Monday, 31 December 2018

Highlights of 2018

2018 was a fantastic year with 266 species recorded, our second ever highest total. Two more species were added to the Spurn list, both during the autumn, bringing the overall total up to 399, with a much anticipated Baird’s Sandpiper on the 30th September and an unexpected Dusky Thrush on 4th November. Of course dependant on acceptance, who would bet against us reaching the magical 400 during 2019. This will be some achievement for a mainland site.

There were many other good birds during the year and no doubt most of us will have our own highlights, but twitchable Greater Sandplover and Squacco Heron were both welcome 3rd records along with a long staying Green-winged Teal. The 4th Savi’s Warbler was the first to remain for more than one day, with also singles of Taiga Bean Goose, Greenland White-fronted Goose and a Dowitcher sp, while our 5th Semi-palmated Sandpiper was a nice mid-summer identification challenge. The late autumn brought our 6th Humes Leaf Warbler and 6th- 7th Pallid Swifts, while for local listers our 7th Red-crested Pochard and 8th-11th Mandarin were well received.

The next few species have become ‘regulars’ and expected in the last few years with our 8th Glossy Ibis, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Citrine Wagtail, our 9th American Golden Plover and 11th Red-flanked Bluetail with a White-tailed Eagle the first for a few years. Completing the amazing list of rarities were our 18th Arctic Redpoll, a rather stunning white snowball and our 19th Rustic Bunting.

An impressive list of other good birds seen during the year were an amazing 16 Great White Egret, Corys Shearwater, Montagu’s Harrier, 2 Corncrake, 3 Temminck’s Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike, 2 Golden Oriole, Willow Tit, 3 Red-rumped Swallow, 2+ Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Dusky Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, 4 Rose-coloured Starling, 2 Bluethroat, Nightingale, Olive-backed Pipit, 2 Serin, 1+ Little Bunting and a flock of 2 Ortolan Bunting.

There were many other highlights for the year none more so than Marsh Warbler successfully breeding yet again, a day record 39 Yellow-browed Warbler and brilliant spring and autumn arrivals of Pied Flycatcher. More to come in the report.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 31 December 2018

Sunny spells with a F3 WSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0815-1100.

A nice day with plenty of decent birding to be had to see 2018 out.

A Black Brant seen today had wandered over from Lincolnshire with the Brent flock with the hybrid bird still about on Kilnsea wetlands and the White-fronted Goose along with the 5 Whooper Swan on Easington straight. A Siberian Chiffchaff sporting a silver ring was at Easington sewage works along with 6 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest.

Over the sea were 7 Brent Geese, 7 Wigeon, 8 Goldeneye, 9 Common Scoter, 37 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Great Skua and 1 Auk sp.

Other sightings from today were 4 Goldeneye and a Greenshank on Beacon ponds, 870 Oystercatcher on the Humber, Short-eared Owl on Clubley’s and a Mistle Thrush in Easington.

Ringing: 1 House Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 30 December 2018

Dull and overcast day with a F2 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0815-1045.

A nice selection of species were recorded today with the resident White-fronted Goose still present with now only 3 Whooper Swan. The Hooded Crow was also still present on the muck heap west of Sammy’s, where a Water Pipit was present before flying west up the Humber and the 2 Shorelark at Easington lagoon. Of interest a Black Brant x Dark-bellied Brent hybrid was with 510 Brent Geese (53 juveniles) on Easington straight.

Over the sea were 2 Wigeon, 2 Mallard, 12 Common Scoter, 49 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 1 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and 1 Razorbill.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 480 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Greenshank, 3 Grey Heron and 1 Little Egret while nearby 115 Lapwing, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Buzzard.

Ringing: 2 House Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 29 December 2018

A bright sunny cloudless and still day.                                                                                                    

Watches: 0830-1100.

The usual White-fronted Goose and 5 Whooper Swan remain in the Long bank area along with 25 Mute Swan with a Corn Bunting south at the Warren a good winter record.

On the move over a quiet sea were 15 Pink-footed Geese, 91 Red-throated Diver and 3 Auk sp.

Otherwise there were 190 Lapwing on Easington straight and 800 Oystercatcher on the Humber with 4 Chiffchaff and 3 Long-tailed Tit at Easington sewage works.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 28 December 2018

Bright and sunny with light winds.

Watches: 0810-1040.

The highlight of a quiet winter day was the trapping and ringing of the two Shore Lark that have been at Easington Lagoon, the first to be ringed at Spurn since 1994. The single White-fronted Goose was still hanging out with the 5 Whooper Swan and 27 Mute Swan.

Kilnsea wetlands area held 408 Wigeon, 134 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 270 Redshank and 1 Greenshank with a Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier and 2 Common Buzzard in the area.

Over the sea it was yet again quiet with only 11 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 75 Red-throated Diver, 1 Cormorant and 1 Shag.

A good look around Easington produced a few less commoner birds for the Spurn area in general with a Treecreeper, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker and a Coal Tit with 5 Chiffchaff by the sewage works.

Otherwise 33 Yellowhammer at the Warren is a great count.

Ringing: 2 Shorelark, 5 Long-tailed Tit.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 27 December 2018

Overcast and dull with a F1 SW wind..

Migration Watches: 0755-1030.

The 2 Shorelark were relocated at Easington lagoon after not being seen for a week.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had, 5 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 386 Wigeon, 110 Teal, 2 Goldeneye and 11 Little Grebe plus the wintering Greenshank and 4 Short-eared Owl hunting the area.

Over the sea, 2.5hrs produced only 22 Common Scoter, 52 Red-throated Diver, 6 Cormorant, 2 Shag plus singles each of Guillemot and Razorbill.

Other bits of interest were a Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 5 Song Thrush, a Goldcrest, 2 Meadow Pipit and 90 House Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 26 December 2018

Overcast and dull with a F1 SSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0805-1005.

The White-fronted Goose was still present along with 5 Whooper Swan and 24 Mute Swan.

A male Marsh Harrier was hunting the Sammy’s area with 6 Grey Partridge and 120 Lapwing along Easington straight and 35 Black-tailed Godwit on the Humber with a quiet sea adding species like 4 Eider, Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and 1 Razorbill to the days tally.

Ringing: 4 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 25 December 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR FRIENDS FROM SPURN BIRD OBSERVATORY.

Overcast and dull with a F1 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0755-1030.

A Hen Harrier was hunting the Sammy’s point area with a Long-eared Owl near the Listening dish. There was no sign of the Bean Goose today or the 15 White-fronts it consorted with, but the single White-fronted Goose was still present along with 5 Whooper Swan and 14 Mute Swan.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had, 2 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 444 Wigeon, 90 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 190 Lapwing and a Greenshank while other sightings were a Common Buzzard, 8 Black-tailed Godwit on the Humber and 40 Fieldfare on Easington straight.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 24 December 2018

Bright and sunny with a F1 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0800-1030.

The Bean Goose remained just north of Long bank along with 16 White-fronted Goose.

Over the sea were 15 Teal, 22 Common Scoter, a male Velvet Scoter, 73 Red-throated Diver, 2 Cormorant, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Great Skua and 2 Auk sp.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 379 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 13 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Little Egret while nearby 190 Lapwing, 2 Short-eared Owl, 22 Fieldfare, 2 Stonechat and 40 Linnet.

Nearby 3 Water Pipit are at Welwick saltmarsh where regularly upto 3 Hen Harrier have been performing.

Ringing: 1 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 23 December 2018

Watches: 0800-1030.

The good birds were still present if a little flightly and distant again with the Bean Goose still here with the flock of 16 White-fronted Geese plus the 11 Whooper Swan.

The Kilnsea wetlands area continues to hold onto decent numbers of Wildfowl with 1 Gadwall, 440 Wigeon, 75 Teal, 2 Shoveler and 2 Goldeneye with 150 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, Short-eared Owl and Common Buzzard also here.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 22 December 2018

Light drizzle gave way to sunny spells with a light F1 SW wind.

Watches: 0730-1030.

There were still 16 White-fronted Geese just north of Long bank, one of which continues to hang about with the group of 11 Whooper Swan and 14 Mute Swan rather than its nearby friends.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 450 Brent Geese, 350 Wigeon, 90 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 8 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Buzzard and 146 Lapwing with a Short-eared Owl in the triangle with other sightings of 40 Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Stonechat, 2 Skylark, 1 Rock Pipit, 70 Tree Sparrow, 75 House Sparrow, 16 Chaffinch and 18 Yellowhammer in the area.

Little on the the move today with only 21 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Great Northern Diver, 34 Red-throated Diver and 32 Lapwing. 

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Starling, 2 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 21 December 2018

A grey day, drizzly and overcast with a F1-2 WNW-NE  wind.

Migration Watches: 0750-1100.

The single White-fronted Goose remained by Long bank with the 11 Whooper Swan and 19 Mute Swan, while late evening an awesome flock of around 150 White-fronted Geese flew south over Easington.

Nearby Kilnsea wetlands remained a magnet for Wildfowl with 3 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 335 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 1 Goldeneye and 11 Little Grebe with 170 Lapwing, 30 Dunlin, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe and 350 Redshank also here.

Over the sea were 3 Common Scoter and 27 Red-throated Diver were an very poor return.

Other sightings from today were a Short-eared Owl, 2 Grey Partridge at Kew, 3 Redwing, 40 Fieldfare and 100 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 20 December 2018

Watches: 0745-1015, 1345-1445.

The 2 Shorelark remained at Easington lagoon and the 15 White-fronted Geese by Long bank with the 11 Whooper Swan.

On the move over the sea 9 Common Scoter, 2 Eider, 53 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake, 5 Auk sp and 13 Guillemot.

Other sightings were 14 Greylag Geese in the triangle, 112 Shelduck, 3 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl at Easington lagoon, 12 Redwing and 26 Linnet.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Mild, but with rain on and off throughout the day and a F4 SW wind.

Watches: 0815-1000.

The 2 Shorelark were still present and showing well at Easington lagoon, while the Bean Goose was still present, with 16 White-fronted Geese in the area, one still consorting with the 12 Whooper Swan. 

A bit on the move over the sea, saw 110 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 14 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 7 Auk sp all fly south.

Other sightings included a male Goldeneye, 11 Little Grebe and a Greenshank on Beacon ponds, 2 Grey heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, a Short-eared Owl at Kilnsea wetlands, Chiffchaff on Beacon lane and 18 Yellowhammer at the Warren.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

A windy and grey day with rain, heavy after dark.

Migration Watches: 0800-1200.

Here we go again, with the Taiga/Tundra Bean Goose, which has been seen poorly and distantly, so far remaining along with 16 White-fronted Goose and now 12 Whooper Swan in the Long bank and Easington straight area along with 16 Mute Swan. Hopefully some photos will appear on here and maybe clear up the Goose identification.

A brief visit to Kilnsea wetlands saw, 2 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 300 Wigeon and 40 Teal.

The trickle over the sea continues, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Velvet Scoter, 22 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 25 Red-throated Diver, 1 Shag, 1 Great Skua and 3 Guillemot.

Ringing: 1 Water Rail

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 17 December 2018

‘Securing the Future’ project. We are trying to build a substantial lump of money that will be used exclusively for future land purchases. We set ourselves an ambitious target of having 100 people signed up to the project by the end of December 2018. The future of Spurn is really in our hands and we feel that if we are to make the most of securing future land purchases to improve the habitat for migrant and breeding birds in the Spurn area then this truly is the best way to do so. We're asking for a small regular contribution that will almost go unnoticed that will help make a big bang in years to come.

A milder day with early blue skies becoming more overcast and a F1-2  wind.

Migration Watches: 0820-1020.

A putative Taiga Bean Goose appeared today with the group of 16 White-fronted Goose while nearby the 11 Whooper Swan remain in the Long bank area and 2 Shorelark present at Easington lagoon. The Bean Goose was distant, defintely different to the bird previously, with more black on the bill.

On Kilnsea wetlands area, 3 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 400 Wigeon, 88 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 17 Little Grebe, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and the wintering Greenshank.

Little over the sea with only 38 Teal, 3 Common Scoter, 32 Red-throated Diver and 2 Auk sp.

Otherwise there was a Kingfisher and Short-eared Owl at Beacon ponds with 2 Redwing by the Listening dish with 2 Stonechat and a Meadow Pipit also seen today.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 16 December 2018

A much nicer day with plenty of sunshine and a F2-3 SW wind. 

A nice flock of 15 White-fronted Geese arrived with the other still present at Long bank where the 11 Whooper Swan continued.

Also present were 1 Coal Tit, Great-spotted Woodpecker, 4 Chiff-chaff and a Mistle Thrush in Easington.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 15 December 2018

A horrible day of wind and rain, the wind reaching F5-7 SE.

Watches: 0750-1050, 1350-1545.

Most of the action was over the sea with 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 25 Common Scoter, 1 Eider, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Skua and 4 Auk sp.

Otherwise a Little Egret, Peregrine, 1 Goldcrest and 22 Goldcrest were seen.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 14 December 2018

‘Securing the Future’ project. We are trying to build a substantial lump of money that will be used exclusively for future land purchases. We set ourselves an ambitious target of having 100 people signed up to the project by the end of December 2018. The future of Spurn is really in our hands and we feel that if we are to make the most of securing future land purchases to improve the habitat for migrant and breeding birds in the Spurn area then this truly is the best way to do so. We're asking for a small regular contribution that will almost go unnoticed that will help make a big bang in years to come.

A windy day with frequent drizzle with a F4-5 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0815-1100.

Good numbers of Duck are present on Kilnsea wetlands with a few on the move over the sea.

The usual White-fronted Goose with 11 Whooper Swan remain in the Long bank area along with 12 Mute Swan.

On Kilnsea wetlands area, 4 Peregrine were terrorising the 4 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 516 Wigeon, 154 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 13 Little Grebe, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank that were present.

Over the sea were 14 Teal, 12 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, 9 Eider, 2 Gannet, 43 Red-throated Diver, 1 Kittiwake and Auk sp.

Otherwise there were 1 Short-eared Owl at Long bank with 2 Redwing and 100 Tree Sparrow by the Listening dish

Ringing: 3 Blackbird, 5 House Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 13 December 2018

‘Securing the Future’ project. We are trying to build a substantial lump of money that will be used exclusively for future land purchases. We set ourselves an ambitious target of having 100 people signed up to the project by the end of December 2018. The future of Spurn is really in our hands and we feel that if we are to make the most of securing future land purchases to improve the habitat for migrant and breeding birds in the Spurn area then this truly is the best way to do so. We're asking for a small regular contribution that will almost go unnoticed that will help make a big bang in years to come.

A windy day with frequent drizzle with a F4-5 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0815-1100.

Good numbers of Duck are present on Kilnsea wetlands with a few on the move over the sea.

The Hooded Crow is still present on the muck heap just west of Sammy’s car park and the usual White-fronted Goose with 11 Whooper Swan remain in the Long bank area along with 21 Mute Swan and 600 Brent Geese. Nearby on Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 480 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 11 Little Grebe, 8 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank,

On the move over the sea were 6 Brent Geese, 7 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 11 Eider, 27 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 8 Red-throated Diver and 10 Auk sp.

Otherwise there were 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing and 40+ Carrion Crow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

Sunny and fine all day with a F1-2 SE wind.

Watches: 0815-1015.

The White-fronted Goose was yet again present today along with 11 Whooper Swan (which included 5 juveniles) on Easington straight while on nearby Kilnsea wetlands 14 Shoveler, 332 Wigeon, 114 Teal, both Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Stonechat.

Over the sea 17 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Kittiwake, 9 Auk sp and 2 Razorbill.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 11 December 2018

A glorious sunny day with litle wind.

Despite the lack of observers in the area there was a nice count of 630 Brent Geese on Kilnsea wetlands which included 64 juveniles. The White-fronted Goose was still on Easington straight with 11 Whooper Swan while also in the Beacon ponds/Kilnsea wetlands area were 260 Wigeon, 50 Teal, 17 Little Grebe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Snipe.

The few migrants present were a Short-eared Owl, 3 Goldcrest, 6 Redwing, 2 Stonechat and a Bullfinch.

Ringing: 3 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Greenfinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 10 December 2018

A bright sunny cloudless and still day.

Watches: 0735-1030.

Little birding done today, but a busy one as a new viewing screen was constructed in Churchfield.

The usual White-fronted Goose and 14 Whooper Swan remain in the Long bank area.

On the move over the yet again quiet sea were 1 Brent Goose, 1 Wigeon, 31 Common Scoter, 1 Eider, 2 Gannet, 31 Red-throated Diver, 34 Kittiwake and 6 Auk sp.

Otherwise there were 1 Short-eared Owl in Church field and 11 Yellowhammer by the gate.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 09 December 2018

A chilly start but, bright and sunny with a F2-4 NW wind.

Migration Watches: 0745-1030.

Overall a quiet day. We are still blessed with fantastic numbers of both Sparrow species at Spurn, with the feeders outside the Obs and the nearby Kew and Church field holding good numbers of both species, while 100+ Tree Sparrow in the cover strip by the Listening dish and big numbers of House Sparrow often by Kilnsea caravan site and as shown below the Easington area is pretty much a stronghold too.

The usual White-fronted Goose and 14 Whooper Swan remain in the Long bank area along with 18 Mute Swan and 600 Brent Geese

On the move over a quiet sea were 5 Geese, 53 Common Scoter, 49 Gannet, 25 Red-throated Diver, 1 Shag, 43 Kittiwake, 1 Great Skua and 11 Auk sp.

Otherwise there were 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Chiffchaff and a good count of 150 House Sparrow on Vicars lane.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 08 December 2018

Sunny spells with light rain and a F4 NW wind.

Watches: 0730-1100.

The White-fronted Goose remains on Easington straight with an increase to 14 Whooper Swan and the flock.of 600 Brent Geese in the same area.

Over the sea another 5 Whooper Swan flew south while also moving were 1 Brent Goose, 3 Common Scoter, 29 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, 11 Kittiwake,132 Common Gull, 165 Herring Gull and 11 Auk sp.

Also seen today were 1 Goldeneye, 12 Little Grebe, 108 Lapwing and 1 Greenshank,

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 07 December 2018

Heavy rain in the morning gave way to sunshine with a F4-5 W-SW wind.

Watches: 0800-1100.

With each passing day the birds on offer are becoming the typically recorded winter species, though the White-fronted Goose continues to hang on with the 7 Whooper Swan on Easington straight, with a suprise Long-eared Owl in Easington.

Over the sea 1 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 14 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 15 Great Black-backed Gull and 27 Herring Gull.

Other sightings included 9 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Chiffchaff, 27 Blackbird and 1 Redwing all in the Easington area.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 06 December 2018

Overcast and dull with a F3 SSW wind.

Watches:0740-1115.

The usual White-fronted Goose remained with the 7 Whooper Swan on Easington straight.

Over the sea were 2 Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 15 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant and 45 Herring Gull.

Other sightings mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area,17 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Common Buzzard, 82 Lapwing, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Woodcock, 9 Skylark, 3 Goldcrest, 120 Tree Sparrow and 15 Yellowhammer.

Ringing: 2 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 05 December 2018

A gloomy overcast day with rain all day and a F3-4 SSE-S wind.

Watches: 0745-1030.

The highlights on a quiet day were the White-fronted Goose which remained at Long bank along with 7 Whooper Swan and 7 Mute Swan with 180 wigeon, 5 Shoveler and 60 Teal on Kilnsea Wetlands.

Over the sea were 4 Teal, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver and 5 Great Crested Grebe.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 04 December 2018

The White-fronted Goose remained with the 7 Whooper Swan at Long bank while in the Kew area a Waxwing and Mealy Redpoll continued the autumn arrivals late into the season while a male Hen Harrier was at Sammys and an unseasonal Ruff at Beacon ponds.

Other migrants were 2 Short-eared Owl, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 50 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch and 4 Siskin.

Over the sea were 19 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Gannet, 1 Shag.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 03 December 2018

A damp chilly start with drizzle on and off in the morning and a F2 SW becoming a cold F3-4 NW wind.

Watches: 0735-1300.

A fantastic day of movement over the sea, brought 1190 Pink-footed Geese and 37 Whooper Swan south past the sea watch hut, but suprisingly few other Wildfowl among them with 14 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, 25 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Gannet and 1 Shag.

 it was also another day of half decent vis-mig, bringing 7 Stock Dove, 1 Skylark, 13 Tree Sparrow, 3 Alba Wagtail, 14 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 55 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 18 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 2 Corn Bunting, 7 Yellowhammer and 5 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings involved the White-fronted Goose and 7 Whooper Swan at Long bank, 108 Lapwing, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 270 Redshank, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Peregrine and 2 Snow Bunting by the tankblocks.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 02 December 2018

Bright and sunny with some periods of drizzle.

Migration Watches: 0725-1045.

There were 4 Waxwing in Easington which were a nice surprise, while the White-fronted Goose and 7 Whooper Swan remain in the Long bank area.

On the move over the sea were 90 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 10 Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 90 Teal, 147 Common Scoter, 42 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Gannet and 2 Auk sp.

Otherwise there were a few migrants still to be seen with 3 Short-eared Owl, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 25 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush and 3 Redwing around the area.

Ringing:  1 Song Thrush, 1 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 01 December 2018

Damp and overcast with drizzle and a F2 S-SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0715-1130.

The first day of the working weekend saw work done in Churchfield and the base at Kew for the new Little Tern hut put in place. Little was seen today as observers were busy!

The Taiga Bean Goose returned to the field on Easington straight, best viewed from the Cemetery with a White-fronted Goose and 7 Whooper Swan nearby at Long bank.

On the move over a quiet sea were 6 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 54 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 1 Kittiwake and 2 Auk sp.

Otherwise there were 2 Tawny Owl on Vicars Lane, Short-eared Owl at Easington lagoon and 5 Woodcock in the area while a Toad, Field Vole and Wood Mouse were all recorded in Churchfield.

Just outside the area 7 White-fronted Geese were in roadside fields near Skeffling.

Ringing:  2 Woodcock.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 30 November 2018

Bright clear and sunny with a F4 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0715-1130.

The nicer conditions allowed for some unseasonal visible migration while the first Grey Partridge for quite a few years was ringed while dazzling.

There was a decent overland movement today for so late again in the season, 30 Lapwing, 9 Stock Dove, 2 Wood Pigeon, 57 Skylark, 4 Starling, 12 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 12 Tree Sparrow, 58 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 22 Greenfinch, 14 Linnet, 33 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 3 Corn Bunting, 12 yellowhammer and 23 Reed Bunting.

Migrants 2 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 42 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and 1 Stonechat.

On the move over a quiet sea were 6 Brent Geese, 38 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Shelduck , 1 Mallard, 24 Teal, 5 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 14 Auk sp and 1 Puffin and also a Caspian Gull over the sea.

The Taiga Bean Goose has joined the Brent Goose flock north west of Sammy’s while at least 2 Hen Harrier are still putting in appearances at Welwick saltmarsh.

Ringing:  1 Woodcock, 1 Grey Partridge, 3 Blackbird, 1 Yellowhammer.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 29 November 2018

A wild windy day with rain showers throughout and a F6-7 SE-SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0715-1130.

A difficult day for birding and little was seen of note, with most interest at Kilnsea wetlands .

Few migrants seen today in the wind, 1 Woodcock, 1 Goldcrest and 2 Redwing.

On the move over a quiet sea were 7 Wigeon, 49 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, 2 Eider, 2 Red-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 14 Auk sp and 1 Puffin.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 7 Whooper Swan, 3 Shoveler, 260 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 2 Little Egret and 74 Lapwing plus an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Ringing:  1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Wetand windy with a F6 SSE wind.

Watches: 0750-1115.

A change in the wind direction to a more southerly direction brought about a movement of Wildfowl over the sea, but maybe the last chance of a rare Wheatear in the next few days for this autumn? The Taiga Bean Goose was still presnt in its usual area all day with 11 Whooper Swan nearby.

Over the sea, 6 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 5 Mallard, 176 Teal, 1 Pintail, 4 Tufted Duck, 8 Scaup, 5 Eider, 20 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake and 3 Guillemot.

Elsewehere 3 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 200 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 185 Teal were on Kilnsea wetlands with 5 Woodcock in north field and 2 Merlin hunting the few Thrushes that were seen in the poor conditions.

Ringing: 2 Woodcock, 5 Blackbird.

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Tuesday, 27 November 2018

Watches: 0720-1100.

The Taiga Bean Goose was still present on Easington straight with the 6 Pink-footed Geese with 8 Whooper Swan nearby.

The sea while again quiet had a few bits of interest, 9 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 22 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 36 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 7 Gannet, 1 Shag, 9 Kittiwake, 18 Auk sp and a Puffin. 

Migrants 7 Woodcock, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 60 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush plus 8 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin which went south.

Ringing: 3 Woodcock, 9 Blackbird, 8 Goldfinch, 1 House Sparrow.

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Monday, 26 November 2018

Spells of rain till mid-morning with sunny spells and a F2 ENE wind.

Migration Watches: 0725-1100.

There was little change in birds present, but no sign of the Hume’s Warbler today.

The Taiga Bean Goose was still present in fields at the north end of Easington straight, (but best viewed from Easington cemetery) and the Richard’s Pipit was still in the paddocks at Sammy’s. 5 Tundra Bean Geese were also seen today which eventually flew south after arriving in/off.

Migrants were still in decent numbers for so late in the season, 3 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 5 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 90 Blackbird, 35 Fieldfare, 90 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

On the move over a quiet sea were 3 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 30 Common Scoter, 6 Eider, 1 Goosander, 56 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 11 Cormorant, 2 Kittiwake, 7 Guillemot and 3 Razorbill.

Otherwise 7 Whooper Swan were by long bank and 600+ Brent Geese at Sammy’s.

Ringing:  1 Woodcock, 12 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 5 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch.

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Sunday, 25 November 2018

Overcast with sunny spells in the afternoon and a F2-3 S wind.

Migration Watches: 0720-1030.

Our sixth HUME'S LEAF WARBLER and first since 2009 was a great find in the Crown and Anchor car park late morning, it continued to show on and off all day, even making an appearance in the Obs garden and calling plenty. A sound recording is embeded here, where you can hear the moment that a male Sparrowhawk had an attempt at grabbing it

The Taiga Bean Goose was present all day on Easington straight near the Cemetery with 6 Pink-footed Geese for company. There is much discussion with this bird at the moment and has been since it was found a few days ago. While we don't consider ourselves experts on the complexity of this group, apparently some online observers find the identification of Bean Geese easy. The Richard’s Pipit was still in the paddocks at Sammys with a Hooded Crow just west of the carpark.

Migrants were still decently represented with 2 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 100 Blackbird, 190 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Siskin and 1 Mealy Redpoll.

On the move were 12 Whooper Swan (5 juveniles), 7 Teal, 46 Common Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, 34 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet, 5 Kittiwake, 3 Little Gull, 2 Great Skua, 17 Auk sp and 1 Little Auk.

Otherwise 3 Whooper Swan (2 Juveniles) were by long bank and 600+ Brent Geese at Sammy’s.

Just outside the area upto 3 Hen Harrier (2 adult male) were at Welwick along with 3 Marsh Harrier and maybe a different Hooded Crow.

Ringing:  6 Goldcrest, 19 Blackbird, 9 House Sparrow.

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Saturday, 24 November 2018

Watches: 0710-1100.

The Richard's Pipit remained at Sammys in the second paddock though can be mobile and the Taiga Bean Goose with 6 Pink-footed Geese in the fields at the north end of Easington straight. Nearby there were 16 Whooper Swan (5 juveniles) by long bank with another 8 (5 juveniles) Flying south down the Humber. 

There was a bit of interest over the sea with 19 Pink-footed Geese, 20 Teal, 23 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, 70 Red-throated Diver, 18 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Great Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 2 Auk sp and 1 Little Auk which flew north.

A small increse in migrant numbers as birds continue to trickle in, 1 Jack Snipe, 6 Woodcock, 3 Short-eared Owl, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 125 Blackbird, 280 Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 31 Chaffinch, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Bullfinch and 28 Reed Bunting with a Belgian ringed Goldfinch controlled at Kew.

Ringign: 1 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Blackbird, 1 House Sparrow, 6 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 23 November 2018

A grey overcast cool day with a F1-3 E wind.

Watches: 0715-1015.

The days best birds were on the move over the sea, with 4 Bewick's Swans which are rare these days, but a juvenile Long-tailed Skua was also a surprise,so late in the season past the sea watch hut. 

Also on the move today were 5 Brent Geese, 14 Teal, 9 Common Scoter, 38 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 1 Gulliemot, 5 Skylark, 3 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Crossbill, 5 Yellowhammer and 36 Reed Bunting.

Migrants were slowly decreasing with 3 Water Rail, 4 Short-eared Owl, 27 Skylark, the Richard's Pipit still at Sammy's in the first paddock, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird, 1 Mistle Thrush, 50 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Bullfinch and 1 Mealy Redpoll in Churchfield and 50 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings included the Tundra Bean Goose on Easington straight with 14 Whooper Swan and 9 Mute Swan, while nearby Kilnsea wetlands held 9 Shoveler, 285 Wigeon, 92 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Little Grebe and 67 Lapwing with Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, 4 Kestrel and 2 Peregrine in the area.

Ringing: 2 Starling, 8 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Richard's Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Bullfinch, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 15 House Sparrow, 9 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 22 November 2018

watches: 0730-1030.

The trickle of arriving migrants continues, but it was quieter over the sea. 

The highlight of the day was a Richard's Pipit at Sammy's Point, with other totals of 8 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Swallow at the narrows, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 87 Blackbird, 440 Fieldfare, 183 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 Song Thrush, 31 Robin, 1 Black Redstart, 12 Dunnock point, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Bullfinch and 8 Snow Bunting at the Narrows.

The fields along Easington straight held a Taiga Bean Goose, (initially a Tundra, but subsequently re-identified on the 26th and present since the 20th), in a flock of 36 Pink-footed Geese while nearby the flock of 12 Whooper Swan remained.

On the move over the sea, 11 Brent Geese, 1 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 3 Eider, 24 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet and 43 Herring Gull.

Ringing: 1 Water Rail, 3 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl, 18 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 21 November 2018

A chilly start gave way to a fine day with sunshine and a F3-4 SE wind.

Watches: 0740-1030.

Much the same as the previous few days, with interest over the sea, though despite it being late in the season a few bits continue to arrive in the bushes too.

The highlight were 2 Long-eared Owl trapped together in the Heligoland trap in Churchfield. The Turtle Dove is still in Easington and the juvenile White-fronted Goose in fields in Kilnsea, where an impressive 872 Brent Geese were also present and 12 Whooper Swan (5 juvenile) on Easington straight.

Over the sea 1 Shelduck, 4 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 94 Teal, 55 Eider, 55 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breated Merganser, 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, 2 Auk sp, 1 Razorbill and 1 Little Auk. 

Migrants wise, 5 Woodcock, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Black Redstart, 42 Blackbird, 180 Fieldfare, 100 Redwing, 22 Chaffinch, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 4 Snow Bunting.

Ringing: 2 Long-eared Owl, 10 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 20 November 2018

A wet and wild day, often torrential rain with a F6-7 ENE wind.

Watches: 0700-1300.

Due to the weather most of the action was over the sea, more in the fact it offered shelter from the sometimes heavy downpours.

While it was quiter than the previous day the sea still had, 17 Brent Geese, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 75 Common Scoter, 7 Eider, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 19 Red-throated Diver, 143 Gannet, 33 Kittiwake, 17 Little Gull, 13 Great Skua, 12 Auk sp and 3 Guillemot.

There were few migrants seen in the conditions, 1 Woodcock, 12 Skylark, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 40 Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare, 26 Redwing and 4 Snow Bunting.

Elsewhere there were 6 Whooper Swan on Easington straight, 400 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 5 Pintail, 100 Teal, 40 Lapwing, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Snipe and 300+ Redshank on KIlnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff.

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Monday, 19 November 2018

Watches: 0730-1015.

It was another great day of movement over the sea, while overall migrant numbers just about remained the same.

The sea produced 251 Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 177 Wigeon, 127 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 71 Eider, male Velvet Scoter, 284 Common Scoter, 9 Goldeneye, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Goosander, 30 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 213 Gannet, 167 Kittiwake, 107 Herring Gull, 13 Great Skua, 20 Auk sp, 8 Guillemot and 2 Razorbill.

Migrant numbers remained steady from the previous day, but some new bits thrown in too, 5 Woodcock, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Cliffe farm, 5 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird, 85 Fieldfare, 45 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 4 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Siskin and 25 Reed Bunting.

On top of the good movement over the sea were another 790 Brent Geese in fields near the Obs with a Pale-bellied Brent in the flock with 8 Whooper Swan nearby on Easington straight and on Kilnsea wetlands 6 Shoveler, 542 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 160 Teal and 2 Little Egret.

Einging: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 31 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 4 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 1 House Sparrow.

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Sunday, 18 November 2018

Watches: 0715-1415.

The Dusky Warbler was still present by the Old School in Easington while nearby the Turtle Dove was again near the White horse pub. A flock of around 18 Tundra Bean Geese flew north over Easington and a single White-fronted Goose on Easington straight. Over the sea a Long-tailed Duck flew south along with 2 Shelduck, 5 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 78 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 7 Scaup, 37 Eider, 333 Common Scoter, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 42 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, Diver sp (which was probably a White-billed Diver), 1 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Gannet, 18 Snipe, 48 Kittiwake, 2 Great Skua, 1 Little Auk, 3 Guillemot and 36 Auk sp.

Migrants numbers were down with only 3 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Coal Tit, 7 Skylark, 4 Goldcrest, 113 Blackbird, 60 Fieldfare, 85 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Meadow Pipit and 1 Bullfinch.

Other sightings included 8 Whooper Swan, 700 Brent Geese and a ringtail Hen Harrier all in the Long bank area.

Ringing: 11 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Magpie, 3 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 17 November 2018

Bright and sunny all day with a F2-3 E wind.

Watches: 0715-1100.

The easterly wind brought a nice arrival during the day, but the arrival was maybe smaller than expected maybe due to the nice weather allowing birds to pass over at height unnoticed?, but it was still a nice day with a typically late Dusky Warbler in Easington in the garden of the Old school the highlight, while the Turtle Dove was still nearby by the White horse pub. A House Martin over Driftwood continued the run of late Hirundines.

Other migrants included 8 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 9 Goldcrest, 285 Blackbird, 250 Fieldfare, 190 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat and 8 Brambling.

Over the sea, 12 Brent Goose, 115 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 23 Wigeon, 1 Mallard, 5 Pintail, 59 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup, 96 Eider, 108 Common Scoter, 8 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 30 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 19 Gannet, 20 Little Gull, 12 Kittiwake, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Great Skua and 11 Auk sp while a trickle overland brought 4 Stock Dove, 4 Jackdaw, 13 Skylark, 4 Alba Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 2 Redpoll, 6 Goldfinch and 2 Snow Bunting.

Ringing: 1 Woodcock, 44 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Starling, 1 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 3 House Sparrow, 2 Chaffinch.

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Friday, 16 November 2018

A damp overcast foggy day with a light ESE wind.

Watches: 0710-1415.

The change in weather has already had the desired effect with a fantastic array of Duck on the move over the sea and bringing the usual migrant suspects to the area that you would want to see this late in the season, and with the wind predicted to stay in the east there could always be something of interest thrown in. The 1st winter Turtle Dove remained in Easington, though can be mobile in the local area.

Hopefully migrant number will increase over the next few days, but in the meantime, 14 Woodcock, 595 Lapwing, (413 in/off), 33 Snipe (25 in/off), 3 Short-eared Owl, 21 Skylark, 2 Swallow over the Obs, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 12 Goldcrest, 160 Blackbird, 90 Fieldfare, 440 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 30 Chaffinch (13 south), 4 Brambling and 10 Yellowhammer.

There was some superb movement over the sea, 54 Pink-footed Geese, 24 Shelduck, 11 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 366 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 747 Teal, 3 Pochard, 21 Tufted Duck, 51 Scaup, 42 Eider, 72 Common Scoter, 13 Goldeneye, 16 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Goosander, 22 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Gannet, 12 Little Gull, 1 Great Skua and 12 Guillemot.

There were also increases to wildfowl in the Kilsea wertlands area, 9 Whooper Swan, 8 Shoveler, 458 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 258 Teal, 1 Pochard and 1 Goldeneye where there was also 9 Black-tailed Godwit and the Tawny Owl again at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Woodcock, 13 Blackbird, 19 Redwing, 1 Robin, 1 Starling, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldcrest, 5 House Sparrow, 3 Tree Sparrow, 4 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 15 November 2018

The past couple of weeks of November have so far been briliant for birding, while today has been relatively quiet there were afew migrants still about to keep some interest going.

