Archive
Friday, 30 June 2017
Mostly cloudy with the odd sunny spell, rain again late evening and a F1-3 NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1130, 1445-1515, 1800-1900.
The adult White-winged Black Tern still present on Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds showing well all day. The first that has been 'resident' more than a day.
On the move over the sea were 1 Gadwall, 4 Eider, 15 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, 53 Gannet, 16 Whimbrel, 4 Little Gull in, 1 Bonxie, 13 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern and 2 Auk sp while 78 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 5 House Martin and 1 Alba went south overland.
Other interesting sightings were 4 Wigeon, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 39 Golden Plover Humber, adult Curlew Sandpiper Beacon ponds, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 10 Little Gull, 1 Grey wagtail and 1 Siskin.
3 Hummingbird Hawkmoth were in Kilnsea.
Ringing: 1 Great Tit.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
White-winged Black Tern. Martin Standley.
White-winged Black Tern. Martin Standley.
White-winged Black Tern. Justin Carr.
White-winged Black Tern. Martin Standley.
Thursday, 29 June 2017
Low cloud all day with some light rain and drizzle with a light variable wind.
Sea Watches: 0555-1355, 1440-1600.
The calmer conditions brought about a big movement of species over the sea.
A rather nice adult White-winged Black Tern flew north over the Humber settling on Kilnsea Wetlands for the afternoon, showing very well at times. Video below.
On the move over the sea were 36 Teal, 1336 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, 8 Tufted Duck, 280 Gannet, 11 Fulmar, 37 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 10 Sandwich Tern, 62 Auk sp, 2 Razorbill and 4 Guillemot.
It was also the first decent day for southerly wader movement with 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Curlew, 17 Redshank and 1 Greenshank.
Other interesting sightings were 5 Wigeon, 15 Teal and 1 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetlands, 38 Common Scoter and 2 Eider on the Humber, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, a male Ruff Kilnsea wetlands, 80 Black-tailed Godwit in the triangle, 1 Snipe, 43 Sanderling and 22 Turnstone at the point, 7 Little Gull, 140 black-headed Gull Beacon ponds, 20 Swift, 1 Cuckoo and a Crossbill flying north.
Ringing: 2 Barn Owl pulli.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
White-winged Black Tern. John Hewitt.
White-winged Black Tern. John Hewitt.
White-winged Black Tern. John Hewitt.
Ruff. John Hewitt.
Wednesday, 28 June 2017
An awful day with heavy rain and increasing a F3-6 NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0830-1130.
The horrible wet and windy conditions led to water pouring in Beacon ponds and only time will tell as to what effect it has on the breeding Little Terns.
Very few observers about in the afternoon, having left to try see the Albatross at Bempton.
On the move over the sea were 58 Common Scoter, 3 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 104 Gannet, 2 Arctic Skua, 10 sandwich Tern and 1 Guillemot.
Other interesting sightings were 1 Brent Goose Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Eider Beacon ponds, 55 Black-tailed Godwit Holderness field, 1 Little Gull and a Crossbill at Kew.
Ringing: Nil
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Tuesday, 27 June 2017
Cloudy all day with rain from late evening and a stiff F2-3 WNW wind.
Migration Watches: 0620-1115.
Carrying on from yesterday wader numbers remained high with 2 Little-ringed Plover, 300 Grey Plover, 94 Knot, 300 Dunlin, 150 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel and 18 Curlew. A partial albino Sanderling was on Beacon ponds.
On the move over the sea were 452 Common Scoter, 1 Tufted Duck, 8 Oystercatcher, 4 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 105 Gannet, 1 Fulmar, 9 Cormorant, 15 Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Skua, 10 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 25 Auk sp.
Other interesting sightings were 1 Brent Goose Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Wigeon, 5 Grey Heron, 13 Little Egret, adult Mediterranean Gull Kilnsea wetlands and adult Yellow-legged Gull by the tank blocks.
1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the Crown area.
Ringing: 1 Wren, 1 Tree Sparrow.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Monday, 26 June 2017
Long sunny spells with a F1-2 W wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1100.
An interesting record was of a pair of White Wagtail on Kilnsea wetlands with a juvenile, while a juvenile Wheatear at Beacon ponds was the first returning migrant and a Crossbill was in Kilnsea.
