Month: April 2020

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

An overcast day, with a light west-north-west wind and temperatures that reached eight degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was quiet, with two Eider and a Lesser Black-backed Gull flying north. Auks were back in force after the clear out earlier in the week due to the northerly gales; 172 Puffins were recorded off the North Cliffs.

Four Goosander flew ‘north’ past South Landing, with a Red-breasted Merganser on the sea off Hartendale. Notable sightings on the headland itself included two Water Rails together, two Snipe, a Hooded Crow, three Goldcrests, five Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, a Black Redstart and five White Wagtails.  

Two Grey Partridges and two Snipe were noted at Buckton, whilst a Sand Martin flew east at Sewerby. 

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

A south-westerly wind strengthened during a day of sunny intervals and temperatures peaking at 13 degrees C by mid-afternoon. Overnight, six flocks of Common Scoters overflew the village from 2240hrs on 1st onwards; Wigeon, Teal, Coot, Snipe and Redwing were also recorded during the same ‘nocmig’ session. 

During this morning’s seawatch, a Goosander flew north and 73 Puffins headed south; the Red-breasted Merganser also lingered off Hartendale. Thornwick Pools attracted five Shelduck, ten Teal, two Coot and two Little Ringed Plovers. Two Marsh Harriers frequented the outer head, with additional sightings including a Hooded Crow, one Goldcrest, four Chiffchaffs, a Black Redstart, five White Wagtails, 35 Yellowhammers and three Corn Buntings.

Two Grey Partridges and six displaying Lapwing were seen along Cliff Lane, Bempton.

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, but also prolonged overcast skies, with a light/moderate westerly wind and temperatures reaching 11 degrees C after a cold start. The previous evening seven flocks of Common Scoter headed over the village from 2227-2249hrs. 

Single Eider and Goosander flew south during this morning’s seawatch, whilst an estimated 15-20 Bottlenose Dolphins lingered off the headland. Elsewhere, sightings included a single Pink-footed Goose, the Red-breasted Merganser, three Shelduck, 33 Teal, a Marsh Harrier, 14 Curlew, one Hooded Crow, three Redwing, one Fieldfare, a singing Firecrest, six Goldcrest, 15 Chiffchaffs, four Black Redstarts, a White Wagtail and a singing Corn Bunting.  

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

Winds remained light throughout, backing south-south-east after starting south-westerly; there were prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures reached 11 degrees C. Single Manx Shearwater and Lesser Black-backed Gull flew north during the morning’s seawatch. 

Single Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe loafed on the sea off Hartendale, whilst two Little Ringed Plovers and a Redshank frequented Thornwick Pools. A juvenile Iceland Gull along the South Cliffs represented the day’s highlight. There was also evidence of an increase in migrants with a Swallow, seven Chiffchaffs split between South Landing and Old Fall alone, three Blackcaps, 11 Fieldfare, five Redwing and four Wheatear. 

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

A sunny day, with a moderate south-easterly wind and temperatures reaching ten degrees C. Sightings included the long-staying Red-breasted Merganser and Pink-footed Goose, one Water Rail and a Golden Plover. A further increase in spring migrants was apparent, with: four Swallows, four Sand Martins, a Hooded Crow, three Goldcrests, 13 Chiffchaff, three Blackcap, two Fieldfare, the first Ring Ouzel of the year, a Black Redstart and three Wheatear.

Another Hooded Crow frequented fields alongside Cliff Lane, Bempton.

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

A spring-like day, with moderate south-westerly winds, prolonged sunny intervals and temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. During the seawatch, 11 Teal and a Manx Shearwater flew north, whilst 11 Common Scoter, two Knot and five Lesser Black-backed Gulls headed south; 19 Purple Sandpipers were still in residence on rocks near the Fog Station.