There was little on the move in the fog especially in the morning with only 140 Pink-footed Geese, 23 Teal, 14 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 25 Little Gull, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Rock Pipit, 4 Meadow Pipit, 11 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 11 Greenfinch, 1 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 6 Snow Bunting.

The few migrants about included 2 Short-eared Owl, 22 Skylark, 4 Chiffchaff, 16 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird, 170 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 11 Robin, 2 Stonechat and 5 Brambling.

Other sightings were 5 Whooper Swan inc 2 juveniles, 450 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 282 Wigeon, 215 Teal, 110 Lapwing, 1st winter Caspian Gull on Vicars lane where an adult Little Gull was also present.

Ringing: 1 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 14 November 2018

'Securing the Future’ project, we are trying to build a substantial lump of money that will be used exclusively for future land purchases. We set ourselves an ambitious target of having 100 people signed up to the project by the end of December 2018. The future of Spurn is really in our hands and we feel that if we are to make the most of securing future land purchases to improve the habitat for migrant and breeding birds in the Spurn area then this truly is the best way to do so. We're asking for a small regular contribution that will almost go unnoticed that will help make a big bang in years to come. Please visit the 'Support Us' tab for more details.

There was little happening during the day and certainly no repeat of the Pigeon movement, though with easterlies forecast from the weekend it could be the last period of interesting weather with potential for arrivals before the winter?

A Turtle Dove was a nice garden find in Easington and seen on and off in the afternoon, becoming the latest ever record, while a superb Long-eared Owl flew into the Churchfield heligoland.

Flying south included 47 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Wigeon, 42 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 26 Red-throated Diver, 1 Shag, 4 Kittiwake, 1 Little Gull, 20 Guillemot, 1 Swallow, 2 Skyalrk, 14 Starling, 8 Meadow Pipit, 6 Goldfinch, 27 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin, 9 Twite 6 Reed Bunting, 1 Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.

Other bits of interest during the day were 2 Short-eared Owl, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail and a Bullfinch.

Ringing: 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch.

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Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Watches: 0715-1200, 1400-1615.

Yet another great day of visible migration with the attention concentrated on Pigeons, which usually seem to miss out Spurn, taking a more central route through the country.

There were impressive counts of 3,504 Wood Pigeon and an autumn record of 242 Stock Dove on the move south today, with also 11 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 145 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 1 Rook, 20 Jackdaw, 19 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit, 2 House Saprrow, 74 Tree Sparrow, 170 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 9 Greenfinch, 70 Linnet, 221 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Siskin, 6 Yellowhammer, 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Lapland Bunting and 21 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea, 599 Pink-footed Geese, 11 Whooper Swan, 24 Wigeon and 4 Red-throated Diver.

Other bits of interest were 4 Whooper Swan near long bank, a Pale-bellied Brent with the Brents on Beacon ponds, 1 Greenshank, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit and 1 Chiffchaff.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest, 1 House Saprrow, 1 Chaffinch, 15 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 12 November 2018

Watches: 0715-1600.

A great morning of visible migration, typically petering out as the day wore on as observers hoped for more Swift action, though it appears there was a mass clear out countrywide overnight. Totals for Chaffinch moving south are the best for many years which from the records is the 3rd best autumn count, while for Stock Dove is the 2nd highest ever.

The day brought a Red Kite, 1 Common Buzzard, male ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 131 Stock Dove, 158 Wood Pigeon, 310 Skylark, 8 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 2 Alba Wagtail, 129 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 26 Rock Pipit, 71 Tree Sparrow, 10 House Sparrow, a fantastic 536 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 283 Goldfinch, 46 Reed Bunting and 4 Yellowhammer.

Other sightings included 401 Brent with 30 juveniles, 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 240 Wigeon, 90 Teal, 3 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 1 Greenshank, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Merlin, 2 Peregrine and 13 yellowhammer.

A few Butterfly on the wing with 3 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoishelle seen while the sun also brought out plenty of Hoverflies at Kew.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 5 Tree Sparrow, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Yellowhammer.

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Sunday, 11 November 2018

Overcast and dull for much of the morning, with heavy showers, brightening to blue skies and long periods of sun in the afternoon with a F3 SW wind.

Watches: 0715-1300. 

With a nationwide influx of Pallid Swift underway, it would almost be unheard of if one of the best places to see a rare Swift didnt get in on the show. It would also seem likely that more may pass through in the next few days?

The day started well with a Swift sp seen over Church field, in very poor light which was confirmed as a PALLID SWIFT from photos later. It headed back off north after a trip down to the Warren and appears to be the same bird seen at Goxhill in Lincolnshire later.

It was also a decent day for visible migration as we get late into the season with 21 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Marsh Harrier, 13 Snipe in/off, 5 Stock Dove, 50 Skylark, 2 Alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Swallow, 1 Mistle Thrush, 210 Starling, 1 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 115 Goldfinch, 21 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 4 Greenfinch, 132 Chaffinch, 58 Linnet, 14 Yellowhammer and 19 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea, 21 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Shelduck, 1 Gadwall, 28 Wigeon, 5 Eider, 8 Rede-breasted Merganser, 30 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 88 Gannet, 20 Kittiwake and 7 Razorbill.

Migrants were few and far between, but the Hooded Crow was still in the Sammys point area and a Black Redstart in Churchfield were the best, while other totals were 4 Water Rail, 3 Short-eared Owl which remained popular with the photographers, 1 Coal Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 15 Goldcrest, 160 Blackbird, 18 Redwing, 1 Stonechat, 22 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 2 Mealy Redpoll and 5 Lesser Redpoll.

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was a suprise sighting at the Obs.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Blackbird, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Robin, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Yellowhammer.

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Saturday, 10 November 2018

Watches: 0650-1100.

There were still decent numbers of migrants about, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, an Eastern Lesser Whitethroat by the Bluebell, 44 Goldcrest, 20 Blackbird, 25 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 3 Bullfinch and a Hooded Crow by Sammys carpark.

On the move overland, 11 Snipe in/off, 55 Stock Dove, 356 Wood Pigeon, 4 Carrion Crow, 86 Skylark, 231 Starling, 6 House Sparrow, 38 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 1 Alba Wagtail, 16 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 27 Rock Pipit, 37 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 14 Twite, 27 Linnet, 77 Goldfinch, 13 Siskin, 9 Yellowhammer and 25 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, 10 Teal, 7 Eider, 1 Goosander, 1 Red-breated Merganser, 7 Eider, 4 Velvet Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 46 Gannet, 9 Kittiwake, 6 Little Gull and 9 Auk sp.

Other sightings included the 5 Whooper Swan at Long bank, 257 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 3000 Golden Plover and 16 Black-tailed Godwit.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch.

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Friday, 09 November 2018

Overcast but bright with a F4 SE.

Watches: 0710-1230, 1300-1600.

We have now secured some 40 subscribers to our ‘Securing the Future’ project, where we are trying to build a substantial lump of money that will be used exclusively for future land purchases. We set ourselves an ambitious target of having 100 people signed up to the project by the end of December 2018. The future of Spurn is really in our hands and we feel that if we are to make the most of securing future land purchases to improve the habitat for migrant and breeding birds in the Spurn area then this truly is the best way to do so. We're asking for a small regular contribution that will almost go unnoticed that will help make a big bang in years to come. Please visit the 'Support Us' tab for more details.

Not a lot happening on all fronts, but a small arrival of migrants occured maybe as birds pushed up the coast bringing totals of 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 40 Goldcrest, 60 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll. 

Over the sea brought 2 Brent Geese, 6 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Wigeon, 8 Pintail, 6 Teal, 24 Eider, 83 Common Scoter, 31 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 16 Gannet, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 16 Auk sp.

Overland was little better with only 4 Stock Dove, 124 Wood Pigeon, 2 Magpie, 5 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 30 Skylark, 83 Starling, 6 Redwing, 6 House Sparrow, 28 Tree Sparrow, 1 Alba wagtail, 19 Meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Twite, 13 Linnet, 59 Goldfinch, 14 Reed Bunting and 2 Snow Bunting.

Other counts from the day were 6 Whooper Swan, 4 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 259 Wigeon, 92 Teal, 3 Little Egret, 1 Water Rail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank.

Ringing: 18 Goldcrest, 4 Blackbird, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Brambling.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 08 November 2018

A fine settled day with periods of sunshine and a F3 SSW wind.

Watches: 0650-1230, 1315-1545.

On the move overland were 1 Marsh Harrier, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 7 Stock Dove, 256 Wood Pigeon, 12 Carrion Crow, 331 Starling, 7 Blackbird in, 5 Fieldfare in, 38 Redwing in, 5 House Sparrow, 46 Tree Sparrow, 1 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 9 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 57 Chaffinch, 46 Brambling, 13 Greenfinch, 1 Twite, 57 Linnet, 3 Redpoll, 4 Crossbill, 97 Goldfinch, 50 Siskin, 12 Yellowhammer and 30 Reed Bunting while over the sea 46 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 61 Teal, 5 Eider, 2 Goldeneye, 12 Red-throated Diver, 28 Gannet, 24 Cormorant, 4 Little Gull, 1 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua and 4 Auk sp.

Not much in the way of migrants in the bushes with 2 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush and 7 Snow Bunting at Chalk bank.

Otherwise we had 5 Whooper Swan by Long bank, 447 Shelduck on the Humber, 624 Oystercatcher, 220 Lapwing, 2600 Golden Plover and 10,000 Knot on the Humber.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 1 House Saprrow, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Yellowhammer.

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Wednesday, 07 November 2018

Some periods of sunshine during the day with torrential rain late afternoon and a F5 SE wind.

Watches: 0720-1100.

A quieter day with the strong wind seemingly stopping any overland movement and there was no sign of the Rough-legged Buzzard.

On the move over the sea were 43 Wigeon, 61 Teal, male Velvet Scoter, 16 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 39 Knot, 16 Dunlin, adult Glaucous Gull and 1 Kittiwake.

There were few migrants seen with 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 5 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 27 Starling in/off, 19 Redwing, 7 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 1 Water Pipit and 1 Brambling.

Other sightings were 459 Shelduck on the Humber, 5 Whooper Swan, 7 Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzard, 43 Lapwing Kilnsea wetland, 1 Greenshank Humber, a Purple Sandpiper on Beacon ponds and 1 Peregrine with 8 Yellowhammer and 24 Reed Bunting by the Listening dish.

Ringing: 2 Goldcrest.

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Tuesday, 06 November 2018

Overcast with sunny spells in the afternoon and a F2-3 S wind.

Migration Watches: 0720-1300.

The juvenile male Rough-legged Buzzard was present all day in the Kilnsea wetlands showing very well to a constant stream of admirers.

Migrants were still decently represented with 1 Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 3 Short-eared Owl, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 1 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 23 Goldcrest, 40 Blackbird, 20 Fieldfare, 90 Redwing, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 2 Brambling, 9 Twite and 7 Snow Bunting.

Overland movement was what you would expect for this time of year with 11 Stock dove, 54 Wood Pigeon, 27 Rook, 4 Jackdaw, 78 Skylark, 1 House Martin, 47 Starling, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 2 House Sparrow, 20 Tree Sparrow, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 White wagtail, 42 Rock Pipit, 49 Meadow Pipit, 77 Chaffinch, 4 Brambling, 16 Twite, 30 Linnet, 3 Redpoll, 23 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 23 Reed Bunting, 3 Yellowhammer and 1 Corn Bunting.

Over the sea it was quiet with only 25 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Gadwall, 5 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 1 Pochard, 4 Eider, 27 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet and 1 Great Skua.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 5 Whooper Swan, 400 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, 325 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 1 Pintail, 50 Lapwing, 900 Golden Plover, 20 Black-tailed Godwit and a Peregrine.

Ringing:  1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Blackbird, 2 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch.

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Monday, 05 November 2018

A grey,murky overcast day with some sunshine breaking through and a F3-1 SE wind.

Watches: 0645-1300. 

A superb and frankly expected juvenile ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD spent the whole day hunting the Long bank area, often giving fantastic views and was still present at dusk There were 6 Shorelark today with 4 at Easington lagoon and 2 which flew south, 3 Water Pipit at the Warren, the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat giving it's 'tit like' call on Vicars lane,  7 Snow Bunting and 18 Twite.

Maybe an increase in migrant numbers today, 19 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 21 Goldcrest, 292 Blackbird, 55 Fieldfare, 154 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart by the Listening dish, 4 Stonechat and 7 Brambling.

On the move were a Ruff, an adult Glaucous Gull out over the triangle, 2 Great Skua, 13 Wood Pigeon, 8 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 43 Skylark, 60 Tree Sparrow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 27 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 6 Linnet, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 17 goldfinch, 8 Siskin, 8 Yellowhammer and 14 Reed Bunting.

There was some good news today among the 496 Brent Geese seen today with around 40 juveniles, having only been 1 or 2 the last two winters. There were also 5 Whooper Swan, 427 Shelduck, 423 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 1 Pintail, 1 Peregrine and 1 Short-eared Owl.

Ringing: 1 Magpie, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Robin, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 17 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 5 Twite, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Yellowhammer. (48 of 17 species).

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Sunday, 04 November 2018

Mainly cloudy with a few light showers and a F2-3 S-SE wind.

Watches: 0730-1100.

A change to winds from a more easterly vector brought about an arrival of Thrushes to the area along with a decent array of other species.

The greatest prize came in the form of a superb DUSKY THRUSH found feeding on apples in the infamous garden by Vicars lane, where the 2016 Siberian Accentor had resided for a week. The finder Tony Broom tried to keep track of the Thrush, forgetting to get some record shots, which if accepted will become the 399th species for Spurn! The sweepstake for the 400th species is already well underway, so if you would like to take part get in touch with Jonnie Fisk at Kew and we would suggest as soon as possible! In the meantime our 7th Red-crested Pochard flew south over the Humber and a Great-white Egret was in the Easington area.

During the day the 2 Shorelark were still present at Easington lagoon while 4 Waxwing were about and the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat was still by the Old School. Other migrants were 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler on Vicars lane, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 27 Wren, 150 Blackbird, 32 Fieldfare, 75 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 30 Robin, 2 Stonechat, 3 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Bullfinch, 8 Siskin and 7 Snow Bunting.

On the move overland were, 9 Lapwing, 17 Skylark, 1000 Starling, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Tree Sparrow, 27 Meadow Pipit, 20 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 9 Crossbill, 22 Goldfinch, 15 Siskin, and 7 Reed bunting.

The sea had 2 Pale-bellied Brent, 2 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 1 Mallard, 181 Teal, 12 Common Scoter, 8 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 4 Knot, 3 Dunlin. 

Ringing: 7 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 13 Tree Sparrow, 8 House Sparrow, 3 Starling, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet. (37 of 8 species).

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Saturday, 03 November 2018

A wild windy day with a F5-6 SSE wind.

Migration Watches: 0710-1000.

The 'influx' of Great-white Egret to Spurn continues with yet another bird south through the area, spending some time on the Humber. A Richard's Pipit was seen on a few occasions during the day in the Beacon lane to Borrow pit area, while a Waxwing was around the Obs.

Migrants were represented by 2 Water Rail, 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Stonechat and 20 Redwing.

Over the sea it was quiet with only 9 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Diver, 31 Gannet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Kittiwake and 1 Great Skua fpr the effort.

Overland movement saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Rook, 114 Skylark, 375 Starling. 1 Alba Wagtail, 3 Water Pipit,  11 Rock Pipit, 2 Meadow Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 12 Linnet, 19 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 5 Reed Bunting and 1 Snow Bunting head south.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 480 Brent Geese and 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 230 Shelduck, 130 Wigeon and 4 Pintail.

Ringing:  1 Sparrowhawk.

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Friday, 02 November 2018

A nice sunny day with a light F1-2 W wind.

Watches: 0645-1000, 1200-1500.

The day was much the same as the previous day with most of the good birds still present, though that soon changed with the radios crackling into life, bringing the news a WHITE-TAILED EAGLE was flying north up the Humber, then out over the sea. It was the 11th record for Spurn, also becoming a new addition to the Obs garden list from the viewing tower. The Eagle was tracked up the coast eventually roosting at Flamborough.

The Pallas's Warbler was still present in Easington by the old school, even singing during the day, while nearby the Great-grey Shrike was by the Riding school and the Barred Warbler near Easington caravan site and Hooded Crow on Green lane, while the 2 Shorelark were still showing well at the north end of Easington lagoon. There were also both 4 Siberian Chiffchaff and 3 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat arounbd the area and 4 Bearded Tit along the canal.

Migrants were still about 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 250 Fieldfare, 70 Redwing, 14 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat, 2 Coal Tit, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 21 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 48 Reed Bunting and 1 Snow Bunting.

A decent day over land saw 36 Lapwing, 15 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 232 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 7 Redpoll, 4 Siskin, 32 Goldfinch, 16 Twite, 14 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 13 Yellowhammer, 4 Yellowhammer and 1 Snow Bunting while over the sea 440 Pink-footed Geese with a Bar-headed Goose, 1 Eider, a brilliant total of 31 Goosander, 14 Red-throated Diver and 2 Great Northern Diver.

Other sightings included 550 Brent Geese, 6 Whooper Swan, 29 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Water Rail, 5 Blackbird, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Goldcrest, 81 Tree Sparrow, 2 House Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Dunnock. (101 of 9 species).

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Thursday, 01 November 2018

A wet day, with light rain stoppiong mid-fternoon with a F2-3 SW-W wind.

Watches: 0650-1100.

Many of yesterdays birds were still present with little change noted and only a few new birds were found.

The Pallas's Warbler was still on Vicars lane, the Great-grey Shrike by the Riding school, a Richard's Pipit north over the Warren and Peter lane, a Firecrest at the Warren, a Waxwing by the Cemetery, 6 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, at least 2 Siberian Chiffchaff and 1 Long-eared Owl while a Barred Warbler in Easington was new to Mick Turtons ever growing garden list.

Migrant totals were 2 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Short-eared Owl, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 59 Goldcrest, 108 Starling in/off, 650 Fieldfare, 190 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 3 Grey Wagtail, 5 Rock Pipit, 17 Brambling, 11 Twite, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 51 Reed Buntin and 1 Snow Bunting.

Other sightings included 250 Brent Geese, 3 Whooper Swan, 120 Wigeon, 50 Black-tailed Godwit on Kilnsea wetlands and 1 Greenshank on the Humber.

Ringing: 13 Blackbird, 1 Starling, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap. 3 Goldcrest, 1 Dunnock, 1 Great Tit, 1 Brambling, 1 House Sparrow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, (41 of 12 species).

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Wednesday, 31 October 2018

Watches: 0645-1145.

The fantastic period of birding which frankly this autumn owed us, continues, producing more good birds.

The highlight though was a record 7 GREAT-WHITE EGRET which flew south, (as a group of six, followed closely by a single). Flocks like this are a familair sight in the south-west, and obviously it would be nice to know their origin.

There were yet again plenty of other highlights today with a much anticipated Great-grey Shrike by the Riding school in Easington, while the Pallas's Warbler was still nearby on Vicars Lane and a Hooded Crow also nearby, a Richard's Pipit which wandered the area, 4 Shorelark, 7 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, (with all birds so far seemingly Blythi looking), 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, a Firecrest in Corner field, 2 Waxwing and 1 Hawfinch.

Migrant totals today were again reduced, 2 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 17 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 64 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 124 Blackbird, 560 Fieldfare, 100 Redwing, 4 Black Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 19 Brambling, 4 Mealy Redpoll, 5 Crossbill and 1 Snow Bunting.

The change in the wind direction saw a movement of birds south which saw 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Snipe in, 12 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 334 Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush, 15 House Sparrow, 175 Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 50 Meadow Pipit, 28 Rock Pipit, 95 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 26 Greenfinch, 14 Twite, 62 Linnet, 11 Redpoll, 117 Goldfinch, 65 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting, 6 Yellowhammer, 51 Reed Bunting and 9 Snow Bunting.

The sea was un-suprisingly much quieter today with 80 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Whooper Swan, 10 Wigeon, 8 Eider, 32 Common Scpter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Great Northern Diver, 128 Gannet, 2 Shag, 20 lapwing, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Great Skua and 1 Little Auk.

Ringing: 4 Goldcrest, 11 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 16 Tree Sparrow, 2 House Sparrow, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Twite, 1 Wren, 1 Sparrowhawk.

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Tuesday, 30 October 2018

Watches: 0645-1045, 1430-1600.

The atrocious conditions today with a cold strong northerly and rain, made it difficult for birding. Saying that observers ventured out finding a DUSKY WARBLER at the point. The Pallas's Warbler was still by the Old school on Vicars lane, the Barred Warbler and Firecrest still in the Observatory area, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff at Easington cemetery, 3 Waxwing, 2 Long-eared Owl and 3 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat all made for an interesting day.

Migrant totals were lower, 7 Woodcock, 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 46 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 420 Blackbird, 440 Fieldfare, 460 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 44 Brambling 13 Mealy Redpoll, 8 Twite, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting. 

Less birds on the move over the sea but still, 1 Scaup, 27 Eider, 3 Velvet Scoter, 63 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 3 Leach's Petrel, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 108 Gannet, 2 Shag, 45 Kittiwake, 2 Little Gull, 2 Great Skua, 4 Pomarine Skua, 9 Little Auk and 40 Auk sp.

Ringing: 9 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush.

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Monday, 29 October 2018

A sound recording of the halimodendri/blythi Lesser Whitethroat that was trapped and ringed yesterday and showing along the Canal today.

Watches: 0630-1015.

Another great day, though less coverage over the sea as observers left to see a PALLAS'S WARBLER that was found on Vicars Lane, having been possibly glimpsed yesterday. Another COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL was found today on Beacon Lane, with confusion stemming from some of the wandering Mealy's, while an Tree/OB Pipit flew south along the Canal. 

Other good birds today included 6 Long-eared Owl, a Richard's Pipit mobile around the area, the Firecrest still in the Church field area where the ringed Barred Warbler was seen all day, the Cetti's Warbler by Rose cottage, 4 'eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 2 'Siberian Chiffchaff both heard calling and 40 Mealy Redpoll.

An impressive count of 59 Woodcock was made today along with 2 Jack Snipe, 5 Short-eared Owl, 1 Waxwing, 3 Coal Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 30 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 30 Blackcap, 139 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 920 Blackbird, 720 Fieldfare, 600 Redwing, 53 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Treecreeper Beacon lane, 96 Brambling, 1 Bullfinch, 9 Twite at sandy beaches, 10 Lesser Redpoll (including a Yellow polled bird), 12 Siskin, a Crossbill flew south, 5 Yellowhammer and 1 Snow Bunting by the Riverside.

Over the sea 55 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Whooper Swan, 2 Pintail, 35 Teal, 118 Eider, 143 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Storm Petrel, 1 Leach's Petrel, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 268 Kittiwake, 15 Little Gull, 1 Arctic Tern, 12 Great Skua, 7 Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 23 Little Auk and 51 Auk sp.

Ringing: 1 Little Auk, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 16 Goldcrest, 1 Starling, 71 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Tree Sparrow, 1 Wren, 7 Robin, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 15 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Blue tit. (137 of 18 species).

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Sunday, 28 October 2018

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Watches: 0630-1830.

Well its been a long time in coming this autumn and the last few days have proved scintillating for observers with seabirds and migrants alike, so a bit for eveyone.While the sea was still producing the good birds, the reduction in the wind strength allowed for birders to get to grips, with arriving passerines and what a day it was.

The highlight were 2 ARCTIC REDPOLL, with one trapped in Churchfield and the other at the Warren  the first since November 2011. The good birds didn't stop there, with a Barred Warbler in the Crown and Anchor carpark, a Firecrest trapped in Churchfield, a Richard's Pipit at Chalk bank, 2 Waxwing, 2 'Siberian' Chiffchaff, 8 'eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Hawfinch and at least 2 Hooded Crow along with 16 Mealy Redpoll.

The day also brought decent migrant numbers, 42 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Long-eared Owl, 6 Short-eared Owl, 21 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 143 Goldcrest, 2312 Starling in/off, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1050 Blackbird, 140 Fieldfare, 55 Redwing, 2 Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 83 Brambling, 1 Bullfinch, 4 Crossbill and 12 Snow Bunting.

The sea was yet again brimming over with 27 Pomarine Skua and 62 Little Auk along with a Red-necked Grebe, a Grey Phalarope, 4 Leach's Petrel and 2 Storm Petrel with 50 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Tufted Duck, 114 Eider, 2 Velvet Scoter, 810 Common Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 35 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 17 Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 868 Kittiwake, 95 Little Gull, 32 Great Skua, 7 Arctic Skua, 385 Auk sp and 1 Puffin.

Ringing: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Firecrest, 44 Goldcrest, 88 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 4 Goldfinch, 10 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Arctic Redpoll, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 27 October 2018

Broken cloud with a very cold F5-7 NNE wind.

Watches: 0700-1800

Yet another day of impressive movement over the for seabirds and arriving winter visitors alike.

The sea continued to dominate the action today, with 203 Pomarine Skua breaking our record for the second day in a row. Many other counts were equally impressive with 8 Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 10 Barnacle Geese, 11 Whooper Swan, 233 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 6 Pintail, 162 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 11 Eider, 7 Velvet Scoter, 1221 Common Scoter, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 92 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Storm Petrel, 1 Leach's Petrel, 6 Fulmar (inc 1 Blue phase), 1 Sooty Shearwater, 37 Manx Shearwater, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 625 Gannet, 4 Shag, 1 Grey Phalarope, 4218 Kittiwake, 18 Little Gull, 3 Glaucous Gull, 22 Great Skua, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 8 Skua sp, 28 Little Auk, 462 Auk sp, 10 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill and 2 Puffin.   

It was again a great day for migrants with full totals logged today by diligent observer counting of newly arriving with birds straight in/off the sea and grounded, with 42 Woodcock, 4 Jack snipe, 3 Long-eared Owl, 13 Short-eared Owl, 8 Waxwing, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 61 Goldcrest, 3988 Starling in/off, 1630 Blackbird, 400 Fieldfare, 910 Redwing, 27 Song Thrush, 35 Brambling, 1 Bullfinch and 2 Mealy Redpoll.

Ringing: 3 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 112 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest.

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Friday, 26 October 2018

Sunny spells with a strong cold F7 NW wind.

Watches: 0730-1745. 

All the main action was over the sea with a stunning movement of Skuas, while Thrushes were arriving throughout.

The big talking point of the day were the new record count of 146 Pomarine Skua with a nice supporting cast of a Leach's Petrel, 1 Sooty Shearwater, a Glaucous Gull and a Grey Phalarope over the Humber.

Other birds over the sea were 4 Brent Geese, 162 Pink-footed Geese, 26 Whooper Swan, 33 Wigeon, 6 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 15 Teal, 4 Pochard, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Scaup, 2 Eider, 166 common Scoter, 10 Goldeneye, 8 Goosander, 69 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 14 Manx Shearwater, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1043 Gannet, 3 Shag, 929 Kittiwake, 2 Little Gull, 1 'Commic' Tern, 20 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 581 Auk sp, 10 Guillemot and 2 Puffin.

 The same conditions brought a good arrival of migrants in/off the sea with 18 Woodcock, 5 Jack Snipe, 23 Snipe, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 3 Peregrine, 1 Skylark, 142 Starling, 42 Blackbird, 947 Fieldfare and 311 Redwing. There were few other migrants seen in the windy conditions with only 1 chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat, 15 Brambling and a Snow Bunting.

Ringing: 1 woodcock, 1 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 27 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, 12 Redwing, 9 Tree Sparrow, 5 Brambling, 3 Lesser Redpoll.

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Thursday, 25 October 2018

Watches: 0715-1745.

The sea rightly had big coverage today with the condiotions suggesting it could be good and it did not disappoint.

Higlights were a fantastic total of 34 Pomarine Skua along with a Leach's Petrel and 14 White-fronted Geese in/off then west, but it was fantastic for many species with 79 Pink-footed Geese, 74 Whooper Swan, 11 Teal, 47 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 4 Goosander, 28 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 211 Gannet, 57 Kittiwake, 20 Little Gull, 1 Arctic Tern, 5 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua and 40 Auk sp.

Even in the conditions a few bits were on the move with a ringtail Hen Harrier, 6 Stock Dove, 20 Wood Pigeon, 2 Short-eared Owl in/off, 4 Kestrel, 1 Woodlark, 186 Skylark, 2 Shorelark north, 1 Swallow, 26 Starling, 3 House Sparrow, 26 Tree Sparrow, 3 Alba Wagtail, 49 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 5 Greenfinch, 27 Linnet, 1 Twite, 6 Redpoll,  16 Goldfinch, 21 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting.

The conditions for the next few day are giving hope for an arrival of late autumn species, but in the mean time there were 1 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 4 Coal Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel,  128 Blackbird, 205 Fieldfare, 350 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 20 Robin, 6 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 10 Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 4 Siskin.  

Other bits of interest were 175 Brent Geese, 113 Greylag Geese, 1 Whooper Swan on Kilnsea wetlands, 9 Shoveler, 301 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 20 Grey Partridge, 2000 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, the Tawny Owl at Kew and a Corn Bunting in North field.

Of interest 2 Common Blue butterly and 1 Small Copper were on the wing in Church field.

Ringing: 6 Redwing, 19 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Brambling, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blackcap.

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Wednesday, 24 October 2018

Watches: 0715-1100, 1120-1150, 1530-1745.

There are still good numbers of migrants in the area, and it was nive to get some fresh arrivals which brought our first 2 Waxwing of the autumn to the Kilnsdea area. 2 Lapland Bunting remauined by the narrows and 1 Cetti's Warbler was still in residence.

It still feels like some big arrivals of Thrushes are due any day, but in the meantime migrant numbers were 1 Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberain Chiffchaff in Kilnsea, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 17 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 226 Blackbird, 657 Fieldfare, 719 Redwing, 14 Song Thrush, 41 Robin, 3 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 3 Rock pipit, 50 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Siskin. 

Still good numbers of birds moving south, 33 Stock dove, 37 Wood Pigeon, 1 Kestrel, 3 Magpie, 12 Rook, 128 Skylark, 8 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 56 Starling, 261 Tree Sparrow, 5 Alba wagtail, 36 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit, 12 Chaffinch, 9 Brambling, 16 Twite, 33 Linnet, 4 Redpoll, 51 Goldfinch, 32 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer and 10 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea the highlights were 219 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Saup, 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 25 Great Skua and 7 Pomarine Skua.

Ringing: 1 Merlin, 14 Tree Sparrow, 24 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Wren, 1 Brambling, 1 Goldfinch, 5 Lesser Redpoll. 

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Monday, 22 October 2018

Watches: 0700-1330, 1500-1750.

Pretty much the same as the last few days with lower, but still decent enough numbers of migrants about

A fairly quiet day with a Shore Lark south past the Warren, 2 Lapland Bunting around the Breach, and a Hen Harrier blogging, while at last it was confirmed that 2 Cetti's Warbler are in the area in the Corner field area while finally over the sea a Leach's Petrel flew north..

Migrant numbers were lower than of recent with few Thrushes seen today, 3 Jack Snipe, 1 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl, 5 Short-eared Owl, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff in Easington by the White horse pub, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 4 Ring Ouzel, 100 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 6 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 5 Brambling and 2 Snow Bunting.

On the move today were 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk in/off, 2 Snipe in, 9 Stock Dove, 180 Wood Pigeon, 2 Kestrel in, 2 Magpie, 13 Jackdaw, 44 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Blue Tit, 104 Skylark, 40 Tree Sparrow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 9 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Twite, 19 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 5 Reed Bunting while over the sea 19 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Whooper Swan, 2 Gadwall, 13 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 18 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Shag, 1 Arctic Tern, 5 Great Skua and 5 Arctic Skua.

Other sightings included the a big increase to 220 Brent Geese on Beacon ponds, 21 Whooper Swan on the Humber, and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff, 46 Tree Sparrow, 5 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Sunday, 21 October 2018

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Watches:0700-1115, 1500-1730.

Little change, but decent numbers of birds on the move south and still plenty of migrants about.

There are still 2 Barred Warbler about with the Corner field bird showing well, a Firecrest at Easington gas terminal, 2 Lapland Bunting at the Breach, 2 Bearded Tit wandering around Corner field and the Cetti's Warbler at Rose cottage.

Otherwise migrant numbers were slightly lower, 3 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Long-eared Owl, 3 Coal Tit, 3 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 14 Goldcrest, 4 Ring Ouzel, 110 Blackbird, 76 Fieldfare, 286 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 7 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear and 4 Lesser Redpoll.

On the move 2 Hen Harrier, 1 Stock Dove, 35 Wood Pigeon, 10 Magpie, 3 Jackdaw, 24 Rook, 14 Carrion Crow, 253 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 234 Starling, 2 House Sparrow, 99 Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 57 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 9 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 24 Linnet, 10 Siskin, 103 Goldfinch and 18 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea, 38 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Wigeon, 13 Pintail, 15 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Arctic Tern, 6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 2 Shag and 32 Little Gull.

Other sightings were 1 Greenshank and Sandwich Tern Kilnsea wetlands and the Usual Tawny Owl at Kew.

2 Small Copper were seen in Easington with a Hummingbird Hawkmoth at the Warren, while a Convulvulous Hawkmoth caterpillar was found on the road.

Ringing: 14 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Greenfinch, 92 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 20 October 2018

Watches: 0700-1200, 1315-1400.

A clear out of the previous days arrivals, but as is usual there was just about enough interest to keep eveyone on their toes. 

The Rosy Starling was still finding the Easington area to its liking just like the previous juvenile. A record count of 3 Great-white Egret came in/off the sea by the gas terminal and continued north-west, almost certainly seen the next day at Nosterfield. Other highlights from the day were 2 Bearded Tit along the canal where the Cetti's Warbler was still present and the Barred Warbler still in Corner field.

Migrants remained in good numbers with 4 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Long-eared Owl, 4 Short-eared Owl, 3 Coal Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler,  6 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 330 Blackbird, 190 Fieldfare, 200 Redwing, 50 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 7 Stonechat, 1 White Wagtail, 11 Brambling and 2 Twite.

On the move over the sea were 33 Whooper Swan, 10 Shelduck, 40 Teal, 2 Eider, 19 Red-throated Diver, 11 Little Gull, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Great Skua and 1 Arctic Skua.

Overland a ringtail Hen Harrier going south was nice, but otherwise it was generally quiet with only 65 Rook, 24 Jackdaw, 5 Magpie, 60 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 2 Grey Wagtail, 20 Rock Pipit, 11 Chaffinch, 12 Brambling, 13 Linnet, 15 Lesser Redpoll, 108 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin, 4 Yellowhammer, 22 Reed Bunting.

The Brent Goose flock increased to 176 with 337 Wigeon on Beacon Ponds where 3 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck and 140 Teal were also present, a Whimbrel was on the Humber and the Tawny Owl still at Kew.

Ringing: 17 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Great Tit, 26 Blackbird, 15 Redwing, 2 Wren, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 4 Goldfinch, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting. (85 of 13 species).

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Friday, 19 October 2018

A few bits about today, the best being a well watched Little Bunting in the rarity magnet garden of Mick Turton’s in Easington.

Also today the (same) juvenile Rosy Starling was touring the area, 2 Barred Warbler were  showing on and off, with maybe 5 Hawfinch about today among a scatter of Yellow-browed Warbler and Common migrants.

Over the sea 2 Bewick’s Swan flew south.

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Thursday, 18 October 2018

Watches: 0700-1240.

A quieter day with less birds on the move and no big arrivals, but it was a nice day anyway and still plenty to see.

A Marsh Warbler was elusive on Beacon lane today giving people the runaround, there were 2 Barred Warbler in the area, just 6 Yellow-browed Warbler while the Cetti's Warbler was singing at South field farm.

Migrants included 1 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 3 Long-eared Owl, 4 Short-eared Owl, 2 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 16 Blackcap, 37 Goldcrest, 6 Ring Ouzel, 30 Blackbird, 60 Fieldfare, 160 Redwing, 50 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 30 Dunnock, 3 White Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 50 Brambling, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Twite and 14 Lesser Redpoll.

On the move today, 12 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 87 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Eider, 43 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Red-throated Diver, 35 Gannet, 2 Sandwich Tern and 1 Arctic Skua. 