The number of waders on the Humber and Beacon ponds at high tide are still slowly increasing with totals of 14 Golden Plover, 302 Grey Plover, 90 Knot, 330 Dunlin, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Redshank and 18 Curlew. The next few weeks should see the numbers increasing into the thousands with some big days of movement offshore. Mid July onwards is a great time to find rare waders amongst the throng.
On the move over the sea were 90 Gannet, 1 Bonxie, 2 Kittiwake, 12 Sandwich Tern, 4 Auk sp and 1 Guillemot while overland only 5 Sand Martin were noted
Other interesting sightings were 1 Brent Goose Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Wigeon, 6 Grey Heron, 19 Little Egret, 1 Hobby mobile about the area (Blogging as we call it), the first juvenile Great-spotted Woodpecker and 3 Siskin in Churchfield.
2 Hummingbird Hawkmoth were in the area.
Ringing: 1 Great Tit, 2 House Sparrow.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Hummingbird Hawkmoth. John Hewitt. Hummingbird Hawkmoth. John Hewitt.
Hummingbird Hawkmoth. John Hewitt.
Sunday, 25 June 2017
Dry with sunny spells and a F3-4 W wind.
Migration Watches: 0510-1000, 1430-1500.
The sea kept the interest going while Kilnsea wetlands, was still pulling in good numbers of waders.
Over the sea were 6 Teal, 54 Common Scoter, 18 Manx Shearwater, 4 Fulmar, 149 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 17 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 24 Kittiwake, 97 Auk sp, 11 Puffin, 60 Guillemot, 10 Razorbill and 15 Sandwich Tern.
On the move today were 12 Swift and 2 House Martin.
Other bits of interest were 1 Brent Goose, 3 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 16 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Hobby blogging, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 217 Grey Plover, 1 Lapwing, 2 Little-ringed Plover Easington lagoon, 1 Common Sandpiper, 170 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 5 Black-tailed Godwit Kilnsea wetland, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Cuckoo and 1 Corn Bunting at Easington Lagoon.
Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Brent Goose. John Hewitt.
Mediterranean Gull. John Hewitt.
Saturday, 24 June 2017
Sunny spells and a stiff F3-4 W wind.
Migration Watches: 0425-1200.
Decent again over the sea, but yet again poor overland. The highlight was stolen by a Dragonfly, the 2nd Hairy Hawker for Spurn, following on from the 1st in May.
Moving over the sea were 61 Common Scoter, 60 Manx Shearwater, 2 Fulmar, 240 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Arctic Skua, 37 Kittiwake, 20 Sandwich Tern, 11 Guillemot, 6 Puffin and 252 Auk sp.
Overland the only sightings were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 298 Swift and 1 Sand Martin.
Other birds of note were 5 Brent Geese, 4 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 16 Little Egret, 2 Little-ringed Plover Kilnsea wetland, 163 Grey plover, 200 Knot, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 48 Curlew, 4 Redshank and 5 Mediterranean Gull (3 ad, 2x 1stS) on Beacon Ponds and 3 Cuckoo in the area.
Also seen today were a Red-veined Darter and 25+ Azure Damselfly plus 4 Large Skipper, 6 Painted Lady, 30+ Red Admiral and good numbers of all the commoner species.
Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Friday, 23 June 2017
Early rain petered out but remained cloudy with a F2-3 WSW wind.
Migration Watches: 0420-1200, 1345-1415, 1505-1740.
A better selection of species on the move over the sea, but terrible overland, but included a Wood Sandpiper flying south singing as it went. Good numbers of Waders on Beacon ponds and the Humber.
Over the sea were 1 Greylag Goose, 6 Canada Geese, 7 Shelduck, 5 Teal in/off, 2 Tufted Duck, 16 Common Scoter, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 120 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 17 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 118 Black-headed Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 6 Kittiwake, 14 Auk sp, 7 Guillemot, 8 Razorbill, and 12 Sandwich Tern.
On the move today were 1 Little-ringed Plover, 290 Swift and 2 House Martin.
Other bits of interest were 1 Brent Goose, 52 Mallard, 19 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Lapwing, 86 Grey Plover, 198 Dunlin, 250 Knot, 148 Curlew Humber, 12 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Barn Owl while a (late?) Spotted Flycatcher was at the Warren.
Ringing: 1 Avocet pulli, 1 Great Tit, 7 Tree Sparrow pulli.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Thursday, 22 June 2017
Cloudy all morning with some rain mid afternoon clearing by the evening and a F3 W wind.