The day’s most notable record related to a drake Garganey that graced the headland, together with a male Marsh Harrier. The warmer conditions initiated an influx of hirundines, involving eight Swallows, eight House Martins (first of the year) and three Sand Martins. Further passerine sightings included 20 Chiffchaff, three Blackcap, single Fieldfare and Redwing, eight Wheatear, the year’s first Yellow Wagtail, two Siskin, one Brambling, a Lapland Bunting and one Corn Bunting.

The Hooded Crow remained on Cliff Lane, Bempton.

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

A sunny day, with a moderate south-easterly wind developing in the afternoon and temperatures reaching 12 degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, four Eider and 32 Common Scoters flew south. The semi-resident pod of 15 Bottlenose Dolphins also re-appeared off the outer head.

A Red Kite overflew Mid-Dykes late morning, but it was the arrival of migrant passerines that provided the most interest. Totals included 17 Sand Martins, four Swallows, a Firecrest, nine Goldcrests, 11 Willow Warblers, 42 Chiffchaffs, 39 Blackcap, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, nine Redwing, three Fieldfare, male Common Redstart, a Black Redstart and three Wheatear.

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

A light, variable wind eventually backed south-east during the afternoon; sunny intervals throughout and temperatures reached 14 degrees C. The standout of the morning’s seawatch related to the year’s first Sandwich Tern that flew north. 

Sightings on the headland included a Little Grebe, six Teal, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Snipe, eight Sand Martins, a Swallow, three Goldcrests, nine Willow Warbler, 18 Blackcap, 25 Chiffchaff, a Ring Ouzel, two Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail and the year’s first Hawfinch. A Wheatear was present at Buckton, with a Ring Ouzel along Cliff Lane, Bempton.

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration.

A cold day, with temperatures only reaching eight degrees C by mid-day in light/moderate north-easterly winds; the morning was foggy, with mist prevailing until mid-afternoon. Two Shelduck and eight Common Scoters flew north during the morning’s seawatch; Bottlenose Dolphins showed well off the South Cliffs once more.

There were relatively few noteworthy sightings on the headland, partially as a result of the reduced visibility during the morning, but it was also obvious that many migrants had cleared out. Five Eider were off South Dykes, whilst a Whimbrel that flew north was new. Passerine migrants included a House Martin, three Willow Warblers, three Blackcaps, a Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail.  

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it will be a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration. 

The weather consisted of cold south-south-easterly winds, mainly overcast skies, with temperatures increasing during the afternoon to a high of ten degrees C. Seven Red-throated Divers, nine Sandwich Terns and only 11 Puffins were recorded during the morning’s seawatch. 

Elsewhere, sightings included a Pink-footed Goose, one Little Grebe, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier, one Ringed Plover, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Whimbrel, one House Martin, 22 Sand Martins, a Swallow, a Redwing, three Ring Ouzels, one Wheatear, a pair of Stonechat, a male Common Redstart and a White Wagtail.

The following only summarises the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of spring migration. 

After an overcast start and showers at first light, prolonged sunny intervals developed and temperatures reached 15 degrees C; winds remained light and variable, although an onshore breeze developed mid-afternoon. 

Highlight of the morning’s seawatch included a Jack Snipe flying south and a second calendar-year Glaucous Gull moving north. Sightings from the headland included a drake Garganey, three Gadwall, a Little Grebe, two Lapwing, two Golden Plover and one Dunlin. The warmer weather prompted an arrival of passerines: five House Martins, two Swallows, a Hooded Crow, three Goldcrests, 40 Willow Warblers, three Ring Ouzels, 21 Redwing, 22 Fieldfare, ten Wheatear, a Tree Pipit, four Yellow Wagtails, two Brambling and a Hawfinch.

The following summarises only the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration. 

A sunny and calm start to the day, although cloud built from mid-morning and a moderate northerly wind established; temperatures reached 12 degrees C. During the seawatch the year’s first six Common Terns flew north; four Red-throated Divers and 14 Sandwich Terns were also recorded.

