Shrike was located at the RSPB reserve.

Little Stint, Thornwick Pools, by Craig Thomas
Yellow-browed Warbler, Old Fall, by Craig Thomas

Red-backed Shrike Bempton Cliffs by John Beaumont

18th September 2017

Moderate north-north-westerly winds predominated once again on a day of occasional sunny intervals and light showers. Seawatching highlights included two Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, a Pintail, 48 Teal, 294 Common Scoter and eight Sooty Shearwaters flying north, whilst 77 Red-throated Divers, a Little Egret, 24 Bonxies, a Pomarine Skua and a Merlin flew south.

Two Little Egrets fequented the beach at South Dykes, whilst the two Little Stints remained at Thornwick Pools, together with the Ringed Plover and a Knot. An adult Long-tailed Skua also flew ‘south’ past South Landing. Scarce migrant passerines included four Yellow-browed Warblers, a Barred Warbler south of the Lighthouse, with a Common Rosefinch in the same area. Other sightings included 22 Goldcrests and three Redstarts.

West of the Dykes, the Red-backed Shrike remained in residence at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, where a Pied Flycatcher was also present. 

Common Rosefinch, outer head, by Lee Johnson
Blackcap, by Alan Walkington

19th September 2017

A sunny day, with decreasing north-north-westerly winds and generally benign conditions. During the seawatch, three Pintail, 141 Common Scoters, a Red-breasted Merganser, two Sooty Shearwaters, four Little Gulls and eight Bonxies flew north, whilst five Arctic Skuas moved in the opposite direction.

A total of 180 Pink-footed Geese flew south, two Little Egrets were again on the beach below the South Cliffs, whilst Thornwick Pools again hosted two Little Stints. Two Yellow-browed Warblers also remained in residence at Old Fall, a Grasshopper Warbler was located at Hartendale and other migrants included Pied Flycatcher and two Whinchats. Single Red-backed Shrike and Yellow-browed Warbler were present at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, together with a Little Egret, one Pied Flycatcher, a Sedge Warbler and two Lesser Redpolls.

Red-backed Shrike, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Paul Reed
Red-backed Shrike, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Paul Reed

20th September 2017

A change in the weather with light south-westerly winds re-establishing during a largely overcast day. During the seawatch, a Little Egret, two Little Gulls and four Arctic Skuas flew past the headland.

A Hobby flew over the village, whilst a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Redstart represented remnants of the recent arrival. West of the Dykes, a Hobby, the Red-backed Shrike, a Yellow-browed Warbler and one Pied Flycatcher remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Pied Flycatcher, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Alan Walkington

21st September 2017

An overcast day, with spells of rain in the afternoon and moderate south-westerly winds. During the seawatch, a pale-bellied Brent Goose flew north, three Little Gulls and a Bonxie headed in the opposite direction and two Arctic Skuas were logged.

Two Little Egrets fed on the beach near South Landing, but better still, a Bittern was located at Thornwick Pools near to dusk; only the sixth observatory record, although the third this year. West of the Dykes, the Red-backed Shrike and Yellow-browed Warbler remained at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Red-backed Shrike, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Paul Reed

22nd September 2017

The weather consisted of light south-west winds and largely sunny skies, with increasing cloud from mid-afternoon with a few light showers. During the seawatch, 11 Wigeon flew south, 17 Teal and 41 Common Scoter headed north, 219 Little Gulls also moved north, whilst a further 13 lingered offshore. Three Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas were also recorded. 

Thornwick Pools attracted a Pintail, whilst three Little Egrets remained on the beach below Beacon Hill. Passerine interest included two Yellow-browed Warblers (South Landing & Old Fall), four Grey Wagtails, a White Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll.

West of the Dykes, the Red-backed Shrike and a Yellow-browed Warbler lingered at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, together with three Lesser Whitethroats and a Pied Flycatcher. A Marsh Harrier was seen near Bempton village.

Willow Warbler, Flamborough, by Paul Reed

23rd September 2017

An overcast day, with occasional sunny intervals and a light/moderate south-south-easterly wind. During the seawatch, two Brent Geese, 45 Common Scoter, a Balearic Shearwater and one Little Egret flew north, whilst an Arctic Skua headed south. 