Migration Watches: 0545-1200, 1400-1620, 1700-1940.
Some decent overland movement with an unseasonal Tree Pipit thrown in.
Moving over the sea were 10 Common Scoter, 6 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 26 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Kittiwake, 29 Sandwich Tern and 21 Auk sp.
Overland were 1 male Marsh Harrier, 1 Osprey, 2 Hobby, 2137 Swift, 4 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit 16 Sand Martin, 18 Swallow and 18 House Martin.
Other birds of note were 3 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 42 Mallard, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Little Gull on Beacon Ponds and 1 Yellow-legged Gull Humber.
Good numbers of Butterfly about with lots of Red Admiral, Ringlet and Meadow Brown plus 2 Large Skipper.
Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat (1 pulli), 2 Great Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 17 Tree sparrow. (23 of 5 species).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Wednesday, 21 June 2017
A cooler day with hazy sunshine and a F2 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1030, 1400-1500.
A typically slow summertime day, with bits of everything, but no real movement or change.
Moving over the sea were 10 Eider, 36 Common Scoter, 8 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 27 Gannet, 11 Cormorant, 10 Sandwich Tern, 2 Auk sp and 3 Guillemot.
Overland were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 10 Swift and 3 Flava Wagtail.
Other birds of note were 3 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 135 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Avocet with 3 young, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 ad and 4 juvenile Blackcap at Rose cottage.
Ringing: 5 Blackbird pulli, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Little Egret.
Great Tit.
Tuesday, 20 June 2017
A foggy start which never really cleared with a F2 ESE wind.
Migration Watches: 1030-1430.
A poor day due to the weather, with little birding till late on the morning.
Quiet over the sea with 67 Common Scoter, 36 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 1 Arctic Tern and 22 Sandwich Tern and 1 Guillemot while overland 18 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow and 3 House Martin.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, the first returning Green Sandpiper, 74 Dunlin, 1 Cuckoo while a pair of Chiffchaff were at Sammys with 1+ Juveniles.
A Broad-bodied chaser was in Churchfield.
Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Hairy Dragonfly. Mick Turton. Pic from the 27th May, the 1st record for Spurn of this much anticipated Dragonfly.
Monday, 19 June 2017
Another hot sunny day without a cloud in the sky until late afternoon with a F1 variable wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1200.
In line with other movements along the coast in the last week or so, plenty of Common Scoter on the move today. A colour ringed Little Egret was present on Kilnsea wetlands, red on left leg with letter F and Yellow on right with an N.
Moving over the sea were 4 Eider, 713 Common Scoter (with 313 over the sea and 400 over the Humber), 8 Manx Shearwater, 7 Cormorant, 1 Curlew in/off.
Overland were 1 Common Buzzard, 325 Swift, 1 Flava wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 13 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Siskin and 3 Corn Bunting.
Other birds of note were 5 Wigeon, 59 Mallard, 235 Grey Plover, 74 Dunlin, 5 Redshank, 3x 1st summer Little Gull on Beacon ponds and 1 Cuckoo.
Good numbers of Meadow Brown were on the wing 30+ with also Ringlets and Speckled Woods in good numbers.
Ringing: 1 Song Thrush, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Sunday, 18 June 2017
Another bright sunny day with very little cloud and a F1 variable wind.
Migration Watches: 0410-1100, 1215-1345.
While some Arctic bound wader species have only left to breed a few weeks ago, the numbers of returning waders are slowly increasing. Many people find it strange, being so early in the season, but some females of some species such as Curlew leave there chicks soon after hatching with the male, to guard over them while they return to wintering areas.
Quiet over the sea with 16 Common Scoter, 38 Shelduck, 1 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Cormorant and 53 Sandwich Tern and 1 Auk sp while also little on the move overland 170 Swift, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 4 House Martin and 1 Corn Bunting.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 296 Grey Plover, 9 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Redshank and 2 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Barn Owl and 3 Cuckoo.
Fantastic numbers of Azure Damselfly on the wing with 50+ seen today, plus good numbers of other Dragonflies and Butterflies while a generally unwelcome visitor to the area, a Grey Squirrel was in Kilnsea.
Ringing: 1 Wren, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Saturday, 17 June 2017
The hottest day of the year, with plenty of sunshine and high wispy clouds with a F1 NW-SE wind..
