Saturday, 30 September 2017

Sunshine and cloud, quite a warm day with a F2-3 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0645-1630.

A fantastic day of migration with a surprise big late movement of Meadow Pipit which was county wide, so birds were passing on a large broad front. After a poor autumn up to now, Redpoll were suddenly here in big numbers along with an unusual number of Chaffinches and a strong passage of other finches. The early morning passage was so heavy, and birds passing from low to extreme heights, much was missed, but it was an extraordinary day. 

The final totals of the day were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Ruff, 3 Stock Dove, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 196 Skylark, 2 Shorelark, 509 Swallow, 111 House Martin, 5 Tree Pipit, 4728 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 2 Flava Wagtail, 13 Grey Wagtail, 14 Alba Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 6 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 500 Starling,121 House Sparrow, 630 Tree Sparrow, 297 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 24 Greenfinch, 5080 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 1744 Linnet, 518 Redpoll, 2 Twite, 101 Reed Bunting and 5 Yellowhammer. 

The 2 juvenile Rose-coloured Starling were still about today with one frequenting the garden of No2 Dimlington bungalows to churchyard in Easington and the other in the Kilnsea area. The Turtle Dovewas still with Collared Doves by Willow cottage in Easington, while the Red breasted Flycatcher still in the garden at Kew or the Crown carpark, plus at least 3 ‘eastern type’ Lesser Whitethroat with birds in Churchfield, along the canal and on vicars lane, Easington. The Easington area also held 2 juvenile Red-backed Shrike with birds by the cemetery and another on Vicars lane.

Totals for migrants today were 1 Tree Pipit, 61 Robin, 8 Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 11 Stonechat, 18 Wheatear, 62 Song Thrush, 9 Redwing, 1 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 14 Yellow-browed Warbler, 54 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 92 Goldcrest, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Pied Flycatcher and 4 Twite at sammys point.

The sea was still quiet with 130 Pink-footed Geese, 305 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 8 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 44 Red-throated Diver, 48 Gannet, 88 Cormorant, 1 Bonxie and 15 Sandwich Tern. 

Other decent birds or counts were 135 Brent Geese, 258 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 204 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 1 Merlin, juvenile Hobby, 3 Water Rail along the canal, 10,000 Golden Plover, 8,000 Knot, 3,000 Dunlin and 500 Sanderling on the Humber, 2 Ruff, 2 Little Stint, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Snipe and 2 Kingfisher.

Ringing: 4 Meadow Pipit, 4 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 14 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Twite, 149 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow. (187 of 14 species).

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Friday, 29 September 2017

Migration Watches: 0730-1500.

A clear out of some migrants, with no sign of either Arctic Warblers, though early morning drizzle and wind didn’t help. 

There were 2 juvenile Rose-coloured Starling today with one frequenting the garden of No2 Dimlington bungalows in Easington and the other in the Kilnsea area. A Turtle Dove with Collared Doves by Willow cottage in Easington, was an attraction to some birders who hadn’t seen one this year, while the Red breasted Flycatcher was seen again in the garden at Kew in the afternoon and an ‘eastern type’ Lesser Whitethroat at the Warren. The Bittern put in another of its infrequent appearances at the south end of Beacon ponds.

Totals for migrants today were 1 Tree Pipit, 34 Robin, 16 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 10 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel, 93 Song Thrush, 3 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Garden warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler , 20 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 24 Goldcrest, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 7 Redpoll, 3 Brambling and 61 Reed Bunting.

The sea was still quiet with 59 Wigeon, 76 Teal, 1 Pintail, 10 Shoveler, 1 Scaup, 4 Eider, 156 Common Scoter, 2 Red breasted Merganser, 62 Red-throated Diver, 300 Gannet, 14 Cormorant, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Stint, 1 Arctic Skua, 7 Bonxie, 3 Little Gull, 5 Kittiwake, 1 Arctic Tern and 1 Puffin. 
Viz-migging was much better today and potentially could be good in the coming week with Finch numbers building. Moving today were 6 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stock Dove, 72 Skylark, 467 Swallow, 426 House Martin, 5 Tree Pipit, 741 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 15 Alba Wagtail, 3 Dunnock, 26 Song Thrush, 36 Jackdaw, 369 Starling, 65 House Sparrow, 40 Tree Sparrow, 21 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 14 Greenfinch, 1147 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 768 Linnet, 72 Redpoll, 17 Reed Bunting and 1 Corn Bunting. 

Other decent birds or counts were 251 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 126 Teal, Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 1 Merlin, 2 Water Rail, 6200 Golden Plover, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 1 Little Stint, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Snipe and 2 Kingfisher.

Ringing: 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Lesser Redpoll.

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Thursday, 28 September 2017

Cloud and drizzle early, clearing to leave a warm day and a F3-4 SE-SSE wind.
Migration Watches: 0700-1200.

The good birds keep coming among another small but obvious arrival of migrants. Increases in Chats, Warblers and Flycatchers keep the visiting birders happy, while the male Red-breasted Flycatcher is still the star bird, and our 3rd Arctic Warbler of the autumn turned up at the point.

There are 2 ARCTIC WARBLER today with a new bird at the point and one still in the hedge opposite Bluebell pond caravan site, the juvenile Rose-coloured Starling back in fields in Kilnsea, 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher with the adult male still at the Warren and the fem/imm bird on Beacon lane, which moved to the Crown carpark, the juvenile Red-backed Shrike by the Riding school on Marsh lane and the biggest count so far of 23 Yellow-browed Warbler. Finally the presumed halimodendri Lesser Whitethroat was by Cliff farm.

Totals for migrants today were 8 Tree Pipit, 24 Wren, 38 Dunnock, 80 Robin, 30 Redstart, 16 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 22 Wheatear, 81 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, 8 Reed Warbler, 21 Blackcap, 5 Garden warbler, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 13 Chiffchaff, 12 Willow Warbler, 15 Goldcrest, 6 Spotted Flycatcher, 12 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Siskin, 39 Redpoll, 4 Brambling and 61 Reed Bunting.

The sea was quieter than of late with 130 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 106 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 62 Common Scoter, 2 Knot, 3 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 23 Red-throated Diver, 104 Gannet, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Bonxie and 1 Puffin. 

Quieter over the land too with the strong wind having an effect with 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hobby, 2 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 59 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Tree Pipit, 79 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Rook, 41 Tree Sparrow, 1 Greenfinch, 24 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 47 Linnet, 20 Redpoll, 3 Reed Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer. 