Other sightings were 1 Whooper Swan, 263 Wigeon, 13 Little Grebe, 2200 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kingfisher and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Great Skua, 1 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Wren, 8 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 102 Tree Sparrow, 2 House Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Brambling.

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Wednesday, 17 October 2018

While it was quieter overall without the large numbers of Thrushes and Brambling, there were decenr numbers of migrants and visible migration.

The highlight was a PALLID SWIFT lingering near the Obs for about an hour, though maybe not the Swift we were all hoping for. A Little Bunting was on the south side of the gas terminal, a Barred Warbler and Cetti's Warbler were both trapped in Church field.

Still good numbers of migrants about, 1 Long-eared Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl in/off, a Jay in Easington, 3 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 25 Chiffchaff, 15 Yellow-browed Warbler, 41 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 123 Goldcrest, 51 Wren, 17 Ring Ouzel, 38 Blackbird, 179 Fieldfare, 450 Redwing, 50 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 61 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 3 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 9 Stonechat, 7 Wheatear, 160 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Twite and 17 Lesser Redpoll.

Ringing: 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Barred Warbler, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 3 Wren, Ring Ouzel, 12 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 4 Robin, 191 Tree Sparrow, 5 House Sparrow, 3 Greenfinch, 8 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 16 October 2018

Watches: 0730-1700.

A great day of overland and sea movements with brillant arrivals, giving a bit for everyone to enjoy trhe day.

The Olive-backed Pipit along the Canal is still present occasionally showing well, with the locally rare Cetti's Warbler still nearby..

Migrant numbers today were 6 Water Rail, 3 Jack Snipe, 1 Long-eared Owl, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Jay, 2 Wood Lark, 400 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 30 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 15 Yellow-browed warbler, 44 Blackcap, Barred Warbler at Rose Cottage, Eastern Lesser Whitethroat at the Narrows, 120 Goldcrest, 19 Ring Ouzel, 1250 Fieldfare, 6300 Redwing, 170 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 165 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 6 Common Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 18 Stonechat, 9 Wheatear, 1 Bullfinch, 35 Chaffinch, 340 Brambling and a Lapland Bunting at Chalk bank.

On the move were a rather nice 2w Caspian Gull south over the Humber, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh harrier, 14 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 322 Sklark, 19 Swallow, 11 House Martin, 160 Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 1 'Flava' Wagtail, 8 Grey Wagtail, 29 Alba Wagtail, 292 Meadow Pipit, 42 Rock Pipit, 76 Chaffinch, 79 Greenfinch, 238 Linnet, 55 Lesser Redpoll, 305 Goldfinch, 72 Siskin, 16 Yellwhammer and 2 Reed Bunting.

The sea had a bit to offer with 22 Brent Geese, 25 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Gadwall, 1 Pintail, 291 Teal, 154 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 eider, 44 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 52 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 410 Gannet, 4 Great Skua and 6 Arctic Skua.

Ringing: 1 Mute Swan, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat, 33 Robin, 10 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 12 Song Thrush, 24 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, 24 Goldcrest, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 6 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 2 goldfinch, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Twite, 51 Tree Sparrow, 3 Reed Bunting.  (196 of 21 species).

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Monday, 15 October 2018

Watches: 0700-1745

An interesting day of arrivals, initially involving Thrushes and Brambling, but later a smattering of Warbler and Crests while the vigilant vis-miggers remaining on high alert, saw good numbers of Hirundines for so late in the season.

The Olive-backed Pipit was occasionally showing along the Canal, a Shorelark at the Narrows,  5 Lapland Bunting flew NW up the Canal, a Hen Harrier by he Lighthouse and the Cetti's Warbler still in the triangle.

 Migrants seen today were 2 Woodcock,  7 Jack Snipe, 1 Long-eared Owl in/off, 20 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 22 Chiffchaff, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 24 Blackcap, 63 Goldcrest, 7 Ring Ouzel, 46 Fieldfare, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2270 Redwing, 88 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 15 Stonechat, 11 Wheatear and 490 Brambling.

On the move were 105 Starling in, 1 Sand Martin, 54 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 43 Meadow Pipit, 26 Rock Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 138 Skylark in, 37 Linnet, 13 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Goldfinch, 51 Siskin and 25 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea were 28 Brent Geese, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Gadwall, 134 Wigeon, 244 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup, 11 Eider, 79 Common Scoter, 2 Goosander, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 80 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 7 Manx Shearwater, 158 Gannet, 54 Cormorant, 18 Lapwing in, 6 Little Gull, 34 Great Skua and 12 Arctic Skua.

  Ringing: 6 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, 2 Blackbird, 12 Blackcap, 17 Goldcrest, 21 Robin, 4 Brambling, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Sunday, 14 October 2018

Watches: 0700-1020.

Very poor conditions with the heavy rain making it difficult.

A Richard's Pipit was heard only along the Canal and the Cetti's Warbler still in the triangle while a Great-white Egret flew south. Migrants seen today were  1 Jack Snipe, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit, 4 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 8 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 3 Mistle Thrush, 5 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Wheatear, 34 Brambling 25 Lesser Redpoll and  200 Siskin.

On the move were 60 Starling, 27 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 11 Skylark, 43 Linnet, 4 Chaffinch, 15 Goldfinch, 9 House Sparrow, 45 Tree Sparrow and 14 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea were 4 Shoveler, 77 Wigeon, 4 Eider, 29 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 13 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 266 Gannet, 2 Shag, 18 Little Gull, 2 Great Skua and 2 Arctic Skua.

In the Moth traps a Figure of Eight, a Convulvulous Hawkmoth and a Merveille de Jour were nice highlights at Yew cottage..

  Ringing: 2 Song Thrush, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling, 2 Siskin, 3 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 13 October 2018

A warm muggy day with a strong F6 S wind.

Watches: 0700-1500.

Maybe the biggest news today involved a Dragonfly when Spurns 1st Vagrant Emperor was discovered on Vicars lane. Usually a bird migrant hotspot this time playing host to this log awaited migrant Dragonfly.

The OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT is still along the Canal this morning approx 100 yards south of Cliff farm, a Hawfinch over Kew then maybe the same at the Warren, the Siberian (type) Chiffchaff in the Crown carpark, a ringtail Hen Harrier in the triangle, the Cetti's Warbler in the triangle and a Black Tern over the Humber.

A decrease in migrant numbers especially Thrushes, 1 Hobby, 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 5 Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 18 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 4 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 60 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 12 Rock Pipit and 19 Brambling.

Quiet for birds on the move, but good numbers of Swallow, 1 Kestrel in, 5 Skylark, 18 Swallow, 92 Starling, 2 Dunnock, 1 Alba Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 373 Linnet, 45 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin and 21 Reed Bunting.

Still a few Wildfowl on the move today, 1 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 95 Wigeon, 13 Pintail, 264 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup, 2 Eider, 34 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 26 Red-throated Diver,  1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 225 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 63 Dunlin, 1 Snipe in/off, 18 Little Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, 5 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and 16 Auk sp.

Ringing: 2 Robin, 2 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Brambling.

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Friday, 12 October 2018

The conditions made it extremely difficult birding and it seemed there were no sheltered spots on offer at times. The good birds were present still  and the sea was definitely worth the effort with good numbers of Duck on the move.

The OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT was still showing on and off along the Canal, the Rosy Starling still present in the triangle, a Siberian (type) Chiffchaff in the crown carpark, the Cetti's Warbler in Corner field and only 2 Yellow-browed Warbler were seen in the strong winds.

With very few sheltered areas on offer it was often difficult looking for migrants hence the low totals, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Fieldfare, 9 Ring Ouzel, 60 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear and 90 Brambling (61 south)..

The sea was where most of the action was, with 2 male Mandarin most unexpected, with also 6 Brent Geese, 2 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 683 Wigeon, 1464 Teal, 21 Pintail, 2 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 99 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 19 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 373 Gannet, 1 Shag, 9 Knot, 326 Dunlin, 11 Snipe in/off, 5 Greenshank, 19 Little Gull, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 100 Auk sp and 1 Puffin.

On the move over land were a Common Swift, 52 Skylark, 23 Swallow, 286 Starling, 5 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit and 1 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings were 70 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale bellied Brent, 238 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 1 Pochard, 1 Avocet with the Oystercatcher at Chalk Bank, 200 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 3 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch.

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Thursday, 11 October 2018

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Rain early morning becoming fine and sunny with a F1-4 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0715-1730.

The day dawned with much anticipation and the sound of arriving Thrushes in the half light, with early morning rain dropping many into any suitable habitat, while Brambling continued moving even in the heaviest. There were few Redwing or Blackbird, (which arrived much further north), but overall there were a nice selection of species on offer.

The highlight of the day was a rather flighty OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT at the narrows, with what was assumed the same bird mobile around the Obs area, settling just south of Cliff farm where it eventually showed on and off.

Nearby a Richard’s Pipit occasionally showed well in Clubley’s field, the juvenile Rose-coloured Starling continued to roam the area, a male Hawfinch at Westmere farm,  a Long-eared Owl at Sammy’s, the Cetti’s Warbler singing by Rose cottage and 17 Yellow-browed Warbler in the area.

A good day for migrants, but difficult conditions in the strong wind with, 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Short-eared Owl, 400 Skylark (302 going south), 18 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 11 Goldcrest, 7 Ring Ouzel, 40 Fieldfare, 90 Redwing, 460 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 9 Stonechat, 6 Wheatear, 19 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 580 Brambling (406 going south, 150 northwest),  

Overland movement were 2 Grey Heron, 24 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 35 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 13 Brambling, 4 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin and 29 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea were a Leach’s Petrel which flew along the beach, 68 Wigeon, 34 Teal, 16 Pintail, 4 Tufted Duck, 24 Eider, 104 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 21 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 252 Gannet, 1004 Black-headed Gull, 15 Little Gull, 3 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Great Skua 4 Arctic Skua.

Other bits of interest were 47 Brent Geese, 2 Pochard and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing:  1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 23 Song Thrush, 4 Tree Sparrow,  2 Robin, 4 Blackcap, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Wren, 1 Rock Pipit, 3 Goldfinch, 5 Brambling, 1 Reed Bunting. (54 of 14 species).

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Wednesday, 10 October 2018

Sunny and warm again with a F2-4 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0700-1200.

A sizeable decrease in migrants today, the overnight clear skies allowing them to continue on their while there were no sign of the Red-flanked Bluetail.

The Rose-coloured Starling continued to entertain mainly along the Canal, but visiting the Warren and Holderness field. The Shorelark was again at Chalk bank, though no reports in the afternoon, the Cetti’s Warbler singing at the south end of the Canal, while yet again the total of 12 Yellow-browed Warbler again outnumbered Chiffchaff.

Fewer migrants about today, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Short-eared Owl, 37 Long-tailed Tit, which is a record count for us, 8 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 6 Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 12 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 27 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 33 Rock Pipit and 8 Brambling.

Overland movement were 1 Hobby, 16 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 9 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 259 Skylark, 552 Tree Sparrow, 26 House Sparrow, 13 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 143 Meadow Pipit, 100 Rock Pipit, 34 Chaffinch, 13 Brambling, 331 Linnet, 397 Goldfinch, 49 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting, 3 Yellowhammer and 217 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea were 6 Teal, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Red-throated Diver, 29 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern and 1 Great Skua.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 65 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 154 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Whimbrel, 245 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and the Tawny Owl at Kew and the Obs garden.

Ringing:  1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 65 Tree Sparrow, 6 House Sparrow, 1 Starling, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 7 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 3 Meadow Pipit, 6 Blackcap, 1 Wren, 24 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 6 Reed Bunting. (146 of 20 species).

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Tuesday, 09 October 2018

Warm and sunny with a brisk F4-5 SSW wind..

Migration Watches: 0730-1100.

A much better day of overland visible migration with impressive Sparrow and Finch totals, making it a sometimes frantic session early morning.

The RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL was again at the potato fields, up till mid-afternoon, while the 20 Yellow-browed Warbler today (including 1 vis-migged south!) outnumbered Chiffchaff by over three to one!

The Rose-coloured Starling was mobile, but mainly along the canal, the Shorelark at Chalk bank in front of the hide and the usual male Cetti’s Warbler in the triangle.

Migrant totals were similar to the previous day, 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Woodcock, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Short-eared Owl, only 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 100 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 60 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Ring Ouzel, 12 Stonechat, 6 Wheatear, 1 Coal Tit, 30 Meadow Pipit, 15 Rock Pipit and 4 Brambling.

On the move were 3 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 9 Great Tit, 54 Skylark, 60 Swallow, 11 House Martin, 100 House Sparrow, 1220 Tree Sparrow, 3 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 52 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 34 Greenfinch, 1199 Linnet, 596 Goldfinch, 38 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer and 23 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today were 35 Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 897 Oystercatcher all at Chalk bank, 300 Curlew at Long bank, 1 Spotted Redshank and 8 Greenshank at Kilnsea wetlands and the Tawny Owl at Kew.  

Ringing: 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird, 28 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Dunnock, 4 Goldfinch. (40 of 8 species).

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Tuesday, 09 October 2018

The Red-flanked Bluetail was still about today at the Potato fields while nearby the Shorelark infront of the hide at Chalk bank. In the triangle the Rose-cloured Starling was still with the Starling flock feeding on Buckthorn berries, still at least 20 Yellow-browed Warbler about including one south over the breach and the singing Cetti's Warbler still in the triangle.

Good vis-migging with 1199 Linnet, 596 Goldfinch and 1220 Tree Sparrow the stand out totals.

Full sightings and counts later. 

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Monday, 08 October 2018

A dull overcast day with sunny spells feeling warm in the F3-4 SSW wind.

Watches: 0715-0900.

The RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL was thankfully still present this morning and while typically elusive as this species can be, it did show to anyonw who wanted to see it.

There were plenty of good birds about to see yet again with the Rose-coloured Starling along the Canal, a Shorelark at Chalk bank, Barred Warbler in the Canal bushes, 16 Yellow-browed Warbler in the area, 2 Lapland Bunting at the Point, a Cetti's Warbler just north of the visitor centre, a nice adult Sabines Gull south along the Humber and the Great-white Egret wandering the area. 

Migrant numbers were down on the previous day, 3 Jack Snipe with one showing well at Canal scrape, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel at the Point, 22 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 13 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 7 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 9 Rock Pipit, 90 Meadow Pipit, 16 Brambling and 2 Snow Bunting.

On the move over the sea were 28 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Shelduck, 18 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 119 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 87 Common Scoter, 42 Gannet, 1 Shag, 1 Lapwing in/off, 3 Ba/r-tailed Godwit, 3 Snipe in/off, 1 Great Skua and 10 Auk sp with little overland movement only involving 3 Greenshank, 2 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 9 Greenfinch, 350 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 60 Goldfinch and 8 Siskin.

Other sightings were 47 Brent Geese, 5 Pintail, 1 Water Rail, 1 Whimbrel, 291 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Purple Sandpiper at Chalk bank, 11 Greenshank and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blue Tit, 8 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 16 Tree Sparrow, 1 Wren, 5 Goldfinch. 

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Sunday, 07 October 2018

Sunny spells with a F1-3 N-SW wind..

Migration Watches: 0720-1100.

The calmer conditions as predicted had the desired effect and good birds turned up throughout the day. None more so than a photographed RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL at the Potato fields, which only came to attention after dark, via Birdguides. It will of course be looked for in the morning and hopefully will still be present. It did however eclipse the awesome record total of 39 Yellow-browed Warbler in the area.

There were numerous highlights during the day and a bit of something for everyone with a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling along the canal, 4 Hawfinch, a Barred Warbler at the Warren, where a Woodlark flew south and a Water Pipit which flew north over the Obs. A Great-white Egret flew north over the Bluebell, heading up to Holderness fields area, but are expected annually now while a Shorelark was reported at the Point.

Final totals of other migrants were 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Short-eared Owl with 2 in/off, 13 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 16 Blackcap, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Goldcrest, 100 Blackbird, 120 Fieldfare, 525 Redwing, 57 Song Thrush, 3 Ring Ouzel, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 13 Stonechat, 3 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 1 Coal Tit, 120 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 22 Rock Pipit, 114 Brambling, 17 Redpoll, 42 Siskin, 26 Reed Bunting and 5 Snow Bunting which were the first of the autumn.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands were a Spotted Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank, the Purple Sandpiper at Sandy beaches and Tawny Owl at Kew.  

Ringing: 6 Redwing, 13 Blackbird, 45 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 3 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Dunnock, 3 Wren, 1 Brambling, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Lesser Redpoll. (87 of 13 species).

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Saturday, 06 October 2018

Rain until mid-afternoon with a cool F4-5 N-NNE.

Migration Watches: 0070-1750.

While not the most of ideal conditions, it still had the desired effect and delivered a varied and decent arrival of migrants to the area, including a flyover Thrush with a dark throat and white underparts, which was almost certainly a Black-throated, but will stay no more than a report. Many of the arriving Thrushes and Finches quickly moved off northwest, while there were few Warblers or Goldcrest to talk of. Calmer conditions on Sunday may allow a few more birds of interest to be found.

The highlights of the day were a calling Richard’s Pipit north up the Canal, a Hawfinch over Easington cemetery, a total of 4 Yellow-browed Warbler in the area, the ringtail Hen Harrier still about and a Short-eared Owl hunting the triangle. Final totals of other migrants were 4 Jack Snipe, 68 Snipe including 51 in/off, 2 Woodcock, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 41 Fieldfare, 680 Redwing, 56 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 6 Ring Ouzel, 5 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 150 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 160 Brambling, 4 Redpoll, 96 Siskin and 84 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea 29 Pink-footed Geese in, 33 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 81 Teal, 4 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Eider, 793 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander, 52 Red-throated Diver, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwater, 3 Fulmar, 61 Kittiwake, 234 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern, 16 Common Tern, 1 Sandwich Tern, 25 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, 23 Arctic Skua, 16 Auk sp, 5 Guillemot and 2 Razorbill. Overland 42 Swallow went south along with 1 Alba wagtail.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands were 172 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 74 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and the Purple Sandpiper at Sandy beaches.  

Ringing: 5 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackbird, 3 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 05 October 2018

PLEASE READ....Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘FRIENDS OF SPURN’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn even more memorable than your prvevious visit.

WE HAVE A VISION and with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

Watches: 0650-1805.

While the long vigile for any hint of east in the wind continues, it was yet again a decent day of movement over both the land and sea and with just a sprinkling of migrants remaining.

The Cetti's Warbler was still singing around southfield farm and the ringtail Hen Harrier at Beacon ponds, where it had upto 4 Short-eared Owl for company.

Migrant wise 3 Jack Snipe, 1 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 11 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, 5 Song Thrush, 5 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear and 3 Coal Tit were recorded today.

Over the land, while no big numbers the autumn total, especially for Finches should be good, with daily high hundreds and we are now into our last few double figure counts for Hirundines. Totlas today, 1 Green Sandpiper, a Red kite which went back north, 94 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 46 House Martin, 7 Starling, 4 House Saprrow, 180 Tree Sparrow, 5 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 25 Alba Wagtail, 1 Flava Wagtail, 104 Meadow Pipit, 25 Rock pipit, 24 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 850 Linnet, 280 Goldfinch, 33 Siskin, 5 Yellowhammer and 104 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea 14 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Wigein, 2 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Scaup, 24 Common Scoter, 65 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 138 gannet, 2 Snipe in/off, 7 Common Tern,1 arctic Tern, 5 Puffin, 1 Pomarine Skua and 4 Arctic Skua.

Other sightings were 7 Brent Geese and 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 462 Oystercatcher, 1 Water Rail on Canal scrape and the Purple Sandpiper at the breach.

Ringing: 1 Wren, 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 3 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 28 Tree Sparrow, 2 Chiffhcaff, 3 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 04 October 2018

Highlights today included a Leach's Petrel drifting south on the Humber, the Cetti's Warbler singing again at Southfield farm and the ringtail Hen harrier still showing well in the Beacon ponds area.

Over the sea 31 Pink-footed Geese northwest, 6 whooper Swan, 55 Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 14 Teal, 3 Velvet Scoter with maybe another 3 over the Humber, 49 Common scoter, 32 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 349 Gannet, 1 Shag, 3 Snipe in/off, 2 Sandwich Tern, 9 Common Tern, 25 'Commic' Tern, 5 Great Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua and 1 Puffin were seen.

Moving over land, 1 Common Buzzard, 9 Carrion Crow, 14 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 22 House Martin, 4 House Sparrow, 25 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 41 Meadow Pipit, 15 Rock Pipit, 373 Linnet, 38 Goldfinch, 8 Siskin and 1 Reed Bunting.

Few migrants of note today, 4 Coal Tit were the best along with 20 Chiffchaff, 25 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrush and 3 Wheatear.

Otherwise 7 Brent Geese with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 738 Shelduck, 132 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 82 Teal, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 263 Sanderling, the Purple Sandpiper at the breach, 1 Short-eared Owl and the usual Tawny Owl at kew.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great TIt, 2 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 7 Tree Sparrow, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Siskin, 1 Dunnock, 7 Long-tailed Tit.

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Wednesday, 03 October 2018

Watches: 0700-1100, 1200-1800.

Rather out of the blue again an unexpected arrival mainly involving Thrushes occured. There were a nice variety, but very little else in the way of numbers though, but it made for an exciting day with plenty of potential.

Totals for migrants were much boosted by Thrush numbers with final totals of 1373 Redwing, 50 Fieldfare, 2 Ring Ouzel, 36 Blackbird, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Jack Snipe in Churchfield, 6 Stonechat, 2 Reed warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Siskin and 2 Lapland Bunting while 15 Coal Tit were in the area, hinting at a potential big movement on the way?

Over the sea there were fewer birds, 81 Pink-footed Geese northwest, 5 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 42 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, female Scaup, 30 common Scoter, 72 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Manx Shearwater, 742 Gannet, 5 Shag, 21 Cormarant, 4 Snipe in/off, 33 Little Gull, 10 Great Skua, 9 Arctic Skua and 52 Auk sp while overland heading south were 12 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 3 Alba Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 siskin and 3 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings included a Pale-bellied Brent at Chalk bank and 107 Shelduck and 2 Whimbrel on the Humber while on Kilnsea wetlands a Barnacle Goose, 12 Whooper Swan which eventually left south, 140 wigeon, 5 Pintail, 57 Teal, male Scaup and 10 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Wren, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Goldcrest, 1 House Sparrow, 22 Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Fieldfare, 18 Blackbird, 9 Redwing, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll. (72 of 17 species )

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Tuesday, 02 October 2018

PLEASE READ....Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘FRIENDS OF SPURN’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn even more memorable than your prvevious visit.

WE HAVE A VISION and with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

The sea saw all the action today with a bit more quality than the previous day.

Moving were a Leach's Petrel, 18 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, 45 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 45 Common Scoter, 64 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 541 Gannet, 4 Shag, 8 Cormorant, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 3 Long-tailed Skua, 10 Pomarine Skua, 23 Great Skua, 20 Arctic Skua, 10 Skua sp, 41 Auk sp, 11 Guilemot and 5 Razorbill.

The Hen Harrier was seen again today, but few other migrants about with only 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 6 Stonechat, 3 Rock Pipit and 4 Siskin while 8 Kestrel came in/off the sea.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 84 Shelduck, 183 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 54 Teal, 162 Grey Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 592 Sanderling, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 420 Turnstone and 1 Spotted Redshank.

Ringing: 1 Great Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 7 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin.

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Monday, 01 October 2018

PLEASE READ....Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘FRIENDS OF SPURN’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn even more memorable than your prvevious visit.

WE HAVE A VISION and with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

A chilly morning with sunny spells, dull in the afternoon with a F4-6 NW-WNW

Migration Watches: 0650-1430, 1600-1830.

With the conditions it was a day to be sea-watching even if the rewards were few and far between.

Over the sea the highlight was a Leach’s Petrel north at 9am, though beyond that the expectation was greater than was actually seen, 12 Pink-footed Geese, 19 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 18 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Velvet Scoter, 39 Common Scoter, 6 Sooty Shearwater, 6 Manx Shearwater, 18 Kittiwake, 820 Gannet, 5 Great Skua and 16 Arctic Skua, 262 Auk sp, 2 Guillemot and 1 Razorbill.

Yet again few migrants to report, but the ringtail Hen Harrier was still about and a Short-eared Owl was hunting the triangle with final totals of other species being 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 2 Brambling, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 5 Siskin.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands were 2 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle Goose, 72 Greylag Geese, 98 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 74 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2 Whimbrel, 280 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 20 Greenshank.  

Ringing: 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch.

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Sunday, 30 September 2018

Watches: 0645-1330.

What was seeming to be yet another dejavu day was soon forgotten when John Grist found Spurns 1st BAIRD'S SANDPIPER at Easington lagoon at around 1.15pm. A mad dash and most regulars had good views, as it fed on its own, flying off south around 3pm, being found off the Warren, spending 15 minutes here then headed off south again. It becomes the 398th species recorded at Spurn!

It was generally more of the same over land and sea. Vis-miging produced a very tired Sparrowhawk in/off, 6 Kestrel, 1 Common Buzzard, 11 Lapwing west, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 35 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 35 House Martin, 104 house Sparrow, 315 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 1 Flava Wagtail, 36 Alba Wagtail, 115 Meadow Pipit, 53 Rock Pipit, 13 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling (2 in/off), 2 Greenfinch, 892 Linnet, 1 Redpoll, 174 Goldfinch, 57 Siskin and 47 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea 149 Pink-footed Geese (113 northwest), 6 Teal, 27 Common Scoter, 110 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 394 Gannet, 10 Shag, 46 Cormorant, 16 Snipe in/off, 3 Kittiwake, 86 Little Gull, 20 Sandwich Tern, 4 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 51 Auk sp.32 Guillemot and 5 Razorbill.

Still few migrants about, but a ringtail Hen Harrier at Beacon ponds and 2 Jack Snipe were well appreciated, one showin well on Canal scrape, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Stonechat and 2 Coal Tit and a Brambling in Easington were about the best of it.

Other sightings were 2 Canada Geese, 148 Greylag Geese, 5 Shoveler, 62 Teal, 2 Water Rail, 24 Greenshank, 78 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Merlin and 2 Peregrine in the area.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 8 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Great Tit, 1 Song Thrush.

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Saturday, 29 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

The day was dominated by a big northwest movement of Pink-footed Geese across the county, which was also noted here at Spurn while the south westerlies continue to bring a trickle of south bound migrants, though still no sign of any easterlies.

On the move over the sea today were 1187 Pink-footed Geese northwest, many heading straight up the Humber, 4 Brent Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese, 13 Wigeon in, 17 Pintail in, 33 Teal, 113 Common Scoter, 23 Snipe in/off, 51 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 6 Manx Shearwater, 52 Gannet, 5 Shag, 21 Kittiwake, 3 juvenile Little Gull, 3 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and 1 Puffin.

Overland 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Kestrel, 9 Rook, 11 Carrion Crow, 96 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 25 Swallow, 108 House Martin, 20 House Sparrow, 158 Tree Sparrow, 9 Dunnock, 11 Alba wagtail, 49 Rock Pipit, 307 Meadow Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 782 Linnet, 203 Goldfinch, 49 Siskin and 78 Reed Bunting. Another 300+ Reed Bunting moved off southwest from hedges by the listening dish so maybe were cutting out and not detected at Numpties.

Few migrants to keep the interest going, but 2 Hawfinch were about inh the Obs-Westmere area, but again difficult to pin down, while otherwise 14 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, 4 Stonechat and a White Wagtail made up the rest.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose on the Humber, 11 Common Buzzard in the Easington area, 2+ Water Rail canal area, 1 Green Sandpiper and 27 Greenshank at Beacon ponds, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 26 Mediteranean Gull, the Tawny Owl at Kew and a Merlin chasing a Skylark.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Wren, 8 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 28 September 2018

A fine sunny day with a F3 N-NE wind.

Watches: 0645-1340, 1600-1845.

A decent northerly wind so eyes turned to the sea resulting in a good day of movement, 4 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 3 Teal, 13 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 243 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar, 19 Sooty Shearwater, 29 Manx Shearwater, 231 Gannet, 2 Shag, 71 Kittiwake, 50 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 8 Great Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 3 Pomarine Skua, 366 Auk sp, 17 Guillemot and 1 Puffin while a Short-eared Owl came in/off and 2 Skylark, 17 tree Sparrow, 1 Grey Wagtail,1 Rock Pipit and 2 Siskin on the move.

There were few migrants about but a singing Firecrest at Kew was noteworthy with also 2 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 11 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Redwing. 

Other sightings included 66 Wigeon, 1 Water Rail, 1 whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4500 Knot, 1400 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, the Tawny Owl at Kew and Merlin and Peregrine still hunting the area.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 15 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 27 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

The Hawfinch was still in the Kew and Church field area but remaining very elusive and the Little Stint still on Kilnsea wetlands.

A decent morning of vis-migging, 1 Stock Dove, 7 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 9 Carrion Crow, 1 Skylark, 6 Sand Martin, 54 Swallow, 139 House Martin, 234 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 31 Alba Wagtail, 401 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 98 Chaffinch,  1407 Linnet, 370 Goldfinch, 45 Siskin, 8 Yellowhammer, 183 Reed Bunting and 1 Lapland Bunting.

Over the sea 1716 Pink-footed Geese (702 northwest), 2 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 116 Common Scoter, 91 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 139 Gannet, 4 Shag, 10 Cormorant, 2 Little Gull, 2 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and 3 Razorbill.

Few migrants again with only 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 4 Rock Pipit.

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Wednesday, 26 September 2018

Sunny and warm again with a F2-4 SW-W wind.

Migration Watches: 0635-1100, 1615-1840.

The Hawfinch remained elusive in the Kew-Churchyard area briefly flying down to Corner field and our 1st Lapland Bunting of the autumn flew south past the Warren plus a showy Jack Snipe on Canal scrape.

Fewer migrants about today, 2 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 2 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher,  5 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Bullfinch.

Over the sea was 4 Dark-bellied Brent in/off, 555 Pink-footed Geese (375 NW, 180 south), 7 Shelduck, 9 Teal, 166 Wigeon, 4 Eider, 13 Common Scoter, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 95 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 50 Gannet, 3 Shag, 22 Cormorant, 36 Little Gull, 2 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 38 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 62 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Skua and 3 Great Skua.

Overland movement was quiet in general but saw a tired Sparrowhawk in/off low over the sea, 2 Marsh Harrier, 5 Kestrel, 12 Snipe in/off, 4 Sand Martin, 58 Swallow, 140 House Martin, 1 Swift, 2 Skylark, 42 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Alba Wagtail, 40 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit in, 1 Chaffinch, 255 Linnet, 83 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 25 Reed Bunting.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 4 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, 85 Teal, 25 Little Egret, 600 Grey Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 2 Whimbrel, 16 Greenshank, Purple Sandpiper by the Bluebell  and 2 Water Rail on Canal scrape,

Ringing:  1 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 25 September 2018

Sunny and warm with a F2-4 WSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0700-1100, 1400-1820.

There were 1+ Rosefinch still at the Warren, but they flew off north landing near the Bluebell while the Hawfinch found its way into a net early morning at Kew. The Great-white Egret was still in the ditches by Sammys point but elusive!

As the wind increased it became harder to see migrants, but there were still a few about,  4 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch and 51 Siskin.

Over the sea was 7 Greylag Geese, 73 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Shoveler, 206 Teal, 145 Wigeon, 38 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Eider, 360 Common Scoter, 3 Grey Heron in/off, 73 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 12 Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 242 Gannet, 7 Shag, 26 Cormorant, 2 Little Gull, 1 Little Tern, 1 Puffin, 3 Arctic Skua and 9 Great Skua.

Overland movement was varied, but low numbers of all species, 1 Mistle Thrush, 15 House Sparrow, 133 Tree Sparrow, 81 Swallow, 22 House Martin, 11 Skylark, 7 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 336 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 5 Meadow Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling (1st of autumn), 1 Greenfinch, 450 Linnet, 69 Goldfinch, 23 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 79 Reed Bunting.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 59 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 80 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 23 Little Egret, 810 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, Purple Sandpiper on the Humber and a Water Rail on Canal scrape,

Ringing:  1 Great tit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Wren, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Hawfinch.

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Monday, 24 September 2018

A cool start gave way to a nice sunny day with a F1-3 W-NW wind.

Migration Watches: 0640-1140, 1340-1530, 1715-1900.

Well a bit out of the blue a small arrival brought our first and very welcome vocal Yellow-browed Warbler to the Warren where 2 Rosefinch were also on offer and a Hawfinch flew over before heading back to the Kilnsea area. Almost rarer these days were a Turtle Dove by Easington cemetery.

Decent totals of commoner migrants about too with our first Jack Snipe by the Lighthouse, 1 Woodcock at potato fields, 1 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, Treecreeper by the Bluebell, the autumns first 4 Redwing, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch and 51 Siskin.

Over the sea was 185 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Shoveler, 206 Teal, 67 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 191 Common Scoter, 91 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 19 Manx Shearwater, 710 Gannet, 3 Shag, 26 Cormorant, 1 Snipe in/off, 36 Kittiwake, 1 Little Tern, 2 Pomarine Skua, 19 Arctic Skua and 14 Great Skua.

Overland movement was limited to only 2 Red Kite, 2 Skylark, 1 Flava Wagtail and 3 Lesser Redpoll.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 59 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 151 Teal, 473 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 12 Greenshank, 1 Kingfisher and 6 Common Buzzard while the Tawny Owl made a Re-appearance at Kew.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blue tit, 5 Great tit,  Robin, 3 Dunnock, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 6 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 3 Chaffinch.

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Sunday, 23 September 2018

Mainly cloudy with some rain and a cool F1-3 NW wind.

Migration Watches: 0615-1220, 1355-1900.

The fantastic period of movement over land and sea continues, while a change in the weather to a more northerly airflow brought greater emphasis to the sea. The predicted weather for the foreseeable future suggests more of the same. A bit of easterlies and our first Yellow-browed Warbler would be nice though!

The Great-white Egret continued to be seen in the area mainly in ditches around Chalkies point but may have flown off south later.

Over the sea was where most of action happened with good numbers of Skuas and Shearwaters with final totals logged being,  517 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Whooper Swan, 259 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 1 Eider, 83 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 229 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 51 Fulmar, 30 Sooty Shearwater, 77 Manx Shearwater, 222 Gannet, 2 Shag, 27 Cormorant, 3 Snipe in/off, 41 Kittiwake, 1 Black Tern, 30 Arctic Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua, 51 Great Skua and 4 Puffin.

Overland movement saw a Hobby, 2 Marsh Harrier, 9 Skylark, 55 Swallow, 55 House Martin, 92 Tree Sparrow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 13 Alba Wagtail, 630 Meadow Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 237 Linnet, 42 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin and 37 Reed Bunting.

Migrants were represented by 4 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrest, 36 Robin, 3 Whinchat, 7 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Siskin.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 120 Greylag Geese, 12 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 20 Little Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Greenshank and 1 Purple Sandpiper on the Humber.

Ringing:  1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Greenfinch, 44 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 7 Reed Bunting.

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Saturday, 22 September 2018

Migration Watches: 0645-1345, 1445-1845.

It was one of those days that had a bit of everything for everyone with the air and sea alive with birds while migrant hunters had something to get stuck into too.

The Great-white Egret was still in the area in ditches around Sammy’s and Long bank.

There were significantly more migrants about today, 1 Hobby, 3 Short-eared Owl, 30 Chiffchaff, 18 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrest, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird in/off, 21 Robin, 2 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 5 Stonechat, 20 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

Yet another great day of vis-migging brought a fantastic and awesome varied day over and and sea and made it a day to remember. Firstly over the sea brought 1256 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Whooper Swan, 1 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 3 Eider, 93 Common Scoter, 21 Red-throated Diver, 29 Manx Shearwater, 254 Gannet, 7 Shag, 584 Black-headed Gull, 45 Mediterranean Gull, 520 Herring Gull, 49 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Tern, 1 Roseate Tern, 28 Arctic Tern, 2 Black Tern, 19 Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, 1 Puffin.

The movement over land was brilliant and so Spurn through and through with 5 Marsh Harrier, male Hen Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 5 Kestrel, 3 Jackdaw, 13 Sand Martin, 85 Swallow, 5253 House Martin, 14 House Sparrow, 133 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 7 Flava Wagtail, 7 Grey Wagtail, 30 Alba Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 7151 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 48 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 742 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 48 Goldfinch, 516 Siskin and 134 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands were 58 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 36 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 2 Merlin, 20 Little Egret in the area, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank.  

