Archive
Sunday, 30 April 2017
A cold sunny day with a strong F4 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 05500-1100, 1730-1930.
Strong onshore winds at the right time of the spring often induce large numbers of Arctic Terns to move east of the Humber towards the continent. A strong overnight SE wind had the desired effect with the 3rd highest count. Totals were 6 Arctic Skua, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Little Tern, 57 Black Tern, 20 Common Tern and 861 Arctic Tern. (Interestingly one photo from Paull Holme Stray, which is west of us, showed one group of about 30 Common Tern, which we could easily have been missed over the vast distance of the Humber).
There was no sign of the Savi's warbler all day. Migrant numbers were 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Whinchat, 24 Wheatear, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler and 1 Redpoll.
Viz-migging produced 5 Barnacle Geese, 11 Sand Martin, 30 Swallow, 9 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 4 Siskin and 1 Yellowhammer.
Over the sea were 17 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 19 Fulmar, 9 Gannet, 51 Kittiwake, 1 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 9 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were the 11 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 12 Teal, 2 Pochard Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds, 21 Avocet and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Black Tern. Ian Smith.
Black Tern. Ian Smith.
Cuckoo. Pete Kirby.
Cuckoo. Pete Kirby.
Saturday, 29 April 2017
A sunny calm start to the day, clouding up with an increasing cool F1 SE-SW-SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0540-1400.
The change in the weather had the predicted effect and along with good numbers of Terns.
A great start to the day with good numbers of birds heading east out of the Humber. Totals were 1 Arctic Skua, 29 Black-headed Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 6 Little Tern, 2 Black Tern, 3 Common Tern and 167 Arctic Tern.
While all this was happening news broke of a SAVI’S WARBLER singing at the eastern end of the canal which occasionally showed among its brief bursts of song. Even briefer was a Nightingale singing in a private Kilnsea garden before going quiet for the rest of the day. Late afternoon a stunning female Dotterel graced Kilnsea wetlands.
Migrant numbers were 52 Whimbrel, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 16 Wheatear, 5 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel at 2am from night recording, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Grasshopper Warbler canal area, 9 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 10 Chiffchaff and 3 Willow Warbler.
Viz-migging produced 2 Wigeon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Lapwing, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Curlew out east, 28 Sand Martin, 35 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 19 Flava Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 36 Carrion Crow, 2 Rook, 17 Goldfinch, 68 Linnet and 3 Corn Bunting.
Over the sea were 2 Wigeon, male Mandarin, a Glaucous Gull north, 6 Teal, 41 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar and 8 Cormorant.
Other birds of note were the 20 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds, 2 Grey Partridge, 2 Greenshank, 21 Avocet and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldfinch. (15 of 6 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Savi's Warbler. Ian Smith.
Dotterel. Jon Niefisk
Friday, 28 April 2017
Early showers petered out with a cold F3-1 N-SE.
Migration Watches: 0630-0930.
Migrant numbers were 52 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat and 2 Chiffchaff.
Viz-migging produced 6 Swallow, 3 Flava Wagtail and 1 Hooded Crow.
Over the sea were 6 Fulmar, 21 Gannet, 1 Red throated Diver, 1 Cormorant, 2 Kittiwake, 2 Little Tern and 26 Auk sp while 52 Arctic Tern flew out north-east (1st of year).
Other birds of note were the 1 Barnacle Goose, 21 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds, 2 Grey Partridge, 21 Avocet, 200 Grey Plover and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: Nil
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Thursday, 27 April 2017
Cold wintery showers all day, with occasional sunny periods in a F3 NW-N wind.
Migration Watches: 0700-1000.
Pretty much the same as the previous day. Change is on the way for the weekend!
Migrant numbers were 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Whimbrel, 5 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 1 Grasshopper Warbler canal area, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Brambling.
Over the sea were 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Tern, 8 Guillemot, 1 Puffin and 154 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were the 1 Barnacle Goose, 19 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck,1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds, 126 Grey Plover, 3700 Dunlin, 23 Avocet and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 2 Brambling
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Brambling. Johan Fisksson.
Brambling. Johan Fisksson. There are few finer sights than the large gatherings of tundra bound waders gathering on the Humber, changing into there breeding finery and finally heading off late May.
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
Cold wintery showers all day, with occasional sunny periods in a F3-4 NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-0930, 1730-1930.
