1st August 2019

A relatively overcast day, with sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C; moderate northerly winds featured throughout. Seawatch highlights included the year’s first Sooty Shearwater flying north, along with 34 Manx Shearwaters, 80 Sandwich Terns and 12 Arctic Terns; six Arctic Skuas and four Bonxies also moved past the headland. Away from the sea, single Ringed & Little Ringed Plovers, two Ruff, two Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper frequented Thornwick Pools.

Ruff, Thornwick Pools, by Jo Hood

2nd August 2019

A day of light north-north-west winds, sunny skies after heavy rain early morning and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 45 Manx Shearwaters, 437 Sandwich Terns, eight Common Terns, 14 Arctic Terns and two Bonxies flying north, whilst 655 Oystercatchers moved south; a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and two Arctic Skuas were also recorded. Late afternoon a pod of 12 Bottlenose Dolphins swam south past the headland.

Thornwick Pools attracted three Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, a Ringed Plover and 11 Dunlin; 13 Golden Plover headed south over the outer head. A Hobby overflew the village and a Long-eared Owl frequented the edge of the Gorse Field in the morning. The most notable passerine record related to a Wood Warbler in Old Fall; a single Treecreeper in the same location was also noteworthy, whilst migrants also included a Pied Flycatcher at North Landing, six Willow Warblers, two Grey Wagtails and seven Yellow Wagtails.

Long-eared Owl, Gorse Field, by Kevin Groocock
Small Red-eyed Damselfly, outer head, by Andrew Allport

3rd August 2019

After a cloudy and still morning, sunny intervals prevailed, with a light south-easterly wind developing; temperatures reached 20 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with 21 Common Scoters, 18 Manx Shearwaters, 531 Sandwich Terns, ten Common Terns, seven Arctic Terns and a Bonxie flying north; two Arctic Skuas lingered offshore, whilst six Goosander, 88 Oystercatchers, six Knot and seven Dunlin moved south. However, the highlight pertained to the juvenile Caspian Gull that circled High Stacks early evening before drifting south into Bridlington Bay. A pod of at least six Bottlenose Dolphins swam north past the outer head around mid-day. 

Thornwick Pools hosted a juvenile Shelduck, single Green and Common Sandpipers and two Ringed Plover. A Black-tailed Godwit flew north and a Marsh Harrier headed south over South Dykes. The juvenile Mediterranean Gull re-appeared at South Landing, whilst Buckton Pond attracted two Green Sandpipers and a Snipe.

Snipe, Buckton Pond, by Alan Walkington
Oystercatchers, Fog Station, by Craig Thomas

4th August 2019

The day dawned with light, overcast skies and a light southerly breeze; sunny intervals established mid-morning and temperatures peaked at 20 degrees C; during the afternoon overcast skies established once again and a moderate south-easterly developed. Seawatching was rewarded with 44 Common Scoters, six Manx Shearwaters, 756 Sandwich Terns and three Arctic Skuas flying north, a juvenile Marsh Harrier and ten Common Terns moving south. In addition, two juvenile Caspian Gulls attended a fishing into Bridlington Bay late afternoon.

Thornwick Pools attracted single Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and four Dunlin; another Green Sandpiper and a Grey Plover flew south over the outer head. The Long-eared Owl made another appearance on the edge of the Gorse Field, where a creamcrown Marsh Harrier was hunting mid-morning. Two Cuckoos were located on the outer head, whilst 20 Yellow Wagtails represented another noteworthy record. Sightings from Buckton included three Green Sandpipers and a Snipe on the Pond and single Marsh Harrier, Cuckoo and Treecreeper.

House Martin, Hartendale, by Brett Richards

5th August 2019

The weather consisted of moderate south-west winds, sunny intervals, occasional light drizzle and temperatures that reached 17 degrees C. During the seawatch, 142 Common Scoter and 111 Sandwich Terns flew north, with four Ringed Plover, a Greenshank and one Bonxie moving south. Five Bottlenose Dolphins off South Landing eventually swam north.

A juvenile Caspian Gull gave superb views when it dropped onto Thornwick Pools early afternoon, where a Green Sandpiper flew south. Passerine interest was headed by a Pied Flycatcher in Old Fall.