Other decent birds or counts were 83 Brent Goose, 196 Shelduck, 150 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 1 Merlin, 2 Water Rail, 2 Little Stint, 1900 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank, 9 Snipe, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kingfisher and 1200 Starling.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Wren, 2 Blackbird, 6 Song Thrush, 6 Robin, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Goldfinch, 19 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Greenfinch, 16 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting. (69 of 16 species).

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Wednesday, 27 September 2017

Cloudy early, clearing to leave a warm day and a F2-4 ESE-S wind.
Migration Watches: 0645-1100.

There was an obvious arrival early morning of migrants, with many birds lifting off again as soon as the low cloud vanished and it warmed up a bit. It was a day without any big arrivals, but there was so much anticipation of a good bird in the air, kept most people going. In the end the day was a very satisfying one if you managed to see many of the good birds on offer.

An ARCTIC WARBLER was photographed opposite Rose cottage, but was mobile and was soon lost, while in the same area a good candidate halimodendri Lesser Whitethroat was present. The Warren area hosted a Blythi Lesser Whitethroat alongside a ‘normal’ one, 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher with the adult male still in the Warren area, and a new bird on Beacon lane, while still there was still 17 Yellow-browed Warbler, which involved a scatter of new birds. The juvenile Rose-coloured Starling was with the mobile Starling flock in the Easington and a Red-backed Shrike was around the Riding school, which may be the same bird from gas terminal 2 days ago. Not to be forgotten the Cetti’s Warbler was still skulking along the canal.

Totals for migrants today were 3 Tree Pipit, 24 Dunnock, 110 Robin, 19 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 14 Wheatear, 2 Ring ouzel, 88 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 2 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 2 Garden warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 19 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler, 24 Goldcrest, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 14 Siskin, 15 Redpoll, 20 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling and 2 Yellowhammer.

Over the sea were 25 Brent Geese in/off, 26 Teal, 60 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Eider, 23 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 205 Gannet, 10 Shag, 1 Arctic Skua, 7 Bonxie, 26 Little Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull. 

A clearer day brought a small movement south with 8 Grey Heron, 16 Skylark, 37 Swallow, 1 Tree Pipit, 544 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 4 Grey Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 3 Dunnock, 6 Jackdaw, 3 carrion Crow, 51 House Sparrow, 24 Tree Sparrow, 3 Brambling, 8 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 151 Goldfinch, 5 siskin, 98 Linnet, 8 Redpoll, 2 Yellowhammer and 57 Reed Bunting. 

Other decent birds or counts were 6 Brent Goose, 3 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine terrorising an impressive 20,000+ Knot on the Humber, 1 Little Stint, 8 Ruff, 2 Spotted Redshank including the first juvenile on Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Little Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Tawny Owl still around the Obs area, 1 Kingfisher.

Ringing: 11 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Wren, 20 Robin, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Siskin, 13 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting. (68 of 16 species).

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Tuesday, 26 September 2017

Misty early on thickening during the day and a F2 E/NE wind.
Migration Watches: 0645-0900.

A clear out of many of yesterdays birds, but a new arrival although not in any great numbers. Saying that any day with an adult male Red-breasted Flycatcheris a good one, and was much photographed during the day, while another great count, totalling 17 Yellow-browed Warbler was made. A juvenile Rose-coloured Starling was with the Starling flock in the Blue bell area, but lost in fog just north of here, and the Bittern had another fly around the south end of Beacon ponds.

Migrant totals were similar to yesterday with 3 Tree Pipit, 24 Dunnock, 94 Robin, 13 Redstart, 17 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 10 Wheatear, 2 Ring ouzel, 132 Song Thrush, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 18 Blackcap, 4 Garden warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 16 Chiffchaff, 13 Willow Warbler, 20 Goldcrest, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 2 Brambling and 2 Yellowhammer.

Over the sea were 10 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 22 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 63 Gannet, 21 Little Gull and 1 Kittiwake. 
Before the fog got too thick there was a small movement south with 1 Marsh Harrier, 48 Skylark, 20 Swallow, 331 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 8 Grey Wagtail, 5 Alba Wagtail, 2 Brambling, 7 Chaffinch, 57 Goldfinch, 105 Linnet, 9 Redpoll, 2 Yellowhammer and an impressive 81 Reed Bunting. 

Other decent birds or counts were 94 Brent Goose, 200 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 60 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Little Stint, 7 Ruff, 1100 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, the Tawny Owl still around the Obs area, 2 Kingfisher .

Ringing produced another steady day, but a nice selection of what has been arriving in the last few days.
Ringing: 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Meadow Pipit, 7 Dunnock, 4 Robin, 2 Wren, 1 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Great Tit, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Redpoll, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 3 House Sparrow, 18 Tree Sparrow, 6. (94 of 24 species).

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Monday, 25 September 2017

Morning rain till about 9am, clearing with long sunny period and a F1-3 E/SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0700-1445, 1605-1900.

The expected or at least hoped for arrival did not really happen, but a nice mix of species along with some decent totals, and the odd good bird made it a very enjoyable day.

The Raddes Warbler was relocated on Beacon lane showing on and off during the afternoon in hedges bordering the lane. The first Richard’s Pipit of the autumn flew south, landing in the salt marsh just south of the Warren, while a juvenile Red-backed Shrikewas found on the south side of Easington gas terminal and a good total of 10 Yellow-browed Warbler was returned. Rarer still in Spurn terms was an elusive singing Cetti’s Warbler in canal hedge all day, mainly in the dell area.

Some decent migrant totals, with the first good arrival of Thrushes and Blackcaps. Totals were 3 Tree Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 59 Robin, 17 Redstart, 34 Whinchat, 9 Stonechat, 13 Wheatear, 6 Ring ouzel, 140 Song Thrush, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 26 Blackcap, 5 Garden warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 14 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, 35 Goldcrest, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Siskin, 20 Redpoll, 47 Chaffinch and 4 Brambling.

Over the sea 13 Brent Geese, 15 Shelduck,47 Teal, 61 Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, 84 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 111 Gannet, 17 Arctic Skua, 3 Bonxie, 62 Little Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Black Tern, 240 Commic Tern and 1 Arctic Tern. 
Again only small amounts of overland migration in un-helpful winds with 5 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 6 Skylark, 34 Swallow, 169 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 68 Goldfinch, 38 Linnet and 4 Reed Bunting. 