Notable sightings on the headland included a drake Garganey, a pair of Pintail flying north, one Green Sandpiper, a Ring-necked Parakeet, 13 Swallows, 15 Sand Martins, four House Martins, 18 Willow Warblers, the year’s first Sedge Warbler, one Hooded Crow, four Ring Ouzels, two Fieldfare, one Redwing, a Common Redstart, 23 Wheatears, five Yellow Wagtails, a Siskin and two Corn Buntings.

The following summarises only the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration. 

An overcast and cold day, with a strong north-north-east wind and temperatures reaching a mere six degrees C by late morning. Four Red-throated Divers, two Manx Shearwaters and five Sandwich Terns were recorded during the seawatch. In addition, a dark-bellied Brent Goose flew north past the North Cliffs, whilst a Water Rail lingered. Passerine interest in difficult conditions included three Hooded Crows and two Wheatears.

The following summarises only the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration. 

A largely sunny day after an overcast start, with a light/moderate north-west wind and temperatures that peaked at eight degrees C. Seawatch highlights included a Goosander, four Red-throated Divers, 233 Fulmars, a Manx Shearwater and four Sandwich Terns flying north; a Common Tern headed south. 

Sightings on the headland included one House Martin, two Swallows, a Hooded Crow, three Goldcrests, 22 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler, three Redwing, a Ring Ouzel, one Wheatear, a Grey Wagtail, one Yellow Wagtail and a Brambling. In addition, a Swallow, two House Martins and 17 Sand Martins were recorded between Sewerby and South Dykes.

Late news concerns the exciting discovery of a Large Tortoiseshell butterfly photographed on the southern side of the headland on 12th April; part of an influx of this migratory species into southern England, this represents the most northerly record by some distance.

The following summarises only the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration. 

A sunny day, with light south-west winds and temperatures peaking at 14 degrees C. Sightings included a Little Grebe, one Water Rail, a Jack Snipe, 56 Sand Martins, a Redwing, male Common Redstart, two Wheatears and two White Wagtails. Highlights from Buckton/Bempton included a Short-eared Owl, two Grey Partridges and two Ring Ouzels. 

The following summarises only the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration. 

The weather consisted of relatively light northerly winds, sunshine throughout with temperatures reaching ten degrees C. During the seawatch, a Manx Shearwater, four Sandwich Terns and 58 Puffins flew north, with a Common Tern moving in the opposite direction.

Away from the sea, notable records included a drake Garganey, one Little Grebe, two Avocet, a Bar-tailed Godwit, one Green Sandpiper, two Grasshopper Warblers, the year’s first three Common Whitethroats, two Fieldfare, three Wheatear, two Common Redstarts, two Yellow Wagtail and three Brambling. The scale of arrival of migrant warblers over the last week was evident in 13 singing Blackcaps, 16 Chiffchaffs and 17 Willow Warblers being located between Mid and North Dykes. 

The following summarises only the records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration. 

A day of moderate easterlies, sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at ten degrees C. During the seawatch, a Blue Fulmar flew north and other notable sightings included ten Eider, 14 Sandwich Terns and 11 Common Terns.

Sightings on the headland itself included a Little Grebe, one Green Sandpiper, a Sedge Warbler, the year’s first Lesser Whitethroat, a Grasshopper Warbler, one Ring Ouzel, nine Wheatear and a Common Redstart. 

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration. 

The weather consisted of light/moderate north-north-easterly winds, overcast skies during the morning followed by sunny intervals and temperatures that reached ten degrees C. A Blue Fulmar flew north during the seawatch, with 16 Sandwich Terns and 105 Puffins heading south.

Sightings on the headland itself included three Shelduck, ten Teal, the long-staying drake Garganey, a Little Grebe, one Snipe, three Whimbrel, five Curlew, three Goldcrests, a Lesser Whitethroat, three Common Whitethroats, one Sedge Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 12 Wheatear and two Yellow Wagtails.

