Archive
Wednesday, 31 May 2017
A glorious sunny day with a light variable wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1030, 1700-1815.
The last few days of the month have been a bit quiet for viz-migging, but given favourable winds the next 2 months should (hopefully!) see big numbers of Swifts on the move. The systems to look for are days of south westerly winds with sun and patchy cloud (with maybe the threat of rain). A big Swift day stood at Numpties, when thousands are almost whistling past your ears is a truly unforgettable experience.
On the move today were 2 Whimbrel, 3 Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 39 Swallow, 23 House Martin, 4 Flava and 2 Jackdaw.
Migrants numbers were typically low for this time of year with 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.
On the move over the sea were 39 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great crested Grebe, 14 Gannet, 3 Fulmar, 3 Cormorant, 2 Razorbill and 1 Guillemot.
Other interesting sightings were 7 Brent Geese, 1 Wigeon, 11 Little Egret, 3 Whimbrel and 1st summer Mediterranean Gull on the Humber while the resident adult Kittiwake remains on Kilnsea wetlands.
5 Red-veined Darter were on Clubleys scrape.
Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Chiffchaff.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Tuesday, 30 May 2017
Some sunny spells with occasional showers and an increasing F1-3 SW-W wind.
Migration Watches: 0500-0730, 1400-1630.
Breeding is fully underway and this year we are undertaking a full census of breeding birds in the area including up to Easington and Sammy’s. Initial results are showing better numbers of species like House Martin and Sedge Warbler, while ringing of pullus Blue and Great Tit are producing encouraging large broods.
The Little Tern project is well underway and if visiting please only access the colony from Kilnsea wetlands carpark and view from the banking on the west side of Beacon ponds.
Viz migging was surprisingly very slow, but produced a Spoonbill south plus 2 Marsh Harrier, 69 Swift, 38 Swallow, 38 House Martin and 2 Tree Pipit.
On the move over the sea were 1 Gannet, 3 Fulmar and 1 Cormorant.
A slight increase in some migrants with 1 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Cuckoo, 2 Wheatear, 1 Grasshopper Warbler by the gas terminal, 1 willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and 7 Spotted Flycatcher.
Other interesting sightings were 1 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 15 Little Egret, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Peregrine over the Humber, 1 Water Rail along the canal, an unseasonal Snipe and 1 Barn Owl.
1 Red-veined Darter was in churchfield and 1 Broad-bodied Chaser were seen while a good count of 16 Roe Deer was made.
Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Monday, 29 May 2017
Light showers with misty conditions sometimes thicker with heavy rain late pm and a F1 ENE wind.
Migration Waltches: 0425-0645, 1200-1300.
If two days could be more contrasting then today and the previous epic day are proof. After the sun and blue sky with a warm wind full of birds, today brought many observers back to reality with poor visibility and little seen.
The few migrants seen were 1 Hobby green lane, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Wheatear, 6 Chiffchaff and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Over the sea were 3 Manx Shearwater, 4 Fulmar, 22 Gannet and 3 Kittiwake while moving were 2 Common Tern out east, 7 Swift and 2 Flava Wagtail.
Other birds of note were 5 Brent Geese, 1 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 1 Little ringed Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, adult Yellow legged Gull Humber and 2 Grey Partridge and breeding wise 18 Reed Warbler.
Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Swallow, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin pulli, 1 Dunnock pulli, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Tree Sparrow (1 pulli), 1 Linnet. (11 of 8 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Sunday, 28 May 2017
An awesome day of classic Spurn vis-migging action saw an incredible 4 RED-FOOTED FALCON fly south past the Numpties watchpoint at the Warren, along with incredible views of an ALPINE SWIFT as it flew inches over the heads of the assembled crowd with other noteworthy species of a RED-RUMPED SWALLOW, Spoonbill and Red Kite.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Alpine Swift. Tim Jones.
1/4 1s male Red-footed Falcon. Later seen past Gib Point, Lincs.
2/4 1s male Red-footed Falcon. The most advanced in its post-juvenile moult.
3/4 1s female Red-footed Falcon.
4/4 1s male Red-footed Falcon. Jake Gearty. The least advanced in its post-juvenile moult. First thought to be a female on fly by the plain grey upperparts, extensive moulted grey axillaries and grey on the face show this to be young male.
Saturday, 27 May 2017
A hot sunny with a light SE wind , clouding over with thunder and lightning, remaining warm and a changed F3-6 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0430-2010.
A sad day for the warden Paul Collins when his team Chelsea, were beaten 2-1 in the FA cup, which was watched by most of the birders in the crown pub.
Late evening while most observers were watching the football, one eagle eyed observer spotted a female Red-footed Falcon over the Observatory garden, which headed south turning back at the Warren, (which then emptied the pub) and last seen going into the garden of Rose Cottage.
Otherwise viz-migging produced 1 Hobby, 3 Lapwing blogging, 13 Black-headed Gull, 346 Swift, 8 Sand Martin, 264 Swallow, 207 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 1 Jackdaw, 6 Carrion Crow, 9 Goldfinch, 10 Linnet and 1 Yellowhammer.