Ringing: 1 Kestrel, 20 Tree Sparrow, 12 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Tree Pipit, 10 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 4 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Goldfinch. (70 of 17 species)

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Friday, 21 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

The last week has seen some amazing and varied movement and kept the vis-miggers on their toes, with each day bringing a new highlight. Today was no different!

A fantastic day of movement over land and sea saw a brilliant total of 2288 Pink footed Geese fly south along with 13 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 18 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 21 Common Scoter, 30 Red-throated, 1 Fulmar, 5 Manx Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 189 Gannet, 1 Shag, 9 Cormorant, an Osprey, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Marsh Harrier, 8 Snipe in, 531 Black-headed Gull, 17 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Tern, 172 Sandwich Tern, 6040 Common Tern north in the morning, 9 Great Skua, 10 Arctic Skua, 7 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 7 Sand Martin, 117 Swallow, 1048 House Martin, 2 Alba Wagtail, 768 Meadow Pipit, 25 Linnet and 19 Reed Bunting. Phew!!!

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Thursday, 20 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

Some light rain early morning, heavier late evening with a F3-7 SSW-SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0645-1800.

A Great-white Egret flew down Beacon lane, gracing the area and spending time on Canal scrape, then moved up the Humber. There was no sign of the Wryneck or Barred Warbler and despite the lack of decent winds a few migrants still linger, 5 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 10 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail and 22 Yellow Wagtail recorded.

Overland it was the best day for Pipits and Finches this autumn, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 2 Sand Martin, 43 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 25 House Sparrow, 87 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 12 Flava Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba wagtail, 7555 Meadow Pipit (which is the highest total since 2011), 2 Greenfinch, 22 Chaffinch, 889 Linnet, 95 Goldfinch, 214 Siskin and 60 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea there was less excitement today with 66 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 28 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 51 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 208 Gannet, 8 Shag, 56 Cormorant, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 112 Black-headed Gull, 14 Great Skua, 9 Arctic Skua and 1 Black Tern.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were the 490 Shelduck on the Humber, 102 Mallard, 61 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 208 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 30 Little Egret in the area, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Greenshank.  

Ringing: 12 Tree Sparrow, 43 Meadow Pipit, 2 Dunnock, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Goldcrest. (62 of 7 species)

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Wednesday, 19 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

A few sunny spells with some rain in the afternoon and a F7 SSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0620-1915.

A quieter day of migration in the strong winds but it was interesting anyway, while the evening Tern roost was good for so late in the season.

The Wryneck remained at Middle camp and a Barred Warbler was found on Beacon lane while it was hard looking for migrants in general in the strong wind with only 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat, 10 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail and 6 Yellow Wagtail recorded.

Over the sea today were 26 Teal, 1 Garganey, 11 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 21 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 121 Gannet, 4 Shag, 16 Cormorant, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Lawing in/off, 10 Golden Plover in/off, 6 Great Skua, 17 Arctic Skua, 5 Little Gull, 21 Auk sp, 7 Razorbill and 3 Puffin while the evening roost movement had 259 Sandwich Tern, 1 Roseate Tern, 3348 Common Tern, 11 Artic Tern and 11 Black Tern.

Overland it was steadier for all species with 2 Swift, 28 Sand Martin, 201 Swallow, 218 House Martin, 111 Tree Sparrow, 3 Flava Wagtail, 5 Alba wagtail, 363 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greenfinch, 265 Linnet, 22 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin and 3 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were 25 Pink-footed Geese, a Garganey, 34 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 208 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank..  

Ringing: 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blackcap, 1 Robin.

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Tuesday, 18 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

A mild warm day with a strong blustery F5-6 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0640-1245, 1530-1900.

A good day of movement over the sea, while overland great numbers of Hirundine struggled into the wind, though there was no repeat of yesterday’s migrant numbers.

What was maybe yesterdays Wryneck was found this morning at Middle camp occasionally showing well on the road, while the strong wind made it difficult looking for other migrants with only a Swift, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Siskin.

Over the sea were an Osprey, 19 Shelduck, 343 Teal, 79 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 96 Common Scoter, 14 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 4 Grey Heron, 251 Gannet, 1 Shag, 8 Cormorant, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 41 Knot, 10 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Snipe in/off, 14 Arctic Skua, 6 Great Skua and 1 Puffin while the evening roost movement had 302 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 1 Black Tern, 1 Roseate Tern and 570 Common Tern.

Overland movement saw a juvenile Hobby, 3 Swift, 54 Sand Martin, 551 Swallow, 2778 House Martin, 28 Meadow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Flava Wagtail and 43 Linnet all brave the comditions.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 132 Greylag Geese, 26 Pink-footed Geese, 22 Wigeon, 230 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper and a Merlin chasing a Skylark.

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Monday, 17 September 2018

Spurn Bird Observatory is truly grateful for the support given by the ‘Friends of Spurn’. We want you to know that we don’t take that support for granted and in return we are always striving to provide something special, to make your visits to Spurn more memorable than before.

We have a vision! So with that in mind we have set up a land purchase fund entitled "Securing the Future". Please visit the 'support us' tab for more details.

Still and warm in the morning, blustery in the afternoon with a F1-5-3 S-SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0630-1145, 1450-1905.

A much better day, with the morning having little wind enabling newly arrived migrants to be discovered. It was also decent over the sea and land, as the nice weather was perfect for movement even if the lack of wind was not.

The day got off to a great start when a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was expertly picked out by our great vis-miggers as it flew south past the Warren along the cliff top, giving good views as it passed by, but not subsequently re-sighted. A nice late Wood Warbler was also seen here and a Wryneck was all too brief in Churchfield.

A nice increase in migrants, 10 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 11 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 14 Wheatear and 7 Yellow Wagtail.

Over the sea were 40 Pink-footed Geese, 146 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 31 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 168 Gannet, 3 Shag, 25 Cormorant, 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Arctic Skua and 4 Great Skua while Tern numbers to roost typically have dropped off with 283 Sandwich Tern, 3 Arctic Tern and 472 Common Tern.

On the move saw decent numbers and a nice selection, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Swift, 83 Sand Martin, 837 Swallow, 231 House Martin, 1 Rock Pipit, 2432 Meadow Pipit, 11 Dunnock, 13 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 19 Tree Sparrow, 61 Linnet, 46 Goldfinch, 46 Siskin and 59 Reed Bunting.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands were 350 Shelduck, 29 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Spotted Redshank, 2 Whimbrel and 32 Greenshank.

Ringing:  1 Sparrowhawk, 15 Meadow Pipit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 16 September 2018

Migration Watches: 0645-1415, 1630-1830.

Any easterly winds seem a long way away at the moment, with predicted westerly winds for the foreseable future, so it was nice to have a few birds on the move over the sea.

A surprisingly great day over the sea today with an Osprey s/past the seawatch hut at 5.30pm, 107 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Mallard, 7 Pintail, 477 Teal, 81 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Fulmar, 9 Manx Shearwater, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 94 Gannet, 1 Shag, 16 Cormorant, 2 Oystercatcher, 198 Sandwich Tern, 1 Roseate Tern, 9 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua and 7 Arctic Skua.

Overland there were 2 Swift, 2 Rook, 1 Carrion Crow, 7 Sand Martin, 32 Swallow, 48 House Martin, 2 Wagtail, 281 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 33 Linnet, 23 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Few migrants in the increasing wind, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Wheatear and 6 Yellow Wagtail were the best that could be mustered

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were the first 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese of the autumn on the Humber, 30 Pink-footed Geese, 32 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 132 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper and 20 Greenshank..  

Ringing: 1 Meadow Pipit

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Saturday, 15 September 2018

Sunny spells with the threat of rain and a SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0630-1200, 1430-1700.

There was no sign of the Rosefinch today, though the Cetti’s Warbler is still about along the canal. There were also decent number of migrants about, 3 Short-eared Owl, 120 Swallow, 60 House Martin, 9 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 20 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit were logged.

Over the sea today were another 800 Pink-footed Geese, flying south while also logged were 3 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 34  Common Scoter, 54 Red-throated Diver, 2 Black-throated Diver, 5 Manx Shearwater, 224 Gannet, 13 Shag, 34 Cormorant, 1 Kittiwake, 289 Sandwich Tern, 3 Great Skua and 16 Arctic Skua.

Overland there were a nice mix of species diversity and with some good numbers, an Osprey south from Easington then over the Humber, 1 Swift, 8 Rook, 2 Jackdaw, 21 Carrion Crow, 3 Sand Martin, 24 Swallow, 890 House Martin, 2 Mistle Thrush, 143 Tree Sparrow, 4 Alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1089 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 13 Chaffinch, 30 Linnet, 1 Siskin, 8 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were 201 Greylag Geese, 39 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 1 Water Rail canal scrape, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1200 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank and 2 Little Gull.  

Ringing: 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 13 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Linnet, 40 Meadow Pipit, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit. (64 of 12 species).

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Friday, 14 September 2018

Overcast all day with a F2-3 SW wind.

Watches: 0640-1200, 1415-1930.

A decent day of movement over land and sea, with the first big movement of 607 Pink-footed Geese which was mirrored along the east coast. Also on the move today were 10 Shelduck, 23 Eider, 7 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 9 Teal, 62 Common Scoter, 27 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 49 Gannet, 5 Shag, 21 Cormorant, 3 Snipe, 6 Great Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua and 10 Arctic Skua while overland 2 Sand Martin, 89 Hoiuse Martin, 32 Swallow, 2 'Flava' Wagtail, 1 Alba wagtail, 557 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit and 3 Siskin

The Rosefinch was still about but a bit more elusive, though migrants were a bit more scarce today, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Whinchat and 4 Wheatear.

Other interesting sightings and totals were 5 Pintail, 60 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 900 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 20 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 39 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Short-eared Owl.

Ringing; 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Tree Sparrow, 13 Meadow Pipit.

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Thursday, 13 September 2018

Sunny spells all day, warm in the afternoon with a F2-3 WSW wind.

Watches: 0600-1030, 1140-1240.

The Rosefinch continued to be seen in the Canal scrape area with other migrant totals of 2 Short-eared Owl, 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat and 10 Wheatear.

A better day of movement overland with the vis-miggers logging 3 Common Buzzard, 1 Swift, 1 Kesetrel, 20 Carrion Crow, 18 Sand Martin, 155 Swallow, 236 House Martin, 63 House Sparrow, 523 Tree Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, 6 Flava Wagtail,  Alba Wagtail, 1612 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, 12 Greenfinch, 56 Linnet, 19 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin and 23 Reed Bunting.

It was also decent over the sea bringing 63 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Teal, 44 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 60 Gannet, 35 Cormorant, 5 Knot, 1 Ruff in/off, 3 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 43 Sandwich Tern, 500 Common Tern, 4 Great Skua and 7 Arctic Skua.

Other sightings included 33 Little Egret with another fock of 50 just outside the area, 20 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 85 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Water Rail, 253 Oystercatcher, 300 Sanderling at the Narrows, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 17 Greenshank with both Merlin and Peregrine hunting the area.

Ringing: 30 Tree Sparrow, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Willow Warbler,1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Great Tit, 26 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Wood Pigeon.

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Wednesday, 12 September 2018

Overcast, brightening in the afternoon with a F1 WSW-W wind.

Watches: 0645-1100, 1720-1930.  Obs tower: 1300-1530.

A decent day all round with a few migrants about, a more varied visible migration and good numbers of Waders seen.

The Rosefinch continues to be seen on and off during the day while the Cetti's Warbler is around Southfield farm and 5 Short-eared Owl are still showing well around Holderness field. Still a nice scatter of grounded migrant totals, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

Overhead there were a nice selection of species on the move, 2 Common Buzzard, 4 Kestrel, 2 Rook, 1 Jackdaw, 5 Sand Martin, 51 Swallow, 32 House Sparrow, 647 Tree Sparrow, 11 'Flava' Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 10 Alba Wagtail, 2679 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Linnet, 10 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 2 Corn Bunting 13 Reed Bunting.

Steady over the sea with a few Skua on the move, 1 Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 38 Gannet, 3 Shag, 1 Curlew, 2 Knot, 1 Snipe in/off, 356 Sandwich Tern, 251 Common Tern, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Great Skua, 13 Arctic Skua, 4 Auk sp and 1 Guillemot.

Other sightings mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon Ponds area were 35 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 1 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 13 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail still showing well on Canal scrape, 1000 Golden Plover on the Humber, 630 Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 950 Redshank, a great count of 21 Greenshank, 30 Mediterranean Gull while 2 Merlin and 1 Peregrine are still terrorising the local Waders and Finches.

Ringing: 2 Great Tit, 40 Meadow Pipit, 81 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Dunnock, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 11 September 2018

A dull damp morning, sunny later, with a F3 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0615-1100, 1800-1930.

The Rosefinch is still present in Canal Hedge and in the carpark here, while migrants were thin on the ground but still 1 Swift, 6 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 9 Whinchat and 1 Tree Pipit were logged.

Little  on the move over the sea today with 10 Shelduck, 17 Common Scoter, 36 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 42 Gannet, 6 Shag, 6 Cormorant, 1 Kittiwake and 2 Arctic Skua.

Overland the theme continued with a lack of species diversity and low numbers, 1 Marsh Harrier, 5 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 2 House Sparrow, 7 Flava, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2148 Meadow Pipit, 15 Linnet, 9 Siskin and 15 Goldfinch.

Other sightings today mainly around Kilnsea wetlands unless stated were 138 Greylag Geese, 28 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, 70 Teal, 3 Grey Partridge at Sammy’s, 293 Curlew on Long bank, 1 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 620 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank on Beacon ponds and a Tawny Owl in Easington.

Ringing: 1 Turnstone, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Whitethroat, 18 Tree Sparrow, 1 Tree Pipit, 30 Meadow Pipit, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin. (57 of 11 species).

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Monday, 10 September 2018

Both the Rosefinch and Cetti's Warbler were seen/heard again today, while a Corncrake was seen again in the triangle near the visitor centre, but few other migrants were seen in the windy conditions with only 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Whinchat and 5 Yellow Wagtail.

A better day of visible migration, but pretty much just one species involved with 3409 Meadow Pipit south while otherwise just 1 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Flava and 1 Siskin was poor.

Other sightings were 29 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 262 Curlew, 357 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull south.

Ringing: 1 Turnstone, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Tree Sparrow, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit.

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Sunday, 09 September 2018

- 2nd full day of the Spurn Migration Festival.

- Full day of walks and talks.

- Rosefinch continues to show and entertain in Canal hedge, and a new bird at the Point.

- Difficult birding in the strong wind, but the spirit continues.

- Festival ends like last years began with an Osprey flying south.

A day of strong wind made it difficult finding birds, but there are now 2 Rosefinch with a new bird at the Point, while the other continued its presence in Canal hedge. The Cetti's Warbler was still along the Canal, while a Corncrake at the top end of the Canal soon went to ground with subsequent sightings relating to a juvenile Pheasant!. 

Other birds to keep everyone interested were the Merlin still chasing passerines at the Warren, a Short-eared Owl at Long bank, Spotted Redshank and 96 Mediterranean Gull at Kilnsea wetlands, Curlew Sandpiper and Purple Sandpiper, migrants including Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat and Wheatear, plus all the usual Waders and Ducks around Kilnsea wetland with 2 Marsh Harrier nearby.

Ringing: 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow.

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Saturday, 08 September 2018

-  The 1st full day of MigFest gets underway.

-  Full programme of walks and talks.

-  The obs garden new viewing platform officially opened.

-  Rosefinch the main avain highlight.

-  The weather conspires against us!

-  Highlight of the day with 'Young Birder of the Year' competition and brilliant finale talk by Stu McKenzie.

In complete contract to last year the strong wind and rain later made it difficult finding migrants, but this didnt seem to deflate the high spirits among volunteers and visitors alike with the point walk well attended by 25 guests all for little reward. This was pretty much repeated on most walks. Through the day our guests were enthralled to see 2 Water Rail on canal scrape, Spotted Redshank on Kilnsea Wetlands with 2 Short-eared Owl nearby while eveyone by the seawatch hut enjoyed amazing views of juvenile Merlin chasing a Meadow Pipit out to sea then to smiles failing to catch it over the next 10 minutes! For others managing to get views of one of the Pied Flycatcher was recieved with much thanks.

The vis-miggers and sea watchers struggled throughout with only 1200 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, the autumn's 1st Rock Pipit and 2 Siskin of note overland and 6 Great Skua and 1 Arctic Skua over the sea.

The highlight of the day, passerine wise was a Rosefinch found in canal hedge showing well on and off during the day with a Linnet flock, but a Cetti's Warbler skulking along the canal is still rarer at Spurn, while a scatter of migrants continue in the area with 3 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrest, male Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 9 Wheatear and a Garden Warbler. A Nightjar seen twice around the church area would have been gratefully recieved if it had been pinned down.

Other sightings of note during the day were 5 Pintail, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, 10 Greenshank and a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands, 20+ Mediterranean Gull in the area and a Purple Sandpiper by Sandy beaches.

Ringing: 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackbird.

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Friday, 07 September 2018

- The 6th Spurn Migration Festival gets underway.

- Richard Porter opens Friday night with a talk entitled "Wars, Wildlife and Migration". 

- Right on cue some good visible migration.

- Hopes high for a good weekend.

A couple of good birds got the weekend off to a decent start with a Rosefinch on Beacon lane eating Blackberries and a brief Corncrake seen running across the road by the YWT visitor centre, while the first 6 Pink-footed Geese of the autumn flew south and 800 House Martin flew south in 1 hour early afternoon.

A scatter of migrants including Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat, Wheatear and Garden Warbler were all recorded while Waders were represented by a juvenile Purple Sandpiper, 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and a Spotted Redshank among the ranks of commoner species. 

Over the sea a Roseate Tern, 1 Black Tern and 1500 Common Tern flew south in the evening Tern roost.

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Thursday, 06 September 2018

- The 6th Spurn Migration Festival begins on Friday.

- Preperations well underway for the weekend, We cannot wait!.

- The first decent movement of Meadow Pipit, along with Hirundines at the Warren.

- Classic example of visible migration, with a Nightjar arriving off the sea!

The predicted south-westerly wind had the desired effect with a small but welcome 471 Meadow Pipit moving south this morning, which will hopefully turn into a deluge in the next few days. While maybe to some people Meadow Pipits are seen as not being a looker or having a great call, we at Spurn hold them with great affection and look forward each year to their big movements in September. In fact the Migration Festivals humble begginings were based around the peak movement time for this species. Hopefully we can yet again show the awesome power of migration, with thousands of birds pouring south.

The highlight of the day was a Nightjar arriving in/off the sea mobbed by Common Terns, surely a sight like this should have been saved for the festival itself. Lets hope its refound over the weekend.

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Wednesday, 05 September 2018

- The 6th Spurn Migration Festival begins on Friday.

- Great numbers and varied list of Duck, Waders and Gulls on Kilnsea wetlands.

- Quiet over the sea, but a great early morning for Terns from the seawatch hut.

- A scatter of the 'usual' migrants for this time of year.

- Winds predicted to be south-westerly and maybe some great visible migration at the Warren.

The sea was where most of the action was again today, with the continued northerly, the early morning dominated by Terns heading north-east out to sea from their roost areas, bringing totals of 10 Roseate Tern, 6 Black Tern, 3305 Common Tern, 19 Arctic Tern and 339 Sandwich Tern. It also brought small numbers of other species with 7 Wigeon, 61 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 26 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 17 Fulmar, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwater, 4 Shag, 28 Oystercatcher, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Kittiwake, 9 Little Gull, 4 Bonxie, 4 Arctic Skua, 4 Guillemot and 6 Puffin.

A fantastic record count of 119 Mediterranean Gull was made for Kilnsea wetlands, birds coming into bath, taking a break from following the ploughs working nearby, while also here among many commoner species were 16 Black-tailed Godwit,1 Common sandpiper and 3 Pintail while 15 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank were on Beacon ponds with 3 Common Buzzard overhead and 2 Short-eared Owl still entertaining over Holderness field. The local Waders and Finches were kept on their toes by 2 Merlin, a Hobby and a Peregrine hunting the area.

Migrants were still being recorded despite the strong wind with the usual species seen, 3 Song Thrush, 10 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 10 Whitethroat, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 12 Willow Wabler and 3 Tree Pipit all recorded while 4 Swift were overhead and our 1st Redwing of the autumn was over Church field.

Ringing: 2 Redstart, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Dunnock, 23 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 04 September 2018

Low cloud and drizzle early morning, giving way to long sunny spells in the afternoon with a F4+ northerly.

Watches: 0615-1930.

- The 6th Migration Festival starts on Friday.

- Nice movement of Seabirds and Terns heading out of roost.

- Kilnsea wetlands as in previous years fantastic at high tide. 

The sea recieved all the attention today which developed as the day went on after a good northerly Tern movement as birds left their Lincolnshire roost.

The highlight of the seawatch was a superb adult Sabines Gull close in past the seawatch hut, while also seen were a 6 Wigeon, 59 Teal, 53 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 109 Fulmar, 98 Manx Shearwater, 2 Balearic Shearwater, 9 Sooty Shearwater, a Red-necked Grebe, 5 Shag, 29 Oystercatcher, 16 Little Gull, 430 Sandwich Tern, 2,464 Common Tern, 12 Arctic Tern, juvenile Little Tern, 11 Roseate Tern, 4 Black Tern, 58 Bonxie, 25 Arctic Skua, juvenile Long-tailed Skua and 19 Puffin

Passerines were difficult to find in the strong wind with 2 Pied Flycatcher, a scatter of 7 Whinchat and 4 Wheatear for the efforts.

kilnsea wetlands held 25 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and 25 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Great Tit.

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Monday, 03 September 2018

Watches: 0630-1100, 1700-1945.

No sign of the Ortolans today, but an increase in migrants in the afternoon with the first Song Thrushes of the autumn. Totals were 12 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 16 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, 38 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear and 19 Yellow Wagtail.

A bit of passage today, 4 Wigeon, 67 Teal, 39 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, 5 Manx Shearwater, 75 Gannet, 25 Cormorant, 9 Oystercatcher, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Litle Gull, 280 Sandwich Tern, only 570 Common Tern and 3 Arctic Tern.

Overland it s just not happening so far, with only a tiny increase in Meadow Pipit numbers, 10 Snipe went north, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Jackdaw, 12 Sand Martin, 198 Swallow, 32 House Martin, 120 Tree Sparrow, 6 Flava, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba, 72 Meadow Pipit, 24 Linnet, 27 Goldfinch, 2 YellowHammer and 9 Reed Bunting. 

A Spoonbill was discovered on Kilnsea wetlands, flying off north then returning south towards Lincs. Beacon ponds had a fantastic count of  34 Greenshank, which is our 3rd jont highest, while on Kilnsea wetlands 118 Greylag Geese, 3 Pintail, 165 Mallard, 130 Teal, 2 Spotted Redshank, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Common Sandpiper while the Humber had 555 Ringed Plover off the Warren, 2000 Golden Plover, 5000 Knot and 300 Grey Plover while the Purple Sandpiper was on the shore line off Clubleys.

Other sightiongs included 3 Water Rail on canal scrape, 53 Mediterranean Gull, the Tawny Owl at Kew, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Merlin chasing the 550 Linnet in the fields.

Ringing: 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Whitethroat.

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Sunday, 02 September 2018

Another hot sunny day with a F3-4 S-SE wind.

Watches:0700-0930, 0955-1300, 1800-1945.

The hot sunny weather with blue skies continues and while not the most ideal conditions to drop any numbers in, it did bring 2 Ortolan Buntings to Clubleys and with patience they often gave great views. One had flown over the Obs early morning at 7am, with assumed the same bird by Rose cottage 2.5 hours later, which flew into north field with Linnets. Half an hour later 2 were in Clubley's. Probably best to stick with two?

Otherwise migrants were pretty thin on the ground, even though slight increases for some. Totals were 14 Willow warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 25 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

Some great totals of Wader about the moment on the Humber and Beacon ponds/Kilnsea wetlands, 5 Avocet, 280 Ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 530 Sanderling, juvenile Spotted Redshank, 14 Greenshank, 4000 Knot, 2000 Golden Plover and 1 Ruff.

Moving over land and sea were 3 Shoveler, 4 Shelduck, 1 Mallard, 156 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 7 Manx Shearwater, 21 Oystercatcher, 8 Whimbrel, 1 Black Tern, 2 Rook, 2 Swift, 17 Sand Martin, 314 Swallow, 49 House Martin, 2 Alba, 6 Flava, 13 Linnet and 19 Goldfinch.

Otherwise a juvenile Garganey was still on Kilnsea wetlandsalong with 7 Shoveler, 1 Pintail and 115 Teal, 1 Short-eared Owl was about, while both Merlin and Hobby still terrorising the Waders and passerines in the area. 

A Grass Snake was on Canal scrape and a Badger was by Corner field.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Robin, 4 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 01 September 2018

A fine warm sunny day with an increasing F2-4 SW-SE wind.

Watches: 0650-1200 1520-1920.

The day started on a bit of a sad note when yesterdays brief Corncrake was picked up dead on the road outside the Obs drive. The juvenile Red-backed Shrike was still showing at Sammy's, while a Barred Warbler was found along the canal, but yet again was frustratingly elusive. Migrant totals while not fully collated were still a fraction of earlier in the week, 13 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 13 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 11 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

There was little on the move over the sea today, 7 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 32 Teal, 38 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 101 Gannet, 11 Oystercatcher, 4 Whimbrel, 8 Turnstone, 130 Sandwich tern and 3 Arctic Skua. It was also quiet overland with 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swift, 1 Hobby, 15 Sand Martin, 153 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 162 Tree Sparrow, 1 Flava, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, 4 Greenfinch, 19 Linnet, 93 Goldfinch and 9 Reed Bunting.

Some decent counts of Waders for the Humber off the warren with 300 Ringed Plover, 4000 Knot, 220 Sanderling, 700 Redshank and a Purple Sandpiper. Holderness field had 5 Short-eared Owl performing well.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 8 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Swallow, 1 Goldfinch, 9 Linnet.

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Friday, 31 August 2018

Another day of arrivals albeit small, with the highlight of a juvenile CITRINE WAGTAIL north over the Warren, spending a while on Canal Scrape then flighty about the area for about an hour then vanished. There were also 2 Red-backed Shrike today with a nice adult male by Easington gas terminal and a juvenile at Sammys, while 2 Icterine Warbler were seen, birds at Kew and along the canal, a brief Corncrake in the Obs garden and a vocal calling Cetti's Warbler at Sammys in the evening.

Migrants totals were lower than maybe expected, but a nice selection were recorded, 17 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge warbler, 9 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 15 Lesser Whitethroat, 30 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Whinchat, 8 Wheatear, 30 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

Frustratingly a Dowitcher sp flew south past the sea watch hut at 0742, but not relocated, where 39 Teal, 118 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 207 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 33 Oystercatcher, 1 Bonxie, 1 Pomarine Skua and 5 Arctic Skua were also recorded.

Overland going south were 2 Marsh Harrier, 11 Common Buzzard (with 6 still in area), 23 Swallow, 7 Sand Martin, 40 Tree Sparrow, 3 Flava, 2 Grey Wagtail, 9 Meadow Pipit and 10 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings included 9 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 2 Water Rail canal scrape, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Greenshank, juvenile Spotted Redshank, 7 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Purple Sandpiper at the Warren, 4 Short-eared Owl Holderness field and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Icterine Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Swallow, 13 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Red-backed Shrike, 2 Blue Tit.

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Thursday, 30 August 2018

A fine sunny warm day with high wispy clouds and a F2 N-NE wind.

Watches: 0700-1200, Sea 0620--0920.

There was a big clear out of migrants today and no sign of the Woodchat Shrike, but the autumn's first Barred Warbler was found skulking here and proved diifficult throughout. (There was also a report on the pagers of 2 Barred Warbler for potato field/wire dump, but no info has come our way). 

Also new for the autumn was a vocal Common Rosefinch in Canal hedge, which flew up the canal being reported later by the sluice, then flying back down the canal. There were also 3 Icterine Warbler, singles at Hillrise in Easington, along the canal and an unringed bird showing well at Kew, (maybe yesterdays bird from the Obs). Compared to the previous day it was difficult finding many migrants, having been clear overnight with just 14 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiff-chaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 8 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Whitethroat, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 15 Whinchat, 6 Wheatear, 13 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

On the move over the sea were 49 Teal, 46 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 169 Gannet, 21 Cormorant, 117 Oystercatcher, 9 Whimbrel, 2 Turnstone, 19 Sanderling, 5 Kittiwake, 1 Bonxie and 8 Arctic Skua.

Moving overland 8 Common Buzzard, 2 Ruff, 1 Green Sandpiper, 12 Sand Martin, 34 Swallow, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Siskin.

Other sightings included 1000 Shelduck on the Humber, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 15 Greenshankin the Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon Ponds area, a Ruff in the triangle, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Hobby, Merlin, Peregrine and 6 Kestrel hunting the area while 6 Common Buzzard hung about over Long bank.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Blackbird, 77 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 29 August 2018

Amix of long sunny warm spells with some cloud and a F2-3 W-N-NE-SW wind.

Watches: 0600-1200, 1735-1950.

An interesting day brought yet another arrival of migrants, but a clear out of others while there was a decent Duck movement over the sea. The evening Tern rrost was almost non existent in the north easterly wind. 

The highlight was a nice juvenile WOODCHAT SHRIKE at the Warren, which sometimes proved difficult to catch up with, but with patience decent views could be had. There were also 3 Icterine Warbler to choose from, birds at Cliffe farm/Kew, Obs garden and on Beacon lane and an unseasonal Fieldfare mobile about the triangle. There were yet again some great totals with 29 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 16 Lesser Whitethroat, 28 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 28 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, 51 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 20 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit and a Siskin.

On the move over the sea were 33 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, 342 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 197 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 64 Gannet, 46 Cormorant, 142 Oystercatcher, 22 Whimbrel, 3 Turnstone, 3 Knot, 168 Sandwich Tern, 870 Common Tern, 1 Black Tern, 3 Bonxie and 7 Arctic Skua. Overland 3 Swift, 1 Rook. 37 Sand Martin, 135 Swallow, 22 House Martin, 23 Flava, 21 Meadow Pipit and 1 Corn Bunting.

Otherwise the Garganey remained on Kilnsea wetlands/Holderness field where there was also 12 Shoveler, 8 wigeon, 60 Teal, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 1 Little Stint, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1000 Redshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Hobby plus a Curlew Sandpiper on the Humber, an Avocet at Chalk bank and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and Purple Sandpiper by the tankblocks.

Ringing: 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Robin, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Icterine Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 76 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 28 August 2018

A dull overcast but warm day with a F3 SW wind.

Watches: 0700-1100  Seawatch 0615-1115, 1650-2000.

A good selection of species were recorded today with a nice adult Temminck's Stint on canal scrape for 10 minutes in the morning the highlight. This is only our 10th ever autumn record of a species more regularly seen in spring.

The day was also good for yet another small 'arrival' of migrants, but apparently birds leaving? with several of the Wheatear being larger Greenland type birds. Totals were 64 Willow Warbler, 5 Sedge warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 15 Lesser Whitethroat, 31 Whitethroat, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 18 Whinchat, 20 Wheatear, 35 Yellow wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

The evening roost movement was good yet again, but with fewer Common Tern. The movements tend to happen from about 5pm, and continues after dark. If you are in the area its worth a look, with 19 Black Tern, 4 Roseate Tern, 322 Sandwich Tern, 4840 Common Tern and 40 Arctic Tern. The sea during the day had 6 Grey Heron in/off, 5 Wigeon, 62 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, a nice Black-throated Diver, 8 Fulmar, 164 Gannet,24 Oystecatcher, 2 Whimbrel, 3 Bonxie, 14 Arctic Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua and 7 Kittiwake.

If its Waders your after then the Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area regularly delivers among other species, 1 Garganey, 1 Pintail, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 1000 Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 4 Short-eared Owl, adult male Hen Harrier, Hobby and Merlin while out on the Humber 1500 Shelduck was a great count.

Ringing: 5 Willow Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 House Martin, 2 Blackbird, 18 Tree Sparrow, 6 Linnet, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting. (47 of 10 species).

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Monday, 27 August 2018

Watches: 0635-1015, 1145-1415, 1610-2000.

Another great roost movement this evening produced 6 Roseate Tern and 15 Black Tern, along with 7684 Common Tern, 40 Arctic Tern and 149 Sandwich Tern.

The sea also had 15 Teal, 12 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 182 Gannet, 38 Oystercatcher, 12 Whimbrel, 1 Ruff, 6 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 4 Green Sandpiper, 6 Kittiwake, 4 Bonxie and 6 Arctic Skua.

Other sightings were 2 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 60 Teal, 338 Oystercatcher, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 212 Curlew, 1 Avocet, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Merlin, Hobby and Peeregrine while the few migrants about inluded a Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 20 Willow warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear, 20 Yellow Wagtail and 1 White Wagtail.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler

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Sunday, 26 August 2018

A bright start clouding over with rain by mid-day and a F1-5 SSE-S wind.

Watches: 0640-1000, 1305-2015.

The evening roost movement is picking up and starting to get some good results with 4 Roseate Tern and 8 Black Tern the highlights along with 10,700 Common Tern, 48 Arctic Tern and 240 Sandwich Tern while the sea in general was reasonably good, 3 Wigeon, 37 Teal, 29 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 20 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 41 Manx Shearwater, 336 Gannet, 38 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Kittiwake, 2 Bonxie and 11 Arctic Skua.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area remains a greta place to visit with 3 Garganey, 1 Pintail, 6 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Avocet, 200 Grey Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Ruff, 6 Snipe, 650 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank and 4 Short-eared Owl while other bits of interest were 2000 Golden Plover on the Humber, a Merlin, 1 Hobby and a Peregrine hunting the area. 

There were few migrants seen in the windy conditons, 15 Willow warbler, 4 Whinchat, 5 Whitethroat and 3 Spotted Flycatcher.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler, 11 Linnet. 

.

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Saturday, 25 August 2018

Achilly start brightening to a sunny day with a F 2-3 W wind.

Watches: 0645-0930.1800-2035.

There was an increase in migrant numbers, but also maybe due to observer coverage, with a Long-eared Owl at Sammy's the highlight along with 83 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Pied Flycatcher, 9 Whinchat, 11 Wheatear and 1 Tree Pipit.

The sea had a bit of movement with 1 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 7 Manx Shearwater, 64 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 8 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew, 3 Kittiwake, 872 Common Tern, 2 Black Tern, 6 Bonxie, 1 Pomarine Skua, 10 Arctic Skua,  1 Long-tailed Skua while overland only 1 Hobby, 3 Rook and a Tree Pipit.

The Kilnsea Wetlands area had 107 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 6 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 9 Greenshank plus a Purple Sandpiper on the Humber, Green Sandpiper in the Triangle and a Kingfisher in Churchfield.

Ringing: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Dunnock, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 9 Tree Sparrow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Wren.

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Friday, 24 August 2018

Overcast with periods of rain and a strong F5-6 W wind.

Watches: 0700-1000.

The highlight was a nice juvenile Caspian Gull on Kilnsea Wetlands where a juvenile Yellow legged Gull was present for comparison.

A nice selection of migrants remain in the area, 35 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 11 Wheatear and 1 Tree Pipit.

On the move were 8 Teal, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sooty Shearwater,  1 Fulmar, 87 Gannet, 41 Oystercatcher, 21 Ringed Plover, 2 Knot, 21 Dunlin, 2 Bonxie and 3 Arctic Skua.

The evening roost movement picked up pace with 9086 Common Tern, 6 Arctic Tern, 7 Black Tern and 98 Sandwich Tern and if down for the day always worth staying  for a few extra hours.

The great year of Dragonfly records continued with a Black Darter in Church field.

Ringing: 6 Willow Warbler

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Thursday, 23 August 2018

A warm muggy day with an increasing F3-4 WSW wind.

Watches: 0715-1100, 1830-1945.

Suprisingly little overland movement given the conditions, though plenty of migrants remain in the area.

A few migrants around today, highlighted by a Wood Warbler along Vicar's Lane and a juvenile Crossbill blogging around Kilnsea. Also today 1 Cuckoo, 40 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 8 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

On the move today 35 Teal, 5 Gannet, 40 Oystercatcher, 5 Whimbrel, 4 Snipe, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Sand Martin, 154 Swallow, 154 Tree Sparrow, 3 Flava and 1 Tree Pipit. while the evening roost movement had 2000 Common Tern, 12 Arctic Tern and 7 Black Tern.

