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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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).

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 28 October 2018

SECURING THE FUTURE: Please visit the 'Support Us' tab to see how if every ‘Friend of Spurn’ was to donate just £1 a week by Direct Debit, we would within a few years have accumulated a significant sum that we could use to purchase more land.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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. 

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 21 October 2018

SECURING THE FUTURE: Please visit the 'Support Us' tab to see how if every ‘Friend of Spurn’ was to donate just £1 a week by Direct Debit, we would within a few years have accumulated a significant sum that we could use to purchase more land.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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).

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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).

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 11 October 2018

Before you read the exciting days birding at Spurn, please visit our 'support us' page, to find out how you can help us in 'securing the future' for as little as £1 a month. 

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).

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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).

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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).

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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. 

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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. 

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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).

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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 )

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.