A very poor day, what with the awful weather making it difficult for migrants, especially Hirundines. There was some movement over the sea, but in general little birding was done.
Migrant numbers were 16 Whimbrel, 5 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 24 Wheatear, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler.
Over the sea were 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 14 Fulmar,1 Manx Shearwater, 62 Gannet, 1 Arctic Skua, 57 Kittiwake, 14 Sandwich Tern, 9 Guillemot, 1 Puffin and 154 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were the 1 Barnacle Goose, 20 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck,1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds, 5 Little Egret and 21 Avocet.
Ringing: Nil
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Tuesday, 25 April 2017
A dusting of snow early morning with occasional wintery showers all day, long sunny periods but cold in a F3 NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0700-1130, 1700-1830.
A difficult days birding with the strong cold northerly keeping birds low, but it did produce the rather surreal experience at Sammys point of Whitethroats and Lesser Whitethroats singing from snow covered bushes.
Migrant numbers were 44 Whimbrel, 2 Jack Snipe Beacon ponds, 30 Swallow, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 10 Wheatear, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff and 5 Willow Warbler.
Over the sea were 7 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Fulmar, 33 Gannet, 8 Kittiwake, 3 Sandwich Tern, 4 Guillemot and 6 Auk sp.
Viz-mig was understandably poor and only produced 1 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail and 2 Rook.
Other birds of note were the 43 Greylag Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 20 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 9 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 428 Oystercatcher and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 1 Wheatear, 1 Blackcap.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Barnacle Goose with Greylags. John Hewitt
Monday, 24 April 2017
A cold cloudy start with the odd, occasionally heavy shower, clearing to leave a nice sunny, but still cool afternoon F3 SW-W-NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1030, 1300-1615.
The highlight was the 3rd Red-rumped Swallow of the spring which flew past Numpties having being seen at Hunmanby gap earlier in the morning.
Migrant numbers were 22 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo in the triangle, 22 Swallow, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 46 Wheatear, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 2 Sedge Warbler, Reed warbler singing on Beacon Lane (1st of year), 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Brambling and 2 female Bullfinch at the Obs.
Viz-mig produced 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Turnstone in/off, 14 Wood Pigeon, 14 Sand Martin, 49 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 6 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 6 Jackdaw, 14 Rook, 17 Carrion Crow, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 51 Goldfinch, 91 Linnet, 7 Redpoll and 2 Reed Bunting.
Over the sea 1 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 2 Curlew and 1 Whimbrel.
Other birds of note were the 1 Black Brant with 1 Pale-bellied Brent with the Brent Geese on the Humber, 4 Common Buzzard over Easington and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Wren, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler.
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Black Brant. Jonathon Fisque.
Saturday, 22 April 2017
Another raw dull day for the time of year with a 1-2 WWW-NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0700-1100.
Migrant numbers were 22 Whimbrel, 7 Snipe, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 26 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 9 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler and 2 Brambling.
Viz-mig produced 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Turnstone in/off, 2 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 3 Rook, 9 Carrion Crow and 3 Linnet.
Over the sea 3 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and 4 Fulmar.
Other birds of note were the 1 Canada Goose, 1 Pale-bellied Brent 1 Black Brant with the Brent Geese on the Humber, 19 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Merlin, 2 Golden Plover, 370 Grey Plover, 36 Turnstone and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 3 Dunnock, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting. (11 of 5 sp).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Goldfinch. Ian Smith.
Saturday, 22 April 2017
Bright and sunny all day with a cool F1-2 WNW wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1230.
A Great-white Egret spent much of the day on Kilnsea wetland, then flew out to sea in the evening.
Migrant numbers were 32 Whimbrel, 3 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper from a overnight recording (1st of year), 1 Cuckoo and 2 Tree pipit Sammys (both 1st of year), 1 Yellow Wagtail, 13 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Fieldfare, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Brambling.
Viz-mig produced 14 Curlew out east, 35 sand Martin, 39 Swallow, 5 Flava Wagtail, 15 Magpie u-turned, 4 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 47 Carrion Crow, 12 Goldfinch, 29 Linnet and 1 Yellowhammer.
Other birds of note were the 19 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Merlin, 18 Avocet and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 3 Linnet.
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Great-white Egret. Jammy O'Neill.
Great-white Egret. John Hewitt.
Whimbrel. Ian Smith.