Caspian Gull, Thornwick Pools, by Rob Little
Caspian Gull, Thornwick Pools, by Rob Little
Straw Underwing, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

6th August 2019

A day of moderate/stromg south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 22 degrees C. During the morning seawatch 24 Oystercatchers, 14 Whimbrel, 25 Knot, three Sanderling and 45 Redshank headed south, whilst 68 Sandwich Terns, two Common Terns and an Arctic Tern flew north. South Landing attracted a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls. The day’s highlight related to a juvenile Green Woodpecker seen in South Dykes, with a Cuckoo at nearby South Landing.

Two Green Sandpipers remained in residence at Buckton Pond, with a Marsh Harrier hunting the cliff top adjacent to Buckton Hall.

Green Sandpipers, Buckton Pond, by Alan Walkington
Mediterrranean Gull, South Landing, by Andrew Allport
Mediterranean Gull, South Landing, by Andy Hood

7th August 2019

The weather consisted of moderate/strong south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. During the seawatch, 36 Oystercatchers, 14 Dunlin, 12 Redshank and eight Knot flew south, along with seven Common Terns and an Arctic Skua. Thornwick Pools attracted single Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper, with South Landing hosting three Ringed Plovers and three Sanderling. Another Little Egret frequented the rocky shore near High Stacks. Elsewhere, a Red Kite headed south-east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Little Egret, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards
Peregrine, South Landing, by Andy Hood
Poplar Hawkmoth, Flamborough village, by Dave Simmonite

8th August 2019

A day of light/moderate westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. Seawatching was quiet, with 35 Oystercatchers, two Knot, 21 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern flying south. A Little Egret frequented South Landing beach early morning, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew south over Old Fall, whilst the best of a small smattering of passage waders was a Spotted Redshank eventually pinned down on Head Farm Pond. A juvenile Cuckoo lingered near Old Fall, 18 Willow Warblers represented an increase, a Garden Warbler was new at Old Fall, as were two Spotted Flycatchers at South Dykes. RSPB Bempton. An additional 15 Willow Warblers frequented RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Sanderling, South Landing, by Alan Walkington
Butterflies at South Dykes, by June & Malcolm Fox

9th August 2019

The day dawned with rain and moderate/strong east-south-east winds, followed by showers during the morning and heavy showers in the evening; temperatures reached 20 degrees C during the sunny intervals.  Seawatching highlights included 53 Common Scoters, nine Manx Shearwaters, a juvenile Caspian Gull, 103 Sandwich Terns, an adult Roseate Tern (first of the year), three Bonxies and five Arctic Skuas flying north; southbound birds included a Grey Plover, eight Turnstone, 174 Knot, a Ruff and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, whilst a Little Egret and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull were in residence off the Seawatch Observatory. Thornwick Pools attracted two Green Sandpipers. The only notable passerine record related to a Pied Flycatcher in Old Fall. Odonata interest included a female Red-veined Darter at Old Fall. 

Ringed Plover, South Landing, by Alan Walkington
Common Tern, South Landing, by Brett Richards

10th August 2019

Moderate/strong south-easterly winds increased in strength during a day that was largely overcast, with occasional heavy showers; temperatures reached 20 degrees C. During the seawatch, 494 Knot flew south (including 90 south’-east’ past RSPB Bempton Cliffs), along with 86 Teal, 82 Oystercatchers, a Grey Plover, 16 Whimbrel, nine Turnstone and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull; 74 Swifts also moved south over the sea. Thornwick Pools attracted a Ringed Plover, four Dunlin, a Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper, whilst 25 Golden Plovers flew south over the village. Additional records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included five Ringed Plovers, a Red Kite, a juvenile Marsh Harrier and 200 Swifts flying south. 

Greenshank, Thornwick Pools, by Craig Thomas

11th August 2019

Another day of blustery south-west winds, relatively overcast skies with sunny intervals, but lower temperatures that only reached 18 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Red-throated Diver, one Golden Plover, 16 Oystercatchers, eight Whimbrel, 49 Knot, 22 Dunlin, 38 Redshank, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, four Common Terns, a Bonxie and 90 Swifts flew south; an additional 30 Swifts flew south over South Landing later. 

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 15 Knot and 68 Swifts moving south, with a Marsh Harrier, seven Willow Warblers, two Blackcap and a Garden Warbler also present. Two Green Sandpipers frequented Buckton Pond.

