Tuesday, 31 December 2019

We are now entering the final few hours of the 10’s decade, which has been arguably the best period of Birding in the history of Spurn, with outstanding rarities, falls, movements and ‘hours’ of study accumulated. The Observatory has moved forward rapidly from a position of uncertainty to one of the best on mainland Britain. Everyone will have their favourite decade moments such as in October 2016 with amazing arrivals of eastern vagrants or even this year with October 2019 arguably rivalling it, but for different reasons. Happy Birding in 2020 eveyone!!

2019 has followed on nicely from 2018, with the Observatory on the brink of reaching the magical 400 species, which is pretty awesome for a land based site. Well with the Dusky Thrush becoming our 399th species, being as expected, accepted, the 400 was achieved in fine style with a rather stunning drake Baikal Teal on Kilnsea wetlands, though of course subject to acceptance. The final year list finished around the 261 mark.

There were yet again many other fantastic rarities during the year with the 2nd AND 3rd Red-eyed Vireo taking pride of place in many birders note books. The Easington bird was probably the bird of the year, giving stunning views feeding on berries down to a few feet at times, in the same location as the famous 2016 Siberian Accentor. Birders travelled from afar to see it and behaved immaculately in such a sensitive site. A twitchable Stejneger’s Stonechat was our 2nd, DNA coming to the rescue for this new evolving species, while our 3rd Collared Flycatcher, a female, gave everyone an interesting identification challenge. The 4th Isabelline Wheatear, Green-winged Teal and Broad-billed Sandpiper (the 1st was only in 2008), 4-5th Cattle Egret, 5th Pacific Swift and Great Reed Warbler were gratefully received by locals. Our 6th Great Snipe took up temporary residence a stone’s throw from the last in 2013. The autumn also brought our 7th (Western) Bonelli’s Warbler, 7-8th Humes Leaf Warbler and 8th Blyth’s Reed Warbler, while the first ‘summer’ record of Pallid Swift was also our 8th with our 11th Booted Warbler being the first since 2009, but present for 3 days and our 13-15th White-rumped Sandpipers graced Kilnsea wetlands. The 14th Arctic Warbler (half of which have been recorded since 2015) was maybe the most under stated rarities of the year and there will possibly be some sort of write up on this bird at some point? Our 20th Rustic Bunting continues Spurns relative domination of this species in Yorkshire terms and lastly our 16th Siberian Stonechat (which was one) will maybe need some of the other records reviewing at some point with the splitting of this group.

Local listers had plenty to get their teeth into, the highlight being our 12th Goshawk, the first seen by multi observers and maybe the first to not be tinged with doubt. The year also had the 8th Green Woodpecker and Raven, the 9-10th Black Kite and 10th White Stork plus the 12-13th Mandarin which were well received.

An impressive list of other good birds seen during the year, a few of which eluded the list last year starting with an amazing 20 Great White Egret, 3 Montagu’s Harrier, 3 Honey Buzzard, male Red-footed Falcon, 4 Dotterel, 2 Temminck’s Stint, 1 Bee-eater, 2 Golden Oriole, 5 Red-rumped Swallow (including an autumn bird), 2 Richard’s Pipit, 2+ Cetti’s Warbler, 3 Barred Warbler, 1 Dusky Warbler, 5 Pallas’s Warbler, 5 Red-breasted Flycatcher, 2 Rose-coloured Starling, 2 Bluethroat, Nightingale, 4 Serin and 2 Little Bunting (including a spring bird), while shamefully it’s maybe time to now add Turtle Dove to this list.

The year was up and down for overland visible migration and seawatching with few days of ideal conditions, but the year did have fantastic arrivals of common migrants in August including some big days of Willow Warbler, brilliant numbers of scarcer waders, particularly Wood Sandpipers in spring and autumn, some of the best Tern roost movements for several years, a nice late autumn arrival of Russian White-fronted Geese, while the 2 adult Long-tailed skua hovering over clubley’s in late June will live long in the memory. There were many other highlights during the year, too many for this write up, none more so than Marsh Warbler successfully breeding for the 2nd year in a row. More to come in the report.

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Monday, 30 December 2019

31st December 2019. After a light frost it was a bright and sunny day with a F1 SW wind.  Watches: 0830-1030.

The Kilnsea wetlands area again held most of today’s interest with 164 Greylag Geese, a Canada Goose, 13 Shoveler, 40 Mallard, 220 Teal, 428 Wigeon, 2 Scaup, 3 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Little Egret, 21 Little Grebe, 98 Curlew, 241 Redshank and a Greenshank.

Very quiet over the sea, 1 Eider, 11 Common Scoter, 43 Red-throated Diver and 6 Auk sp the sum total.

A Blackcap was at Kew and a Treecreeper on Peter lane, Easington.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 3 Blackbird, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 House Sparrow.

30th December 2019. A lovely sunny day with a cool F3-4 SW wind. Watches: 0800-1030.

Over the sea, 6 Whooper Swan, 188 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Barnacle Geese, 16 Wigeon, 6 Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 50 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Cormorant, 11 Guillemot and 9 Auk sp.

The Kilnsea wetlands/Long bank area held 14 Whooper Swan, 2 Scaup, 3 Goldeneye, a Little Egret and 1 Marsh Harrier along with the usual Wildfowl. Elsewhere a Blackcap was in Churchfield and a Peacock butterfly was on the wing.

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Sunday, 29 December 2019

Overcast and cool with a F4 SSE wind.  Watches: 0800-1030.

It was typically a completely different day over the sea, when yesterday it was busy, today rather flat and uninspiring with only 2 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander and 10 Red-throated Diver.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 14 Whooper Swan, 21 Shoveler, 450 Wigeon, 56 Mallard, 180 Teal, 2 Scaup, 15 Little Grebe, 500 Lapwing, a Greenshank and a Stonechat.

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Saturday, 28 December 2019

Dull and overcast again with a F3-4 S wind.  Watches: 0800-1145.

A fine movement of Wildfowl over the sea produced some good totals for the time of year with 13 Shoveler, 22 Shelduck, 7 Mallard, 226 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 454 Teal, 10 Pintail, 3 Tufted Duck, 27 Common Scoter, 4 Eider, 5 Goldeneye, a Goosander, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.

There were still 12 Whooper Swan on Easington straight with the Kilnsea wetlands area holding 120 Greylag Geese, 21 Shoveler, 316 Wigeon, 166 Teal, 2 Scaup (male and female), 2 Goosander and 252 Lapwing.

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Friday, 27 December 2019

Dull and overcast with a F2 SE wind.  Watches: 0800-1030.

Sightings in the Kilnsea wetlands and Long bank area included 172 Greylag Geese, a Canada Goose, 12 Whooper Swan, 448 Wigeon, 230 Teal, 30 Shoveler, 50 Mallard, the drake Scaup, 4 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 22 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 130 Lapwing, a Greenshank, 1 Barn Owl and 17 Stock Dove.

Over the sea there was not much going on with totals of 7 Teal, 37 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, a Cormorant and a Guillemot.

Other sightings today included 310 Shelduck, 1075 Oystercatcher, 490 Grey Plover, 800 Dunlin and 410 Redshank on the Humber, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest in Sykes field with 5 Meadow Pipit at Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 3 House Sparrow, 2 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 26 December 2019

Overcast with an increasing F2-4 SE wind.  Watches: 0800-1000.

Few observers about with the sea, seeing most of the action, 2 Shelduck, a Goldeneye, 18 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shag, a Gannet and a Skua sp which was almost certainly a Pomarine.

A Blackcap was at Kew, 2 Long-tailed Tit wandering and a scatter of Thrushes completed the news.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 2 House Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 25 December 2019

A lovely sunny Christmas day with a F1 SW wind.

The Kilnsea wetlands area was about the only area to be birded with a Canada Goose, 177 Greylag Geese, 20 Shoveler, 360 Wigeon, 56 Mallard, 135 Teal, the drake Scaup, 2 Goldeneye and 140 Lapwing.

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Tuesday, 24 December 2019

Rain petered out leaving sunny spells with a F2 SW wind.  Watches: 0800-1030.

A small movement over the sea at least included some quality with 12 Wigeon, 2 Scaup, 12 Common Scoter, 2 Great Northern Diver, 26 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, a Gannet, an adult Mediterranean Gull and 4 Auk sp.

There were still 7 Whooper Swan on Easington straight with the Kilnsea wetlands area holding 500 Brent Geese, 137 Greylag Geese, 19 Shoveler, 600 Wigeon, 150 Teal, drake Scaup, 2 Goldeneye, 21 Little Grebe, a Marsh Harrier and 500 Lapwing.

Other sightings were 3 Water Rail, a Mistle Thrush and 3 Goldcrest.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 2 Redwing.

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Monday, 23 December 2019

Sunny spells with an increasing 2-4 SW wind.  Watches: 0800-1030.

A Siberian Chiffchaff was again in Sykes field along with 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest with 55 Fieldfare and 3 Stock Dove in North field..

The Black Brant with hybrid family was again in the area plus 790 Brent Geese and 1 Pale-bellied Brent with 12 Whooper Swan and a Little Owl on Easington straight. The drake Scaup was still on Kilnsea wetlands along with 3 Goldeneye.

Over the sea 4 Wigeon, 59 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 1 Guillemot and 6 Auk sp hardly justified 2.5 hrs in the seawatch hut.

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Sunday, 22 December 2019

Overcast with the odd light shower and a F2 W wind.  Watches: 0830-1030.

A decent movement saw 385 Pink -footed Geese head south alogn with a Wigeon, 18 Teal, 1 Eider, a Pochard, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Red-throated Diver and a Shag.

A Siberian Chiffchaff remained in the Sykes field area along with a Water Rail, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest plus some decent Thrush counts involving 80 Fieldfare, 49 Blackbird, 31 Redwing and a Song Thrush.

The Long bank and Kilnsea wetlands area had the drake Scaup, 3 Goldeneye, 18 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 400 Lapwing, 90 Curlew, 350 Redshank and a Greenshank with the Black Swan still in the area.

Ringing: 4 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow.

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Saturday, 21 December 2019

Mainly overcast with a few showers and sunny spells with a cool F2 SE wind. Watches: 0830-1015.

Wildfowl in the Long bank and Kilnsea wetlands area again dominated the headlines with 12 Whooper Swan, 600 Brent Geese along with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, a Canada Goose, 57 Greylag Geese, 28 Shoveler, 450 Wigeon, 180 Teal, the drake Scaup, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Goldeneye, 20 Little Grebe, 450 Lapwing, 15 Golden Plover, 70 Curlew, 200 Redshank and a Greenshank with a Marsh Harrier hunting the area.

Passerine wise a Siberian Chiffchaff and 2 Chiffchaff were in Sykes field, a Goldcrest in the Crown carpark, 18 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 100 Blackbird and a Stonechat while on the move were 24 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Wigeon, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.

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Friday, 20 December 2019

A horrible overcast rain filled day and a F2-3 SW wind. Watches: 0800-1015.

Little seen today but a good count of 120 Black-tailed Godwit on Long bank plus the drake Scaup, 72 Greylag Geese, 25 Shoveler, 350 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye, 82 Curlew and 2 Little Egret with 2 Long-tailed Tit and 12 Redwing in Churchfield.

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Thursday, 19 December 2019

Grey and overcast with light rain and a F3 W wind.

Poor weather and only 3 observers looking returned only 173 Greylag Geese, 6 Pink-footed Geese, a Canada Goose, 90 Lapwing and 60 Curlew in the Long bank area with a Water Rail in Churchfield, 180 Fieldfare on Peter lane plus 12 Long-tailed Tit, 12 Redwing and 25 Blackbird in the area. Elsewhere a Little Owl was on Easington straight.

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Wednesday, 18 December 2019

A grotty day being overcast with fog nearly all day, rain in the evening and a F4 SW wind.

The kilnsea wetlands area held 235 Greylag Geese, 10 Shoveler, 350 Wigeon, 150 Teal, a Tufted Duck, the drake Scaup, 1 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 5 Little Grebe and 7 Little Egret.

The day also saw another 3 Whooper Swan fly south along with 100 Pink-footed Geese, a Water Rail in Church field, 1 Chiffchaff and a Bullfinch by the Bluebell with a flock of 22 Redwing in Easington.

Ringing: 1 Water Rail.

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Tuesday, 17 December 2019

A grim day being overcast with rain on and off with a F5 SW wind.  Watches: 0750-1035.

On the move over the sea were 16 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 69 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.

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Monday, 16 December 2019

Bright with sunny spells and a F4 SW wind.

The best of today sightings were concentrated in the Long bank and Kilnsea wetlands area with 500 Brent Geese, 22 Whooper Swan, 17 Shoveler, 490 Wigeon, 219 Teal, the drake Scaup, 1 Common Scoter, 3 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Greenshank, 1180 Lapwing and 61 Curlew.

A bit of an influx of Thrushes into the area saw 23 Blackbird, 180 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush recorded along with 2 Stonechat.

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Sunday, 15 December 2019

Bright and sunny.  Watches: 0800-1230.

On the move over the sea were 2 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Whooper Swan, 2 Tufted Duck, 13 Common Scoter, 33 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Cormorant, 9 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill and 6 Auk sp.

Elsewhere 610 Brent Geese were at Chalky point, 5 Goldeneye on Beacon ponds, 240 Lapwing and 80 Curlew on Long bank, a Short-eared Owl on Beacon lane, 2 Chiffchaff in Sykes field, a Stonechat on Clubleys with 80 Fieldfare, 30 Blackbird, 2 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush in the area.

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Saturday, 14 December 2019

Sunny spells with a F5-6 W wind. Watches:0750-1100.

Yet another 13 White-fronted Geese headed south today during this good late autumn spell for them while also moving were 16 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 2 Velvet Scoter, 14 Common Scoter, 3 Goldeneye, 8 Red-throated Diver, a Gannet, 2 Shag, 1 Cormorant and 9 Auk sp.

A good total of 15 Shoveler were on Kilnsea wetlands along with the Black Swan, a drake Scaup, 400 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 211 Greylag Geese, a Common Scoter and a Woodcock with 2 Chiffchaff seen today in Sykes field and rose cottage.

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Friday, 13 December 2019

Sunny spells with a F5 W wind. Watches: 0755-1040.

Moving over the sea were a Shelduck, 44 Teal, 33 Common Scoter, 31 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Shag and 5 Auk sp.

Decent counts again on Kilnsea wetlands with 14 Pink-footed Geese, 457 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 251 Teal, a Common Scoter, the drake Scaup, 13 Little Grebe, 134 Redshank and a Merlin plus the Black Swan.

Other sightings included a Chiffchaff, 50 House Sparrow and 20 Tree Sparrow in Sykes field and a Meadow Pipit in Well field.

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Thursday, 12 December 2019

Cloud and rain all day with a F6 S wind. Watches: 0750-1035.

The Siberian Chiffchaff remained in Sykes field with 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest with a Bullfinch by Easington cemetery still a scarce visitor/ resident in the area.

A trickle over the sea saw 3 Pintail, 85 Teal, 5 Common Scoter, 5 Goosander, 20 Red-throated Diver, a Gannet, 1 Shag and 4 Auk sp on the move with a Whooper Swan on Easington straight, a Marsh Harrier in the area, a Mistle Thrush and 5 Stock Dove in the triangle.

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Wednesday, 11 December 2019

Another windy unsettled day with rain on and off. Watches: 0750-1015.

In Sykes field at least 1 Siberian Chiffchaff remained along with 2 Chiffchaff with 25 Blackbird and 5 Redwing in the triangle area.

The sea showed a bit of promise highlighted by a Great Northern Diver and Velvet Scoter plus 3 Gadwall, 26 Common Scoer, 35 Red-throated Diver  and 5 Auk sp.

Other bits of note today included 6 Whooper Swan in Long bank, a Marsh Harrier in the area and a Water Rail in Corner field.

Ringoing: 3 Redwing, 1 Blackbird.

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Tuesday, 10 December 2019

A horrible wet and windy day with a F6-7 S wind. Watches: 0800-1030.

A few bits were noted today despite the terrible weather with 2 Siberian Chiffchaff feeding in sheltered areas in Sykes field with a Chiffchaff for company.

What little else was seen was from the shelter of the seawatch hut producing a Manx Shearwater along with 15 Teal, 21 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet and a Guillemot.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing.

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Monday, 09 December 2019

An unpleasant day with rain and a F6 NW wind.

Maybe a good day to do some birding from the car with the Black Brant plus hybrid young again on Long bank with 444 Dark-bellied Brents, a Canada Goose and 237 Greylag Geese. Nearby 8 Shoveler, 370 Wigeon and 71 Teal were on Kilnsea wetlands.

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Sunday, 08 December 2019

Unsettled with gusting F7 WSW winds. Watches: 0815-1050.

Not much happening in the windy weather with the few migrants seen included a Water Rail, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Fieldfare and 9 Blackbird, while the sea weighed in with 15 Teal, 40 Red-throated Diver, 3 Guillemot and 7 Auk sp. Otherwise 6 Stock Dove in the triangle and 2 Little Egret in Well field.

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Saturday, 07 December 2019

Yet again the day was dominated by Wildfowl though the day was largely taken up within a working day in Sykes Field. The Black Brant plus hybrid family returned to Long bank along with 400+ Brent Geese, 150 Greylags, a Canada Goose and an Egyptian Goose. The Scaup was still on Kilnsea wetlands, 372 Shelduck on the Humber, 14 Whooper Swan and 126 Pink-footed Geese flew south and another 7 Whooper Swan in fields west of Sammies where the 21 White-fronted Geese resided. 
Other birds today were a Lapland Bunting at Kilnsea wetlands with also 8 Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest plus 12 Blackbird, 12 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 11 Meadow Pipit and a Siskin.

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Friday, 06 December 2019

Overcast with the odd sunny spells and regular rain showers with a F5 SSW wind. Watches: 0750-1015.
It was a day dominated by Wildfowl the highlight being the 21 White-fronted Geese re-appearing today having a tour of the area before heading off north-west again, while another 5 White-fronts headed south. A Barnacle Goose was with the 176 Brent Geese and 140 Greylag Geese along with a Canada Goose in Long bank Marsh. Other totals were 200 Shelduck on the Humber plus 5 Shoveler, 400 Wigeon, 95 Teal, the drake Scaup and a Goldeneye on Kilnsea wetlands.

Quiet over the sea with only 29 Teal, a Common Scoter, 37 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Gannet, 3 Guillemot, a Razorbill and 18 Auk sp.

Few migrants about today with just 4 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush and a Stonechat with a Marsh Harrier and Merlin hunting the area. 

Ringing : 1 Sparrowhawk.

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Thursday, 05 December 2019

After a sunny start it clouded over, becoming very windy with rain with a F6-7 SSW wind. Watches: 0800-1000.

Few observers out and about, though the sea recieved its customary attention with a Glaucous Gull heading south and a Manx Shearwater heading north maybe making it worthwhile. also moving were 4 Wigeon, 6 Common Scoter, 26 Red-throated Diver, a Cormorant, 3 Guillemot and 5 Auk sp.

Also today 11 Stock Dove in Well field, 2 Merlin and a Peregrine hunting the area and a few migrants recorded in the wind included 2 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing and 2 Goldcrest.

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Wednesday, 04 December 2019

Sunny spells with a F4 WSW wind. Watches: 0740-1015.

More Russian visitors today with another 21 White-fronted Geese which flew north west with 120 Pink-footed Geese while another 134 Pink-feet flew south. Wildfowl totals in Kilnsea wetlands area were 230 Greylag Geese, 6 Shoveler, 383 Wigeon, 33 Mallard, 47 Teal, the drake Scaup, 1 Goldeneye and 19 Little Grebe plus 150 Curlew.

Also on the move today over the sea were 5 Shelduck, 2 Wigeon, 3 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver and 2 Gannet.

Migrant numbers are eventually dropping off to expected numbers for the time of year, but who could rule out something else turning up. Totals today were a Woodcock, 4 Chiffchaff, 12 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 3 Redwing and 2 Song Thrush. 

Ringing: 1 Wren, 2 Robin, 7 Dunnock, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 9 House Sparrow. (28 of 9 species).

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Tuesday, 03 December 2019

A calm sunny day with a F1-3 WSW wind. Watches: 0750-1015.

Moving over the sea were a Wigeon, 19 Teal, 13 Common Scoter, 3 Goldeneye, 41 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Cormorant, 5 Guillemot and 3 Auk sp.

Migrants weres still well represented with a Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 3 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff still in Sykes field, a Blackcap, 50 Blackbird, 18 Robin, a Siskin and 16 Snow Bunting at the narrows.

Other sightings today imcluded 280 Shelduck and 2000 Knot on the Humber, 8 Little Egret in Well field, Short-eared owl and Barn Owl in the triangle and 28 Magpie in north field.

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Monday, 02 December 2019

After a chilly start it was a fine sunny day. watches: 0745-1000, 1450-1510.

A Hen Harrier in the triangle was nice before it flew west up the Humber while the Siberian Chiffchaff was again in Sykes field. Other migrant totals were 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 150 Starling, a Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat and 2 Meadow Pipit.

There was not too much going on over the sea to get excited about with just 11 Pink-footed Geese, 41 Common Scoter, 33 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Gannet, 3 Cormorant and 4 Guillemot.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 97 Greylag Geese, 13 Shoveler, 297 Wigeon, 19 Mallard, 201 Teal, a drake Scaup, 1 Common Scoter and a Goldeneye.

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Sunday, 01 December 2019

Grey and overcast with a F1-2 W wind. Watches: 0755-1210.

Clear skies overnight resulted in a small clearout with no sign of The Pallas's Warbler. Migrant totals were 7 Chiffchaff, the Siberian Chiffchaff in Sykes field, 1 Goldcrest, 35 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 25 Chaffinch, and 1 Siskin.

Over the sea were 60 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 11 Eider, a Goodander, 16 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, 1 Shag, 15 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 6 Auk sp.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Dunnock, 1 Blue tit, 3 Great Tit, 1 Blackbird, 1 Chaffinch, 10 House Sparrow.

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Saturday, 30 November 2019

After a frosty start it was a calm sunny but cold day, warmer in sheltered spots. Watches: 0740-1050.

Sightings today included the PALLAS'S WARBLER again in the Kilnsea area, a Waxwing in Sykes field, 1 Woodcock, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 250 Starling, 2 Redwing, 2 Meadow Pipit and 3 Siskin which for the end of November are pretty good totals.

The sea had plenty of interest with 120 Pink-footed Geese, 10 White-fronted Geese, 62 Common Scoter, 4 Velvet Scoter, 42 Red-throated Diver, a Red-necked Grebe, 38 Gannet, 4 Shag, 6 Kittiwake, a Mediterranean Gull, 1 Pomarine Skua, 4 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill and a Little Auk.

Also today the drake Scaup on Kilnsea wetlands, 7 Little Egret in the triangle, a Marsh Harrier in the area and 2 Water Rail.

Ringing: 5 Dunnock, 3 Wren, 1 Starling, 4 Robin, 5 Blackbird, 6 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 20 House Sparrow. (45 of 8 species).

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Friday, 29 November 2019

Sunny and calm with a light F1-2 NW wind. Watches: 0730-1030.

The nicer day yet again brought birds into the open with the PALLAS'S WARBLER again in the Crown carpark, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff (singles in Churchfield and Easington sewage works), with also a Woodcock, 3 Chiffchaff, 22 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 2 Brambling, 3 Siskin and 3 Snow Bunting.

A nice flock of 22 White-fronted Geese flew northwest with 105 Pink-footed Geese with another 120 Pink-feet in the fields on Easington straight. Otherwise the drake Scaup was again on Kilnsea wetlands, 220 Lapwing on Long bank, 8 Little Egret in the area and 14 Little Grebe on Beacon ponds.

The rest of todays action was mainly over the sea with 50 Pink-footed Geese, 184 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 16 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 6 Guillemot and 6 Auk sp.

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Thursday, 28 November 2019

Wet and grey with a F5-6 N wind. Watches: 0745-1045.

The better weather, with no rain got more observers out looking and in the relatively sheltered Crown carpark today saw the re-appearance of the PALLAS'S WARBLER which becomes the latest ever record at Spurn. Other migrants totals involved 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 70 Starling, 10 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush and 4 Meadow Pipit.

The sea had 63 Common Scoter, 49 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 19 Gannet and 5 Auk sp with 124 Shelduck, 540 Oystercatcher, 550 Lapwing, 4350 Knot, 150 Redshank and 600 Dunlin on the Humber with a Merlin hunting the area.

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Wednesday, 27 November 2019

A dark grey washout with rain all day.

Much of todays birding was done from the car or near to it. The only sightings of note came from Long bank and Kilnsea wetlands with 3 Shoveler, 100 Curlew, 16 Black-tailed Godwit and a Merlin.

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Tuesday, 26 November 2019

Overcast dark grey all day with occasional drizzle. Watches: 0730-0910.

The PALLAS'S WARBLER was still present in the Crown carpark, equalling our latest ever record, while a Siberian Chiffchaff was still at the Obs and the Willow Warbler again in Sykes field with 3 Chiffchaff. Other migrants recorded being a Short-eared Owl, 2 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 140 Starling, 3 Waxwing north over the Warren, 22 Blackbird and a Stonechat.

Other sightings included the drake Scaup again on Kilnsea wetlands with adjacent areas having a Marsh Harrier, 734 Lapwing, 229 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, 304 Redshank with 16 Stock Dove on Long bank marsh and a Little Owl on Easington straight.

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Monday, 25 November 2019

Overcast with light drizzle becoming heavy later with a F3-4 SE wind. Watches: 0735-1000.

The PALLAS'S WARBLER was again in the Crown carpark area, though yet again the weather curtailed any meaningful birding, but 2 Siberian Chiffchaff were recorded plus 11 Meadow Pipit, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat and 28 Siskin were the best of the rest. 

There were 19 White-fronted Geese gracing Long bank in among the 110 Greylag Geese with 460 Lapwing and 81 Curlew also here. The drake Scaup was again on Kilnsea wetlands with a Marsh Harrier blogging about the area, though the sea was rather disappointing with only 2 Wigeon, 35 Common Scoter, an Eider, 11 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet and a Bar-tailed Godwit.

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Sunday, 24 November 2019

A generally dull overcast day with a F1-2 S wind. Watches: 0730-1140.

The PALLAS'S WARBLER turned up in the Churchfield Heligoland trap, then showed on and off in the Churchyard and Crown carpark. There were more migrants in the area, including our latest ever Common Redstart along the Canal and the Willow Warbler in Sykes field, along with a Woodcock, 13 Waxwing which went north, 14 Chiffchaff, 3 Siberian Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 15 Goldcrest, 80 Blackbird, 13 Fieldfare, 2 Mistle Thrush, 60 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 12 Robin, 27 Meadow Pipit, 13 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting at Beacon ponds.

There were 2 White-fronted Geese in Long bank with the Greylag flock and the drake Scaup on nearby Kilnsea wetlands which also held 8 Shoveler, 342 Wigeon, 34 Mallard, 99 Teal, a Red-breasted Merganser, 110 Lapwing, 131 Curlew and a Greenshank. 

Little on the move today over land or sea, but what there was, 57 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 9 Common Scoter, 5 Eider, 6 Red-throated Diver, a Gannet, 3 Stock Dove and 2 Jackdaw.

Ringing: 4 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 10 Blackbird, 2 Robin, 1 Starling, 1 Blackcap, 1 Pallas's Warbler. (20 of 7 species).

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Saturday, 23 November 2019

Rain on and off all day with a breezy F4-5 E wind. Watches: 0745-1015.

Incredibly our 5th PALLAS'S WARBLER of the autumn was found today in the Obs garden moving into the Crown carpark, while taking account of the weather and maybe some reluctamce to get out, there was maybe a few more migrants about with 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 6 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing and a Song Thrush.

The day also saw 9 White-fronted Geese logged (6 south) and the increasing water levels on Long bank marsh attracted 92 Black-tailed Godwit with also 2 Shoveler, 350 Wigeon, 100 Teal, the drake Scaup, 206 Lapwing and 200 Curlew with a Marsh Harrier in the triangle.

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Friday, 22 November 2019

Watches; 0745-1045.

The Willow Warbler continues to hang on in the Sykes field area, while there was a small increase in Thrush numbers, a Jack Snipe at Beacon Ponds, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 50 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 14 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail and 8 Siskin.

Yet another busy day for Geese in the Long bank area with 35 White-fronted Geese (25 south) and 10 Barnacle Geese, plus 300 Brent Geese, a Pale-bellied Brent, a Canada Goose and 120 Greylag Geese, while also here 11 Shoveler, 184 Wigeon, 135 Teal, the Scaup, a Common Scoter, 1 Common Buzzard, 150 Lapwing, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.

Very little moving today, 2 Brent Geese, 8 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 4 Eider, 9 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 94 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet and 3 Guillemot.

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Thursday, 21 November 2019

Overcast and chilly day with a F4 ESE wind.  Watches: 0720-1055.

The day was dominated by a small Russian influx involving 44 White-fronted Geese, 37 of which went south, while there seemed to be an increase in Wildfowl in general in the area with 14 Shoveler, 540 Wigeon, and 10 Tufted Duck on Beacon ponds. The 1st winter drake Scaup was also still present on Kilnsea wetlands.

A very late Common Redstart in Sykes field was looked for after being initially supressed for some reason! There were also still quite a few migrants about with a Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, the Siberian Chiffchaff in Sykes field, 30 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, a Redwing, a Stonechat and 30 Siskin. 

There was a few bits over a very quiet sea with 5 Wigeon, 4 Eider, 9 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 8 Gannet, 4 Guillemot and a Razorbill. 

Other sightings in the area included 70 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 260 Oystercatcher, 300 Lapwing, 120 Curlew, 6 Snipe, 248 Redshank and 10 Stock Dove in Clubley's.

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Wednesday, 20 November 2019

Calm with sunny spells and a F3-5 SE wind.  Watches: 0730-1015.

The day was pretty quiet overall though the Willow Warbler was still present in Sykes field with other migrants being 3 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 3 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 10 Blackbird, 1 Goldcrest and a Bullfinch.

The sea while generally quiet with 151 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver and a Shag. 

Also today 180 Pink-footed Geese, 14 Shoveler, 280 Wigeon, 141 Teal, the drake Scaup, a Goosander, 15 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier and 450 Oystercatcher on the Humber..

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Tuesday, 19 November 2019

After a hard frost it was a fine, sunny still day.  Watches: 0715-1015.

There was an increase in Thrush numbers in the area, plus 11 Waxwing showing well at Kew which eventually flew off south with the Siberian Chiffchaff still in Sykes field. Other migrants noted were 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 60 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 6 Reedwing, 1 Song Thrush, 31 Siskin, a Lesser Redpoll and 13 Snow Bunting at the Point.

The sea was similar to previous days with 61 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 70 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, 13 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Gannet, 2 Shag and a Great Skua.

The Black Brant family were still in the Long Bank area along with 156 Dark-bellied Brent (31 juvs) and a Pale-bellied Brent. On Easington straight there were 113 Pink-footed Geese and 120 Lapwing, the Scaup on Kilnsea wtlands while at Sammies a good count of 50 Pintail.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 13 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Robin, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff,  2 Chaffinch, 2 Siskin. (27 of 8 species).

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Monday, 18 November 2019

A windy start but turned into a cool but, fine and sunny day with a F3-2 N wind.

The month is slowly fading into winter and the excitement of the last couple of months is slowly starting to dim in the memory. There is still some hope of something good turning up while a few migrants are still clinging on, though this is now the time of wintering Wildfowl and the occasional flourish over the sea.

The Siberian Chiffchaff was again in Sykes field, with other totals of 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 30 Blackbird, 4 Redwing and 84 Siskin (57 in/off).

It was a quiet day over the sea 269 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 4 Shag,

The kilnsea wetlands/Long bank area is coming into its own as numbers build and with Long bank slowly accruing more water. In previous years this area has held fantastic numbers of birds and along with the increasing numbers of raptors attracted by the spectacle it has become one of the places to go in autumn and winter especially. Today the area held the Black Brant with family, 309 Brent Geese, a Pale-bellied Brent, 1 Canada Goose plus a hybrid, 120 Greyalg Geese, 193 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Shoveler, 441 Wigeon, 82 Mallard, 33 Pintail, 245 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 1st winter drake Scaup, a Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Common Buzzard, 210 Lapwing, 123 Curlew and a Black-tailed Godwit.