Friday, 21 April 2017
A mainly cloudy day with the odd sunny spell, but cold in the F2-3 W-NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0550-1100, 1430-1500.
The generally cool weather continues and set to go into May.
Migrant numbers were 20 Whimbrel, 4 Snipe, 2 Little Tern, 10 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 21 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Flycatcher (1st of year) and 1 Brambling.
Viz-mig produced 6 Curlew out east, 1 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 9 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 7 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 45 Carrion Crow, 13 Starling, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch and 10 Linnet.
Over the sea 4 Shelduck, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver and 4 Gannet.
Other birds of note were the 2 Black Brant with 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 400 Brent Geese on the Humber, 22 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 21 Avocet, 4 Snipe, 1 Greenshank and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldfinch.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Short-eared Owl. Garry Taylor.
Black Brant. Tim Jump.
Wheatear. Garry Taylor.
Thursday, 20 April 2017
Sunny spells with varying cloud cover and the odd light shower with a F1-2 WNW-NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0625-1205, 1600-1700.
Migrant totals were 1 Little-ringed Plover, 34 Whimbrel, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 15 Wheatear, RedstartSammys (1st of year), 1 Stonechat, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Brambling.
On the move were a male Mandarin on Kilnsea wetland that flew off south, 1 Marsh Harrier, 7 Whimbrel and 144 Curlew out east, 50 Black-headed Gull in/off, 15 Sand Martin, 38 Swallow, 8 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 6 Rook, 18 Carrion Crow, 1 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch and 40 Linnet.
On the move over a very quiet sea were 2 Shoveler, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Cormorant and 5 Sandwich Tern.
Other bits of interest were 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Black Brant. 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 500 Brent Geese al on Easington straight, 27 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldfinch (7 of 4 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Mandarin. John Hewitt.
Magpie. John Hewitt. During March/April numbers increase as birds move south with other Corvids. Not a species that many people realise move. A great sight to see flocks high overhead the Warren.
Wednesday, 19 April 2017
A milder day, mostly cloudy with some light showers with a F1 NE-SE wind.
Migration Watches:
A better day, the lighter wind maybe enabling more migrants to be recorded.
Migrant numbers were 2 Little-ringed Plover, 22 Whimbrel, 3 Snipe, 23 Swallow, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 10 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Firecrest Canal hedge, 1 Bullfinch and 2 Brambling.
Viz-mig produced 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, 86 Curlew out east, 1 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, 9 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 22 Goldfinch, 59 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Corn Bunting.
Over the sea 1 Fulmar, 1 Gannet and 3 Cormorant.
Other birds of note were the 2 Black Brant with 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 400 Brent Geese on the Humber, 28 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 13 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Partridge, 4 Little Grebe, 8 Little Egret, 430 Oystercatcher, 18 Avocet, 1 Barn Owl and 2 Short-eared Owl over Clubleys.
Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Little-ringed Plover. John Hewitt.
Swallow. Garry Taylor.
Tuesday, 18 April 2017
A cold day with plenty of sunshine, but a raw wind with a F1-3 NNE wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-1050.
No sign of the Subalpine Warbler today despite looking in the less than ideal cold wind, though it did bring a few bits extra over the sea. No significant counts were made either.
Over the sea 15 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 23 Fulmar, 69 Gannet, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Sandwich Tern, 25 Auk sp, went south.
Migrant numbers were poor with 8 Whimbrel and 2 Chiffchaff.
Other birds of note were the Black Brant with 340 Brent Geese on the Humber, 1 Peregrine, 14 Avocet and 2 Short-eared Owl over Clubleys
Ringing: 1 Goldfinch.
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Little Egret. Richard Willison.
Black Brant. Rob Creek.
Monday, 17 April 2017
A cool day with sunny spells, warm out of the wind then heavy rain overnight with a F1-2 NE wind.
Migrations watches: 0605-1105, 1500-1545.
The male Western Subalpine Warbler still present at south end of the canal singing and calling.
Other migrants today were male Ruff Kilnsea wetlands, 6 Whimbrel, 2 Little Tern north, 11 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat (1st of year), 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Brambling and 1 Siskin.
Over the sea were 6 Common Scoter, male Red-breasted Merganser on the Humber, 2 red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 2 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 59 Curlew out east,
Viz-migging produced 11 Wood Pigeon, 2 Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, 1 Flava Wagtail, 1 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow and 14 Goldfinch.