Other sightings were 2 Garganey, 188 Teal, 240 Ringed Plover, 1 Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank and 1 Short-eared Owl.

Ringing: 10 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Wren, 1 House Sparrow.

The evening Tern roost movement produced 6 Black Tern and 2000 Common Tern.

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Wednesday, 22 August 2018

Warm and sunny day with a F2-3 SW wind.
Watches- 0700-1045, 1840-2045.

A nice varied day of birds on the move, heading south, while the number of Pied Flycatcher in this brilliant year for them are always are a crowd drawer.
The good numbers of migrants remain in the area, 56 Willow Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 31 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 15 Whinchat and 7 Wheatear.

Totals for birds on the move over the sea were poor, but decent totals overland, 76 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 23 Gannet, 49 Oystercatcher, 3 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit while overland 1 Osprey, 1 Marsh Harrier, 16 Swift, 104 Sand Martin, 4891 Swallow, 89 House Martin, 13 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Meadow Pipit, 48 Linnet, 12 Goldfinch, 1 Crossbill after a brief stay at Kew, 432 Tree Sparrow and 2 Reed Bunting.
The evening roost movement had 127 Sandwich Tern, 1190 Common Tern, 1 Black Tern and 10 Arctic Tern.

Other sightings included 2 Garganey, 1 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 416 Teal, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Snipe, 11 Greenshank, 3 Short-eared Owl and 20 Mediterranean Gull.

A Southern Hawker was in the Churchfield trap.

Ringing 10 Willow warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 21 August 2018

A good arrival of migrants today, highights being an Icterine Warbler at Easington gas terminal and a nice Wood Warbler trapped in church field while there was a fantastic count of 36 Common Sandpiper with 27 at Beacon ponds alone. The 22 Willow Warbler were a big reduction in numbers from the previous day while there were also 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Whitethroat, 40 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 5 Whinchat and 8 Wheatear in the area.

Other sightings were 3 Garganey, 6 Grey Partridge, 750 Golden Plover, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper, 14 Greenshank, 41 Mediterranean Gull and a Short-eared Owl.

Ringing: 2 Swallow, 1 Robin, 6 House Sparrow, 1 Wren, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Great Tit, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Wood Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 20 August 2018

No sign of the Icterine Warbler today, but a decent arrival so far this morning with Spotted Flycatcher into double figures. Otherwise a Spoonbill flew south in the evening and there were 19 Greenshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 3 Short-eared Owl at Beacon Ponds and 2 Garganey Kilnsea wetlands.

The evening roost movement had 61 Sandwich Tern, 1530 Common Tern, 6 Arctic Tern and 4 Black Tern with also 1 Pomarine Skua, 2 Bonxie and 6 Arctic Skua seen.

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Sunday, 19 August 2018

Mainly overcast with sunny spells and a F 5-3 W wind.

Watches: 0700-1035, 1730-2015.

The 30th #Birdfair is over on another succesful outing for the Obs. Just being part of the #Birdfair is an honour and brilliant to get our message across while making  new friends and networking as part of our goal to take the Obs forward in a positive educational way along with our partners at Cape May, Falsterbo and Long Point.

Fewer migrants in general about today, but an Icterine Warbler was found late on at Sammy's point. Otherwise only 14 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler and 1 Wheatear were seen today.

The evening Tern roost was better than of late with 108 Sandwich, 2608 Common, 1 Black, 13 Arctic and 1 Roseate Tern. 

The sea was quiet bar a big movement of Gannet and a few Waders on the move, 14 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 5 Manx Shearwater, 2079 Gannet, 36 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 39 Knot, 2 Dunlin, 5 Sanderling, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Golden Plover, 6 Turnstone, 27 Redshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and  9 Arctic Skua

Other sightings today were 2 Garganey, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Greenshank and 2 Curlew Sandpiper at Kilnsea wetlands and a Purple Sandpiper along the canal by the Tank blocks.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler.

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Saturday, 18 August 2018

Mostly sunny with a F 3 WSW wind.

Watches: 0700-1030, 1915-2030.

While a lot of the team are away at #Birdfair the few that remain have had some decent birding. Today saw an Osprey fly south along with 6 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 4 Flava and 3 Tree Pipit, but few migrants about with only 29 Willow Warbler, 18 Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat and 1 Wheatear seen.

Moving over the sea, 70 Teal, 106 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 21 Gannet, 18 Oystercatcher, 25 Grey Plover, 62 Sanderling, 9 Ringed Plover, 96 Dunlin, 7 Knot, 6 Snipe, 40 Redshank, 11 Turnstone, 1 Black Tern, 456 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern and 1 Bonxie.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had 144 Greylag Geese,  3 Garganey, 1 Wigeon,  98 Teal, 21 Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Greenshank with a Purple Sandpiper at the tankblocks off the canal.

Ringing: 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Robin.

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Friday, 17 August 2018

Bright with sunny periods and a F2-3 W wind.

Watches: 0655-0955.

A decent arrival brought plenty of Willow Warbler to the area, but yet again the peninsula was not well covered. The 150 Willow Warbler, 7 Reed Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 29 Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Whinchat, 10 Wheatear, 30 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit were a nice return.

Little on the move today as has been the recent pattern with 2 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet, 9 Cormorant, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Turnstone, 6 Knot, 5 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 1 Purple Sandpiper and 2  Greenshank while overland 32 Swift, 20 Sand Martin, 19 Swallow, 19 Flava and 1 Alba Wagtail. The evening Tern roost had 600 Common, 180 Sandwich and 6 Arctic Tern.

Other sightings were 152 Greylag Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Garganey, 70 Teal, 18 Little Egret, 3 Water Rail along the Canal, 600 Redshank, 12 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Yellow-legged Gull.

Ringing,: 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 35 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat (43 of 7 species).

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Thursday, 16 August 2018

Rain showers till mid-day then sunny spells with a F2-3 W wind.

Watches: 0700-1000

Relatively poor for movement over the sea on a day where there was great potential, the few bits recorded included a Garganey, 21 Teal, 26 Common Scoter, 3 Manx Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 32 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 15 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 7 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 39 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 2 Turnstone, 25 Knot, 7 Sanderling, 15 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 19 Lesser Black-backed Gull,  juvenile Caspian Gull,  2 Bonxie and 3 Arctic Skua.

The evening Tern roost which has been very poor and actually non existent recently, suddenly showed up with 1023 Common, 11 Arctic, 68 Sandwich and 1 Little Tern. Hopefully it will pick up over the next week or so. 

Quiet for overland movement too with only 136 Swift, 1 Hobby, 2 Sand Martin, 12 House Martin, 40 Swallow and a Corn Bunting.

Other sightings 167 Greylag Geese, 3 Garganey, 8 Shoveler, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little ringed Plover, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 650 Redshank, 8 Greenshank and 1 Short eared Owl while the few migrants about 11 Willow Warbler, 14 Whitethroat, 2 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear and 25 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing: 3 Swallow pulli, 2 Blackbird, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler.

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Wednesday, 15 August 2018

Once again, we are at the #BirdFair this coming weekend. Come and see us - marquee 5, stand 19 - and chat all things Spurn, get yourself #MigFest 2018 ready and maybe book yourself into the Obs for this coming autumn. See you there!

Sunny and windy with a F3-4 W-SW wind, still humid and warm with some rain in evening.

Migration watches- 07:10-11:00.

A fairly quiet day with a Common Crane south over the sea in the early morning the highlight, only the second ever August record. There was no sign of either of the Red-backed Shrikes today.

On the move were 1 Mallard, 20 Common Scoter, 1 Manx Shearwater, 15 Little Egret 36 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 18 Oystercatcher, 6 Sanderling, 1 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 5 Swift, 7 Sand Martin, 24 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 9 flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 14 Linnet.

Also present were 3 Garganey on Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Wigeon, 1 Buzzard, 7 Whimbrel, 130 Curlew, 1 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper at Beacon Ponds at high tide, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 8 Greenshank, 1 Yellow-legged Gull along Easington Straight, 180 Sandwich Tern, 1 Peregrine, 11 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Wheatear.

Ringing- 

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Tuesday, 14 August 2018

Overcast with sunny spells, warm with a F1-2 W wind.

Watches: 0700-1115, 1830-1945.

There are now 2 Red-backed Shrike in the area with a new juvenile at the Warren, while the male remains in the Triangle. Decent totals of migrants remain, 46 Willow Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear while 6 Tree Pipit flew south.

A few bits of interest on the move mainly Waders, 7 Teal, 22 Common Scoter, 29 Manx Shearwater, 78 Gannet, 77 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 18 Whimbrel, 20 Knot, 1 Ruff north, 18 Sanderling, 53 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Kittiwake and 4 Arctic Skua, while overland 20 Swift and 20 Flava flew south.

The Kilnsea Wetlands and Holderness field area yet again had a nice selection of species, 3 Garganey, 8 Little Egret, 200 Golden Plover, 46 Grey Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1000 Redshank and 13 Greenshank.

Ringing: 16 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit.

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Monday, 13 August 2018

Heavy showers with some sunny spells in the afternoon a F1-2 NW wind.

Migration watches- 07:00-10:30.

The male Red-backed Shrike continued to linger at the south end of the Canal.

On the move were 101 Common Scoter, 6 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 310 Sandwich Tern, 3 Arctic Skua, 3 Bonxie, 12 Gannet, 1 Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 1 House Martin.

Other sightings were 2 Garganey on Kilnsea Wetlands, 56 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Water Rail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 1 juvenile Purple Sandpiper at Chalk Bank, 4 Curlew Sandpiper at Beacon Ponds, 4000 Dunlin, 900 Redshank, 7 Snipe, 5 Green Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank, 1 Little Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Kestrel, 2 Short-eared Owl at Kilnsea Wetlands, 50 Willow Warbler, 11 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Wheatear, 25 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing- 9 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Sedge Warbler.

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Sunday, 12 August 2018

Rain on and off all morning, clearing around lunchtime to leave a cloudy afternoon, F3-1 S wind.

Migration watches- 07:00-10:00, 12:40-15:00, 18:30-20:00.

A moulting adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER was on Holderness Field briefly at c.09:30 with 70 Golden Plover before they were flushed by a Peregrine and flew off towards Easington. An adult Pectoral Sandpiper dropped in front of the hide at Kilnsea Wetlands before relocating to Holderness Field at 10:50 but had dissapeared by 14:00. The male Red-backed Shrike was still around the southern end of the Canal. Water Rail have bred for the first time in the Spurn area and at least 2 nearly full grown juveniles have been seen between Canal Scrape and the Canal.

On the move were 31 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 12 Common Scoter, 9 Manx Shearwater, 89 Gannet, 19 Cormorant, 49 Oystercatcher, 7 Golden Plover, 22 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Turnstone, 44 Knot, 39 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 13 Redshank, 19 Kittiwake, 1 juvenile Black Tern south c14:00, 6 Arctic Skua, 5 Sand Martin, 59 Swallow, 11 House Martin and 14 flava Wagtail.

Also present were 2 Garganey, 5 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 98 Mallard, 30 Teal, 1 Buzzard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 4 Curlew Sandpiper (3 Beacon Ponds, 1 Kilnsea Wetlands), 5 Snipe, 7 Greenshank, 66 Med Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull on Easington Straight, 217 Sandwich Tern inc the leucistic juvenile still, 161 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Short-eared Owl around Kilnsea Wetlands, 6 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 16 WIllow Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 12 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing- 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Tree Sparrow (pullus)

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Saturday, 11 August 2018

Sunny spells in morning, clouding over late afternoon with a F2-4 NW-W wind.

Migration watches- 06:00-10:00, 13:20-16:00, 17:00-19:45.

An increase in Willow Warbler numbers but generally quieter especially over the sea today, the male Red-backed Shrike was again in Canal Hedge.

On the move were 16 Teal, 31 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 46 Gannet, 139 Oystercatcher, 10 Knot, 1 Whimbrel, 21 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 2 Redshank, 3 Med Gull, 1 juv Yellow-legged Gull, 353 Sandwich Tern, 2 Little Tern, 11 Arctic Skua, 5 Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 41 Swallow, 6 House Martin.

Other sightings were, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 2 Water Rail, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 256 Ringed Plover, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 6 Green Sandpiper, 250 Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper over the Triangle, 1 Spotted Redshank over Kilnsea Wetlands, 3 Greenshank, 80 Med Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gull juv on Kilnsea Wetlands and an adult along Easington Straight, 284 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl at Beacon Ponds, 4 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 81 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler at the Warren, 1 Blackcap, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear and 26 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing- 15 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Dunnock.

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Friday, 10 August 2018

Sunny in AM overcast in PM, some showers and a F1-3 SW-NW wind.

Migration watches 05:45-20:15.

The male Red-backed Shrike remained in Canal Hedge area, 2 Caspian Gull with a juvenile on Kilnsea Wetlands before flying off south and a 2cy in fields east of Beacon Ponds and some good numbers of Waders moving south over the sea.

On the move were- 17 Shelduck, 1 Teal, 40 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 14 Little Egret, 153 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 11 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Turnstone, 48 Knot, 99 Sanderling, 341 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 49 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 4 Kittiwake, 37 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin and 6 flava Wagtail.

The evening Tern roost movements continue to disappoint with just 403 Sandwich Tern, 6 Little Tern, 98 Common Tern and 2 Arctic Tern flying south in the evening.

Other sightings 1 Canada Goose, 111 Greylag Geese, 2 Garganey on Kilnsea Wetlands,  2 Grey Heron, 17 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 2 Water Rail, 9 Avocet, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 250 Curlew, 2 Ruff , 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 6000 Dunlin on Beacon Ponds, 3 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 11 Greenshank, 3 Yellow-legged Gull on Easington Straight, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Short-eared Owl over Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Peregrine, 53 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 25 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail and 6 Tree Pipit.

Ringing 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blue Tit.

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Thursday, 09 August 2018

Mainly cloudy with the odd sunny spell with a F1-2 WNW-NE  wind.

Migration Watches: 0600-1400.

The male Red-backed Shrike remained at the south end of the canal, while 27 Willow Warbler were also counted though decent totals of 25 Sedge Warbler and 19 Reed Warbler are a mixture of migrants and breeders.

Moving over the sea were 3 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 30 Teal, 76 Common Scoter, 6 Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 78 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 263 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone, 1 Knot, 61 Sanderling, 53 Dunlin, 27 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 11 Kittiwake and 2 Arctic Skua.

Other sightings from today were 96 Greylag Geese, 2 Garganey, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Snipe, juvenile Caspian Gull, 9 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Short-eared Owl and 3 Kingfisher.

Ringing:  1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sand Martin, 4 Sedge Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Willow Warbler, 5 House Sparrow, 2 Goldfinch.  (34 of 9 species).

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Wednesday, 08 August 2018

Sunny spells with a F2-3 WNW  wind.

Migration Watches: 0800-1115.

A decent day of Wader movement over the sea, though no big numbers were involved.

The steady and interesting arrivals of the last few days brought a male Red-backed Shrike to the south end of the canal while a big clear out left only 1 Cuckoo, 30 Willow Warbler and 1 Whinchat.

Over the sea were 1 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 91 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 22 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 219 Oystercatcher, 5 Golden Plover, 32 Ringed Plover, 47 Whimbrel, 4 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 22 Turnstone, 36 Knot, 2 Ruff, 2 Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 1 Kittiwake, 373 Sandwich Tern in the evening tern roost, 1 Bonxie, 2 Arctic Skua while little overland 38 Swift, 13 Sand Martin, 182 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Alba Wagtail and 9 Linnet.

Other sightings from today mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area were 2 Garganey, 175 Mallard, 63 Teal, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 11 Snipe, juvenile Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, 13 Mediterranean Gull  and the Tawny Owl at Kew made a re-appearance.

Ringing:  3 Swallow pulli, 1 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 8 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Linnet.

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Tuesday, 07 August 2018

A stuffy, hot and sunny day with a F1 SW-SSE wind.

Watches: 0600-1200.

A great day of Wader movement over the sea, but quiet overland though a clear out of yesterday’s good arrival of migrants. The highlight were a record 3 Caspian Gull in the area, (with 2 Juvenile and a 1st summer) and a good count of 5 Yellow-legged Gull.

The number of migrants are much reduced, 130 Swift, 30 Willow Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Whinchat and 1 Wheatear

Totals on the move over the sea were 5 Mute Swan, 14 Shelduck, 8 Teal, 81 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 81 Gannet, 155 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 21 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 37 Turnstone, 59 Knot, 142 Sanderling, 186 Dunlin, 6 Green Sandpiper, 60 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 3 Arctic Skua with 60 Guillemot sat on the sea many with young. Overland it was quiet with only 6 Sand Martin, 190 Swallow, 25 Flava Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 8 Linnet, 1 Chaffinch and 2 Reed Bunting for the effort.

The evening roost movement is still building and had 348 Sandwich Tern, 13 Common Tern, 1 Little Tern and 1 Arctic Tern.

Other sightings included 2 Garganey, 5 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 110 Mallard, 19 Teal, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Snipe, 1 Spotted Redshank, 260 Redshank, 5 Greenshank and 42 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing 10 Willow warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed warbler, 1 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Monday, 06 August 2018

A hot and sunny day with a F1-2 Se wind.

Watches:0600-0700, 1820-2000.

A good arrival of migrants today gave hope to something more unusual, but totals of 2 Cuckoo, 100 Willow Warbler, 18 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 26 Pied Flycacther, 1 Redstart, 14 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 13 Yellow Wagtail and a Crossbill were a great return.

The Kilnsea wetlands area was again busy with birds, 2 Garganey, 3 Wigeon, 80 Mallard, 53 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 3500 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 9 Greenshank, 15 Mediterranean Gull, a juvenile Caspian Gull and 1 Hobby.

A few bits on the move over the sea today with 3 Shelduck, 18 Common Scoter, 30 Teal, 13 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 36 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 14 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 28 Redshank and 4 Kittiwake while overland 261 Swift, 44 Sand Martin, 191 Swallow, 9 House Martin, 2 Alba wagtail and 25 Flava.

A Southern Migrant Hawker was along the canal by the sluice, maybe differnt from the one previously given the time difference and being well looked for in the mean time. 

Ringing: 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull pulli, 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitetrhoat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Tree Sparrow pulli, 3 House Sparrow. (37 of 11 species).

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Sunday, 05 August 2018

Watches:

The big clear up after the BBQ began in the morning, with a few migrants seen, but few watches at the Warren that we know of and only 19 Gannet, 67 Whimbrel, 26 Sanderling, 3 Arctic Tern and 8 Auk sp returned. 

Kilnsea wetlands did recieve a fair amount of attention where there are now 2 Garganey, 3 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 11 Greenshank and 3 Little Gull.

Otherwise 8 Little Egret, 2 Water Rail on canal scrape included a juvenile, a Spotted Redshank on the Humber, 44 Mediterranean Gull Easington straight, 2 Cuckoo in the triangle, 1 Hobby, 18 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler Beacon lane and 2 Wheatear.

Ringing: 2 Robin, 1 Wren, 2 Reed Warbler, 8 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 House Sparrow, 2 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Goldfinch pulli.

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Saturday, 04 August 2018

A hot and sunny day. 

Watches:0650-1015.

Today saw the AGM held at the Obs, followed by the committee meeting where the thoughts of Sausage and Burgers in a bun at the annual and ever popular Friends of Spurn BBQ were not far from peoples minds. The BBQ is always well attended and it was nice to see a few nice faces, among the usual locals.

A big clear out of yesterdays Pied Flycatchers with only 4 seen today, but a Wood Warbler at Kew was a nice first of the autumn and other migrants included 28 Willow warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear and 1 Tree Pipit.

A nice surprise came in the form of 2 Crane in fields by Kilnsea wetlands which eventually appeared to leave north west, but presumably the same birds flew south at Gibraltar point a couple of hours later.

Also on the move were 3 Teal, 10 Common Scoter, 137 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 1 Fulmar, 1 Marsh Harrier, 48 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone, 11 Knot, 11 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 12 Common Tern, 1 Bonxie, 1 Hobby, 15 Sand Martin, 18 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 17 Falva  and 2 Alba Wagtail.

Ohter sightings today included 1 Garganey, 5 Wigeon, 1 Marsh Harrier, 7 Avocet, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 34 Mediterranean Gull and 250 Sandwich Tern.

Ringing: 4 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 House Sparrow.

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Friday, 03 August 2018

Watches 0630-1645.

There was a suberb and interesting arrival today with 41 Pied Flycatcher counted, unfortunately though no-one did south of the Warren so obviously the total would have been much higher. The origin though is harder to pin down with a continental arrival usually the favourite, with a good arrival all along the east coast, but with little back up of other species there is always the possibility of British breeders in an extreme return migration? The only other species really caught up in the arrival were a Wheatear and 30 Willow Warbler, while 5 Spotted Flycatcher seen at easington sewage works included 3 juveniles and appeared to have bred locally.

Visible migration was less pronounced today, but again Waders led the way with 3 Grey Heron, 49 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 33 Turnstone, 61 Knot, 493 Sanderling, 149 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper, 54 Redshank, 18 Common Tern and 12 Arctic Tern while overland 12 Swift, 22 Sand Martin, 335 Swallow, 8 Flava and 12 Meadow Pipit.

As usual the Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area led the way in terms of diversity and spectacle with the Garganey, 9 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 94 Mallard, 34 Teal, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 2300 Knot, 7000 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 350 Redshank, 10 Greenshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Little Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Hobby and 2 Peregrine.

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Thursday, 02 August 2018

A warm sunny day with a moderate F2 SW wind.

A fantastic day for movement over land and sea with an emphasis on Waders which produced a Garganey, 28 Teal, 57 Common Scoter, 60 Gannet, 123 Oystercatcher, 14 Golden Plover, 149 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 55 Turnstone, 564 Knot, 336 Sanderling, 326 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 159 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 6 Mediterranean Gull, juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 19 Kittiwake, 15 Little Gull, 23 Common Tern, 27 Arctic Tern, 1 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Skua while overland 487 Swift, 96 Sand Martin, 643 Swallow, 112 House Martin, 12 Tree Sparrow, 3 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail and 25 Linnet.

It was also a good day for birds in the bushes with 1 Cuckoo, 7 Willow Warbler, Treecreeper at the Warren then trapped in Church field and 8 Pied Flycatcher.

Also seen today were the usual Garganey, 3 Wigeon, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 400 Redshank, 2600 Knot, a Short-eared Owl at Beacon ponds and a mobile Merlin.

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Wednesday, 01 August 2018

A hot sunny day with a F1-2 W wind.

Watches- 0550-1100, 1400-2015.

Quiet in the morning with just a trickle of movement, until the evening when wader numbers picked up and yet again Wader numbers on Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds were impressive.

Vis-migging produced 24 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 35 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Fulmar, 3 Grey Heron, 110 Gannet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 65 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 92 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Turnstone, 72 Knot, 2 Ruff, 29 Sanderling, 18 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 36 Common Tern and 6 Arctic Tern while overland 16 Swift, 53 Sand Martin, 500 Swallow, 26 House Martin, 4 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Meadow Pipit and 21 Linnet.

Other sightings included the Garganey, 8 Wigeon, 42 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 44 Grey Plover, 3000 Knot, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 6 Curlew Sandpiper, 10,000 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 760 Redshank, 10 Greenshank, 7 Mediterranean Gull while 2 juvenile Cuckoo remained in the triangle area.

A Southern Migrant Hawker was at Beacon ponds plus 3 Brown Hawker and a Southern Hawker, which are both still rare in the area.

Ringing 1 Cuckoo, 6 Willow warbler, 2 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch.

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Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Watches: 0550-1200, 1830-2000.

A steady trickle for the vis-miggers with an increase in Tern numbers, which hopefully over the next few weeks will develop into some impressive evening Tern roost through August and Septmeber.

On the move were 1 Gadwall, 80 Teal, 334 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 1 Great-crested Grebe, 34 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 63 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 44 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Turnstone, 24 Knot, 70 Sanderling, 50 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 246 Kittiwake, 1 Little Gull, 35 Little Tern, 17 Common Tern, 69 Arctic Tern and 3 Arctic Skua and overland 68 Swift, 71 Sand Martin, 191 Swallow, 16 House Martin, 7 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Chaffinch.

Other bits of interest mainly on Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds unless stated included 4 Wigeon, the Garganey, 1300 Golden Plover off the warren, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2000 Knot, 6000 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Green Sandpiper, 700 Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 66 Mediterranean Gull mainly on Easington straight at high tide, 2 Yellow-legged Gull in the same field and a smart juvenile Caspain Gull.

The numbers of passerine migrants is also slowly increasing 2 Cuckoo, 15 Willow warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher and 2 Lesser Redpol in the area.

Ringing: 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiff-chaff, 4 Tree Sparrow (3 Pulli).

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Monday, 30 July 2018

Watches: 0630-1100.

A steady day for movement over land and sea, but more Waders about on Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds.

On the move were 15 Teal, 9 Common Scoter, 1 Manx Shearwater, 13 Gannet, 1 Grey Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Turnstone, 51 Knot, 82 Sanderling, 171 Dunlin, 1 Green sandpiper, 3 Little Tern, 350 Sandwich Tern, 19 Arctic tern, 1 Bonxie, 4 Arctic Skua while overland a juvenile Red Kite, 525 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 4 Alba wagtail and 13 Linnet.

Other sightings were 56 Teal, 1 Garganey, 20 Whimbrel, 200 Curlew, 2000 Knot, 2 Ruff, 17 Curlew Sandpiper, 10,000 Dunlin, 3 Little Stint, 4 Common sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 8 Greenshank, 34 Mediterranean Gull and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull while a Cuckoo was in the triangle and a Pied Flycatcher in Easington.

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sedge warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit. 

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Sunday, 29 July 2018

Heavy rain from early morning with heavy showers throughout and a strong blustery F5 SSE wind.

Watches- 0600-1100, 1430-1600, 1800-1915.

Quieter overall with less Waders and while it was good for Swift it soon stopped in the heavy rain.

Totals were 1 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 10 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 37 Oystercatcher, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 35 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 49 Turnstone, 52 Knot, 46 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin and 1 Arctic Skua while overland what seemed like it was going to be a big day only 3471 Swift flew south stopping during the heavy rain.

Other sightings included 2 Little-ringed Plover, 1250 Knot, 8 Curlew Sandpiper, 6500 Dunlin, 2 Little Stint, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 250 Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 11 Mediterranean Gull all mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area while a Cuckoo and Kingfisher were in the triangle.

(The Semi-palmated Sandpiper was re-located in Norfolk at Snettisham).

A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was at Kew.

Ringing: 2 Stock Dove pulli.

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Saturday, 28 July 2018

No sign so far of the Semi-palmated Sandpiper, but it was nice to see the first 2 Pied Flycatcher of the autumn in Churchfield, while it was another great day offshore with 269 Duck and 1260 Waders on the move, with an increase to 12 Curlew Sandpiper (all adults) on Kilnsea wetlands plus a Wood Sandpiper.

Totals on the move today were 10 Shelduck, 2 Mallard, 119 Teal, 1 Pochard, 19 Tufted Duck, 118 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 217 Gannet, 291 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 11 Golden Plover, 7 Grey Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 230 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 22 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 37 Turnstone, 591 Knot, 24 Sanderling, 21 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint, 3 Common Sandpiper, 10 Redshank, 114 Kittiwake, 94 Common Tern, 1 Black Tern, 2 Bonxie and 2 Arctic Skua while overland 4841 Swift, 1 Hobby, 12 Sand Martin, 26 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 14 Linnet and 3 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 27 July 2018

Watches: 0440-1230, 1600-1900.

The highlight/nightmare of the day was a moulting adult SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPER on Kilnsea wetlands, provisionally and tentatively identified as a such, but with obvious limited knowledge in this plumage, and an apparent long rear end, much discussion ensued. Photos were widely circulated and while some gave good critical advice, others just named a species with no evidencial worth. It appears from in depth conversations that all the features are within the range of Semi-P, though any input for or against with valid reasoning will be gladly recieved, with the identification not set in stone.

Also in this area were a Garganey, 5 Little-ringed Plover, 4 Ruff, 7 Curlew Sandpiper, 500 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, 8 Greenshank and a Wood Sandpiper.

It was quieter over the sea today for Wader movement, but there were still some decent totals among other species with 18 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 44 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 59 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 57 Gannet, 48 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 57 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Turnstone, 159 Knot, 83 Sanderling, 87 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 11 Green Sandpiper, 2 Kittiwake, 33 Common Tern, 4 Arctic Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 88 Swift, 26 Sand Martin, 30 Swallow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 10 Linnet.

Other sightings were a juvenile Cuckoo at the Warren and 3 Willow Warbler.

The Southern Migrant Hawker was still in its favoured net ride, but a little more sporadic in its appearances due to the weather, plus a Brown Hawker in the Obs garden was a good record, being the first for 3 years! Also Hummingbird Hawkmoths were more obvious today with sightings at the Warren, Kew, the Obs garden and in Easington.

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Thursday, 26 July 2018

Sunny periods but cooler in the evening with an increasing F2-5 SE wind.
Watches- 0440-1400, 1730-1900.
A great day for Wader movement over the sea and well reflected at other sites down the east coast, while big increases of some species appear to have happened overnight.

Totals were 29 Shelduck, 11 Shoveler, 22 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 170 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 103 Gannet, 213 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover, 31 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Turnstone, 133 Knot, 160 Sanderling, 180 Dunlin, 13 Redshank, 77 Kittiwake and 1 Arctic Skua while overland 36 Sand Martin, 47 Swallow, 4 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail and 11 Tree Sparrow.

Other sightings included 16 Shoveler, 103 Mallard, 9 Teal, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 4000 Knot which is a massive increase overnight, 4 Ruff, 5 Curlew Sandpiper, 8000 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 220 Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 3000 Black-headed Gull, 333 Common Gull all mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area.

The Southern Migrant Hawker continued its vigil in its favourite net ride.

Ringing: 1 Herring Gull pulli, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow warbler, 10 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Wednesday, 25 July 2018

Its not often a Dragonfly takes the plaudits at Spurn, but today a male SOUTHERN MIGRANT HAWKER was found along the canal by the sluice, showing well  to all who were interested. The 2nd Yorkshire record following hot on the heels of the 1st a few days ago at Flamborough. Who would bet against more turning up. A Southern Hawker seen today just about continues its annual appearance.

Little was recorded for visible migration with a few observers offsite in North Yorkshire, but seen today were 96 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 29 Gannet, 3 Oystercacther, 73 Whimbrel, 69 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin, 3 Little Gull, 19 Common Tern and 6 Arctic Tern. 

A juvenile Caspian Gull was on Kilnsea wetlands bearing a yellow darvic where there were also 5 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2000 Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 150 Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 20 Mediterranean Gull and 400 Sandwich Tern while passerine wise the male Black Redstart was still in the triangle, a juvenile Cuckoo at driftwood and Willow Warblers in Churchfield and Corner field.

Ringing: 16 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 5 House Sparrow, 5 Tree Sparrow (4 pulli), 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin., 

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Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Watches: 0630-1015.

Little on the move today over land or sea, but all counted as it is on a daily basis at Spurn while good numbers and species of Wader continue to be seen on Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds.

Seen today were 6 Little Egret, 20 Gannet, 6 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Knot in/off, 179 Swift, 68 Sand Martin, 159 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 6 Flava Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail and 10 Chaffinch.

As we slowly head into the autumn, the trickle of returning migrants keeps up the interest with a Black Redstart, 2 Cuckoo and 2 Willow Warbler the best of today.

The Kilnsea wetlands area produced 75 Greylag Geese, 15 Shoveler, 14 Teal, 11 Little Egret, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 3500 Dunlin, 7 Greenshank and 1 Little Gull.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Magpie, 11 Tree Sparrow (10 Pulli), 7 House Sparrow, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow. (29 of 8 sp)

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Monday, 23 July 2018

Watches: 0720-1040.

Its been another day of Hirundine movement, which especially for Swallow in the last few day is quite unusual in these numbers.

On the move today, 7 Little Egret inc 6 in/off, 1 Cormorant, 8 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 10 Whimbrel, 1 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 2 Snipe in/off, 16 Swift, 2 House martin, 405 Swallow, 33 Sand Martin, 20 Tree Sparrow, 8 Flava Wagtail, 8 Alba wagtail and 30 Linnet.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area as usual accounted for most of the other records with 8 Shoveler, 16 Teal, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 6800 Dunlin one of which was taken by a Peregrine, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank, 1 Yellow-legged Gull,  670 Sandwich Tern, 21 Common Tern, 6 Arctic Tern while at the Warren a Short-eared Owl, juvenile Cuckoo's at both the Warren and at the Obs and 2 Willow warbler in Churchfield.

Ringing: 1 Mallard, 3 Avocet pulli, 2 Magpie, 28 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Dunnock pulli, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 16 House Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Starling, 6 Blue Tit. (68 of 15 species)

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Sunday, 22 July 2018

Another sunny day but muggy and overcast in the evening.

Watches: 0700-1030.

Not much on the move with only 15 Common Scoter, 13 Whimbrel, 24 Swift, 73 Sand Martin, 489 Swallow, 10 Tree Sparrow, 7 Flava Wagtail and 1 Alba Wagtail.

Sightings mainly from Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area included 7 Shoveler, 19 Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 80 Knot, 1 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, a great count of around 8000 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint, 2 Common Sandpiper, 122 Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank, 18 Mediterranean Gull, 697 Sandwich Tern, 25 Common Tern, 3 Arctic Tern, a juvenile Black Tern, a Short-eared Owl in the triangle.

The first Migrant Hawker was in Churchfield while more Essex Skipper were uncovered around Kilnsea.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird pulli, 6 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin.

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Saturday, 21 July 2018

Watches: 0620-1200.

Today we welcome the Yorkshire Naturalist Union who are having a residential weekend at Spurn recording just about every invertebrate they see. Hopefully we can give some feedback on their findings in the near future.

On the move today were 3 Teal, 49 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 4 Cormorant, 1 Gannet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 10 Oystercatcher, 54 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 1 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 16 Dunlin, 5 Arctic Skua, 13 Swift, 40 Sand Martin, 1406 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 10 Flava Wagtail, 5 Alba wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 16 Meadow Pipit, 17 Linnet and 6 Chaffinch.

Other sightings of interest were 8 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 7 Grey Heron, 12 Little Egret,  120 Golden Plover, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 80 Curlew, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank, 1 Little Gull, 18 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 470 Sandwich Tern inc an all white juvenile, 1 Kingfisher while in Churchfield a Spotted Flycatcher was present.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

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Friday, 20 July 2018

Watches: 0530-1030.

The Wader movement continued albeit in fewer numbers.

On the move today 3 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 25 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 110 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Gannet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 71 Oystercatcher, 5 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Turnstone, 18 Knot, 42 Sanderling, 51 Dunlin, 5 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Bonxie, 600 Swift late evening, 75 Sand Martin, 266 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Flava wagtail, 10 Alba wagtail and 3 Linnet.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands, 67 Greylag Geese, 10 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 98 mallard, 4 Marsh Harrier, 3500 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 3751 Black-headed Gull, 4 Little Gull, 510 Sandwich Tern, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Stonechat and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Ringing: 3 Blackbird, 4 Lesser Whitethroat,  2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 19 July 2018

Sunny but cooler than of late with a F2 SE wind.

Watches: 0600-1200.

A good day for wader movement over the sea, while big numbers of gulls continue to roost on Kilnsea wetlands.

On the move 14 Shelduck, 8 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 580 Common Scoter, 3 Manx Shearwater, 16 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 117 Oystercatcher, 36 Golden Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 17 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 193 Knot, 41 Sanderling, 286 Dunlin, 5 Snipe, 29 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Little Gull, 13 Lesser black-backed Gull and 8 Arctic Skua while overland 16 Swift, 31 Sand Martin, 33 Swallow, 1 House Martin and 1 Alba Wagtail.

Other sightings included 4335 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green sandpiper, 3045 Black-headed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 540 Sandwich Tern and 5 Arctic Tern.

Ringing: 2 Sparrowhawk pulli, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock.

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Wednesday, 18 July 2018

Hot and sunny clouding over by nid-afternoon.

Watches: 0650-1030, 1100-1520.

The beginnings of Wader movement over the sea while not large made for some interest while overland a trickle of Hirundines.

