Category: Sightings

Brighter spells established after a cloudy start, with a moderate south-easterly wind and temperatures reaching nine degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 152 Fulmars and a Manx Shearwater flying north, with a Bonxie lingering offshore. A Swallow overflew Thornwick Pools, whilst three Wheatears were located on the outer head, with an additional individual at Speeton. North Marine Road attracted a Black Redstart, whilst Old Fall hosted a Firecrest; presuming different to the bird last seen there on Friday, the fourth individual of the last week.

A relatively wet day, with spells of heavy rain, although there were also dryer and brighter interludes; light westerly winds and a peak temperature of a mere five degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, a single Sandwich Tern flew north. Two Firecrests were present: a single in the Bay Brambles and the other remaining in Old Fall. Additional migrants included a Swallow, two Blackcap, a White Wagtail and one Brambling.

Moderate south-easterly winds established during a day that featured sunny spells during the morning and showers and overcast skies later; after an overnight frost, temperatures peaked at seven degrees C. During the seawatch, three Manx Shearwaters and two Sandwich Terns flew north. Thornwick Pools attracted the year’s first Little Ringed Plover and a Snipe, whilst a Swallow overflew the same location; two Sand Martins did the same at Cattlemere. Additional passerine interest included a Hooded Crow on the golf course, a Firecrest at Old Fall, one Wheatear, a Black Redstart on the Seawatch Observatory, a White Wagtail and three Brambling. Another Hooded Crow was located at Wandale Farm near North Dykes.

The weather consisted of strong south-easterly winds, bright spells and temperatures that reached a mere seven degrees C. During the morning seawatch, two Gadwall flew south, whilst a Manx Shearwater headed in the opposite direction.

Stainforth’s Flash attracted two Little Ringed Plovers and a White Wagtail, whilst a Sand Martin overflew Thornwick Pools. Continuing the good run of sightings, two Firecrests were fed together at Old Fall.

The weather consisted of moderate/strong south-easterly winds, hazy sunshine and temperatures that reached ten degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, nine Common Scoters flew north and the year’s first Common Tern headed south. 

The headland’s freshwater sites attracted 28 Teal, four Shelduck, a Little Ringed Plover, one Snipe and three Curlew; a Woodcock was also located at North Landing. Other migrants included a Swallow, two Sand Martins, ten Goldcrests, a Firecrest at Old Fall, two Blackcap, a ‘continental’ Robin, three Wheatear and a White Wagtail.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included a male Ring Ouzel, with two pair of Grey Partridges and 25 Corn Buntings in the same vicinity.

The weather consisted of light north-north-westerly winds, generally overcast skies with occasional light drizzle and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, three Shelduck, six Eider, two Manx Shearwaters, a Sandwich Tern and 302 Puffins flew north. 

Two Pink-footed Geese accompanied the Greylag flock, a Barnacle Goose flew south past South Landing, whilst the Little Ringed Plover lingered on Stainforth’s Flash. A Merlin over North Marsh was a notable sighting of what was once a much more regular visitor. Migrant interest also included six Sand Martins, a Swallow, two Hooded Crows at North Marsh, three Goldcrests, 16 Chiffchaffs, a Black Redstart at Thornwick Bay and two White Wagtails.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted and early Common Whitethroat, 100 Linnets and 120 Corn Buntings.

Misty throughout, occasionally better described as foggy, with a light north-north-east wind and temperatures that reached eight degrees C. Seawatching highlights included a drake Mandarin Duck flying north, along with a Pochard and two Sandwich Terns, with a single Common Tern heading in the opposite direction. 

Two Pink-footed Geese lingered on the outer head, whilst Stainforth’s Flash attracted two Little Ringed Plovers. Additional sightings included a Hooded Crow on the Golf Course, six Redwing and three Fieldfare at South Landing and two White Wagtails.

Another largely overcast and, at times, misty day, with light/moderate northerly winds and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. During the seawatch, four Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew north; a species that clearly arrived during the day, with a further 11 located on the headland.

Two Gadwall frequented North Marsh, whilst two Little Ringed Plovers and 13 Golden Plovers were on Stainforth’s Flash; two more Golden Plovers also overflew the outer head, as did the year’s first Whimbrel. Passerine migrant interest included single Swallow and Sand Martin, a Hooded Crow at North Marsh, four Blackcaps, and single White Wagtail, Siskin and Brambling.

Sightings from Bempton included a male Ring Ouzel on Short Lane and seven Redwing and four Goldcrests at RSPB Bempton Cliffs; Buckton Pond attracted a Swallow.