Yellow Wagtail, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport

12th August 2019

The weather consisted of overcast skies, with spells of mainly light rain. Winds were variable, but did develop into light north-westerlies for a time; temperatures were significantly lower, peaking at 14 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included five Shelduck, a juvenile Marsh Harrier, ten Turnstone, 28 Knot, 34 Bonxies and 33 Arctic Skuas flying south; a Red-throated Diver, 28 Manx Shearwaters, 113 Common Terns and 15 Arctic Terns headed north. Thornwick Pools attracted four Knot and four Dunlin. A juvenile Merlin frequented the outer head, where there were also seven Yellow Wagtails.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 26 Golden Plover moving south-east, a Raven, an arrival of 60 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler and four Yellow Wagtails. 

Knot, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport

13th August 2019

Light, variable winds, with sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 18 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included eight Teal, 62 Common Scoter, five Goosander, six Manx Shearwaters, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and the year’s first Pomarine Skua all moving north. Thornwick Pools attracted seven Dunlin and two Yellow Wagtails, with South Landing hosting a Red-throated Diver, Little Egret, juvenile Mediterranean Gull and 39 Sandwich Terns. 

Two Marsh Harriers were present on the outer head early morning, with another hunting cliff top fields between Bempton and North Dykes. A Ruff frequented the stubbles at the latter location, seven Golden Plover flew south, whilst the Long-eared Owl made another appearance on the edge of the Gorse Field. Passerine interest included a Black Redstart at Oceanview, a Tree Pipit next to the Golf Course and a Wheatear.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted nine Curlew, with eight Willow Warblers remaining from yesterday’s influx. Buckton sightings included one Teal, a Green Sandpiper and 250 Swallows.

Dunlin, Thornwick Pools, by Mike Smith

14th August 2019

An overcast day, with a light/moderate south-west wind switching to a moderate south-easterly later in the day; temperatures peaked at a mere 15 degrees C, whilst there were occasional spells of light rain. During the seawatch, six Teal, an Arctic Skua, four Arctic Terns and 146 Sandwich Terns flew north, with one juvenile Mediterranean Gull, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and three Common Terns moving in the opposite direction; 11 Harbour Porpoise also represented an increase. Away from the sea, the Black Redstart was again seen at Oceanview.

Sedge Warbler, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport
Collared Dove, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

Migweek 2019

15th August 2019

The weather consisted of moderate west-north-westerly winds, sunny intervals interspersed with occasional showers and temperatures that reached 18 degrees C. During the seawatch, 22 Common Scoter, 112 Sandwich Terns, 46 Common Terns and seven Arctic Terns flew north, whilst a Sooty Shearwater, three Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas moved south; in addition, two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls lingered off the headland this evening. Thornwick Pools attracted six Teal and three Dunlin, Buckton Pond two Teal and a Green Sandpiper.

A movement of Swifts occurred during the morning, with 101 heading west over 150 minutes. Passerine interest included the Black Redstart at Oceanview, a Wheatear on South Landing beach and five Yellow Wagtails. A Redstart was the highlight from RSPB Bempton Cliffs. 

Weasel, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

16th August 2019

An overcast day, with light rain from mid-morning before heavier rain until dusk; moderate southerly winds and temperatures that reached 15 degrees C. During the seawatch, 12 Teal, two Whimbrel, 14 Dunlin, 11 Knot and an Arctic Tern flew south, with 103 Sandwich Terns and three Bonxies moved north. A Merlin flew past the Lighthouse early morning, when there were also 32 Pied Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail in the same area; two Wheatears were located, whilst the Black Redstart was seen again at Oceanview. Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a Marsh Harrier and 16 Willow Warblers. 

Kestrel, Flamborough Lighthouse, by Craig Thomas

17th August 2019

The weather consisted of moderate south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C. Seawatching was rewarded with 36 Teal, 23 Oystercatchers, five Whimbrel, 26 Knot, 26 Redshank, 312 Common Terns (during the year’s first notable evening roost movement) and a Little Gull heading south; moving in the opposite direction were 80 Common Scoters, two Little Gulls and 56 Sandwich Terns. Three Bonxies lingered offshore, whilst seven Yellow Wagtails flew south over the Seawatch Observatory.

A Greenshank also flew south over the headland, the Black Redstart remained in residence at Oceanview. A juvenile Cuckoo was seen at Buckton Pond.