Other birds of note were 2 adult Black Brant on the Humber with 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 430 Brent Geese, 24 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 17 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine, 18 Avocet Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Lapwing and 2 Short-eared Owl.
A few Butterflies on the wing with Small White, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip and Holly Blue being seen.
Ringing: 2 Wood Pigeon, 2 Blackbird, 2 Wren, 1 Chaffinch (7 of 4 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Western Subalpine Warbler. Martin Standley.
Western Subalpine Warbler. Martin Standley.
Sunday, 16 April 2017
A mostly overcast day with sunny spells then showers from mid-day heavier by dark with a F1-2 variable wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-1050, 1530-1630.
A small increase in migrant numbers brought the 2nd IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF of the spring, found calling along the canal by Tim Jones (his 2nd of the spring!), while nearby the male Western Subalpine Warbler made a re-appearance having not been seen since the 7th!
Migrant numbers picked up a little with 8 Whimbrel, 12 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Grasshopper Warbler at Chalk bank, 1 Lesser Whitethroat on Vicars Lane (1st of year), 6 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler and 1 Brambling.
Totals for viz-migging were 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 124 Curlew out east, 12 Swallow, 2 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 1 Hooded Crow and 13 Carrion Crow, 19 Goldfinch, 18 Linnet and 1 Reed Bunting.
Over the sea 2 Common Scoter went south.
Other birds of note were the Black Brant with 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 140 Brent Geese on the Humber, 23 Wigeon Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1 male Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzard Easington, 2 Peregrine, 14 Avocet and 1 Short-eared Owl canal area.
Ringing: 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Wren, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Iberian Chiffchaff, 3 Goldfinch. (7 of 5 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Iberian Chiffchaff. Paul French.
Iberian Chiffchaff. Paul French.
Iberian Chiffchaff. Tim Jones.
Saturday, 15 April 2017
Migration Watches: 0610-1130.
An increase in migrant numbers, but poor for visible migration while the Black Brant re-appeared.
Totals for viz-migging were 1 Canada Goose, 2 Red Kite, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 67 Curlew out east, 2 Swallow, 1 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba wagtail, 1 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 3 Hooded Crow blogging and 35 Carrion Crow.
Over the sea 1 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 4 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 79 Herring Gull and 1 Puffin.
Migrant numbers picked up a little with 1 Little-ringed Plover on Kilnsea wetland, 1 Whimbrel, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 10 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat on Clubleys (1st of year), 1 Stonechat, 1 Redwing, 1 Grasshopper Warbler on Beacon Lane (1st of year), 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Siskin.
Other birds of note were the Black Brant with 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 112 Brent Geese on the Humber, 18 Wigeon Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 2 male Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, 2 Lapwing, 14 Avocet, 1 Short-eared Owl and 66 Linnet while an escaped Harris Hawk was mobile about the area.
Ringing: Nil.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Red Kite. John Hewitt.
Hooded Crow. Ian Smith.
Siskin. Dave Tucker.
Friday, 14 April 2017
Overcast day with rain showers in the afternoon becoming heavier and constant by dark and a F2 SW-W wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1030.
Despite favourable winds the poor overland movement continued. The day was more of a recovery from the previous day’s exertions.
Totals were 3 Marsh Harrier, 21 Curlew out east, 36 Wood Pigeon, 4 Swallow, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Alba wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 2 Hooded Crow blogging, 60 Carrion Crow, 4 Starling, 2 Chaffinch, 48 Goldfinch, Siskin, 77 Linnet and 1 yellowhammer.
Over the sea 2 male Velvet Scoter went north.
Migrant numbers were still poor with 6 Whimbrel, 1 White Wagtail, 5 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel on Beacon Lane, 1 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Brambling and 1 Siskin.
Other birds of note were 23 Wigeon Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 2 male Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck Kilnsea Wetlands, 2 Grey Partridge Churchfield,1 Kestrel, 14 Avocet and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Goldfinch.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Thursday, 13 April 2017
Overcast most of the day with sunny spells and a F2-3 NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0615-1030.
A quiet day overall, so time to prepare for the Welwick Charity Bike Ride on Good Friday (no doubt some good photos to follow!), some overdue repairs to the Heligolandtrap at the Warren and sorting the huge delivery of the 2016 Spurn Wildlife.
