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

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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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