Grey Heron, Thornwick Pools, by Don Hustings
Fox, Thornwick Pools, by Brett Richards

18th August 2019

Another day of moderate/strong south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. During the seawatch, three Shoveler, 15 Teal, a Great Crested Grebe, 19 Oystercatchers, two Golden Plovers, eight Black-tailed Godwits, seven Whimbrel, nine Redshank, 82 Common Terns and an Arctic Skua all flew south. Three Little Egrets also headed south past the Fog Station having dropped onto North Marsh earlier; one Bonxie lingered off the headland. Elsewhere, a Green Sandpiper flew south over the village, two Spotted Flycatchers frequented South Dykes and four Yellow Wagtails were on the outer head.

Fulmar, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Kevin Groocock
Bird Cherry Ermine, Flamborough village, by Mike Smith

19th August 2019

The weather continued in a similar vein – moderate south-westerly winds, sunny intervals and an isolated shower. During the evening seawatch, two Manx Shearwaters flew north, two Bonxies and an Arctic Skua fed offshore, with 187 Common Terns and 20 Sandwich Terns moving south. Twelve Curlews were on the Golf Course mid-evening, whilst passerine interest included single Redstart and Whinchat south of the Lighthouse. 

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Golden Plover, two Garden Warblers, 15 Willow Warblers, three Spotted Flycatchers and eight Yellow Wagtails; five Bottlenose Dolphins also swam south-east. The Bempton-Buckton area attracted three Marsh Harriers, with the latter site also hosting a Hobby, a juvenile Cuckoo, five Willow Warblers and a Spotted Flycatcher. 

Greenfinch, Flamborough village, by Andy Hood

20th August 2019

A moderate westerly wind gradually dropped in strength during an overcast day, with temperatures reaching 19 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 89 Common Scoters,  eight Manx Shearwaters, 146 Sandwich Terns, 61 Common Terns, seven Arctic Terns and two Bonxies flew north; a Sooty Shearwater, 20 Whimbrel, 26 Knot, 17 Dunlin and three Arctic Skuas flew south.

Thornwick Pools attracted single Little Egret and Greenshank; a single of the latter species also flew over the headland, but the day’s most notable sighting referred to a Kingfisher feeding from rocks below the cliffs at Thorwick. Passerine interest included a migrant Sedge Warbler, 24 Willow Warblers, four Whinchat, a male Stonechat, two Wheatear, the Black Redstart at Oceanview, three Spotted Flycatchers and 13 Yellow Wagtails.

Sighting from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 28 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, two Wheatear, two Whinchat, three Spotted Flycatchers, 44 Yellow Wagtails and two Tree Pipits; the latter heading north-west. Nearby Buckton attracted single Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Cuckoo and Spotted Flycatcher.

Greenshank, Buckton Pond, by Kevin Groocock
Cuckoo, Buckton, by Alan Walkington

21st August 2019

The weather continued in similar vein, with moderate south-west winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached 20 degrees C. During the seawatch, a Sooty Shearwater, 94 Sandwich Terns, four Bonxies, two Arctic Skuas and a Puffin flew north; four Manx Shearwaters, a Red-throated Diver, a Common Buzzard, 81 Oystercatchers and 52 Common Terns moved south. The outer head attracted a Hobby and two Wheatears, with two Spotted Flycatchers also present.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted 40 Willow Warblers, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, one Tree Pipit and 36 Yellow Wagtails; a Golden-ringed Dragonfly was an excellent first for the reserve, with two Southern Hawkers also notable. Records from nearby Buckton included a Marsh Harrier and five Wheatears. 

Spotted Flycatcher, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, by Alan Walkington

22nd August 2019

A relatively overcast day, with moderate south-west winds and an appreciable increase in temperature, with a peak of 21 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included a Garganey, 114 Teal, a Red-throated Diver, 39 Oystercatchers, a Grey Plover and two Arctic Skuas flying south; 58 Sandwich Terns and three Bonxies moved north.

A juvenile Black-necked Grebe lingered throughout at Thornwick Pools; it triggered considerable interest from local birders, for what is an extremely rare local bird, despite an increase in records over the last decade. Thornwick also attracted single Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank and three Dunlin, whilst South Landing held a Grey Plover. Passerine migrants included a Garden Warbler, four Whinchat, a Wheatear and a Spotted Flycatcher. 