Very little on the move. Totals were 6 Curlew out east, 42 Wood Pigeon, 6 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 6 Meadow Pipit in/off plus 4 south, 2 Jackdaw, 15 Rook, 1 Hooded Crow blogging, 31 Carrion Crow, 8 Linnet and 1 Siskin.
Migrant numbers were well down with 6 Whimbrel, 1 Fieldfare, 1’Icelandic’ Redwing at the Warren, 7 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Brambling and 1 Siskin.
Other birds of note were 3 Canada Goose triangle, 374 Brent plus 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 19 Wigeon Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Gadwall, 14 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck Kilnsea Wetlands, 6 Little Egret, 1 Common Buzzard Easington and 13 Avocet.
Ringing: 1 Fieldfare, 2 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch. (7 of 4 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Brambling. Dave Tucker.
Its been delivered! The 2016 report.
Now time to sort the mountain of reports.
Wednesday, 12 April 2017
A sunny spells with patchy cloud and a strong F4-5 W-NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0615-1200.
Difficult in the strong winds, but for once the sea delivered some good birds.
Over the sea 2 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 25 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Cormorant, 48 Curlew out east, 2 Snipe west, 4 Gannet, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 57 Black-headed Gull, 7 Auk sp and 1 Razorbill.
Very little on the move over the land. Totals were 4 Sand Martin, 1 Alba Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipit in/off, 5 Carrion Crow, 12 Linnet and 1 Siskin.
Migrant were 1 Little-ringed Plover on Clubleys, 5 Whimbrel, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Redwing, 4 Wheatear, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Siskin.
Other birds of note were 1 Canada Goose, 17 Wigeon Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 6 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine and 1 Black-tailed Godwit.
Ringing: 2 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin. (3 of 2 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Long-tailed Ducks. Ian Smith.
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
A sunny mild day with patchy cloud and an increasing a F2-4 W wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-1100.
The spring so far been noticeable for its lack of visible migration, with only a few days of decent numbers of birds moving south. A run of good south westerlies may have the desired effect but, we will have to wait and see.
Difficult conditions made looking for migrants difficult with very little seen.
No sign of the Iberian Chiffchaff today, but a brief Red-rumped Swallow feeding over Kilnsea wetlands was welcome. It soon moved off north-west towards Easington.
Other migrant were the male Garganey on Holderness Field, 1 White Wagtail and 2 Wheatear.
Over the sea a Great Northern Diver flew north while 5 Gannet went south.
Other birds of note were 17 Wigeon Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 6 Little Egret, 2 Peregrine.
Ringing: 1 Redwing, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet (4 of 3 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Monday, 10 April 2017
A sunny but cool start soon clouded over with an increasing a F2-3 NW-N wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-1100.
The Iberian Chiffchaff was still showing, singing and calling in the Crown to churchyard area, attracting a steady trickle of birders all day.
Other migrant totals were the male Garganey on Holderness Field, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail Sammys, 6 Wheatear, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler while 3+ Short-eared Owl still in the Long bank area.
Moving overland were 1 Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier Sammys, 5 Alba Wagtail plus a good movement of Rook and Jackdaws.
Full update to come.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Garganey. Tim Jump.
Siskin.John Hewitt.
Sunday, 09 April 2017
A warm day with scattered cloud and an increasing a F1-4 SE-W wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-1100.
A male IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF was found singing and calling in the Crown and Anchor car park at 07:00 this morning and continued to sing and show well at times throughout the day, it was trapped and ringed at Kew and is the 2nd Spurn record following one in 2004.
The Iberian Chiffchaff aside it was just about ticking over. Migrant totals were 5 Swallow, 5 Sand Martin, 3 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Firecrestin the crown carpark, 1 Brambling, 2 Siskin and 2 Redpoll.
Moving overland were 1 Marsh Harrier, 16 Curlew out east, 1 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 13 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 32 Carrion Crow, 6 Chaffinch, 42 Goldfinch, 48 Linnet and 3 Reed Bunting.
Other bits of interest were the 11 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 14 Teal with the male Garganey on Holderness Field, 3 Little Egret, 22 Avocet on Kilnsea Wetlands and 1 Short-eared Owl on Clubley’s while the Ring-necked Parakeet was still in Easington.
Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Iberian Chiffchaff. (2 of 2 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Saturday, 08 April 2017
A clear sunny day with a F1-3 S wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1045.