A day of moderate/strong north-easterly winds and sunny intervals, with temperatures peaking at nine degrees C. During the seawatch, two Eider and a Blue Fulmar flew north, with a Sandwich Tern heading south.

Four Eider lingered off South Landing, five Shelduck visited Thornwick Pools and a Little Ringed Plover remained at Stainforth’s Flash. In addition, the Hooded Crow reappeared on the Golf Course, a Firecrest at ‘Booted Gully’ was new, 19 Chiffchaffs represented an increase and a lone Brambling was also located.

Another day of moderate north-easterly winds, prolonged sunny intervals and suppressed temperatures that reached a maximum of seven degrees C. During the seawatch, nine Common Scoters and a Sandwich Tern flew north. A Common Sandpiper on the outer head represented the year’s first. Two Hooded Crows lingered around North Marsh, the male Firecrest remained at Booted Gully and two Brambling visited gardens.

After an overcast start, sunny skies prevailed; there were light south-easterly winds and temperatures reached a peak of eight degrees C. During the seawatch, six Eider, 36 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 162 Common Gulls and the year’s first Arctic Tern flew south, whilst a Sandwich Tern headed north. 

Stainforth’s Flash attracted two Little Ringed Plovers. Passerine interest included five Sand Martins, three Swallows, three Hooded Crows, the year’s first Willow Warbler, a singing Blackcap, 215 Linnets and a female Brambling.

The weather consisted of sunny intervals, light/moderate easterly winds and temperatures that reached eight degrees C. Seawatching highlights included 45 Common Scoters, a Manx Shearwater, an adult Little Gull, 122 Common Gulls and five Sandwich Terns flying south; a further eight Sandwich Terns moved north. 

A Red Kite overflew Old Fall and later drifted west over the village, whilst a Little Ringed Plovers dropped onto Stainforth’s Flash. Passerine interest included 23 Sand Martins, three Hooded Crows around the outer head, a Goldcrest, 26 Chiffchaffs, five Blackcap, two Redwing, two Wheatears and a White Wagtail.

The weather consisted moderate east-north-easterly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that reached eight degrees C. Seawatching highlights included a Blue Fulmar flying north, with 39 Common Scoters, 13 Red-throated Divers, 12 Sandwich Terns, five Arctic Terns and 544 Puffins heading south.

On the headland, sightings included two Little Ringed Plovers, a Merlin, two Hooded Crows, three House Martins, a Firecrest at South Landing, one Willow Warbler, two Blackcap, three Redwing and three Wheatears. RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a pair of Grey Partridge, 22 Yellowhammers and ten Corn Buntings.

A day of moderate/strong east-north-east winds, sunny intervals and light showers, with temperatures eventually rising to eight degrees C. The morning’s seawatch was relatively quiet, with three Sandwich Terns flying north the most notable record.

North Marsh hosted the year’s first Shoveler, with single Little Ringed Plover and Whimbrel also recorded on the outer head. Passerine interest included four Hooded Crows together at North Marsh, 17 Chiffchaffs, six Goldcrest, seven Blackcap and three Redwing.

A moderate/strong south-easterly featured throughout the day, with sunny intervals and temperatures reaching eight degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, six Eiders and ten Sandwich Terns flew north. 

On the headland itself, there were sightings of single Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, along with seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls, four Hooded Crows, three Wheatear and two White Wagtails.

A moderate/strong easterly wind, sunny intervals and temperatures that edged up a couple of degrees on recent days to a peak of ten degrees C. During the seawatch, two Eider, a Manx Shearwater, 19 Sandwich Terns, one Common Tern and a Bonxie flew north, with a Whimbrel heading south. 

Thornwick Pools hosted three Shelduck, 20 Teal, a Little Ringed Plover and a Snipe, whilst Stainforth’s Flash attracted single Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover. An increase in summer migrants occurred, with sightings including 20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 20 Sand Martins, nine Swallows, two Hooded Crows, nine Goldcrests, six Willow Warblers, 11 Chiffchaffs, 12 Blackcaps, the year’s first Lesser Whitethroat, two Black Redstarts on the outer head, one Wheatear, a Tree Pipit and one Siskin.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included four Goldcrests and two Chiffchaffs, all newly arrived.

The weather consisted of light northerly winds, sunny intervals and temperatures that peaked at ten degrees C. During the seawatch, 28 Sandwich Terns flew north and four Whimbrel, 210 Common Gulls and three Arctic Terns headed south.