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Sunday, 17 November 2019

There was a noticeable drop in migrants numbers but then again fewer observers about too. The 2 Siberian Chiffchaff​​​​​ and Willow Warbler were both still in Sykes field while totals were a Woodcock, 2 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 20 Redwing, 6 Chiffchaff, 87 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting.

Over the sea there was some interest with 3 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 13 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 59 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, 21 Red throated Diver, 10 Gannet, a Kittiwake, 1 Little Auk and 29 Auk so. 
The Black Swan was still about in the Ling bank area.

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Saturday, 16 November 2019

Still and overcast with rain late afternoon and a F3 WSW wind.  Watches: 0700-1000.

Migrant highlights were led by 2 Waxwing and 3 Siberian Chiffchaff, while decent numbers, mainly Thrushes, arrived and moved off north west with 2 Water Rail, 7 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Willow Warbler still  in Sykes field, 14 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, 800 Starling, 110 Blackbird, 95 Fieldfare, 120 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 22 Duunock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 23 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 1 Bullfinch, a Lesser Redpoll, 12 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting.

There were a few bits on the move south too with 4 Stock Dove, 25 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 32 Meadow Pipit, 3 Alba Wagtail, 10 Goldfinch and 74 Siskin, while the sea had 47 Pink-footed Geese, 146 Wigeon, 96 Teal, 46 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 46 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, 26 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 32 Gannet and a Skua sp.

The Black Brant was again on Long bank with its intergrade young along with a Pale-bellied Brent, 3 Whooper Swan were on the Humber, 255 Teal and a Tufted Duck on Kilnsea wetlands, 100 Lapwing on Easington straight and a Merlin at the Warren.

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Friday, 15 November 2019

This year and the autumn in particular just seems to keep on giving, the latest good bird being our second HUMES LEAF WARBLER in November, this time at the Point. 
Despite being late in the season migrant numbers were still varied and interesting with a Jack Snipe, 12 Woodcock, the Siberian Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler in Sykes field, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 13 Goldcrest, 550 Starling, a Waxwing, 85 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 70 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 38 Robin, a Stonechat, 2 Redpoll, 1 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

The sea continued with another decent if maybe not spectacular movement involving 5 Brent Geese, 55 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 139 Teal, 109 Eider, 35 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 19 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Fulmar, a Sooty Shearwater, 61 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, a Grey Phalarope, 1 Little Gull, 7 Great Skua, 12 Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 6 Little Auk and 117 Auk sp.

The Black Brant remained on Long bank with family.

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Thursday, 14 November 2019

The difficult wet and windy conditions, with rain all day and a F6-7 NE wind, made it diffiicult finding passerines so predictably there was no sign of the Humes or eastern stonechat in their exposed favoured location.

The sea was where most of the limited action was with 3 Brent Geese, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 5 Wigeon, 36 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 11 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 51 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Pomarine Skua, a Little Auk and 3 Auk sp.

The few migrants that were located in the blowy bushes did include the Siberian Chiffchaff in sykes field with a late Willow Warbler for company. Otherwise there were 2 Goldcrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 30 Blackbird and 10 Redwing seen.

The Black Brant plus intergrade family remained in Long bank along with the Black Swan and 250 Brent Geese while on Kilnsea wetlands 286 Wigeon, 43 Teal, 7 Shoveler and a Tufted Duck bobbing about in the rough conditions.

Ringing: 1 Woodcock.

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Wednesday, 13 November 2019

The HUMES LEAF WARBLER and 'EASTERN' STONECHAT were both still present on Peter Lane, Easington.

Migrants numbers were still quite good with 5+ Woodcock, 1 Swallow, 35 Skylark, 7 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff still in Sykes field, 5 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 44 Blackbird, 22 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Lesser Redpoll and 14 Snow Bunting at the Narrows.

Over the sea 34 Wigeon, 2 Velvet Scoter, 21 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 6 Gannet and 20 Little Gull.

The Black Brant and family were still in Long bank marsh with 240 Dark-bellied Brent Geese.

Ringing: 5 Woodcock, 3 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Watches: 0730-1045.

The HUMES LEAF WARBLER and 'EASTERN' STONECHAT were both yet again present on Vicars lane, Easington. 
A ringtail Hen Harrier was wandering the area and a Red necked Grebe flew south over the sea were further highlights during the day.

Migrant numbers were maybe down in the poorer weather with 2 Woodcock, 41 Snipe with 23 in/off, 3 Chiffchaff, the Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 60 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, a Stonechat, 1 Bullfinch, 9 Twite and a Snow Bunting. 

On the move today over the sea were 670 Pink-footed Geese, 11 Whooper Swan, 17 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet and a Guillemot.

The Black Brant ​​​​​​ was again on Long bank with its integrade offspring, while other sightings included 5 Shoveler, 180 Wigeon, 150 Lapwing, 150 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit and a Peregrine in the Kilnsea wetlands/ Long bank area.

ringing: 1 Woodcock, 2 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff.

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Monday, 11 November 2019

Watches: 0700-1045.

The HUMES LEAF WARBLER and 1w male 'EASTERN' STONECHAT were both still present on Peter Lane today as was the PALLAS'S WARBLER in Sykes field.

Totals for migrants were a Jack Snipe, 13 Skylark, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Willow warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 7 Goldcrest, 950 Starling, 75 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 20 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting and 4 Yellowhammer.

Overland movement was poor with only 2 Rock Pipit, a Snow Bunting and 1 Corn Bunting, while the sea had a trickle of birds with 5 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 3 Pintail, 61 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 11 Gannet, 3 Arctic Skua, 2 Snipe and 3 Auk sp.

There were 200 Brent Geese today on long bank but no sign of the Black Brant.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird.

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Sunday, 10 November 2019

While the autumn for some on the east coast had been one to forget, this could not been further from the truth at Spurn with the autumns good birds making it one of the best. While not the same relentless axhileration of 2016, it must be up there with one of the best autumns? 

The good birds were all still present today with the vocal HUMES LEAF WARBLER and the 1st winter male 'EASTERN' STONECHAT on Peter Lane. The unringed PALLAS'S WARBLER was again in Sykes field where a Siberian Chiffchaff was showing well with a Hawfinch over Kew with still at least 1 Waxwing again on Vicars Lane. 

Migrant wise there were 4 Water Rail, 2 Willow Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 17 Goldcrest, 750 Starling, a late Common Redstart at the Point, 65 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, a Water Pipit at Kilnsea wetlands, 4 Rock Pipit, 12 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 9 Twite at the Warren, 18 Siskin and 4 Snow Bunting at the breach. 

There was a little bit of movement south today with a Stock Dove, 19 Wood Pigeon, 52 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 16 House Sparrow, 54 Tree Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 66 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 22 Skylark, 17 Chaffinch, 29 Linnet, 7 Goldfinch, 63 Siskin and 6 Reed Bunting. Over the sea 61 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Teal, 66 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 5 Little Auk and 2 Pomarine Skua.

The Black Brant ​​​​​​with family was again in Long bank Marsh. A strange occurence today came when a fluffy Barn Owl chick was found in a barn in Easington with no obvious signs of a nest, parents, siblings or signs of originating in that spot!

Ringing: 14 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 2 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 16 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 1 Chaffinch.

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Saturday, 09 November 2019

The late autumn arrivals continue, the latest being a sometimes showy HUMES LEAF WARBLER on Peter lane, where the re-appearance? of an 'EASTERN' STONECHAT' (first seen briefly on the 29th October, before it flew off), gave us our second conundrum od the autumn. The 2 PALLAS'S WARBLER were both still present (in the Crown and Anchor carpark and Sykes field), while there were 2 Siberian Chiffchaff in Easington and now 2 Waxwing in the Vicars lane area and a Lapland Bunting was in the canal area.

Migrant totals were 24 Chiffchaff, the Willow Warbler still in Churchfield, 14 Blackcap, 32 Goldcrest, 2000 Starling, 180 Blackbird, 31 Fieldfare, 140 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 12 Robin, 4 Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtail, 8 Brambling, a Lesser Redpoll, 11 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting showing well at the breach.

On the move overland there were 17 Whooper Swan, a Stock Dove, 57 Wood Pigeon, a Short-eared Owl in/off, a Great-spotted Woodpecker, 33 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 54 Skylark, 186 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 8 Alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Twite, 51 Linnet, 29 Siskin, 20 Goldfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 11 House Sparrow, 90 Tree Sparrow, 5 Reed Bunting, a Lapland Bunting, 1 Snow Bunting and a Yellowhammer, while it was very quiet over the sea, with 2 Little Auk being the highlight along with 80 Pink-footed Geese, 25 Wigeon, 50 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet and a Kittiwake.

The Black Brant was still in the long bank area with its family and a Great White Egret flew south presumably returning to Long bank later.

Ringing: 3 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Dunnock, 5 Robin, 1 Goldfinch, 5 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, (29 of 11 species).

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Friday, 08 November 2019

There was a decent if small arrival in the morning, though no real big numbers of anything and maybe another small arrival late afternoon. There were also some decent seawatching to be had.

The highlight of the day was a typically elusive DUSKY WARBLER at Chapel cottage which gave itself away by calling regularly, while there are now 2 PALLAS'S WARBLER, (with a new bird in Sykes/Corner field and the ringed bird still in the Crown carpark). The Bluethroat was still present at the breach with 2 Snow Bunting and 9 Twite here showing very well. A Waxwing was feeding on Berries by Dimlington villas in Easington, Hawfinch south over Kew, a Siberian Chiffchaff trapped in Churchfield and a Lapland Bunting south over Clubleys.

Migrant totals for the day were 9 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, a Willow Warbler in Church field (which has been present for about 3 weeks), 14 Chiffchaff, 13 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 32 Goldcrest, 800 Starling, 135 Blackbird, 180 Fieldfare, 70 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 3 Black Redstart (inc 2 adult males), a Stonechat, 3 Rock Pipit, 11 Chaffinch, 19 Brambling, 3 Siskin and 12 Reed Bunting. 

Poor overland with 11 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 2 Skylark, a Swallow, 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipit, a Redpoll and 11 Siskin, while over the sea were 7 Whooper Swan, 51 Wigeon, 21 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 1 Eider, 3 Velvet Scoter, 157 Common Scoter, 2 Goldneye, 12 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 25 Gannet, 2 Shag, 3 Great Skua, 5 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Little Auk, 4 Guillemot and 2 Razorbill.

The Black Brant was again in Long bank with 220 Brent and 1 Pale-bellied Brent.

Ringing: 39 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Robin, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Tree Sparrow. (63 of 8 species)

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Thursday, 07 November 2019

Despite the appalling weather later, the day began rather day, with just the odd drizzle spells. During this time the PALLAS'S WARBLER was still on show in the Crown and Anchor carpark and the Bluethroat in scrub on the north side of the breach. There was a small arrival late afternoon, with Blackbirds in the Obs garden being particularly obvious, but few observers were out braving the conditions, so migrants were limited to 4 Woodcock, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 15 Goldcrest, 90 Blackbird, 20 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 4 Brambling, 5 Siskin and a Snow Bunting heading south.

The sea recieved plenty of coverage from the protection of the seawatch hut with 70 Wigeon, 5 Mallard, 6 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 182 Common Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, a Red-breasted Merganser, a nice male Long-tailed Duck, 11 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Cresed Grebe, 8 Shag, 2 Sanderling, 12 Kittiwake, 6 Little Gull, 3 Little Auk, 3 Guillemot and 36 Auk sp.

 Also today was the Black Brant seemingly paired up witha Dark-bellied Brent accompanied by 4 young presumably intergrades in the flock of 442 Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent and 1 Whooper Swan, with 9 Black-tailed Godwit in Long bank marsh..

Ringing: 1 Chiffhcaff, 2 Backbird.

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Wednesday, 06 November 2019

Sunny spells, with very light drizzle late afternoon with a F2-3 W-WSW wind.  Watches: 0650-1300.

The PALLAS'S WARBLER was still in the Crown carpark giving some fantastic close views and the Bluethroat elusive just south of the Warren. Migrant totals were as follows, a Long-eared Owl trapped and ringed, 3 Swallow, 200 Blackbird, 190 Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 2 Willow Warbler, 26 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 31 Goldcrest, a Stonechat, 6 Rock Pipit, 15 Brambling, 12 Chaffinch, 14 Brambling, 6 Bullfinch, a Lesser Redpoll, , 

Visisble migration saw a Sparrowhawk in/off, 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Stock Dove, 205 Wood Pigeon, 2 Magpie, 72 Jackdaw, 12 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 3 Swallow, 259 Skylark, 388 Starling,15 House Sparrow, 140 Tree Sparrow, 2 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 162 Meadow Pipit, 9 Rock Pipit, 2 Dunnock, 24 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 10 Twite, 21 Linnet, 2 Redpoll, 7 Goldfinch, 319 Ssikin, 2 Redpoll, 2 Lapland Bunting, 4 Snow Bunting and 9 Yellowhammer.

Over the sea 234 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Whooper Swan, 26 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Eider, 267 Common Scoter, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 10 Goldeneye, a Goosander, 67 Red-throated Diver, 75 Gannet, 6 Cormorant, 10 Guillemot, 16 Auk sp and 3 Little Auk.

Other sightings included the Black Brant with 340 Brent geese (48 Juveniles) and 1 Pale-bellied Brent in the Long bank/Easington straight area.

Ringing: 1 Long-eared Owl, 23 Blackbird, 10 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Pallas's Warbler, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Siskin, 1 Twite, 4 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting. (57 of 16 species).

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Tuesday, 05 November 2019

A  PALLAS'S WARBLER was showing well in the Crown and Anchor carpark. 

Migrants totals increased for some species with hopefully more in the next few days, 26 Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, 1 Swallow, 15 Chiffchaff, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 40 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, 102 Blackbird, 1300 Fieldfare, 250 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 21 Brambling, a Hawfinch at Pacho pond and 6 Yellowhammer.

It was a good day of movement over the sea with a Brent Goose, 139 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 34 Teal, a Pochard, 412 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, 17 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 34 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 341 Gannet, 1946 Kittiwake, 5 Great Skua, 22 Pomarine Skua, 17 Arctic Skua, 12 Little Auk, 24 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and 466 Auk sp.

Also today the Black Brant was on Long bank marsh and a Great White Egret flew south.

Ringing: 3 Woodcock, 6 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, 3 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Brambling, 13 Tree Sparrow.

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Monday, 04 November 2019

The Bluethroat was still showing well at the breach, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler in the Obs garden and Vicars lane,

Some decent migrant totals especially fieldfare. final totals for the day were 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 11 Goldcrest, 100 Blackbird, 1322 Fieldfare, 75 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, a Black Redstart, 7 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, a Bullfinch, 5 Twite, 25 Siskin, 3 Brambling and 3 Yellowhammer.

On the move today were a Wigeon, 7 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 2 Red-throated Diver, 31 Gannet, 34 Skylark, a Grey Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch, 7 Redpoll and 134 Siskin.

The Black Brant was still about in the Long bank area with 315 Brent Geese, 490 Shelduck on the Humber, 101 Wigeon, 58 Teal and a Marsh Harrier at Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 6 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 11 Goldcrest, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 House Sparrow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting.

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Sunday, 03 November 2019

Watches: 0710-1010

The PALLAS'S WARBLER was still on Vicars lane and the Bluethroat still just south of the Warren plus the 3 Shorelark were again at Chalk bank.

Totals for migrants today showed a small increase in some species with 3 Woodcock, 9 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Swallow,  2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 3 Willow warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Cetti’s Warbler still at Sammies, a Firecrest, 32 Goldcrest, 52 Long-tailed Tit, 25 Blackbird, 258 Fieldfare, 60 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Song Thrush, 35 Robin, 5 Black Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 2 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, 4 Bullfinch, 2 Twite, 2 Snow Bunting and 5 Yellowhammer.

It was a better day for overland vis-migging wich saw a Hen Harrier blogging, 2 Marsh Harrier, 6 Stock Dove, 340 Wood Pigeon, 37 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 5 Carrion Crow, 88 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 85 Starling, 2 Tree Sparrow, 29 Meadow Pipit, 10  Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 3 Twite, 2 Redpoll, 51 Goldfinch, 52 Siskin and 13 Reed Bunting.

The sea was again quiet, 6 Whooper Swan, 5 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 3 Pintail, 2 Eider, 52 Common Scoter, 5 Goosander, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 107 Gannet, 1 Cormorant and 9 Auk sp.

Other sightings included the Black Brant with 296 Brent Geese and 2 Pale-bellied Brent.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 5 Blackbird, 7 Redwing, 1 Bluethroat, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow, 3 Yellowhammer. (33 of 15 species).

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Saturday, 02 November 2019

A  sunny calm day soon deterioated into drizzle as the day progressed. Watches: 0645-1120.

Our second PALLAS’S WARBLER of the autumn graced the hotspot of Vicars lane and the Bluethroat continued to show at the breach. The Black Brant was also still present in Long bank marsh.

Totals for migrants were a Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl in/off, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Cetti’s Warbler at Sammies, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 10 Brambling, 8 Twite and 12 Siskin.

Overland vis-migging saw on the move a ringtail Hen Harrier, 15 Jackdaw, 48 Skylark, 6 House Sparrow, 42 Tree Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 19 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 7 Greenfinch, 94 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, 1 Snow Bunting and 5 Reed Bunting.

The sea had a trickle of birds, 2 Brent Geese, 135 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Wigeon, 1 Mallard, 7 Teal, 3 Eider, 14 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 29 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 30 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 7 Kittiwake and a Sandwich Tern.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 2 Redwing.

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Friday, 01 November 2019

A grey damp day with a F3-4 SSE wind.  Watches: 0650-1050.

A Serin at the Point was a good autumn record for Spurn where a Woodlark was also present. Further up the penisula the Bluethroat was still at the north side of the breach, where 3 Snow Bunting were feeding on the strandline. The 3 Shorelark were again at Beacon ponds along with a Scaup and the Black Brant still in the area. There were also 2 Firecrest, singles at the point and Easington cemetery with a Yellow-browed Warbler in the Obs garden.

Migrants numbers and diversity are reducing by the day, but with more easterlies predicted that could all change, 12 Woodcock, 2 Bearded Tit, 20 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, an 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 70 Goldcrest, 217 Blackbird, 65 Redwing, 19 Song Thrush, 9 Black Redstart, a Common Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 8 Rock Pipit, 4 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 1 Twite, a Siskin and 3 Yellowhammer.

A bit of Duck movement over a much quieter sea in general saw recorded a Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 70 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 167 Teal, 2 Pochard, a Tufted Duck, 6 Eider, 27 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, a Little Auk and 4 Auk sp.

Ringing: 14 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 House Sparrow.

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Thursday, 31 October 2019

Watches: 0700-0930.

There was no sign of the Isabelline, but the Bluethroat continued to show quite well at the breach, while amazingly a flock of 7 Great white Egret flew south, a year to the day the same number flew through!

Totals for migrants were much reduced with little evidence of fresh arrivals, 9 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl in/off, 3 Shorelark at Beacon ponds, 2 Bearded Tit, 21 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 34 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 18 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 77 Blackbird, 7 Black Redstart, a Common Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 5 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 9 Twite, 12 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer and 3 Snow Bunting.

The sea still had some bits of interest though was quieter than the last few days, 68 Pink-footed Geese, a Shelduck, 5 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 34 Eider, 4 Velvet Scoter, 67 Common Scoter, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 21 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 23 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, a Sandwich Tern, 1 Kittiwake, a Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 4 Little Auk, 6 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill and 41 Auk sp.

Overland vis-migging was quiet again with only 56 Wood Pigeon, 30 Jackdaw, 4 Skylark, 43 Tree Sparrow, 4 Rock Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, a Greenfinch, 51 Goldfinch, 28 Siskin and 3 Reed Bunting.

Other news saw the assumed returning Black Brant on Kilnsea wetlands with109 Brent Geese.

Ringing: 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Woodcock, 14 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Chaffinch, 9 Siskin, 2 Goldfinch, 9 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting. (63 of 14 species).

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Wednesday, 30 October 2019

Another great day with plenty of good birds to keep eveyone on their toes. The highlight was Spurns 4th ISABELLINE WHEATEAR found just off Beacon lane moving towards Grange farm by the evening, while a nice, but typically elusive Bluethroat was on the north side of the Breach.

The totals for migrants showed increases in some species with 23 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Long-eared Owl, 2 Shorelark at Beacon ponds, a Willow Warbler, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 30 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 2 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 58 Goldcrest, a Firecrest at the Point, 850 Starling, 64 Fieldfare, 194 Redwing, 20 Song Thrush, 346 Blackbird, 32 Robin, 15 Black Redstart, a Common Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 23 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 40 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Yellowhammer, 6 Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.

The sea while quieter, still had some interest with a Leach's Petrel, 102 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 32 Eider, 9 Velvet Scoter, 340 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Gannet, a Sandwich Tern, 2 Kittiwake, 18 Little Auk, 7 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 45 Auk sp.

Overland vis-migging was very quiet with 5 Lapwing, 162 Wood Pigeon, 43 Skylark, a Woodlark south over the Point, 7 Swallow, 272 Starling, 3 Twite, 260 Siskin and 11 Reed Bunting.

Ringing: 1 Cormorant, 1 Water Rail, 30 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Starling, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap. 10 Goldcrest, 2 Great Tit, 2 Black Redstart, 6 Robin, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 4 Goldfinch, 1 House Sparrow, 17 Tree Sparrow. (100 of 19 species).

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Tuesday, 29 October 2019

Watches: 0615-1000, 1400-1700.
A fantastic day saw plenty of migrants, many seen arriving in/off from their long crossing over the North Sea such as the 1420 Starling, though the numbers of Thrushes was again low suggesting birds were passing over unseen higher up?
There were a number of highlights during the day with a PALLAS’S WARBLER at the Point taking top billing, though a mobile ‘EASTERN’ STONECHAT on peter Lane could not be pinned down more specifically. Totals for migrants were maybe 50-60 Woodcock (with 33 seen to come in/off alone, but with '39' grounded birds it was hard to get a grip on numbers), a Jack Snipe, a Hooded Crow, 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Long-eared Owl, 1 Bearded Tit, 3 Shorelark, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 21 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Cetti’s Warbler at Sammies, 5 Blackcap, 2 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 32 Goldcrest, 23 Long-tailed Tit, 22 Fieldfare, 81 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 380 Blackbird, 3 Black Redstart, 36 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 1 Hawfinch in the triangle, 30 Siskin, a Twite and 1 Mealy Redpoll.

The sea was again brilliant with some fine totals despite it not being an all-day session with 5 Brent Geese, 18 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Whooper Swan, 158 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 2 Scaup, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 6 Velvet Scoter, 830 Common Scoter, 18 Goldeneye, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Long-tailed Duck, 47 Red-throated Diver, 8 Great Northern Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 143 Gannet, an Iceland Gull, 39 Kittwake, 4 Little Gull, 4 Great Skua, 5 Pomarine Skua, 58 Little Auk, 15 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 83 Auk sp.

Overland vis-migging was understandably quieter for south bound migrants, but recorded were a Hen Harrier, male Marsh harrier, 4 Lapwing, 3 Stock Dove, 236 Wood Pigeon, 49 Skylark, 33 Tree Sparrow, 6 Alba Wagtail, 17 Meadow Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 5 Greenfinch, 4 Linnet, 43 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, 3 Snow Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer and 11 Reed Bunting.

Ringing: 4 Woodcock, 4 Knot, 1 Redshank, 1 Long-eared Owl, 27 Blackbird, 7 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Starling, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap. 6 Goldcrest, 3 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 6 Robin, 1 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 4 Chaffinch, 12 Brambling, 1 Goldfinch, 5 House Sparrow, 11 Tree Sparrow. (106 of 21 species).

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Monday, 28 October 2019

A great day all round with decent late movement over the sea and passerines arriving off the sea (though it seems that large numbers of birds were passing over at height with fantastic totals of Fieldfare seen inland heading west).

Watches: 0640-1100, 1330-1645.

Migrant numbers increased with our first Great Grey Shrike and Waxwing of the autumn plus 18 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 6 Snipe, 3 Water Rail, 4 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 18 Long-tailed Tit, 12 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, an 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, 284 Blackbird, 45 Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 22 Robin, a Black Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 7 Stonechat, 33 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 9 Brambling, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 10 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting and 10 Yellowhammer.

The sea maybe dominated the day with final awesome totals of 46 Pink-footed Geese, 30 Whooper Swans, 54 Wigeon, 9 Mallard, 114 Teal, 7 Eider, 3 Velvet Scoter, 484 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, 4 Goosander, 2 Red-breasted Meragnser, a drake Smew, 22 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Northern Diver, a Leach's Petrel, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 108 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 26 Kittiwake, 7 Little Gull, a Sandwich Tern, 3 Great Skua, 4 Pomarine Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 10 Little Auk, 9 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 62 Auk sp.

Overland southerly vis-migging saw a Marsh harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, 2 Stock dove, 562 Wood Pigeon, 2 Colloared Dove, a Short-eared Owl, 24 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 45 Carrion Crow, 13 Skylark, a Swallow, 135 Starling in/off, 404 Tree Sparrow, 12 House Sparrow, 3 Alba Wagtail, 95 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 38 Chaffinch, 28 Brambling, 37 Greenfinch, 8 Linnet, a Crossbill, 8 Redpoll, 48 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 4 Snow Bunting and 22 Reed Bunting.

The day also saw another 3 Twite colour ringed as part of an ongoing project with details to come soon on that (keep an eye on Twitter).

Ringing: 3 Woodcock, 31 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 3 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 11 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Dunnock, 4 Wren, 7 Goldfinch, 3 Twite, 5 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 3 Reed Bunting, 155 Tree Sparrow, 4 House Sparrow. (246 of 17 species).

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Sunday, 27 October 2019

Watches: 0630-1215, 1330-1600.

There was unfortunatley no sign of the Little Bunting today, but there were some highlights with a good total of 10 Shorelark (3 still chalk bank and 7 at the narrows) while yet another Great White Egret flew south. 

Migrant numbers a Water Rail, 3 Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 3 Merlin, 2 Swallow, 7 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 49 Goldcrest, 15 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 5 Stonechat, 11 Bullfinch (10 at the Warren), 13 Twite at the Narrows, a Mealy Redpoll, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Siskin, 2 Snow Bunting and 25 Reed Bunting.

On the move were a Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Lapwing, 4 Stock Dove, 620 Wood Pigeon, 35 Skylark, a Swalllow, 22 Long-tailed Tit, 8 Starling in/off, 126 Tree Sparrow, 4 Alba Wagtail, 52 Meadow Pipit, 16 Rock Pipit, 65 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 13 Greenfinch, 20 Linnet, 18 Redpoll, 9 Siskin and 5 Yellowhammer. Over the sea 58 Pink-footed Geese, 22 Whooper Swan, 11 Common Scoter, 9 Goosander, a Red-breasted Merganser, 28 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 940 Gannet, a Shag, 22 Cormorant, 13 Kittiwake, 62 Black-headed Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 49 Common Gull, 2 Common Tern and 24 Auk sp.

Other sightings included 211 Pink-footed Geese on Easington straight and a Peregrine over the Humber.

Ringing: 3  Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Siberian Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 35 Tree Sparrow. (49 of 7 species).

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Saturday, 26 October 2019

A washout with with rain virtually all day and a F3-4 N wind.

Watches: 0715-1010.

The Little Bunting was still in the warren area and the 3 Shorelark at Chalk bank.

The poor weather meant little else was seen, 2 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, 7 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler at the Obs, 1 Blackcap, 12 Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 1 Bullfinch, 5 Twite at the narrows, 2 Redpoll and a Yellowhammer.

The sea was very quiet and only produced 39 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, a Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet, 4 Oystercatcher and a Sandwich Tern.

Other sightings included an Avocet at Kilnsea wetlands, a Merlin and 4 Little Egret at the Warren.

Ringing: 6 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff.

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Friday, 25 October 2019

Watches: 0715-1015, 1400-1520.

A decent days birding while we wait to see if the predicted easterlies come to fruition. There were still some good birds about while a Flava flying south was an interesting late record.

The Little Bunting was present again today sometimes showing very well and the 3 Shorelark likewise at Chalk bank. 

Migrants numbers and species diversity were still good with 4 Woodcock, 13 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler at the Obs, 3 Blackcap, 56 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, 112 Blackbird, 62 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 20 Robin, a Redstart, 7 Stonechat, 4 Rock Pipit, a Mealy Redpoll, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting and 9 Yellowhammer.

On the move a Grey Heron, 7 Lapwing, a Snipe, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Short-eared Owl, 32 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 34 Skylark, a Swallow, 1 Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Rock Pipit, 20 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 15 Linnet, 8 Redpoll, 36 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin and 4 Reed Bunting, while over the sea 82 Pink-footed Geese, 28 Whooper Swan, 5 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 11 Eider, 8 Common Scoter, 17 Red-throated Diver, 32 Gannet and a Cormorant.

Other birds of note were 340 Shelduck on the Humber, 21 Lapwing and 3 Black-tailed Godwit Kilnsea wetlands and a Purple Sandpiper at Chalk bank.

Ringing: 2 Song Thrush, 10 Redwing, 11 Blackbird, 3 Robin, 15 Tree Sparrow, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 3 Twite, 2 Reed Bunting. (54 of 10 species).

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Thursday, 24 October 2019

Watches: 0715-1215, 1415-1530.

The day saw a great movement of Wildfowl over the sea with 11 Brent Geese, 210 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Whooper Swan, 4 Shoveler, 671 Wigeon, a Mallard, 378 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 5 Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Red-throated Diver and 10 Gannet.

Migrants saw a small influx of Starling and Thrushes, but otherwise numbers were down further, but included the 3 Shorelark still at Chalk bank with a new Yellow-browed Warbler at Wire dump while also seen were 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 46 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, 122 Blackbird, 543 Redwing, 26 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, a male Common Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 3 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling, a Hawfinch at Rose cottage, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 14 Siskin with 364 Starling and 5 Snow Bunting in/off.

Otherwise a Great White Egret flew over the triangle and a Little Owl on Easington straight.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Song Thrush, 14 Redwing, 5 Blackbird, 2 Starling, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow. (36 of 10 species).

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Wednesday, 23 October 2019

Today was almost a repeat of the previous day with the Little Bunting again at the warren, 3 Shorelark at Chalk bank and the Hen Harrier again wandering the area.

Migrants numbers while slowly decresing as the month continues still showed a nice species list on offer with a Swallow and 2 House Martin in the triangle, 19 Chiffchaff, 3 Siberian Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, a Firecrest at middle camp, 85 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, 33 Redwing, 60 Blackbird, 15 Song Thrush, 38 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher at the Point, 1 Redstart, 7 Stonechat, 2 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 2 Mealy Redpoll and 5 Yellowhammer.

A nice selection of species on the move today, but no big numbers of anything with a Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 155 Wood Pigeon, 21 Carrion Crow, a Great-spotted Woodpecker, 6 Blue Tit, 11 Great Tit, 7 Bearded Tit seen to leave the Point, 26 Skylark, a Swallow, 200 Starling, 10 House Sparrow, 2 dunnock, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 42 Meadow Pipit, 28 Chaffinch, 16 Greenfinch, 62 Linnet, 224 Goldfinch, 69 Siskin and 39 Reed Bunting while over the sea it was very quiet, 5 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Common Scoter, 8 Goosander, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet, 7 Cormorant and a Little Auk.

Ringing: 1 Redwing, 5 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 6 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting. (42 of 16 species).

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Tuesday, 22 October 2019

Migration Watches: 0700-1300, 1400-1500.

The Little Bunting was still present again in the Warren trap, while a brief fly-by Rose-coloured Starling was sound recorded confirming its identification and 2 Shorelark were at Chalk bank while a nice ringtail Hen Harrier came south then toured the Humber.

Migrants present today included a Jack Snipe, 4 Bearded Tit along the canal, 21 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 2 Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 60 Goldcrest, 23 Song Thrush, 110 Redwing, 9 Fieldfare, 1 Redstart, 7 Stonechat, a Wheatear, a Mealy Redpoll and 7 Brambling.