Other decent birds or counts were 56 Brent Goose, 3 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Water Rail, 7000 Golden Plover, 1 Avocet, 6 Little Stint, 20+ Ruff, 5 Snipe, 9 Greenshank, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kingfisher and the Ring-necked Parakeet still in Easington.

Ringing: 4 Dunnock, 5 Robin, 1 Redstart, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Goldfinch, 6 Tree Sparrow. (39 of 13 species).

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Sunday, 24 September 2017

Bright and clear all day with a F1-2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0620-1000.

The easterly winds are already having the desired effect with a very early RADDES WARBLER in Church field, an 'Eastern' type Lesser Whitethroat at potato fields, a total of 6 Yellow-browed Warblers with new birds at the Warren, potato fields, vicars lane and Beacon lane, while the Marsh Warbler is still around Pallas's pond.

Migrant numbers increased with the weather conditions and hopefully a sign of what is to come over the next few day and totals of 11 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 11 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 25 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher and 1 Brambling.

Viz-migging continued the theme of the last few day with Finches dominating and produced 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Kestrel, 15 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 69 Swallow, 528 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 6 Grey Wagtail, 2 Jackdaw, 43 House Sparrow, 38 Tree Sparrow, 13 Chaffinch, 13 Greenfinch, 236 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 461 Linnet and 27 Reed Bunting.
The sea just about held some interest with 7 Brent Geese, 19 Shelduck, 28 Wigeon, 49 Teal, 2 Pintail, 272 Common Scoter, 1 Avocet, 25 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 356 Gannet, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Bonxie, 1 Little Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 540 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 13 Guillemot, 16 Razorbill and 1 Puffin. 

Other interesting sightings were 180 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 24 Brent Goose and 330 Shelduck Humber, 1 Marsh Harrier Kilnsea wetland area, 5 Ruff, 1 Little Stint, 530 Sanderling Chalk bank, 4 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank, 1 Common sandpiper at Sammys and 1200 Starling in Kilnsea. 

Ringing: 4 Meadow Pipit, 3 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 2 Redstart, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Great Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 6 Greenfinch, 2 Reed Bunting. (23 of 12 species).

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Saturday, 23 September 2017

Cloudy and drizzle early morning clearing later with a F1-2 SSE wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1400.

Another increase in Finches on the move as Hirundines numbers decline. A change in the weather is forecast with more easterly type winds predicted, hopefully bringing a good arrival of migrants from Monday onwards.

The Marsh Warbler was still present and showing on and off all day, by the entrance gate around Pallas’s pond, but only 2 Yellow-browed Warbler were seen today. 
Migrant numbers were similar to the previous day with 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Stonechat, 2 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing in the triangle, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 11 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 25 Goldcrest and 2 Crossbill at the Obs.

Viz-migging produced 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Kestrel, 11 Skylark, 202 Swallow, 24 House Martin, 654 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 1 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 5 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 242 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin, 518 Linnet, 15 Redpoll and 5 Reed Bunting.
A few more Duck on the move over the sea which in general was quiet, 8 Brent Geese, 6 Shelduck, 94 Wigeon, 128 Teal, 2 Pintail, 72 Common Scoter, 47 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Manx Shearwater, 189 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 8 Knot, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 3 Arctic Skua, 1 Bonxie, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Little Gull, 4 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Tern, 7 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 3 Puffin. 

Other interesting sightings were 221 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 22 Brent Goose, 2 Gadwall, 134 Wigeon, 149 Teal, 3 Pintail, 12 Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Marsh Harrier, 31 Little Egret, 1500 Golden Plover Humber, 3 Ruff, 1 Little Stint and 1 Curlew Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetland, 1100 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank while 100 Goldfinch were in Church field.

Ringing: 1 Kestrel, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 2 Tree Sparrow, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting. (26 of 14 species).

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Friday, 22 September 2017

Dry and sunny all day with a F1-2 S-SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1115.

Wildfowl numbers continue to increase on Kilnsea wetlands, with Mallard in particular showing a healthy rise. Waders continue to impress here too considering the size of the pool.

A nice surprise today was a dark phase juvenile Honey Buzzard which flew as far south as the triangle, returning north west towards Welwick. No sign of the Red breasted Flycatcher, but a Marsh Warbler was seen at Pallas's pond, though its identity was only confirmed later that night and 3 Yellow-browed Warbler were at the Obs and in the Churchyard. 
Migrant totals while low, a nice selection was available with 2 Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 5 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 11 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, 15 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Siskin.

The viz miggers again had a steady morning, but an increase in species diversity with 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 53 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 141 Swallow, 2 Tree Pipit, 371 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 1 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 5 Great Tit, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 3 Greenfinch, 147 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 143 Linnet, 3 Redpoll and 20 Reed Bunting.
The sea was very quiet with 1 Brent Geese, 16 Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver and 103 Gannet. 

Other interesting sightings were 220 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Brent Goose, 2 Gadwall, 120 Wigeon, 149 Teal, 162 mallard, 3 Pintail, 17 Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 41 Little Egret, 2 Water Rail, 1100 Golden Plover Humber, 900 Dunlin, 4 Little Stint and 1 Curlew Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetland, 3 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1200 Redshank, 4 Snipe, 2 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank, the Tawny Owl still at Kew, 1 Short eared Owl, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Kingfisher, 200 Goldfinch and 170 Linnet. 

Ringing: 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 9 Meadow Pipit, 1 Swallow, 7 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 8 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Reed Bunting. (46 of 15 species).

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Thursday, 21 September 2017

Cloudy but dry till rain after late afternoon with a F2-4 S-SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1300, 1540-1720.

A further decline in migrant numbers though the ringed Red-breasted Flycatcher remained in the crown car park and 2 Yellow-browed Warbler were at the Obs and in the Churchyard. 
Migrant totals were 3 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

In less than ideal conditions a few bits were on the move overland with 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Ruff, 10 Sand Martin, 696 Swallow, 346 House Martin, 149 Meadow Pipit, 4 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Greenfinch, 25 Goldfinch and 74 Linnet.

Much less on the move over the sea with the wind change, 3 Brent Geese, 31 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 1 Pintail, 13 Eider, 47 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Sandwich tern , 200 Common Tern and 1 Puffin. 

Other interesting sightings were 227 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Brent Goose, 3 Gadwall, 65 Teal, 62 mallard, 3 Pintail, 16 Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Peregrine, 37 Little Egret, 1000 Golden Plover Humber, 1 Little Stint and 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 1 Purple Sandpiper, the Tawny Owl still at Kew and a Little Owl on Peter lane. 