Heading out east were 22 Brent Geese, 51 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 25 Little Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern, 18 Common Tern and 9 Arctic Tern.
Over the sea (south unless stated) were 4 Teal, 15 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Fulmar and 3 Manx Shearwater.
Migrant numbers were 6 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Wheatear, 1 Redstart, 1 Redwing, 2 Willow Warbler and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Other birds of note were 1 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 10 Common Scoter on the Humber, 2 Great-crested Grebe on the Humber, 276 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Stint Beacon ponds, 2 Curlew Sandpiper Humber, 1 Ruff, 1000 Dunlin, 27 Turnstone and 67 Little Tern Beacon ponds.
The 1st Hairy Dragonfly for Spurn was at Sammys point, 7 Red veined Darter were in the area, 1 Broad bodied Chaser while 4 Green Hairstreak still at the point. A Mink was seen along the canal.
Ringing: Nil
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Friday, 26 May 2017
Another warm sunny blue sky day, but cooler in the increasing F1-3 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0520-1930.
While little else was moving overland it was a surprise to see a Pallid Swift flying south past the Warren in the company of 2 Common Swift and then past middle camp.
Otherwise viz-migging produced 1 Marsh Harrier, 7 Oystercatcher out east, 3 Black Tern out east, 40 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 245 Swallow, 161 House Martin, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch and 1 Corn Bunting.
Over the sea were a summer plumage Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet, 5 Fulmar, 6 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 4 Kittiwake and 14 Sandwich Tern.
Migrant numbers were 6 Whimbrel in the Triangle, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel still showing well at the Warren and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.
Other birds of note were the 19 Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 20 Common Scoter on the Humber, 2 Peregrine, 2 Water Rail along the canal, 1 Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull at the Warren, .
4 Green Hairstreak were at the Point, a male Red veined Darter was in churchfield and the first Broad bodied Chaser also in Churchfield.
Ringing: 1 Whinchat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Starling, 4 House Sparrow (pulli), 1 Reed Bunting.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Pallid Swift. Ian Smith.
Pallid Swift. Ian Smith. Flying away showing brown uppers
Thursday, 25 May 2017
A fine sunny warm day with blue sky, but hazy visibility and a light F1 NW-SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0520-1200.
In what has been a poor spring for visible migration especially for Finches and Hirundines which have rarely troubled the counters, mainly due to the lack of south westerly winds, it is still a surprise to have another 2 Red-rumped Swallows past numpties. The first paused preening for several minutes on the wires at 7am, then headed off high south with a Swallow, the second rapidly through at 10.45 on its own. (5th and 6th this year).
Otherwise viz-migging produced 1 Greenshank, 11 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 127 Swallow, 30 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 15 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 5 Carrion Crow, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch and 3 Linnet.
Waders heading out north-east were 3 Ringed Plover, 50 Grey Plover, 19 Sanderling, 30 Dunlin and 1 Whimbrel.
Over the sea were 2 Teal, 30 Common Scoter, 1 Red throated Diver, 35 Gannet, 4 Fulmar, 6 Cormorant, 38 Kittiwake, 15 Sandwich Tern, and 54 Auk sp.
Migrant numbers were 12 Whimbrel in the Triangle, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel still showing well at the Warren.
Other birds of note were the 10 Brent Geese, 2 Gadwall, 70 Common Scoter on the Humber, 160 Sanderling and 2 Grey Partridge, while a Corn Bunting still singing near Easington.
A male Red veined Darter was in churchfield.
Ringing: 10 Great Tit (pulli), 1 Whitethroat, 1 Linnet, 1 Chaffinch.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Red-rumped Swallow. Ian Smith.
Red-rumped Swallow with Swallow. Ian Smith.
Wednesday, 24 May 2017
A warm, sunny day with a light F1 NW- 2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1030, 1300-1500.
A totally unexpected vocal Cetti’s Warbler along the Canal which then flew to behind the canal scrape hide, and then vanished not to be seen again.
Migrant numbers again low with 1 Little Stint Beacon ponds, 2 Cuckoo, female Ring Ouzel still at the Warren, 3 Redwing with 2 at the Obs and 1 Canal hedge, 2 Blackcap and 6 Spotted Flycatcher.
Viz-migging produced 83 Brent Geese and 200 Grey Plover out east, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 3 Flava Wagtail, 10 Sand Martin, 190 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 20 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 2 Chaffinch, 7 Goldfinch and 18 Linnet.
Over the equally quiet sea were 7 Gannet, 54 Kittiwake, 4 Sandwich Tern, .
Other birds of note were the 30 Brent Geese, the male Red-crested Pochard remained on Canal scrape, immature Peregrine over the Obs, 9 Whimbrel triangle and 1 Little Gull.
A Red-veined Darter was in Churchfield.
Ringing: 3 Blue Tit (pulli).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Red-crested Pochard. Steve Exley.