Migration Watches: 0425-1030.
Another quiet day, but the first beginnings of waders on the move south began. Finding out the origin of 10 Bar-headed Geese which included 2 juveniles mobile in the area today would be interesting.
On the move today were 3 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 54 Swift, 13 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow.
Over the sea were 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Shelduck, 60 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 27 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 2 Dunlin, 15 Knot, 1 Snipe on/off, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, adult Mediterranean Gull, 11 Black-headed Gull, 1 Kittiwake and 20 Sandwich Tern.
Other bits of interest were 2 Wigeon, 62 Mallard, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little-ringed Plover and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit, 2 House Sparrow (1 pulli).
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Friday, 16 June 2017
Another hot sunny day with sporadic cloudy periods.
Migration Watches: 0520-1500.
A steady day, but good numbers of Waders remain in the area.
On the move today were 3 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, 1 Common Buzzard, 215 Swift, 15 Sand Martin, 20 Swallow and 17 House Martin.
Over the sea were 5 Tufted Duck, 242 Common Scoter, 10 Manx Shearwater, 2 Fulmar, 61 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 1 Kittiwake, 30 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 23 Auk sp and 6 Guillemot.
Other bits of interest were 3 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 18 Little Egret, 162 Oystercatcher, 88 Bar tailed Godwit, 4 Lapwing, 200 Grey Plover, 3 Golden Plover, 8 Sanderling, 3 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Redshank, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Cuckoo and a Mistle Thrush in the Triangle.
Ringing: 2 Blue Tit.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Thursday, 15 June 2017
Warm sunny day with an increasing F1-3 W-WSW wind.
Migration Watches: 0520-1700.
The highlight of viz-migging was a Great-white Egret which flew south at noon. The 3rd this spring.
Also moving overland were 3 Hobby, 3012 Swift, 53 Sand Martin, 53 Swallow, 17 House Martin, 16 Goldfinch, 14 Linnet, 3 Siskin and a male Bullfinch,.
On the move over the sea were 112 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 29 Gannet, 1 Auk sp and 32 Sandwich Tern.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 48 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetlands, 5 Grey Partridge, 70 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 45 Grey Plover, 123 Bar tailed Godwit, 50 Knot, 150 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank and 1 Short eared Owl.
Ringing: 5 Tree Sparrow pulli.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Great-white Egret. Mick Turton.
Swift. Ian Smith.
Wednesday, 14 June 2017
Hot and sunny most of the day with an increasing F1-3 SSE wind.
Migration Watches: 0515-1530.
Moving overland were 1 Hobby, 1 Lapwing, 506 Swift, 51 Sand Martin, 11 Swallow, 37 House Martin, 12 Linnet and 1 Yellowhammer.
On the move over the sea were 144 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 37 Gannet, 16 Cormorant and 36 Sandwich Tern.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine, 98 Oystercatcher, 71 Grey Plover, 93 Bar tailed Godwit, 12 Knot, 40 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Short eared Owl, 1 Mistle Thrush triangle and 1 Corn Bunting by Easington lagoon while late? migrants were seen with a Chiffchaff at Sammys and a Spotted Flycatcher at the Warren.
Ringing: 1 Wren
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Bar-tailed Godwits. Ian Smith.
Tuesday, 13 June 2017
A hot humid day with plenty of early sunshine clouding up later with a F1 W-WNW wind.
Migration Watches: 0510-1040.
A few decent bits about today with 10 Crossbill mobile around the area, while a male Blue-headed Wagtail was on Holderness field then flew off north.
The ongoing breeding census continued producing some good results with 1 Cuckoo, a juvenile Pied Wagtail in Easington, 21 singing Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap with juveniles at Rose cottage, 3 Long tailed Tit inc 1 juvenile in canal hedge and 400+ Starling in the area.
Moving overland were 3 Swift, 2 Sand Martin and 13 House Martin.
On the move over the sea were 35 Common Scoter, 26 Manx Shearwater, 4 Fulmar, 96 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 50 Kittiwake, 448 Auk sp and 6 Sandwich Tern.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 162 Oystercatcher, 60 Grey Plover, 43 Bar tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 12 Knot, 85 Dunlin, 11 Sanderling,1st summer Mediterranean Gull, Short eared Owl
Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 2 Barn Owl pulli, 1 Dunnock pulli, 1 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow pulli.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Broad-bodied Chaser. Mick Turton.