Pretty much the same as the previous few days, but with slight increases in migrants.
The first Little Tern of the year flew out east over the triangle and a Woodlark was at Sammys Point, a Yellow Wagtail at the Riding School, 1 Black Redstart at the Point, 3 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 13 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Siskin and 2 Redpoll.
Moving overland were 1 Common Buzzard, 9 Sand Martin, 3 Alba Wagtail, 5 Jackdaw, 17 Rook, 13 Carrion Crow, 4 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 20 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer.
Over the sea 2 Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Common Buzzard, 9 Sand Martin and 3 Alba Wagtail.
Other bits of interest were the 23 Greylag Geese in the triangle, 1 Pale-bellied Brent with 150 Brent Goose on the Humber, 15 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 4 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 1 Shoveler mainly on Kilnsea Wetlands with the male Garganey on Holderness Field, 2 Grey Partridge, 5 Little Egret, 350 Oystercatcher, 10 Avocet on Kilnsea Wetlands, 4 Short-eared Owl, 15 Magpie triangle while the Ring-necked Parakeet was still in Easington.
Ringing: 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Goldfinch. (12 of 4 species).
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Short-eared Owl. John Hewitt.
Friday, 07 April 2017
A cloudy day with a light variable wind.
Migrations watches: 0625-1045, 1330-1400.
Rather out of the blue a male Western Subalpine Warbler appeared in the morning by the Numpties watchpoint at the Warren, then rapidly moved off north, being trapped in Churchfield soon after. It then skulked around Kilnsea before settling in a hedge behind Driftwood. A Great-grey Shrike also at the warren on the wires, moved to the Riding school area.
Other migrants today were the male Garganey on Holdernes Field, the first Swift of the spring on Beacon Lane, 1 White Wagtail at sammys, 1 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 68 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Brambling.
On the move were 1 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallow, 13 Magpie back north, 1 Rook, 10 Carrion Crow and 14 Goldfinch.
Other birds of note were 1 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Gadwall, 25 Teal and 1 Shoveler.
Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Subalpine Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Tit, 1 Brambling, 4 Goldfinch (11 of 8 species).
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Subalpine Warbler. Jonnie Fisk.
Subalpine Warbler. Steve Valentine.
White Wagtail. Steve Valentine.
Thursday, 06 April 2017
A nice sunny day with a F1 NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0616-1115, 1515-1615.
Pretty much the same as the last few days, but the first decent flock of Curlew headed out east. This is a fantastic sight and sound if you are out and about at Spurn over the next couple of weeks, which can sometimes involve hundreds of birds.
Migrant totals were the long staying male Garganey still on Holderness field, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat, 2 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff and 2 Willow Warbler.
Moving overland were 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 6 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 28 Carrion Crow, 2 Chaffinch, 21 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 9 Linnet. 2 Egyptian Geesealso went south, an almost annual species in recent years, while a Ring-necked Parakeet u-turned back north at the Warren.
Over the sea 1 Cormorant, 20 Curlew out east, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Other bits of interest were the 21 Greylag Geese in the triangle, Brent Goose flock on the Humber, 18 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 29 Teal, 16 Mallard, 2 Shoveler mainly on Kilnsea Wetlands, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Merlin, 2 Little Egret, 21 Avocet on Kilnsea Wetlands, 16 Magpie triangle, 23 Tree Sparrow Churchfield.
Ringing: 1 Wren, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting. (3 of 3 species).
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Avocet. John Hewitt.
Wednesday, 05 April 2017
Generally cloudy, but sunny spells in the afternoon and a F1-2 NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-1015.
The annual spring increase of Brent Geese, which seems to be a staging gathering began and brought a new Black Brant to the Humber. Last spring the flock suddenly and spectacularly all departed out east early May in the morning.
Migrant totals were the male Garganey still on Holderness field, a Long-eared Owl trapped in Churchfield, 1 Wheatear, 2 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow warbler, 3 Goldcrest and 1 Siskin.
Moving overland were 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 38 Carrion Crow, 2 Starling and 10 Linnet.
Over the sea 1 Red-throated Diver was the only bird of note.
Other bits of interest were the 20 Greylag Geese in the triangle, 2 Black Brant with a Pale-bellied Brent and 620 Brent Geese on the Humber, 34 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 28 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 4 Little Egret, 450 Oystercatcher, 22 Avocet on Kilnsea Wetlands, 1500 Dunlin on the Humber, 1 Peregrine, 2 Short-eared Owl at Beacon Ponds and 17 Magpie.