Ringing: 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 20 September 2017

Warm and sunny day with a F2-3 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0640-1130.

A decline in migrant numbers overall, but the ringed Red-breasted Flycatcher remained still elusive in the crown car park and 5 Yellow-browed Warbler were about the area. 
Migrant totals were 2 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 2 Sedge warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 17 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Brambling and 2 Redpoll.

The better conditions for viz migging had an almost immediate effect and an increase in Finch numbers on the move with 7 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 3 Swift, 1 Skylark, 631 Swallow, 221 House Martin, 1911 Meadow Pipit, 1 Flava Wagtail, 13 Alba Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 9 Jackdaw, 6 Carrion Crow, 14 Starling, 35 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 295 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 323 Linnet and 6 Reed Bunting.

Much less on the move over the sea with the wind change, 204 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Brent Geese, 7 Wigeon, 18 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and 27 Cormorant. 

Other interesting sightings were 253 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Brent Goose, 98 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 65 Teal, 55 mallard, 3 Pintail, 21 Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Hobby triangle, 1 Peregrine hunting the Humber, 22 Little Egret, 1400 Golden Plover Humber, 4 Lapwing, 5 Little Stint and 1 Ruff Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Snipe, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1200 Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, the Tawny Owl still at Kew, 1 Short-eared Owl and 1 Kingfisher. 

Ringing: 1 Kestrel, 39 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wren, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow warbler, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 5 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting. (68 of 13 species).

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Tuesday, 19 September 2017

Warm and sunny day with a light NW-SW wind.

The calmer conditions allowed observers to get to grips with migrants on the ground, the ringed Red-breasted Flycatcher remained in the crown, a good total of 16 Yellow-browed Warbler about the area, with 6 at the point the best count, while a new Barred Warbler was trapped at the Warren. 
Migrant totals were up for some species, but down on others with the ever present Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 21 Robin, 4 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Sedge warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 25 Chiffchaff, 13 Willow Warbler, 20 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Brambling and 2 Redpoll.

On the move over the sea were 227 Pink-footed Geese, 14 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 2 Shoveler,31 Common Scoter, 2 Eider, 26 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 347 Gannet, 1 Bonxie, 1500 Common Tern and 5 Puffin, 

A small number of birds were on the move overland, but the conditions will be better on other days, 70 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 139 Meadow Pipit, 5 Grey Wagtail and 5 Reed Bunting.

Other interesting sightings were 220 Greylag Geese, 1 Brent Goose, 89 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 82 Teal, 25 Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye, a record count of 48 Little Egret, 2 Water Rail along the canal, 10 Lapwing, 2 Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and 4 Ruff Kilnsea wetlands, 3 Snipe, 1 Whimbrel, 1100 Redshank, 8 Greenshank, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Swift and 1 Kingfisher. 

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Swallow, 31 Meadow Pipit, 6 Dunnock, 3 Robin, 1 Wren, 1 Barred Warbler, 1 Chifchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 6 Tree Sparrow, 5 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 2 Redpoll, 4 Reed Bunting. (86 of 17 species).

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Monday, 18 September 2017

Early morning rain gave way to cloud with sunny spells, but with an increasing F3-4 N-NW wind.
Sea Watches: 0630-1115, 1300-1630.

There was no sign of the Arctic Warbler today in a strong northerly blowing through its favoured areas, and indeed it was hard going finding migrants, with sheltered areas being the most productive. The best of the new arrivals were a Marsh Warbler at Sammys in the last paddock, while 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher were seen, a new bird at Southfield farm and one in the crown. Only 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, with 2 at the Warren and 1 in the Cliffe farm/Kew area., while 2 Barred Warbler were still showing at the warren and Little hedge. 

Migrant totals were decent for the windy conditions with the usual Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 6 Wheatear, 4 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrest, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Siskin, 1 Brambling and 8 Redpoll.

On the move over the sea were 20 Greylag Geese, 16 Pin-footed Geese, 67 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 85 Teal, 232 Common Scoter, 141 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Fulmar, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1133 Gannet, 3 Shag, 12 Arctic Skua, adult Long-tailed Skua, 14 Bonxie, juvenile Sabines Gull, 929 Auk sp and 5 Puffin, 

Other interesting sightings were 153 Pink-footed Geese Easington straight, 1 Brent Goose, 73 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 85 Teal, 1 Pintail, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Hobby, 9000+ Knot Humber, 2 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 11 Ruff Kilnsea wetlands, 5 Snipe, 1 Whimbrel, 240 Curlew, 5 Greenshank, 5 Swift, 1 Kingfisher and 3 Grey Wagtail while the Tawny Owl is still at Kew. 

Ringing: 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Blackbird, 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 9 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch. (24 of 10 species).

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Sunday, 17 September 2017

A nice warm day with a F2 N wind.
Migration Watches: 0840-1230, 1845-1920.

Early morning a very vocal ARCTIC WARBLER was found between Easington cemetery and Willow cottage, even singing at one point, though later on was more elusive. Other good birds were 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher in Canal hedge and at Rose cottage, 3 Barred Warbler, Warren, Canal hedge, Grange farm area and 8 Yellow-browed Warbler, while a Greenish Warbler was reported at the point.

The conditions brought a small number of common migrant through, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Redstart, 9 Whinchat, 4 stonechat, 14 Wheatear, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler, 23 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Pied Flycatcher and the first 3 Brambling of the autumn.

The sea was quiet after most birds had filtered off north in the previous days, 66 Pink-footed Geese, 41 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 274 Common Scoter, 41 Red-throated Diver, 27 Fulmar, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 29 Cormorant, 13 Arctic Skua, 15 Bonxie, 144 Little Gull, 95 Kittiwake and 9 Puffin. 
Again only small amounts of overland migration in un-helpful winds with 1 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 29 Swallow, 306 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Siskin, 24 Linnet, 1 Redpoll and 1 Reed Bunting. 

Other decent birds or counts were 21 Pink-footed Geese, the usual Brent Goose, 62 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 121 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye Beacon ponds, 37 Little Egret, 2 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Ruff, 6 Snipe, 4 Greenshank, Tawny Owl calling at Kew, 1 Barn Owl and a Kingfisher.

Ringing: .

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Saturday, 16 September 2017

Heavy showers but warm with a difficult F2-4 NW-N wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1300.

A small arrival saw the first Red-breasted Flycatcherof the year turn up at the Warren. Unusually it was an adult bird, and was trapped a little while later. 4 Yellow-browed Warbler were seen, and the same or another Bittern appeared today in the triangle, while a Greenish Warbler was reported calling in Easington at the Cemetery, but lost in bad weather.