Monday, 12 June 2017
The Red-necked Phalarope is still in the Beacon Ponds area this morning while upto 0730 over 2000 Swift had flown south.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Swifts on the move. Richard Boon.
Hare. Richard Boon.
Red-necked Phalarope. Mick Turton.
Sunday, 11 June 2017
Sunny spells with a stiffening F2-4 SW wind.
Migration Waltches: 0435-1330, 1430-1935
A female Red-necked Phalarope was the highlight of the day, first found on Easington Lagoons it flew to Holderness Field where it showed well for the rest of the afternoon. Also a Quail (first of the year) was flushed from the path around Beacon Ponds.
Viz-migging was productive with the first decent Swift movement plus a few other bits to keep some interest going. Moving were 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Red Kite, 1 Hobby, 5 Collared Dove, 1 Stock Dove, 6 Sand Martin, 1170 Swift, 20 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Goldfinch, 78 Linnet and 3 Siskin.
On the move over the sea were 7 Canada Geese, 4 Tufted Duck, 8 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Fulmar, 4 Gannet, 24 Black headed Gull, 30 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Common Gull, 1 Common Tern, 15 Sandwich Tern, 10 Auk sp and 2 Guillemot.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 4 Teal and 2 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetlands, 3 Golden Plover, 57 Grey Plover, 50 Oystercatcher and 150 Bar tailed Godwit at Chalk Bank while a Corn Bunting is still in the Easington lagoon area.
Ringing: 3 Little Owl pulli
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Red-necked Phalarope. Colin Bushell.
Red-necked Phalarope. Colin Bushell.
Saturday, 10 June 2017
Heavy rain till mid morning then drizzle, dry after mid-day with a F3-4 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0520-1230.
Moving over the sea were 4 Teal, 39 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 8 Manx Shearwater, 60 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 16 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Arctic Tern, 9 Sandwich Tern, 101 Auk sp, 81 Guillemot, 32 Razorbill and 1 Puffin, while the few bits overland were 62 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 44 Linnet and 8 Goldfinch.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetlands, 10 Common Scoter Humber, 11 Little Egret, 142 Bar-tailed Godwit, 178 Oystercatcher, 49 Grey Plover, 119 Little Tern Beacon ponds and 2 Cuckoo.
1 Red-veined Darter was on Clubleys.
Ringing: Nil
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Friday, 09 June 2017
A much better day with plenty of sunshine and a F2-1 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0515-1715.
The 1st Common Crane of the year flew north, circling over the Obs, having been tracked up the Lincolnshire coast, then further up to Bempton. Also today a Spoonbill circled over the campsite, then headed out to sea, while an Iceland Gull flew south over the sea in the morning, then back up the Humber towards Sammys. Late evening a male Garganey was on Holderness field and Kilnsea wetlands.
Other bits moving overland were 1 Marsh Harrier, 25 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow, 36 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Jackdaw, 2 Siskin, 15 Goldfinch, 18 Linnet and 2 Siskin.
On the move over the sea were 9 Greylag Geese, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 9 Gannet, 24 Black headed Gull, 36 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 15 Kittiwake, 13 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern and 4 Sandwich Tern.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Peregrine, 68 Grey Plover, 196 Oystercatcher, 140 Bar tailed Godwit, 20 Knot, 60 Dunlin, 21 Sanderling, 2 Cuckoo and 1 Short eared Owl.
Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 5 Blue Tit pulli, 5 Tree Sparrow pulli.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Crane. Ian Smith.
Crane. John Hewitt.
Iceland Gull. Ian Smith.
Thursday, 08 June 2017
Overnight rain petered out by mid morning with some sunny spells and a decreasing F6-3 W wind.
Sea Watches: 0525-1100, 1115-1440, 1500-1645.
Most coverage was limited to the the sea with 2 Eider, 34 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar, 8 Manx Shearwater, 122 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Kittiwake and 6 Sandwich Tern while the few bits overland were 1 Grey Wagtail, 27 Swallow, 4 House martin and 1 Swift.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Short-eared Owl
Ringing: Nil
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Wednesday, 07 June 2017
Another wild day with overnight rain petering out, remaining cloudy and a strong F6-4 NW wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1030, 1250-1630.
The less than ideal conditions meant that little was on the move today, but that didn't stop yet another Red-footed Falcon from going south. A nice 1st summer male and the 6th this spring.