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted 19 Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit and four Yellow Wagtails, with a Hobby over the village. Buckton hosted a Merlin, four Golden Plover, single Reed and Sedge Warbler and two Whinchat.

Black-necked Grebe, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport
Black-necked Grebe, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport
Greenshank, Thornwick Pools, by Andrew Allport
Black-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pools, by Andy Hood
Reed Warbler, Thornwick, by Dave Simmonite

23rd August 2019

A light south-westerly in the morning, with a light/moderate south-easterly developing in the afternoon; sunny throughout, with temperatures reaching 21 degrees C. The day’s undoubted highlight was the late morning discovery of an Ortolan Bunting along Hoddy Cows Lane, Buckton; unfortunately, it didn’t reappear after its discovery. An Osprey flew south there early afternoon and additional Buckton sightings included an immature Marsh Harrier, a Greenshank and single Pied and Spotted Flycatchers. 

Thornwick Pools hosted a Tufted Duck, two Teal, a Black-tailed Godwit, two Green Sandpipers and four Dunlin; a juvenile Cuckoo, one Garden Warbler, three Whinchats and three Yellow Wagtails were seen in the same area, whilst a Spotted Flycatcher remained in South Dykes.

Black-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pools, by Craig Thomas

24th August 2019

A sunny day, with a light/moderate south-east wind and temperatures reaching 22 degrees C. The switch in wind direction resulted in an appreciable arrival of a select few passerines, including 66 Whinchat (inc. four Buckton, four Bempton), 34 Pied Flycatchers (inc. four Buckton, two Bempton), three Spotted Flycatchers and three Redstart. Other passerine totals included a juvenile Cuckoo at North Landing, 65 Willow Warblers, three Wheatears, six Yellow Wagtails and 490 Linnets. A Greenshank, two Whimbrel, a Ringed Plover and a Golden Plover also flew south over the headland, whilst juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and juvenile Mediterranean Gull loafed at Sewerby.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 15 Canada Geese heading north, a Wheatear, ten Willow Warblers, a Spotted Flycatcher and five Yellow Wagtails. In addition to the aforementioned Whinchats and Pied Flycatchers, nearby Buckton attracted a Hobby, Stonechat, three Willow Warblers, a Reed Warbler and seven Yellow Wagtails.

Cuckoo, North Landing, by Phil Buxton

Sunday, 25th August 2019

Another warm day with cloudless skies.  The temperature rose to 22C with light south-westerly winds backing to easterly by mid-afternoon.

Migrants early in the day were fewer than the yesterday but some arrivals occurred during the afternoon.  The highlights were an Icterine Warbler and Willow Tit (a rare bird on the Outer Head) at North Landing whilst a adult Rose-coloured Starling made a brief appearance by the Coastguard Cottages.  A supporting cast  of 16 Pied Flycatchers, 30 Whinchats, 3 Redstarts, 2 Garden Warblers, 5 Blackcaps were all seen east of the Dykes.   At Bempton there were 10 Willow Warblers, 8 Blackcaps , a Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Whitethroats, a Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, 8 Whinchat, 18 Yellow Wagtails with a further 24 over.

Other avian interest was restricted to a Black-tailed Godwit and a Little Grebe at Thornwick Pools where single Green Sandpiper flew over.  3 Whimbrels and a Marsh Harrier were also over the Outer Head.

Finally, an Ocean Sunfish was seen from the Bridlington Belle.

Willow Tit (Andy Hood)
Icterine Warbler ( Craig Thomas)
Adult Rose-coloured Starling (Rob Little)

26th August 2019

Another day of unbroken sunshine that also featured light south/south-east winds and temperatures that reached 21 degrees C. A Dotterel that initially flew east over RSPB Bempton Cliffs at 0930hrs and then latterly back west over Old Fall Steps on the outer head ten minutes later provided the day’s highlight. 

Sightings from Thornwick Pools included 23 Teal, single Marsh Harrier, Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank, along with two Dunlin, two Redshank and two Ringed Plovers. Passerine migrants included four Garden Warblers, a migrant Reed Warbler, ten Pied Flycatchers, six Whinchat, a Redstart, ten Yellow Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail. A flock of 90 Tree Sparrows also toured the outer headland.