The sea still demanded a look with decent seabirds throughout the day, 34 Teal, 46 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 4 Scaup, 61 Common Scoter, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 46 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 24 Fulmar, 19 Sooty Shearwater, 21 Manx Shearwater, 20 Arctic Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 18 Bonxie, 4 Little Gull, juvenile Sabines Gull and 10 Puffin. 
Small amounts of overland migration in un-helpful winds with 5 Swift, 14 Sand Martin, 22 Swallow, 1 Tree Pipit, 153 Meadow Pipit, 4 Grey Wagtail, 2 Flava Wagtail and 30 Linnet. 

The conditions are slowly allowing small numbers of migrant through 1 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 2 stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Wood Warbler crown carpark, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Pied Flycatcher.

Other decent birds or counts were 21 Pink-footed Geese, the usual Brent Goose, 700+Shelduck, 80 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 1 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 63 Teal, 1 Goldeneye Beacon ponds, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Ruff, 6 Snipe, 4 Greenshank, 1 Barn Owl and a Kingfisher.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Goldcrest.

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Friday, 15 September 2017

Migration Watches: 0610-1900.

The trickle of passerine arrival continues with now 2 Yellow-browed Warbler in the Observatory garden, and given some favourable conditions along with Chiffchaff and Blackcap should be the most regular warbler encountered over the next few weeks.

Sammys point popped up with a good bird in the form of a Corncrake seen down to a few feet, while the observer rested his bunions.

The sea in keeping with the last few days was where the main interest remained with totals of 113 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup, 97 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 51 Red-throated Diver, 40 Fulmar, 21 Sooty Shearwater, 56 Manx Shearwater, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 2190 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 4 Oystercatcher, 47 Arctic Skua, 3 Long-tailed Skua, 55 Bonxie, 4 Little Gull, 46 Kittiwake, 193 Sandwich Tern, 5172 Common Tern, 42 Arctic Tern, 3 Roseate Tern, 1 Black Tern, 10 Guillemot and 10 Puffin. 
Poor for overland migration with only 3 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 15 Meadow Pipit and 1 Flava Wagtail. 

Migrant numbers remained low, and some easterly winds are desperately needed, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 12 Goldcrest were the only sightings.

Kilnsea wetlands area is still ticking over, 131 Greylag Geese, 23 Pink-footed Geese Easington straight, the usual Brent Goose, 40 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, 14 Shoveler, 114 Teal, 10 Little Grebe, 1 Little Stint, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 1 Short-eared Owl and a Kingfisher was on Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 2 Robin, 2 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 29 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 14 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Thursday, 14 September 2017

Migration Watches: 0620-1930. 

The sea was where all the main action was today, but late in the day a Yellow-browed Warbler in the Observatory garden focussed eyes back to the east, and thoughts of last year’s glut of good birds. Also the skulking Barred Warbler appeared yet again, this time re-trapped in a net having put on 10 grammes since the 4th September from 22.5g to 32.4g.

Over the sea were 2 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 167 Teal, 50 Wigeon, 1 Mallard, 2 Velvet Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 68 Common Scoter, 76 Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, 11 Sooty Shearwater, 54 Manx Shearwater, 14 Fulmar, 780 Gannet, 4 Shag, 10 Oystercatcher, 2 Greenshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 2 Turnstone, 86 Arctic Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, 5 Long-tailed Skua, 87 Bonxie, 3 Little Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 166 Auk sp, 11 Puffin, 9 Guillemot while Tern numbers dropped a bit with 297 Sandwich Tern, 1 Roseate Tern, 1 Black Tern and 634 Common Tern. 

On the move overland were 1 Swift, 19 Sand Martin, 32 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 408 Meadow Pipit, 1 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 120 Tree Sparrow and 2 Reed Bunting.

Other bits of interest were 1 Brent Goose, 180 Shelduck, 116 Teal, 33 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 17 Little Egret Triangle, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Little Stint, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel and 4 Greenshank.

Migrant totals were slightly up with 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow warbler, 7 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Siskin.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Greenfinch, 12 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 13 September 2017

Dry and clear all day but with a stormy F5-7 W wind.
Sea Watches: 0615-1400, 1630-1930.

The storm force winds made birding very difficult and much was confined to the hides of the seawatch hut or at Kilnsea wetlands.


Both the juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher and Wryneck continued to show well today, the Dowticher especially spending time infront of the hide.

On the move over the sea were 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 5 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 14 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Diver, 7 Fulmar, 21 Manx Shearwater, 1077 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 3 Whimbrel, 13 Arctic Skua, 18 Bonxie, 3 Little Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 133 Black-headed Gull and 36 Auk sp while the increase in Tern numbers recently offshore produced 286 Sandwich Tern, 8600 Common Tern, 26 Arctic Tern and 4 Roseate Tern.

Overland it was quiet, with only 1 Swift, 28 Swallow, 15 Sand Martin, 61 Meadow Pipit and 3 Flava Wagtail. 
Migrant totals were poor in the wind with 1 Wheatear and 1 Song Thrush.

Other interesting sightings were 1 Brent Goose, 438 Shelduck on the Humber, 4 Pintail, 1 Common Buzzard while Waders on Kilnsea wetlands were Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Spotted Redshank among plenty of commoner birds.

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Tuesday, 12 September 2017

Broken cloud all day, with a strong and a F4-5-3 W-NW-W wind.
Migration Watches: 0635-1800. 

The day started like it was going to be a big one for the viz-miggers, with birds streaming past early on, but a wind change to a more north westerly soon brought thoughts of that to an end, but some decent totals were returned, while the sea also delivered and brought the first anticipated Pink-footed Geese plus a good Skua passage. 
The star birds from the weekend were still present with the juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher on Kilnsea wetlands and the Wryneck performing brilliantly for the cameras.

Over the sea were 185 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 2 Mallard, 14 Pintail, 23 Common Scoter, 56 Red-throated Diver, a summer plumaged Black-throated Diver, 43 Manx Shearwater, 9 Fulmar, 570 Gannet, 27 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 7 Oystercatcher, 5 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 19 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew, 5 Turnstone, 36 Arctic Skua, adult Long-tailed Skua, 38 Bonxie, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 28 Auk sp, 4 Puffin, 13 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill while Tern numbers remained good with 724 Sandwich Tern, 2 Roseate Tern and 4000+ Common Tern but no real roost count was made due to poor light. 