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
A warm, sunny day with a light F1 NW- 2 S wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1100, 1300-1530.
The beginnings of the high arctic waders exodus began in earnest today and one of the great flock calls as groups of Grey Plover headed off north-east.
After the adult the previous day an immature Spoonbill was over Beacon ponds then drifted off north.
Migrant numbers stayed low with 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel still at the Warren, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Blackcap and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Viz-migging produced only 150 Grey Plover out east, 2 Marsh Harrier, 4 Flava Wagtail, 5 Sand Martin, 130 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 6 Jackdaw, 3 Chaffinch, 7 Goldfinch and 9 Linnet.
Over the equally quiet sea were 1 Tufted Duck, 30 Common Scoter, 3 Great-crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant and 6 Sandwich Tern.
Other birds of note were the 75 Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, male Red-crested Pochard on Canal scrape (6th record), 1 Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Partridge, 1300 Grey Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Hen Harrier long bank, 1 Barn Owl and 1 Short-eared Owl.
A Red-veined Darter was in Churchfield.
Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 5 Great Tit (pulli), 7 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Chaffinch. (14 of 4 species)
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Red-crested Pochard. J. onifisk.
Monday, 22 May 2017
A hazy sunny day feeling warm with a F1-3 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1200, 1315-1500.
A quiet day overall for birds on the move south and in the bushes, but the 1st Spoonbill of the year was present and showing well on Kilnsea wetlands.
Migrant numbers again low with 2 Cuckoo, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 1 Black Redstart at the Warren, 1 Ring Ouzel still at the Warren, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Viz-migging produced only 22 Oystercatcher out east, 1 Swift, 2 Flava Wagtail, 7 Sand Martin, 278 Swallow, 88 House Martin, 11 Goldfinch and 26 Linnet.
Over the equally quiet sea were 2 Eider, 11 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 25 Gannet, 22 Kittiwake and 50 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were the 116 Brent Geese, 1 Wigeon, 3 Tufted Duck on the Humber, 3 Grey Partridge, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Lapwing, 2 Curlew Sandpiper Humber, 1 Greenshank Point, 1 Whimbrel, and Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Wren, 1 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Linnet (pulli).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Spoonbill. John Hewitt.
Spoonbill. Dave Tucker.
Ring Ouzel. John Hewitt.
Sunday, 21 May 2017
Mostly sunny with some cloudy periods and a light F1 SW-SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1100.
Migrant numbers were 1 Little Stint on the Humber, 3 Whinchat Triangle, 2 Ring Ouzel at the Warren, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Viz-migging produced 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Red Kite, 45 Grey Plover out east, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Turtle Dove back north, Flava Wagtail, 13 Sand Martin, 317 Swallow, 127 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Alba Wagtail, 3 Swift, 1 Chaffinch, 31 Goldfinch and 46 Linnet.
The sea was awful with 1 Great Northern Diver and 4 Cormorant the only birds of note.
Other birds of note were the 64 Brent Geese, 1 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Short-eared Owl while the Ring-necked Parakeet remained in Easington.
Ringing: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Tree Sparrow (pulli), 1 Goldfinch.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Saturday, 20 May 2017
Bright start with showers in the late afternoon with a F2 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1540.
Overnight recording to see what species are passing overhead unseen and generally unheard has recently become quite popular and a useful way of recording what happens while most of us are asleep. In particular Tim Jones has been pushing this interesting concept at the Observatory, and has been getting some amazing results which no doubt will get a proper write up in the near future.
Recordings from last night included Little Grebe, Spotted Redshank and Water Rail along with the usual species like Oystercatcher and the resident amorous Foxes which make for fascinating listening!
Interest in the morning at the Warren came in the form of an apparent Iberian Chiffchaff trapped and ringed. Potentially the 3rd this spring, a loose feather was obtained, but unfortunately no calls were heard. Features seemed consistent with this species, but it seems we may have to rely on DNA this time.
It was a great day for viz-migging, with the 4th Red-rumped Swallow of the spring south late morning.
Also on the move today were a nice diverse selection of species so late in the month with 5 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Hobby, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 27 Grey Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 24 Curlew all out east (which should be a big feature of the next week or so as the high arctic waders head off to breed), 6 Swift, 22 Sand Martin, 841 Swallow, 180 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Flava, 20 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, 9 Chaffinch, 18 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 18 Linnet and 3 Corn Bunting.
Migrants numbers were 8 Whimbrel, 1 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Reed Warbler, 10 Sedge Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler and 4 Spotted Flycatcher.
On the move over a generally quiet sea were 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Common Scoter, 6 Eider, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 11 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 1 Common Tern and 7 Auk sp.
Other interesting sightings were 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Wigeon and 50 Common Scoter on the Humber.
Ringing: 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 (Iberian) Chiffchaff, 1 Linnet (pulli).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Red-rumped Swallow. Tim Jones.
Red-rumped Swallow. Scott Reid.
Turtle Dove. Tim Jones.
Little-ringed Plover. Tim Jones.
