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

Young birders! Click here for details on how to enter this years Martin Garner Young Birder of the Year competition. Closing date Monday 25th June. Good luck

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

Young birders! Click here for details on how to enter this years Martin Garner Young Birder of the Year competition. Closing date Monday 25th June. Good luck

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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