The headland’s wetlands attracted six Shelduck, 20 Teal, a Merlin, one Golden Plover and two Little Ringed Plovers. An increase in migrant passerines resulted in the following records: 19 Sand Martins, a House Martin, 19 Swallows, four Hooded Crows, eight Redwing, a ‘continental’ Song Thrush, 21 Goldcrests, ten Willow Warblers, 34 Chiffchaff, 23 Blackcaps, the year’s first Common Whitethroats (three) and Common Redstart, a male Black Redstart, eight Wheatears and a Brambling.  

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included three Goldcrests, three Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, five Wheatear and a White Wagtail.

A day of light northerly winds, prolonged sunny skies with temperatures reaching ten degrees C. During the morning’s seawatch, ten Know flew south and 34 Sandwich Terns were recorded (23 north, 11 south). 

Nineteen Teal remained in residence, single Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper frequented Thornwick Pools, four Little Ringed Plovers were also present (three Thornwick Pools, one Hood’s Pool) and single Golden Plover and Whimbrel toured the outer head. The year’s first Marsh Harrier, a ‘creamcrown’, drifted over North Marsh area mid-morning, whilst a Long-eared Owl was located along Old Fall hedge early morning. Passerine interest included 33 Swallows, 16 Sand Martin, six Hooded Crows at North Marsh, 13 Goldcrest, 12 Blackcap, a singing Grasshopper Warbler in the Lighthouse Grasslands, 15 Chiffchaff, ten Willow Warbler, six Redwing, two Fieldfare, three Black Redstarts, a male Common Redstart, eight Wheatears and Brambling.

The weather consisted of light north-easterly winds, sunny skies and temperatures that reached 12 degrees C. During the seawatch, three Red-throated Divers flew south, two Manx Shearwaters moved north and 28 Sandwich Terns were also logged during the morning (16 south, 12 north).

The day’s undoubted highlight referred to an adult Goshawk that toured the headland. Initially seen over Lighthouse Road/Old Fall from 0920-0925hrs, it was eventually lost heading in the direction of Flatmere. Just over an hour later, it was relocated over Flatmere, before it flew west over the village in the direction of the Dykes; with only a handful of well documented records, this is a very rare bird locally. Raptors were a theme of the day, with three Marsh Harriers; two birds that flew south over Bridlington Bay and another that drifted west over the village. Nine Common Buzzards over the Dykes added further raptor interest, as did no fewer than 16 Sparrowhawks. A Long-eared Owl was located in the Gorse Field, whilst a pair of Grey Partridge were near North Marsh. Passerine interest included three House Martins, six Hooded Crows, two Redwing, a Firecrest along Old Fall Hedge, 24 Goldcrests, 14 Willow Warbler, 32 Chiffchaff, 35 Blackcap, two Lesser Whitethroats, four Common Whitethroats, six Wheatears, a White Wagtail, two Yellow Wagtails and a Brambling.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included two Cranes that flew south over RSPB Bempton Cliffs during the afrwernoon. Nearby, Buckton attracted 22 Fieldfare, three Redwing, a Grasshopper Warbler and a Yellow Wagtail. In addition, 15 Bottlenose Dolphins fed offshore there.

The weather consisted of light onshore winds, sunshine throughout and temperatures that peaked at 17 degrees C. During the seawatch, 12 Common Scoter, five Red-throated Divers,  a Manx Shearwater and a Common Tern flew south, whilst a Whimbrel, 33 Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie headed north.

The Goshawk, considered a 4th calendar-year male, was seen again; flying west over Thornwick towards Mid-Dykes. In addition, a creamcrown Marsh Harrier flew east over Hartendale, at least two Red Kites toured the headland and a Short-eared Owl headed east over South Landing. Thornwick Pools hosted the year’s first Green Sandpiper and a Water Rail, with a pair of Grey Partridge near South Dykes. Passerine interest included two Hooded Crows, three Redwing, a Fieldfare, a ‘continental’ Song Thrush, three House Martins, 36 Sand Martins, four Goldcrests, 28 Willow Warblers, five Chiffchaff, 16 Blackcap, four Common Whitethroat, eight Lesser Whitethroats, a Grasshopper Warbler in Bay Brambles, two Sedge Warblers, seven Yellow Wagtails, a Blue-headed Wagtail at Hartendale, two White Wagtails, a Black Redstart and 26 Wheatears.

Sightings from RSPB Bempton Cliffs included  a Firecrest in the Dell, four Blackcap and single Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat.