Observers at 'Numpties watchpoint' at the Warren, 'Viz-migging', counting anything that is on move especailly what is going south, This year has not been a classic with a lack of SW winds, but has still produced a few highlights and is becoming ever more
Friday, 19 May 2017
Overcast with rain most of the day and a F2-1 N-SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1100, 1430-1630.
Quiet again migrant wise due to the weather with only 2 Cuckoo, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Redstart, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and 3 Spotted Flycatcher of note.
Over the sea were 3 Grey Heron, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 171 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 94 Gannet, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 4 Sandwich Tern, 11 Guillemot and 1 Puffin.
Other birds of note were the 3 Wigeon 1 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Golden Plover Kilnsea wetland, immature male Hen Harrier, 1 Barn Owl and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: Nil.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Thursday, 18 May 2017
Bright, sunny start and warm with a F2-1 WNW wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1630.
One of the projects that the Observatory takes a lead on (along with partners the RSPB and YWT), is the protection of Little Terns at Beacon ponds. We employ 2 wardens to protect this beach nesting species in a challenging and busy area which has popular caravan sites either side, is popular with dog walkers from nearby Easington, Foxes are a regular problem and suffers from motorbikes disturbance. Today staff from the RSPB undertook the instillation of the electric fencing which will hopefully keep all these factors at bay. If visiting the colony please view only from Long bank, which is accessed from Kilnsea wetlands carpark.
On the move today were 5 Cormorant, 2 Gannet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, 2 Common Buzzard, 4 Whimbrel out east, 25 Black-headed Gull, 2 Turtle Dove, 3 Swift, 2 Skylark, 48 Sand Martin, 795 Swallow, 270 House Martin, 6 Flava, 18 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 39 Linnet.
Migrants numbers were 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1 Wheatear, 9 Reed Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Other interesting sightings were 3 Barnacle Geese, which are maybe the birds that flew out east a few days ago?, 4 Tufted Duck, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Kittiwake and 1 Short eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 House Sparrow.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Red Kite. John Hewitt.
Arctic waders pre-migration. Tim Jones.
Electric fence installation.
Little Tern breeding habitat. Also loved by humans!
Wednesday, 17 May 2017
Showers early morning, but rain from late morning with a light variable wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1130.
Some movement early on before the rain set in for the day with 24 Sand Martin, 572 Swallow, 152 House Martin, 5 Flava Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 Greenfinch, 32 Goldfinch and 23 Linnet.
Migrant wise little was seen with only 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Ring Ouzel and 1 Spotted Flycatcher of note.
Over the sea were 53 Common Scoter, 1 Cormorant, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 25 Kittiwake, 5 Arctic Tern out east and 2 Sandwich Tern.
Other birds of note were the 1 Mediterranean Gull on Kilnsea wetlands,
Ringing: Nil.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Shelduck. Tim Jones.
Tuesday, 16 May 2017
Bright and sunny start clouding over with rain showers and a F3-2 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1200, 1340-1700, 1800-1900.
The full breeding bird survey is well under way and already getting some interesting results in areas which generally have little coverage.
A fine ‘green’ Golden Oriole flew south in the morning past numpties watchpoint. A great viz-mig bird and a bit of a Spurn speciality on the east coast, being almost annual, with 2-3 each spring. Autumn records though are almost unheard of, being much rarer in that period.
Also on the move were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 1 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew out east, 7 Swift, 16 Sand Martin, 620 Swallow, 73 House Martin, 8 Flava, 3 Jackdaw, 8 Carrion Crow, 9 Chaffinch, 23 Goldfinch and 42 Linnet.
Migrants were 1 Little Stint, 2 Cuckoo, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 7 Wheatear, 3 Song Thrush, 14 Sedge Warbler with 5 holding territories along the peninsula for the last 2 weeks, which is very unusual, 63 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and the male Snow Bunting still at Middle camp.
Other interesting sightings were 92 Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 1 Eider and 4 Common Scoter on the Humber, 25 Tundra Ringed Plover, 190 Sanderling Chalk bank, 41 Turnstone, 2 Little Owl on Peter lane, a singing Goldcrest in Easington, 1 Corn Bunting and 5 Yellowhammer.
Ringing: 9 BlueTit (pulli).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
White Wagtail. Richard Willison.
Snow Bunting. Martin Standley.
Monday, 15 May 2017
A bright start soon clouded over with frequent showers and prolonged rain with a F2-3 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0500-1000, 1600-1700.
The highlight of the day was a Turtle Dove flying south, a species that we wait for with baited breath each spring, hoping that it will not be the last year we record this rapidly declining species. Habitat loss and changing farming practices in the UK and unregulated shooting in Mediterranean countries taking a toll.
Other species on the move today were 4 Swift, 2 Skylark, 12 Sand Martin, 343 Swallow, 89 House Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 7 Jackdaw, 3 Carrion Crow, 8 Chaffinch, 11 Goldfinch, 22 Linnet and 1 Corn Bunting.
Migrant numbers were reduced further still with 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stinton Beacon ponds, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Wheatear, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler and 1 Pied Flycatcher.