Moving overland were 5 Stock Dove, 417 Wood Pigeon, 71 Jackdaw, 28 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 108 Skylark, 15 Swallow, 130 Starling in/off, 2 Fieldfare, 265 Tree Sparrow, 28 House Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 226 Meadow Pipit, 13 Rock Pipit, 101 Chaffinch, 8 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 98 Linnet, 7 Redpoll, 790 Goldfinch, 213 Siskin and 10 Yellowhammer while over the sea 22 Whooper Swan, 72 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 5 Eider, 77 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, a Goosander, 17 Red-throated Diver, 24 Cormorant, 70 Gannet, 7 Guillemot, 2 razorbill and 7 Auk sp

Ringing:  1 Fieldfare, 9 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 14 Redwing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 1 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Tree Sparrow, 1 Little Bunting. (62 of 17 species).

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Monday, 21 October 2019

The sea was yet again where most of todays action occured bringing 5 Whooper Swan, 77 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 71 Teal, 19 Eider, 120 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 35 Red-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, a Great Crested Grebe, 522 Gannet, 218 Kittiwake, 14 Little Gull, 5 Common Tern, 9 Great Skua, 9 Arctic Skua, 33 Little Auk, a Puffin and 1276 Auk sp while overland movement saw 3 Jackdaw, a Rook, 10 Stock Dove, 3 Grey wagtail, 20 Brambling and 17 Siskin head south.

Migrants were still well represnted with new birds arriving throughout many seen coming off the sea with a Lapwing, 1 Snipe, a Woodcock which succumbed to a Peregirne within touching distance of the shore, 2 Short-eared Owl, 39 Skylark, 64 Starling, 12 Siskin and a Snow Bunting. 

Grounded migrants included 4 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, 4 Short-eared Owl, 2 Bearded Tit, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 23 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 14 Blackcap, 2 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 135 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 1 Ring Ouzel, 170 Blacbird, 66 Fieldfare, 190 Redwing, 70 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 40 Robin, 2 Redstart, 5 Stonechat, 50 Chaffinch, 41 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Twite  at the breach, 3 Mealy Redpoll, 12 Lesser Redpoll and a Little Bunting found at the Warren.

Ringing: 6 Robin, 7 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 1 Starling, 3 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 42 Goldcrest, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 3 Brambling, 33 Tree Sparrow. (104 of 11 species).

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Sunday, 20 October 2019

There was no sign of the Vireo today in windy conditions despite observers looking. Most of todays action was over the sea with the strong northerly blowing, though there were still plenty migrants to get your teeth into.

Over the sea were 4 Whooper Swan, 24 Wigeon, a Pochard, 1 Velvet Scoter, 156 Common Scoter, 3 Long-tailed Duck inc one on the borrow pit which flew to the sea at dusk, 1 Goldeneye, a Red-breated Merganser, 28 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 2927 Gannet, 3 Shag, a Cormorant, 8 Kittiwake, 3 Little Gull, 22 Sandwich Tern, 14 Common Tern, 13 Great Skua, 3 Pomarine Skua, 8 Arctic Skua, 300 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 1011 Auk sp.

for those looking for migrants the conditions were not easy with 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, a late Hobby, 1 Jay, 3 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 10 Blackcap, 2 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 35 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 90 Blackbird, 300 Redwing, 18 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 14 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Rock Pipit, 27 Brambling, a Hawfinch at the Obs, 3 Bullfinch, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin, a Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 12 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 1 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Bullfinch. 

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Saturday, 19 October 2019

The RED-EYED VIREO remained elusive at the Point, just north of the green beacon, while the first 2 Shorelark of the autumn were at the Breach. A Richard's Pipit was reported flying over the triangle then the Point later and yesterdays Common Swift was flying about in Easington and a ringtail Hen Harrier nearby. There were still at least 3 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat in the area, but seemingly no sign of the bird in Sykes field. 

Migrant totals from today included 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Bearded Tit, 12 Blackcap, 22 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 117 Goldcrest, 9 Ring Ouzel, 75 Blackbird, 103 Fieldfare, 3350 Redwing, 120 Song Thrush, 59 Robin, the usual Pied Flycatcher on Vicars lane, a Balck Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 25 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtail, 9 Brambling, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 20 Reed Bunting and a Bullfinch. 

It was good again for Finches, but only a trickle of other species with 31 Stock Dove, 200 Wood Pigeon, 9 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 14 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 200 Tree Sparrow, a Dunnock, 3 Grey Wagtail, 26 Alba Wagtail, 229 Meadow Pipit, 53 Chaffinch, 8 Brambling, 47 Greenfinch, 588 Linnet, 6 Redpoll, 1242 Goldfinch, 8 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 65 Reed Bunting. Notable sightings over the sea were a Great Northern Diver, an Eider, 22 Cormorant and 4 Common Tern on the move.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 31 Goldcrest, 1 Wren, 10 Long-tailed Tit, 17 Goldfinch, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 2 House Sparrow, 66 Tree Sparrow, 3 Reed Bunting. (151 of 15 species).

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Friday, 18 October 2019

A late Common Swift flying around Beacon lane was originally thought to be a Pallid Swift but pictures taken at the time showed t to be a Common, which moved off north. The RED-EYED VIREO remained elusive at the Point while a fantastic flock of 22 Bearded Tit were along the Canal and the Halimondendri Lesser Whitethroat still in Sykes field. The Great White Egret was seen again in the Sammies area.

Migrants numbers were still good, but decreasing each day with a Woodciock, 28 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 13 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, Blythi Lesser Whitethroat in Chruch Field. 62 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 6 Ring Ouzel, 65 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 430 Redwing, 40 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, a Whinchat, 29 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 4 Grey Wagtail, 42 Brambling and 6 Siskin.

A bit quiter for birds on the move today with 10 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 14 House Martin, 300 Tree Sparrow, 6 Grey Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 105 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 10 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 4 Greenfinch, 317 Linnet, 163 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin and 28 Reed Bunting.

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Thursday, 17 October 2019

Watches: 0710-1400.

There was no sign of the Vireo in Easington, but a RED-EYED VIREO  at the Point was intriguing with some pictures 'appearing' to show a different head pattern, brighter blue crown, buffy upper breast band and maybe carrying a tick on its face?! What do you think? Its probably the same and maybe just photo artefacts. If so observers should keep and eye out further south if it's journey keeps it to the coast.

There was a further clear out of migrants with 3 Bearded Tit at Beacon ponds, 4 Willow Warbler, 27 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 28 Blackcap, 1 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 77 Goldcrest, a Firecrest in the Crown carpark, 12 Ring Ouzel, 80 Blackbird, 16 Fieldfare, 850 Redwing, 53 Song Thrush, 37 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 32 Stonechat, a Wheatear, 22 Brambling, 3 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting along the Canal and 17 Reed Bunting.

On the move today 17 Stock dove, 284 Wood Pigeon, a Collared Dove, 3 Rook, 19 Carrion Crow, 4 Blue Tit, 71 Skylark, 34 Swallow, 13 House Martin, 1 Alba Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 415 Meadow Pipit, 112 Chaffinch, 15 Greenfinch, 366 Linnet, 8 Redpoll, 772 Goldfinch, 36 Siskin and 88 Reed Bunting. Over the sea 52 Brent Geese, 64 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 31 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 10 Eider, 9 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 27 Red-throated Diver, 16 Gannet, 6 Cormorant, 1 Arctic Skua, 10 Little Gull and 5 Auk sp.

Ringing: 8 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing, 7 Robin, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Dunnock, 5 Blue Tit, 16 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 13 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 House Sparrow, 37 Tree Sparrow. ( 102 of 15 species).

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Wednesday, 16 October 2019

The RED-EYED VIREO continues its residence feeding on Dogwood berries at the west end of Vicars lane and attracting a steady stream of visitors as it has become less camera shy.

The Richard's Pipit was still at the Point, the Little Bunting by Big hedge, the 'Halimodendri' Lesser Whitethroat still in Sykes field and the semi resident Great White Egret at Long bank. There were at least 3 Firecrest about (vicars lane, west end of Easington, Cemetery) and 2 Hawfinch, one of which showed well in the Crown carpark.

A big clear out overnight, but there was still plenty about to keep the interest going, 2 Woodcock, 5 Short-eared Owl, 3 Willow Warbler, 63 Chiffchaff, 3 Siberian Chiffchaff, 8 Yellow-browed Warbler, 43 Blackcap, 5 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 207 Goldcrest, 3 Treecreeper, 9 Ring Ouzel, 190 Blackbird, 2980 Redwing, 230 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 200 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 23 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 5 Grey Wagtail, 55 Reed Bunting and 56 Brambling.

Overland movement saw 4 Stock Dove, 1 Marsh Harrier, a Swift, 13 Skylark, 29 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin, 32 House Martin, 10 Meadow Pipit and 160 Goldfinch fly south while over the sea 21 Brent Geese, 46 Teal, 3 Pintail, 3 Tufted Duck, a Velvet Scoter, 19 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 37 Gannet, 10 Cormorant, a Snipe, 80 Black-headed Gull, 5 Little Gull, 2 Common Tern, an Arctic Tern, 7 Guillemot and 14 Auk sp.

Ringing: 1 Starling, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, 8 Robin, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 39 Goldcrest, 5 Tree Sparrow, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit. (75 of 13 species).

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Tuesday, 15 October 2019

A fantastic arrival of migrants today with more good birds thrown in too. The totals for Thrushes were ongoing as new birds arrived, pausing before moving off north west. It was hard wading through the throngs of birds trying to pick out something different, but it was fun doing so! Traditionally its the day after an arrival that the 'biggies' are found?!!  Watches: 0700-1845.

The highlight of the day was an ARCTIC WARBLER found in the Crown carpark showing well on and off, though of course the bird of the moment, the Easington RED-EYED VIREO continued to show well in its favourite berry bush. 
The first Richard's Pipit of the autumn was found near the Point and showed well while a very late juvenile Cuckoo was at the Potato fields.

There were some awesome totals recorded during the day and many species will be under recorded, but it all added to the fun, 30 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Short-eared Owl, 8 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Siberian Chiffchaff, 41 Chiffchaff, 17 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 56 Blackcap, 5 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, (inc the Halimodendri in Sykes field), 180 Goldcrest, 35 Ring Ouzel, 10 Fieldfare, 16,869 Redwing, 1067 Song Thrush, 770 Blackbird, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, 9 Whinchat, 180 Robin, 27 Stonechat, 8 Wheatear, 4 Rock Pipit, a Tree Pipit, 40 Chaffinch, 158 Brambling, 6 Bullfinch, 42 Siskin and a Twite.

Overland vis-migging saw 7 Grey Heron, 3 Ruff, 3 Jay, 4 Rook, 20 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 4 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 33 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 7 Redpoll and 3 Yellowhammer, plus an Egyptian Goose with 19 Lapwing and 135 Black-headed Gull in/off. The sea had some great totals as more Wildfowl pushed south, 72 Brent Geese, 896 Pink-footed Geese, 618 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 613 Teal, 40 Pintail, 16 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 358 Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 31 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 13 Little Gulls and an Arctic Skua.

Ringing: 18 Song Thrush, 39 Blackbird,74 Redwing, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 18 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 63 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 54 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 3 Chaffinch, 7 Brambling, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 8 Reed Bunting, 1 House Sparrow, 76 Tree Sparrow. (583 of 21 species).

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Monday, 14 October 2019

A wet, cool overcast day with light wind.  Watches: 0700-1200.

The RED EYED VIREO was still present all day and giving some amazing views while visiting its favourite berry bush ay the western end of Vicars lane.

The Little Bunting was still present at the Warren and good numbers of migrants still about in the area with 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Short-eared Owl, 13 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 26 Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 20 Blackcap, 2 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 100 Goldcrest, 9 Ring Ouzel, 19 Fieldfare, 1120 Redwing, 42 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 22 Robin, 39 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Rock Pipit, 21 Siskin and 4 Brambling.

Overland vis-migging saw a Grey Heron, 1 Great White Egret after being in the Long bank area, 45 Skylark, 17 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 35 Alba Wagtail, 73 Meadow Pipit, 29 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch, 120 Linnet, 558 Goldfinch and 21 Reed Bunting.

The sea was quiet and only had 12 Brent Geese, 292 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver and 4 Gannet were seen for the effort.

Also today 20 Shoveler and 61 Teal on Kilnsea wetlands, 1500 Golden Plover on the Humber, Purple Sandpiper by the Crown and anchor and 8-0 Pink-footed Geese on Easington straight

Ringing: (Still good numbers of both Blue and Great Tit being caught this October): 4 Song Thrush, 3 Blackbird, 10 Redwing, 8 Starling, 1 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap. 1 Garden warbler, 44 Goldcrest, 3 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 11 Robin, 5 Wren, 4 Dunnock, 6 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 18 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Bullfinch, 9 Reed Bunting, 1 House Sparrow, 80 Tree Sparrow. (233 of 22 species).

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Sunday, 13 October 2019

The weekend got even better today with the finding of a GREAT SNIPE on Beacon lane by Pete Wragg. Initially showing in the open it spent much of the time sat in the grass. It was only in September 2013 the famous bird was present on Beacon lane, eventually sadly succumbing to a cat. The RED EYED VIREO  has been present all day on Vicars lane.

The common migrant of the day were the conservative, but fantasic count of 1530 Siskin in the Kilnsea to Easington area among a good arrival of migrants which included 5 Bearded Tit, a Short-eared Owl, 1 Willow Warbler, 29 Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 90 Goldcrest, 14 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 2655 Redwing, 300 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 70 Robin, a Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 13 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 50 Chaffinch, 61 Brambling and a Snow Bunting on Beacon lane.

Also seen today were a Great White Egret on Beacon ponds, 3 Marsh Harrier one of which had a lage section of missing wing from being shot while moving south the best being 34 Swallow and 19 House Martin.

Ringing: 1 Ring Ouzel, 44 Redwing, 2 Blackbird, 14 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 1 Blue Tit, 9 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 11 Goldcrest, 4 Goldfinch, 6 Brambling, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Siskin, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting. (111 of 17 species).

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Saturday, 12 October 2019

The day came to life with breaking news of a RED-EYED VIREO on Vicars lane in Easington found by Mick Turton. The 2nd for Spurn and a great grip back, it showed on and off all day, sometimes with patience brilliant views were available. If still present tomorrow please park sensibly to avoid antagonising the locals and police alike. Thank you.

The Little Bunting was present again today in the Big hedge area, 10 Bearded Tits along the Canal, the Great White Egret on canal scrape in the morning, flying west up the Humber later, while both the 'Halimodendri' Lesser Whitethroat in Sykes field and the Blythi Lesser Whitethroat at the Warren were both still present, with a further eastern Lesser Whitethroat on Vicars lane. Other good sightings today included the Firecrest still in the Crown carpark, the Garganey on Kilnsea wetlands and a Turtle Dove in the triangle which flew off north.

Migrants totals were a Common Sandpiper by the Tank blocks, 79 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff in the Obs garden, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 12 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 72 Goldcrest, 7 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 100 Redwing, 60 Song Thrush, 5 Mistle Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, 3 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 13 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, a Tree Pipit, 13 Brambling and a Bullfinch. 

On  the move were a 2 Marsh Harrier, male Hen Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Stock Dove, 3 Rook, 151 Skylark, 88 Swallow, 53 House Martin, 840 Tree Sparrow, 3 Dunnock, 5 Grey Wagtail, 38 Alba Wagtail, 777 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 32 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 24 Greenfinch, 609 Linnet, 2 Redpoll, 2904 Goldfinch, 17 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, 2 Corn Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer and 243 Reed Bunting, while over the sea 105 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Whooper Swan, 2 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 12 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, 1 Goosander, a Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Gannet, 9 Cormorant, a Whimbrel, 3 Sandwich Tern and 7 Common Tern.

Ringing: 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Rock Pipit, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 29 Goldcrest, 2 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 10 Robin, 2 Wren, 3 Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 148 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting, 11 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 3 Chaffinch. (239 of 18 species).

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Friday, 11 October 2019

A chilly, windy day with rain on and off with a F4-6 SSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0700-0930, 1600-1820.

A bit of a quieter day all round no doubt due to the weather, but the good birds were still present today. The Little Bunting was still present again in the Warren area, while the Great-white Egret spent the day on Canal scrape and roosted in the Crown carpark!

Migrants present  today, included a Short-eared Owl, 23 Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, presumed ‘Halimodendri’ Lesser Whitethroat in Sykes field, a Blythi Lesser Whitethroat at the Warren, the Firecrest still in the Kew area, 47 Goldcrest, 2000 Starling, a Ring Ouzel at Sammies, 19 Song Thrush, 14 Redwing, a Pied Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear and 7 Brambling while the Bearded Tits were heard along the Canal.

Moving were 5 Brent Geese, 150 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 22 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 19 Gannet, 14 Cormorant, 40 Little Gull, 3 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Tern and an Arctic Skua while overland a 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Skylark, 35 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 18 Meadow Pipit, 90 Linnet, 55 Goldfinch, 3 Snow Bunting in/off at the Warren and 18 Reed Bunging.

The Garganey was still present on Kilnsea wetlands along with 2 Spotted Redshank

 Ringing:  2 Wheatear, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 4 Goldfinch, 1 House Sparrow. (17 of 7 species).

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Thursday, 10 October 2019

Watches: 0655-1230, 1530-1600, 1730-1820.

Another great day of overland movement, while some good totals of migrants remain in the area and some good totals over the sea including  late Little Tern

The Little Bunting was still present and occasionally showing well in Big hedge area, a Firecrest in the Crown car park, the 6 Bearded Tits along the canal and a Great-white Egret on Canal scrape, while a surprise late Little Tern went south in the evening with a good Tern movement in general.   

There was a decline in Thrush numbers with 1 Jack Snipe, 32 Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 3 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, a Blythi Lesser Whitethroat still at the warren, 70 Goldcrest, 2000+ Starling, 2 Ring Ouzel, 4 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 25 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 18 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Rock Pipit and 4 Brambling.

Overland vis-migging was brilliant again, 6 Little Egret, 3 Magpie, a Kestrel, 11 Stock Dove, 122 Wood Pigeon, 305 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 50 Swallow, 94 House Martin, 25 House Sparrow, 1100 Tree Sparrow but numbers were difficult to get to grips with, 6 Grey Wagtail, 35 Alba Wagtail, 1188 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit, 101 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 48 Greenfinch, 1132 Linnet, 962 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting and 115 Reed Bunting.

The sea had 6 Brent Geese, 4 Barnacle Geese, 686 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Whooper Swan, 1 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 13 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Great Northern Diver, 19 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 3 Gannet, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Little Gull, 1 Arctic Skua, 5 Sandwich Tern, 4 Arctic Tern and a fantastic 117 Common Tern for the time of year.

Also today the Garganey was still on Kilnsea wetlands along with 2500 Knot, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank and 310 Redshank with a Goosander on the Humber and 210 Brent Geese still on the Humber.

Ringing: 3 Song Thrush, 1 Blackbird, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 36 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 8 Robin, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 2 Chaffinch, 9 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting, 6 House Sparrow, 197 Tree Sparrow. (174 of 15 species).

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Wednesday, 09 October 2019

Watches: 0705-1530, 1620-1830.

It was a great day of movement overland with some brilliant totals of Passerines, good numbers of Hirundines, Pipits and Finches while more Blue tits headed south though nothing to rival Falsterbo!

Sightings today included 2 Crane which came soth with a flock of Pink-feet, but u-turned at the Warren, the Little Bunting remained occasionally showing well in Big hedge area and there are now 3 Red-breasted Flycatcher (with one at the Point, the White horse pub and seaside road in Easington) and a Firecrest on Beacon lane                                                                                                                             

There was a decline in migrant numbers with final totals of a Short-eared Owl, 1 Jack Snipe, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 35 Chiffchaff, 10 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 2 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, a Blythi Lesser Whitethroat still at the warren, 58 Goldcrest, 1000+ Starling, 7 Ring Ouzel, 30 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 90 Redwing, 50 Song Thrush, 60 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 9 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Lapland Bunting and 4 Brambling.

Overland vis-migging was brilliant with some fine totals, 3 Magpie, 2 Carrion Crow, 1 Marsh Harrier, a Kestrel, 9 Stock Dove, 1 Lapwing, 8 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 383 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 125 Swallow, 242 House Martin, a Mistle Thrush, 17 House Sparrow, 1251 Tree Sparrow, 9 Dunnock, a Flava Wagtail, 11 Grey Wagtail, 53 Alba Wagtail, 1630 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, 173 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 47 Greenfinch, 1921 Linnet, 1321 Goldfinch, 4 Redpoll, 14 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, 3 Yellowhammer and 151 Reed Bunting. The sea was steady apart from the 1246 Pink-footed Geese which flew south while also moving 4 Wigeon, 7 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, a Shag, 7 Cormorant, an Arctic Skua, 5 Sandwich Tern and 31 Common Tern.

Also today the Garganey was still on Kilnsea wetlands, 210 Brent Geese on the Humber and 116 Pink-footed Geese on Easington straight.

Ringing: 1 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Blackbird, 2 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Blue Tit, 6 Robin, 7 Chaffinch, 3 Lesser Redpoll,  5 House Sparrow, 221 Tree Sparrow. (258 of 11 species).

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Tuesday, 08 October 2019

Watches: 0705-1345, 1650-1830.

The Little Bunting remained in the Warren to Big hedge area and the Red-breasted Flycatcher by the White horse pub in Easington. A Jay wandering around the warren area eventually trapped itself in the Heligoland trap.                                                     

There was a decline in migrant numbers with final totals of a Short-eared Owl, 2 Jack Snipe, 27 Chiffchaff, 8 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 16 Blackcap, 2 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, a Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 63 Goldcrest, 2000 Starling, 2 Ring Ouzel, 25 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 119 Redwing, 90 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 40 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, 3 Black Redstart, 4 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 11 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, a Tree Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit and 8 Brambling.

The sea was steady with 38 Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 394 Pink-footed Geese, a Whooper Swan, 7 Pintail, 20 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, 2 Eider, 2 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, a Shag, 7 Cormorant, 2 Little Gull, an adult Caspian Gull,  1 Pomarine Skua, 5 Sandwich Tern, 14 Arctic Tern and 12 Common Tern.

Overland vis-migging saw a good movement with the 6 Bearded Tit threatening to fly south but returning back north to their reed bed along the canal plus 2 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Sparrowhawk, 28 Lapwing, 9 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 430 Skylark, 80 Swallow, 16 House Martin, 31 House Sparrow, 450 Tree Sparrow, 9 Dunnock, a Flava Wagtail, 6 Grey Wagtail, 9 Alba Wagtail, 483 Meadow Pipit, 32 Rock Pipit, 66 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling, 42 Greenfinch, 1293 Linnet, 432 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer and 72 Reed Bunting.

Kilnsea wetlands held a Garganey, 183 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 2 Tufted Duck, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank while just outside the area 1500 Pink-footed Geese were still in fields northwest of Sammies.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 9 Goldcrest, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Wren, 9 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 13 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 1 House Sparrow, 51 Tree Sparrow. (103 of 13 species).

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Monday, 07 October 2019

Watches: 0700-1000.

The SIBERIAN STONECHAT was still present this morning, but vanished as the rain started. The Little Bunting remained elusive and flighty in the Warren to Southfield farm area and the Red-breasted Flycatcher by the White horse pub. The 6 Bearded Tit remained along the canal.                                                  

Migrants were boosted a little by a small arrival in the afternoon with 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, a Willow Warbler, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 93 Chiffchaff, 19 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 31 Blackcap, 3 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, a Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, 1 Barred Warbler, 215 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher, 3000 Starling, 20 Ring Ouzel, 125 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 1700 Redwing, 500 Song Thrush, 4 Mistle Thrush, 320 Robin, 4 Black Redstart, 5 Redstart, a Whinchat, 17 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 3 Lapland Bunting at the narrows, 44 Siskin and 53 Brambling.

Over the sea it was relatively quiet after the good Duck movements recently with only 6 Brent Geese, Gadwall, 1 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 23 Pintail, 43 Teal, 24 Wigeon, 34 Common Scoter, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, a Shag, 7 Cormorant, 1 Little Gull, 5 Sandwich Tern and 1 Common Tern. Overland movement saw a small trickle head south 2 Jackdaw, 23 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 170 Starling plus 200 in/off, a Grey Wagtail, 23 Meadow Pipit, 13 Rock Pipit, 9 Chaffinch and 6 Reed Bunting.

Kilnsea wetlands held 226 Wigeon, a Spotted Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 650 Knot while just outside the area a huge flock of 3000 Pink-footed Geese arrived from the north settling in fields between Easington and Out Newton.

Ringing: 1 Kingfisher, 6 Blackbird, 30 Song Thrush, 15 Redwing, 6 Blackcap, 3 Reed Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 29 Goldcrest, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Wren, 54 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 1 House Sparrow, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting. (160 of 17 species).

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Sunday, 06 October 2019

The day began with continuous rain and very low cloud making it difficult out in the field, obviously making it hard for migrants to see land and no doubt many just passed unseen overhead. Eventually early afternoon the rain slackened and with patches of blue sky more Thrushes began to drop in, no doubt being able to see land after their epic journey. The radios which had been busy with the odd Yellow-browed Warbler and Ring Ouzel soon cranked up as more birds began to appear.

The highlight of the day was a female type SIBERIAN STONECHAT presumed 'Mauras' by the Crown and Anchor pub which showed well. It was trapped soon after to help with the ongoing assessment of this difficult recently split group. In reality this could be the first confirmed record for Maura at Spurn. While everyone was watching this bird a Little Bunting had been found showing well at Canal scrape, a Red-breasted Flycatcher in Easington by the white horse pub and late evening 2 Marsh Warbler were just north of the breach showing well. Along the canal the 6 Bearded Tit were still present.

Migrant totals were 5 Jack Snipe, 5 Short-eared Owl, a Willow Warbler, 63 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 28 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 26 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 'eastern type' Lesser Whitethroat, a Blythi Lesser Whitethroat, 210 Goldcrest, 15 Ring Ouzel, 1200 Redwing, 1100 Song Thrush, 330 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Black Redtstart, 10 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 11 Stonechat, 12 Wheatear, a Yellow wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 18 Rock Pipit, 80 Brambling, 70 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting.

Ringing: Siberian Stonechat, 39 Robin, 1 Redstart, 4 Redwing, 1 Blackbird, 14 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Siskin

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Saturday, 05 October 2019

A few good birds seen today without being outstanding, highlighted by 6 Bearded Tit in Sykes field, a Barred Warbler opposite the Obs and at least 23 Yellow-browed Warbler. 

Migarnt totals were as follows with 3 Jack Snipe, a Jay, 4 Willow Warbler, 50+ Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 19 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, with at least one definitely Siberian being trapped at the Warren, 107 Goldcrest, 5 Ring Ouzel, 370 Redwing, 5 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 30 Stonechat, 3 Tree Pipit, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 33 Brambling, 5 Ssikin, a Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.

The 3rd Cal year Caspian Gull was again on Kilnsea wetlands. Full details to come.

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Friday, 04 October 2019

The anticipation in the air as birds arrived in from the sea was vivid as observers wait to see if the big fall will be on this weekend. Decent numbers this afternoon and evening bode well, while good numbers of Duck over the sea added to a good day.

The Red-breasted Flycatcher was again along Beacon lane, but no sign of the Booted Warbler today. The Great White Egret was again in fields at Sammies and the 3rd cal year Caspian Gull on Kilnsea wetlands..

Decent migrant totals with an arrival late afternoon, 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Willow Warbler, 64 Chiffchaff, 16 Yellow-browed Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 22 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 8 Ring Ouzel, 530 Redwing, 94 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 30 Robin, 2 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 20 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, Lapland Bunting north at the Warren and 12 Brambling.

The sea had a fantastic movement of Duck especially late morning with many coming in from the east and continuing straight up the Humber with 15 Brent Geese, 2 Pale-bellied Brent, 2 Whooper Swan, 3 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 46 Pintail, 247 Teal, 1588 Wigeon, 10 Velvet Scoter, 207 Common Scoter, 2 Scaup, 9 Tufted Duck, 6 Red-breasted Merganser, 43 Red-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 102 Gannet, 22 Cormorant, 22 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, Kittiwake, 6 Guillemot and 38 Auk sp

Overland movement saw a relative trickle head south 3 Sparrowhawk, a Marsh Harrier, 9 Snipe in/off,  9 Rook, 6 Jackdaw, 28 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 80 Starling plus 25 in/off, 14 House Sparrow, 350 Tree Sparrow, 2 Grey Wagtail, 14 Alba Wagtail, 138 Meadow Pipit, 15 Rock Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 9 Greenfinch, .

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 4 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing, 4 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 7 Blue Tit, 5 Great Tit, 1 Wren, 1 Robin, 5 Dunnock, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch, 3 House Sparrow, 42 Tree Sparrow, 1 Rock Pipit. (97 of 18 species).

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Thursday, 03 October 2019

After a cold start with ground frost it was a warm and sunny day with generally light winds, but after dark rain and strong blustery southerly.

Watches: 0645-1300, 1430-1720.

A much calmer day made it pleasant out birding and saw a small arrival late morning with a decent days vismigging which saw interesting numbers of Little Egret and Blue Tit head south.

The BOOTED WARBLER was re-located in Well field in the Sunflower crop and showed well on and off all day as did the Red-breasted Flycatcher on Beacon lane. There was an increase to at least 14 Yellow-browed Warbler today, while a Great White Egret by Long bank later flew south. 

Migrant totals were 3 Willow Warbler, 90 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 31 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 2 Ring Ouzel, 62 Blackbird, a Fieldfare, 385 Redwing, 25 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 11 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, a White Wagtail, 2 Rock Pipit, 14 Brambling, a Hawfinch in Easington, 1 Bullfinch on Beacon lane, a Lesser Redpoll and 2 Lapland Bunting.

On the move were overland were 19 Little Egret, 9 Collared Dove, a Kestrel, 14 Magpie, 10 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 17 Carrion Crow, 22 Blue Tit, 98 Skylark, 23 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 585 Starling, 39 House Sparrow, 540 Tree Sparrow, 12 Dunnock, 2 Flava Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 19 Alba Wagtail, 373 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 28 Greenfinch, 496 Linnet, 37 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 106 Reed Bunting. Over the sea 22 Brent Geese, 255 Pink-footed Geese, 15 Whooper Swan, 4 Tufted Duck, a Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Manx Shearwater, 40 Kittiwake, 1390 Little Gull, 22 Sandwich Tern, 3 Common Tern, 2 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua and 1112 Auk sp.

Kilnsea wetlands had a 3rd Cal year Caspian Gull, 7 Pintail, 9500 Knot, a Ruff, 639 Redshank among the usual species present with 14 Grey Partridge nearby and 1300 Shelduxck on the Humber. 

Ringing; 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush, 5 Redwing, 2 Blacbird, 2 Robin, 2 Stonechat, 6 Dunnock, 6 Blue Tit, 3 Great Tit, 6 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Goldcrest, 199 Tree Sparrow, 9 House Saprrow, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 19 Reed Bunting. (286 of 20 species).

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Wednesday, 02 October 2019

Early morning the BOOTED WARBLER was trapped in the Churchfield Heligoland trap, having not been seen beforehand and then not seen subsequently. A big suprise was a White Stork south high out over the sea, while the Red-breasted Flycatcher was again at the north end of Beacon lane, occasioanlly showing well. Early morning our first Whooper Swan of the autumn flew south over the triangle. There was no sign of the Rustic Bunting today.

Migrant totals were a Jack Snipe at Chalk bank, 8 Snipe, 30 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 5 Willow Warbler, 100 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 30 Goldcrest, 1000 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 18 Redwing, 16 Song Thrush, 4 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 17 Stonechat, 8 Wheatear, a Tree Pipit and 2 Siskin.

It was a bit disappointing over the sea after the previous day with only 7 Barnacle Geese, 14 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 9 Eider, 48 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 51 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 39 Cormorant, 17 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 270 Little Gull, 10 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern, 3 Great Skua, 1 Artic Skua and 160 Auk sp. Overland 6 Common Buzzard, a Hobby, 3 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 69 Skylark, 15 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 9 House Sparrow, 270 Tree Sparrow, 11 Rock Pipit, 4 Greenfinch and 25 Reed Bunting. 