A Ring-necked Parakeet was in the garden of Willow Cottage in Easington.
Ringing: 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch. (4 of 3 species).
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Common Buzzard. John Hewitt.
Long-eared Owl. Jonnie Fisk.
Tuesday, 04 April 2017
Cooler and overcast with sunny spells in the afternoon and a F1-3 N wind.
Migration Watches: 0620-1100, 1400-1515.
No sightings of any Wheatear or Black Redstarts and big reductions in migrants, but still the first Yellow Wagtail and Willow Warbler of the spring arrived, while viz-migging was poorer in the northerly wind, though Corvids were still moving.
Migrant totals were the male Garganey still on Holderness field, a male Yellow Wagtail at Sammy’s Point (1st of year), 2 Stonechat, 2 Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow warbler (1st of year), 1 Goldcrest and 1 Siskin.
Moving overland were 2 Swallow, 33 Jackdaw, 13 Rook, 58 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 6 Starling, 1 Chaffinch and 9 Linnet.
Other bits of interest were the Black Brant with 200 Brent Geese on the Humber, 27 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 26 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 2 Grey Partridge, 4 Little Egret, 16 Avocet, 1 Greenshank, 1 Short-eared Owl on Clubley's and 12 Magpie.
Ringing: 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldfinch. (7 of 3 species).
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Monday, 03 April 2017
A foggy start cleared by late morning with sunny spells and light winds.
Migrations watches: 0700-1205, 1430-1605.
The male Garganey was still on Holderness field while migrant totals were 2 Black Redstart, 1 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat, 7 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff and 13 Goldcrest.
Viz-migging produced 1 Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Wood Pigeon, 3 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 3 alba Wagtail, 5 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 18 Carrion Crow, 12 Starling, 12 Chaffinch, 42 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 74 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer.
On the move over the sea were 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Goosander west and a 2nd Calendar year Glaucous Gull.
Other birds of note were the Black Brant on the Humber with 148 Brent Geese, 2 Gadwall, 24 Teal, 5 Little Egret, 1 Merlin, 1 Greenshank on Beacon Ponds, Little Owl in Easington and Short-eared Owl at Long Bank, .
Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Tree Sparrow, 4 Goldfinch. (8 of 4 species).
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Garganey. John Hewitt.
Sunday, 02 April 2017
A pleasant day overcast in the morning, sunny spells in the afternoon with a F1 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0625-0925.
Quieter overall today with few birds moving in the light winds.
Migrant totals were much reduced again with the male Garganey still on Holderness field, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Wheatear, 5 Black Redstart, 1 Song Thrush, 42 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and the 1 Firecreststill at the Warren.
Moving overland were 4 Meadow Pipit, 12 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 35 Carrion Crow and 3 Chaffinch.
Other bits of interest were 20 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 28 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 6 Little Egret, 13 Moorhen, 11 Avocet and 2 Short-eared Owl Long Bank.
Ringing: 1 Wren , 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Tit, 3 Goldfinch. (6 of 4 species).
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Saturday, 01 April 2017
Sunny spells but mostly overcast, light showers in the morning with a F1-2 SW-W wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-1200, 1530-1640.
Overland movement is slowly picking up with decent numbers of Finches.
Migrant totals were a Male Garganey on Holderness field, 1 Woodcock, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Wheatear, 80 Redwing, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and 1 Firecrest at the Warren.
Viz-migging produced 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 25 Wood Pigeon, 1 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 16 Alba Wagtail, 3 Dunnock, 2 Bearded Tit, 15 Jackdaw, 15 Rook, 19 Carrion Crow, 43 Starling, 423 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 170 Goldfinch, 5 siskin, 328 Linnet, 12 Reed Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer and 1 Corn Bunting.
On the move over the sea were 50 Pink footed Geese, 7 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander, 1 Red throated Diver, 8 Cormorant, 151 Black-headed Gull and 27 Common Gull.
Other bits of interest were 1 Pale-bellied Brent Geese with 200 Brent Geese, 50 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 7 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine, 7 Avocet, 2 Greenshank and 1 Short-eared Owl, .
Ringing: 1 Chiff chaff, 1 Tree Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch (14 of 4 species).
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