Over the sea were 41 Common Scoter, 1 Cormorant, 10 Gannet, 1 Razorbill and 50 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were the 45 Brent Geese Humber, 1 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetland, 220 Oystercatcher and a Corn Bunting singing by Easington lagoon, while the Ring-necked Parakeet is still in Easington.
Ringing: 5 Peregrine (pulli), 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Great Tit (pulli), 1 Linnet. (14 of 5 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Yellow Wagtail. Richard Willison.
Sunday, 14 May 2017
Showers early morning clearing leaving a warm sunny day with a F2-1 WSW-SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0520-1615.
The day was almost disappointing after yesterday’s excellent vizmig, early morning rain, all but scuppering any decent movement.
Viz-migging produced 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 ringtail Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 2 Whimbrel out east, 4 Swift, 2 Skylark, 67 Sand Martin, 941 Swallow, 218 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 8 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 13 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 4 Chaffinch, 17 Goldfinch, 41 Linnet and 1 Corn Bunting.
Migrant numbers were again low with 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1+ Little Stint (1st of year) on Holderness field, visiting the Humber as the tide dropped, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 10 Wheatear, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Pied Flycatcher.
Over the sea were 2 Fulmar, 30 Gannet, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 23 Black-headed Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 4 Arctic Tern, 1 Razorbill and 1 Puffin.
Other birds of note were the 68 Brent Geese Humber, 1 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, Short-eared Owl and a Corn Bunting singing on Peter Lane.
The 1st Blue Tailed Damselfly of the year were in Churchfield.
Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Starling pulli, 1 Chiffchaff.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Sparrowhawk. Justin Carr.
Snow Bunting. Justin Carr.
Cuckoo. Martin Srtandley.
Saturday, 13 May 2017
Mainly sunny all day, with a warm F2-3 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0510-1845.
An all day count with the 1st decent SW winds for a long time which brought some good totals.
The highlight of the 1st proper viz-mig of the spring was a stunning Bee-eater which flew past Numpties at close range giving everyone fantastic views. The Grey-headed Wagtail remained at Southfield farm while a Spotted Redshank was seen on the Humber (1st of year).
Migrant numbers again were much reduced with 3 Cuckoo, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Reed Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff and 5 Spotted Flycatcher.
Vizmigging produced 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Common Scoter, 2 Great-crested Grebe, 10 Cormorant, 2 Marsh Harrier, an Osprey North-west, 1 Hobby, 9 Whimbrel out east, 1 Greenshank, 2 Arctic Skua out east, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, 21 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Black Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern 3 Common Tern and 4 Arctic Tern.
Overland were 15 Swift, 9 Skylark, 232 Sand Martin, 2722 Swallow, 562 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 11 Flava Wagtail (of which at least 3 were Blue-headed Wagtail from pics taken at time), 2 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 21 Jackdaw, 13 Carrion Crow, 6 Rook, 36 Chaffinch (all females), 1 Greenfinch, 16 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 53 Linnet and 3 Corn Bunting.
Other birds of note were the 34 Greylag Geese plus 4 young, 3 Barnacle Goose Kilnsea wetlands then flew out east, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Wigeon, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Peregrine and3 Short-eared Owl. The Holderness field area still held a good selection of waders among the commoner birds with 1 Golden Plover 3 Lapwing, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Ruff and 3 Common Sandpiper.
Ringing: 5 Starling pulli.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Bee-eater. Tim Jones.
Blue-headed Wagtail. Tim Jones.
Corn Bunting. Tim Jones
House Martin. Tim Jones.
Tree Pipit. Tim Jones.
Friday, 12 May 2017
Most of you will have heard the news that Spurn legend Andy Roadhouse lost his long, but always highly spirited, battle with cancer on the night of Saturday 29th April.
He's funeral took place at a well attended Ardsley Crematorium, Barnsley on Friday 12th May at 11:30am, and followed by a celebration of Andy's life at the Old Moor Tavern, Broomhill.
He requested that anyone who wanted to send flowers; could they donate instead to Spurn Bird Observatory his favourite charity, he also wanted people to dress lively. But just be comfortable and to come in whatever they felt appropriate.
You can donate to the Obs, either at the funeral or via the PayPal button below. All donations gratefully received.
Migration Watches: 0520-0800.
A quiet day with few observers about, as everyone involved with the Observatory was at Andy Roadhouses funeral.
Migrant totals were 3 Cuckoo, 2 White Wagtail, a Grey-headed Wagtail Southfield farm, 7 Wheatear, Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
On the move were 1 Marsh Harrier, an Osprey north, 340 Swallow and 2 Flava Wagtail went south.
Other bits of interest were 3 Barnacle Goose, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Ruff Holderness field , 4 Grey Partridge and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: Nil
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Andy counting visible migration at the Narrows, one of his favourite things to do at Spurn.
Grey headed Wagtail. Martin Standley.
Thursday, 11 May 2017
Bright and sunny all day, with distant haze and a F2 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0525-1015, 1100-1230.