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

Sunny throughout, with a light/moderate northerly-easterly wind and temperatures that reached 11 degrees C. A Manx Shearwater flew past the headland in the morning, as did two Tufted Ducks and 14 Sandwich Terns. The day’s highlight related to three Cranes that flew east over North Dykes late morning; after touring the outer head, they headed west and were later seen near Scarborough. Notable records also involved two Avocet, a relatively early Swift, 13 Swallows, two Lesser Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler, a Ring Ouzel, 19 Wheatears, a Black Redstart and seven Yellow Wagtails. Two Short-eared Owls frequented cliff top grasslands west of the Dykes.

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

A day of strong and cold easterly winds, sunshine and temperatures that reached 11 degrees C. Sightings off the Fog Station included two Red-throated Divers, eight Lesser Black-backed Gulls, eight Sandwich Terns, two Arctic Terns and four Bottlenose Dolphins.

Elsewhere, there were eight Eider, the long-staying drake Garganey, one Pink-footed Goose, a Grey Plover heading south, ten Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying north, a Hooded Crow, three Goldcrest, a Sedge Warbler, the year’s first Garden Warbler, three Common Whitethroats, a Black Redstart, two Common Redstarts, eight Wheatear, one Yellow Wagtail and a White Wagtail.

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

Another sunny day, with a moderate easterly wind and temperatures that peaked at 11 degrees C. During a seawatch, three Manx Shearwaters, an adult Little Gull and 12 Sandwich Terns flew south. Land-based sightings included a Pink-footed Goose, one Whimbrel, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 32 Swallows, two Hooded Crows, a Ring Ouzel, 13 Wheatear and a Common Redstart.

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

The weather was similar to previous days, with a moderate east-north-east wind, sunshine throughout and temperatures peaking at 12 degrees C. Two Red-throated Divers, 15 Sandwich Terns and three Arctic Terns flew past the Fog Station.

Additional records included a Pink-footed Goose, six Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Hooded Crow, two Goldcrests, five Common Whitethroats, five Lesser Whitethroats, a Ring Ouzel, one Fieldfare, the year’s first Pied Flycatcher, eight Wheatears, a Common Redstart, two Yellow Wagtails and 11 Siskin. A Painted Bunting in a village garden added colour to proceedings, although it sported an avicultural ring. Sightings from Buckton/Bempton included a Green Sandpiper and one Short-eared Owl.

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

A day of cold north-north-west winds, hazy but bright skies and temperatures that reached  11 degrees C. Five Eider, a Manx Shearwater and six Sandwich Terns flew south past the Fog Station.

Land-based sightings included a Pink-footed Goose, four Shoveler, a Little Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, one Snipe, two Goldcrest, four Sedge Warblers, two Grasshopper Warblers, 11 Lesser Whitethroats, six Common Whitethroats, a Ring Ouzel, one Fieldfare, a male Pied Flycatcher, a Common Redstart, ten Wheatear, a Tree Pipit and four Yellow Wagtails. Buckton hosted a White Wagtail.

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

The weather consisted of a light/moderate northerly wind, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached ten degrees C. A Manx Shearwater, 13 Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns flew past the Fog Station. Puffins also returned en masse, with 348 flying north; 839 birds were also counted on the sea off the North Cliffs.

Non-passerine interest on the headland included a Pink-footed Goose, drake Garganey, four Teal, four Shoveler, a pair of Gadwall, a Marsh Harrier, one Red Kite, a flock of ten Common Buzzards flying north over Thornwick, three Bar-tailed Godwits, one Green Sandpiper, a Grey Plover, two Golden Plover, two Whimbrel and three Snipe. A Long-eared Owl represented the second of spring. Increased numbers of passerine migrants have been apparent over the last two days, with today’s highlights involving: a Hooded Crow, two Grasshopper Warblers, five Sedge Warblers, 20 Common Whitethroats, 15 Lesser Whitethroats, two Ring Ouzel, 17 Wheatear, the year’s first Whinchat, a Tree Pipit, five Yellow Wagtails and two Siskin. 