Other sightings included the Barnacle Goose still on Easington straight, 1020 Shelduck and a Spotted Redshank on the Humber, with an Avocet, 5 Lapwing, 7000 Knot, 177 Wigeon, 7 Pintail and 55 Teal on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 4 Robin, 5 Wren, 5 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Booted Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 5 House Sparrow, 99 Tree Sparrow, 3 Reed Bunting. (161 of 18 species).

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Tuesday, 01 October 2019

Watches: 0645-1230, 1400-1600, 1700-1830.

A fantastic day overall despite the difficult strong north easterly wind with persistent driving rain which brought Thrushes wiffling down mainly into the Kew area, while over the sea it was good again with plenty of Skuas and a few oddities.

The month began with a bang with the finding of a skulky, but occasionally showy BOOTED WARBLER in Sykes/Corner field. The 11th record, but the first since September 2009, it is also the first October record for the Obs. If present tomorrow can birders please use the Sykes field entrance (the metal gates) rather than the Corner field entrance and walk round to view. Thank you. The RUSTIC BUNTING was still present late afternoon in big hedge on the weedy embankments and showed quite well upto dark. 

Other migrants today included a Hawfinch over Kilnsea which dropped in by the Riverside, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler, 56 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 40 Goldcrest, 60 Blackbird, 500 Redwing, 180 Song Thrush, 5 Ring Ouzel, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 9 Stonechat, 10 Wheatear, 9 Grey Wagtail, 4 White Wagtail, 130 Meadow Pipit, a Tree Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit and a Siskin with a Common Sandpiper by the tank blocks.

The sea didnt disappoint today with 12 Brent Geese, 43 Barnacle Geese, 24 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 15 Tufted Duck, 770 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 157 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 33 Manx Shearwater, a Balearic Shearwater,192 Gannet, a Grey Phalarope, 86 Kittiwake, 226 Little Gull, 9 Sandwich Tern, 3 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 34 Great Skua, 6 Long-tailed Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, 71 Arctic Skua, 91 Guillemot, 19 Razorbill, 1247 Auk sp and 4 Puffin.

Other sightings included a Barnacle Goose, 60 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Canada Goose and 315 Greylag Geese on Easington straight, 4 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1000 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank, 1500 Knot, 1 Greenshank and a Little Gull on Kilnsea wetlands, while heading south overland 61 Swallow and 46 House Martin made use of the strong tail wind.

Ringing: 1 Guillemot, 2 Dunnock, 1 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Siskin, 1 Tree Sparrow. (15 of 9 species).

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Monday, 30 September 2019

Watches: 0630-1100.

The winds had the desired effect and brought good scatter of migrants and scarcities, but unfortunately not the fall we were hoping for. The sea didn't really get going so it was nice to see a fantastic Little Gull count.

The undoubted highlight of the day was a RUSTIC BUNTING found at the Warren remaining elusive throughout, but pinned down in the evening by big hedge. Also today a Red-breasted Flycatcher on Beacon lane, 8 Yellow-browed Warbler in the area, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 52 Goldcrest, 650 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 20 Blackbird, 12 Redwing, 14 Song Thrush, 4 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 12 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, a White Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit with a Short-eared Owl at Kilnsea wetlands. 

Over the sea 2 Barnacle Geese, 595 Pink-footed Geese, 14 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Eider, 40 Common Scoter, 80 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 16 Manx Shearwater, 215 Gannet, a Shag, 23 Cormorant, 120 Kittiwake, 3734 Little Gull, 13 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 9 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and 81 Auk sp while overland 7 Common Buzzard, 5 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 203 Skylark, a Sand Martin, 44 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 107 Tree Sparrow, 1 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 350 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit, 288 Linnet, 39 Goldfinch and 47 Reed Bunting.

The Garganey was still on Kilnsea wetlands plus 3 shoveler, 161 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 121 Teal, 3 Avocet, 3 Lapwing, 10 Greenshank and 10 Mediterranean Gull with a Purple sandpiper by the Bluebell.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wood Pigeon, 3 Wren, 6 Dunnock, 5 Robin, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 4 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Chiffchaff, 12 Goldcrest, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting. (62 of 15 species).

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Sunday, 29 September 2019

Rain on and off all day with the wind increasing from virtually calm to a F4 S- 4-7 NE.

Watches: 0650-1230, 1445-1830.

There was an obvious increase in migrants today while in the morning a good visible migration session saw more Meadow Pipits fly south, and later still the sea picked up with some good Skua passage.

Migrant totals saw noticeable increases in Thrush numbers with totals of a Hobby, a Willow Warbler, 18 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, a Ring Ouzel, 30 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 72 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 25 Robin, 3 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 13 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit. 

Over the sea were a Barnacle Goose, 27 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 5 Eider, 27 Common Scoter, 96 Red-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, 9 Manx Shearwater, 100 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake, 180 Little Gull, 28 Sandwich Tern, 20 Common Tern, 12 Great Skua, 110 Arctic Skua and 72 Auk sp.

Overland movement had yet more Pipits and Finches culminating in totals of 4 Swift, 8 Rook, 2 Jackdaw, 20 Skylark, 115 Swallow, 52 House Martin, 85 Tree Sparrow, 1 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 25 Alba Wagtail, 2550 Meadow Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 1620 Linnet, 4 Siskin and 26 Reed Bunting.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had all the usual suspects, a Garganey, 6 Pintail, 153 Teal, 192 Wigeon, a Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 700 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch. (20 of 11 species).

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Saturday, 28 September 2019

Watches:0700-1045, 1235-1500.

As we approach the end of the month at total of around 30,000 Meadow Pipit have flown south past the counters at the Warren. Today a more modest total of 2654 Meadow Pipit flew south with rain again putting paid to a bigger count.

Vismigging pre-rain also produced 2 Marsh Harrier, a Collared Dove, a Short-eared Owl in/off, 2 Swift, a Kestrel, 3 Hobby, 9 Skylark, 5 Sand Martin, 62 Swallow, 78 House Martin, 9 Tree Sparrow, 3 Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 17 Alba Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 5 Greenfinch, 967 Linnet, 9 Goldfinch and 3 Reed Bunting. Over the sea were a Great White Egret, 34 Greylag Geese, 28 Pink-footed Geese, 25 Shoveler, 7 Teal, 2 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 26 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 108 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 13 Cormorant, a Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 32 Sandwich Tern, 13 Common Tern, an Arctic Tern, 600 Little Gull, 4 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 16 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 30 Auk sp.

Migrant totals today included the Firecrest still on Vicars lane, where an 'eastern type' Lesser Whitethroat was also present, plus in the area 3 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 14 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 28 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtail.

Kilnsea wetlands had Garganey, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, 481 Grey Plover, 250 Curlew, a Black-tailed Godwit, 2100 Knot, 7 Snipe, 1330 Redshank and 14 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Wheatear, 5 Goldcrest.

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Friday, 27 September 2019

Watches: 0615-1200, 1235-1340.

A fantastic day of movement overland more than made up for some rather poor days so far this autumn, while it had unfortunately dried up by 11am as heavy rain curtailed and gorunded most birds.

The highlight was a Red-rumped Swallow which are annual in spring, but this is only about the 7th ever in autumn. The days headline totals were 8113 Meadow Pipit and 2433 Linnet, flying south, but also 2 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 3 Rook, 17 Skylark, a Sand Martin, 67 Swallow, 145 House Martin, 210 Starling, 35 House Sparrow, 164 Tree Sparrow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 19 Alba Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 39 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 8 Greenfinch, 70 Goldfinch, 1 Lapland Bunting, a Snow Bunting, 21 Reed Bunting and a Yellowhammer. Over the sea a Brent Goose, 41 Pink-footed Gese, 1 Teal, 28 Common Scoter, 41 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 24 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 2 Kittiwake and 27 Mediterranean Gull.
Kilnsea wetlands had a Garganey, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 750 Knot, a Spotted Redshank and 1st year Caspian Gull.

Ringing: 14 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wren, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 House Sparrow, 6 Tree Sparrow. (31 of 8 species(.. 

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Thursday, 26 September 2019

Watches: 0625-0915, 1020-1150.

While we wait for the first proper easterlies (if we ever get them) then we have to make do with the southerly movement in what turned out to be a decent days vismigging. Despite early morning, sometimes prolonged and heavy rain showers there was a good showing mainly after the rain stopped. The highlights were a Great White Egret south after a brief stop over on long bank field, a late Wood Sandpiper, a Black Tern down the Humber plus 2 Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk, 2 Hobby, 2 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 5 Swift, 3053 Meadow Pipit, 9 Rock Pipit, a Tree Pipit, 2 Sand Martin, 212 House Martin, 167 Swallow, 82 Starling, 9 Flava Wagtail, 29 Alba Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 7 Skylark, 18 Chaffinch, 23 Greenfinch, 4 Redpoll, 759 Linnet, 31 Goldfinch, 37 Tree Sparrow, a Lapland Bunting and 16 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea 59 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 73 Teal, 67 Common Scoter, 81 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, a Sooty Shearwater, 138 Gannet, 20 Cormorant, 5 Knot, 9 Sanderling, a Snipe, 27 Sandwich Tern, 1 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 9 Guillemot, 9 Razorbill and 42 Auk sp.

It was difficult in the windy and wet conditions looking for migrants but our first Jack Snipe of the autumn was at Chalkies point, with 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (Sykes field and Vicars lane) where the Firecrest was still present and the Fieldfare again in North field. Also today a Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, a Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 18 Goldcrest, 1200 Starling, 10 Song Thrush, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 2 White Wagtail. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Garganey , 2 Shoveler, 158 Wigeon, 99 Mallard, 12 Pintail, 262 Teal, 7 Little Grebe, 2 Avocet, 2 Lapwing, 462 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank and 21 Little Egret while on the Humber there are now 28 Brent Geese.

Ringing: 1 Wheatear, 1 Robin, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Watches: 0620-1100.

Another decent day of grounded migrants with some new arrivals which moved out quickly, 7 Willow Warbler, 21 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, the Firecrest still on Vicars lane, 15 Goldcrest, 800 Starling, a Ring Ouzel on Beacon lane, 6 Song Thrush, a Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 12 Stonechat, 10 Wheatear, 11 Dunnock, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 150 Meadow Pipit, 8 Brambling at Kew, 2 Lapland Bunting and 62 Reed Bunting.

Moving over the sea were 4 Brent Geese, 35 Wigeon, 239 Teal, 2 Eider, 33 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 66 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver lingering offshore, a Manx Shearwater, 5 Grey Heron, 107 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit,  4 Sanderling, 16 Sandwich Tern, 11 Common Tern, 8 Great Skua, 15 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot and 3 Razorbill, while overland a Swift, 64 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 45 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 8 Flava Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 1546 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 13 Chaffinch, 2 Corn Bunting and 18 Reed Bunting.

6 Bottlenose Dolphins were offshore continung the recent run of sightings and a Convolvulus Hawkmoth in Churchfield.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 1 Robin, 5 Dunnock, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Wren, 1 Great Tit, 36 Meadow Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 10 Tree Sparrow. (70 of 15 species).

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Tuesday, 24 September 2019

Rain on and off allday with the odd sunny period and a F4 SE wind.

Watches: 0645-1140.

There were still decent numbers of migrants about despite the weather and the sea continued to deliver wildfowl albeit in ;lesser numbers.

Grounded migrants were still in evidence with 3 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear and 3 Brambling.

Over the sea 51 Wigeon, 475 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Eider, 90 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 303 Gannet, 3 Oystercathcer, 5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 6 Snipe in/off, 10 Little Gull, 15 Sandwich Tern, 84 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 4 Guillemot and 2 Razorbill, while overland there were only a Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby and 26 Swallow.

In the Kilnsea wetlands area 3 Shoveler, 181 Wigeon, 10 Pintail, 148 Teal, 8 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, 4 Lapwing, 400 Knot, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank and a Merlin.

A Box Tree Moth was trapped overnight at Kew after 4 were trapped in Easington the previous night. 

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest.

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Monday, 23 September 2019

Watches: 0650-1330, 1725-1840.

It was a good day for birds on the move particularly over the sea and a sizeable movement of Great White Egret in Yorkshire was also reflected here.

Grounded migrants were reduced on the previous day with 3 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 11 Stonechat, 9 Wheatear, 13 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Brambling and 30 Reed Bunting.

A fantastic day of wildfowl movement over the sea saw 7 Brent Geese, 17 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Shelduck, 369 Wigeon, a Mallard, 1118 Teal, 186 Common Scoter, 107 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 174 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, an Osprey, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover in/off, a Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 4 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Turnstone, 36 Knot, 34 Dunlin, a Purple Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 208 Little Gull, 18 Sandwich Tern, a late Little Tern, 47 Common Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 5 Guillemot and 2 Puffin.

Overland a trickle of vismig saw on the move 3 Great White Egret head south along with 5 Grey Heron, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, 4 Jackdaw, 50 Swallow, a Starling in/off, 1 Alba Wagtail, 71 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit and 11 Reed Bunting.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a noticeable increase in wildfowl with totals of 2 Canada Geese, 226 greylag Geese, 13 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Shoveler, 119 Wigeon, 60 Mallard, 7 Pintail, 345 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret, 6 Lapwing, a Black-tailed Godwit, 300 Knot, 3 snipe, 200 Redshank and 2 Greenshank.

10+ Bottlenose Dolphin were offshore continuing the unprecedented run of sightings in the area, a Convolvulous Hawkmoth caterpillar was found along the canal and a first for the area concerned 4 Box Tree Moths were trapped in Easington.

Ringing: 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Redstart, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 House Sparrow, 17 Tree Sparrow, 7 Reed Bunting. (37 of 12 sp).

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Sunday, 22 September 2019

Watches: 0700-0830, 1130-1800.

There was a good arrival today though no big numbers, but it did bring the first 4 hotly anticipated Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn (2 on Vicars lane, 1 Old school, 1+ Point), with a Firecrest on Vicars lane, a Hawfinch on Beacon lane and a Lapland Bunting on the Point beach, along with 10 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, a Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Pied Flycatcher, 37 Robin, 15 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 24 Stonechat, 7 Wheatear, 50 Dunnock, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit, a Rock Pipit and 70 Reed Bunting.

On the move today over a quiet sea were 5 Brent Geese, 6 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Shelduck, a Pintail, 29 Teal, 1 Eider, 143 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, 21 Gannet, 129 Black-headed Gull, 15 Sandwich Tern, a Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua.

Overland movement was poor with only a Skylark, 4 House Sparrow, 2 Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 5 Rock Pipit and 3 Reed Bunting.

Offshore a Sunfish made its way south and 3 Bottlenose Dolphin lingered.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redstart, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 6 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch.

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Saturday, 21 September 2019

Watches: 0650-0945, 1600-1900.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher was a nice find in the Crown carpark among a scatter of new migrants, 5 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Garden warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 16 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Brambling.

On the move today over the sea were 3 Pintail, 4 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 11 Common Scoter, 60 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 206 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, a Whimbrel, 6 Knot, 29 Sandwich Tern, 24 Common Tern, 9 Kittiwake, 5 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 5 Guillemot and 10 Auk sp with only a trickle of overland movement, a Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 1 Flava Wagtail and an Alba Wagtail.

Offshore 3 White Beaked Dolphin and 2 Bottlenose Dolphin were feeding together from the seawatch hut.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 20 September 2019

Watches: 0630-1015, 1700-1900.

A Slavonian Grebe sat of the sea was the day’s highlight, while a Purple Sandpiper was at the breach, though an unconfirmed report of Yellow-browed Warbler in Easington will be looked for in the morning, but the day did include the first 2 Brambling of the autumn. Migrant totals were 4 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 14 Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, a good count of 20 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Rock Pipit and 4 Yellow Wagtail.

Over the sea were 644 Pink-footed Geese, 31 Teal, 22 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 133 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 226 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 46 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Arctic Skua, 4 Guillemot and 22 Auk sp with overland movement producing, a Great-spotted Woodpecker, 3 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 2 Skylark, 4 Sand Martin, 41 Swallow, 3 Dunnock, 5 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 523 Meadow Pipit, a Tree Pipit, 20 Greenfinch, 110 Linnet, 4 Goldfinch and 76 Reed Bunting.

The Kilnsea wetlands area was quiet for the just about the first time this autumn with only 41 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 107 Teal, an Avocet, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 1850 Dunlin, 550 Redshank and 3 Greenshank of note.

Ringing: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Robin, 6 Dunnock, 7 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Linnet, 11 Tree Sparrow, 16 Reed Bunting.

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Thursday, 19 September 2019

Watches: 0625-0930, 1600-1900.

The first Redwing of the autumn was in the Church yard, where a Tawny Owl was also present, while presumably yesterday’s Hawfinch flew north over the Obs. There were some good totals of migrants as we wait to see if the easterlies materialise some goodies in the next few days, 6 Willow Warbler, 18 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed warbler, 7 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Song Thrush, 15 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 18 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 36 Dunnock, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 48 Reed Bunting and a Snow Bunting at Middle Camp.

On the move today over the sea were 53 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Pintail, 51 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 108 Common Scoter, 256 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 5 Manx Shearwater, 188 Gannet, 15 Cormorant, 3 Oystercatcher, 291 Kittiwake, 18 Little Gull, 1 Great Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, 11 Guillemot, 2 Puffin and 16 Auk sp with only a trickle of overland movement, 2 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 68 Meadow Pipit, 31 Linnet and a Siskin.

The Kilnsea wetlands area was quiet for the just about the first time this autumn with only 4 Pintail, 65 Teal, an Avocet and 2 Greenshank of note.

Ringing: 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 15 Reed Bunting.

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Wednesday, 18 September 2019

Watches: 0700-1115, 1600-1915.

An increase in migrant numbers produced the first autumn records of Hawfinch at Rose cottage and Lapland Bunting at Beacon ponds with also 4 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 12 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 2 Rock Pipit, 17 Yellow Wagtail and 2 White Wagtail.

On the move today over the sea were 180 Pink-footed Geese, a Brent Goose, 73 Teal, 17 Wigeon, 2 Scaup, 86 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 128 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 18 Manx Shearwater, 398 Gannet, 2 Shag, 41 Oystercatcher, 903 Kittiwake, 6 Great Skua, 22 Arctic Skua, 2 adult Pomarine Skua, 2 Puffin and 58 Auk sp.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 55 Mallard, 20 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 154 Teal, 1 Avocet, 2 Lapwing, 143 Curlew, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Snipe, 450 Redshank and 2 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 9 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 12 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greenfinch, 23 Linnet, 2 Tree Sparrow, 18 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 17 September 2019

A cool day with sunny spells and a F2-4 NNW wind

Watches: 0700-1030, 1700-1915.

The sea was where the action occurred today even without continuous coverage, but still resulted in some nice highlights with a Leach’s Petrel, juvenile Sabines Gull, a Balearic Shearwater and 2 Long-tailed Skua heading north.

Other sightings on the move today over the sea were 50 Pink-footed Geese, 46 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Scaup, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 60 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 11 Fulmar, 9 Sooty Shearwater, 24 Manx Shearwater, 205 Gannet, a Purple Sandpiper, 36 Kittiwake, a Little Gull, 20 Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, 34 Guillemot and 46 Auk sp while overland a Great White Egret flew west up the Humber and a Common Buzzard went south.

Less migrants, but maybe due to less observers as they headed off to Blacktoft, a Snow Bunting at the breach was the first of the autumn with also 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Goldcrest, a Stonechat, 5 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtail were the best of it.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 6 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 19 Tree Sparrow.

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Monday, 16 September 2019

Warm and sunny cooler later with a F2 ENE-N wind.

Watches: 0630-1130, 1400-1945.

On the move over the sea were a Brent Goose, 174 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 21 Common Scoter, 69 Red-throated Diver, a Leach's Petrel, 6 Fulmar, 31 Manx Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwater, a Great Crested Grebe, 307 Gannet, 1 Shag, 23 Cormorant, 9 Kittiwake, 268 Black-headed Gull, 72 Sandwich Tern, 11 Great Skua, 6 Arctic Skua, 6 Guillemot and 15 Auk sp. Overland movement saw 1 Marsh Harrier, an impressive 37 Common Buzzard which then went west up the Humber, 11 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 2 Sand Martin, 74 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 17 Starling, 30 Tree Sparrow, 2 Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 766 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 16 Reed Bunting.

There was an obvious increase in grounded migrants 6 Swift, 28 Willow Warbler, 30 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 20 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat, 40 Wheatear and 7 Yellow Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 2 Shoveler, 20 Wigeon, 8 Pintail, 74 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 1 Avocet, 1 Lapwing, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1000 Knot, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 600 Redshank and 6 Greenshank. There were also 10,000 Knot on the Humber.

Ringing: 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffhcaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Robin, 2 Dunnock, 24 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 15 September 2019

Watches: 0625-1400, 1730-1915.

The Grey Phalarope continued to perform giving great views to a succesion of visitors at the breach area and for the seawatchers a Black-throated Diver gave observers a nice chance to see one sat on the sea for a while rather than the usual views of a fly-by. A record 212 Mediterranean Gull were counted on the receding Humber tide before the heat haze became too bad.

Also over the sea were 98 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 7 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 45 Common Scoter, 31 Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, a Balearic Shearwater, 4 Great Skua and an Arctic skua while the evening roost movement had 2 Black Tern, 142 Sandwich Tern, 1710 Common Tern and 8 Arctic Tern. It was much quieter overland with just 2 Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Buzzard, 2 Swift, 2 Kestrel, a Hobby, 2 Jackdaw, 15 Sand Martin, 177 Swallow, 64 House Martin, 72 Tree Sparrow, 1 Dunnock, 33 Flava Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 362 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 119 Linnet, 6 Siskin, a Corn Bunting and 29 Reed Bunting.

A nice selection of migrants were still present, though not in any numbers, 8 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 14 Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, a Black Redstart, 7 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail and 34 Pied Wagtail.

On Kilnsea wetlands 6 Pintail, 19 Little Egret, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 300 Knot, 3+ Curlew Sandpiper, 1050 Redshank and 30+ Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 12 Linnet, 7 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting.

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Saturday, 14 September 2019

Another great day of birding with more good vis-migging and a few seabirds thrown in for good measure. The highlight was a surprise juvenile Sabines Gull feeding on the Humber with Black-headed Gulls which moved out with the tide. The Grey Phalarope re-appeared feeding on the south side of the breach and yet again gave brilliant views. 

On the move today were 266 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Pintail, 7 Sheldck, 4 Wigeon, 35 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, 116 Gannet, 1 Shag, 19 Cormorant, 9 Knot, a Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, an Osprey, 2 Kestrel, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Jackdaw, 16 Sand Martin, 263 Swallow, 96 House Martin, 14 Starling, 49 House Sparrow, 55 Tree Sparrow, 12 Dunnock, 17 Flava Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 5375 Meadow Pipit, a Tree Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 9 Chaffinch, 18 Greenfinch, 401 Linnet, 65 Goldfinch, a Siskin amd 53 Reed Bunting.

A decent scatter of migrants throughout the area, 5 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 11 Goldcrest, 2 Black Redstart, a Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 6 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtail.

Kilnsea wetlands had 4 Shoveler, 21 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 57 Teal, an Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 191 Curlew, a Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 700 Redshank and 2 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Robin, 6 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 1 Stonechat, 34 Meadow Pipit, 3 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 7 Tree Sparrow. (63 of 12 species).

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Friday, 13 September 2019

Watches: 0645-0915, 1300-1915.

A noticeable increase in migrant numbers saw most areas covered except the Peninsula, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Swift, 6 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, the Barred Warbler still at the Warren, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 17 Goldcrest, a Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 61 Wheatear and 20 Yellow Wagtail.

The White-rumped Sandpiper was still on Kilnsea wetlands for its 16th day along with an Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon, 5 Pintail and 33 Teal. 

There was a bit of interesting action over the sea though no big numbers, 92 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Diver, a Red-necked Grebe, 61 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, a Bonxie, 2 Pomarine Skua and an Arctic Skua. Overland saw only 2 Little-ringed Plover and a Marsh Harrier fly south.

Ringing: 11 Meadow Pipit, 1 Wheatear, 2 Robin, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Goldcrest, 3 Dunnock, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 3 Tree Sparrow, 4 Reed Bunting. 

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Thursday, 12 September 2019

Watches:0715-1015, 1545-1945.

With the wind in the south-west there was a noticeable period of vis-migging in the morning along the east coast with Spurn recieving a decent share of the movement and some brilliant totals with 2 Swift, 10 Jackdaw, a Skylark, 24 Sand Martin, 1314 Swallow, 701 House Martin, 324 Tree Sparrow, 8 Flava Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 5432 Meadow Pipit, 109 Linnet and 24 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea the evening Tern roost burst into life again with 3 Roseate Tern, 337 Sandwich Tern, 3254 Common Tern, 11 Arctic Tern and 3 Black Tern. During the day the sea also had 3 Teal, 26 Red-throated Diver, 103 Gannet, 16 Turnstone, 3 Little Gull, 68 Black-headed Gull while a typically approachable and very photographic Grey Phalarope lingered off the seawatch hut giving brilliant views in the surf and on the beach.

Migrants reduced yet further with a Hobby in the triangle, 8 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, a Garden Warbler, the Barred Warbler still at the Warren, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 6 Goldcrest, a Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat and 15 Yellow Wagtail. 

On Kilnsea wetlands there were 2 juvenile Spoonbill plus the usual adult White-rumped Sandpiper, an Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 700 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 35 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 7 Pintail and 76 Mallard, while also seen today were a Tawny Owl at the Obs.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Greenfinch, 42 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 11 September 2019

Watches: 0700-1315, 1515-1810.

The White-rumped Sandpiper was again on Kilnsea wetlands and the Barred Warbler still at the Warren.

On the move overland were 5 Swift, 44 Sand Martin, 498 Swallow, 150 House Martin,18Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 381 Meadow Pipit while over the sea 5 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 14 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northen Diver, 3 Fulmar, 43 Gannet, 6 Oystercatcher, 81 Sandwich Tern, 121 Common Tern, 3 Arctic Skua and 9 Guillemot.

A bit of a reduction in yesterdays migrant numbers saw 4 Willow Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 8Goldcrest, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, 2 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.

On Kilnsea wetlands 3 Little Egret, 50 Golden Plover, 2 Little-ringed Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 500 Knot, 1 Ruff, 200 Redshank, 18 Mediterranean Gull and 20 Sandwich Tern.

Ringing: 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Robin, 3 Goldfinch.

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Tuesday, 10 September 2019

Watches: 0630-1130, 1255-1600.

The Barred Warbler remained showing well on occasions at the Warren while a very showy juvenile Little Stint was the highlight of the day on Canal Scarpe.

A small arrival mid morning saw slight increases in migrants with 2 Hobby hunting a House Martin over the triangle, 11 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 7 Garden Warbler, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Whitethroat, 7 Goldcrest, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, a Stonechat, 1 Wheatear and 9 Yellow Wagtail.

On the move over the sea 33 Shelduck, 5 Shoveler, 35 Wigeon, 190 Teal, 21 Common Scoter, 12 Grey Heron (7 in/off), 11 Red-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, 42 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 18 Oystercatcher, a Curlew, 4 Knot, 1 Turnstone, 391 Black-headed Gull, 341 Sandwich Tern, 1710 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, a Bonxie, 15 Arctic Skua, 2 juvenile Long-tailed Skua and a Puffin.

Overland vismigging saw a Spoonbill, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, 3 Jackdaw, 5 Swift, 73 Sand Martin, 138 Swallow, 22 House Martin, 105 Tree Sparrow, 7 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 451 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 12 Linnet and 27 Reed Bunting.

Kilnsea wetlands had the 'resident' White-rumped Sandpiper along with 3 Pintail, 16 Wigeon, an Avocet, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 300 Knot, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and 1070 Redshank.

Ringing: 1 Yellow Wagtail, 6 Meadow Pipit, 3 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Redstart, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 28 Tree Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting.

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Monday, 09 September 2019

The day after the Migfest weekender continued with more good birding, and the much hoped and anticipated for juvenile Honey Buzzard eventually turned up a day late after being seen further up the coast the previous day. That was not the end of the action though as a nice Blyth's Reed Warbler turned up in a net in Churchfield, showing well afterwards alongside a Reed Warbler in the same area by the pond. There were 2 Barred Warbler today with a new bird in Sykes field and the other still at the Warren and a Treecreeper in the kew area.

Migrants wise there were 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, a Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 11 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear and 12 Yellow Wagtail. 

There was a decent amount of visible migartion on offer before the rain started with 3 Swift, 1051 Swallow, 553 House Martin, 150 Sand Martin, 4 Rock Pipit, 177 Meadow Pipit, 1 Alba Wagtail, 7 Flava Wagtail, 2 Stock Dove, 4 Wood Pigeon, a Kestrel in/off, 2 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 25 Linnet and 5 Reed Bunting.

Over the sea the highlight was a Black-throated Diver north plus 3 Shoveler, 33 Wigeon, 456 Teal, 214 Common Scoter, 21 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar, a Sooty Sheartwater, 218 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 12 Knot, 119 Black-headed Gull84 Sandwich Ter, 3632 Common Tern, 2 Great Skua, 17 Arctic Skua and 2 Puffin.

On Kilnsea wetlands the White-rumped Sandpiper was still present along with 3 Curlew Sandpiper (incuding a Colour ringed bird), an Avocet, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 21 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Shoveler, 19 Wigeon, 7 Pintail and 72 Teal.

Ringing: 1 Blyth's Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Redstart, 1 Meadow Pipt, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Chaffinch. 

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Sunday, 08 September 2019

- Second full action packed day of Migfest with talks, migartion walks, seawatching and visible migartion all producing.

- White-rumped Sandpiper continues to delight among nice selection of other species.

- Barred Warbler the highlight passerine wise.

- Secong talk by Per Alstrom.

- Look north attended in the morning and overall feeling for the weekend was a massive success.

Watches: 0600-1930.

There was plenty of good birding to be had throughtout the day with a nice scatter of migrants, good seawatching and visible migration with plenty of Waders om Kilnsea wetlands and the Humber. 

There were a number of good sightings during the day with the usual White-rumped Sandpiper still on Kilnsea wetlands, a Cetti's Warbler in Canal Hedge, a Slavonian Grebe on the sea among a Common Scoter flock, an eclipse male Mandarin wandering the area and 2 Barred Warbler with one trapped at the Warren and the other by the Riverside.

Migrants totals and diversity kept eveyone happy with 18 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Garden Warbler, 18 Lesser Whitethroat, 21 Whitethroat, 14 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 11 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 12 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

On the move south were 35 Sand Martin, 42 Swallow, 16 House Martin, 348 Tree Sparrow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 8 Flava Wagtail, 569 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit, 1 Greenfinch, 16 Linnet and a Yellowhammer while over a busy sea 15 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 87 Teal, 76 Common Scoter, 68 Red-throated Diver, 62 Fulmar, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 5 Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 159 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 47 Oystercatcher, 1 Greenshank, 11 Kittiwake, 2 Little Gull, 14 Great Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 31 Arctic Skua, 2 Long-tailed Skua, 18 Guillemot, 3 Puffin and 17 Auk sp.

Also today 3 Curlew Sandpiper on the Humber, a showy Kingfisher on Canal scrape and 125 House Sparrow in Kilnsea.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 3 Dunnock, 7 Robin, 2 Wren, 42 Meadow Pipit, 1 Barred Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Linnet, 5 Goldfinch, 1 House Sparrow, 33 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting. (117 of 18 species).

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Saturday, 07 September 2019

- First full day of action at #migfest

- Packed programme of walk, talks, ringing and vismigging,

- The launch of the RBA Young Ornithologists Fellowship also involving Swarovski Optics, WILDSounds, Bardsey, Isle of May, Sandwich Bay and Spurn Bird Obs.

- The Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder, 2019 competition comes to its climax.

- Packed talk for Per Alstrom on speciation and migration.

- Nice scatter of migrants throughout the day.

- Good sea watching in the morning.

- White-rumped Sandpiper still performing among a nice selction of Waders.