Light,variable winds initially, with a light/moderate south-easterly during the middle of the day; sunny throughout, with temperatures reaching 16 degrees C. Seawatch highlights included 12 Common Scoter, two Whimbrel, 37 Sandwich Terns and a Bonxie flying south, with 20 Sandwich Terns heading north; a Short-eared Owl initially seen at South Landing, later flew out off the Fog Station, but eventually headed back inshore. 

The Goshawk continued to tour the headland; it spent much of the time circling over North Dykes, but was also seen on the outer head near the Golf Course. Thornwick Pools attracted two Snipe, one Jack Snipe, a Dunlin and one Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover flew over North Marsh and a Golden Plover did the same over Oceanview. A Hooded Crow and a Hooded x Carrion Crow hybrid accompanied the corvid flock at North Marsh, whilst there were also five Fieldfare and six ‘continental’ Song Thrush on the north side of the headland. Meanwhile, South Landing hosted a singing Firecrest at the seaward end of the ravine. Additional migrant totals included five Goldcrests, 43 Willow Warblers, 28 Chiffchaff, nine Lesser Whitethroats, seven Common Whitethroats, 52 Blackcap, four Sedge Warblers, two Common Redstarts, a female Black Redstart, the year’s first Whinchat, a Stonechat,  51 Wheatears, the year’s first Pied Flycatchers (two in Old Fall), the male Blue-headed Wagtail again at Hartendale, five Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail. 

RSPB Bempton Cliffs hosted a male Firecrest, four Willow Warblers, six Chiffchaffs, six Blackcap, two Common Whitethroats, a male Ring Ouzel, seven Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail and two Brambling.

Another sunny day, with light easterly winds and temperatures that reached 14 degrees C. Highlights of the morning’s seawatch included two Teal, two Eider, 78 Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns flying south.

The day’s highlights related to a Cetti’s Warbler caught & ringed at North Landing (third Flamborough record) and the mid-morning discovery of a Nightingale in the hedge behind the hide at Thornwick Pools. Typically, after the initial views, it failed to reappear; this represents the first record since April 2010.

The Goshawk remained in residence; at one point it flew strongly out to sea, but later returned, whilst a creamcrown Marsh Harrier overflew South Landing. Thornwick Pools hosted two Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, two Dunlin and a Black-tailed Godwit. Migrants included three House Martins, a Firecrest in Old Fall, the year’s first Garden Warbler, two Ring Ouzels and three Fieldfare. There were also four Redstarts, a male Black Redstart between North Landing and Thornwick, 36 Wheatear, the year’s first Tree Pipits (two south over Lighthouse), nine Yellow Wagtails, three White Wagtails, a male Pied Flycatcher and a Brambling.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted six Willow Warblers, four Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, six Common Whitethroats, three Lesser Whitethroats, four Wheatears and a White Wagtail. Nearby, sightings at Buckton included a Short-eared Owl, three Sedge Warblers, five Common Whitethroats, a Grasshopper Warbler and eight Wheatears.

Another sunny day, with temperatures slightly down from the weekend and a light south easterly wind. The morning sea watch produced 12 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 24 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern and a single Whimbrel. Further wader action was provided by the Black-tailed Godwit continuing at Thornwick pools, with a Bar-tailed Godwit at South Landing. 

Yesterday’s Firecrest remained in Old Fall plantation. Other passerine totals included 6 Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 17 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest a Yellow Wagtail and a Fieldfare.

Bar-tailed Godwit, South Landing by Paul Reed.

Tawny Owl, Needles Plantation by June and Maclolm Fox.

A hazy start, with scattered cloud by the afternoon and a light easterly breeze. Sea watch counts included 10 Eider, 9 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 6 Sandwich Tern and a Flava Wagtail.

A Pied Flycatcher was reported from the gorse field, whilst the Firecrest remained in Old Fall and was joined by a Tree Pipit. Two more Tree Pipit were at South Landing. A single Hooded Crow lingered at Cattlemere. The Black-tailed Godwit commuted between North Marsh and Thornwick Pools, with the latter location also attracting a Common Sandpiper, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Ringed Plover and a Yellow Wagtail.  4 Wheatear, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel and a Brambling were also noted.

At Buckton 3 Marsh Harrier, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Grey Partridge, 5 Wheatear and a Common Sandpiper were logged. Bempton held a Short-eared Owl, Fieldfare, Wheatear, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Green Sandpiper flew over.