Thornwick Pools hosted a Pintail and a Green Sandpiper, whilst a Pomarine Skua harassed gulls off South Landing, where a Grey Plover, five Arctic Skuas and three Little Gulls were also recorded. Migrant passerines were scarce, but included a Pied Flycatcher at Old Fall. During a ringing session, a Sparrowhawk and three Goldcrests were caught amongst others. 

Single Red-backed Shrike, Pied Flycatcher and Redstart were noted at Bempton Cliffs RSPB.

Sparrowhawk, Flamborough, by Jim Morgan
Grey Seals, Fog Station, by Karen Bradley

24th September 2017

After the day started with a light south-south-easterly, winds strengthened in the afternoon with a subtle switch to south-easterlies; after a sunny start high cloud dominated the afternoon. Seawatching highlights included two dark-bellied Brent Geese and 48 Common Scoter flying north, one Bonxies and four Arctic Skuas, and a juvenile Long-tailed Skua also flying north. A cruise off the Fog Station was rewarded with a Brent Goose, two Pintail, three Black Terns, 100 Little Gulls, nine Arctic Skuas and two Yellow-legged Gulls. A Pintail also remained in residence on Thornwick Pools, with Water Rail and Ruff also present.

Passerine migrants arrived throughout the day and included four Yellow-browed Warblers on the outer head, along with 11 Wheatear, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, two Redstarts, five Whinchats, a Brambling and one Snow Bunting.

West of the Dykes, the Red-backed Shrike and a Yellow-browed Warbler were present at Bempton Cliffs RSPB, along with a Ruff and two Whinchat.

Spotted Flycatcher, Thornwick, by Karen Bradley
Yellow-browed Warbler, North Landing, by Andy Hood

25th September 2017

A light/moderate south-south-easterly wind eased in strength and switched to a more easterly direction during the afternoon; after a wet start, sunny intervals featured for the rest of the day. During the seawatch, five dark-bellied Brent Geese were recorded, a Sabine’s Gull flew south, whilst a juvenile Pomarine Skua went north. A Ruff overflew Lighthouse Road.

A small arrival of migrant passerines took place all day and included six Yellow-browed Warblers. In addition, a Turtle Dove, one Garden Warbler, 40 Song Thrushes, a Pied Flycatcher, seven Spotted Flycatchers, four Redstart, 12 Robins, 12 Wheatears, 13 Whinchats, a Yellow Wagtail and three Brambling were recorded.

West of the Dykes, the Yellow-browed Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher and two Whinchat were present at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. Nearby, Buckton hosted a Hobby, one Ring Ouzel, a Yellow-browed Warbler and single Pied Flycatcher and Redstart.

Whinchat, Lighthouse Grassland, by Craig Thomas

26th September 2017

Very light northerly winds established during a day of sunny intervals, but mainly thick fog, especially on the outer head. During the seawatch, nine dark-bellied Brent Geese, 68 Wigeon, a Bonxie and two Arctic Skuas flew north.

Passerine interest was headlined by no fewer than 24 Yellow-browed Warblers, including three birds at Bempton Cliffs RSPB. The greatest concentration was between North Landing and North Dykes, where 12 birds were present. Only two were located on the outer head which was shrouded by thick fog for the most part and presumably invisible to incoming migrants. Additional tallies included 55 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, ten Willow Warblers, four Chiffchaff, three Lesser Whitethroats, four Common Whitethroats, two Garden Warblers, four Whinchat, seven Spotted Flycatchers, two Pied Flycatchers (including an interesting individual that lacked white in the wings), a Tree Pipit, two Brambling, four Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

West of the Dykes, in addition to the aforementioned Yellow-browed Warblers at Bempton Cliffs RSPB there were three Lesser Whitethroats, two Pied Flycatchers, three Redstarts, four Whinchat, together with single Brambling, Siskin and Lapland Bunting. Sightings from Buckton included a Ruff, ten Song Thrush, four Redwing, a Grasshopper Warbler, two Lesser Whitethroats, four Whinchat, two Redstarts and a Tree Pipit.