Most of todays action over the sea, but while not a classic sea watch it was still agood morning allowing many people their first chance to see a Skua or Shearwater. Totals today, a Pale-bellied Brent, 6 Common Scoter, 28 Red-throated Diver, 17 Fulmar 4 Sooty Shearwater, 39 Manx Shearwater, a Balearic Shearwater, 545 Gannet, 131 Oystercatcher, a Whimbrel, 10 Kittiwake, 140 Black-headed Gull, 450 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 19 Great Skua, 51 Arctic skua, 4 Pomarine Skua and 4 Puffin.

Migrant wise there were a Hobby, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, a Marsh Warbler trapped in Churchfield, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Goldcrest, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, a Stonechat, 4 Wheatear and 3 Tree Pipit.

The Kilnsea wetland area still ahd the adult White-rumped Sandpiper along with 6 Pintail, an Avocat, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Wood Sandpiper, 115 Mediterranean Gull and a Marsh Harrier with an Osprey north over at 1700 hrs.

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Friday, 06 September 2019

- The first unofficial day of #migfest

- Kilnsea wetlands looking fabulous with Ducks and Waders with the White-rumped Sandpiper still present.

- Seawatching looking good for the morning festival goers.

- Nightjar the pick of a good scatter of migrants.

Watches: 0615-1000, 1200-1410.

The White-rumped Sandpiper continued to show from the hide at Kilnsea wetlands where there was aslo an Avocet, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank, 30 Mediterranean Gull, the 3cy Caspian Gull and 2 Pintail.

A male Nightjar was a nice find in an Easington garden, dropping in to private gardens out of view. Also recorded were 7 Swift, 3 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 1 Grashopper Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 4 Whinchat and a Tree Pipit.

The sea had 1 Teal, 36 Common Scoter, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, a Sooty Shearwater, 11 Cormorant, 7 Red-throated Diver, 64 Gannet, 3 Oystercatcher, 127 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Skua, 8 Great Skua and a Kittiwake.

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Thursday, 05 September 2019

- The 7th Spurn Migration Festival begins tomorrow.

- White-rumped Sandpiper, Dotterel, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank all showing on Kilnsea wetlands.

- A nice selection of seabirds including Shearwaters and plenty of Skuas over the sea.

- Thin scattering of migrants with a Nightjar the highlight.

- Trickle of overland moving Passerines.

Both the White-rumped Sandpiper and Dotterel were both on Kilnsea wetlands early morning along with a Canada Geese, 6 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 12 Wigeon, 2 Little Egret, 2 Avocet, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 640 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank, 16 Greenshank, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper and 35 Mediterranean Gull.

On the move today over the sea were 49 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Teal, 5 Common Scoter, 15 Red-throated Diver, 35 Fulmar, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 9 Manx Shearwater, 199 Gannet, 10 cormorant, 71 Oystercatcher, 5 Whimbrel, 11 Sanderling, a Purple Sandpiper, 106 Great Skua, 14 Arctic Skua, a Pomarine Skua and 2 Puffin among few Auks while there was also a decent movement of Terns to roost with 36 Sandwich Tern, 1359 Common Tern, a Black Tern, 1 Roseate Tern and 2 Artic Tern, while overland were 2 Common Buzzard, 30 Swift, 284 Tree Sparrow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 12 Swallow, 2 Tree Pipit and 147 Meadow Pipit.

The pick of the migrants were a Nightjar flying along the road in Easington, while also seen were 11 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroat, a Goldcrest, 6 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat, 2 Tree Pipit and 21 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing: 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 48 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Blackbird. (58 of 8 species).

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Wednesday, 04 September 2019

Watches: 0700-1015, 1750-1930.

- The Spurn migration festival begins on Friday.

- Kilnsea wetlands still comtinuing to pull the birds in and creating a fantastic spectacle.

- The Whte-rumped Sandpiper is still paying daily visits to the wetlands, as is the Dotterel which continues its atypical behaviour by feeding on the Humber mud.

- Potential for some seabirds over the weekend. 

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had both the adult White-rumped Sandpiper and juvenile Dotterel which also continues its unusual behaviour of feeding out on the Humber mud along with 2 Canada Geese, 157 Greylag Geese, 7 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 18 Wigeon, 112 Mallard, 42 Teal, 4 Grey Heron, 9 Little Egret, 2 Avocet, 380 Ringed Plover, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 600 Knot, 2 Ruff, 750 Redshank, 12 Greenshank, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, a Hobby, 25 Mediterranean Gull and the usual 3cy Caspian Gull.

On the move today over the sea were 330 Pink-footed Geese, 36 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 5 Little Egret, 36 Gannet, 14 cormorant, 9 Oystercatcher, 3 Arctic Skua, while there was also a decent movement of Terns in the morning heading out from their roosting area with 116 Sandwich term 1062 Common Tern and 2 Artic Tern. The only notable movement overland was 21 Swift heading south.
A big clear out of migrants left only 3 Wheatear from the previous day count of 54, while also seen were 8 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, a Tree Pipit and 15 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 1 Willow Warbler, 32 Tree Sparrow, 2 Robin, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch. (39 of 6 species).

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Tuesday, 03 September 2019

Watches: 0725-1030, 1800-1910.

- The 7th Migration Festival begins on Friday.

- The White-rumped Sandpiper and Dotterel are still present and showing well.

- Kilnsea wetlands still impressing especially at high tide.

- Good arrival of Wheatear in the area.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area yet again had both the adult White-rumped Sandpiper and juvenile Dotterel along with 10 Pintail, 19 Wigeon, 2 Avocet, a Little-ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper and a 3cy Caspian Gull.

It was quiet for birds on the move today over the sea with 37 Pink-footed Geese, 18 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, 56 Gannet, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Skua and 4 Great Skua.

Migrant totals reduced again, but a nice increase to 54 Wheatear while also recorded, a Hobby, 2 Swift, 11 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 14 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, a Tree Pipit and 33 Yellow Wagtail with a juvenile Water Rail along the canal.

Ringing: 4 Wheatear, 15 Tree Sparrow, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin, 1 Greenfiinch.

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Monday, 02 September 2019

Sunny spells with showers in the afternoon and a F5 W-SW wind

Watches: 0630-1125, 1730-1930.

- The 7th Migration festival begins on Friday.

- White-rumped Sandpiper and Dotterel continue to perform on Kilnsea wetalnds.

- Nice selection of Waders and Ducks also on Kilnsea wetlands.

- The first Pink-footed Geese of the autumn the highlight of steady vismigging.

- A few migrants remain in the area.

The first 12 Pink-footed Geese of the autumn headed south on this rather early date while also on the move over the sea, 22 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 11 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Fulmar, 37 Gannet, 132 Oystercatcher, a Curlew, 26 Knot, 4 Dunlin, 1 Kittiwake and 3 Great Skua. It was a little bit quieter than the previous day, but overland movement saw 3 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 17 Swallow, 405 Tree Sparrow, 11 House Sparrow, 11 Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 333 Meadow Pipit, 4 Tree Pipit and 3 Linnet head south.

Migrant totals saw another slight decrease as the winds continue in the west, 15 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 8 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 9 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipit and 18 Yellow Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had both the adult White-rumped Sandpiper and juvenile Dotterel along with a Caspian Gull, 6 Pintail, 2 Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 650 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 1 Wood Sandpiper.

Ringing: 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Meadow Pipit, 82 Tree Sparrow. (88 of 3 species).

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Sunday, 01 September 2019

Watches: 0630-1130, 1730-1925.

The first decent passage of Meadow Pipits along the coast occured today, but suprisingly few Hirundines were involved. 

On the move were 15 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 10 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 13 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, 6 Gannet, 2 Osprey, a Marsh Harrier, 14 Oystercatcher, 3 Whimbrel, 31 Knot, 2 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 7 Arctic Skua, 54 Swift, 2 Kestrel, 5 Sand Martin, 72 Swallow, 16 House Martin, 540 Tree Sparrow, 22 Flava Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 739 Meadow Pipit, 14 Tree Pipit, 3 Greenfinch, 38 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting. The evening Tern roost had 41 Sandwich Tern, 1375 Common Tern, 11 Arctic Tern and 2 Little Gull.

The adult White-rumped Sandpiper and juvenile Dotterel were still delighting visitors on Kilnsea wetlands, but even when they were not on show there were 10 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, the adult Spoonbill, 5 Little Egret, an Avocet, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 812 Redshank and 3 Wood Sandpiper.

Still some migarnts about with a Cuckoo, 11 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 12 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 6 Wheatear and a Tree Pipit.

Ringing: 1 Herring Gull, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Swallow pulli, 55 Tree Sparrow. (64 of 6 species).

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Saturday, 31 August 2019

Watches: 0600-0915, 1800-2010.

Both the adult White-rumped Sandpiper and juvenile Dotterel both put in appearances on Kilnsea wetlands, the latter also spending plenty of time on the Humber between the Riverside and the Crown and Anchor. The Kilnsea wetlands area continues to pull in a good array of birds with the adult Spoonbill, 7 Pintail, a Marsh Harrier, 5 Little-ringed Plover, 190 Curlew, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, a Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 300 Redshank, 3 Wood Sandpiper, 12 Greenshank and a 3cy Caspian Gull.

The evening Tern roost kicked into life again after quite a poor few showings with 2 Roseate Tern, 2 Black Tern, 19 Sandwich Tern, 3 Little Tern, 1740 Common Tern and 3 Arctic Tern. The sea also had a Shoveler, 1 Teal, 4 Red-throated Diver, 24 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 42 Gannet, 20 Cormorant, 6 Oystercatcher, 27 Knot, 9 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 12 Kittiwake, 2 Great Skua and 5 Arctic Skua while overland 30 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 22 Swallow, 76 Tree Sparrow, 11 Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greenfinch, 25 Linnet and 35 Goldfinch.

The windy day yet again made it difficult in finding migrants, 2 Cuckoo, 14 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Pied Flycatcher, 17 Stonechat, 2 Stonechat and 3 Wheatear.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 30 August 2019

Watches: 0700-1100, 1200-1415, 1650-1930.

A bit of a windy day made it difficult looking for migrants, though some good birds were seen keeping the mood positive with the prospect of westerlies for the next week or so. The White-rumped Sandpiper was showing well on Kilnsea wetlands in the morning, where one of the days 2 Dotterel were sat with the Redshank and was a nice distraction, giving nice views out on the mud off the crown and anchor pub with another flying past the seawatch hut out over the sea. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area also held a Spoonbill, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Avocet, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Greenshank, 633 Redshank, Spotted Redshank, 4 Ruff and 5 Pintail.

It was hard to get to grips with migrants in the wind but observers still managed a Cuckoo, 4 Reed Wabler, a Garden Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Pied Flycatcher, 19 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 8 Wheatear and 22 Yellow Wagtail. The evening Tern roost was quiet albeit containing a nice adult Roseate Tern, but only 173 Common Tern. Maybe the season is over early?

On the move were 7 Teal, 5 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 23 Gannet, 11 Cormorant, 10 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Knot, a Sanderling, 7 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 3 Kittiwake, a Puffin, while overland 12 Swift, 10 Sand Martin, 57 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 46 Tree Sparrow, 4 Flava Wagtail, a Tree Pipit, 5 Meadow Pipit, 9 Linnet and 31 Goldfinch.

Otherwise a Water Rail was on Canal scrape, 140 Linnet in the triangle and 70 Goldfinch in the area.

Ringing: 14 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Greenfinch.

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Thursday, 29 August 2019

Watches: 0645-1030, 1730-1945.

The last day of the ringing experience week saw a small but nice selection of Waders caught for ringing, before a final session at the Warren and Kew. It was a very succesful week for the six ringers from various areas of the country trying out Tern and Wader catching at night, spring trapping, use of spirals and day to day ringing and techniques with a varied and interesting selection of species trapped. We will hopefully be running this on a regular basis.

Our 3rd WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER of the autumn was on Kilnsea wetlands somtimes showing quite well from the hide.  With no sightings for nearly 3 weeks its maybe safe to call it a new bird. Plenty of Wader and Duck on show here and nearby Beacon ponds including 3 Shoveler, 9 Wigeon, a Pintail, 1 Spoonbill, an Avocet, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ruff, 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 5 Wood Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank and 19 Greenshank with a Merlin and juvenile Peregrine giving them little time to settle.

Migrant numbers are slowly dropping off, but a nice selection are still on offer despite the increasing wind today with 26 Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Garden Warbler, 22 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 38 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 19 Wheatear and 16 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing: 1 Redshank, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 8 Dunlin, 104 Tree Sparrow, 5 Meadow Pipit, 7 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 3 Blackbird, 1 Great Tit, 2 Robin, 1 Goldfinch. (124 of 14  species).

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Wednesday, 28 August 2019

Warm and sunny some showers early morning and late evening.

Watches: 0615-1100.

Migrant totals remained at a good level with a Mistle Thrush, 21 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 7 Garden Warbler, 16 Lesser Whitethroat, 29 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 14 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 48 Whinchat, 10 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail and 2 Tree Pipit.

On the move 2 Mute Swan, 154 Teal, 50 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 12 Grey Heron, 56 Gannet, 27 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew, 6 Turnstone, 9 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 35 Kittiwake, a Great Skua, 1 Hobby, 7 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 438 Swallow, 140 Tree Sparrow, a Grey Wagtail and 4 Greenfinch.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Garganey, 1 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank and 16 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Herring Gull, 6 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler, 7 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Blackbird, 2 Wren, 1 Great Tit, 10 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 3 Reed Bunting. (49 of 15 species).

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Tuesday, 27 August 2019

Watches: 0640-0920.

The ringing experience week is in full flow and their efforts are proving fruitful. 

A fine Icterine Warbler was found along the canal moving to Cliffe farm where it showed well was the highlight of the day. There were also good totals of other migrants, 20 Willow Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 28 Pied Flycatcher, 38 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Redstart and 13 Yellow Wagtail while 1 Marsh Warbler is still in Sykes field.

On the move were 4 Shelduck, 132 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, 12 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 5 Knot, a Great Skua, 2 Arctic skua, 2 Hobby, 5 Swift, 5 Sand Martin, 173 Swallow and 4 House Martin.

Kilnsea wetlands recieved some attention a Spoonbill, 7 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Ruff and 3 Snipe.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Starling, 48 Swallow, 8 Sand Martin, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Robin, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 10 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldecrest, 1 Great Tit, 3 Dunnnock, 26 Linnet, 11 House Sparrow, 30 Tree Sparrow, 5 Reed Bunting. (175 of 22 species).

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Monday, 26 August 2019

Watches: 0635-1130, 1750-1940.

The number of grounded migrants remains at an interesting level, 1 Marsh Warbler again in Corner field, 21 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 14 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 23 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear and 20 Yellow Wagtail.

Some decent interest over the sea and land, 184 Teal, 4 Pintail, 13 Common Scoter, 160 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 46 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 19 Dunlin, a Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 49 Kittiwake, 2 Great Skua and an Arctic Skua.

Overland movement saw 6 Swift, 166 Sand Martin, 1825 Swallow, 140 House Martin, 85 Starling, 281 Tree Sparrow, 11 House Sparrow, 24 Flava Wagtail, 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 18 Linnet, 1 Corn Bunting and 2 Reed Bunting.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had a Spoonbill, a Garganey, 62 Teal, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 560 Redshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper and 6 Wood Sandpiper. The Purple Sandpiper was still showing nicely at the Narrows.

Ringing: 5 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 8 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whinchat, 1 Redstart, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Great Tit, 1 Garden Warbler, 8 Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 House Sparrow, 60 Tree Sparrow, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Dunnock, 3 Reed Bunting. (123 of 20 species).

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Sunday, 25 August 2019

Sunny and hot with a F3 SE wind.

Watches: 0530-1030.

The beginning of the ringing experience week got underway with a nice selection of birds on offer.

A bit of a reduction in migrant numbers with good counts of other saw totals returned of 2 Cuckoo, 19 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 7 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap. 4 Garden Warbler, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 73 Whitethroat, 16 Pied Flycatcher, 46 Whinchat, 1 Wheatear, a Redstart and 2 Stonechat.

he Kilnsea wetlands had a Garganey, 2 Wigeon, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 4 Spotted Redshank, 9 Greenshank, a Caspain Gull and 18 Little Gull.

On the move today 265 Teal, 74 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, 11 Cormorant, 48 Oystercatcher, 4 Whimbrel, a Curlew, 36 Knot, 4 Snipe, a superb 29 Greenshank, 80 Black-headed Gull, 28 Sand Martin, 224 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 9 Flava Wagtail and 3 Alba Wagtail. 

Ringing: 2 Whinchat, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Wren, 2 Dunncok, 22 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting. (42 of 10 species).

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Saturday, 24 August 2019

Hot and sunny with a F3-4 SE wind

Watches: 0645-0915, 1830-2030.

The first hint of east in the air brought a nice drift arrival though surprisingly no rare or scarce were found. Totals no doubt would have been much higher if there was a bit of cloud or maybe a hint of rain in the air, but was impressive anyway, 12 Reed Warbler, 2 Marsh Warbler again in Sykes field, 160 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 108 Whitethroat, 13 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 37 Pied Flycatcher, 15 Redstart, 37 Whinchat, 15 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat and a Tree Pipit.

Moving over the sea were 12 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 52 Common Scoter, 26 Oystercatcher, 7 Grey Plover, 13 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 5 Knot, 4 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 7 Greenshank, 29 Gannet and 4 Fulmar.

The evening Tern roost was steady away with 2843 Common Tern, 4 Arctic tern and a Black Tern.

Overland movement saw a Marsh Harrier, 4 Swift, 10 Sand Martin, 387 Swallow, 28 House Martin, 11 Starling, 9 Tree Sparrow, 15 Flava Wagtail and 6 Linnet.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had a fine array of species with a Garganey, 1 Spoonbill, 2 Wigeon, a Tufted Duck, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Avocet, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 5 Common Sandpiper, 7 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, a fine 3cy Caspian Gull and 72 Mediterranean Gull in the area. Otherwise the nice juvenile Purple Sandpiper was at the Narrows and 21 Little Tern at the Point.

Ringing: 9 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 8 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 3 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 5 Swallow, 2 Great Tit.

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Friday, 23 August 2019

Warm and sunny with a F3-4 W-SE wind

Watches: 0545-1300, 1815-1945.

The number of grounded migrants remain high, and in fact increases for most, but little yet in the way of scarce migrants, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Marsh Warbler again in Sykes field, 91 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 66 Whitethroat, 13 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Redstart, 14 Whinchat, 20 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat, 34 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit.

Very quiet over the sea, but little time was given to it really with so many migrants about, 10 Teal, 34 Common Scoter, 43 Oystercatcher, 2 Whimbrel, 60 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Sanderling, 42 Gannet and a Fulmar, while the evening Tern roost was steady again with 2910 Common Tern, 4 Arctic tern and 2 Black Tern.

Overland movement saw a Marsh Harrier, 11 Swift, 115 Sand Martin, 436 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 85 Starling, 86 Tree Sparrow, 37 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail and 20 Linnet.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had 184 Greylag Geese, a Garganey, 3 Wigeon, a big reduction to only 47 Teal, a Tufted Duck, a Little-ringed Plover, 3 Avocet, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 4500 Knot, 3 Ruff, 860 Redshank, 11 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Green Sandpiper and 2 Wood Sandpiper. A Purple Sandpiper was showing nicely at the Narrows and a Red Kite in Easington with both Merlin and Peregrine hunting the area.

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 15 Tree Sparrow, 2 Wren, 1 Great Tit.

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Thursday, 22 August 2019

Watches: 0645-1045.

The sea had a bit of Duck movement while there were increases also on Kilnsea wetlands.

Over the sea 20 Shelduck, 5 Gadwall, a Wigeon, 2 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 193 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 229 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 70 Gannet, 1 Fulmar, 117 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, a Little-ringed Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Knot, 1 Ruff, 6 Sanderling, 20 Dunlin, 1Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 64 Black-headed Gull, 22 Little Tern, 870 Common Tern, 15 Arctic Tern, 2 Black Tern, a Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua and a nice juvenile Long-tailed Skua.

Overland an Osprey, 1 Sparrowhawk, 56 Swift, 90 Sand Martin, 507 Swallow, 65 House Martin, 119 Tree Sparrow, 5 Flava Wagtail and 11 Linnet.

Another good day of migrants present in the area 52 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Marsh Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 29 Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 14 Whinchat, 12 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail and a Bullfinch. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area had (unless stated) a Garganey, 448 Teal, 2020 Shelduck on the Humber, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 9000 Knot, 2 Ruff, 1600 Dublin, a Little Stint at the Point, 4 Common Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 415 Redshank and 23 Greenshank.

Ringing: 5 Whitethroat, 5 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Wednesday, 21 August 2019

Watches: 0600-1030, 1735-2030.

Late in the afternoon a BONELLI'S WARBLER was found just south of the narrows. Despite no calls being heard, the bird reacted to the call of Western rather than eastern. While the bird overall would appear to be quite bright and warm coloured, there are apparently no real plumage characters other than their distinctive calls to go on, Western would be the favourite for its identification? There is some suggestion from some literature that Eastern Bonelli's can be a bit more 'Chiffchaff like' in its appearance though again this is open to conjecture. Hopefully it will be present again tomorrow.

Good numbers of migrants remain with maybe some new arrivals with 68 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 41 Whitethroat, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 19 Yellow Wagtail and 6 Tree Pipit with the 2 Marsh Warbler still showing in the corner field area.

On a day with no other Skuas and in reality a bit quiet over the sea yet another? fine adult Long-tailed Skua flew south past the sea watch hut, while also moving were 9 Teal, 73 Common Scoter, 157 Oystercatcher, 7 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 19 Knot, 5 Turnstone, 2 Sanderling, 15 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 29 Redshank, 62 Gannet and 1 Fulmar.

The evening Tern roost was also quiet by recent standards with a Little Tern, 149 Sandwich tern, 2079 Common Tern, 45 Arctic tern and a Black Tern, but it does in good years come in pulses as new birds move into the area as other depart..

Overland movement saw a Red Kite yet again blogging about the area, a Merlin, 1 Collared Dove, 42 Swift, 34 Sand Martin, 256 Swallow, 13 House Martin, 25 Flava Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had a Garganey, a Wigeon, 35 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 123 Grey Plover, an Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2000 Dunlin, 1000 Knot, a Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, 425 Redshank and 11 Greenshank with 4 Green Sandpiper in the triangle.

4 Clouded Yellow were seen about the area.

Ringing: 13 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 20 August 2019

Watches: 0710-1030, 1730-2045.

There were some good totals of grounded migrants about with the final total of 115 Willow Warbler regrettably not including any counts down the peninsula south of the Warren, wile also recorded a Garden Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 9 Whinchat, 13 Wheatear, 23 Yellow Wagtail and 4 Tree Pipit with 2 Marsh Warbler again in Sykes field..

On the move over the sea were 17 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, 13 Gannet, an Osprey, 1 Marsh Harrier, 48 Oystercatcher, 12 Whimbrel, a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 6 Arctic Skua, 59 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 70 Swallow, 52 House Martin, 59 Tree Sparrow, 12 Flava Wagtail, 7 Tree Pipit and 6 Linnet. The evening Tern roost movement had 99 Sandwich Tern, a Little Tern, 1 Roseate Tern, 11041 Common Tern and 102 Arctic Tern.

Kilnsea wetlands held a Garganey, 27 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 4 Avocet, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 4000 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green sandpiper, 132 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Hobby and a Peregrine.

Ringing: 14 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Great Tit.

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Monday, 19 August 2019

Watches: 0500-0600, 0645-1045, 1515-1600.

The noticeable Tree Pipit (for us) movement continued and an increase in grounded migrant numbers and species with Kilnsea wetlands still pulling in the Waders.

The first Sooty Shearwater of the autumn cruising north past the seawatch hut is always a welcome sight and much anticipated addition to the year list of this global wanderer. Also moving 7 Shelduck, 7 Teal, a Velvet Scoter, 8 Common Scoter, 15 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Snipe, 81 Knot, 5 Turnstone, 19 Sanderling, 14 Dunlin, 22 Redshank, 101 Mediterranean Gull (70 of which were on the sea), 37 Gannet, 1 Manx Shearwater, 3 Fulmar, a Great Skua and 2 Arctic Skua.

Overland movement saw a Red Kite blogging about the area, 37 Swift, 37 Sand Martin, 60 Swallow, 13 Flava Wagtail and 3 Tree Pipit.

 It was nice to walk about with a nice selection of migrants on offer though the peninsula was unfortunately not covered but brought totals of 80 Willow Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 25 Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 14 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, 2 Stonechat, 9 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit with 2 Marsh Warbler still showing in the corner field area.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had a Little-ringed Plover, 260 Grey Plover, 2 Avocet, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3000 Dunlin, a Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 183 Redshank and 13 Greenshank.

Ringing: 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Robin, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Great Tit.

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Sunday, 18 August 2019

Watches: 0630-1000, 1700-2040.

Continuing the steady movement over the sea during the day were 8 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 56 Common Scoter, 59 Oystercatcher, 4 Grey Plover, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 140 Knot, 3 Greenshank, 1 Turnstone, 13 Sanderling, 36 Dunlin, 35 Gannet, 1 Manx Shearwater, 6 Fulmar, juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Arctic Skua and in the evening Tern roost movement 180 Sandwich Tern, 5000 Common Tern and 35 Arctic Tern.

Overland movement while still quiet, had some interesting totals, 24 Swift, 63 Sand Martin, 74 Swallow, 74 Flava Wagtail, a Grey wagtail, 6 Alba wagtail, 10 Tree Pipit, 200 Tree Sparrow and 29 Linnet.

A small increase in migrant numbers saw 26 Willow Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear and 2 Stonechat recorded with 3 Marsh Warbler still showing in the corner field area.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had all the usuals present, Garganey, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 4 Avocet, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 7000 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 12 Greenshank.

A Brown Hawker was found in the Heligoland trap in Church Field.

Ringing: 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Robin, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Great Tit.

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Saturday, 17 August 2019

Watches: 0630-1200.

The evening Tern roost which has been amazing the last few day was slightly quieter with no Roseates seen, but still had 3 Black Tern, 7280 Common Tern and 107 Arctic Tern. On the move over the sea during the day were 67 Teal, 3 Velvet Scoter, 77 Common Scoter, 4 Fulmar, a Great Northern Diver, 26 Gannet, 306 Oystercatcher, 11 Golden Plover, 4 Curlew, 31 Whimbrel, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit, 68 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Turnstone, 93 Knot, 41 Dunlin, 36 Sanderling, 37 Redshank and a Bonxie while overland a Red Kite, 6 Swift, 38 Sand Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail and 4 Linnet.

There was a small increase in migrant numbers 10 Wilow Warbler, a Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 6 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear and 2 Tree Pipit.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Garganey, a Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 217 Teal, 56 Mallard, a Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebe, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 13 Greenshank, 2 Avocet, a Spotted Redshank, 1 Little-ringed Plover and 5000 Dunlin.

A Small Red-eyed Damselfly was in the garden at Kew.

Ringing: 2 Common Tern, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Robin, 1 Whitethroat.

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Friday, 16 August 2019

The sea was where most of the action occurred today with the evening Tern roost movement being particularly impressive. Birds were streaming south over the sea and across from Kilnsea wetlands to the Humber. These birds then go onto roost distantly out on the vast saltmarshes on the Lincolnshire side of the Humber. This evenings roost saw 133 Sandwich Tern, 12859 Common Tern, 83 Arctic Tern, 9 Roseate Tern and 3 Black Tern head south.

Also over the sea during the day were 20 Teal, 49 Oystercatcher, 23 Grey Plover, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 14 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 30 Knot, 1 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 6 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 69 Gannet, 1 Fulmar, a Red-throated Diver, 1 Arctic Skua and 2 Great Skua with an Osprey south over the Humber and 17 Swift, 10 Sand Martin, 11 Swallow, 3 Flava Wagtail and 5 Linnet also noted.

A scatter of returning migrants was noted in the area with returns of 28 Willow Warbler, a Whinchat, 2 Stonechat and a Cuckoo.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area had a Garganey, 1 Spoonbill, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 1 Wood Sandpiper.

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blackcap.

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Thursday, 15 August 2019

watches: 0600-1020, 1445-2100.

The evening Tern roost finally kicked into gear with a fine movement of 2 Black Tern, 238 Sandwich Tern, 43 Arctic Term, 10400 Common Term and a Roseate Term.

Moving over the sea were a Brent Goose, 10 Teal, 61 Common Scoter, 2 Manx Shearwater, 17 Fulmar, 140 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 54 Oystercatcher, 22 Ringed Plover, 2 Golden Plover, 6 Turnstone,5 Bar-tailed Godwit, 121 Knot, 32 Sanderling,55 Dunlin,2 Whimbrel, 13 Redshank,8 Grey Plover, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, an Arctic Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua and a Great Skua.. 

Overland it was quiet but it shouldn’t be long before the first bigger movements of Hirundines. Today the totals were  107 Swift, 14 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 143 Swallow, 90 Sand Martin, 72 House Martin, 9 Linnet, 55 Tree Sparrow and a Yellowhammer. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 3 Avocet, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Little-ringed Plover, 178 Curlew, 4 Ruff, 6 Common Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 7 Greenshank.

Ringing: 4 Swallow pulli, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 1 Tree Sparrow, 

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Wednesday, 14 August 2019

Watches: 0515-0530, 0630-1030, 1230-2030.

A fantastic 186 Mediterranean Gull were on the Humber this morning along with over 8000 Black-headed Gull and no doubt the final total would have been much higher if co-ordinated counts had been made.

On the move over the sea were 4 Shelduck, 79 Teal, 22 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 174 Gannet, 9 Cormorant, 41 Oystercatcher, a Grey Plover, 13 Whimbrel, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Turnstone, 61 Knot, 16 Sanderling, 28 Dunlin, 4 Green Sandpiper, 21 Redshank, 9 Kittiwake, a Great Skua and 3 Arctic Skua while the evening roost movement produced 230 Sandwich Tern, 14 Little Tern, 2 Roseate Tern, 974 Common Tern, 12 Arctic Tern and 2 Black Tern..

Overland small numbers of birds wee on the move, 33 Swift, 11 Sand Martin, 204 Swallow, 23 House Martin, 22 Flava Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.

In the Kilnsea wetlands area 168 Greylag Geese, a Spoonbill, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 1 Commn Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank and a Hobby.

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 2 Blackbird, 3 Swallow. (20 of 8 species).

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Tuesday, 13 August 2019

Watches; 0600-1130, 1630-1930.

The first pulses of Tree Sparrows moving and a high proportion of juvenile birds give a hint at a good breeding season. A trickle over the sea once again and the first controlled Roseate Terns at Spurn.

On the move were 11 Shelduck, 11 Teal, 40 Gannet, a Shag, 46 Oystercacther, a Ringed Plover, 16 Turnstone, 174 Knot, 10 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 9 Redshank, a Kittiwake, 1 Arctic Skua, a Great Skua and a Puffin while heading overland were a Cuckoo, 1 Swift, 56 Sand Martin, 28 Swallow, 100 Tree Sparrow and 4 Flava Wagtail.

The evening Tern roost movement had 195 Sandwich Tern, 39 Little Tern, 448 Common Tern and 3 Arctic Tern with birds still moving well after dark and trapping late evening saw a Black Tern and 5 Roseate Tern head south (with 2 of these controlled at the Warren, presumably from Coquet). The other highlight was a Norwegian ringed Common Tern.

Grounded birds included a Cuckoo, 24 Willow Warbler, 3 Whinchat, 4 Wheatear and a Tree Pipit with the Marsh Warblers still in Sykes field.

On Kilnsea wetlands a Garganey, 15 Teal, 6 Avocet, 5 Little-ringed Plover, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Geen Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 12 Greenshank, 56 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 5 Common Tern, 1 Dunlin, 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Dunnock, 2 Robin, 42 Tree Sparrow, 1 Linnet pulli, 2 Goldfinch. (69 0f 10 species).

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Monday, 12 August 2019

Watches: 0645-1100, 1330-1530, 1620-2030.

A quieter day all round, but there were still Waders moving over the sea albeit in smaller numbers. An adult Long-tailed Skua with full tail streamers flying south close in (with 2 Great Skua) was a nice addition to the day. Also moving were 6 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 21 Gannet, 10 Cormorant, 14 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 11 Knot, 7 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 55 Black-headed Gull, 4 Great Skua, 20 Arctic Skua while overland a Red Kite, 165 Swift, 5 Sand Martin, 11 Swallow, 40 Tree Sparrow and 43 Linnet. The evening Tern roost is just starting to pick with 165 Sandwich Tern, 756 Common Tern and 22 Arctic Tern south to rrost of the saltmarshes in Lincs. This should hopefully build into evenings with thousands streaming past the seawatch hut.