On the move were 11 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 158 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet, 10 Cormorant, 62 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 19 Whimbrel, 11 Curlew, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Turnstone, 16 Knot, 5 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 13 Arctic Tern, 7 Arctic Skua and 22 Auk sp while overland 12 Swift, 14 Sand Martin, 288 Swallow, 8 Flava wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 8 Linnet and 1 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings included 6 Shoveler, 11 teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 188 Golden Plover, 152 Curlew, 1850 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 396 Redshank, 4165 Black-headed Gull, 8 Mediterranean Gull, 600 Common Gull, 504 Sandwich Tern mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area.

Migrants were few and far between with 1 Cuckoo, 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 1 Willow Warbler the best.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit.

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Tuesday, 17 July 2018

A mixed day started cloudly, with threats of rain only to become a nice sunny day with a F1-3 W-SE wind.

Watches: 0630-1030, 1600-1900.

Another generally quiet day, but more Waders on the move over the sea and increases in Gull numbers.

On the move were 31 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 133 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Cormorant, 30 Oystercatcher, 25 Whimbrel, 9 Knot, 40 Dunlin, 8 Common Tern, 1281 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 106 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 5 Tree Sparrow and 6 Linnet.

Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds produced 9 Shoveler, 38 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 1200 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 180 Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 21 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Gull, 314 Common Gull, 442 Sandwich Tern, 1 Short-eared Owl while on the Humber 3290 Black-headed Gull.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed warbler, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Monday, 16 July 2018

Hot and sunny with F0-1 variable wind.

Watches: 0530-0930,

Unfortunately there has been no sign of the Sand Plover all of today, despite all areas being covered, though of course the Humber is huge and it could be still nearby somewhere.

Sightings today centred yet again on the wetlands and Beacon ponds area, returning totals of 2000 Black-headed Gull and 444 SandwIch Tern among ood numbers of Waders and Gulls. 

On the move were 4 Shoveler, 6 Common Scoter, 7 Gannet, 14 Oystercatcher, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Sanderling, 74 Dunlin, 1 Little Gull while overland 77 Swift, 72 Sand Martin, 360 Swallow, 52 House Martin, 6 Tree Sparrow, 7 Flava Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail and 15 Linnet.

Einging:1 Blackcap, 1 Wren

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Sunday, 15 July 2018

A very nice hot day with a F2 SE wind.

Watches: 0600-1300.

Please can birders park sensibly off the road in the coming days if the Sand Plover remains, as the campsite often need access with large lorries and the road needs to be kept clear. Also please stay away from any fenced off areas on the beach where Terns and Waders are breeding.

The adult male GREATER SAND PLOVER was again present early morning, vanishing for a while, then re-appearing on the beach just north of seaside road, where it showed very well to a constant supply of observers.

Nearby Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon Ponds had 3 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2000 Dunlin, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 55 Little Gull, 19 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Common Tern.

A bit of south in the wind encourage a few bits to make the move with 25 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 8 Grey Heron, 7 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 18 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 51 Sandwich Tern, 1 Pomarine Skua, 51 Sandwich Tern, 456 Swift, 1 Skylark, 264 Sand Martin, 1788 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 7 Flava Wagtail, 8 Alba Wagtail and 4 Grey Wagtail.

Other decent counts and sightings included 7 Whimbrel and 45 Black-tailed Godwit.

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Saturday, 14 July 2018

Hot, sunny cloudless day witjh a welcome F2 SW wind.

Watches: 0530-1130.

The day began with the headline news, well in a Spurn context when our 17th Marsh Tit was found at the Warren. Late in the day this local rarity was soon put in its place by the finding of Spurn's 3rd GREATER SAND PLOVER, an adult male on the beach, north of Beacon ponds and still present late on roosting on the beach at high tide. Please stay well away from ther fenced off areas where breeding birds are present.

On the move today were 15 Common Scoter, 20 Cormorant, 15 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 1 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 240 Dunlin, 47 Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 252 Swift,1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 25 Sand Martin, 154 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 14 Flava Wagtail, 4 Tree Sparrow, 10 House Sparrow and 10 Linnet.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1000 Dunlin, 160 Reedshank, 2500 Black-headed Gull, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Peregrine causing mayhem at Beacon ponds while 2 Grashopper Warbler were along the peneinsula.

Ringing: 3 Whitethroat.

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Thursday, 12 July 2018

Overcast with sunny periods in the afternoon with F3 E wind.

Another quiet day, started well with 2 Spoonbill, one of which was colour ringed spending some time on Kilnsea wetlands then flew off south, while also here 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Avocet plus 5 young, 1 Snipe, 1 Canada Goose, 15 Teal, 11 Little Gull and 14 Mediterranean Gull.

Little on the move, but included 11 Teal, 700 Common Scoter (100 on Humber), 3 Little Egret and 2 Arctic Tern and overland 17 Swift, 15 Sand Martin and a Grey Wagtail.

Ringing, 2 Oystercatcher pulli, 2 Ringed Plover pulli, 4 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit,1 Blackbird. 

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Wednesday, 11 July 2018

Cloudy all day with a F2-3 Nwind.

Watches: 0730-1015.

The main sightings today were over the sea with our first Sooty Shearwater of the autumn and a Pomarine Skua with also 11 Teal, 651 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 35 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Kittiwake, 11 Little Gull, 27 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Skua and 2 Puffin.

The day gave confirmation of the fledging of 3 Little Tern chicks on Beacon ponds which is always a relief each year when the first birds take to the air. The immediate area also had 1 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 67 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 12 Teal, 11 Avocet, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 1700 Dunlin, 74 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1000 Black-headed Gull, 8 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Yellow-legged Gull with a Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcap in Churchfield.

Ringing: 3 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin.

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Tuesday, 10 July 2018

A mixed day of overcast conditions with hot sunny afternoon but a chilly F2-3  NE wind.

Watches: 0630-1000.

Generally quiet day, with little on the move, but with the first signs of Wader movement over the sea.

On the move 52 Common Scoter, 86 Gannet, 2 Cormoramnt, 32 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew while overland 2 Swift, 1 Hobby, 2 Swallow and an Alba Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands arae produced 7 Teal, 6 Little Egret, 6 Lapwing, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 2400 Dunlin, 46 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 830 Black-headed Gull, 1 Little Gull, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Tern and a Peregrine while a juvenile Cuckoo was by the gate and in Churchfield 2 Blackcap and a Willow Warbler.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit, 1 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock.

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Monday, 09 July 2018

Overcast with a chilly F3 NNE wind.

Watches: 0645-1030.

The steady increase in wader numbers contiues with 403 Golden Plover and 2000 Dunlin on the Humber along with 84 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel and a Green Sandpiper.

On the move over the sea were 9 Teal, 238 Common Scoter, 41 Gannet, 9 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 6 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 1 Arctic Skua while overland 1 Hobby, 1 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 24 Swallow, 3 Flava wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Other sightings included 6 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1000 Black-headed Gull and 1 Peregrine while in Churchfield 3 Blackcap and 1 Willow Warbler.

Ringing: 1 Guillemot, 1 Barn owl pulli, 3 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 2 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 08 July 2018

Hot and sunny with a fresh F2-3 NE wind.

Migration Watches: 0730-1030.

Over the sea were 2 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 3 Gannet, 1 Cormorant and 2 Kittiwake while little overland with 9 Swift, 21 Swallow and 1 Flava Wagtail.

Other sightings from today were 4 Little-ringed Plover, 1000 Dunlin, 4 Whimbrel, 100 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1100 Black-headed Gull, 7 Mediterranean Gull, 186 Common Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Common Tern and 1 Peregrine in the Kilnsea wetlands area and a Short-eared Owl at the Warren.

Ringing:  1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Great Tit, 9 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 07 July 2018

Hot and sunny again with a fresh F1-2 S-E wind.

Migration Watches: 0800-1115.

While events happening in Russia dominated the typical day in the average English household, there were a few bits of interest at Spurn bird wise to divert some attention for those not interested in football.

The best of these being a Serin south over Beacon ponds then down Beacon lane, while a Spoonbill was also over Beacon ponds and a Pomarine Skua flying down the Humber.

Over the sea were 2 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 1 Cormorant and 2 Kittiwake while little overland 14 Swift, 7 Sand Martin, 23 Swallow and 1 House Martin.

Other sightings from today were 63 Golden Plover, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 1100 Dunlin, 31 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel, 100 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 760 Black-headed Gull, 3 Little Gull, 6 Mediterranean Gull  and 1 Peregrine in the Kilnsea wetlands area and a juvenile Yellowhammer on Beacon lane.

Ringing:  1 Wren, 3 Dunnock, 2 Whitethroat, 2 wood Pigeon pulli, 4 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 06 July 2018

Hazuy and overcast, the sun breaking through in the afternoon with a F0-1 NE wind.

Watches: 0500-1145.

As has been the pattern over the last week or so most of the action was either in the Kilnsea wetlands area or over the sea, but it was particularly quiet overall today.

On the move today were 450 Common Scoter (250 Humber), 23 Shelduck, 12 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 111 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Redshank, 24 Dunlin, 26 Kittiwake, 14 Little Gull, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Sandwich Tern, 2 Great Skua, 56 Auk sp, 17 Guillemot, 11 Razorbill and 9 Puffin while overland 39 Swift, 15 Sand Martin, 18 Swallow and a Skylark.

The Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area had 4 Teal, 4 Little Egret, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 3000 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 20 Sandwich Tern and 5 Common Tern.

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Thursday, 05 July 2018

A hot day clouding over late on with F0-3 varaiable wind.

Watches : 0445-1000, 1900-1925.

Another good day for Wader arrivals with the first Snipe of the 'autumn' and good numbers of Gulls continue to roost on Kilnsea Wetlands.

There were 2 adult Roseate Tern on Kilnsea wetlands early morning which then flew out to sea, while in the same area there were also 4 Little Egret, 68 Black-tailed Godwit, .2 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 385 Dunlin, 40 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 1179 Black-headed Gull, 19 Little Gull, 15 Mediterranean Gull, 457 Common Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 30 Sandwich Tern and 6 Common Tern while on the Humber 148 Golden Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 169 Curlew, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 14 Knot and 111 Oystercatcher.

On the move 103 Shelduck, 1 Canada Goose, 52 Common Scoter, 5 Grey Heron, 9 Gannet, 11 Cormorant, 12 Lapwing, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Kittiwake, 119 Swift, 1 Hobby, 3 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Alba Wagtail and 4 Chaffinch.

Ringing: 1 Starling, 4 Tree Sparrow, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit.

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Wednesday, 04 July 2018

Overcast most of morning into the late afternoon, when it became warm and sunny.

Watches- 0700-1015, 1100-1525, 1800-1925.

The first returning Spotted Flycatcher and Wheatear were seen today while there were further increases in Wader numbers overnight, especially Curlew as the females return to feeding areas leaving the males to look after the young, though a Bee-eater(s) heard over the Warren wasn’t clinched, though 3 passed over Gib point later.

As news filters through that some high Arctic Waders, may have had a poor breeding season, it was nice to see returning ‘British’ breeders in good numbers. Totals were an impressive 220 Curlew, 3 Whimbrel, 77 Golden Plover, 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 270 Dunlin, 20 Redshank and 1 Greenshank.

On the move were 99 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 167 Common Scoter with another 250 ‘trapped’ on the Humber along with 2 Eider, 1 Manx Shearwater, 43 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 46 Oystercatcher, 4 Auk sp and 2 Guillemot while overland 67 Swift, 12 Swallow, 4 Sand Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Alba Wagtail.

Other sightings included 5 Teal, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1430 Black-headed Gull, 60 Common Gull, 53 Little Gull and 10 Mediterranean Gull and 10 Yellow Wagtail mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area.

Ringing: 2 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Starling, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 03 July 2018

A cold foggy start, turned into a bright warm sunny day with a F1-3 NE wind.

Watches- 0800-0945.

A bit of a quiet day than of late, with even the Silver Y influx having a rest day though the first juvenile Willow Warbler of the ‘autumn’ was trapped in Church field.

On the move over the sea were 230 Common Scoter, 1 Manx Shearwater, 31 Gannet, 8 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Skua, 48 Auk sp and 4 Guillemot.

Other sightings included 5 Teal, 56 Golden Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 64 Curlew, 133 Dunlin, 13 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 53 Little Gull and 6 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Common Tern and 1 Arctic Tern Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area.

Ringing: 2 Dunnock, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackbird pulli, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Robin, 2 Tree Sparrow.          

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Monday, 02 July 2018

The hot sunny weather continues with a F1-2 NE wind.

Watches: 0630-1030.

The Kilnsea Wetlands area was the place to be today, with a nice adult Roseate Tern the highlight , though the flock of 212 Little Gull here was very impressive among the 1300 Black-headed Gull, 120 Common Gull, 7 Mediterranean Gull and  1 Yellow-legged Gull.

Also here 11 Gadwall, 12 Teal, 4 Little Egret, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 120 Dunlin, 1 Kittiwake and 84 Little Tern.

Few birds on the move today, 8 Gannet, a Mandarin south over the Humber, 1 Curlew in/off, 1 Hobby, 19 Sand Martin, 26 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 23 Linnet and 9 Goldfinch, but 200 Common Scoter were loafing on the Humber and 3 Eider on the sea.

The huge infux of Silver Y continues and seems to be increasing!

Ringing: 4 Whitethroat, 1 Robin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 2 Dunnock.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 01 July 2018

If visiting the Little Tern colony at Beacon Ponds please stay on the embankment accessed from Kilnsea wetlands, or around holderness field from Beacon lane to minimise disturbance. There have been way too many visits by birders and photographers along the beach. Thank you in advance.

The SQUACCO HERON is still present yet again on Holdeness field, though apparently flew off high north at 3pm. Nearby 2 Curlew Sandpiper on Beacon Ponds and 56 Little Gull on Kilnsea wetlands. 

Other sightings in this area, 8 Teal, 3 Little Egret, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 95 Dunlin, 7 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Arctic Tern and 70 Little Tern while on the Humber 62 Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 48 Curlew, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.

On the move were 8 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 16 Gannet, 3 Lapwing, 193 Swift, 1 Hobby, 19 Sand Martin and 10 Swallow.

Of note the Silver Y  influx increased in pace with even more today!! 

Ringing: 1 Great Tit, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wren.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 30 June 2018

A hot sunny day with a F1 NE wind.

Watches: 0615-1015.

If visiting the Little Tern colony at Beacon Ponds please stay on the embankment accessed from Kilnsea wetlands, to minimise disturbance. Thank you.

The SQUACCO HERON was still present all day on Holderness field, showing well albeit with a bit of a heat haze as the day wore on.

Other sightings today mainly concerned wader numbers increasing again with totals of 62 Golden Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 46 Curlew, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 36 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 14 Redshank and 3 Greenshank showing for them at least 'autumn' is already here!

The sea had a few bits on the move and offered up 14 Wigeon, 135 Common Scoter, 50 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 5 Oystercatcher, 3 Little Gull, 6 Kittiwake and 50 Auk sp while overland 34 Swift and 2 Sand Martin..

Other bits to keep the day ticking over were 4 Little Egret, 1 Little Gull, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Common Tern and 1 Arctic Tern mainly on Kilnsea wetlands while a Water Rail was along the canal and a juvenile Cuckoo at the Warren. 

Ringing: 5 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Robin.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 29 June 2018

Sunny spells and warm, overcast in afternoon with a F1 N-NE wind.

Watches: 0815-1030.

The 3rd SQUACCO HERON for Spurn is present in the Kilnsea wetlands/Holderness field area. A brilliant find by our Jonnie Fisk showing well, but having a few fly abouts too, even vanishing over Easington at one point with a Little Egret. (following on from the 2nd on 15th September 2010 which atypically spent its time sitting under plastic chairs on decking in a garden along Beacon Lane!).

The Turtle Dove continued its mini residence in the area frequenting Church field.

On the move over land and sea today were 3 Teal, 35 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet, 3 Lapwing, 78 Swift and 3 Swallow.

Also seen today 5 Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck, 10 Little Egret, 20 Avocet, 68 Curlew, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Mediterranean Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull,  947 Black-headed Gull, 147 Common Gull, 4 Common Tern and a Peregrine.

Ringing: 1 Swallow, 2 Starling, 1 Blackbird, 4 Whitethroat.

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Thursday, 28 June 2018

Warm and sunny all day with a F1-2 NNE.

Watches: 0640-0945.

A Great-white Egret spent much of the day on Kilnsea wetlands and the Turtle Dove was still in Church field where our 3rd Hairy hawker was found in the Heligoland trap.

On the move were 8 Shelduck, 13 Teal, 2 Eider, 18 Gannet, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Guillemot and 13 Swift.

Other sightings included 6 Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck, 17 Avocet, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Little Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 40 Sandwich Tern and a Peregrine.

Ringing: 4 Tree pulli, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Dunnock.

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Wednesday, 27 June 2018

A foggy start warmed up later with a F2-1 NNE wind.

Watches:0630-0930.

A Bee-eater spent most of the afternoon in the Corner field to Holdernes field area, sitting on wires and flying high catching bees, departing high south early evening. The Turtle Dove remained in the Corner field to Driftwood area.

Wader number are still slowly increasing with now 19 Golden Plover on the Humber along with 12 Grey Plover and 18 Curlew while on Kilnsea wetlands 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Redshank, 1 Greenshank  and  12 Dunlin along with adult Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Little Gull.

On the move today 144 Common Scoter, 21 Greylag Geese, 1 Cormorant, 1 Arctic Skua and 17 Gannet while overland only 4 Swift.

Ringing: 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover pulli, 1 Wren , 1 Blackcap, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 26 June 2018

A day of insanely thick fog hampered any meaningful viewing, and little of note was returned!!

What little was seem was mainly centred around Kilnsea wetlands, 15 Shelduck, 11 Gadwall, 5 Wigeon, 21 Mallard, 10 Teal, 5 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 19 Avocet, 9 Curlew, 2 Knot, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 21 Sandwich Tern, 84 Little Tern,(with 10 chicks seen), 2 Common Tern and 1 Peregrine while 2 Arctic Skua flew south..

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Monday, 25 June 2018

A hot sunny summery day with a F1 N wind.

Watches- 0640-0920.

Not a lot happening in the slack weather, but a busy day of counting breeding birds and their young

On the move only 25 Curlew in/off were notable. In the next few weeks the pace of Wader movement over the sea and in from the east will increase especially with a decent south westerly blowing.

Other sightings included a Gadwall with 7 young which are recent colonisers in the Spurn area, 5 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 6 Little Egret all on Kilnsea wetlands, 94 Little Tern with 10 chicks and 6 Common Tern on Beacon Ponds, 1 Little Gull and 4 Mediterranean Gull Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 2 Barn Owl pulli, 5 Swallow pulli. 1 Whitethroat, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow.          

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Sunday, 24 June 2018

Warm still and sunny with a F1 N-E wind.

Watches: 0600-1030.

If visiting the Little Tern colony at Beacon Ponds please stay on the embankment accessed from Kilnsea wetlands, to minimise disturbance. Thank you.

The Turtle Dove continued its residence in the Obs area, while a female Firecrest was a surprising capture in the nets at Kew. Elsewhere a Wood Sandpiper was on the Humber at the Warren.

Overland only 72 Swift, 5 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Alba Wagtail and 3 Linnet flew south.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose, 11 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 3 Little Egret, 1 Little Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern and 91 Little Tern mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area while a Corn Bunting was by Easington boat yard.

Ringing: 6 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 5 Tree Sparrow pulli, 2 House Sparrow, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest.

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Saturday, 23 June 2018

Mostly sunny with a F3-1 NNE.

Watches: 0700-1100.

The first Little Tern chicks of the season were hatched today. A Wood Sandpiper was present on Holderness field then flew off south.

Otherwise it was a quiet day with 1 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 22 Avocet, 5 Golden Plover, 6 Curlew, 1 Little Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Tern and 1 Hobby mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area and a Siskin on Beacon lane.

On the move 4 Curlew in/off and 88 Swift south were the most noteworthy.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 22 June 2018

Bright and sunny all day with a stiff F4-2 NW-N.

Watches: 0435-0915, 1135-1400.

The Turtle Dove is still present today in the church field area.

Plenty of action over the sea today, 20 Shelduck, 1 Tufted Duck, 35 Fulmar, 81 Manx Shearwater, 340 Gannet, 301 Kittiwake, 323 Auk sp, 112 Guillemot, 41 Razorbill, 12 Puffin and 2 Arctic Skua.

Other sightings included 1 Canada Goose, 26 Teal, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 21 Avocet, 23 Curlew, 25 Grey Plover, 1 Little Gull, 200 Black-headed Gull and a Mistle Thrush.

Ringing: 1 Wren, 2 Dunnock pulli, 2 Blue Tit pulli, 2 Great Tit pulli, 2 House Sparrow pulli, 3 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Chaffinch.

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Thursday, 21 June 2018

Watches: 0500-1100.

Little change overall as we await the first Little Tern chicks in the Beacon Ponds colony. If visiting the colony please stay on the flood bank and refrain from viewing from the beach. A 4x4 on the beach today caused a disturbance and eventually became stuck.

The Turtle Dove remains in the area, still showing well in church field. 

Most of the action was again in the Kilnsea wetlands area with 1 Brent Goose, 13 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Heron, 6 Little Egret, 21 Avocet, 239 Black-headed Gull, 1 Little Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 116 Herring Gull and 36 Sandwich Tern.

Over the sea 6 Shelduck, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 18 Manx Shearwater, 126 Gannet, 1 Arctic Skua, 80 Auk sp, 10 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and 1 Puffin.

Ringing: 1Avocet pulli, 2 Dunnock (1 pulli), 1 Wood Pigeon.

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Wednesday, 20 June 2018

Watches: 0545-1550.

The Turtle Dove was still in the area, frequenting the Obs.

Overland 1320 Swift, 8 Lapwing, 51 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 2 Jackdaw, 9 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 13 Linnet and 6 Goldfinch.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose, 31 Teal, 42 Mallard, 7 Little Egret, 23 Avocet, 2 nice male Ruff, 1 Little Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Common Tern, 3 Arctic Tern and 61 Sandwich Tern mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 3 Chaffinch pulli.

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Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Sunny and warm, clouding late pm with a F1-3 W/SW-SSE wind.

Migration Watches: 0545-1030.

A Turtle Dove was at Driftwood showing from John Hewitt's decking and with so few about most likely the bird from a few days ago.

Over the sea were 6 Gannet, 36 Kittiwake and 1 Auk sp while again quiet overland with 1 Red Kite, 4 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow and 1 House Martin.

Other sightings from today were 1 Brent Geese, 1 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 35 Mallard +27 young, 28 Avocet, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Dunlin, 8 Redshank and 10 Pied Wagtail all Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing:  1 Robin.

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Monday, 18 June 2018

Migration Watches: 0540-1100.

Over the sea were 2 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 3 Gannet, 2 Mediterranean Gull and 7 Auk sp while again little overland with 1 Stock Dove, 146 Swift, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 6 House Martin and 22 Linnet.

Other sightings from today were 1 Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 54 Mallard +26 young Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Little Gull, 64 Sandwich Tern, a fantastic count of 125 Little Tern, 3 Common Tern and 1 Arctic Tern on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 2 Dunnock pulli, 1 Reed Warbler.

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Sunday, 17 June 2018

Overcast and warm with a F2-3 SSW-SW wind.

Watches: 0545-1030.

Returning Waders seem to be featuring maybe slightly early for some species while a nice assortment of Wildfowl, Gulls and Terns are on Kilnsea wetlands.

Overland only 21 Lapwing, 1 Hobby, 288 Swift, 16 Swallow, 11 House Martin and 16 Linnet despite seemingly favourable conditions.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose Kilnsea Wetlands, 16 Canada Geese and a Green Sandpiper on Beacon Ponds, 2 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 51 Teal, 38 Mallard, 7 Little Egret, 31Avocet, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Tern and 80 Sandwich Tern Kilnsea wetlands and a Short-eared Owl.

Ringing: 3 Little Owl pulli, 1 Dunnock pulli, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blackbird.

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Saturday, 16 June 2018

Overcast to start with sunny periods in the afternoon with a F1-2 S-SW wind. Watches: 0510-1100, 1450-1850.

A few bits on the move while overnight a big increase in Teal, though a Turtle Dove on the wires by the Riverside that was the highlight of the day and only the 2nd this year.

Over the sea with 7 Teal, 67 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 17 Kittiwake, 28 Auk sp and 8 Guillemot. Overland 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Hobby, 757 Swift, 25 Swallow, 9 House Martin and 1 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose and 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 2 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, a big increase to 74 Teal, 52 Mallard, 32 Avocet, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, 40 Sandwich Tern Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 5 Swallow pulli, 1 Dunnock pulli, 1 Magpie.

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Friday, 15 June 2018

Watches: 0505-0930.

Surprisingly little on the move today while the last couple of days has seen more Waders arriving back on the Humber.

Unusual for this time of year was a Wood Sandpiper on Holderness field while a streaky juvenile Crossbill was at Kew.

Over the sea with 6 Eider, 8 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, 8 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 131 Kittiwake, 296 Auk sp, 11 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot and 6 Puffin. Overland 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Golden Plover, 15 Swift, 2 Carrion Crow, 10 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 Mistle Thrush, 12 Linnet and 1 Goldfinch.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose, 64 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 58 Mallard, 17 Avocet, 15 Curlew, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 39 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 1 Little Gull, 176 Black headed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gulland 34 Sandwich Tern Kilnsea wetlands and on the Humber a Yellow-legged Gull with 85 Lesser Black backed Gulls.

Ringing: 2 Whitethroat (1 pulli), 1 Lesser Whitethroat pulli, 1 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Thursday, 14 June 2018

Warches: 0450-1715.

The strong south westerly led to almost perfect conditions for Swift movement and while not a big passage it still did not disappoint the observers. Check out Twitter for regular updates on decline of our breeding Swifts using the hashtag #SwiftAwarenessWeek which begins on Saturday.

The 2439 Swift which flew south today will.hopefully be the tip of the iceberg in terms of movement this summer, when with ideal conditions many thousands can make for an exciting spectacle.

Also moving today, 1 Hobby, 19 Swallow, 35 House Martin and 16 Linnet.

Over the sea, 1 Red-throated Diver, 6 Fulmar, 16 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 2 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 17 Kittiwake, 57 Black-headed Gull, 1 Little Gull, 66 Common Gull, 75 Herring Gull, 1Yellow-legged Gull,  39 Sandwich Tern, 6 Common Tern, 24 Arctic Tern, 61 Auk sp, 27 Guillemot and 9 Razorbill.

Also seen today were 1 Brent Goose, drake Garganey, 9 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 4 Little Egret, 20 Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 47 Dunlin, 2 Little Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 57 Sandwich Tern and a Short-eared Owl.

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Wednesday, 13 June 2018

Sunny day with a F1-3 SW wind.

Watches: 0545-1415.

The first south westerlies in what seemed like ages encouraged a southerly movement mainly Swifts.

An interesting record of a Pied Crow of unknown origin flew south today, which are known to ship jump, while an Osprey also flew south along with the a decent 669 Swift.

Also moving 1 Red Kite, 1 Hobby, 10 Lapwing, 6 Stock Dove, 1 Sand Martin, 67 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 1 Alba Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch, 39 Linnet and 5 Goldfinch.

Over the sea, 1 Shelduck, 3 Eider, 10 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 5 Manx Shearwater, 282 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 140 Kittiwake 43 Sandwich Tern, 251 Auk sp, 22 Guillemot, 15 Razorbill and 7 Puffin.

Kilnsea Wetlands still held a nice selection of species with drake Garganey, 11 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 4 Little Egret, 19 Avocet, 6 Lapwing, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 39 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 39 Sandwich Tern and 5 Common Tern on nearby Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 1Robin pulli, 1 Dunnock.

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Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Sunny and warm day with a F1-2 E wind.

Watches: 0600-1100

Little change at the moment, but still a trickle of birds over the sea while Kilnsea Wetlands is attracting a decent gathering of Gulls and Terns.

Over the sea with 7 Eider, 97 Common Scoter, 1 Red throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 43 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 36 Kittiwake, 10 Sandwich Tern, 1 Pomarine Skua, 138 Auk sp 7 Razorbill, 7 Guillemot and 1 Puffin. Overland only 25 Swift, 5 Rook and 11 Swallow.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose, 15 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 4 Teal, a drake Garganey, 14 Avocet, 1 Little Gull, 160 Black headed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 19 Sandwich Tern Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 2 Avocet pulli, 9 Blue Tit pulli.

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Monday, 11 June 2018

Sunny and warm day with a F1-2 E wind.

Watches: 0620-1030

Less over the sea with 63 Common Scoter, 1 Red throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 9 Gannet, 1 Shag, 4 Cormorant, 27 Kittiwake, 9 Sandwich Tern, 25 Auk sp and 4 Guillemot.

Overland only 41 Swift, 1 House Martin and 11 Swallow.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose, 17 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 50 Mallard, 20 Avocet, 1 Yellow legged Gull, 1 Little Gull, 160 Black headed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 20 Sandwich Tern Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 2 Marsh Harrier pulli, 3 Whitethroat pulli, 1 Robin pulli

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 10 June 2018

Overcast to begin becoming a nice sunny warm day with a F0-2 NNE-ESE wind. Watches: 0530-0845

Over the sea with 12 Teal, 68 Common Scoter, 1 Manx Shearwater, 23 Gannet, 74 Kittiwake, 17 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Skua, 146 Auk sp, 17 Guillemot, 29 Razorbill 10 Puffin .

Overland migration was limited to 12 Swallow and migrants to 1 Wheatear, but typically expected at this time of year.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose, 13 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 50 Mallard, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 110 Black headed Gull, and 20 Sandwich Tern Kilnsea wetlands. The first fledged Whitethroat were out of the nest today.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 3 Dunnock (2 pulli), 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Whitethroat.

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Saturday, 09 June 2018

Overcast start, warm day with a F3-1 E-NE wind. Watches:

0600-1015

Over the sea with 10 Teal, 84 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 9 Fulmar, 23 Gannet, 1 Shag, 1 Cormorant, 39 Kittiwake, 35 Sandwich Tern, 93 Auk sp, 13 Razorbill and 10 Puffin.

Little migration with only 2 Hobby and 37 Swallow and the only migrant a Wheatear on clubleys.

Other sightings included 1 Brent Goose, 12 Gadwall, 8 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 42 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 19 Avocet, Curlew Sandpiper and 20 Sandwich Tern Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 3 Great Tit pulli, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

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Friday, 08 June 2018

Overcast with a F3-1 E-NE wind.

Watches: 0445-1230, 1430-1545.

The continued conditions with a prevailing northerly type wind seem to be the norm over the last few years and yet again we seem stuck in the rut. A change to maybe SW winds next week may produce the vismig we crave and a few Swifts.

Over the sea with 1 Teal, 1 Garganey, 131 Common Scoter, 1 Great Northern Diver, 10 Red throated Diver, 17 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 79 Gannet, 1 Shag, 397 Kittiwake, 64 Sandwich Tern, 1 Bonxie, 1 Arctic Tern, 571 Auk sp, 195 Guillemot, 140 Razorbill and 31 Puffin while overland a ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 House Martin and 3 Swallow.

Migrants were limited to 2 Spotted Flycatcher, male Black Redstart and 2 Wheatear.

Other sightings included 2 Brent Geese, 11 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 22 Curlew, 21 Avocet, 1 Curlew Sandpiper Beacon Ponds, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Water Rail along the canal and 1 Short eared Owl.

Ringing: 3 Great Tit pulli.

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Thursday, 07 June 2018

A cold cloudy start soon brightened to leave a warm sunny day with a fresh F4-2 N wind.

Migration Watches: 0545-0950, 1340-1505.

The trickle of migrants continues with new 2 Red-backed Shrike today with a nice male at the Warren and a female at the Point plus 2 Black Redstart, males at the warren and Beacon Lane.

Otherwise 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Wheatear were the rest of the obvious migrants..

Over the sea were 6 Teal, 90 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, 10 Fulmar, 6 Manx Shearwater, 69 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 145 Kittiwake, 5 Lesser-black backed Gull, 57 Sandwich Tern, 134 Guillemot, 278 Razorbill, 10 Puffin and 441 Auk sp while again little overland with 6 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 10 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow and 13 Chaffinch.

Other sightings from today were 5 Brent Geese, 12 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 209 Oystercatcher, 30 Avocet, 2 Whimbrel, a good count of 23 Curlew for the time of year, 1 Curlew Sandpiper Beacon ponds, adult Yellow legged Gull Kilnsea wetlands and a Short-eared Owl at the Warren.

Ringing:  3 Blue Tit pulli, 1 Chaffinch.

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Wednesday, 06 June 2018

Bright, but overcast with some drizzle and a F2 N wind.

Watches: 0600-1300.

No sign of the Rosy Starling and all the main action as predicted was over the sea with 2 Brent Geese, 27 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 75 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red throated Diver, 20 Fulmar, 25 Manx Shearwater, 242 Gannet, 154 Kittiwake, 76 Sandwich Tern, 2 Bonxie, 3 Arctic Skua, 453 Auk sp, 13 Guillemot, 78 Razorbill and 12 Puffin while overland only 1 Hobby, 3 Swift and 26 Swallow.

Migrants were again thin on the ground, but still produced a female Red-backed Shrike on Beacon Lane while also noted were 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Wheatear.

Other sightings included 3 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale-bellied Brent while on Kilnsea Wetlands 9 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 6 Teal and 3 Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint on Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 3 Great Tit pulli.

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Tuesday, 05 June 2018

Overcast, but sunny late afternoon with a F4 N wind. Watches: 0600-1100

Another decent day with the adult Rose-coloured Starling still in the Holderness/ Kilnsea wetlands area showing well, while an in flight only Golden Oriole over an Easington garden as the observer had a cup of tea was not seen again. Late evening a Nightjar was flying about in a garden opposite the Obs. Over the sea our 3rd spring record of Cory's Shearwater flew south past the Warren and with maybe a run of northerlies set to return the sea will be yet again receiving  attention so early in the year.

Migrants were thin on the ground today with 1 Hobby blogging, 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 2 White Wagtail with at least one youngster on Kilnsea Wetlands suggestive of a successful breeding attempt.

Over the sea were19 Common Scoter, 6 Eider, 5 Red throated Diver, 8 Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 111 Gannet, 27 Kittiwake, 39 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Skua, 27 Auk sp, 113 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 2 Puffin,

Overland another 3 Red Kite flew south along with Buzzard, 3 Crow, 3 Swift, 3 Sand Martin and 27 Swallow.

Other sightings included 5 Brent Geese, 7 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 4 Buzzard, 24 Avocet, 5 Redshank and 1 Water Rail canal scrape.

Ringing: 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Great Tit pulli, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Greenfinch pulli.

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Monday, 04 June 2018

Damp, misty drizzle all day with a F0-2 N wind.

Watches: 1345-1445.

Well the influx has now reached Spurn with the appearance of a hoped for and expected nice adult ROSE-COLOURED STARLING on Holderness field. Our 2nd this year after the over wintering bird in Easington. 2 Common Crane flew NE over Kilnsea wetlands, maybe the bird(s) heard only from the weekend? Finally another Red Kite flew south.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea Wetlands included 12 Brent Goose, 5 Teal, 45 Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 5 Little Egret, 1 Little Stint, 1 Kittiwake, 47 Black-headed Gull, 110 Herring Gull, 1 Common Tern and a Spotted Flycatcher on Vicars Lane.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Robin pulli.

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Sunday, 03 June 2018

Yet again fog hampered early viewing before clearing to leave a fine hot sunny day with and a F0-2 SE-NNE wind.

Watches- 0525-0625, 1150-1540.

While it has been an interesting period of birding maybe a change is needed? With the daily fog now becoming a bit tiresome and migrant numbers slowly dropping, either stronger winds or some SW winds could be interesting, but it seems like it’s more of the same, though a trickle of decent for a few days so late in the spring is not such a bad thing.

Today saw (or at least heard) a Crane lost in the fog, frustrating the visually hindered birders who had to rely on their hearing. No such problems in seeing the female Red-backed Shrike which continued its lonely vigil at Chalk bank.

Otherwise migrant numbers took a tumble with 1 Cuckoo, 1 Hobby blogging, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Fieldfare at Sammys, 1 Redwing still Chalk bank, 1 Wheatear and 4 Yellow Wagtail.

On the move were 1 Hobby, 36 Swift, 40 Swallow, 19 House Martin, 1 Grey wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin.

Other sightings included 67 Brent Geese Humber, 7 Gadwall, 26 Mallard, 5 Teal, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Little Stint Beacon ponds, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Common Tern and 73 Little Tern.