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

A drake Goosander, two Manx Shearwater and a Bonxie flew north past the Fog Station, whilst 119 Sandwich Terns went south. The day’s highlight related to the discovery of a Richard’s Pipit; given its location, almost certainly a spring migrant and not the bird last seen a month ago that over-wintered. Additional sightings on the headland included the long-staying drake Garganey, three Shoveler, two Gadwall, two Marsh Harriers, two Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, five Dunlin, a Snipe, three Bar-tailed Godwit, two Goldcrests, the year’s first Reed Warbler, two Grasshopper Warblers, a Ring Ouzel, one Fieldfare, 14 Wheatear, a Black Redstart, a Tree Pipit, two Yellow Wagtails and a Siskin.

The following summarises only records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

Overcast at either end of the day, with sunny intervals inbetween; light and variable winds and temperatures reached 16 degrees C. Six Eider, two Red-throated Divers and 22 Sandwich Terns flew south past the Fog Station during the morning.

Notable records on the headland itself included a Pink-footed Goose, three Mute Swans, four Gadwall, two Teal, four Shoveler, a Little Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, one Snipe, a Bar-tailed Godwit and the year’s first Common Sandpiper. Passerine interest included 20 Willow Warblers, 11 Chiffchaff, 14 Blackcap, 27 Common Whitethroat, 20 Lesser Whitethroat, eight Sedge Warblers, one Whinchat, 11 Wheatear, a Black Redstart, five Yellow Wagtails and two Siskin.

The following summary only includes records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

The weather consisted of moderate north-north-west winds and sunny intervals after an overcast start, with temperatures reaching a mere ten degrees C. Six Eiders flew south past the Fog Station, with four Whimbrel, a Sanderling, one Dunlin and two Sandwich Terns heading north. Additional sightings included a Pink-footed Goose, four Gadwall, four Shoveler, two Dunlin, one Common Sandpiper and a Little Ringed Plover. The year’s first Cuckoo was also recorded, along with a Richard’s Pipit, Black Redstart and three White Wagtails. Meanwhile, the cricket field at Sewerby attracted three Wheatears and nine Yellow Wagtails.

The following summary only includes records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

An overcast day, with a light north-north-east wind and temperatures that peaked at nine degrees C. Four Red-throated Divers, a Manx Shearwater, 26 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern and 273 Puffins flew past the Fog Station. Sightings elsewhere included a Pink-footed Goose, two Gadwall, two Tufted Ducks, five Sanderling, a Swift, one Reed Warbler, 12 Wheatear and six Yellow Wagtails.

The following summary only includes records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

Cloud increased after a relatively bright start, with light rain from late afternoon; winds were moderate from the south-east and temperatures peaked at 11 degrees C. Eight Eider, two Red-throated Divers, six Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie flew past the Fog Station. Sightings on the headland included a Little Ringed Plover, two Whimbrel, a Grasshopper Warbler and 12 Wheatears.

The following summary only includes records from our resident birders’ health walks and garden sightings; consequently, it provides a mere snapshot of the true scale of our spring migration.

A day of moderate south-west winds, overcast skies and occasional brighter spells, showers from mid-afternoon and temperatures reaching 12 degrees C. Three Red-throated Divers, a Manx Shearwater and three Whimbrel flew north past the Fog Station, with 22 Sandwich Terns heading in the opposite direction. 

A Pink-footed Goose, four Gadwall, four Shoveler and two Tufted Ducks frequented the headland, along with four Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, four Dunlin, a Bar-tailed Godwit and two Whimbrel. Passerine interest included a Grasshopper Warbler (eighth individual of spring), eight Fieldfare, nine Wheatear, a Redstart and six Yellow Wagtails. Sightings in the Bempton area included two Grey Partridges and a Short-eared Owl.