There were a few grounded migrants about with 15 Willow Warbler, 3 Whinchat and a Stonechat while the Marsh Warblers were still in Sykes field.

On Kilnsea wetlands a Garganey, 3 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 25 Teal, 9 Little Egret, 7 Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, a Snipe, 9 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Wood Sandpiper and 12 Greenshank.

The Clouded Yellow was again in Church field.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Robin, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat.

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Sunday, 11 August 2019

Watches: 0515-1045, 1530-2015.

It was another good day of Wader movement with particular emphasis yet again on Knot, with good numbers of juvenile birds, hinting at a brilliant breeding season. At least 2 Marsh Warbler were still on show today in Sykes field.
An early start in the hope the Pacific Swift would fly south was in vain, and overall surprisingly slow given the wind, but observers did record a Stock Dove, 762 Swift, a Hobby, 15 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 4 Tree Sparrow, 4 Flava Wagtail and a Greenfinch. The watchers here also had the luxury of being able to check the sea where more was going on, 8 Common Scoter, 9 Fulmar, 5 Manx Shearwater, 56 Gannet, 139 Oystercatcher, 5 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 8 Ringed Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 825 Knot, 65 Redshank, 21 Turnstone, 48 Sanderling, 61 Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Gull and 5 Arctic Tern.

Kilnsea wetlands had a Garganey, 4 Shoveler, 15 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper and 5 Wood Sandpiper. 300 Redshank, 7 Greenshank and in the evening 90 Mediterranean Gull.

A male Small Red-eyed Damselfly was on a pond in Easington which is the first this year and a Clouded Yellow butterfly was in Church field.

Ringing: 1 Wren, 1 Robin, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 10 August 2019

Another good day of Wader movement over the sea was interrupted by a mad dash up to Hornsea to see a Pacific Swift which had been found feeding with Swifts.

Late in the evening the Spurn radios burst iinto life that the PACIFIC SWIFT was flying around the church in Easington, ultimately being seen by three observers. The 5th record for Spurn, it was lost but may have gone to roost on the church itself? During the day observers logged 571 Swift heading south in the hope that it would appear here earlier n the day.

The sea was where most of the action occurred today in wild conditions, with 108 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, a Red-breasted Merganser, 130 Oystercatcher, 8 Grey Plover, 11 Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 12 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 676 Knot, 10 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 72 Turnstone, 52 Sanderling, 32 Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Arctic Skua and a Long-tailed Skua which lingered off the seawatch hut then headed south.

Kilnsea wetlands had a Garganey, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 2 Wood Sandpiper.

Ringing: 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover.

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Friday, 09 August 2019

Rain petered out by late morning but an increasing F3 SE to a 5-6 SW wind.

Watches: 0655-1755.

The sea had most of the action today with a nice array of waders on the move with yet more Oystercatcher and a big Knot movement. On the move were 31 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 150 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, 206 Gannet, 368 Oystercatcher, 4 Golden Plover, 9 Grey Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 16 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 780 Knot, 10 Redshank, an impressive 24 Common Sandpiper over the sea, a Greenshank, 37 Turnstone, 69 Sanderling, 38 Dunlin, 4 Arctic Skua and a Black Tern.

While a full count of Waders was not done the quality birds were all still about mainly on Kilnsea wetlands, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, a Curlew Sandpiper on the Humber, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Wood Sandpiper, 316 Redshank and 2 Greenshank.

The Marsh Warbler family were still in Sykes field, but a huge decline to only 10 Willow Warbler, though 2 Pied Flycatcher were recorded.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap.

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Thursday, 08 August 2019

Watches: 0700-0915, 1400-1500, 1845-2015.

A good day to be looking for migrants, but the lack of Pied Flycatchers suggests these birds were British birds on their way south rather than Scandinavian.

The bird of the day were the 185 Willow Warbler seen, a big increase on the previous day. There were also obvious increases in other migrants. The Marsh Warbler family (2 adult and 2 young) were still in Sykes field, while logged today were 2 Cuckoo, 15 Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 36 Whitethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, a Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 32 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Tree Pipit.

Yet again the Kilnsea wetlands area kept up the fantastic birding spectacle producing 1 Little-ringed Plover, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 3000 Knot, 1 Ruff, 9000 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, 530 Redshank and 7 Greenshank.
The sea was yet again quiet with only 3 Tufted Duck, 4 Common Scoter, 142 Oystercatcher, 5 Whimbrel, 32 Knot, 2 Redshank, 1 Turnstone and a Pomarine Skua while overland there was a trickle, 13 Swift, 44 Sand Martin, 223 Swallow, 6 House Martin and 20 Flava Wagtail.

Ringing: 2 Little Tern pulli, 17 Willow Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 2 Greenfinch.

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Wednesday, 07 August 2019

Watches: 0545-1000, 1810-1940.

There is a small trickle of passerine migrants moving through the area, as we wait for the first proper easterlies of the autumn to arrive. In the meantime the Marsh Warbler family were still hanging around in Corner field, with other species noted being a Cuckoo, 12 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, a Stonechat and a Song Thrush.

The White-rumped Sandpiper was on Kilnsea wetlands in the morning among some impressive totals of other species for a small site, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 6 Avocet, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1100 Knot, 1 Ruff, 5000 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank and 15 Greenshank.

The sea had was quiet and only light passage was noted 1 Shelduck, 5 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 13 Gannet, 55 Oystercatcher, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Knot, 6 Dunlin and a Great Skua while overland 294 Swift, 41 Sand Martin, 80 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 20 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 5 Alba wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit and 15 Linnet.

Along the peninsula 2 Clouded Yellow butterfly were recorded.

Ringing: 2 Whitethroat.

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Tuesday, 06 August 2019

Watches: 0555-0830, 1000-1330, 1710-1750, 1835-2030.

The White-rumped Sandpiper was again on Kilnsea wetlands today along with a Spotted Redshank, 2 Little Stint, 7 Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 700 Knot, a Ruff, 6000 Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 7 Wood Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank with a juvenile Caspian Gull feeding on a dead seal on the nearby beach.

The Marsh Warbler family remained in Sykes field with other passerines represented by a Cuckoo, 14 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear and a Tree Pipit.

On the move were 176 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 31 Whimbrel, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and 3 Black-tailed Godwit while overland 77 Swift, 12 Sand Martin, 105 Swallow, 4 Flava Wagtail and 15 Linnet. The evening Tern roost saw 113 Sandwich Tern, 52 LittleTern, 153 Common Tern and 20 Arctic Tern fly south to the Lincolnshire saltmarshes to roost.

Ringing: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Dunnock, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler.

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Monday, 05 August 2019

Watches: 0645-1015, 1220-1420, 1805-2045.

The Marsh Warbler family were still on show in Corner field.

The White-rumped Sandpiper yet again put in appearances on Kilnsea wetlands along with a Spoonbill, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2100 Knot, 1 Ruff, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 7 Wood Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank plus a juvenile Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Little Gull and 20 Mediterranean Gull.

The sea had 12 Shelduck, 4 Teal, 58 Common Scoter, 6 Cormorant,  Fulmar, 62 Oystercatcher, 28 Grey Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 16 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 6 Turnstone, 67 Knot, 3 Green Sandpiper, 6 Redshank, 90 Dunlin and 67 Sanderling and 4 Arctic Skua while overland 321 Swift, 9 Sand Martin, 221 Swallow and 6 House Martin.

Other sightings saw a Peregrine take one of the newly fledged Little Terns and a Cuckoo wandering the area.

Ringing: 1 Common Gull, 1 Reed Warbler

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Sunday, 04 August 2019

Watches: 0540-1300, 1630-2010.

Fantastic news that the pair of Marsh Warbler which were discoverd in June, have succesfully fledged their young moving them away from the breeding site into Sykes field where they have been showing well. Friends of Spurn are welcome to come view them (and a donation from non Friends of Spurn).

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a new White-rumped Sandpiper which was discoverd the previous day on the Humber and it showed well on here during both high tides. Observers here were treated to 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Little Stint, 10 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 8 Wood Sandpiper, 14 Greenshank, a Little Gull and 25 Mediterranean Gull.

On the move were 4 Shoveler, 8 Teal, 8 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 14 Gannet, 37 Cormorant, 4 Marsh Harrier, 81 Oystercatcher, 34 Grey Plover, 11 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Turnstone, 94 Knot, 99 Sanderling, 228 Dunlin, a Snipe, 42 Redshank, 2 Little Gull, 3 Swift, 40 Sand Martin, 15 House Martin, a House Sparrow, 20 Tree Sparrow, 11 Flava Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail and a Yellowhammer.

Other sightings druing the day included 2000 Knot, 15 Whimbrel, 420 Sanderling and 8,000 Dunlin on the Humber with 2 Cuckoo and 2 Stonechat in the area.

Ringing: 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 8 Swallow, 1 Wood Pigeon, 2 Great Tit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 2 Tree Sparrow, 

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Saturday, 03 August 2019

Watches: 0500-1700.

Another great day of Oystercatcher passage offshore, while a new White-rumped Sandpiper was found by 'that man' John Grist.

A new White-rumped Sandpiper was found on the Humber just south of cliff farm then moved down to the Warren, then as the tide rose was located at the south end of Beacon ponds in the evening. This bird showiing different scapular, coverts pattern and streaking on the flanks. A nice spotty juvenile Spotted Flycatcher was at Kew.

The kilnsea wetlands area continued to be the place to go with 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 18 Little Egret, 5 Little-ringed Plover, 19 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 9 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 200 Redshank, 4 Wood Sandpiper, a Little Stint and 50 Mediterranean Gull.

On the move 36 Common Scoter, 9 Gannet, 564 Oystercatcher, 3 Grey Plover, 1 Curlew, 3 Turnstone, 42 Knot, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 12 Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 139 Sanderling, 107 Dunlin and a Kittiwake.

There are now 3 Southern Migrant Hawker, all males, with 2 in Corner field and another along the canal.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 12 Whitethroat, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Bunting, 6 Linnet. (27 of 8 species).

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Friday, 02 August 2019

Watches: 0545-2030.

Kilnsea wetlands and Waders heading south continued to dominate the headlines with a record Oystercatcher vis-mig count . 

On the move over the sea today were 24 Shelduck, 1 Tufted Duck, 217 Common Scoter, 5 Fulmar, 136 Gannet, 1 Manx Shearwater, 8 Cormorant, 1781 Oystercatcher which is a new record count, 47 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Turnstone, 48 Sanderling, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 13 Little Gull, 9 Kittiwake, 41 Common Tern, 16 Arctic Tern, a Great Skua and 5 Auk sp.

The Kilnsea wetlands area produced 12 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Little-ringed Plover, 435 Knot, 2 Ruff, 5000 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 7 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Greenshank, 45 Mediterranean Gull and 96 Little Tern.

Grounded migrants included a juvenile Cuckoo, a Pied Flycatcher and 14 Willow Warbler.

Insect news from today saw a male Southern Migrant Hawker recorded for the second year in a row (3rd record) and a Brown Hawker picked out of the Warren trap. In the Moth traps a Dark Crimson Underwing was only the second for Spurn (and maybe Yorkshire?)

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Thursday, 01 August 2019

Watches: 0500-1300.

The Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area were both full of birds today, with some impressive numbers to sift through for anything rarer and producing finall totals of 17 Teal, 2 Lapwing, a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 13,000 Dunlin, 5 Little Stint, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 10 Wood Sandpiper, 500 Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 3cy Caspian Gull, 200 Sandwich Tern and 120 Little Tern. 

The sea saw the first 6 Brent Geese of the autumn fly south, while also on the move were 15 Common Scoter with 500 off the Point, 2 Red-throated Diver, 8 Fulmar, 3 Manx Shearwater,78 Gannet, 21 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, a Little-ringed Plover, 29 Knot, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 19 Kittiwake, 23 Little Gull, a Black Tern, 157 Swallow, 13 Flava Wagtail and 5 Alba Wagtail.

Seemingly an increase in migrants, which may have also been down to increased visitor numbers, 19 Willow Warbler, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Stonechat and a Wheatear.

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat.

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Wednesday, 31 July 2019

The adult White-rumped Sandpiper was again on Kilnsea wetlands this morning, before flyingoff towards the Humber. 

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Tuesday, 30 July 2019

Watches: 0645-1000.

The adult White-rumped Sandpiper was present again on Kilnsea wetlands for about 20 minutes in the evening where there were also a Garganey, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 2500 Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 9 Wood Sandpiper, 5 Little Stint, 535 Redshank, 11 Greenshank, 20 Mediterranean Gull and a Little Gull.

On the move over the sea were 4 Shelduck, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 Shoveler, 19 Teal, 64 Common Scoter, a Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, 89 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 68 Oystercatcher, a Golden Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstone, 8 Knot, 45 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, a Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.

Grounded migrants were few and far between but there were still 4 Pied Flycatcher and 8 Willow Warbler  to be seen.

Ringing: 1 Swallow, 1 Willow warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 1 Great Tit, 10 Tree Sparrow pulli, 3 Dunnock.

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Monday, 29 July 2019

The Wader infux continues in to the area with many grounded birds and continued offshore movement, while the weather conditions are now bringing passerine migrants in from the east too. It seems like autumn is arriving nice and early.

The highlight today was a brief adult WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER on Kilnsea wetlands, which flew off to the Humber with Dunlin. Hopefully it will be found again. An interesting record concerned 5 Ruddy Shelduck which flew over Kilnsea spending the day on the wetlands, having being seen on Sunday flying north at Frinton-on-sea, Essex then this morning in Norfolk at Sheringham at 05:50 then Scolt head at 07:40, while late afternoon an Icterine Warbler was found in Corner field.

The Kilnsea wetland/Beacon ponds area also had a Garganey, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 2 Little Stint, 18 Common Sandpiper, 4 Wood Sandpiper, 22 Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank, 12 Mediterranean Gull and a juvenile Black Tern among the commoner Waders and Wildfowl. 

On the move were 27 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 142 Common Scoter, 194 Gannet, a Shag, 162 Oystercatcher, 6 Golden Plover, 105 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 22 Turnstone, 38 Knot, 126 Sanderling, 89 Dunlin, 5 Green Sandpiper, 22 Redshank, 1 Little Gull, 62 Common Tern, 19 Arctic Tern, 5 Arctic Skua and 2 Great Skua. 

Ringing: 10 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Sunday, 28 July 2019

Watches: 0615-1215.

The first Pied Flycatcher of the autumn was on Beacon lane, a Turtle Dove wandering the area and a Cuckoo at the Warren among small numbers of other passerine migrants.

Moving over the sea were 24 Teal, 105 Common Scoter, 4 Cormorant, 698 Oystercatcher, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 19 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Turnstone, 10 Knot, 8 Dunlin, 5 Green Sandpiper, 4 Redshank, a Greenshank, 4 Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua.

The Kilnsea wetlands (unless stated) area held, 2 Garganey, 11 Little Egret, 180 Oystercatcher at Chalk bank, a Ruff at the Warren, 1 Little Stint, 1 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 7 Wood Sandpiper, 9 Mediterranean Gull and 246 Black-headed Gull 

Ringing: 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Dunnock pulli, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 27 July 2019

Watches: 0600-1400, 1645-1820.

The day was dominated by an arrival of Waders which brought Kilnsea wetlands to life with the highlights being 13 Wood Sandpiper, 15 Green Sandpiper and 25 Common Sandpiper, which also had 2 Little-ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 360 Redshank and 13 Greenshank plus Garganey, 24 Arctic Tern, 2 Yellow-legged Gull and 11 Little Egrets. Further Wader totals included 1650 Dunlin, 130 Knot, a Curlew Sandpiper, 19 Whimbrel and 103 Golden Plover on the HUmber.

Only a small number of other Wader species were seen on the move over the sea, but they added to the diversity of the day, 13 Oystercatcher, 92 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 12 Whimbrel, 29 Knot, 3 Turmstone and a Snipe, along with 308 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, a Fulmar, 21 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 897 Common Scoter, 1 Scaup, a female Mandarin, the first Roseate Tern of the year, 5 Kittiwake and 3 Little Gull.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit, 1 Dunnock pulli.

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Friday, 26 July 2019

A hot humid day with frequent thundery showers and a F1-2 SW wind.

Watches: 0515-1215.

Some decent totals of wader over the sea, and also grounded birds on Kilnsea wetlands, while Hirundines had a big push.

The sea produced 45 Shelduck, 31 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, an Eider, 1 Fulmar, 28 Gannet, 434 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 29 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 16 Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Turnstone, 5 Knot, 13 Redshank, 38 Dunlin and 94 Sanderling, 49 Black-headed Gull in, 1 Arctic Skua and a Great Skua.

Overland 286 Swift, 441 Sand Martin, 1900 Swallow and 12 House Martin.

The Garganey remained on Kilnsea wetlands which also had some good Wader counts with 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 9 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper and 3 Wood Sandpiper with 18 Greenshank on the Humber. In Easington breeding was apparently confirmed with Spotted Flycatcher for the 3rd year in a row with an adult feeding a juvenile.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Thursday, 25 July 2019

Watches: 0515-1100.
The sea had a nice varied movement of Waders with some decent totals. Moving were 17 Shelduck, 81 Teal, 2 Eider, a Grey Heron, a Great Crested Grebe, 5 Manx Shearwater, 22 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 89 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, a Grey Plover, 55 Whimbrel, 17 Curlew, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 28 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Turnstone, 102 Knot, 13 Redshank, 105 Dunlin and 10 Sanderling, with a female Mandarin south over the Humber.
Overland there were 23 Swift, 46 Sand Martin, 174 Swallow, 34 House Martin, 11 Flava Wagtail and 4 Alba Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands area 18 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1900 Dunlin, 6 Greenshank, 175 Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper and 1 Wood Sandpiper.

A Dark Umber moth was trapped overnight at Kew and is a first for Spurn.

Ringing: 1 Avocet, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Meadow Pipit, 6 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Wren, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Linnet.

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Wednesday, 24 July 2019

A hot sunny day with early morning thunder storms and a F2 NNE-SW wind.

Watches: 0645-1100.

It seems like the autumn is almost upon us with each day bringing further signs. Today saw the first 2 Whinchat of the autumn at the Point while Wader passage continues.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Garganey, 3 Lapwing, 1 Little Stint, 5 Greenshank, 275 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and an Arctic Tern.

The sea had, 81 Teal, 229 Common Scoter, 41 Gannet, 7 Oystercatcher, 12 Whimbrel, 13 Knot, 2 Dunlin and 1 Redshank, while overland a Hobby, 12 Sand Martin and 36 Swallow.

Ringing: 2 Wood Pigeon pulli, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Dunnock, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 4 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Watches: 0530-1100.

A bit quieter all round than of late, but a Serin flying south at Numpties was the highlight of the day and given how few have ever been seen at this time of year, it is almost certainly the bird from Saturday.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Garganey, 19 Teal, 3 Marsh Harrier, 6 Little Egret, a Wood Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 9 Greenshank, 2500 Dunlin,

The sea had, 51 Common Scoter, 17 Gannet, 2 Oystercatcher, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, a Whimbrel, 10 Common Tern, 629 Sandwich Tern, while overland 46 Swift, 78 Sand Martin, 277 Swallow, 5 House Martin and 6 ‘Alba’ Wagtail.

Ringing: 1 Oystercatcher pulli, 3 Little Tern pulli, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Wren, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 2 Blackbird, 2 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting..

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Monday, 22 July 2019

Very warm with a F3-1 SW wind.

Watches: 0600-1215, 1500-1600.

Most of today’s action was over the sea mainly involving passage Waders, while a nice selection were still present on Kilnsea wetlands.

The sea had 2 Great Crested Grebe, 71 Gannet, 18 Oystercatcher, 29 Golden Plover, 102 Whimbrel, 197 Knot, 22 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 9 Redshank, a Turnstone and 57 Black-headed Gull, while overland a 20 Swift, 310 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin and 141 Swallow.

The Kilnsea wetlands area still had a juvenile Garganey, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Ruff, 6 Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, 219 Redshank and 37 Black-tailed Godwit.

Ringing: 5 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Sunday, 21 July 2019

Warm and sunny with a F2-4 W-SW wind.
Watches: 0530-1230.
The beginnings of the passerine autumn are upon us and today saw an increase to 8 inquisitive juvenile Willow warbler, with a Cuckoo in Churchfield, the Redstart on Beacon lane, 15 Yellow Wagtail on the salt marsh at the warren and 2 Grasshopper Warbler in the area.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Garganey, 4 Marsh Harrier including an adult male, 5 Little egret, 1 Whimbrel, 133 Curlew, a Wood Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, 5 Greenshank, 351 Sandwich Tern, 2 Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gull and 4170 Black-headed Gull and 3 Arctic Tern on the Humber.

The sea had, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 5 Lapwing, a Whimbrel, 9 Sanderling, 47 Knot, 23 Dunlin, 12 Redshank, 9 Black-headed Gull in, 500+ Little Gull and 2 Puffin, while overland 46 Swift, 304 Sand Martin, 174 Swallow, 21 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 14 ‘Alba’ Wagtail and 26 Linnet.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin.

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Saturday, 20 July 2019

Migration Watches: 0500-1130, 1800-1830.

A few bits of interest today highlighted by a Nightjar late evening flying around gardens in Kilnsea then north towards Holderness field and a vocal Serin around Kew. The first ‘returning’ spotty juvenile Redstart was on Beacon Lane and a juvenile Willow Warbler in Corner field.

 Moving were 2 Wigeon, 37 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 66 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 50 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 5 Little Egret, 11 Oystercatcher, a Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 184 Knot, 15 Turnstone, 43 Sanderling, 133 Dunlin, 101 Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 28 Kittiwake, 295 Black-headed Gull in/off, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull in, 5 Guillemot and 1 Razorbill, while overland 1552 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow and 4 Flava Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Garganey, a Spoonbill which later flew off north west, 1 Marsh Harrier, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stint, 1500 Dunlin, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 266 Redshank, 8 Greenshank and 160 Sandwich Tern.

Ringing:  1 Wren, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Friday, 19 July 2019

Migration Watches: 0515-1930.

The sea produced 2 Shoveler, 9 Teal, 57 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 8 Manx Shearwater, 321 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 24 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 17 Golden Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 49 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 96 Black-tailed Godwit, 75 Knot, 4 Turnstone, 48 Sanderling, 104 Dunlin, 322 Redshank, 16 Kittiwake, 114 Black-headed Gull, 1 Little Gull, 3 juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 28 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Arctic Tern, 8 Guillemot, 41 Auk sp and a Puffin,  while overland a Marsh Harrier, 1278 Swift, 77 Sand Martin, 30 Swallow and 2 Flava Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands area continues to be good with a Garganey, 6 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, a Spoonbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 3000 Dunlin, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 190 Redshank and 6 Greenshank.

Ringing:  3 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Meadow Pipit.

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Thursday, 18 July 2019

Migration Watches: 0500-1400, 1545-2000.

Wader movement over the sea continues to increase and producing some good totals, which in the next few weeks should have some very big days. Moving were 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 42 Teal, 235 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 89 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 14 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 23 Golden Plover, a Little-ringed Plover, 38 Whimbrel, 16 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 43 Knot, 3 Turnstone, 14 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 49 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 9 Kittiwake, 1089 Black-headed Gull in/off, 614 Little Gull, 15 Lesser Black-backed Gull in, 4 Arctic Tern, 10 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and 2 Auk sp,  while overland a Marsh Harrier, 1526 Swift, a Hobby, 23 Sand Martin, 27 Swallow and 2 Flava Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Garganey, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stint, 1600 Dunlin, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 190 Redshank and 6 Greenshank.

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Wednesday, 17 July 2019

Watches: 0530-1000, 1400-2100.

The sea had had most of the action, but the beginnings of southerly overland movement were in evidence too. Over the sea, 20 Shelduck, 5 Eider, 240 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 35 Gannet, 6 Cormorant, 55 Oystercatcher, 4 Golden Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 50 Whimbrel, 17 Curlew, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 39 Knot, 11 Sanderling, 36 Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Kittiwake, 95 Black-headed Gull, 878 Little Gull, 161 Sandwich Tern, 13 Arctic Tern and 7 6 Auk sp while overland 2 Marsh Harrier, a Hobby, 3 Kestrel, 913 Swift, 69 Sand Martin, 40 Swallow, a House Martin and a Yellow Wagtail.

While we wait for the late summer exodus of Passerine migrants, 3 Cuckoo were seen today with 2 juveniles present and a Grasshopper warbler at the point. On the Humber there were now 300 Golden Plover and 25 Whimbrel, while on Kilnsea wetlands a Curlew Sandpiper and a colour ringed Little Stint.

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Monday, 15 July 2019

Watches: 0530-1030.

Good numbers of Waders and Terns are still about, but the day was a frustrting one with a brief 'Orange billed' Tern sp at Beacon ponds which maybe flew out to the south east. Hopefully it will be relocated.

The immediate area around here did produce among the 'usuals', 2 Tufted Duck, a Little-ringed Plover and 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 

The sea had 3 Shelduck, 158 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 6 Manx Sheartwater, 334 Gannet, 35 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 3 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 54 Kittiwake, 90 Little Gull, 3 Arctic Tern, 8 Guillemot and 19 Auk sp while 3 Scaup (2 male) were on the Humber.

Ringing: 1 Great Tit, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 

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Sunday, 14 July 2019

Sunny spells with a F2 NNW-N wind.

Watches: 0710-1035.

The sea had 3 Eider, 6 Manx Shearwater, 1 Fulmar, a Red-throated Diver, 11 Oystercatcher, 6 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, a Great Skua and 1 Arctic Skua with 4 male Scaup on the Humber.

The Kilnsea wetlands area 21 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 1200 Dunlin, 5 Greenshank, 184 Redshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 22 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1129 Black-headed Gull, 8 Mediterranean Gull and 92 Little Gull.

Ringing: 1 Ringed Plover pulli, 1 Blackcap, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit.

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Saturday, 13 July 2019

Migration Watches: 0450-1115, 1815-2100.

Little done today bar plenty of attention being paid to the sea

The sea produced 23 Teal, a Shoveler, 320 Common Scoter, 4 Fulmar, 77 Gannet, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Redshank,  1 Greenshank, 30 Kittiwake, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 19 Little Gull, 5 Common Tern, 13 Arctic Tern, an Arctic Skua, 4 Razorbill, 8 Puffin and 13 Auk sp with 4 male Scaup on the Humber.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Chiffchaff.

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Friday, 12 July 2019

Watches: 0540-1055.

While Wader numbers remain high, there are still few Duck about, in particular Teal which have often built a decent flock by now.

On the move today over a quiet sea were 77 Shelduck in, 7 Teal, 20 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 67 Gannet, 4 Oystercatcher, a Whimbrel and 2 Curlew with overland a juvenile Cuckoo, 52 Swift, 57 Sand Martin, 89 Swallow, 42 House Martin, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail and the first  Tree Pipit of the 'autumn'.

Other sightings included 14 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 9 Mediterranean Gull, 390 Black-headed Gull and 2Yellow-legged Gulls (ad+juv), with some good Wader counts 120 Golden Plover, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 54 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 114 Redshank and 5 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock pulli, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit..

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Thursday, 11 July 2019

Migration Watches: 0450-1035, 1330-2000.

The sea produced 6 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 45 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 64 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 25 Oystercatcher, 4 Lapwing, 33 Whimbrel, 13 Curlew, 18 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 knot, 3 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Kittiwake, 48 Black-headed Gull, 18 Little Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull, a Common Tern and 5 Arctic Tern, while overland a Marsh Harrier, 672 Swift, 74 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 45 Starling, a Flava Wagtail and 1 Alba Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands area continues its good run with  15 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1570 Dunlin, a Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 150 Redshank, 4 Greenshank,  with 125 Curlew and 166 Golden Plover on the Humber.

Ringing:  1 Blackbird.

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Wednesday, 10 July 2019

Migration Watches: 0630-1200, 1255-2000.

An impressive increase in Waders on Kilnsea wetlands and good numbers moving over the sea.

The sea produced 26 Teal, 249 Common Scoter, 78 Gannet, 10 Oystercatcher, 46 Whimbrel, 24 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 17 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 3 Common Tern and 5 Arctic Tern, while overland 4 Little Egret, 1843 Swift, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, a Kestrel, 236 Sand Martin, 43 Swallow, 2 House Martin, a Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail and 15 Linnet flew south.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a brilliant array of species on offer, 17 Teal, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1250 Dunlin, 3 Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 160 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 459 Black-headed Gull with 118 Curlew and 135 Golden Plover on the Humber while a juvenile Cuckoo at Point.

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Tuesday, 09 July 2019

Overcast all day, spots of rain but warm with a F3 E wind.

Watches: 0615-1200, 1515-1815.

A day of some movement over the sea saw decent numbers of Waders heading south and further increases on the Humber and Kilnsea wetlands.

On the move were 2 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 618 Common Scoter, 9 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 331 Gannet, 9 Oystercatcher, a Little-ringed Plover, 28 Whimbrel, 27 Curlew, 31 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 16 Dunlin, 16 Kittiwake, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Guillemot, 2 Puffin and 11 Auk sp while overland 72 Swift, 38 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Flava Wagtail.

On Kilnsea wetlands 4 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 13 Teal, 51 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 7 Little egret, 28 Avocet, 4 Little–ringed Plover, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1150 Dunlin, 102 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Caspian Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull and 3 Little Gull with 40 Golden Plover on the Humber

Ringing: 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock, 1 Great Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Linnet.

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Monday, 08 July 2019

Migration Watches: 0700-1045, 1630-1800, 1915-1940.

A day very much similar to yesterday, but a Cory’s Shearwater flying north past the seawatch hut was a nice addition to the year list, while also seen were a Gadwall, 6 Teal, a fine total of 1402 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 21 Manx Shearwater, a Red-throated Diver, 276 Gannet, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 3 Kittiwake, a Little Gull, 9 Sandwich Tern, a Great Skua, 4 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill, 152 Auk sp and 4 Puffin, while overland 5 Swift and 35 Sand Martin flew south.

Also today mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area were 3 Tufted Duck, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 717 Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, 166 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 530 Black-headed Gull with 143 Curlew and 50 Golden Plover on the Humber.

Ringing:  1 Oystercatcher pulli, 2 Ringed Plover pulli, 2 Little Tern pulli, 1 Blackbird, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Sunday, 07 July 2019

Migration Watches: 0700-1050.

A typical summers day which can be quiet overall, but Wader numbers are still slowly increasing and something good could appear any day among them.

On the move were 76 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, a Great Northern Diver, 49 Gannet, 14 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 4 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 2 Kittiwake, 10 Sandwich Tern, 21 Auk sp and 2 Puffin.  

Also today mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area were 19 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 874 Dunlin and 126 Curlew while a Water Rail was on Canal scrape.

Ringing:  1 Blackbird, 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 1 Whitethroat.

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Saturday, 06 July 2019

Watches: 0550-0930.

A fairly standard species list were present today over the sea and the Humber.

It was quiet over the sea with, 8 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 43 Common Scoter, 1 Eider, 12 Gannet, 3 Oystercatcher, 6 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, a Dunlin, 4 Kittiwake, 4 Common Tern, 21 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill and 11 Auk sp.

Other sightings today on Kilnsea wetlands and the Humber were 2 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 32 Mallard, 23 Golden Plover, 18 Whimbrel, 132 Curlew, 36 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 440 Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, 91 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 19 Little Gull and 3 Mediterranean Gull. 

Ringing: 4 Swallow pulli.

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Friday, 05 July 2019

Watches: 0530-0900.

The Kilnsea wetlands area continues to be the ‘go to place’ at the moment with little happening elsewhere 221 Shelduck, 4 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 58 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Little egret, 48 Avocet, a Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel, 145 Curlew, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 500 Dunlin, 99 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 3 Mediterranean Gull and 12 Little Gull.

The sea had, 3 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 4 Cormorant, 8 Oystercatcher, 4 Whimbrel, 15 Curlew, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 26 Knot, 15 Dunlin, 45 Kittiwake, 11 Guillemot, a Razorbill, 5 Puffin and 6 Auk sp while overland 24 Swift, 35 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow and 22 Starling. In the evening over 1000 Swift were blogging over the area.