Records from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included 17 Shoveler, 41 Knot and three Dunlin moving south(-east), along with Pied Flycatcher, three Whinchat and a Wheatear; nearby Buckton attracted a Marsh Harrier, ten Whinchat, three Wheatear, a Redstart, one Pied Flycatcher and six Yellow Wagtails.

Black-tailed Godwit, Thornwick Pools, by Alan Walkington
Garden Warbler, South Landing, by Andy Hood

27th August 2019

Sunny throughout, with a light easterly breeze and temperatures reaching 24 degrees C. Another arrival of drift passerines took place, with most birds making landfall during the afternoon. A Wryneck was discovered near North Landing in the morning and was still present towards dusk. Other totals included 765 House Martins, 305 Swallows, seven Garden Warblers, 42 Pied Flycatchers on the headland (21 outer head; 12 Buckton, 9 RSPB Bempton), a Spotted Flycatcher, one Redstart, two Wheatear and 42 Whinchat on the headland (30 outer head; 3 Bempton, 9 Buckton). Wader interest included one Golden Plover, a Common Sandpiper, a Black-tailed Godwit, 34 Curlew and a Whimbrel. An evening ringing session near Thornwick was rewarded by 55 birds being caught, including 43 Linnets.

In addition to the aforementioned Pied Flycatchers and Whinchat, sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included single Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank flying south(-east), together a Wheatear and 45 Yellow Wagtails. Records from nearby Buckton included seven Whimbrel and a Wheatear.

Wryneck, North Landing, by Andy Hood
Pied Flycatcher, Holmes Gut, by Jo Hood
Migrant Hawker, Holmes Gut, by Jo Hood

28th August 2019

A largely overcast day, with spells of light rain; temperatures peaked at 23 degrees C, with winds from the south-west. The Wryneck remained in residence at North Landing, with a Pied Flycatcher, two Garden Warblers and three Whinchat there; two Whinchat and a Wheatear were located on the opposite side of the headland at Hartendale. A further nine Whinchats frequented the Lighthouse Grassland, with a juvenile Mediterranean Gull heading south past the nearby Fog Station. 

A Dotterel flew south(-east) over RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Buckton attracted a Marsh Harrier, a Merlin, a Grasshopper Warbler, four Reed Warblers, 20 Whinchat and five Wheatear.

Meadow Pipit, Thornwick Pools, by Rob Little
Roe Deer, Thornwick Pools, by Don Hustings

29th August 2019

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, a moderate south-westerly wind and temperatures peaking at 20 degrees C. An evening seawatch was quiet, with the highlight a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull flying south whilst Thornwick Pools attracted a Green Sandpiper. A ringing session at South Landing was rewarded by 56 birds being caught, including three Garden Warblers and eight Swallows.

Swallow, South Landing, by Jo Hood

30th August 2019

Blustery south-west winds were a feature of a largely bright, but generally overcast day, with temperatures peaking at 22 degrees C. During the morning seawatch, two Red-throated Divers, 12 Teal and eight Common Terns flew south, with 18 Sandwich Terns and two Bonxies moving north; nine Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew south, part of an influx of 20 individuals noted during the day, all bar one juveniles. A gathering of 75 Grey Seals below the Seawatch Observatory also represented a significant increase.

An Osprey flew south over the sea at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, with a juvenile male wing-tagged Marsh Harrier that toured the outer head having originated from Norfolk. Nineteen Curlews were feeding on the Golf Course late on, with an additional six birds flying south. Three juvenile/first-winter Mediterranean Gulls associated with a gull flock below Beacon Hill. 

Marsh Harrier, Oceanview, by Andy Hood

31st August 2019

A day of sunny intervals, blustery south-west winds and temperatures that reached 19 degrees C. Seawatching records included two Red-throated Divers, 11 Manx Shearwaters (ten south), five Bonxie and two Arctic Skuas moving north, with two juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls and a juvenile Caspian Gull flying south; a Starry Smooth Hound Shark was also an unusual sighting.

Thornwick Pools attracted two Snipe and a Dunlin. A late influx of Swifts was evident during the evening, with a total of 110 birds present over the outer head. Migrant passerines included two Wheatear and a Whinchat near the Lighthouse, whilst lepidoptera interest was provided by the discovery of a Clifden Nonpareil at South Landing; the 11th Yorkshire record.

Starry Smooth Hound Shark, Fog Station, by Andrew Allport
Clifden Nonpareil, South Landing, by Allan Rodda