On the move were 3 Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Hobby, 8 Wood Pigeon, 7 Swift, 239 Sand Martin, 947 Swallow, 411 House Martin, 2 Tree Pipit, 3234 Meadow Pipit, 3 Flava Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 4 Carrion Crow, 300 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 75 Linnet, 2 Redpoll and 9 Reed Bunting..

Other bits of interest were 1 Brent Goose, 180 Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, 8 Little Grebe, 19 Little Egret Triangle, a German ringed Mediterranean Gull, 250 Oystercatcher, 1700 Golden Plover, 3 Lapwing, 8000 Knot, Humber, 2 Little Stint, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1100 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1480 Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Short-eared Owl on Clubleys while migrant totals were understandably low in the strong wind. In the sheltered areas, 1 White Wagtail, the Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow warbler, 4 Goldcrest and 3 Spotted Flycatcher.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 3 Robin, 2 Blackbird, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 55 Tree Sparrow. (68 of 7 species).

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Monday, 11 September 2017

Heavy showers and sunshine throughout with a difficult F4-6 W wind.
Migration Watches: 1215-1415, 1700-1950.

Most people seemed to have a lie in today, with rain lashing the windows and a strong blustery wind early morning. After the tiring weekend, 20 or so volunteers visited the Indian in Withernsea for a traditional wind down end of Migfest get together, the previous night. That said it was still an interesting day with the evening Tern roost paying dividends, with birds earlier having poured in from the east during the day. 

The juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher continued to show well, it’s ‘sewing machine’ feeding action much in evidence from the hide on Kilnsea wetlands and the Wryneck still posing in vegetation and using its tongue to feed on aphids in a generally unusual manner to how most people are used to seeing them, when feeding on the ground.

Kilnsea wetlands area is still attracting a brilliant array of species especially at high tide, the usual Brent Goose, 21 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, 9 Shoveler, 117 Teal, 2 Lapwing, 3 Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 700 Dunlin, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1200 Redshank and 1 Greenshank, while 2 Roseate Tern spent a short while here, then heading off south.

The counters at the warren had an off day mainly due to the weather, but still had 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swift, 161 Sand Martin, 60 Swallow, 71 House Martin, 17 Meadow Pipit, 1 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Goldfinch. 

The sea was quiet till the evening with 8 Teal, 3 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 8 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 8 Manx Shearwater inc one on the Humber, 68 Gannet, 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 12 Arctic Skua and 6 Bonxie while in the evening roost, was after a poor start very good despite terrible light producing 862 Sandwich Tern, 5172 Common Tern, 42 Arctic Tern, 16 Roseate Tern and 4 Black Tern. 

Migrants scourers managed to find a Ring Ouzel at the Warren, the Black Redstart, 1 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and 3 Goldcrest.

Otherwise 130 Shelduck were counted on the Humber, 5 Little Grebe bobbed on Beacon ponds, a Merlin terrified the fewer Meadow Pipits and a Kingfisher was on Beacon ponds.

A Convolvulus Hawkmoth was picked up from the sand at the breach, soon recovering and released at the Obs.

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Sunday, 10 September 2017

A decent start with some showers later but a difficult F3-4 W wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1940.

- Second full day of the Migration festival and a great mix of species seen.
- Another good viz-mig day for Meadow Pipits and Hirundines at Numpties.
- The Long-billed Dowitcher attracting an appreciative audience
- Sabine’s Gull stuns observers by flying over Migfest HQ at Westmere!
- Wryneck still the star performer, with lots of stunning pics.

The platform at Westmere surprisingly had a stunning juvenile Sabine’s Gull fly west over towards the Crown, where it flew as far as the Warren, even landing on the Humber, and while staying on gulls a rather nice Caspian Gull flew north from the breach spending quite a while on Kilnsea wetlands.

The juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher continues to show well on Holderness field, with the same area still attracting 3 Little Stint, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Avocet, 1 Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank, while other totals were 800 Golden Plover, 200 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper and 34 Turnstone.

The counters at the warren had a nice varied day giving a flavour of what Spurn can produce with 1 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Swift, 62 Sand Martin, 590 Swallow, 1539 House Martin, 2 Tree Pipit, 4000 Meadow Pipit, 3 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Dunnock, 5 Jackdaw, 90 Goldfinch, 54 Linnet and 7 Reed Bunting. 
A nice mix of Ducks, Waders and Seabirds over the sea, made for an interesting day with 40 Wigeon, 35 Teal, 2 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 26 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 43 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 299 Gannet, 28 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 34 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Grey Plover, 7 Knot, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel, 3 Arctic Skua, 7 Bonxie, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 17 Kittiwake, 1 Guillemot and 2 Razorbill while in the evening roost, 498 Sandwich Tern, 3015 Common Tern, 20 Arctic Tern, 7 Roseate Tern and 3 Black Tern. 

Migrant totals in the difficult conditions were a Long-eared Owl along Beacon Lane, the showy Wryneckay Sandy beaches, 4 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat, 2 Black Redstart at Sandy beaches, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Willow Warbler and 9 Goldecrest.

Other birds of note mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area were 1 Brent Goose, 170 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, 1 Peregrine, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Kingfisher.

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Saturday, 09 September 2017

- First full day of the Migration festival.
- Good viz-mig day for Meadow Pipits and Swallow at Numpties.
- Spurns purple patch for Waders continues.
- We keep repeating it, but Kilnsea wetlands is the place to be. Check it out!
- Wryneck showing well and Barred Warbler still skulking.

The first full day of the migration festival produced the goods yet again, with a juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER the highlight, showing well on Holderness field, while in the evening a Pectoral Sandpipergraced the same pools. 
Other Wader totals were 5000 Golden Plover, 300 Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet, 5 Greenshank, 4 Little Stint, 6 Curlew Sandpiper Kilnsea wetlands, 5000 Knot, 40 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpiper while a Dotterel flew south past the Warren.

The counters at the warren had a good viz-mig day with 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 131 Sand Martin, 1296 House Martin, 1345 Swallow, 4800 Meadow Pipit, 9 Flava Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 1 Jackdaw, 590 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 21 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting.

On the move over the equally diverse sea were 3 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 6 Teal, 145 Common Scoter, 75 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Manx Shearwater, 181 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 32 Oystercatcher, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Snipe, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Curlew, 4 Turnstone, 1 Pomarine Skua, 2 Long-tailed Skua, 38 Arctic Skua, 3 Bonxie, 1 Little Gull, 2 Little Tern, 400 Sandwich Tern, 2820 Common Tern and 2 Roseate Tern.