Grasshopper Warbler, Buckton, by Mark Thomas

27th September 2017

A south-easterly wind increased in strength during a day of generally light, overcast skies. Thornwick Pools attracted lone Little Stint and Common Sandpiper, whilst two Ruff flew over there. Small numbers of thrushes continued to arrive, including 90 Song Thrush and ten Redwing, although little else appeared to make landfall. A total of 12 Yellow-browed Warblers were present east of the Dykes, including two in the Golf Course Willows. Other passerine totals included 30 Long-tailed Tits in South Dykes, ten Chiffchaffs, two Reed Warblers, five Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, four Redstart, a Whinchat, two Tree Pipits and nine Brambling.

West of the Dykes, Bempton Cliffs RSPB hosted 20 Song Thrush, 30 Blackbirds, two Fieldfare, two Yellow-browed Warblers, two Lesser Whitethroats, three Redpoll, a Siskin and a Brambling. At nearby Buckton, sightings included a Merlin, 15 Song Thrush, 80 Blackbirds, four Yellow-browed Warblers, a Redstart and 15 Whinchat.

Lesser Whitethroat, Flamborough, by Alan Walkington

28th September 2017

A dull start, with light rain and a moderate south-easterly wind that later dropped in strength, whilst skies also brightened. Seawatching was again quiet, with seven Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 57 Teal and a Ruff flying south.

Two Little Egrets frequented south Dykes, whilst 42 Golden Plovers flew south and two Ruff and two Little Stints were in residence. A Water Rail was again at Thornwick Pools. The number of reported passerines was lower, although this was likely a result of reduced coverage. However, six Yellow-browed Warblers remained, along with single Reed Warbler, three Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Redstart, six Wheatears and a Brambling.

West of the Dykes, sightings from Bempton Cliffs RSPB included two Yellow-browed Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Redstart and six Whinchat. Buckton hosted a Black Redstart, one Yellow-browed Warbler, the long-staying Willow Tit, a Treecreeper (only fourth Buckton record), four Redpoll and a Brambling.

Little Stint, Thornwick Pools, by Jo Hood
Ruff, Water Lane, by Brett Richards

29th September 2017

The day started with light rain, although sunny spells arrived by the afternoon; winds remained from the south. During the seawatch, two Grey Plovers and a Bonxie flew south.

An Osprey flew south-east over Bempton at 1530hrs, Thornwick at 1534hrs and South Landing at 1545hrs. The Water Rail continued its stay at Thornwick Pools, where the two Little Stints made a brief appearance; 28 Golden Plovers and the two Ruff were also recorded. A Turtle Dove roosted on the outer head, whilst a late Swift was seen over South Landing. Five Yellow-browed Warblers remained, together with two Pied Flycatcher, six Redstart, six Whinchat, six Lesser Redpoll, a Siskin and one Lapland Bunting.

West of the Dykes, sightings at Bempton Cliffs RSPB included a Little Owl, a Yellow-browed Warbler, one Pied Flycatcher, a Whinchat and two Lesser Redpolls. Buckton attracted three Grey Herons in-off, 30 Song Thrush, 30 Blackbirds, four Redwing, a Whinchat and one Brambling.

Whinchat, Lighthouse Grassland, by Andy Hood

30th September 2017

The day featured strengthening south-westerly winds, overcast skies with rain arriving later afternoon. A lone Pintail, six Eiders and two Bonxies flew south during the seawatch, whilst two Water Rails frequented Thornwick Pools, with a Ruff was also present.

Five Yellow-browed Warblers remained, together with the Turtle Dove, 35 Song Thrush, two Pied Flycatchers, 26 Goldcrests, four Whinchat, two Brambling, 55 Chaffinch and 95 Tree Sparrows.

West of the Dykes, sightings from Bempton Cliffs RSPB included 30 Song Thrush, 30 Blackbirds, two Yellow-browed Warblers, a Pied Flycatcher and two Whinchat. Nearby Buckton attracted a Little Owl, one Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, five Lesser Redpolls and a Brambling.

Willow Warbler, Old Fall, by Alan Walkington