The Nightingale was still occasionally singing by Rose cottage in the morning.
Most coverage was limited to the the sea with 8 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 9 Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 170 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 67 Auk sp, 12 Guillemot, 15 Razorbill, 5 Kittiwake and 6 Sandwich Tern while the few bits overland were 49 Swift.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Lapwing, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo and 1 Barn Owl.
Ringing: Nil
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Tuesday, 06 June 2017
A dry start but soon developed into a very wet and windy day with a F6+ W-WNW wind.
Sea Watches: 0530-1100, 1150-1440, 1550-1700.
Despite the continuing poor weather the Nightingale was still occasionally singing from thick cover by rose cottage and on the odd occasion even showing. This is only the 2nd ever record for June, for a species which is normally recorded in mid April to mid May.
The only other migrant was a Spotted Flycatcher by Easington gas terminal while the 21 Barnacle Geese on the Humber continued the late spring movement.
There was a bit more interest over the sea with 80 Common Scoter, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Northern Diver, 16 Manx Shearwater, 101 Gannet, 47 Kittiwake, 5 Sandwich Tern, 77 Auk sp, 2 Guillemot and 10 Razorbill while the few bits overland were 5 Swallow, 11 House martin and 68 Swift.
Other birds of note were 2 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 1 Grey Partridge, 45 Grey Plover, 5 Curlew and 1 Short-eared Owl.
Ringing: 2 Tree sparrow pulli.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Monday, 05 June 2017
A very windy day with frequent showers and a F3-6 S-SSE wind.
Migration Watches: 0505-1125, 1330-1630.
Despite the poor weather a Nightingale was heard singing from thick cover by rose cottage. The song seemed to rule out Thrush Nightingale, but hopefully will be around tomorrow, but again the weather does not look too good.
Viz-migging produced 52 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag Goose,1 Bar-headed Goose, 1 Hobby, 825 Swift, 23 Wood Pigeon, 2 Sand Martin, 26 Swallow, 21 House Martin, 1 Chaffinch and 2 Goldfinch.
Over a poor sea were 2 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 16 Gannet, 9 Auk sp, 3 Guillemot and 30 Razorbill.
Other birds of note were 42 Shelduck Humber, 3 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Short-eared Owl
Ringing: Nil.
Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.
Record shot of Bar-headed Goose with Canada Geese. Tim Jump.
Sunday, 04 June 2017
A day or two ago, I was thinking of writing about the lack of late spring Scandinavian breeders which we are lucky enough at Spurn to record on an almost annual basis. Of course with the thought fresh in my mind, it happened and both Rosefinch and Icterine Warbler were seen yesterday. Looking back through the website from 2011, of the 5 usuals, Red backed Shrike have occurred in 5 years excl 2015, (2017 so far), Rosefinch every year except 2015, Icterine every year except 2012, 2015, Marsh Warbler every year bar 2017 (so far) and Golden Oriole every spring except 2013. Other species have been recorded as thus- Bluethroat 2013, 2014, 2016, Ortolan 2011, 2013, Red-breasted Flycatcher 2013, 2014, 2016, Thrush Nightingale 2013, 2016 while in the same period from the Mediterranean Bee-eater has been recorded every spring
Sunny spells and largely cloudy with a F1-3 SW-W wind.
Migration Watches: 0445-1600.
A slow day, with no sign of any of yesterdays good birds, but a few new migrants in to keep interest going. An unseasonal Redstart at Sammys, the Redwing still at the Warren , Grasshopper Warbler by Easington gas terminal, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and a male Bullfinch.
Viz-migging produced 70 Canada Geese out east, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Curlew out east, 163 Swift, 13 Wood Pigeon, 8 Swallow, 34 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 16 Jackdaw, 5 Carrion Crow, 17 Chafficnh, 11 Goldfinch and 63 Linnet.
Over the sea were 18 Shelduck, 14 Common Scoter, 20 Cormorant, 6 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern, 6 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern and 2 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were 3 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 6 Grey Partridge, 1 Peregrine, 1 Little-ringed Plover and 1 Little Gull Beacon ponds.
11 Red-veined Darter were on the wing today while 30+ Azure Damselfly were in Churchfield plus 2 Broad-bodied Chaser and the 1st Brown Argus at sammys.