The previous nights Wryneck showed well at Sandy beaches, to a steady stream of visitors during the day while the Warren Barred Warbler was more elusive. 
Continuing the theme of it being a great day migrant totals were decent with 1 Wood Warbler, the usual Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 8 Wheatear, Grasshopper Warbler in Churchfield, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 13 Chiffchaff, 24 Willow Warbler, 29 Goldcrest and 1 Pied Flycatcher.

Other birds of note mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area were 1 Brent Goose, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker.

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Friday, 08 September 2017

Rain and dull conditions early on petered out leaving the odd sunny spells with a F3 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1000.

- The BTO/SBO migration festival begins.
- Full programme of events and talks all weekend.
- Right on cue a Wryneck appears!
- Festival warms up with a steady morning of migration.
- Nice selection of migrants and passage Waders.

The first unofficial day of the migration festival began, before the first welcome, meet and greet and talk in the evening. The day was quite steady in reality, but the appearance of a Wryneck at sandy beaches, livened up the end of the day and gave hope for a few birds over the weekend, while the viz-miggers had a decent morning, despite the rain showers, before the fantastic group of Migfest volunteers assembled to get everything ready for this landmark annual event.

Fingers crossed, one thing that we have been waiting to show our audience is a great visible migration (viz-migging) over the weekend and today gave hope the predicted conditions will have the desired effect. The south westerly brought a routine amount of birds heading south at the Numpties watchpoint with an Osprey, 20 Sand Martin, 110 Swallow, 25 House Martin, 1054 Meadow Pipit, 5 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey wagtail, 69 Tree Sparrow, 56 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 1 Reed Bunting.
Over the very quiet sea were 7 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet and 1 Ringed Plover.

Not big numbers but a decent scatter of migrants with a Blue-headed Wagtail on Holderness field, the usual Black Redstart at Sandy beaches, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrest. 

Other interesting sightings were the resident Brent Goose on Kilnsea wetland, 1 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, 11 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Buzzard, 5 Ruff, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Little Stint, 1900 Dunlin, 7 Curlew Sandpiper and a Short-eared Owl.

Ringing: 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldcrest.

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Thursday, 07 September 2017

Clear early morning clouding in the afternoon with a F2-4 W wind.
Migration Watches: 0620-1115, 1750-1900.

- The 5th Migration festival begins Friday. Tickets still available on the day.
- Good viz-mig day for Meadow Pipits at Numpties, with a ‘big day’ possible over the weekend.
- Curlew Sandpipers increase to 8 at Kilnsea wetlands.
- We keep repeating it, but Kilnsea wetlands is the place to be. Check it out!
- Barred Warbler still skulking at the Warren.

The counters at the warren are starting to get their rewards for long hours in the field and while a big day could happen at any time, decent totals were returned today with 1 Hobby, 32 Sand Martin, 78 Swallow, 1415 Meadow Pipit, 6 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 165 Tree Sparrow and 65 Goldfinch.

Even quieter over the sea today with little of note, 1 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 29 Gannet, 1 Manx Shearwater, 75 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Bonxie while the roost movement produced only 84 Sandwich Tern, 178 Common Tern and 2 Arctic Tern, but also a nice Roseate Tern in the evening. 
Migrant numbers were similar to previous days, the Barred Warbler remained at the Warren plus totals of 1 Cuckoo Beacon Lane, 1 Tree Pipit Church field, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Whinchat, 2 Redstart, the usual Black Redstart at Sandy beaches caravan site, 5 Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 12 Willow Warbler and 19 Goldcrest.

Other birds of note mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area were 1 Brent Goose, 1 Canada Goose, 173 Greylag Geese, 220 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 155 Teal, 2 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 20 Little Egret, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 1 Avocet, 5 Greenshank, 700 Redshank, 1000 Dunlin, 8 Curlew Sandpiper Kilnsea wetlands, 6 Snipe, 5 Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 180 Linnet and 165 Tree Sparrow.

Ringing: 24 Meadow Pipit, 3 Robin, 2 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 9 Goldcrest, 29 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Greenfinch. (77 of 11 species).

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Wednesday, 06 September 2017

A clear start clouding later with a F4 W wind.
Migration Watches: 0700-1215, 1600-1815.

- Days counting down till the Migration festival begins.
- Viz-miggers get in on the action with Meadow Pipits among a number of species on the move.
- Curlew Sandpipers giving fantastic views from the hide at Kilnsea wetlands.
- Good show of Birds of Prey in the last few days.
- Scatter of migrants, keeping it interesting. 

On the move over a much quieter sea than of late were 4 Teal, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 216 Gannet, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 75 Gannet, 26 Cormorant, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Bonxie, 9 Arctic Skua, 145 Black-headed Gull, 1 Kittiwake and 1 Black Tern. 
The first day with a good strength wind brought the first decent movement which should pick up in the next few days, weather permitting. Totals were 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 24 Swift, 48 Sand Martin, 145 Swallow, 156 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 840 Meadow Pipit, 17 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Jackdaw, 75 Tree Sparrow and 24 Goldfinch.

Migrant numbers remained steady, but still held some interest with 1 Tree Pipit, 1 White Wagtail, 7 Whinchat, 2 Redstart, the usual Black Redstart, 5 Wheatear, 7 Willow Warbler, 8 Goldcrest and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

Other birds of note mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area were 1 Brent Goose, 1 Canada Goose, 193 Greylag Geese, 18 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 2 Pintail, 1 Gadwall, 24 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1800 Golden Plover Humber, 500 Dunlin, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1500 Redshank, 7 Ruff, 5 Curlew Sandpiper Kilnsea wetlands, 313 Curlew, 1 Black Tern Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Kingfisher, 180 Linnet and 150 Tree Sparrow.

Ringing: 2 Whinchat, 1 Redstart, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 48 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 05 September 2017

Poor weather with heavy rain and a F1-4 SW-W wind.

Migration Watches: 0645-0930, 1315-1900.

- The 5th migration festival begins on Friday.
- Bittern still skulking in the reeds.
- Barred Warbler again at the warren plus nice selection of migrants.
- Great selection of Waders and Wildfowl on Kilnsea wetlands.
- Some interest over the sea with a few Skuas and decent evening Tern roost.

The Bittern made a welcome re-appearance on Kilnsea wetlands then flew back to the shooting pond at the south end of Beacon ponds.

Migrant wise there was the Barred Warbler still at the Warren, 2 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, the resident Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler and 3 Goldcrest.