A clear out of migrants, with mainly just local breeders present.
There may be limited sightings for Friday due to all observers leaving to attend the funeral of Andy Roadhouse.
An interesting Flava at Southfield Farm showed some features consistent with Iberian (Spanish) Wagtail, but with so many intergrades and no proper calls heard, it may go no further than this report. Interestingly a female Blue-headed (type) Wagtail was also present in the same field.
Migrant numbers were much reduced with 2 Cuckoo, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 9 Wheatear, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Vizmigging produced 2 Marsh Harrier, imm male Hen Harrier, 7 Swift, 3 Shorelark north, 11 Sand Martin, 316 Swallow, 17 House Martin, 5 Flava Wagtail, 3 Jackdaw, 6 Carrion Crow and 3 Yellowhammer.
Other birds of note were the 28 Greylag Geese plus 4 young, 3 Barnacle Goose Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Grey Partridge, 3 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 8 Little Egret and 1 Short-eared Owl. The Holderness field area held a good selection of waders with 1 Golden Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff while also seen were 2 Snipe and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Ringing: 2 Swallow, 1 Blackbird, 6 Starling pulli, 1 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff. (17 of 7 species).
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Putative Iberian (Spanish) Wagtail. Steve Furber.
female Blue-headed Wagtail. Adam Hutt.
Whimbrel Steve Valentine.
Wednesday, 10 May 2017
A cold frosty start, after which it was a sunny warm day with a F3-2 W-F2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1515.
The change in the wind to the west brought about the 1st decent visible migration for a long time.
An Osprey, (1st of year) north following the coastline was tracked further up the coast and a Shorelarkflew south, while decent Hirundine passage brought about some ggod counts which should increase in the next week or so.
The male Snow Bunting remained at middle camp, while 2 Wood Warbler, (Churchyard and wiredump) were still present.
Migrant numbers were much reduced with 1 Cuckoo, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 17 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Song Thrush, a Redwing singing at the Point, 3 Blackcap, 13 Chiffchaff and 21 Willow Warbler.
Viz-migging produced 4 Mute Swan, 16 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier north, 1 Common Buzzard back NW, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel and 1 Curlew out east, 3 Collared Dove, 3 Swift, 88 Sand Martin, 1271 Swallow, 76 House Martin, 37 Flava Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 7 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 10 Carrion Crow 1 Siskin and 1 Yellowhammer.
Other birds of note were the 3 Barnacle Goose Kilnsea wetlands, ringtail Hen Harrier hunting fields at Long bank, 2 Grey Partridge, 3 Wigeon and 1 Short-eared Owl.
The first 4 Green Hairstreak were at the Point and Chalk bank.
Ringing: 1 Wheatear, 1 Redstart, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff. (24 of 6 species).
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Osprey. Ian Smith.
Osprey. Ian Smith.
Tuesday, 09 May 2017
A cloudy start clearing to leave a sunny warm day with a F3-1 NE-E wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-1100.
A welcome increase in migrant numbers brought a stunning adult male Snow Bunting to middle camp, while there are now 3 Wood Warbler with a new bird at wire dump, one still in Canal hedge and the ringed bird still at Kew and the Wryneck still present near the Bluebell. Of interest a male Redstart bearing a Belgian ring was controlled at the Warren.
Migrant numbers were 1 White Wagtail, 7 Tree Pipit, 1 Black Redstart, 8 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 12 Wheatear, 9 Fieldfare, 2 Ring Ouzel, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Grasshopper Warbler at the Warren, 8 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 18 Lesser Whitethroat, 34 Chiffchaff, 13 Willow Warbler, 1m Pied Flycatcher Sammy’s, 2 Brambling including a singing male at the Point and 1 Siskin.
Viz-migging produced 1 Grey Heron, 1 Swift, 11 Sand Martin, 57 Swallow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 2 Jackdaw and 6 Rook while over the sea 11 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 7 Fulmar, 82 Gannet, 14 Cormorant, 40 Kittwake, 208 Auk sp, 12 Guillemot and 32 Razorbill.
Heading out east were 11 Whimbrel, 47 Black-headed Gull and 1 Arctic Tern..
Other birds of note were the 1 Barnacle Goose Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Grey Partridge, 9 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 32 Whimbrel, 2500 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank on Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Robin, 1 Wren, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Chaffinch. (30 of 12 species).
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Snow Bunting. Adam Hutt.
Snow Bunting. Adam Hutt.
Wood Warbler. Adam Hutt.
Redstart. Pete Kirby
Monday, 08 May 2017
Overcast with a cold F2-3 N wind.
Migration Watches: 0610-0900.
Little change, but a further reduction in migrant numbers with the 1 Wood Warbler still in Canal hedge and the Wryneck still along Kilnsea road, opposite Rose cottage.
Migrant numbers were 2 Snipe, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart, 6 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 24 Robin, 4 Wheatear, 7 Fieldfare, 1 Ring Ouzel at Sammys, 5 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Pied Flycatcher and 2 Brambling.