Just outside the area a female Red-backed Shrike was along the Humber bank west of Sammys carpark.

Ringing: 1 Starling, 10 Blue Tit pulli, 2 Robin (1 pulli), 1 Dunnock, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 5 Blackbird pulli, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch.        

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Saturday, 02 June 2018

Damp and overcast with heavy showers and a F0-2 variable wind.

Watches- 0515-0915, 1030-1400.

Seemingly a bit of a clear out, but still a few bits of interest about with 3 Red-backed Shrike seen (male Warren, females corner field and Point) and a singing brown male Rosefinch on Green lane, Easington were the bird highlights.

Migrant wise there seemed to be a few new birds in, but good numbers of breeders mixed in too with 2 Cuckoo, 1 Hobby blogging, 1 Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 16 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redwing, 2 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 2 Siskin.

On the move were 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet, 4 Fulmar, 2 Eider, 56 Auk sp, 1 Hobby, 28 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 92 Swallow, 28 House Martin, 1 Flava wagtail and 2 Alba wagtail while heading out east were 15 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 22 Kittiwake, 14 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern and 13 Brent Geese.

Other sightings included 14 Brent Geese Humber, 10 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 6 Common Scoter, 234 Oystercatcher Chalk bank, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Puffin on the Humber, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Tern and 73 Little Tern.

Ringing: 1 Gannet, 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

Rarer still in the Moth trap was the 3rd record of Purple Cloud for Yorkshire at Kew, following hot on the heels of the 2nd in Easington 3 days ago.

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Friday, 01 June 2018

Foggy at first clearing by 11.30, then being a hot and sunny day with a F2-1 ENE wind.

Watches- 0430-0630, 0800-1500.

The strange spring continues! Having had little in the way of visible migration, with terrible movements of Hirundines and Finches, a lack of any decent arrivals of common migrants bar the odd day and with even many of the breeders arriving back late, the month of May has been continually dominated by Scandinavian breeders overshooting onto our bit of coast. It has brought all of the expected species and we hope it continues for the next week or so. Typically today brought yet more of the same and yet again few commoner migrants, while Raptors made a push with Red Kite featuring strongly in recent days.

The day started with a bang when a male RUSTIC BUNTING was found on the driveway of sandy beaches, then throughout the morning a small arrival occurred with 1 Marsh Warbler singing at the Point, 3 Red-backed Shrike (2 male/female triangle, 1 male Lighthouse) and 2 Rosefinch, one being a brown singing male on the parade ground at the Point, while an Osprey went south from here and the singing Golden Oriole was still present for its 4th day and occasionally showing well.

A few migrants still remain or have arrived, 3 Cuckoo, 1 Hobby lingering at the Point, 2 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Redwing at the Point, Fieldfare at Sammy’s, 6 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 6 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Yellowhammer at the Point.

On the move were 1 Barnacle Goose, 14 Common Scoter, 2 Shoveler, 3 Fulmar, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Red Kite, 3 Marsh Harrier, 8 Common Buzzard, 4 Hobby, a Glaucous Gull, 9 Carrion Crow, 8 Jackdaw, 63 Swift, Sand Martin, 149 Swallow, 42 House Martin, 1 Flava wagtail, 5 Chaffinch, 7 Linnet and 14 Goldfinch while heading out east were 7 Shelduck, 8 Sandwich Tern and a great total of 303 Brent Geese.

Other sightings included 3 Brent Geese Humber, 5 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 15 Avocet, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 12 Curlew, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Gull on Kilnsea wetlands, a Peregrine and a Short-eared Owl at Sammy’s.

Ringing: 5 Peregrine pulli, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Dunnock pulli.                           

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Thursday, 31 May 2018

Another foggy day with a F0-1 E-SE wind.
Watches- 0900-1115, 1530-1615.

The foggy conditions continue even effecting the quality of most of thesubmitted photos.

The reeling SAVI'S WARBLER is still present and found its way into a net in the evening. The Golden Oriole was still wandering the area, even sharing a bush at one point with one of the 2 Red-backed Shrike females present by the Riverside and at Chalk bank.

Still as trickle of late migrants about with 3 Cuckoo, 2 Hobby, 4 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaff, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Fieldfare at Sammy’s, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 14 Wheatear and 3 Yellow Wagtail.

On the move were 14 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Red Kite (with maybe another 2 later), 2 Jackdaw, 3 Sand Martin, 276 Swallow, 83 House Martin, 1 Flava wagtail and 4 Chaffinch while heading out east 61 Brent Geese, 23 Sandwich Tern and 3 Arctic Tern.
Other sightings included 55 Brent Geese, 8 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Pochard, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 4 Kestrel, 120 Knot, 500 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 1 Curlew Humber and 1 Little Stint on Holderness field, 116 House Sparrow in Kilnsea and 12 Yellowhammer.

Ringing: 1 Starling, 1 Savi’s Warbler, 2 Tree Sparrow pulli, 2 Chaffinch (1 pulli).

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Wednesday, 30 May 2018

Another damp, foggy day with a cold F3-0 wind.

A few of the Obs team and locals helped out the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust with barbed wire removal, for the benefit of local wildlife.

A day of difficult birding due tp the fog, but it turned out to be a good one. A reeling SAVI'S WARBLER along the canal, showed occasionally and as the day wore on sang more frequently. This is only the 4th record for the Obs, but follows on from the 3rd record in 2017. An Icterine Warbler was singing at the Point, continuing our good record with birds in spring while the singing Golden Oriole contiued to wander the triangle area and the female Red-backed Shrike still at Chalk bank

Typical late spring migrant species and  totals, 2 Common Sandpiper, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Fieldfare at Sammy’s, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 10 Chaffinch.

Little were on the move, 19 Arctic Tern out east, 5 House Martin and 78 Swallow.

Other sightings included 4 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, Water Rail along the canal, 216 Oystercatcher at Chalk bank, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew Chalk bank, 1 Ruff, 1 Little Stint and 2 Curlew Sandpiper Holderness field, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Short-eared Owl and 2 Bullfinch. A ringtail Harrier sp was reported at Sammy’s.

Ringing: 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Reed Warbler.

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Tuesday, 29 May 2018

A damp foggy day with a cold F3 N wind.

A singing Golden Oriole is along the canal occasionally showing well, continuing its annual appearance at Spurn and maintaining it as the best place in Yorkshire to see one, a Quail was flushed from the Clifftop south of the Bluebell and the 2 Red-backed Shrike are still present at Sammy's and Chalk Bank.

Migrant totals while varied were typically low, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Cuckoo, 2 Hobby ‘blogging’, 1 Fieldfare at Sammy's, 2 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 9 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail and 2 Crossbill on Beacon Lane.

On the move 27 Swallow were the only birds of note in the conditions.

Other sightings included 29 Brent Geese, 6 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Egret, 2 Lapwing, 8 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew Humber, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff. 1 Little Stint and 1 Curlew Sandpiper Kilnsea wetlands/Holderness field and 5 Yellowhammer Peter lane.

Ringing: 1 Guillemot, 1 Chaffinch pulli

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Monday, 28 May 2018

Rolling sea fret all day with a chilly F1-3 N wind.

Watches- 0545-0945, 1015-1230, 1415-1515.

The interesting array of late migrants continues with a Nightjar at the Warren the highlight. 2 Red-backed Shrike with a new female at Sammy’s plus the other female still at Chalk bank, while only 1 Marsh Warbler remained at the Potato fields and a Hooded Crow on Green lane.

Otherwise there were yet again great totals for Chiffchaff, while Reed Warbler finally arrived in decent numbers, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo in the triangle, 4 Swift, 3 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 16 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, an unseasonal Fieldfare at Sammy’s, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 8 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 2 Siskin .

Over the sea 169 Common Scoter, 5 Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 14 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 2 Golden Plover, 88 Kittiwake with 250 lingering on the Humber, 11 Sandwich Tern, 81 auk sp, 175 Guillemot, 18 Razorbill while it was much quieter overland with only 1 Sand Martin, 64 Swallow, 7 House Martin and 1 Redpoll seen.

Other sightings included 30 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, 52 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier and 9 Whimbrel while in the Kilnsea wetlands area 1 Ruff, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 22 Redshank (unusual number for this time of year) and 1 Greenshank.

Ringing: 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher.

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Sunday, 27 May 2018

A nice sunny day with a fresh F3 E wind.

Migration Watches: 0530-1300, 1145-1500.

A female Red-backed Shrike was found early morning at Chalk bank and 2 Marsh Warbler remained at the Warren and Potato fields, while decent totals for so late in the spring were logged, 1 Water Rail, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 2 Cuckoo, a Long-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 13 Wheatear, 2 Yellow wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 3 Siskin.

Over the sea 3 Teal, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 12 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 214 Kittiwake, 31 Lesser-black backed Gull, 1 Little Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 4 Black Tern, 10 Sandwich Tern, 305 Guillemot, 37 Razorbill, 3 Puffin and 180 Auk sp

Overland 1 Red Kite, 13 Swift, 13 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 10 Sand Martin, 850 Swallow (the biggest count of the spring), 266 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 43 Chaffinch, 6 Crossbill, 21 Goldfinch and 11 Siskin.

Other sightings from today were 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 6 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Ruff, 19 Redshank, 120 Dunlin and 1 Curlew Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands, 200 Sanderling chalk bank and 63 Bar-tailed Godwit on the Humber.

Ringing:  5 Starling pulli, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Redstart, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Robin pulli, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Linnet.

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Saturday, 26 May 2018

Overcast clearing for a sunny afternoon and evening with a F1-3 E-NE wind.

Watches: 0500-1700.

The easterly airflow continues and giving hope for something really good to turn up. A Red-breasted Flycatcher was found on the west side of Easington gas terminal showing well while 2 Marsh Warbler were seen today with a new bird at the Warren and the other remained at the Potato fields. 3 Black Tern on Kilnsea Wetlands were a welcome sight as they rarely hang around in spring and were enjoyed by plenty of observers.

Other migrants among breeders included a Water Rail feeding around a garden pond in Kilnsea, 1 Curlew Sandpiper on Kilnsea Wetlands, 2 Wood Sandpiper Holderness field, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, male Blue-headed Wagtail, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 11 Wheatear and a Brambling at the Point.

Vis migging was relatively productive as of late with more Swallow on the move, 1 Gadwall, 3 Eider, 13 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Fulmar, 20 Gannet, 3 Greenshank,63 Arctic Tern, 1 Common Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Black tailed Godwit and 40 Grey Plover out east.

Overland 3 Sand Martin, 412 Swallow, 9 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit and 1 Chaffinch.

Other sightings included 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Barnacle Geese, 123 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale bellied Brent, 5 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, a blogging Red Kite, 2 Peregrine, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Lapwing, 8 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Curlew and a Little Gull on Kilnsea Wetlands.

An Otter was seen early morning on Beacon Ponds.

Ringing: 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock (1 pulli), 1 House Sparrow, 3 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Friday, 25 May 2018

Heavy rain on the morning, clearing to nice day with a F1-3 NE wind.

Watches- 0505-1210, 1530-1540.

A nice varied day with some top highlights. 10 Pomarine Skua were an awesome sight as they headed east out of the Humber, along with 7 Black Tern and 13 Arctic Tern. A Red-breasted Flycatcher was found at the warren while 2 Marsh Warbler were singing in the area on Beacon lane and another found at the Potato fields. The 2 Temminck’s Stint and 2 Wood Sandpiper remained on Holderness field, along with 2 Grey-headed Wagtail.

Some decent migrant totals, 1 Cuckoo, 6 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 13 Sedge Warbler, 6 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 15 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 7 Tree Pipit, 2 Crossbill in the Churchyard and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

Over the sea 2 Red-throated Diver, 6 Cormorant, 2 Manx Shearwater, 120 Gannet and 1 Bonxie.

Other sightings included 123 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 3 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, 297 Sanderling, 5 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 1 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Wren, 1  Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 24 May 2018

A foggy start clearing to a nice sunny day despite the cool F4 NNE wind.

Migration Watches: 0545-0945, 1145-1500.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Holderness field area yet again proved its worth with the 2 Temminck’s Stint still present along with 2 Grey-headed Wagtail, 2 Wood Sandpiper and a Ruff while yet another addition to the yearlist nearly snuck through with a ringtail Montagu's Harrier making its way south.

A singing Marsh Warbler found on Beacon lane eventually showed as the temperature increased, but yet again few other migrants were logged, 1 Water Rail, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Swift, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Wheatear, 2 Yellow wagtail and 1 White Wagtail.

Over the sea and land were 1 Red-throated Diver, 14 Fulmar, 15 Manx Shearwater, 32 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 232 Kittiwake, 7 Arctic Tern and 3 Whimbrel out east, 177 Guillemot, 19 Razorbill and 2 Puffin, 10 Auk sp  while moving overland only 1 Sand Martin, 141 Swallow and 9 House Martin.

Other sightings from today were 120 Brent Geese, 7 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Curlew, 1600 Dunlin and 1 Curlew Sandpiper on the Humber and a Corn Bunting at Easington lagoon.

Ringing:  10 Tree Sparrow pulli

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Wednesday, 23 May 2018

A blustery overcast day with a F4 NNE wind.

Migration Watches: 0630-1800

A great start to the day with 2 Temminck’s Stint on Kilnsea wetlands. A Red Kite was blogging about the area while in the colony we have our first Little Tern egg.

It almost feels like spring is nearly over without ever seeming to have begun, with today’s totals reflecting the poor time we have been having with 10 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 3 Yellow wagtail and 2 White Wagtail.

A bit of movement over the sea with 9 Red-throated Diver, 28 Fulmar, 12 Manx Shearwater, 45 Gannet, 62 Kittiwake, 5 Common Tern, 87 Auk sp, 134 Guillemot, 22 Razorbill, 2 Puffin while moving overland only  6 Swallow.

Other sightings from today were 44 Brent Geese, 16 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 8 Curlew and 42 Little Tern.

Ringing:  2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 1 Chaffinch.

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Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Overcast with a cool blustery F4-5 N wind.

Migration Watches: 0600-1215.

While spring may never have really got going at Spurn, scarcer migrants seem to keep turning up, the latest being a singing male Marsh Warbler at Kew  along with totals of Common Sandpiper on Canal scrape, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Spotted Flycatcher at Sammys and a Stonechat at Cliffe farm was unusual for the time of year.

Over land and sea were 7 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar including a blue phase bird, 18 Gannet, 21 Kittiwake, 1 Common Tern and 2 Arctic Tern out east, 52 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, 1 Swift, 27 Swallow and 4 House Martin.

Other sightings from today were 103 Brent Geese still hanging along with the Pale-bellied Brent  on the Humber, 2 Gadwall, 3 Teal, a Peregrine, 5 Curlew and 82 Sandering.

Ringing:  4 Starling pulli

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Monday, 21 May 2018

A foggy day clearing late afternoon to leave a nice sunny evening and a F0-1 N-NE wind.

Migration Watches: 0920-1545.

A Quail in/off the sea at Easington gas terminal was a nice addition to keep the year list ticking over, but it didn’t herald any great arrival, 1 Little Stint Holderness field, 1 Wood Sandpiper on Clubley’s,  3 Common Sandpiper on Canal scrape, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 11 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 White Wagtail and 4 Wheatear of note while a possible Mealy Redpoll was at the Point.

Typical fare as late over land and sea with 2 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 1 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern, 8 Swift, 7 Jackdaw, 1 Hooded Crow, 4 Carrion Crow, 216 Swallow, 22 House Martin and 5 Sand Martin.

Other sightings from today were 166 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale-bellied Brent  on the Humber, 5 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 3 Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sammy’s,  Little Owl in Easington, 1 Tawny Owl ay Kew and 13 Yellowhammer in Easington.

Ringing:  5 Starling pulli, 1 Stock Dove pulli, 1 Dunnock pulli, 2 Chiffchaff

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Sunday, 20 May 2018

Clear and sunny most of the day, except between 0630-1230, with heavy sea fret and a F1 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0500-1000, 1500-1600.

A quiet day again with a Hooded Crow on Green lane the highlight, but there were few real migrants about, (not including our local breeders) with only 1 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 White Wagtail and 1 Wheatear of note.

On the move over land and sea were 2 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern, 8 Swift, 2 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 163 Swallow, 22 House Martin, 16 Linnet and 25 Goldfinch though fog hampered veiwing.

Other sightings from today were 106 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale-bellied Brent  on the Humber, 5 Gadwall, 1 Lapwing, 12 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull Kilnsea wetlands, Yellow-legged Gull at Sammys, 1 Tawny Owl ay Kew and a Short-eared Owl at Sammys point.

Ringing:  16 Starling pulli, 23 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chaffinch (42 of 4 species).

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Saturday, 19 May 2018

A fine sunny day, though chilly in a F1-2 E-SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0500-1105, 1200-1750.

A quiet day was more than livened up by the appearance of yet another stunning male Bluethroat in the garden of Driftwood, showing very well on and off all afternoon.

Few other migrants about,  9 Sedge Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff  and 2 White Wagtail were poor.

On the move over land and sea were 2 Gadwall, 18 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated diver, 2 Fulmar, 1 Little Egret, 27 Gannet, 2 Marsh harrier, 1 Red Kite, 1 Buzzard, 1 Whimbrel out east, 4 kittiwake, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 9 Sandwich Tern, 9 Auk sp, 5 Swift, 5 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 11 Sand Martin, 351 Swallow, 18 House Martin, 3 Greenfinch, 22 Linnet, 25 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 4 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings from today were 57 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale-bellied Brent  on the Humber, 45 Mute Swan, 2 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Lapwing, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 5 Redshank, 1000 Dunlin, 2 Curlew Sandpiper by the gate, 1 Little Stint Kilnsea wetlands, Yellow-legged Gull at Sammys, 62 Little Tern and a Short-eared Owl at Chalk bank.

Ringing:  1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff

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Friday, 18 May 2018

A cool but sunny day with F1 N early morning becoming a F1 SEwind.

Watches- 0545-1100, 1355-1730.

Very few migrants about with 1 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 51 Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtail.

Plenty of effort was put into vis-migging with very little reward, 6 Common Scoter, 4 Little Egret, 3 Sandwich Tern, 10 Auk sp, 1 Hobby, 5 Jackdaw, 4 sand Martin, 120 Swallow, 4 House Martin and 1 Flava wagtail.

Other sightings included 92 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 7 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 21 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Egret, 3 Lapwing, 450 Grey Plover, 2000 Dunlin, 10 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew Humber, 1 Little Stint on Beacon ponds and a Peregrine over the Humber.

Ringing: Nil

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Thursday, 17 May 2018

A bright breezy day with a F4 N wind.

Migration Watches: 0800-1045.

Social media seems to be awash with country wide reports of ‘missing’ returning breeders, and while it may be true, the concerns for each species mentioned, appear to be followed by a late arrival, hopefully this trend will continue, as some still have not appeared in their usual areas or densities.

Another decent day over the sea with 1 Eider, 40 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, a record breaking 6 Great Northern Diver, 23 Fulmar inc 1 Blue-phase bird, 1 Manx Shearwater, 225 Gannet, 222 Kittiwake, 11 Sandwich Tern, 16 Arctic Tern, 1 Arctic Skua, 215 Auk sp, 1479 Guillemot, 36 Razorbill and 4 Puffin.

No sign of the Bluethroat and overall, little change migrant wise again, with similar totals to the previous day. A Woodlark at the Warren was an interesting late spring record, and even entered the Observatory list when it flew over ‘its’ air space, while a blogging Hooded Crow was a decent padder for year listers, otherwise 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Wheatear and 1 White Wagtail were springs offerings.

Other sightings from today were 11 Brent Geese remaining on the Humber, 4 Wigeon, 1 Goosander Kilnsea wetlands, 10 Avocet, 5 Whimbrel and 3000+ Dunlin.

Ringing:  Nil

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Wednesday, 16 May 2018

Overcast with sunny spells and a F5 N wind.

Migration Watches: 0600-1100.

A good day over the sea with the highlight being a Red-necked Grebe plus 1 Pintail, 3 Eider, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Northern Diver (spring record count), 14 Fulmar, 11 Manx Shearwater, 370 Gannet, 224 Kittiwake, 22 Sandwich Tern, 158 Auk sp, 2044 Guillemot (2nd highest day count), 32 Razorbill and 3 Puffin.

Few migrants about, but that didn’t stop a stunning male red spotted BLUETHROAT from being found, showing well at Cliff farm plus a Long-eared Owl, but after that only 1 Blackcap, 1Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff and 1 Siskin were of note.

Other sightings from today were 4 Lapwing on Holderness field, 3 Whimbrel and a Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing:  Nil

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Tuesday, 15 May 2018

A nice sunny day with a F0-2 N-NE wind.

Sea Watch: 0545-0930.

A good find today was a 2nd calendar year Caspian Gull showing well on Kilnsea wetlands.

Migrant wise a few birds still catching the eye with a new or relocated Red-backed Shrike just south of the Breach plus the drake Garganey on Kilnsea wetlands. Otherwise 9 Whimbrel, 2 Cuckoo, only 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 11 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher at the Warren and 1 Wheatear made for a quiet day.

A few bits on the move, 1 Hobby, 3 Carrion Crow, 5 Jackdaw, 47 Swallow, 1 House Martin and 2 Linnet.

Other sightings today were 41 Mute Swan, 2 Common Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier and 10 Avocet.

Ringing: Nil.

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Monday, 14 May 2018

A bright and sunny day with some cloud and a F0-2 N NE wind.

Watches- 0545-0930, 1530-1630.

A few highlights today included some very welcome additions to the yearlist, the best being 2 Bee-eater south past Numpties after sitting on wires at the Warren for a while and continuing our annual recording of this species. A female Red-backed Shrike was showing rather distantly behind Driftwood and a very showy female type Red-breasted Flycatcher at the Warren kept the photographers busy.

Low migrant numbers again, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 8 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 1 White Wagtail.

On the move were over sea and land were 22 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, ringtail Hen Harrier, 26 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 66 Swallow, 1 Chaffinch and 3 Goldfinch.

Other sightings included 220 Brent Geese Humber, 44 Mute Swan, 5 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 3 Tufted plus an apparent Scaup like hybrid, 10 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 51 Little Tern.

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Sunday, 13 May 2018

A nice sunny day with a F1-2 SW wind.

Sea Watch: 0615-10455.

Overnight easterlies with drizzle gave hope to an arrival today, but that soon fizzled out with the wind in the SW and clear skies. There were however more Willow Warbler about and an unseasonal Fieldfare, but overall it was a quiet day.

Migrant totals were 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 8 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Fieldfare on Beacon lane, 2 Black Redstart, 6 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Siskin.

A few bits on the move, 10 Gannet, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Carrion Crow, 2 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 113 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail and 1 Chaffinch.

Other sightings today were 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier and 1 Short-eared Owl at Chalk bank.

Ringing: 4 Starling pulli, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldfinch

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Saturday, 12 May 2018

A fine calm morning, showers late afternoon with a F1-2 S-E wind.

Watches: 0545-1540.
 

Seemingly more Whitethroat in today, with plenty of excitable males jousting for territories. Migrant wise 3 Common Sandpiper, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, [strong]2 Curlew Sandpiper[/strong], 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Swift, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 66 Whitethroat, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, Black Redstart at the point and 7 Wheatear.

A little bit more over the land today, with our biggest count of the spring for Swallow heading south, though well below the norm. Moving today 20 Common Scoter, 22 Gannet, 12 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern and 1 Little Tern out east, 4 Sandwich Tern, 1 Hobby, 1 Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stock Dove, 60 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 10 Sand Martin, 301 Swallow, 9 House Martin, 3 Alba Wagtail, 3 Tree Sparrow, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch and 3 Linnet.

Other sightings included 220 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale bellied Brent on Long bank, 9 Gadwall, 2 male Wigeon, 4 Grey Partridge, 4 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, a Little Gull on Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Barn Owl and a Little Owl.
 

Ringing: 5 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock.

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Friday, 11 May 2018

A bright, but cloudy day and chilly in the F2 SE-ESE wind.

Watches: 0545-11.10.

The numbers of Waders are slowly building on the Humber in readiness for departure to northern breeding sites. Most are in their fine breeding plumage, and the estuary was alive with the sound of 1050 Grey Plover, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 8000 Dunlin and 196 Sanderling, among lesser numbers of Knot and Bar tailed Godwit while 6 Redshank remain on Kilnsea Wetlands.

Few migrants again other than breeders about today 4 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Cuckoo, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Redstart by the Listening dish, and 4 Wheatear.

Not much happening again over land or sea in this poor spring with 10 Common Scoter, 82 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern, 4 Sandwich Tern, 3 Swift, 28 Jackdaw, 1 Sand Martin, 76 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 4 Tree Sparrow, 47 Linnet and 8 Goldfinch.

Other sightings included 272 Brent Geese plus 2 Pale bellied Brent on Long bank, 5 Gadwall, 2 male Wigeon, 6 Grey Partridge and 1 Black tailed Godwit..

Ringing: 2 Whitethroat.

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Thursday, 10 May 2018

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Overnight rain cleared to leave a nice sunny day with <20% cloud and a 0-2 Westerly wind

Watches: 07.00-12.00 + 15.00-17.15.

Moving today were 1 Gannet, 1 Kestrel, 1 Whimbrel, 17 Herring Gull, 4 Swift, 1 Jackdaw,  10 Carrion Crow, 7 Sand Martin, 264 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Sparrow, 8 Chaffinch, 37 Linnet and 17 Goldfinch and 1 Siskin.

Other sightings included 300 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale bellied Brent on Long bank, 3 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup (or hybrid), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 2 Cuckoo, 23 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat and 3 Spotted Flycatcher.

Ringing: Nil

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Wednesday, 09 May 2018

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Another sunny day but with periods of hazy cloud cooling things down somewhat a F2 SW wind.

Watches: 05.45-11.00 + 14.25-17.15.

The highlight of a fairly slow day was the years first Wood Sandpiper on Holderness field and Hobby moving through, and an immature Spoonbill which flew south mid aftenoon.  Also on the move were 2 Cormorant, 3 Marsh Harrier, 8 Whimbrel, 1 Common Tern. 4 Swift, 6  Rook, 22 Carrion Crow, 4 Sand Martin, 157 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail,  4 Chaffinch, 12 Linnet and 6 Goldfinch.

Other sightings included 320 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale bellied Brent on Long bank, 5 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup (although the hybrid possibility has reared its head), 1 Marsh Harrier, 4 Buzzard 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Short eared Owl and 20 Wheatear.

Ringing: Nil

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Tuesday, 08 May 2018

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A nice sunny day, some cloud mid afternoon with a F2 SE-SW wind.

Watches: 1330-1715.

Few migrants again other than breeders about today 17 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Cuckoo, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 13 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Whinchat and 14 Wheatear.

Disappointingly no watches in the morning, but in the afternoon yet another Red-rumped Swallow flew south past Numpties after initially being seen over Easington while in the same period were 2 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 16 Sand Martin, 177 Swallow, 29 House Martin and 1 Flava Wagtail.

Other sightings included 175 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale bellied Brent on Long bank, 3 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup, male Goosander Beacon Ponds, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Grey Partridge and now 42 Little Tern at Beacon Ponds as the colony slowly grows.

Ringing: Nil

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Monday, 07 May 2018

Another very nice hot sunny day with a F1 SE wind
Watches: 0610-1015.

A spoonbill was over Kilnsea wetlands early morning landing on Beacon ponds, then flying off south and a Pied Flycatcher at Sammy's in this good year for them.

Quiet overall with mainly the local breeders making up the numbers, 13 Avocet, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 14 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 13 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Song Thrush, 7 Whinchat and 7 Wheatear.

On the move were 23 Common Scoter, 1 Merlin, 7 Wood Pigeon, 2 Swift, 22 Jackdaw, 9 Carrion Crow, 13 Sand Martin, 102 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Alba Wagtail, 4 Chaffinch, 16 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 15 Goldfinch.

Other sightings included 317 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale bellied Brent on Long bank, 6 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, male Goosander Beacon Ponds and 39 Little Tern Beacon Ponds.

Ringing: Nil

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Sunday, 06 May 2018

A very nice hot sunny day with a F1 SE wind
Watches: 0500-1100.

A very showy Long-eared Owl was at Sammys in the last paddock and the Wryneck still on the road by the Bluebell.

Surprisingly still more Chiffchaff about than Willow Warbler, while again less migrants about in general, 13 Whimbrel, 3 Cuckoo, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 13 Lesser Whitethroat, 35 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 4 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 13 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat and 14 Wheatear.

Another day and again little on the move, surely soon! On the move were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little ringed Plover, 8 Arctic Tern out east, 2 Jackdaw, 5 Carrion Crow, 22 Sand Martin, 152 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 38 Linnet and 26 Goldfinch.

Other sightings included 121 Brent Geese Long bank, 5 Tufted Duck and male Scaup Kilnsea Wetlands, male Goosander Beacon Ponds, Red breasted Merganser on the Humber, 312 Sanderling, 38 Little Tern Beacon Ponds, Tawny Owl at Kew and 3 Corn Bunting.

Ringing: Nil

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Saturday, 05 May 2018

A nice sunny cloudless day with a F1-3 SE wind
Watches: 0515-1015.

A Wryneck is new in at the Warren today, later moving up to the Bluebell, while an elusive Firecrest was singing on Beacon lane.

A clear out of the previous days migrant numbers, but further increases in breeders as the settled fine weather takes effect, 21 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Cuckoo, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 21 Lesser Whitethroat, 62 Whitethroat, 12 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 7 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 16 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 7 Song Thrush, 2 Whinchat and 39 Wheatear.

Vis-migging has a familiar 'same old' feel about, which no doubt will change given a good run of favourable conditions, so 5 Arctic Tern out east, 22 Wood Pigeon, 8 Carrion Crow, 10 Sand Martin, 86 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 7 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch, 35 Linnet, 1 Siskin, 22 Goldfinch and 2 Corn Bunting was the best we could muster this morning.

Other sightings included 100 Brent Geese Long bank, 10 Tufted Duck and male Scaup Kilnsea Wetlands, male Goosander Beacon Ponds, 350 Grey Plover, 2 Golden Plover Long bank, 600+ Dunlin, 20 Little Tern Beacon Ponds, 1 Short eared Owl Chalk Bank and 9 Yellowhammer in Easington.

Ringing: Nil

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Friday, 04 May 2018

Warm sunny day, clouding over later with a F1 WSW wind
Watches: 0520-1130.

A Wood Warbler showed well in the last paddock east of sammys carpark and our first Spotted Flycatcher of the spring is at the Warren.

There was a nice increase in migrant totals today, mainly Chats, but good overall, 29 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 46 Whitethroat, 16 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 16 Willow Warbler, 36 Chiffchaff, 8 Sedge Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 7 Redstart, 12 Whinchat and 113 Wheatear.

Vis-mig totals are still relatively poor for the time of year, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swift, 31 Wood Pigeon, 28 Jackdaw, 20 Rook, 26 Carrion Crow, 3 Sand Martin, 67 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 8 Tree Sparrow, 9 Flava Wagtail, 65 Linnet, 39 Goldfinch, 3 Corn Bunting and 1 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings included 82 Brent Geese, 43 Mute Swan, 3 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goosander Beacon Ponds, 270 Sanderling at the Point, 1 Short eared Owl and 1 Common Buzzard.

Ringing: Nil.

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Thursday, 03 May 2018

A nice sunny day with a F1-3 W-SW wind
Watches: 0530-1420, 1650-1800.

At last a decent increase in Whitethroat numbers, having been slow in arriving while there was no sign of the Nightingale today.
Totals today, 42 Whimbrel, 3 Cuckoo, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Song Thrush, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 40 Whitethroat, 15 Blackcap, 10 Willow Warbler, 22 Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, a Firecrest at Sammys, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat and 15 Wheatear.

Visible-migration is still being poor, testing even the most die hard watchers, today 11 Barnacle Geese flew SE then out to sea, a Glaucous Gull, 3 Marsh Harrier south, 3 Goosander, 2 Curlew and 33 Arctic Tern out east, 6 Cormorant, 19 Wood Pigeon, 19 Jackdaw, 36 Rook, 58 Carrion Crow, 7 Sand Martin, 163 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 1 Bullfinch, 52 Linnet, 39 Goldfinch, 3 Corn Bunting and 4 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings included 117 Brent Geese, 6 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goosander Kilnsea Wetlands, 268 Oystercatcher, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 19 Little Tern Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Short eared Owl and a Tawny Owl at Kew. An escaped Harris Hawk was sat on the Heligoland trap.

Ringing: 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch.

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Wednesday, 02 May 2018

A horrible day with heavy rain, clearing by 2pm and a F6-4 S-W wind.
Sea Watch: 0630-0815.
A strong southerly with heavy rain made it difficult, but it seemed there may be a few birds about, though when the rain stopped, they apparently moved on quickly.

The Nightingale showed today after the rain had stopped, singing in the last paddock east from the carpark. A Wood Warbler singing at the Warren was the first of the spring. 
Other migrant totals were 1 Little-ringed Plover, 7 Little Tern at Beacon ponds, 2 Cuckoo, 25 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 16 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Redwing, 6 Pied Flycatcher, 14 Wheatear, 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Siskin.
A few bits were on the move today after the rain stopped, 19 Rook, 1 Sand Martin, 54 Swallow, 5 Flava Wagtail and 9 Goldfinch.
Interesting sightings today were 38 Mute Swan, 5 Little Egret, 2 Common Buzzard, 2 Curlew SandpiperKilnsea wetlands, the Tawny Owl at Kew and 2 Coal Tit. 

Ringing: 1 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch.

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Tuesday, 01 May 2018

A Nightingale is in song at Sammys while a few Pied Flycatcher remain and 4 Little Tern at Beacon Ponds.

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Monday, 30 April 2018

Cloudy day, with a chilly F5-6 NNE wind.
Watches: 0645-1015.

Very difficult conditions and no surprise that few of the migrants of the last 2 days were seen today.

A Wryneck was reported at Sammys, 2 Common Sandpiper on Kilnsea Wetlands, 20 Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Redstart, 2 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail and 2 Siskin.

Other interesting sightings were 26 Mute Swan, 5 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, male Eider on the Humber, 210 Grey Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 1500 Dunlin and 3 Arctic Tern.

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Sunday, 29 April 2018

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Overcast day, with a chilly F1-3 NNE wind.
Watches: 0645-0920.

A big clear out of yesterday's migrants, but a noteworthy day with 12 Pied Flycatcher, the joint 2nd highest spring count. Otherwise 1 Wryneck remained in the Driftwood/Riverside area, 2 Common Sandpiper canal scrape, 2 Cuckoo, 60 Swallow, 1 Grasshopper Warbler Warren, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 6 Blackcap, 18 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Black Redstart by Cliffe farm, 3 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 64 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, Water Pipit in Walker butts, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Bullfinch and a Hawfinch.

Vis-migging was just about limited to a decent 61 Arctic Tern out east.

Other interesting sightings were 43 Mute Swan, 1 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 2 Red breasted Merganser, 29 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 13 Avocet, 3 Curlew Sandpiper and 1 Little Tern.

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Saturday, 28 April 2018

Drizzle all day with a cool F3-4 N wind.
Watches: 0545-1030.

A fantastic day of arrivals brought 2 or 3 Wryneck to the area, along with brilliant totals of 'common migrants', with 1 Cuckoo, 100 Swallow, 3 reeling Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 22 Lesser Whitethroat,10 Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 29 Blackcap, 62 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest in canal hedge, 5 Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 male Black Redstart, 3 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 75 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and a Hawfinch in the crown area.

Vis-migging 1 Scaup, 10 Arctic Tern out east, 2 Swift, 6 House Martin, 33 Swallow, 1 Flava Wagtail and 1 Yellowhammer.

Other interesting sightings were 47 Mute Swan, 120 Brent Geese, 6 Wigeon, 2 Scaup, 5 Tufted Duck and a Shoveler to the Humber, 37 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 200 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 11 Avocet, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Ruff and 7 Little Tern.

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Friday, 27 April 2018

Overcast day, rain from mid-day and a F0-3 SW-SE wind.
Watches: 0530-1000.

Our first Black Tern of the year put in an appearance today when one flew south over the Humber.
Other migrant totals were better today with Little ringed Plover on Kilnsea Wetlands, 41 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler at Sammys, 5 Whitethroat, 9 Blackcap, 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Whinchat, 41 Wheatear, 9 Yellow Wagtail and 2 White Wagtail.