Other sightings included a Water Rail was along the canal.

Ringing: 2 Collared Dove pulli, 1 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock pulli, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin.

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Thursday, 04 July 2019

Watches: 

Wader numbers are increasing day by day, with a trickle over the sea, which will in the right conditions over the next few weeks become a regular stream.

On the move were 9 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 18 Common Scoter, 6 Manx Shearwater, 6 Little Egret, 71 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 3 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 3 Curlew, 11 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, a summer plumage Spotted Redshank, 68 Kittiwake, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Sandwich Tern, 1493 Swift, 81 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 88 Starling, 1 'Flava' Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 13 Meadow Pipit, 20 Linnet and 14 Goldfinch.

Other sightings mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area included 30 Shelduck, 11 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 31 Golden Plover, a Little-ringed Plover, 208 Curlew, 39 Bar-tailed Godwit, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 512 Dunlin, 82 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 25 Little Gull, 5 Mediterranean Gull, an Arctic Tern and the Wheatear still at Beacon ponds.

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Wednesday, 03 July 2019

Warm and sunny with a F2 ENE wind.

Watches: 0630-1015, 1720-2015.

The Kilnsea wetlands general area continues to be the ‘go to place’ at the moment with little happening elsewhere, 1 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Little egret, 30 Avocet, 130 Curlew, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 225 Dunlin, 100 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 3 Mediterranean Gull and 12 Little Gull.

The sea continued with another good movement of 238 Black-headed Gull along with 39 Common Scoter, 11 Manx Shearwater, 185 Gannet, 8 Fulmar, 1 Curlew, 1 Grey Plover, 8 Knot, 6 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 2 Little Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 13 Guillemot and 10 Auk sp.

Other sightings saw the Treecreeper around Kilnsea, the Short-eared Owl at Sammy’s and the Wheatear again at Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 2 Collared Dove pulli, 1 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock pulli, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin.

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Tuesday, 02 July 2019

Watches: 0630-0935, 1615-1645.

A bit of an overnight decline in wader numbers, but there were still decent totals about to keep up the interest with 6 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 10 Little egret, 32 Avocet, a Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel, 126 Curlew, 35 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 235 Dunlin, 55 Redshank, a Greenshank, a Yellow-legged Gull, 600 Black-headed Gull, 5 Mediterranean Gull and a Little Gull.

Overland movement was quiet and saw 4 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 12 Starling and a Flava Wagtail head south, while the sea only produced 3 Common Scoter, 25 Manx Shearwater, 53 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 137 Black-headed Gull, 11 Kittiwake, 9 Guillemot and 3 Auk sp.

Other sightings saw the Turtle Dove still residing in an Easington garden, a juvenile Treecreeper trapped at Kew, a Short-eared Owl at Kilnsea wetlands was an interesting record, while the first returning? Willow Warbler were at Kew, 4 Blackcap around the area and a Wheatear at Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 3 Barn Owl pulli, 1 Blackcap, 1 Dunnock, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Wren.

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Monday, 01 July 2019

Warm and sunny with a blustery F6 SW wind.

Watches: 0530-1200, 1400-1530.

An obvious arrival of Waders saw Kilnsea wetlands the place to be with so much going on in a small area, 7 Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, 99 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Little-ringed Plover, 160 Dunlin, 70 Redshank, a dapper Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, Mediterranean Gull and a Little Gull while on the Humber, 42 Golden Plover, 58 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper and 62 Knot roosted at Chalk bank.

Overland movement saw a Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 1 Hobby, a Turtle Dove, 2276 Swift, 11 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 85 Starling, 2 Flava Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail head south, while the sea produced 9 Greylag Geese, 17 Shelduck, 2 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 3 Curlew, 3 Dunlin, 19 Redshank, 107 Black-headed Gull, and 12 Auk sp.

Other sightings saw 2 Peregrine in the area, a Cuckoo along the peninsula and another Turtle Dove residing in an Easington garden.

Ringing: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

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Sunday, 30 June 2019

Watches: 0415-1930.

A fantastic day of movement over land and sea saw a headline 7115 Swift fly south along with 5 Hobby, 104 Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 365 Starling, 1 Flava Wagtail and a Siskin, while over the sea 4 Teal, 15 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 112 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Knot, 5 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper, 25 Redshank, 28 Black-headed Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 9 Sandwich Tern.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 13 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 10 Little Egret, 30 Avocet, a juvenile Little-ringed Plover, 25 Redshank, 300 Black-headed Gull, a Little Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 33 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Mediterranean Gull. Nearby a Greenshank was on Beacon Ponds along with 80 Little Tern and a Cuckoo on Beacon lane while a Bonxie was on the Humber.

Ringing: 1 Robin.

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Saturday, 29 June 2019

Hot and sunny alll day.

Watches: 0700-0915, 1515-1950.

The day was brought to life as 2 adult Long-tailed Skua with full tail streamers toured the area from Chalk bank to the Warren, one even hovering over Clubley's field. These are our first ever early summer records, with the latest spring record for us being the 2nd June 1991. Are they just late returning birds?

Overland movement saw 47 Swift, 21 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 43 Starling head south, while the she sea produced 8 Shelduck, 34 Gannet, 3 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 3 Sanderling, 10 Sandwich Tern and a Bonxie on the Humber.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were the usual Spoonbill, 9 Wigeon, 1 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, 460 Black-headed Gull, 30 Little Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 32 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 6 Mediterranean Gull while 33 Golden Plover were on the Humber.

Its also a good time to be looking for Orchids with several Pyramidal Orchids located.

Ringing: 1 Robin.

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Friday, 28 June 2019

Watches: 0530-0935, 1845-2000.

The day was pretty much the same as the previous few with Kilnsea wetlands and the sea dominating the headlines. 

The sea had 48 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 1 Whimbrel, 5 Curlew, 1 Kittiwake, 6 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 41 Auk sp and 3 Puffin, while overland a Hobby flew south.

The Spoonbill was yet again faithful to the area, while Wader numbers increased just a little more with a Lapwing, 15 Golden Plover, 85 Curlew, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 51 Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper and 17 Redshank with Gull numbers also still high, 364 Black-headed Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 26 Common Gull, 165 Herring Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull and 36 Lesser Black-backed Gull. 

Elsewhere 2 Chiffchaff were seen away from the usual breeding areas, a Grasshopper Warbler continued 'reeling' and a juvenile Stonechat by the boatyard.

Ringing: 4 Swallow pulli, 1 Blue Tit.

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Thursday, 27 June 2019

Watches: 0640-0930.

On the move were 6 Shelduck, 6 Tufted Duck, 58 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 53 Gannet, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Curlew, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, 4 Guillemot and 3 Razorbill.

Otherwsie the Spoonbill was still on Kilnsea wetlands along with 4 Little Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gull with 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Grey Partridge and a Grasshopper Warbler at Beacon Ponds as well as the usual Ducks and Waders.

Ringing: 2 Stock Dove pulli, 1 Ringed Plover pulli, 3 Tree Sparrow pulli, 3 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Wren.

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Wednesday, 26 June 2019

Watches: 0645-1015, 1500-1705.

Most of the action was over the sea today with 180 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, 10 Manx Shearwater, 68 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake, 19 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 99 Auk sp.

Kilnsea wetlands still had the resident Spoonbill, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, 3 Little Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gull with 5 Arctic Terns nearby on Beacon ponds which included three 1st summer birds. Some decent counts of Waders on the Humber with the usual early returning species showing big increases, 16 Golden Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 70 Curlew, 16 Bar-tailed Godwit and 40 Knot. 

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Tuesday, 25 June 2019

Watches: 0715-1115.

Not much change overall, but yet again Kilnsea wetlands held most of the interest which showed some increases for Wildfowl in addition to all the usual Ducks and Gulls with, 19 Gadwall, 5 Wigeon, 20 Teal, the Spoonbill, 30 Avocet, a Green Sandpiper, 10 Redshank, 4 Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Tern and 20 Sand Martin.

Quieter over the sea though with only 4 Teal, 128 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet, 7 Sandwich Tern and 5 Guillemot.

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Monday, 24 June 2019

Watches: 0630-1030.

Good numbers of birds continue to build on KIlnsea wetlands giving hope to something good turning up here. It shouldnt be too long before larger numbers of waders join the spectacle. Full totals here to give you an idea of the numbers being seen at the moment with 2 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 32 Mallard, 16 Teal, the resident Spoonbill, 5 Grey Heron, a Little Egret, 15 Avocet, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Redshank, 300 Black-headed Gull, 8 Little Gull, 8 Mediterranean Gull, 90 Herring Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, 25 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Sandwich Tern, a Hobby and a Grasshopper Warbler.

Over the sea today were 15 Teal, 5 Eider, 430 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Manx Shearwater, 19 Gannet, 2 Curlew, 1 Green Sandpiper in/off, 9 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 5 Auk sp and 6 Puffin.

Ringing: 10 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Wren.

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Sunday, 23 June 2019

Watches: 0615-1030.

A bit of movement over the sea saw 10 Teal, 1 Mallard, 423 Common Scoter, 2 male Scaup, 1 Fulmar, 11 Manx Shearwater, 19 Gannet, 8 Curlew, 7 Kittiwake, 19 Auk sp and 4 Puffin.

Kilnsea wetlands had a Caspian Gull, the Spoonbill still hanging about, 3 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull, 50 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Hobby. 

Ringing: 6 Tree Sparrow pulli, 5 Blue Tit, 2 Robin.

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Saturday, 22 June 2019

Warm and sunny with a blustery F4-5 ESE wind.

Watches: 0530-1015.

Overland movement saw a Marsh Harrier, 3 Stock Dove, 25 Swift, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow and 125 Starling head south, while the sea produced 11 Common Scoter, 2 Eider, 2 Fulmar, 11 Gannet, 3 Little Gull, 6 Curlew and 12 Auk sp.

Other sightings today included a juvenile Stonechat at Beacon ponds, 3 Grasshopper warbler in the area and 2 Cuckoo at the Potato fields. The Kilnsea wetlands area had a Spoonbill remaining from yesterday, 3 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 180 Black-headed Gull, 3 Little Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and 30 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

2 Vagrant Emperor were seen today.

Ringing: 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Robin.

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Friday, 21 June 2019

Watches: 0600-1015.

After yesterdays fantastic passage there were only 431 Swift today, but 6 Spoonbill wandered the area early morning, with one present later at Kilnsea wetlands maybe one of these (5 arrived in Cleveland later) while a Long-eared Owl was present in a private Kilnsea garden and a Turtle Dove singing in the triangle. There were signs of arrivals of Waders with increases for some and visual confirmation of others on the move, with 150 Bar-tailed Godwit, 150 Knot, a Ruff, 31 Dunlin on the Humber and 2 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 25 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Redshank heading south.

There was a small bit of other movement with 71 Starling, 5 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail and 8 Linnet while Kilnsea wetlands held 252 Black-headed Gull, 3 Little Gull and 3 Tufted Duck with a Hobby nearby. 

2 Vagrant Emperor were seen today.

Ringing: 1 Ringed Plover pulli, 6 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 6 Goldfinch pulli.

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Thursday, 20 June 2019

Early fog gave way to sunshine with rain showers throughtout with a F3-5 SW wind.

Watches: 0640-1820.

The continued south westerly winds along with rain showers today, eventually began to bring about some well sought after Swift movement, and with Spurn being the best place in Britain to watch them stream south, it also inevtably turns up the rarer ones on a more regular basis. Today our first ever early summer PALLID SWIFT picked up by Jacob Spinks flew south among a fantastic 5100 Swift. The day also saw our 3rd Serin of the 'spring' fly south with 6 Spoonbill having a bit of a wander eventually flying south too.

Also on the move today were 7 Shelduck, 3 Little Egret, 18 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, a ringtail Harrier sp which was almosy certainly a Montagu's Harrier, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 3 Dunin, a Cuckoo, 1 Hobby, 3 Jackdaw, 6 Sand Martin, 19 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 56 Starling and 7 Linnet.

For those not inclined to watch the Swift movement, Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds was the place to be with 23 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 53 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, a Marsh Harrier, 15 Curlew, 43 Dunlin and a Little Gull.

A male Vagrant Emperor was at the south end of Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 1 Starling, 1 Whitethroat.

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Wednesday, 19 June 2019

Watches: 0640-0910.

Overall today not much happened though it was maybe nice to see early returning Waders with 2 Wood Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands with 3 Little Gull also gracing this site.

On the move were 180 Common Scoter, 1 Eider, 3 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Auk sp and 2 Swallow. 

Duck numbersa had increased with 15 Teal on Kilnsea wetlands with 3 Tufted Duck, 25 Avocet and 3 Black-tailed Godwit in the area.

Ringing: 2 Blue Tit.

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Tuesday, 18 June 2019

A warm sunny day with rain in the evening with a F3-5 S wind.

Watches: 0600-1030, 1430-1600.

A quieter day of movement with only 227 Swift after yesterdays good showing which also had 29 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 5 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 5 Curlew, 3 Knot, 30 Black-headed Gull, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 11 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 209 Starling, a Grey Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch, 16 Linnet, 8 Goldfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Other bits seen today included 15 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Lapwing, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Little Gull and the female Blue-headed Wagtail again, seen feeding young. 

2 Vagrant Emperor were seen today.

Ringing: 2 Marsh Harrier pulli, 1 House Sparrow.

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Monday, 17 June 2019

A warm sunny day with a F4-5 SW wind

Watches: 0645-1700, 1745-1830, 2030-2100.

A decent day of movement saw a much appreciated 2480 Swift fly south, after a poor summer last year and hopefully a sign of things to come. Also on the move were 30 Canada Geese, 2 Curlew, 1 Sand Martin, 28 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 26 Linnet and a Reed Bunting.

Otherwise 3 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 3 Green Sandpiper, 136 Black-headed Gull and 4 Little Gull were in the Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area.

3 Vagrant Emperor were seen today along with a Red-veined Darter..

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Sunday, 16 June 2019

Sunny and warm with a F4SW wind

Watches: 0645-1130, 1430-1900.

Suprisingly few Swift on the move today but maybe refected in seemingly less in the country this year, while Duck numbers slowly increase which is typical for Teal at this time of year and some more Green Sandpiper moved through.

A Vagrant Emperor today by the Breach is the 4th sighting in the last week or so in an unprecedented influx to the Spurn and immediate Lincolnshire coast.

On the move today were 1 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, 6 Cormorant, 2 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Hobby, 7 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 176 Starling, a Grey Wagtail and 4 Linnet.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 2 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 32 Avocet, 3 Green Sandpiper, a Little Gull with a Spotted Flycatcher at Cliff farm

Ringing: 2 Dunnock.

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Saturday, 15 June 2019

Unsettled sunny periods with passing showers and a F3-4 S wind.

Watches: 0600-1200.

It was an interesting day for some early Duck movement though generally quiet overland, 9 Shelduck, 5 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 57 Common Scoter, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Gannet, 3 Lapwing, 3 Curlew, 9 Black-headed Gull, 4 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Skua, 24 Auk sp, 76 Swift, 11 Jackdaw, 1 Sand Martin, 34 Swallow and 12 House Martin.

Other bits during the day were 4 Canada Geese, 4 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 9 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Green Sandpiper all in the Kilnsea wetlands area.

A Turtle Dove was just outside the area on the south side of Out Newton.

Ringing: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Robin, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Blue Tit pulli, 1 Dunnock pulli,

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Friday, 14 June 2019

Sunny periods in a generally unsettled rainy day with a F3-4 W-S wind.

Watches: 0705-1005, 1500-1600.

A much quieter day saw a Brent Goose at the Narrows, 3 Green Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands along with 2 Wigeon, 4 Teal, a Little Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull and a Greenshank with a Cuckoo at the Warren and 2 Grasshopper Warbler in the area.

It was quiet over land and sea with only 2 Shelduck, 5 Teal, 1 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 4 Gannet, 2 Little Egret, 58 Swift, 1 Sand Martin, 11 Swallow, 1 House Martin and 2 Linnet.

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Thursday, 13 June 2019

Rain all day with a blustery F4-5 S-SE wind.

Watches: 0715-1425-1515.

A bit of a poor day all round with the weather restricting birding and it wasnt till late in the morning that a Serin flew south over Beacon ponds and the female Red-backed Shrike was relocated on Beacon Lane. Late in the day a Nightjar was accidentally flushed from a garden flying towards Driftwood.

The sea recieved some attention more in the fact the seawatch hut gave shelter from the rain giving totals of 6 Fulmar inc a smart Blue Fulmar, 22 Manx Shearwater, 154 Gannet, 2 Curlew in/off and 302 Auk sp while a 128 Swift and 4 Sand Martin were seen moving.

Otherwise a Greenshank was on Beacon ponds and the Diamondback Moth influx continues.

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Wednesday, 12 June 2019

Cold and damp with fog in the morning clearing, but rain from mid afternoon.

Watckes: 1500-1600.

The relatively better conditions today allowed birders to get out into the field, duly finding some interesting birds, while a huge arrival of Diamondback Moths, saw them in all the vegeatation everywhere and numbering into the 10's of thousands. (2900 were clicked in a single walk route to the Point). Another species mentioned to be missing a few days ago also turned up today with a Marsh Warbler singing at Middle camp, continuing its annual spring appearance since 2008. A Quail was at Chalk bank while the female Red-backed Shrike was mobile along the Canal. A Great-white Egret also put in an appearance to day with one spending some time on Kilnsea wetlands then flying off north.

Other sightings of interest were a brood of 5 Shelduck chicks accompanied on the Humber, 2 Wigeon and 5 Teal Kilnsea wetlands, 5 Green Sandpiper returning on Canal scrape, with 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Sedge warbler were new migrants with 4 Grasshopper Warbler in the area.

A presumed new Vagrant Emperor by the Little Tern colony was a great find 2 miles north of the single a few days ago. The Painted Lady influx continues.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 1 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Starling pulli, 2 Dunnock (1 pulli), 3 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Tuesday, 11 June 2019

Driving heavy rain with a blustery F5-6 NNE wind.

Watches: 0600-0730.

The female Red-backed Shrike remained in the triangle, though elusive in the poor conditions, while the only other migrant was a Spotted Flycatcher at Kew.

Surprisingly quiet over the sea with only, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Fulmar and 3 Manx Shearwater with the usual Duck species on Kilnsea wetlands.

A Water Shrew was at Long Bank.

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Monday, 10 June 2019

Overcast with showers and a F3-4 NE wind.

Watches: 0700-1015

Following on from yesterdays comments, about the lack of some certain passerine migrants, a female Red-backed Shrike was found at the Warren moving up the canal, continuning the annual appearance of this species. A Hobby was over Kilnsea wetlands and 5 Grasshopper Warbler in the area while a Rock Pipit at the Point was very unseasonal.

The sea had 2 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmar, 32 Manx Shearwater, a Black-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 2 Puffin and 19 Auk sp with only 5 Swallow and 5 Linnet overland.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 28 Avocet, a Lapwing, 1 Little-ringed Plover, a Whimbrel and a Mediterranean Gull.

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Sunday, 09 June 2019

Watches: 0500-1200.

While just up the coast Flamborough is enjoying a little purple patch, down at Spurn the lack of passerine migrants is puzzling with no Red-backed Shrike or Marsh warbler seen this spring. Today we had to make do with yet another monster insect rarity with our 2nd and 3rd VAGRANT EMPEROR, males at the warren and in Sykes field pond. A mini twitch of local birders soon descended and had great views, following on so soon from the brief first last year. 

The highlight birdwise was a Spoonbill over Beacon ponds which eventually drifted out to sea, while also on the move were 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Eider, 33 Gannet, 1 Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 18 Black-headed Gull, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Stock Dove, 22 Swift, 5 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 1 Sand martin, 59 Swallow, 49 House Martin, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Flava Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 16 Linnet and 4 Goldfinch.

The unseasonal wildfowl continue in the area with also decent numbers of Waders remain, 3 Brent Geese, 3 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 36 Mallard, 5 Teal, 4 Grey Heron, 9 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Lapwing, 21 Grey Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 22 Curlew, 52 Knot, 2 Redshank, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Arctic Tern.

The same conditions which brought the Vagarnt Emperor also brought 2 male Red-veined Darter to the area along with a large influx of Painted Lady while at least 3 Hairy Dragonfly of this recent colonist were seen including a female ovipositing. Also today 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the Kew area.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock pulli, 1 Lesser Whitethroat pulli, 1 Robin.

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Saturday, 08 June 2019

Watches: 0500-1220, 1415-1615, 1800-2015.

Despite lots of observers out and about, the conditions made it difficult looking for any much hoped for passerine migrants, so the highlight of the day was a CATTLE EGRET found by Sandy Davidson in the triangle with the sheep flock, moving up to Holderness field where it spent the rest of the evening. 

On the move today were 10 Barnacle Geese, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Scaup, 3 Teal, 14 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 66 Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwater, 2 Avocet, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Great Skua, 3 Puffin, 771 Common Swift, 49 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch and 1 Greenfinch.

Other sightings during the day included some unseasonal wildfowl, 2 Brent Geese, 13 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 11 Little Egret, 1 Little Gull, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 402 Herring Gull, 236 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Bullfinch.

Ringing: 2 Starling, 1 Chaffinch.

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Thursday, 06 June 2019

A sunny hot still morning, blustery in the afternoon, but still by the evening.

Migration Watches: 0615-1015, 1430-1930.

A quieter day all round with no sign of the Rose-coloured Starling with maybe the 3 Little Stint at Kilnsea wetlands being the highlight of the day.

On the move were 34 Common Scoter, 5 Fulmar, 28 Manx Shearwater, 20 Gannet, 8 Cormorant, 1 Kittiwake, 39 Auk sp, 1 Common Buzzard, 55 Swift, 2 Rook, 2 Sand Martin, 51 Swallow, 31 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Linnet.  

Fewer migrants as expected with only 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Blackcap seen today.

Also today mainly in the Kilnsea wetlands area were 11 Brent Geese, 12 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 3 Teal, a Marsh Harrier, 54 Ringed Plover, 400 Dunlin, 17 Knot, 3 Redshank, 2 Whimbrel, 33 Curlew and 4 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

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Wednesday, 05 June 2019

Warm with sunny spells and a F4-5 W wind.

Watches: 0630-1500, 1630-1930.

A day of Mediterranean highlights with a Bee-eater taking top billing, u-turning at the Warren and spending time in Church field and later in Skeffling, eventually flying south early afternoon with another late Red-rumped Swallow south past Numpties, the gorgeous male Rose-coloured Starling still in the Kilnsea area, the Turtle Dove still about the area while 3 Little Stint and a Curlew Sandpiper are on Kilnsea wetlands. The day saw some decent movement of Swift heading south and Waders heading out east, with decent numbers remaining, in particular Sanderling which generally have left by now. 

Overland movement saw 557 Swift, 1 Hobby, 1 Jackdaw, 2 Sand Martin, 170 Swallow, 67 House Martin, 4 Linnet and 9 Goldfinch head south, while the she sea produced 36 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Fulmar, 15 Manx Shearwater, 18 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 19 Black-headed Gull, 17 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 13 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill, 1 Puffin and 30 Auk, while heading out east 35 Grey Plover, 7 Knot and 4 Common Tern.

Migrants included 1 Cuckoo, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat with the female Blue-headed Wagtail still around Kilnsea wetlands.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 8 Brent Geese, 2 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 33 Avocet, 140 Oystercatcher, 70 Ringed Plover, 185 Sanderling, 280 Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper and 6 Mediterranean Gulls with 3 Bullfinch on Vicars lane continuing the recent increase in local records, maybe hinting at breeding now or in the future.

Ringing: 1 Chaffinch.

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Tuesday, 04 June 2019

Overcast with rain from early afternoon a F3-5 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0645-1200, 1400-1430.

A rather dapper male ROSE-COLOURED STARLING was a nice wake up cal for Pete Kirby and present all day in Kilnsea around the north end of the caravan site. The Broad-billed Sandpiper was again present at Beacon ponds first thing, but not seen after and 2 Egyptian Geese flew south while a Turtle Dove is still present around Kilnsea

Quiet for birds on the move over sea and land with only 4 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 8 Manx Shearwater, 10 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 4 Kittiwake, 13 Black-headed Gull, 49 Auk sp5 Swift, 18 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Goldfinch and 3 Linnet.  

Few migrants were seen today as it gets late in the season with only 1 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and the female Blue-headed Wagtail.

Also today were mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 4 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 30 Ringed Plover, 400 Dunlin, 2 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 12 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, 1 Little Gull and 1 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock..

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Monday, 03 June 2019

A warm blustery day with sunny spells with a F4-5 WSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0615-1000, 1300-1700.

The good birds keep coming and today it was Spurn 4th BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER, found by Jacob Spinks on the beach at Beacon ponds associating with a few Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover. If the bird remains in the area please keep away from the fenced off area. It was seen to fly off towards the Humber at around 8:30pm.

Migrants still about included 1 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and the female Blue-headed Wagtail.

On the move today were 4 Spoonbill, 9 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Lapwing, 12 Black-headed Gull, 328 Swift, 1 Hobby, 2 Sand Martin, 54 Swallow, 61 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 11 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting.  

Also today were mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 17 Brent Geese, 4 Barnacle Geese, 5 male Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 29 Avocet, 24 Grey Plover, 125 Ringed Plover, 110 Sanderling, 260 Dunlin, summer plumage Little Stint, 4 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 2 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew and 2 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 5 Blue Tit pulli.

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Sunday, 02 June 2019

A warm overcast day with rain showers and a  F4-5 SSE wind.

Migration Watches: 00730-1700.

The highlight of the day was not a bird, but a fantastic and much sought after DEATH’S HEAD HAWKMOTH found by the breach, which was well received and much photographed. The day also saw a reduction in Spotted Flycatcher numbers, but brought the beginnings of hopefully a good Swift summer.

Bird wise, 4 Spoonbill were on Kilnsea wetlands where a Little Stint was also present and a Turtle Dove still about in the area.

Migrants were reduced from the previous day, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, the Fieldfare still at Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and the female Blue-headed Wagtail.

On the move today were  14 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 415 Swift, 3 Hobby, 7 Jackdaw, 4 Sand Martin, 68 Swallow, 91 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail and 13 Linnet.  

Also today were 4 Brent Geese, 2 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 26 Avocet, 2 Greenshank, 5 Whimbrel and a Mediterranean Gull.

A male Hairy Dragonfly was een today and a Hummingnird Hawkmoth in the Churchyard.

Ringing:  9 Blue Tit pulli, 1 Willow Warbler.

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Saturday, 01 June 2019

Watches: 0555-1130, 0950-1600.

An interesting late arrival of Spotted Flycatcher, which are a fairly typical species for this time of year, while numbers of Waders remain relatively high for some species and some unseasonal Duck continue on Kilnsea wetlands. 2 Turtle Dove in Church field were the highlight of the day with the female Blue-headed Wagtail still at Kilnsea wetlands.

Small numbers of migrants were still about though with a small arrival, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Fieldfare, 15 Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Whinchat.

On the move today were 7 Gannet, 2 Marsh Harrier, 10 Kittiwake, 1 Puffin, 5 Wood Pigeon, 11 Jackdaw, 36 Swallow, 42 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 18 Linnet, 9 Goldfinch and 1 Yellowhammer.

Other sightings 1 Canada Geese, 7 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 29 Avocet, 2 Mediterranean Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull with some interesting Wader counts so late on, 8 Grey Plover, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 60 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 93 Sanderling, 230 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank.

A female Hairy Dragonfly was ovipositing on pools at Blue bell pond, (name changing to Sykes Field).

Ringing: 5 Great Tit pulli, 2 Spotted Flycatcher.

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Friday, 31 May 2019

Watches: 0430-0835, 0950-1600.

As we watch on the last few high arctic Waders are heading out east, but it won't be long before some are returning from nearer to home, so even from mid June onwards the Humber will start to come alive again.

Over the sea today with 5 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 5 Manx Shearwater, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 2 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 25 Kittiwake and 198 Auk sp, while heading out east were 32 Brent Geese, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Turnstone and 17 Sanderling.

Overland vis-migging produced 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 158 Wood Pigeon, 6 Collared Dove, 20 Swift, 9 Jackdaw, 71 Swallow, 64 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 33 Chaffinch, 52 Linnet, 17 Goldfinch, 1 Corn Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer and 3 Reed Bunting.

Small numbers of migrants were still about, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and a Whinchat.

Other sightings 1 Canada Geese, 9 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 26 Avocet and a Mediterranean Gull.

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Thursday, 30 May 2019

An overcast warm day with a F4 SW wind.

Watches: 0540-0915, 1005-1825.

The day began in frustrating fashion with a ‘Ticking’ Bunting flying south over the Warren watch point, but frustratingly not re-located. Maybe Rustic would be the favourite at this time of year, but who knows?

Movement over the sea and land produced 5 Canada Geese out east, 1 Tufted Duck, 11 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 26 Gannet, 12 Kittiwake, 5 Cormorant, 30 Black-headed Gull, 24 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 39 Swift, 1 Hobby, 4 Jackdaw, 2 Skylark, 108 Swallow, 171 House Martin, 1 Alba Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 16 Linnet and 12 Goldfinch.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 52 Brent Geese, 4 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 26 Avocet, 178 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel, 5 Redshank, 36 Knot and a Common Sandpiper plus the Fieldfare and a Corn Bunting at the Warren

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Wednesday, 29 May 2019

A sunny start soon turned cold and misty with rain and an increasing F2-6 SW-S wind.

Watches: 0500-0800, 1640-1900.

Highlights today were a male Hen Harrier flying north, a nice red Curlew Sandpiper on Kilnsea Wetlands where the Fieldfare remained and maybe the same Black-throated Diver over the sea again.

Migrants included 1 Cuckoo, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, which continues the good spring so far for them and hopefully a good breeding season, 5 Blackcap, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Whinchat.

The sea produced typical late spring counts of 3 Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 62 Gannet, 12 Kittiwake, 55 Guillemot, 49 Razorbill, 3 Puffin and 103 Auk.

Overland movement was limited to mainly late moving Hirundines, 8 Wood Pigeon, 1 Cuckoo, 13 Swift, 62 Swallow, 37 House Martin, 3 Alba Wagtail, 5 Chaffinch and 4 Goldfinch.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea wetlands were 132 Brent Geese, 4 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 14 Avocet, 320 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Redshank, 320 Knot and a Common Sandpiper.

Finally a male Hairy Dragonfly was at Blue Bell pond.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon.

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Tuesday, 28 May 2019

Watches: 0520-1200.

The singing male Serin was again showing by the old school in Easington, for what can be a tricky bird to catch up with in Yorkshire and is still being much appreciated. 2 Barnacle Geese on Kilnsea wetlands continued the late leaving winter visitors or feral wanderings, while a nice red Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Little Stint were also on offer here.

Migrants included 1 Cuckoo, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, which continues the good spring so far for them and hopefully a good breeding season, 5 Blackcap, the Fieldfare still at Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Whinchat.

On the move today were 3 Eider, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 5 Fulmar, 113 Gannet, 182 Kittiwake, 2 Arctic Skua, 3 Guillemot and 116 Auk sp with 12 Grey Plover out east, while overland movement was limited to, 1 Marsh harrier, 48 Swallow and 6 House Martin.

Other sightings included more unseasonal Wildfowl with 77 Brent Geese, 4 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 23 Avocet, 320 Oystercatcher, 24 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Peregrine over the Humber.

A pair of Hairy Dragonfly on Blue bell pond are maybe a sign of things to come with this recent addition to the Spurn list.

Ringing: 1 Swallow, 1 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 27 May 2019

Cloudy with heavy squally showers and prolonged rain, sunny in the afternoon with a 5-3 variable wind.

Watches: 0515-1430.

The forecast for the day looked promising, but the reality was a cool, windy wet morning, which seemed to stall much movement though persistence yet again paid off with 2 Honey Buzzard seen. The first a nice dark morph bird tracked up the peninsula, eventually headed out purposely due east from the Warren gaining height until lost to view, while the second bird, initially seen a few miles up the coast arrived from the north-west, after a bit of meandering headed south over the Humber towards Lincs. The singing male Serin was again on Vicars Lane in Easington.