Wheatear, Buckton by Paul Reed.

Grasshopper Warbler, Buckton by Paul Reed.

A mixed day with sunny spells and heavy showers from late morning onwards. Wind was a moderate south easterly. The sea watch was quieter than of late with counts including single Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver, and 19 Sandwich Tern.

The year’s first Cuckoo was at South Landing during the morning, before flying off west. Old Fall attracted a male Pied Flycatcher, whilst the Firecrest and Tree Pipit remained. A second Tree Pipit flew over South Landing. Thornwick Pools hosted a Black-tailed Godwit and a Dunlin. Counts of commoner migrants included 10 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 21 Blackcap, 12 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Wheatear and a single Fieldfare.

A Short-eared Owl was at Bempton, whilst nearby Buckton produced Common Sandpiper, 3 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and a Sedge Warbler.

Short-eared Owl, Bempton by Alan Walkington.

Prolonged sunny intervals during the morning, with increasing cloud and light showers by the evening; southerly winds strengthened throughout, with temperatures peaking at 14 degrees C. During the seawatch, two Manx Shearwaters flew north, with five Whimbrel and six Sandwich Terns moving south.

Wader interest on the headland included two Little Ringed Plovers, two Dunlin, two Snipe, a Common Sandpiper and an additional six Whimbrel. A Red Kite over the village mid-morning eventually headed off north-west, whilst much rarer in the local context, a Ring-necked Parakeet initially over the Lighthouse eventually rested briefly in the Bay Brambles before it headed off west. Passerine interest included ten Song Thrush, a Redwing, two Goldcrests, 38 Willow Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler singing at North Landing, 28 Whitethroats, four Pied Flycatchers (all male), nine Wheatears, a male Redstart at Old Fall, five Yellow Wagtails, a Tree Pipit caught & ringed at South Landing and a Lesser Redpoll.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs attracted a two Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, three Wheatear, a White Wagtail, a Goldcrest, four Willow Warblers and 77 Corn Buntings. 

An overcast day, with frequent showers; a moderate/strong southerly wind gradually dropped in strength. During the seawatch, two Shelduck, 17 Common Scoter, 17 Manx Shearwater, a Whimbrel, one Mediterranean Gull and 109 Sandwich Terns flew south, with two Bonxies and two Arctic Skuas heading north.

The day’s highlight related to the appearance of an Alpine Swift; initially over RSPB Bempton Cliffs from 1215-1245hrs, it was then relocated in the vicinity of the Lighthouse on the outer head where it remained from c.1300-1315hrs. Additional sightings included a Short-eared Owl that circled the outer head, the year’s first Common Swift over the village, four Wheatears and a male Pied Flycatcher in Old Fall.

Two Short-eared Owls frequented the Bempton/Buckton area, with the latter location also attracting one Marsh Harrier, a Common Swift, eight Song Thrush, seven Sedge Warblers and eight Yellow Wagtails.

A moderate/strong north-north-westerly reduced in strength during a day that started overcast, but ended with prolonged sunny spells; temperatures reached 11 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included two Gadwall, 1226 Fulmars, 43 Manx Shearwaters (April record), a Bar-tailed Godwit, three Bonxies, a Common Tern and 1319 Puffins all flying north, with five Red-throated Divers and six Sandwich Terns moving south.

The Alpine Swift made a brief re-appearance; heading east over Old Fall at 1535hrs. A male Pied Flycatcher was still in residence at the same location. Elsewhere, single Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers dropped onto Thornwick Pools, a Short-eared Owl graced South Landing, whilst RSPB Bempton Cliffs continued to host another two Short-eared Owls.

The weather consisted of light onshore winds, generally from a north-easterly direction, sunny skies after an overcast start and temperatures that reached 11 degrees C. Seawatching highlights included a Red-breasted Merganser, ten Manx Shearwaters, 12 Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern and 300 Puffins flying north.

Passerine interest included one Hooded Crow on the Golf Course, the year’s first Reed Warbler at Thornwick Pools, a Redstart, seven Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail. Sightings from Buckton included three Willow Warblers, a singing Grasshopper Warbler and two Wheatears.

After a foggy start to the day, sunny intervals prevailed, with temperatures reaching 13 degrees C. A total of 19 Common Buzzards was further indication of the continued and substantial increase witnessed this year; six Sparrowhawks were also noted over the village. Two Little Ringed Plovers and a Ringed Plover were in residence, with a Whimbrel heading south. Passerine interest included two Hooded Crows near North Marsh.