Viz-migging produced 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Swift while over the sea 109 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, 103 Auk sp, 5 Kittiwake, 2 Common Tern, 2 Shelduck, 1 Eider and 3 Common Scoter.
Other birds of note were the 1 Barnacle Goose in the Triangle, 2 Grey Partridge, 8 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 1 Peregrine, 2 Snipe, 18 Whimbrel, 1500 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank on Kilnsea wetlands and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Ringing: Nil.
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Ring Ouzel. John Hewitt.
Wood Warbler. John Hewitt.
Sunday, 07 May 2017
Remaining cold and overcast with a F1-3 NE wind.
Migration Watches: 0625-1205, 1600-1700.
A slight decrease in some migrants, but the Wood Warbler remained in the Crown carpark, and wandered as far as Churchfield, while the Wryneck was still showing occasionally well along the road outside Rose Cottage.
Migrant totals were 12 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Tree Pipit, 16 Wheatear, 2 Black Redstart, 7 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Blackcap, 1 Grasshopper Warbler along the canal, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler and 1 Mealy Redpoll by the Lighthouse..
On the move over the sea were 90 Gannet, 1 Manx Shearwater, 15 Common Scoter, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel out east, 1 Bonxie, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 133 Auk sp and 1 Guillemot while overland 2 Marsh Harrier and 2 Flava Wagtail went south.
Other bits of interest were 1 Barnacle Goose, 4 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 2 Red-legged Partridge and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Wood Warbler.
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Wood Warbler. Jonaf Isk.
Whinchat. Rob Creek.
Ring Ouzel. Rob Creek.
Saturday, 06 May 2017
Overcast with a cold F2-3 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0540-0900.
A good arrival of common migrants, also brought a late flush of winter Thrushes and Brambling.
The highlights were 2 Wood Warbler with one still the Crown carpark, and a new bird in Canal hedge. The Wryneck was still along Kilnsea road and Wood Sandpiper on Canal Scrape.
Migrant numbers were 1 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 34 Little Tern at Beacon Ponds, 15 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 25 Wheatear, 13 Fieldfare, 3 Ring Ouzel at Sammys, 1 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 18 Sedge Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 16 Lesser Whitethroat, 26 Whitethroat, 12 Chiffchaff including 1 Siberian type in Church field, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Pied Flycatcher and 2 Brambling.
Viz-migging produced 1 Goosander out east, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Ringed Plover out east, 4 Little and 3 Arctic Tern out east, 14 Swift, 5 Sand Martin, 120 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail and 1 Jackdaw.
Other birds of note were the 1 Barnacle Goose in the Triangle, 2 Grey Partridge, 2 Gadwall, 2 Peregrine, 1 Lapwing, 20 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank on Kilnsea wetlands, 9 Common Sandpiper, 3 Short-eared Owl and 1 Corn Bunting.
Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff (inc 1 Siberian type).
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Wryneck. Gary Benn.
Wood Sandpiper. Dean Nicholson.
Whinchat. Dean Nicholson.
Whitethroat. Gary Benn.
Siberian Chiffchaff. Steve Valentine.Whitethroat. Gary Benn.
Friday, 05 May 2017
Clear and sunny with a cold F3-4 NE wind.
Migration Watches: 0540-0845.
A few new bits in today with the highlight being a Wood Warbler showing well in the Crown carpark. The Wryneck still along the road by Bluebell caravan site and the Wood Sandpiper on Holderness field.
Migrant numbers were 32 Little Tern at Beacon Ponds, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Wheatear, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Ring Ouzel at Sammys, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler and a male Pied Flycatcher at Sammys.
Viz-migging produced ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Swift, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 75 Swallow, 3 Flava Wagtail and 3 Jackdaw.
Other birds of note were the 1 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 16 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank and 1 Green Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands, 7 Common Sandpiper and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff.
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Wood Warbler. John Hewitt.
Pied Flycatcher. Martin Standley. Check out Martins blog for more great pics at eastyorkshirewildlife.co.uk/blog
Wryneck. Martin Standley.
Lesser Whitethroat. Tim Jump
Thursday, 04 May 2017
Mostly sunny with a cool F3-4 NNE wind.
Migration Watches: 0550-1045, 1345-1500.
The cold northerly winds continue, but still the 1st Wryneck of the year appeared today, along the canal moving down to the warren before eventually settling in the Bluebell pond caravan site area. Also new for the year was a Wood Sandpiper on Holderness field.
Migrant numbers were reduced with 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 White Wagtail, 1 Redstart, male rubicola Stonechat triangle, 6 Wheatear, 6 Fieldfare, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Grasshopper warbler along Canal, 6 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler.
The sea was poor with 6 Gannet and 2 Cormorant.
Birds heading out east were 4 Whimbrel, 1 adult Little Gull, 11 Little Tern and 4 Arctic Tern.
Viz-migging produced 3 Marsh Harrier, ringtail Hen Harrier, 7 Sand Martin, 167 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 5 Linnet and 5 Goldfinch.