On the move over the sea were 12 Wigeon, 138 Teal, 27 Common Scoter, 3 Red throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 177 Gannet, 97 Oystercatcher, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 1 Ruff, 105 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Arctic Skua, 4 Bonxie and 2 Kittiwake and the evening Tern roost produced 220 Sandwich Tern, 1014 Common Tern, 26 Arctic Tern and 2 Black Tern.
Movement overland was very poor with only 11 Swift, 2 Sand Martin and 13 Flava Wagtail.

Other birds of note were 1 Brent Goose, 184 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 207 Teal, 44 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 76 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Lapwing, 1500 Golden Plover, 300 Sanderling, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Black tailed Godwit, 177 Curlew, 360 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 12 Greenshank, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher and a Tawny Owl.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Dunnock, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 04 September 2017

Rain and drizzle early on petered out leaving odd sunny spells with a F3-2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0650-1245.

- The 5th Migration Festival starts on Friday.
- Fantastic Teal movement over the sea.
- Kilnsea wetlands keeps on pulling the good birds in, plus nice Wader selection.
- Small arrival of ‘Drift’ migrants.

Early morning rain dropped in 2 Barred Warbler along the peninsula. The first this autumn and both typically juvenile birds, one trapped at the Warren and the other found near the Lighthouse. Spurn is probably THE place to see this species on the east coast if not mainland Britain.

Kilnsea wetlands continued its recent run of good birds with a fine juvenile CITRINE WAGATIL, Spurns 7th, (but also the 3rd we have had in as many years), while also gracing the same pool, the 3rd Red-necked Phalarope (and the 2nd juvenile) of the year, while also here a Garganey is present among the assorted Duck on show. 
The good birds continued with a Great White Egret which eventually went south, an Osprey sat on the Humber mud out from the Observatory and 2 Purple Sandpiper showing well by the breach.

The SE winds brought a small arrival of migrant with 4 Redstart, 9 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat,2 Chiffchaff, 11 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest and 2 Pied Flycatcher. 

The sea was very productive Duck wise with 6 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Shelduck, 539 Teal, 13 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 48 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 223 Gannet, 12 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Knot, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 14 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel and 1 Curlew.
Viz migging remains quiet and the counters may as well have stayed in bed, the best being only 1 Hobby, 3 Swift, 1 Grey Wagtail and 7 Swallow, but better days are maybe just around the corner.

Other interesting sightings were the resident Brent Goose on Kilnsea wetland, 120 Teal, 1 Pintail, 2 Lapwing, 9 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 5000 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, 700+ Starling, 80+ Goldfinch and 260+ Linnet.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Barred Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Greenfinch.

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Sunday, 03 September 2017

A cloudy cool start with some sunny periods and a F3-4 SSE-S wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1200, 1300-1400, 1545-1945.

The 5th Migration Festival begins this Friday, and a small change in the weather to more south westerly winds is predicted, which fingers crossed should allow for some great visible migration involving Meadow Pipits, Hirundines , Finches and hopefully a few Birds of Prey, along with other species.

Today continued where yesterday ended, with small numbers of migrants about, the Pectoral Sandpiper creeping about, good numbers of duck moving over the sea, but with Kilnsea wetlands still the place to go at the moment, while nearby Beacon ponds pulled in a Bittern. 

A Bittern found at the southern end of Beacon ponds was a welcome addition to the yearlist, with increases in the population reflecting in more records at Spurn and now becoming just about annual.

A very small increase in some migrants, but declines in others with 1 Cuckoo, 5 Whinchat, 3 Redstart, 7 Wheatear, 3 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest and 4 Pied Flycatcher.
The Pectoral Sandpiper remained on Kilnsea wetlands/Holderness field all day, though can vanish into long grass for long periods.

On the move with over the sea were 3 Wigeon, 227 Teal, 3 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 181 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Fulmar, 216 Gannet, 15 Oystercatcher, 8 Dunlin, 12 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Bonxie, 6 Arctic Skua, 5 Guillemot and 5 Puffin. 

Surprisingly it was very poor overland with the only birds being noted were 4 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Kestrel, 1 Swift, 2 Sand Martin and 47 Swallow.

Other birds of note mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area were 1 Brent Goose, 1 Canada Goose, 209 Greylag Geese, 6 Wigeon, 77 Teal, 1 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 3 Lapwing, 11 Ruff, 3 Greenshank, 1 Purple Sandpiper still by the breach, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 20+ Mediterranean Gull and 1 Short-eared Owl.

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Saturday, 02 September 2017

A clear warm sunny day with an increasing F0-3 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0615-1000.

Despite the fact there were a few good birds about today it was still hard work in the conditions. The ‘nine’ o’clock arrival brought a vocal, but flighty Ortolan Bunting to the Warren, spending a short time in the saltmarsh, then flying off north. With it brought an increase in migrants with 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Song Thrush, 8 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 17 Lesser Whitethroat, 21 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 19 Willow Warbler, 6 Goldcrest and 4 Pied Flycatcher.
The Pectoral Sandpiper remained on Kilnsea wetlands/Holderness field often proving quite elusive.

On the move with over the sea were 44 Teal, 1 Pochard, 4 Tufted Duck, 73 Common Scoter, 6 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 177 Gannet, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Turnstone, 7 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Skua and 5 Auk sp.

On the move overland heading south were 4 Sparrowhawk, 13 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, 4 Sand Martin, 117 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 107 Meadow Pipit, 14 Flava Wagtail, 6 Grey Wagtail, 50 House Sparrow, 58 Tree Sparrow, 4 Greenfinch, 8 Goldfinch, 57 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting.

Other birds of note mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area were 1 Brent Goose, 1 Canada Goose, 30 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 500+ Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 8 Ruff, 3 Greenshank, 1 Purple Sandpiper by the breach, juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Snipe, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 54 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Short-eared Owl.

2 Hummingbird Hawkmoth were seen today.

Ringing: 2 Swallow, 13 Meadow Pipit, 7 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Great Tit, 5 House Sparrow, 4 Tree Sparrow, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting. (46 of 14 species).

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Friday, 01 September 2017

A quiet day for this time of year, but a Leach's Petrel flew north in the evening while the Pectoral sandpiper remains on Holderness field. 
Other waders seen today were 5000 Golden Plover, 3500 Knot, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Ruff, 4 Greenshank and 1 Common Sandpiper while by Long bank a record 251 Greylag Geese were present. 

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 14 Tree Sparrow. (28 0f 10 species).

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