Ringing: 1 Avocet pulli, 1 Dunnock, 4 House Sparrow (3 Pulli).
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Common Lizard. Richard Boon.
Saturday, 03 June 2017
Heavy rain and showers cleared with sunny spells becoming hot and humid.
Migration Watches: 0600-1720.
An interesting late spring arrival brought a singing ‘brown’ Rosefinch mobile between Kew and Beacon Lane plus a singing Icterine Warbler to the Obs garden. Other obvious migrants were a Garden Warbler at the Warren where the Redwing remained.
Some good counts of breeding birds continue with 3 Cuckoo, 62 Whitethroat along the peninsula with the 1st young out on Beacon Lane, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap and a juvenile Siskin in Easington.
Viz-migging was slow but produced a fine Honey Buzzard meandering its way south towards Lincolnshire, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Grey Heron in/off, an immature Spoonbill, 259 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 94 Swallow, 51 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail and 1 Grey wagtail.
Over the sea were 347 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 36 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver, 16 Sandwich Tern, 6 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and 20 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were 2 Teal Kilnsea wetland, 1 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Peregrine, 50 Knot, 150 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Barn Owl and the Ring necked Parakeet in Easington.
Good numbers of dragonflies on the wing with 8 Red-veined Darter the highlight while 1 Green Hairstreak, 200+ Painted Lady, 2 Large Skipper and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth.
Offshore 1 Porpoise and 3 Grey Seal were seen.
Ringing: Nil.
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Rosefinch. Zac Hinchliffe
Turtle Dove. Zac Hinchliffe
Red-veined Darter. Scott Reid.
Friday, 02 June 2017
A sunny start with some showers in the afternoon and a F1 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0530-1345, 1500-1600.
A quieter day all round, but it’s good to see great numbers of summering non-breeding waders on the Humber and Beacon ponds, after very few around last summer.
Viz-migging produced 1 Osprey north while going south were 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Lapwing, 2 Stock Dove, 268 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 84 Swallow, 58 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail and 4 Jackdaw.
Over the sea were 2 Teal, 68 Common Scoter, 5 Fulmar, 19 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 1 Red-throated Diver and 27 Auk sp.
Other birds of note were 2 Teal Kilnsea wetland, 4 Grey Partridge, 1 Common Buzzard, 103 Grey Plover, 200 Knot, 60 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 210 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Gull, adult Kittiwake Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 5 Sandwich tern and 66 Little Tern Beacon ponds, 2 Cuckoo.
Good numbers of dragonflies on the wing with 9 Red-veined Darter the highlight while 4 Painted Lady were seen and the first Large Skipper of the year was at Beacon ponds.
Offshore 3 Porpoise and 3 Grey Seal were seen.
Ringing: 1 Whitethroat.
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Goldfinch. Adam Hutt.
Thursday, 01 June 2017
Warm and sunny, sometimes a bit hazy with a F2-1 S-SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0535-1130, 1430-1710, 1800-1840.
A trickle of birds on the move south today with a Great-white Egret and 2 immature Spoonbill the highlights. Also on the move were 6 Canada Goose north, 2 Hobby in/off and NW, 1 Grey Plover out east, 3 Lapwing, 89 Swift, 1 Flava Wagtail, 2 Sand Martin, 79 Swallow, 107 House Martin, 4 Jackdaw and 1 Corn Bunting.
Over the sea were 6 Eider, 33 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 18 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, 1 Cormorant out east, 2x 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull, 12 Black-headed Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 3 Sandwich Tern, 225 Auk sp, 21 Razorbill and 87 Guillemot.
Migrants numbers were still low with 3 Cuckoo, 1 Wheatear, the Redwing still at the Warren, 1 Grasshopper Warbler by the gas terminal and 3 Chiffchaff.
Other interesting sightings were 1 Wigeon, 12 Little Egret, 1 Lapwing, 1 Whimbrel, 34 Curlew Humber, 2 Little Stint and 1 Curlew Sandpiper Beacon ponds, 1 Greenshank, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull on the Humber while the resident adult Kittiwake remains on Kilnsea wetlands.
3 Red-veined Darter were on Clubleys scrape plus 2 Broad-bodied Chaser, 1 Emperor, 8 four spotted Chaser and 5 Black tailed Skimmer while there was also good numbers of butterfly on the wing including 1 Green Hairstreak.
Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff.
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