Other birds of note were the 24 Greylag Geese, 200 Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 16 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds and 18 Whimbrel.
Ringing: 2 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff. (8 of 4 species).
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Wryneck. Richard Boon.
Wryneck. Richard Boon.
Wryneck. Richard Boon.
Wednesday, 03 May 2017
A cold and breezy, but sunny start clouding over and feeling rather raw with a cool F3-4 NE wind.
Migration Watches: 0550-1130. Seawatch: 0530-0600, 1500-1600.
A difficult day for birding with the strong cold wind making life difficult, and with seemingly very few sheltered spots to look for migrants. Saying that a male Serin turned up at Kew singing, doing a tour of Kilnsea for an hour or so then vanished.
Migrant numbers were a nice red Curlew Sandpiper in the Humber at the Warren, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Black Redstart with a new bird at Cliffe farm and the male still at the Point, 1 Redstart, 1m Whinchat Point, male rubicola Stonechat triangle, 10 Wheatear, 5 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing, 4 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, male Pied Flycatcher Point, female Hawfinch still at Kew.
The sea was maybe a bit better, but received little cover with 22 Common Scoter, male Long-tailed Duck, 94 Herring Gull, 3 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 1 Puffin lost on the Humber.
Birds heading out east were 1 Kittiwake, 1 Little Tern and 5 Arctic Tern.
Viz-migging produced 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hobby, 11 Sand Martin, 259 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 17 Linnet, 9 Goldfinch and 2 Corn Bunting.
Other birds of note were the 10 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds, 7 Little Egret, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Grey Partridge and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Stonechat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff. (6 of 4 species).
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Black Redstart. Tim Jump.
Rubicola Stonechat. Pete Kirby.
Tuesday, 02 May 2017
A calm sunny start clouded over later morning with an increasing cool F1-3 NE wind.
Migration Watches: 0550-1200.
A very noticeable increase in waders on the Humber especially summer plumage birds in the last 2 days, was no doubt responsible for bringing a cracking BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER along with them. Initially found just south of the warren roosting, it was watched for around 2 hours then moved out with the receding tide. If looking tomorrow sometime after 9.30am as the tide rises will hopefully pay dividends.
Migrant numbers were 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Tree Pipit, 7 Yellow Wagtail, male Black Redstart at the Point, 2 Redstart, 1m Whinchat Point, male rubicola Stonechat triangle, 31 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 1m Grasshopper Warbler, 14 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 18 Lesser Whitethroat, 43 Whitethroat, 13 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 1 Brambling, 2 Siskin, female Hawfinch still at Kew early morning and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Birds heading out east were 1 Kittiwake, 12 Black Tern, 2 Common Tern and 187 Arctic Tern.
Viz-migging produced 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Red Kite over Sammys, 4 Avocet, 19 Sand Martin, 138 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 5 Flava Wagtail, 5 Jack daw, 4 Rook, 23 Carrion Crow, 11 Goldfinch and 3 Corn Bunting.
Other birds of note were the 1 Pale-bellied Brent with 228 Brent Geese, 12 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds, 4 Grey Partridge, 1 Lapwing, 400 Grey Plover, 2000 Knot, 4000 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 31 Whimbrel and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Robin, 1 Wren, 1 Redstart, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. (26 of 12 species).
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Broad-billed Sandpiper, Adam Hutt.
Redstart. Pete Kirby.
Monday, 01 May 2017
A windy overcast start with light drizzle clearing to leave a sunny warm day out of the coolish F 3-1-2 SE-S-E wind.
Migration Watches: 0540-1500.
The nicer conditions overall brought a decent arrival of migrants, plus returning breeders, The Tern movement continued albeit in lesser numbers, while Hirundine numbers picked up.
Migrant numbers were male Garganey Kilnsea wetlands, 47 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Cuckoo, Long-eared Owl at Sammys, 2 Tree Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, male rubicola Stonechat triangle, 46 Wheatear, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Grasshopper Warbler including a very showy bird at Sammys, 8 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 11 Lesser Whitethroat, 36 Whitethroat, 14 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, female Hawfinch at Kew and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Birds heading out east were 2 Pintail, 6 Curlew, 1 adult little Gull, 5 Kittiwake, 9 Black-headed Gull, 21 Black Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern, 22 Common Tern and 224 Arctic Tern.
Viz-mig produced 2 Hobby (1st of year), 47 Sand Martin, 457 Swallow, 12 House Martin, 17 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 54 Linnet and 19 Goldfinch.
Over the sea were 7 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 27 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 48 Kittiwake and 20 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were the 36 Brent Geese, 11 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1 Pochard Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Scoter Beacon ponds, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Lapwing, 21 Avocet and 2 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Magpie, 1 Swallow, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Hawfinch, 2 Linnet. (26 of 12 species).
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Hawfinch. Martin Standley.
Hawfinch. Jon. I. Fisk.
Grasshopper Warbler. Martin Standley.
Tree Pipit. Pete Kirby.