Monday, 31 December 2018

Highlights of 2018

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

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

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 31 December 2018

Sunny spells with a F3 WSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0815-1100.

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

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

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

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

Ringing: 1 House Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 30 December 2018

Dull and overcast day with a F2 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0815-1045.

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

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

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

Ringing: 2 House Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 29 December 2018

A bright sunny cloudless and still day.                                                                                                    

Watches: 0830-1100.

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 28 December 2018

Bright and sunny with light winds.

Watches: 0810-1040.

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

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

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

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

Otherwise 33 Yellowhammer at the Warren is a great count.

Ringing: 2 Shorelark, 5 Long-tailed Tit.

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Thursday, 27 December 2018

Overcast and dull with a F1 SW wind..

Migration Watches: 0755-1030.

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

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 26 December 2018

Overcast and dull with a F1 SSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0805-1005.

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

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

Ringing: 4 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 25 December 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR FRIENDS FROM SPURN BIRD OBSERVATORY.

Overcast and dull with a F1 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0755-1030.

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 24 December 2018

Bright and sunny with a F1 SW wind.

Migration Watches: 0800-1030.

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

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

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

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

Ringing: 1 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 23 December 2018

Watches: 0800-1030.

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

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

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Saturday, 22 December 2018

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

Watches: 0730-1030.

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

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

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

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

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Friday, 21 December 2018

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

Migration Watches: 0750-1100.

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

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

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

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

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Thursday, 20 December 2018

Watches: 0745-1015, 1345-1445.

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

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

Watches: 0815-1000.

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

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

Migration Watches: 0800-1200.

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

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

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

Ringing: 1 Water Rail

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 17 December 2018

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

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

Migration Watches: 0820-1020.

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

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 16 December 2018

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 15 December 2018

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

Watches: 0750-1050, 1350-1545.

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 14 December 2018

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

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

Migration Watches: 0815-1100.

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

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

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

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

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

Ringing: 3 Blackbird, 5 House Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 13 December 2018

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

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

Migration Watches: 0815-1100.

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

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

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

Watches: 0815-1015.

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 11 December 2018

A glorious sunny day with litle wind.

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 10 December 2018

A bright sunny cloudless and still day.

Watches: 0735-1030.

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

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 09 December 2018

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

Migration Watches: 0745-1030.

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

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 08 December 2018

Sunny spells with light rain and a F4 NW wind.

Watches: 0730-1100.

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 07 December 2018

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

Watches: 0800-1100.

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 06 December 2018

Overcast and dull with a F3 SSW wind.

Watches:0740-1115.

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

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

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

Ringing: 2 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 05 December 2018

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

Watches: 0745-1030.

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 04 December 2018

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 03 December 2018

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

Watches: 0735-1300.

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

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

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

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 02 December 2018

Bright and sunny with some periods of drizzle.

Migration Watches: 0725-1045.

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

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

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

Ringing:  1 Song Thrush, 1 Tree Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 01 December 2018

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

Migration Watches: 0715-1130.

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

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

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

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

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

Ringing:  2 Woodcock.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.