Vis-migging 2 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Red throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 16 Cormorant, 133 Herring Gull, 8 Wood Pigeon, 4 Stock Dove, 6 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 14 Carrion Crow, 1 Coal Tit, 1 House Martin, 10 Swallow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 23 Linnet, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, 11Goldfinch, 2 Corn Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer.

Other interesting sightings were 38 Mute Swan, 250 Brent Geese, 62 Greylag Geese, Red-breasted Merganser on Beacon Ponds, 1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank and 12 Avocet.

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Thursday, 26 April 2018

A sunny day with little cloud and a F4 W wind.
Watches: 0630-1045.

The Red-rumped Swallow reappeared today over Holderness field, while a Nuthatch toured gardens in Easington and a Glaucous Gull was blogging along our bit of coast.

The day brought the first Common Sandpiper of the spring among small numbers of migrants with 13 Whimbrel, 1 Little Tern, 20 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blackcap, Redstart at Easington sewage works, 12 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail and 1 Siskin.

Vis-migging was again quiet with 1 Red Kite, 1 Ruff, 6 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 24 Carrion Crow, 12 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 58 Linnet, 18 Chaffinch, 19 Goldfinch, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Reed Bunting.

Other interesting sightings were 32 Mute Swan, 200 Brent Geese, Red-breasted Merganser on Beacon Ponds, 1 Greenshank, 166 Redshank, 2 Curlew Sandpiper and the Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Tit, 1 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 25 April 2018

Watches: 0630-1100.

No sign of the Red-rumped Swallow, but it could still be present

Migrant numbers remained low, but there was a nice sellection on offer, 26 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Little Tern, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler at Sammys, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Ring Ouzel, 22 Wheatear and 5 Yellow Wagtail.

Vis-migging was again great for Corvids, especially Crows, but at the moment it remains a trickle for everything else with 1 Red Kite blogging, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Jackdaw, 18 Rook, 106 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 53 Swallow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 47 Linnet, 12 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, 40 Goldfinch and 2 Yellowhammer.

Other interesting sightings were 38 Mute Swan, 320 Brent Geese, Red-breasted Merganser on Beacon Ponds, 2 Greenshank, 192 Redshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 12 Avocet, 1 Black tailed Godwit Kilnsea Wetlands and a Corn Bunting on Easington straight.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Tree Sparrow, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin.

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Tuesday, 24 April 2018

Overcast and cool with rain by the afternoon with a F2-3 W to F1 SE wind.
Watches: 0630-1045.

The Red-rumped Swallow remained in the Southfield farm to Beacon lane in the morning.

Still no numbers of Whitethroat about, and few Willow Warbler coming through and the best of the counts were 23 Whimbrel, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, female Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat 16 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 2 Brambling.

Vis-migging was quiet with 5 Rook, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 28 Linnet, 29 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Other interesting sightings were 38 Mute Swan, Red-breasted Merganser on Easington lagoon, female Pintail Kilnsea Wetlands, 2 Spotted Redshank, 200 Redshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Grey Partridge.

Ringing: 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 23 April 2018

Odd sunny spells with a F4-5+ WNW wind.
Watches: 0630-1115.

The first Little Tern of the season was seen at Beacon Ponds, a welcome returnee to the colony.

A Red-rumped Swallow showed well over Kilnsea Wetlands and Southfield, giving fantastic photo opportunities.

Migrant are still trickling through, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 25 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail and 2 Brambling.

Vis-migging 4 Common Buzzard, 12 Carrion Crow, 1 Swift, 29 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 14 Meadow Pipit, 10 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch, 77 Linnet, 99 Goldfinch, 1 Brambling and 2 Reed Bunting, while heading out east, were 49 Curlew.

Other interesting sightings were 240 Brent Geese, 45 Mute Swan, 2 Grey Partridge and a female Pintail.

Ringing: 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.

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Sunday, 22 April 2018

Early sightings included 2 Garganey south over the sea, Blue-headed Wagtail on Kilnsea Wetlands and a Firecrest by the Bluebell while later a Red-rumped Swallow graced the triangle then flew off north and our first of the spring Sedge Warbler was seen.

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Saturday, 21 April 2018

Sunny with distant haze and an increasing F1-3 E-SE wind.
Watches: 0600-1200, 1300-1600.

Another fine day with decent birding throw in too. The highlight was maybe another year with Turtle Dovemaking it onto the yearlist, when one flew north past the Lighthouse. A Serin was seen along the canal, before flying off, a Hawfinch at Driftwood and 2 Blue-headed Wagtail at Kilnsea Wetlands among good numbers of other Wagtails, while great numbers of Lesser Whitethroat were recorded.

Migrant numbers remained steady, 11 Whimbrel, 1 Ruff, 2 Cuckoo, 6 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 15 Blackcap, 23 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Redwing, male Redstart, 20 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Pied Wagtail, 8 White Wagtail and 1 Bullfinch.

Vis-migging again dropped off due to the wind direction, but still produced 1 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 1 Little ringed Plover, 7 Magpie, 15 Jackdaw, 13 Rook, 24 Carrion Crow, 2 Coal Tit, 2 Sand Martin, 23 Swallow, 8 Meadow Pipit, 4 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 21 Chaffinch,1 Greenfinch, 47 Linnet, 34 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting.
Heading out east, 2 Whimbrel, 18 Curlew, 1 Sandwich Tern and 8 Arctic Tern.
Over the sea 1 Common Scoter, 1 Red throated Diver, 18 Cormorant, 4 Fulmar, 15 Black headed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 90 Common Gull.

Other interesting sightings were 1 Barnacle Goose, 2 Canada Geese, the Black Brant at Chalk Bank with 167 Brent and 1 Pale-bellied Brent, a fantastic total of 33 Mute Swan, 2 Tufted Duck on the Humber, 2 Peregrine over the Humber plus the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Robin, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 20 April 2018

A warm sunny day with a F1 N-E wind.
Watches- 0630-1040, 1500-1800.

A good day along the peninsula highlighted by a number of firsts for the year. The best of these being a Red-rumped Swallow ligering at the point, which is an annual visitor, normally as a flyby past the Warren. Also today Whinchat at Chalkbank and Grasshopper Warblerby the Lighthouse were new for the yearlist.
A Glaucous Gull was sat on the groynes south of the breach, and then flying north later and a mobile Nuthatch gave local birders the runaround.

Plenty of observers in the field and all areas covered meant some good migrant totals, particularly Lesser Whitethroat and Wheatear. 1 Woodcock, 1 Green Sandpiper, Cuckoo in the triangle, 1 Coal Tit at the Warren, 9 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 29 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 9 Blackcap, 1 Firecrest, 9 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, 29 Wheatear, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 2 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll.

Little on the move today despite the time put in, 1 Sparrowhawk, 256 Common Gull, 4 Jackdaw, 18 Rook, 39 Carrion Crow, 1 Coal Tit, 7 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 5 Meadow Pipit and 3 Chaffinch plus 105 Curlew flew out east.

Some good general counts were returned for today with 39 Mute Swan, 44 Shelduck, 560 Oystercatcher, 420 Grey Plover, 11 Whimbrel, 45 Turnstone, 1200 Knot, 1800 Dunlin, 152 Sanderling, 300 Redshank and on Kilnsea wetlands Spotted Redshank and Greenshank. 

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redwing, 1 Dunnock, 5 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 19 April 2018

Hot and sunny all day with a F1-2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1130, 1500-1700.

The calm weather allowed a full census and returned a diverse species tally and decent totals, though in reality some species are still going through in relatively small numbers. Totals were 4 Garganey Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Ruff, 17 Whimbrel, 2 Willow Warbler, 20 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel at the Warren, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 4 White wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and 3 Brambling.

almost repeating the above with decent totals and nice varied species list past Numpties 9 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 1 Spoonbill, 1 Red Kite, 1 Green Sandpiper, 12 Jackdaw, 35 Rook, 33 Carrion Crow, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Sand Martin, 35 Swallow, 7 Tree Sparrow, 7 Flava Wagtail, 5 Alba Wagtail, 9 Meadow Pipit, 310 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 346 Linnet, 1 Redpoll, 88 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 7 Reed Bunting, while heading out east 12 Oystercatcher and 23 Curlew.
Over the sea 1 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 9 Cormorant, 38 Whimbrel, 173 Black-headed Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 17 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern and 2 Common Tern.

Other sightings today were the 15 Greylag Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 44 Brent Geese, 9 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 462 Oystercatcher, 1 spotted Redshank, 220 Redshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands and a Corn Bunting on Easington straight. 

The nice weather brought a nice selection of Butterflies out onto the wing with Comma, Small White, Brimstone, 15 Peacock, 4 Tortoiseshell. 

Ringing: 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 3Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 18 April 2018

Bright and sunny all day with a F1-2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0620-1115.

An increase in migrant numbers helped make it a pleasant day with 5 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 15 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 15 Wheatear, 10 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling and 2 Siskin.

A decent morning of vis-migging with 2 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gannet, 6 Cormorant, 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, 1 Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 29 Jackdaw, 46 Rook, 72 Carrion Crow, 7 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 9 Starling, 6 Flava Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 341 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 374 Linnet, 176 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin and 4 Reed Bunting.

Other sightings today were the 2 Canada Geese, 20 Mute Swan, 2 Garganey, 7 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Greenshank, Common Buzzard, Merlin and Peregrine. 

Ringing: 3 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin

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Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Bright and sunny all day with a F1-2 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0620-1115.

Our first Whitethroat of the spring was a welcome returnee to Sammy’s point, while other migrant numbers remained stable with 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel, 6 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 5 White wagtail and a Hawfinch in Easington.

A quieter morning at Numpties, 1 House Martin, 22 Jackdaw, 15 Rook, 9 Carrion Crow, 1 House Martin, 12 Starling, 2 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 73 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 157 Linnet, 120 Goldfinch, 36 Siskin, 4 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting, while heading out east 6 Oystercatcher and 58 Curlew.
Over the sea 2 Eider, 4 Tufted Duck, 13 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Cormorant, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 3 Whimbrel, 20 Little Gull, 45 Black-headed Gull and 2 Common Tern.
Other sightings today were the 242 Brent Geese, 2 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 2 Garganey on Long bank, Spotted Redshank, 100 Redshank and 1 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands. 

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 16 April 2018

Sunny spells with a F3 SW wind.
Watches: 0640-1445.

The 4 Garganey were still around the Kilnsea wetlands and Long bank area and Hawfinch in Easington. 
A White Stork seen circling over Easington straight, drifted off west towards skeffling and seems likely to be the bird seen at Driffield the previous day, which had a red closed ring, showing it to have been of captive origin.
It was a great for movement with 462 Curlew heading out east, while much anticipated 2 Hooded Crowflew south, since plenty of Carrion Crow had been on the move recently.

Another decent day without any big numbers of Finches, but again loads more Carrion Crow on the move.
Totals today were 1 Grey Heron in, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Jackdaw, 20 Rook, 99 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 8 Meadow Pipit, 2 Flava Wagtail, 14 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 46 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 258 Linnet, 267 Goldfinch, 22 Siskin, 1 Redpoll and 2 Reed Bunting.
Over the sea 1 Eider, 1 Scaup, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red throated Diver, 13 Cormorant, 3 Fulmar, 30 Black headed Gull and 73 Herring Gull.

Migrant numbers remained steady with 3 Whimbrel, 10 Avocet, 2 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 7 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 11 Brambling.

Other interesting sightings were 18 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 90 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck on Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Merlin, 3 Common Buzzard plus the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Song Thrush, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin.

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Sunday, 15 April 2018

A bright misty start with fog by early afternoon, rain by the evening and a F1-2 SE-SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0600-1100.

No sign of any Hawfinch today, but our first Cuckoo of the year toured the Long bank area, where 4 Garganey remained on Long bank and Holderness field and a Caspian Gull was on the Humber off the Warren, then flew off south.

Still decent numbers of Thrushes about, ready for departure at dusk, migrant totals today were 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Willow Warbler, 37 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest on Beacon lane, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Ring Ouzel, 48 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling and 10 Siskin.

A quieter morning of vis-migging with 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 13 Jackdaw, 13 Rook, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 17 Chaffinch, 185 Linnet, 74 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 22 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer and 1 Reed Bunting.
The southeasterly made it an interesting day for birds heading out east with 115 Little Gull, 41 Arctic Tern and 1 Common Tern while over the sea 9 Eider, 64 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 151 Black-headed Gull, 181 Heering Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Ringing: 1 Moorhen, 1 Blackbird, 2 wren, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 14 April 2018

A calm start with distant mist clearing to leave a nice sunny day with a F1 SW-SE wind.
Watches: 0615-1800.

An interesting day with a few highlights and surprises. The record count of 7 Hawfinch was the stand out feature of the day, including one flock of 5, while 4 Garganey (2 pairs) in the Holderness field/Kilnsea wetlands area were another crowd pleaser. Added to this a Spoonbill heading south over the Warren, 110 Curlew heading out east and a Woodcock also watched heading out east made it a very pleasing day.

A decent day of vis-migging, but with many birds going over very high making it difficult.
Totals today were 5 Shelduck in, 38 Cormorant, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Jackdaw, 19 Rook, 42 Carrion Crow, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 3 Skylark, 5 Sand Martin, 45 Swallow, 17 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 3 Dunnock, 6 Flava Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 402 Linnet, 226 Goldfinch, 44 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 9 Reed Bunting.
Over the sea 1 Gadwall, 128 Teal, 3 Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 3 Red throated Diver, 189 Black headed Gull, 133 Common Gull and 389 Herring Gull.

An increase in some migrants from mid morning and then clearing out as the sun emerged 1 Jack Snipe, 3 Woodcock, 5 Snipe, 2 Water Rail, 1 Short eared Owl, 10 Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 11 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Ring Ouzel, 46 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 27 Redwing, 5 Black Redstart, 10 Wheatear, 1 Bullfinch at the Warren, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit and 10 Brambling.

Other interesting sightings were 2 Canada Geese, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck on Kilnsea Wetlands, 4 Pochard, 1 Goosander and 2 Goldeneye on the Humber, 2 Greenshank and 2 Common Buzzard plus the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 3 Redwing, 5 Blackbird, 5 Robin, 1 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 3 Willow Warbler,1 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, 25 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 2 Brambling, 8 Chaffinch, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Tree Sparrow. (72 of 17 speces).

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Friday, 13 April 2018

Another foggy day, with a F1 E wind.
Migration Watches: 

2 new species for the yearlist with a Little-ringed Plover on Kilnsea wetlands and 2 House Martin flew south at the Warren. Yet another increase in Chiffchaff among decent numbers of migrants made for a good day despite the continuing poor weather. 3 Water Rail, 3 Short-eared Owl, 4 Willow Warbler, 55 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 11 Song Thrush, 11 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel at sandy beaches, 6 Black Redstart, 9 Wheatear, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 7 White Wagtail, 45 meadow Pipit, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 16 Siskin.
A few bits on the move today with 1 Grey Heron, 4 Snipe, 3 Curlew out east, 2 Kittiwake, an Arctic Skua, 1 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow, 9 Swallow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch and 13 Goldfinch. 

Other sightings today were the Black Brant with 125 Brent Geese by the tank blocks, 2 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 188 Curlew and 400 Redshank on Long bank, 1 Greenshank on Kilnsea wetlands and the usual 2 Tawny Owl. 

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin.

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Thursday, 12 April 2018

A cold foggy day, overcast with the odd shower in a F2-3 ENE wind.
Migration Watches: 0830-1940.

Pretty much a crap day to be an insect eater, but again decent totals were returned especially in the more sheltered areas with 1 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 27 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, 11 Fieldfare, 4 Mistle Thrush, 7 Song Thrush, 13 Redwing, 8 Black Redstart, a nice male Redstart (1st of the year) at Chalk bank, 15 Wheatear, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 7 White Wagtail, 47 meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 18 Siskin.

Other sightings today were the 500 Brent Geese, 100 Wigeon, 10 Teal, a pair of Garganey on Holderness field, 2 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands and the 2 Tawny Owl still in residence. 


Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Robin, 3 Goldfinch, 12 Siskin.

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Wednesday, 11 April 2018

Another foggy day, feeling cold in a F2 NE wind.
Migration Watches: 0830-1940.

Some nice totals returned today, especially Chiffchaff, while our first of the spring Lesser Whitethroat were rattling. Thrush numbers are slowly tailing off as the last few make the return journey, and a Belgian ringed Mealy Redpoll was controlled at Kew.

Migrants totals, 2 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 61 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest, 15 Goldcrest, 7 Fieldfare, 16 Song Thrush, 40 Redwing, 2 Ring Ouzel, 1000+ Starling, 6 Black Redstart, 11 Wheatear, 6 Swallow, 63 meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 4 Brambling, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 7 Lesser Redpoll and 30 Siskin while 2 Swallow flew south.

Other sightings today were the 449 Brent Geese plus 2 Pale-bellied Brent, 1 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Buzzard and 1 Marsh Harrier. 

Ringing: 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin.

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Tuesday, 10 April 2018

Rain until mid-morning remaining dull with fog by early evening with a F1-2 NE-E wind.
Watches- 0845-1045.

A nice pair of Garganey were on Holderness field.
There are still few Wheatear about and in general hard going in the cool conditions especially for Hirundines, but despite this there are still a few migrants about, 2 Short-eared Owl, 1 Coal Tit at the Warren, 2 Willow Warbler, 20 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 7 Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, 5 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart at the Point, 1 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 1000+ Starling in the Long bank area, 2 Brambling on Beacon lane, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 30 Siskin in the crown area and a Hawfinch.
Other bits reported today included 500 Brent Geese along with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 120 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 42 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank all in the Kilnsea wetlands area and a Corn Bunting singing on Easington straight.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Chaffinch, 25 Siskin.

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Monday, 09 April 2018

Foggy most of the day clearing from time to time with a F1 NE-E wind.
Watches- 
With the fog remaining most of the day it wasn’t easy looking for migrants or anything for that matter, but the Great-white Egret was reported on Kilnsea wetlands early morning only.

Migrant wise it was much the same but in lesser numbers with 2 Short-eared Owl, 3 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest in the canal area, 9 Blackcap, 1 Ring Ouzel on Beacon Lane, 80 Fieldfare, 43 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart at Sammys, 2 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail and 5 Pied Wagtail on Holderness field, 2 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling and 10 Siskin in the crown area.

Other bits reported today included 403 Brent Geese along with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 100 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck and the Little Stint again on Long bank marsh. 

Ringing: 2 Great Tit, 3 Redwing, 1 Robin, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Siskin.

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Sunday, 08 April 2018

Mainly overcast with afternoon rain and a F1 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0630-1100.

A few highlights to an interesting day as migration slowly hots up.
There were 2 Great-white Egret in the area, with one south past Numpties while the other remained in the Long bank area, the female Garganey on Holderness field and a Hawfinch behind Westmere farm, viewed from the footpath past the listening dish.

Quieter for vis-migging, but the wind remains in a less than favourable direction with 18 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 7 Curlew, 4 Stock Dove, 6 Wood Pigeon, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, the first 3 Sand Martin fo the spring, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 80 Chaffinch, 9 Linnet, 15 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.
The same winds that are stifling visible migration are bringing decent numbers of early migrants through the area with today totals being 1 Whimbrel, 2 Jack Snipe in the triangle, 2 Short-eared Owl, 11 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 1 Firecrest, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Ring Ouzel, 26 Fieldfare, 40 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 3 Wheatear, 2 Brambling, 25 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 30 Siskin.

Other sightings today were an Egyptian Goose in the triangle, 147 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler and 20 Teal Kilnsea wetlands, 175 Common Scoter on the Humber, 57 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, the Little Stint still on Long bank, 2 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew. 

Ringing: 7 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 3 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Redwing, 6 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 17 Siskin, 1 Tree Sparrow. (58 of 14 species).

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Saturday, 07 April 2018

Sunny spells clouding up with a F1 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0615-1100, 1555-1735.

Increases in migrant numbers brought us a few firsts for the year. A female Garganey to Holderness field and a Tree Pipit to the Warren.
An increase in some migrants through the area with today totals being 3 Ruff, 1 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl to Beacon lane, 3 Short-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 27 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 4 Firecrest, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 White Wagtail, 3 Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 37 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 4 Black Redstart, 8 Wheatear, 15 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll.

The tick over of vis-migging continues, 6 Jackdaw, 12 Rook, 2 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail north, 7 Alba Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipit, 72 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Bullfinch, 74 Linnet, 6 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting while heading out east 3 Goosander, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Arctic Tern and 1 Arctic Skua and moving over the sea 6 Shoveler, 6 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 48 Black-headed Gull., 146 Common Gull and 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Other sightings today were the Black Brant present with 618 Brent Geese and 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 115 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler and 20 Teal Kilnsea wetlands, 150 Curlew, 130 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, the Little Stint still on Long bank, 1 Merlin, 2 Marsh Harrier and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew. 

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 5 Robin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 06 April 2018

Bright and sunny most of the day with a cold F3 SE wind.
Migration Watches: 0615-1600.

The easterly winds are slowly having a nice effect and bringing the 1st movement of Terns heading out east, while the milder weather is rapidly increasing the push of migrants heading north.

A trickle again of movement. Finch numbers though overall are nowhere near what we are used to at this time of year producing 2 Stock Dove, 9 Wood Pigeon, 1 Kestrel, 22 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 19 Carrion Crow, 4 Great Tit, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 15 Meadow Pipit, 111 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 114 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch, 43 Siskin, 8 Reed Bunting and 3 Yellowhammer while heading out east were 4 Little Gull, 1 Common Tern, 16 Arctic Tern and 1 Sandwich Tern.

A decent day of migrants, but still no numbers of Wheatear yet, though the good spring for Firecrest continues. Totals returned today, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 18 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrest, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel at Easington sewage works, 32 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 22 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 30 Robin, 3 Brambling and 3 Siskin.

Other sightings today were 733 Brent Geese with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 100 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 20 Teal, 157 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, the Little Stint on Long bank and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew. 
The sea had 3 Shoveler, 14 Teal, 2 Eider, 28 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 289 Common Gull, 10 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet and 2 Guillemot.

Ringing: 2 Great Tit, 1 Siskin.

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Thursday, 05 April 2018

Bright and sunny most of the with a F3-1 WNW- NW wind
Watches : 0740-1000.

Vis-migging was ticking over today with the first Swallows heading back south, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Stock Dove, 19 Jackdaw, 18 Rook, 33 Carrion Crow, 4 Swallow, 15 Alba Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 22 Linnet and 2 Siskin.

Migrant totals will hopefully increase, but in the meantime 2 Woodcock, 1 Short eared Owl along the canal, 1 Yellow Wagtail at Sammys, Ring Ouzel by Easington sewage works, 45 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 22 Robin, 5 Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 1 Blackcap, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Brambling, 5 Siskin and a Snow Bunting at the Point.

More Gulls on the move today, but generally little else, 2 Brent Geese, 1 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 4 Red throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 1 Little Gull, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 318 Herring Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 1 Skua sp and 4 Auk sp.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blackcap, 2 Great Tit, 1 Firecrest, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 04 April 2018

A sunny start clouding over with showers and a F3 E wind.
Migration Watches: 0655-1050, 1630-1800.
Another decent day of overland visible migration (vis-mig), would have been better with a favourable wind from the south-west.
Still it was worthwhile producing 16 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 22 Meadow Pipit, 402 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 100 Linnet, 40 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting, 8 Reed Bunting and 2 Yellowhammer.

Migrant totals remained steady, but a change to ‘nicer’ weather at the weekend may elicit a big push of migrants north. Totals returned today, 1 Water Rail, 1 Short-eared Owl, 14 Chiffchaff, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 8 Wheatear, 1 Black Redstart, 2 White Wagtail, 10 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 8 Siskin and 1 Bullfinch.

Other sightings today were 150 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, drake Green-winged Teal, 20 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 14 Avocet, 338 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, the Little Stint on Easington straight and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew. 
The sea produced little with 14 Common Scoter, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 10 Red-throated Diver and 1 Gannet.

Ringing: 1 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Blackbird, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 03 April 2018

A much better day with long sunny spells with the odd shower later and a F3 S wind.
Watches: 0720-1100.

A better day of vis-migging despite the wind direction though it produced a few firsts of the year and some decent counts.
Totals today were 7 Shelduck in, 2 Shoveler, 8 Cormorant, 1 Red Kite, 1 Merlin, 4 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 12 Great Tit, 1 Woodlark, 25 Starling, 1 Fieldfare, 13 Alba Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 48 Meadow Pipit, 181 Chaffinch, 61 Linnet, 13 Goldfinch, 1 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting.

A better morning to look for migrants and most areas were covered with decent returns of 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Water Rail, 1 Short eared Owl, our 1st Yellow Wagtail in the triangle, 21 Chiffchaff, 15 Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, 2 Blackcap, 1 Ring Ouzel, 40 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare, 8 Song Thrush, 40 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 26 Robin, 7 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 13 Wheatear, 1 Bullfinch at the Point, 3 Brambling and 8 Siskin.

The Kilnsea Wetlands area still features prominently with good Wildfowl and Wader counts with 650 Brent Geese, 160 Wigeon, 7 Shoveler, 30 Teal, the Green-winged Teal, 2 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 16 Avocet, 257 Black tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank while in the area male Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard plus a Red-legged Partridge and Grey Partridge at Sammys.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin.

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Monday, 02 April 2018

A day of heavy rain driven with a cold F3 ESE wind.
Sea Watch: 0750-1050.
The heavy rain brought about some localised flooding with the paths and garden around Kew overflowing and reaching the air vents.
Despite the terrible conditions, there was still plenty of decent birding to be had.

The highlight was a nice Grey Phalarope feeding with Dunlin on the falling tide, which was our 1st ever 'spring' bird. with previous records in February and one in July.

A Nuthatch calling at the Obs was only our 11th record, though could not be relocated in the torrential downpour. Maybe tomorrow? Other good birds today were the Long-eared Owl by Rose cottage and the Little Stint on Long bank.

Migrants totals were nowhere near a complete census as only the area around the Obs and Kew were thoroughly checked, but it was still evident that there were still decent numbers of birds present. Totals were 1 Whimbrel at Sammys, 12 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 48 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 27 Robin, 1 Black Redstart and 5 Brambling.

Over the sea its always nice to get a spring Red-necked Grebe with one south past the seawatch hut though it was generally quiet. The visibility was awful in the driving rain. The best were 2 Teal, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 7 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Gannet. . 

Other sightings today were 130 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 20 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Tufted Duck and 253 Black-tailed Godwit.

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Sunday, 01 April 2018

Rain till mid morning clearing but cool with a F3-4 NE wind
Watches : 0740-1000.

The easterly winds had the desired effect with a small arrival, with increased numbers of Thrushes and our first 2 figure count of Chiffchaff. 

It also brought our 1st of the spring Willow Warbler to a Kilnsea garden, 2 Ring Ouzel plus a Swallowheading north though there can't be many flying insects about for it.
Other migrant totals were 2 Woodcock, the Long-eared Owl still by Rose cottage, 1 Short eared Owl along the canal, 1 Rock Pipit, 108 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 30 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 80+ Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 12 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 600 Starling, 1 Brambling and 4 Siskin. 

Other sightings today were 500 Brent Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag Geese, 190 Wigeon, 10 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, the Little Stint on Long bank, 20 Avocet, an impressive 334 Black tailed Godwit on Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Greenshank and the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.

Little on the move the best being 6 Red throated Diver, 1 Gannet and 1 Guillemot though 41 Grey Plover and 6 Dunlin flew out east.

Ringing: 1 Moorhen, 2 Robin, 2 Great Tit, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 31 March 2018

Heavy overnight rain, showers most of the day with a F2 NE wind.
Watches: 0845-1145.

A day of sore heads after the charity bike ride, but a decent day for birding. 2 Common Crane north over the Humber, which landed on Long bank marsh were the highlight, but nearby the drake Green-winged Teal was again on Kilnsea wetlands. Other decent sightings included the Long-eared Owl and a Jack Snipe and the 2 Tawny Owl at Kew.
Little reported migrant wise 3 Woodcock, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Redwing, 1 Stonechat, 9 Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest were about the best of it.

Sightings mainly in theb Kilnsea Wetlands area included 300 Brent Geese plus 1 Pale bellied Brent, 87 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck and 70 Black tailed Godwit while over the sea 7 Red throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 10 Kittiwake and 1 Little Gull.

Ringing: 2 Robin, 1 Great Tit, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Friday, 30 March 2018

A bright start clouding over with rain in the afternoon and a F1-4 E wind.

The traditional good friday two wheelers charity bike ride took place today, bringing together the local communtiy. As per usual the local birders took part, dressing up in the theme of rappers and having plenty of fun along the way and raised around £450 for Eastend Cancer Research.

The Long-eared Owl continued to show well by Rose cottage.
Sightings today mainly on Kilnsea wetlands today included 520 Brent Geese along with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 180 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 6 Little Grebe, 120 Curlew, 175 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and 2 Perergine while 4 Jackdaw and 2 Rook were on the move and the Tawny Owl still keep us entertained in the evenings.

Ringing: 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 29 March 2018

Bright and sunny mainly with rain late afternoon with a F1-4 E wind
Watches : 0730-1100.

Marginally a better day of movement but still few Finches with 1 Sparrowhawk, 38 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 20 Carrion Crow, 3 Skylark, 6 Great Tit, 4 Alba Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 1 Brambling, 3 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 16 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and 3 Reed Bunting. 
Little over the sea either with 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Red throated Diver, 7 Eider, 4 Cormorant and 158 Herring Gull.

Migrant wise the well watched Long-eared Owl is still showing well by Rose cottage, 1 Short eared Owl along the canal, 600 Starling, 60 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 2 Black Redstart by the Gas Terminal, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Bullfinch, 6 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin. Maybe the easterly may bring a few new bits over the weekend?

Other sightings today were 650 Brent Geese, 2 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, the Little Stint still on Kilnsea Wetlands, 52 Black tailed Godwit and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 28 March 2018

Overcast with showers in the afternoon some heavy with a F1 W wind
Watches : 0745-1010.

Still not much happening viz-mig wise but the weather so far this spring is not helping much. Moving today before the rain started were 4 Teal, 8 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 3 Great Tit, 270 Starling, 2 Alba Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, 24 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 16 Goldfinch and 1 Siskin.

Thrush numbers slowly dropped off, but Great Tit have as is typical of this time of year increased as they begin moving. 600 Starling, 56 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 14 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Wheatear, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 26+ Great Tit, 1 Bullfinch, 10 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin were the best of the migrants.

Other sightings today were the the Black Brant with the 660 Brent Geese plus 2 Pale bellied Brent, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, an increase to 22 Avocet, the Little Stint on Kilnsea Wetlands, 1 Woodcock, 44 Black tailed Godwit and the usual Tawny Owl at Kew.

Ringing: 5 Redwing, 10 Great Tit, 5 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin.

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Tuesday, 27 March 2018

Overcast and rain most of the day with a F2 S wind.
Watches: 

Both the Kilnsea wetlands Little Stint and the Black Brant were present today.

Few sightings mainly as few observers were about. 200 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 72 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and 1 Brambling were about the best of today.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird.

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Monday, 26 March 2018

Another nice pleasant sunny day with scattered cloud and a F1-2 N-ENE wind.
Watches: 0800-1200.

Standout sightings today included a nice Long-eared Owl roosting by Rose cottage, a Firecrest trapped at Kew, an unseasonal Little Stint on Kilnsea wetland and the Black Brant still with the flock of Dark-bellied Brents.

A reduction in all grounded migrants and still few Chiffchaff about. Totals today were 1 Woodcock, 3 Short-eared Owl, 57 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 20 Redwing, 5 Rock Pipit, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Stonechat, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 8 Chaffinch and 1 Siskin. 
Viz-mig was again poor with 9 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 12 Meadow Pipit in/off, 4 Chaffinch and 5 Greenfinch while heading out east were 2 Curlew. 
Also seen today were 200 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Goldeneye, 8 Little Grebe, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 2000 Knot on the Humber, 10 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank on Kilnsea wetlands and the vocal Tawny owl at Kew.

Ringing: 6 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 1 Firecrest, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Sunday, 25 March 2018

A nice pleasant sunny day with a F1 variable wind.
Watches: 0730-1000, 1600-1800.

A few bits about today in the nice conditions with a lovely Firecrest always a crowd drawer showing well in the Crown carpark. The Black Brant was also still showing.
Migrant wise the continued exodus of Thrushes continues, with numbers remaining high in the area, among decent numbers of other species, 4 Woodcock, 3 Short-eared Owl, 140 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 210 Redwing, 5 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Stonechat, 2 Black Redstart, 19 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff, 30 Goldcrest, 15 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling at the Obs and a Bullfinch at Kew. 

Viz-mig was again quiet in the slack winds with 6 Snipe, 16 Jackdaw, 12 Rook, 14 Carrion Crow, 3 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 70 Starling and 1 Snow Bunting while heading out east 17 Brent Geese, 5 Greylag Geese, 62 Lapwing, 27 Lesser black-backed Gulls and 225 Black-headed Gull.

Also seen today were 245 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 12 Shoveler, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 8 Little Grebe, 1650 Oystercatcher at Chalk bank, 16 Avocet and 1 Greenshank on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 13 Blackbird, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Tree Sparrow, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Saturday, 24 March 2018

Mainly cloudy with the odd sunny spells and a F1 NE wind.
Watches: 0700-1100.

A decent day with many observers out and about in the hope the wandering Snowy Owl appears. A Black Brant was found associating with 930 Brent Geese and 2 Pale-bellied Brent by Grange farm, the first 3 Wheatear were seen, 2 Firecrest with birds in Kilnsea at Carylon and at the Potato fields, a Black Redstart at Kilnsea wetlands and 3 Whooper Swan on the Humber with one sporting an orange darvic.

Increases in migrants Thrushes were the feature of the day among other migrants, but still few Chiffchaff about with 7 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 130 Blackbird, 7 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 200 Redwing, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Rock Pipit, 12 Stonechat, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Chiffchaff, 31 Goldcrest, 12 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin. 
As breeding birds moved back into their territories the spring like day was brought to life with the 26 Meadow Pipit and 17 Skylark all vying for attention.

Viz-mig was quieter today with only 9 Lapwing, 6 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 11 Carrion Crow, 3 Magpie, 3 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit and 1 Yellowhammer while heading out east 12 Curlew and 18 Black-headed Gull. 
The only bits noted over the sea were 13 Common Scoter, 1 Eider, 1 Shag and 2 Red-throated Diver.

Also seen today were 45 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Greenshank all on Kilnsea wetlands with 2 Grey Partridge nearby.

Nearby a Great White Egret flew west over the saltmarsh at Skeffling and the male Hen Harrier along with Marsh Harrier and Short eared Owl were in the area.

Ringing: 1 Starling, 13 Blackbird, 8 Redwing, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting. (35 of 10 species).

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Friday, 23 March 2018

Sunny spells with a F4-2 SW wind.
Migration Watches: 0745-1200.

A varied species list of birds on the move over land and sea today with 14 Wigeon, 1 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Black-headed Gull, 174 Herring Gull, 7 Jackdaw, 1 Skylark, 14 Starling, 3 Alba Wagtail, 9 Meadow Pipit, 25 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 11 Linnet, 7 Siskin and 2 Yellowhammer while heading out east 124 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, 15 Dunlin, 35 Turnstone and 7 Bar-tailed Godwit.

Migrant numbers were similar to the last few days with 1 Water Rail, 1 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 8 Rock Pipit, 1 White Wagtail, 69 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest and 16 Chaffinch.

Other sightings from today were a Peregrine at the gas terminal, Common Buzzard at Sammys, 1200 Knot and 194 Black-tailed Godwit on the Humber and now 2 Tawny Owl being vocal at Kew.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 1 House Sparrow.

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Thursday, 22 March 2018

Much milder with sunny spells and a F2 W wind.
Watches: 

Notably there are still decent numbers of Thrushes in the area and totals returned today were 4 Woodcock, 81 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 2 White Wagtail, 5 Rock Pipit, 2 Stonechat, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest and 21 Chaffinch while viz-mig was quieter with only 1 Sandwich Tern out east, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Meadow Pipit in/off and 3 Siskin on the move. 

Also seen today were 336 Wigeon, 73 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Goldeneye, 1 Greenshank all on Kilnsea wetlands and a Shag on the sea.

Ringing: 3 Dunnock, 3 Blackbird, 3 Great Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin.

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