Over the sea today with 5 Eider, 21 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 11 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 70 Kittiwake, 140 Common Gull, 6 Sandwich Tern, 7 Guillemot, 7 Razorbill, 1 Puffin and 156 Auk sp, while heading out east were 4 Brent Geese, 166 Grey Plover, 16 Knot and a Bar-tailed Godwit.

Overland vis-migging produced 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 5 Wood Pigeon, 3 Collared Dove, 59 Swift, 7 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 2 Sand Martin, 159 Swallow, 144 House Martin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Flava Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 35 Linnet, 39 Goldfinch, 1 Yellowhammer and 3 Reed Bunting.

Migrant totals were as follows, 1 Cuckoo, 20 Sand Martin on Kilnsea wetlands, 7 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Yellow Wagtail. Other sightings 110 Brent Goose, 1 Canada Geese, 6 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 1 Little Stint, 18 Avocet, 22 Curlew, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Mediterranean Gull and 3 Grey Partridge. Ringing: 4 Great Tit pulli

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Sunday, 26 May 2019

An overcast morning with long periods of blustery rain, sunny in the afternoon witha F3-5 WSW wind.

Migration Watches: 0515-1700.

The thought of some south-westerly’s after so many days of northerlies gave hope to the vis-miggers of some late action overland and while it’s now late in the spring for any big movements they were rewarded for sticking it out during the morning washout. The highlight was a male RED-RUMPED SWALLOW which flew south landing on the wires at the Warren and tracked back slowly north, while today there were also still 2 Serin, with the male still singing in Easington and the female type at the Warren with 3 Goldfinch which eventually appeared to head off south, a brief Temminck’s Stint on Kilnsea wetlands with a Little Stint, with a Wood Sandpiper and drake Garganey also present here.

On the move today were  2 Red-throated Diver, a summer plumage Black-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter, 26 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 11 Gannet, 12 Cormorant, 2 Whimbrel in/off, 18 Bar-tailed Godwit in/off, 9 Kittiwake, 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Sandwich Tern, 3 Common Tern, a Turtle Dove which u-turned at the Warren, 103 Swift, 1 Kestrel, 2 Hobby, 2 Jackdaw, 2 Sand Martin, 218 Swallow, 198 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 10 Linnet and 11 Goldfinch while the pace of birds heading out east increased, 24 Brent Geese, 82 Shelduck, 212 Grey Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Turnstone and 2 Knot.  

Migrants were thin on the ground in the wet windy conditions with just 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, the Fieldfare still at Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Whinchat.

Also today on Kilnsea wetlands were 4 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, male Wigeon, male Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 23 Avocet and 3 Mediterranean Gull.

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Saturday, 25 May 2019

A nice sunny start, clouding over later with a F2-3NW wind.

Watches: 0445-1600.

A quiet day was brought to life with 2 Serin, a female at the Warren and a nice male on feeders then showing in various spots in Easington, drawing attention to itself with constant singing. Serin is an annual species to our area despite being so farnorth in Britain, and a bit of Spurn specialty in Yorkshire terms. It was a difficult day looking for migrants with just 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, the Fieldfare still at Holderness field, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Wheatear.

On the move today were 9 Brent Geese and 50 Grey Plover out east, 3 Red-throated Diver, 7 Fulmar, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Golden Plover, a Little-ringed Plover, 26 Kittiwake, 33 Black-headed Gull, 37 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Puffin, 1 Swift, 10 Jackdaw, 4 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 228 Swallow, 70 House Martin, 4 Flava wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 14 Chaffinch and 18 Goldfinch.

Other bits of interest were 210 Brent Geese on the Humber and Greenshank int the triangle. 

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 2 Swallow, 7 Blue Tit pulli, 5 Great Tit pulli, 2 Dunnock pulli, 2 Chaffinch, 6 Tree Sparrow pulli. (29 of 10sp).

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Friday, 24 May 2019

A warm sunny blue sky day with a F3-1 NW- NE wind.

Migration Watches: 0450-1915.

There was no sign of the Baikal Teal today having continued its journey northwards, being relocated at Hornsea mere. The biggest surprise of the day were 6 Whooper Swan north over the Humber, tracked up past Bempton 5 hours later, having been seen on the Ouse washes the previous day. The 3 Great-white Egret seen flying south over the Obs garden are as a species rapidly losing their Spurn headline status as they become a regular occurrence, while  Nightingale just about continues its annual appearance in the recording area with the male still belting out its song at the Point.

Migrants were thin on the ground, 3 Cuckoo, a Long-eared Owl at the Point, a Short-eared Owl in the Sheepfield, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Wheatear.

On top of the unseasonal Swans and Fieldfare, 224 Brent Geese and 1 Pale-bellied Brent remain, maybe leaving it a bit later than usual to head off north-east along with the 1100 Grey Plover, 1600 Dunlin, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 200 Knot and 7 Whimbrel that also continued to linger.

On the move today were 31 Kittiwake, 15 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 5 Sandwich Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 14 Swift, 1 Kestrel, 8 Jackdaw, 3 Sand Martin, 147 Swallow, 50 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 16 Chaffinch, 13 Linnet, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting with a Manx Shearwater hanging about on the Humber.

Ringing:  2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 7 Tree Sparow pulli, 2 Chaffinch.

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Thursday, 23 May 2019

Not too long ago, with the Spurn list on 397 species, a simple sweepstake was set up. The idea was to pick at random from a hat the 400th species, when it eventually came along, whenever that might happen. Well in 2018, the 398th and 399th were added with Bairds Sandpiper and Dusky Thrush, both of which have been accepted and suddenly the dream was near, maybe sooner than expected. Well today potentially the 400th species to be seen in the Observatory recording area, was achieved when Daniel Langston picked up Spurns 1st BAIKAL TEAL dropping into Kilnsea wetlands from the Obs tower. A quick dash and observers were enjoying views of a superb male, consorting with a male Wigeon, which it had been with in Cambridgeshire a few days ago. The bird remained all day allowing great views from the hide, with a Temminck's Stint giving those present in the morning a nice additional treat for 5 minutres before it flew off west. The Nightingale was still singing at the Point and a Jay made a visit to the triangle.

Migrant numbers were much the same, 3 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Hobby, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Black Redstart, 4 Wheatear and a Bullfinch.

On the move today were 84 Common Scoter, 2 Marsh Harrier, 10 Black-headed Gull, 16 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 7 Swift, 11 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 1 Sand martin, 114 Swallow, 18 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail while heading out east, 50 Oystercatcher, 3 Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 54 Knot, 13 Black-headed Gull and an Arctic Tern.

Other sightings of interest were 38 Brent Geese, 96 Greylag Geese, a Shoveler, male Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck and 5 Common Buzzard.

Ringing: 1 Willow warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 House Sparrow pulli, 10 Tree Sparrow pulli, 3 Blue Tit pulli, 10 Great Tit pulli.

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Wednesday, 22 May 2019

A nice male RED-FOOTED FALCON was the highlight of the day, initially seen grappling with a Kestrel over Holderness field, then spending time here before eventually heading north-west up the Humber. The raptor theme continued with a ringtail Hen Harrier hunting the fields in the Long bank area and an Osprey flying south. Otherwise a Turtle Dove was by Westmere farm and the Little Stint still on Kilnsea wetlands.

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Tuesday, 21 May 2019

A warm sunny day with a F3 NE wind.

Migration Watches: 0600-1000.

A Nightingale singing at the Point was the highlight of the day, with a brief Common Rosefinch at the Warren while migrant were well scattered with a Turtle Dove, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, male Blue-headed Wagtail, 2 Redstart and 1 Whinchat.

On the move today were 1 Marsh Harrier, 16 Whimbrel, 14 Curlew out east, 17 Jackdaw, 15 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 33 Swallow, 6 Chaffinch and 3 Linnet.

Other sightings today were 16 Brent Geese, 4 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck on Kilnsea wetlands and a Corn Bunting at Easington lagoon.

Ringing:  4 Peregrine pulli, 19 Starling pulli, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 9 Tree Sparow pulli.

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Monday, 20 May 2019

A day of good birds, with some decent vis-mig despite the weather, but little in the way of grounded passerine migrants.

The day began with a green singing male Golden Oriole at Kew which moved upto Sammy's while there were now 2 Dotterel on Long bank field where the Wood Sandpiper remained. A Great-white Egret dropped into the same area, soon flying off south high later towards Lincolnshire with the springs first Red-rumped Swallow infront of the new hide on Long bank and rounded off with a nice adult male Montagu's Harrier cruising through just as the fog descended again.

Migrant numbers were 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Hobby, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Whinchat.

Vis-mig saw 3 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 19 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Swift, 2 Marsh Harrier, 14 Jackdaw, 11 Sand Martin, 711 Swallow, 42 House Martin, 4 Flava Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 6 Chaffinch, 7 Linnet and 4 Goldfinch.

Other sightings included 8 Tufted Duck, 14 Avocet on Kilnsea wetlands and 44 Lesser Black-backed Gullon the Humber.

Ringing: 6 Starling pulli, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chaffinch.

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Sunday, 19 May 2019

Foggy all day with the sun breaking through with a F0-2 ESE wind.

Migration Watches: 0600-1500.

A Bluethroat found at the Point, was just rewards for the hours put in over the last few days trying to find one, what with the numbers further up the coast at the moment. The female Dotterel remained at Chalky’s point, but having a bit of a fly about to the Warren and back and the Wood Sandpiper still on Kilnsea wetlands. Migrant totals were lower than yesterday with only, a Short-eared Owl, 2 Cuckoo, 4 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 11 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Whinchat.

On the move today were a Little-ringed Plover, 5 Sand Martin, 442 Swallow, 22 House Martin, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 7 Linnet, 10 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting.

Other sightings today were 8 Brent Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 4 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Sandpiper.

Ringing:  5 Wood Pigeon, 1 Magpie, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch.

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Saturday, 18 May 2019

A cloudy start, cleared to a warm sunny day with a F2-3 NE wind.

Migration Watches: 0515-1000.

A superb female Dotterel was found early morning at Chalky’s point, a Wood Sandpiper nearby, while a Wood Warbler in the Crown carpark was the first of the year. Migrant totals were pretty much the same as the previous day, a Short-eared Owl, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 7 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, female Blue-headed Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, male Pied Flycatcher at the Point, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear and 1 Redstart.

On the move today were a Red Kite, 6 Jackdaw, 3 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 495 Swallow, 31 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail with the best over the sea being 3 Puffin, while heading out east were 43 Kittiwake, 2 Black Tern and 62 Arctic Tern.

Other sightings today were 22 Brent Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 3 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 3 Tufted Duck and 8 Common Sandpiper in the area and a Corn Bunting in the triangle.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 3 House Sparrow pulli.

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Friday, 17 May 2019

After early morning rain a day of sunny spells with a F3-4 NE wind.

Migration Watches: 0530-0915.

While the spring still stutters on, giving the odd good bird, but little in the way of decent arrivals or visible migration and with the breeders just about all making it back at last, today brought another small arrival that gave hope, but again failed to really deliver. Maybe tomorrow?

A Common Rosefinch at the Point was the best of today’s grounded migrants, while also counted, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Cuckoo, the Turtle Dove still wandering the Kilnsea area, 2 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Warbler, 4 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, female Blue-headed Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Whinchat, 5 Wheatear, 1 Redstart, 2 Brambling and a Redpoll sp at Kew.

On the move today were 2 Jackdaw, 1 Sand Martin, 186 Swallow, 4 House Martin and a Grey Wagtail while over the sea 3 Velvet Scoter, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 22 Gannet and 4 Kittiwake with a Black Tern and 2 Arctic Tern out east.

Other sightings today were 12 Brent Geese with 2 Pale-bellied Brents, 1 Canada Goose, 3 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck and 9 Common Sandpiper in the area and a Corn Bunting at the Warren.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Starling pulli, 1 Blackbird.

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Thursday, 16 May 2019

A warm sunny day with a F2-4 E wind.

Migration Watches: 0445-1200.

On the move today were 2 Barnacle Geese, male Hen Harrier, a Red Kite, 5 Swift, 4 Jackdaw, 6 Sand Martin, 160 Swallow, 12 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 22 Linnet and 1 Goldfinch while heading out east 10 Whimbrel, 23 Kittiwake, 123 Arctic Tern and 3 Black Tern.

Totals for grounded migrants were the Turtle Dove still wandering the area, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Whinchat.

Other sightings today were 35 Brent Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 4 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 8 Tufted Duck, 600 Grey Plover, a Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff and 26 Golden Plover on Kilnsea wetlands, 6 Common Sandpiper on Beacon ponds, 1200 Dunlin on the Humber and a Corn Bunting singing along the canal.

Ringing:  2 Wood Pigeon, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Blackcap.

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Wednesday, 15 May 2019

A warm sunny day with a F3 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0500-1545.

A bit of a quieter day all round, but maybe the continued east type winds will vring something of interest in the next few days.

A rather dapper drake Garganey graced Kilnsea wetlands for the day where there was also 1 Canada Goose, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Ruff and 3 Greenshank.

On the move today were 12 Jackdaw, 12 Sand Martin, 348 Swallow, 23 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch and 18 Linnet.

Totals for grounded migrants were poor with only 2 Cuckoo, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, female Blue-headed Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and a Siskin

Other sightings today were 78 Brent Geese, 1 Canada Goose, 450 Grey Plover and 4 Common Sandpiper on Beacon ponds.

Ringing:  1 Whitethroat, 4 Blackbird pulli.

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Tuesday, 14 May 2019

A warm sunny day out of the cool wind.

Migration Watches: 0500-1115.

The highlight of the day was Spurns 4th CATTLE EGRET which flew south past the Warren Numpties watchpoint, but it was quiet otherwise for movement with 1 Common Buzzard, 3 Swift, 34 Wood Pigeon, 13 Jackdaw, 6 Sand Martin, 409 Swallow, 23 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 1 Chaffinch and 4 Linnet.

Totals for grounded migrants included some decent Waders with 3 Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, 9 Greenshank, 4 Cuckoo, 1 Hobby, 8 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 33 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel in Church Field and 5 Wheatear.

Other sightings today worthy of mention were 205 Brent Geese with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 2 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck, 950 Grey Plover and 4 Little Egret.

Ringing:  2 Tawny Owl pulli, 2 Stock Dove pulli, 1 Blackbird, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch.

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Monday, 13 May 2019

A fine sunny warm day with a F4-5 SE wind.

Watches: 0530-1430.

A few bits of quality on a generally quieter day still had 2 Common Crane fly south and a pair of Garganey on Kilnsea wetlands with the Turtle Dove still wandering the area.

Migrant numbers were as follows, 1 Short-eared Owl, 11 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 13 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 8 Wheatear, 1 Blue-headed Wagtail on Clubley's and 2 Yellow wagtail.

On the move today were a Spoonbill, 3 Tufted Duck, 16 Common Scoter, 1 Red Kite, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 2 Collared Dove, 4 Swift, 6 Jackdaw, 41 Sand Martin, 1194 Swallow, 91 House Martin, 5 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 17 Chaffinch, 34 Linnet, 47 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 1 Yellowhammer.

There was decent counts of 190 Brent Geese on the Humber along with 2 Pale-bellied Brent and 1100 Grey Plover producing an amazing aural and visual dislplay. 

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat.

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Sunday, 12 May 2019

A warm sunny daywith a F2-3 E wind.

Watches: 0630-1100.

Highlights from the day included a Wryneck showing by Bluebell pond, a Turtle Dove wandering the area, a Spoonbill on Kilnsea wetlands and 3 Wood Sandpiper again on Holderness field.

Migrant numbers were much reduced on the previous day so maybe no suprise the Flycatcher wasnt present, though still recorded today were, 2 Cuckoo, 7 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Warbler, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 16 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Blue-headed Wagtail and 1 White Wagtail. 

On the move were 4 Tufted Duck, 16 Common Scoter, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, 16 Grey Plover out east, 1 Swift, 5 Jackdaw, 8 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 3 Sand Martin, 287 Swallow, 14 House Martin, 1 Tree Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 3 Linnet and 3 Goldfinch.

Other bits of interest were the ringtail Hen Harrier still about in the Long bank area, Peregrine over the Humber and a Corn Bunting at Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird.

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Saturday, 11 May 2019

It was a very interesting day which started with a Golden Oriole in a typical location in the Wire dump area, 2 Wryneck (singles in the sheepfield and the triangle), a Jay in the triangle, a Turtle Dove by canal scrape which flew south as did a Spoonbill and the 3 Wood Sandpiper still present in the Kilnsea wetlands area. These were all put in their place by a very convicing female COLLARED FLYCATCHER found bt Steve Webb at Easington cemetery. Obviously the jury is out, but it seems to show the array of features one would expect, but the hybrid possibilty however remote is always present. A selection of photos below from Paul French, John Hewitt an Tony Broom. Check out for starters in the following pics, the apparent grey collar and rump, the extensive white bases to the primaries to at least P3 maybe more and extending beyond the primary coverts, the white outer webs of tail feathers 4-6. What do you think?

Migrant totals today were 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 64 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 5 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 58 Whitethroat, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, 6 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, 28 Wheatear, 1 Blue-headed Wagtail and a White Wagtail.

On the move overland were 4 Swift, 36 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 24 Sand Martin, 1329 Swallow, 113 House Martin, 2 Flva Wagtail2 Alba Wagtail, 10 Chaffinch, 14 Linnet and a Corn Bunting while heading out east, 15 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 20 Arctic Tern and 3 Black Tern..

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Friday, 10 May 2019

A nice array of species were seen during the day with the highlight being a GREAT REED WARBLER trapped at the Warren and seen a few times subsequently afterwards. Nearby a Wryneck was by the YWT visitor centre, a ringtail Montagu's Harrier flew south and 3 Wood Sandpiper were still on Holderness field early morning.

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Thursday, 09 May 2019

Occasional drizzle with a F3-4 N-NNE.

Migration Watches: 0545-0950, 1655-1900.

A much better day all round with increases in migrant numbers and quality thrown in too.

A nice male Montagu’s Harrier was the highlight of the day watched quartering the fields along Easington straight, where a ringtail Hen Harrier was also present, while 3 Wood Sandpiper were on Holderness field with the drake Green-winged Teal still on Kilnsea wetlands.

Totals for grounded migrants were 32 Whimbrel, 1 Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 10 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 31 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel at Sammy’s, 5 Fieldfare, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Wheatear and a Tree Pipit at the Point.

Over the sea 2 Tufted Duck, a Black-throated Diver, 4 Cormorant, 7 Kittiwake, 50 Auk sp, 25 Guillemot, 9 Razorbill, 3 Common Tern, 30 Sandwich Tern and 11 Little Tern with 16 Arctic Tern seen heading out east.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 95 Brent Geese, 4 Gadwall, 4 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper, 17 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Greenshank.

Ringing:  2 Redstart, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 08 May 2019

Overcast with rain most of the day with a F4 ESE wind.

The drake Green-winged Teal was still present in the company of a female Teal sp. The bad weather meant little birding was done bar watching the Humber and heading out east were 11 Arctic Tern, 15 Common Tern, 8 Black Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern, 1 Little Gull, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 8 Sanderling and 2 Avocet.

Other bits seen included 2 Brent Geese, 5 Tufted Duck, 27 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank and 11 Little Tern in the Beacon ponds/Kilnsea wetlands area, with 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Wheatear, 3 Willow warbler and 1 Blackcap about the best of it in the bushes.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler.

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Tuesday, 07 May 2019

Sunny spells in a cloudy day with a F1-2 SE wind.

Watches: 0620-0945.

A drake Green-winged Teal found today on Holderness field and Beacon ponds (consorting with a female Teal sp) is considered a new bird, with the wintering bird last seen on the 27th March and a complete exodus of Wildfowl in the meantime. Late afternoon a Spoonbill dropped into Kilnsea wetlands and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Sammy's.

There was a bit of a movement out east today involving 10 Whimbrel, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and an Arctic Tern while heading south overland, 16 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail and 7 Carrion Crow.

Migrant wise 9 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 17 Common Whitethroat, 7 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Wheatear continue the poor run along with seemingly few breeders back on territory.

Ringing: 1 Swallow, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat.

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Monday, 06 May 2019

Overcast with light showers with a F2-1 NNW wind.

Watches: 0530-0945.

Noteworthy sightings during the day included a ringtail Hen Harrier in the Long bank area, while a Yellow-legged Gull was on Kilnsea wetlands.

There was also maybe, a small increase in migrant numbers, 1 Cuckoo, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and 1 Wheatear, while heading south a Hobby, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Sand Martin, 102 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 3 Rook and 8 Jackdaw.

other sigghtings included 600 Grey Plover on the Humber, 20 Whimbrel on Clubley's, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Brent Geese, 4 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall and 6 Teal on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldfinch.

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Sunday, 05 May 2019

A sunny start soon turned cold and overcast with some drizzle F3-4 NE wind.

Watches: 0515-0915.

The ‘calmer’ conditions allowed a better census of migrants, with the ringtail Hen Harrier again at Sammy’s plus final totals of 26 Whimbrel, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Cuckoo, 3 Sand Martin, 40 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 22 Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel at sammy’s, 1 Redwing, 3 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Blue-headed Wagtail in Long bank, 1 White Wagtail, 11 Pied Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and a Lesser Redpoll.

Overland it was very poor, 38 Wood Pigeon, 1 Rook, 11 Carrion Crow, 1 House Martin while over the sea 7 Shelduck, 4 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 25 Gannet, 40 Guillemot and 218 Auk sp with, 2 Golden Plover and 2 Black-headed Gull out east.

Kilnsea wetlands still held some lingering Wildfowl, 7 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 5 Teal, male Pochard, 26 Avocet, 3 Greenshank, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper with 48 Brent Geese on the Humber, 

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff.

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Saturday, 04 May 2019

A horrible day with squally showers throughout and a cold F6-7 N wind.

Watches: 0525-1045, 1155-1225.

Most of the action was understandably over the sea with a Long-tailed Duck, 4 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 1 Teal 11 Common Scoter, 20 Fulmar, 9 Manx Shearwater, 199 Gannet, 1 Shag, 28 Kittiwake, 8 Sandwich Tern, 980 Auk sp and 4 Puffin while heading out east were 10 Barnacle Geese and 16 Arctic Tern.

Also seen today were 14 Brent Geese on the Humber, ringtail Hen Harrier at Sammy’s. a Little Stint on Holderness field, 3 Greenshank Kilnsea wetlands and 2000 Dunlin on the Humber with only a scatter of migrants seen in the poor conditions. 

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Friday, 03 May 2019

Cold and cloudy with a F3-4 N wind.

Watches: 0630-1000.

A ringtail Hen Harrier lingered in the Sammy’s point area, while it was another difficult days birding finding migrants in the cold weather, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, female Blue-headed Wagtail paired with a male Yellow Wagtail at Sammy’s, 1 White Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.

It was quiet over the sea with, 1 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 55 Gannet, 1 Sandwich Tern and 1 Little Tern with 26 Brent Geese and 30 Arctic Tern out east.

Ringing: 1 House Sparrow.

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Thursday, 02 May 2019

Sunny spells with rain late afternoon and a F3-4 W-N wind.

Watches: 0600-1030.

Whilst there have been some noticeable highlights and the odd decent arrivals the spring in reality has been poor and seemingly many breeders like Whitethroat still to arrive. Hopefully a change in the weather may encourage some late arrivals and if we get any prolonged south westerlies then maybe some overland movement still to come.

The immature Spoonbill was back again on KIlnsea wetlands, flying off west later, but there were few migrants to be seen today, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat and 4 Wheatear.

Overland it was quiet with still few Hirundines and Finches, 1 Sparrowhawk, 31 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 18 Carrion Crow, 3 Sand Martin, 81 Swallow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 Linnet, 1 Goldfinch and 1 Chaffinch while over the sea 2 Goosander, 2 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 27 Black-headed Gull and 3 Sandwich Tern.

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Wednesday, 01 May 2019

Sunny and warm with a F3 variable wind.

Watches: 0600-1100.

The fantastic spring movement of Buzzard continues which started around the 17th April and has seen 1-3 birds recorded on many days since.

An immature Spoonbill spent a few hours on Kilnsea wetlands then flew off south, maybe the bird seen wandering around the Humber the last few days.

While no big numbers there were some decent species about, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 11 Lesser Whitethroat, 17 Whitethroat, 4 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart and 5 Wheatear.

Overland 3 Common Buzzard, 2 Magpie, 41 Jackdaw, 22 Rook, 50 Carrion Crow, 19 Sand Martin, 86 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 5 Flava Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 15 Linnet, 17 Goldfinch, 10 Chaffinch and 3 Yellowhammer.

Also seen today were 21 Avocet, 4 Greenshank and 21 Whimbrel.,  

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Tuesday, 30 April 2019

Another day of sunny spells with a F2-3 SW-SE wind.

Watches: 0620-1030.

Little moving and few birds in bushes, while we await for all the migrant breeders to take up their territories, but of course a few good birds made an appearance.

The highlight of the day was a Little Bunting in an Easington garden. Only our 2nd spring record, arrangements will be made for viewing if still present in the morning. A Turtle Dove flew past the Warren where a Firecrest was trapped and ringed.

Migrant totals were as follows, 12 Little Tern at Beacon ponds, 1 Short-eared Owl, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wheatear and a Tree Pipit at the Warren.

Overland it was a second day of poor movement from recent weeks, with a Marsh Harrier ‘blogging’, 7 Jackdaw, 3 Carrion Crow, 11 Sand Martin, 34 Swallow, 5 Flava Wagtail, 15 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch and 7 Chaffinch, while over the sea, 2 Shoveler, 7 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Whimbrel and 12 Black-headed Gull.

Ringing: 1 Robin, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Firecrest, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet.

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Monday, 29 April 2019

Sunny spells with a F2-3 NE wind.

Watches: 0600-1145.

Migrant totals for the day were, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Cuckoo, 11 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Whitethroat, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Brambling at Kew.

Overland movement was slack with only, 2 Marsh Harrier, 10 Jackdaw, 1 Rook, 24 Carrion Crow, 3 Skylark, 4 Sand Martin, 29 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 6 Chaffinch, 7 Goldfinch and 17 Linnet.

It was the usual fair over the sea with, 2 Pintail, 1 Eider, 17 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 5 Cormorant, 71 Razorbill and 62 Auk sp

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Redwing, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chaffinch, 1 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting. (18 of 11 species).

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Sunday, 28 April 2019

Bright and sunny all day with a F4 S-SSW.

Migration Watches: 0620-1200.

Early morning a Spoonbill flew south, the highlight of a quieter vis-mig in the brisk northerly with showers, which also saw moving, 3 Marsh Harrier, 5 Common Buzzard, 1 Red Kite, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Greenshank, 11 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 17 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 21 Flava Wagtail, 13 Chaffinch and 3 Linnet while over the sea 1 Tufted Duck, 8 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, 29 Fulmar, 15 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, 20 Kittiwake, 239 Herring Gull, 96 Common Gull,  and 1 Curlew and an Arctic Tern seen heading out east.

Totals for grounded migrants were lower than of late with 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Cuckoo, 10 House Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap,34 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 Wheatear and a Tree Pipit at the Warren.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 4 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 2 Common Sandpiper, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank and 5000 Knot on the Humber.

Ringing:  1 Blackcap, 1 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 27 April 2019

Rain showers on and off all day, some heavy and prolonged with a F5-6 W-NW wind.

Watches: 0615-1745.

An awesome day of raptor movement with 11 species recorded in seemingly non-ideal conditions, saw our second BLACK KITE of the spring, a 2cy bird, which was tracked north-west up the Humber being lost near Skeffling. The raptor fest also saw our first Osprey of the spring fly south after lingering over Beacon ponds along with a nice male Hen Harrier, which flew south past the Obs and eventually east out to sea from the breach. A Red Kite was also lingering in the Kilnsea wetlands area plus a Hobby in the hedge at Driftwood, a Merlin over Long bank and 2 Peregrine hunting the area along with several Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard and Kestrel.

On the move in addition to what was mentioned above were a superb Dotterel in/off the sea at the Blue bell, then continuing north-west up the Humber, a brief Serin at the Obs which flew off north, 2 Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Hobby, 6 Common Swift, 8 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 12 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 18 Swallow, 30 Flava Wagtail, 14 Linnet and 11 Goldfinch while over the sea 3 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 29 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 2 Kittiwake, 72 Black-headed Gull, 96 Common Gull, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 Common Tern with 25 Arctic Tern seen heading out east.

Totals for grounded migrants were 21 Whimbrel, 1 Cuckoo, 3 House Martin, 6 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 3 Ring Ouzel, 10 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 10 Fieldfare, 2 Wheatear, 1 Common Redstart, 12 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit at the Warren.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 2 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 6 Teal, ‘limpy’ the Spotted Redshank, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank and 27 Avocet.

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Friday, 26 April 2019

Bright and sunny all day with a F4 S-SSW.

Migration Watches: 0555-1715.

Totals for grounded migrants were 2 Cuckoo, 3 House Martin, 9 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 6 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 37 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Ring Ouzel, 5 Fieldfare, 11 Wheatear, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Tree Pipit at the Warren.

On the move overland today were our first Common Swift and Jay of the year along with 3 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 7 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, 3 Common Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1+ Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 22 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 62 Carrion Crow, 4 Skylark, 51 Sand Martin, 85 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 7 Starling, 25 Flava Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit, 46 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 169 Linnet, 62 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin and 3 Yellowhammer.

Heading out east were 45 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 39 Curlew and 1 Arctic Tern, while over the sea were 1 Gannet, 23 Cormorant, 3 Sandwich Tern, 86 Herring Gull and 21 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 1 Canada Goose, 1 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 1 Pintail, 8 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, the usual returning limping Spotted Redshank, our first red Curlew Sandpiper of the year, 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper and 20 Avocet plus 443 Brent Geese on the Humber along with 3 Pale-bellied Brent.

Ringing:  1 Jay, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Robin, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 25 April 2019

Grey and overcast with rain from mid-morning.

Migration Watches: 0540-1030.

A bit quieter than of late, but some nice Wader action in the Kilnsea wetlands area.

Totals for grounded migrants were 50 Sand Martin, 8 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler at Long bank, 5 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 6 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 37 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Common Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 17 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 2 Tree Pipit.

On the move overland today a ringtail Hen Harrier, 8 Jackdaw, 13 Carrion Crow, 1 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 20 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 1 Flava Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch, 84 Linnet, 25 Goldfinch and 2 Yellowhammer.

Heading out east were another 22 Bar-tailed Godwit, while over the sea were 3 Eider, 4 Fulmar, 4 Gannet, 9 Cormorant, 23 Whimbrel, 1 Kittiwake, 5 Sandwich Tern, 7 Little Tern, 1 razorbill and 3 Auk sp .

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 3 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall, male Pintail, 11 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Marsh Harrier inc a wing tagged bird, a cracking male Ruff, dapper black Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper and 26 Avocet with 2 Grey Partridge at Sammy’s and 87 Brent Geese on the Humber.

Ringing:  1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chaffinch.

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Tuesday, 23 April 2019

Sunny spells cooler than of late with a F4 E wind.

Watches: 0645-1100, 1730-1920.

The Wader exodus continues, today being Bar-tailed Godwits with our 3rd highest count and reflected at many inland sites and overnight noc-mig recordings. With each passing day new migrants appear, today being the first 2 Reed Warbler and Wood Sandpiper of the spring. Also seen today were, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Tern, 1 Hooded Crow, 40 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 11 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 4 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest, 13 Goldcrest, 12 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 21 Song Thrush, 4 Redstart, 22 Wheatear, 18 Yellow Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 12 Pied Wagtail and 2 Lesser Redpoll.

Heading out east today were 1 Cormorant, a brilliant 345 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Ruff, 2 Arctic Skua, 15 Arctic Tern, 13 Black-headed Gull and 5 Common Gull.

A quieter day overland 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Lapwing, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 14 Sand Martin, 53 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Alba Wagtail, 93 Linnet, 73 Goldfinch, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer.

Other bits of interest were a great count of 510 Grey Plover on the Humber which are a regular feature of the spring as numbers build before late May departures

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Redstart, 1 Robin, 1 Wren, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 22 April 2019

Warm and sunny with light F2 E wind.

Migration Watches: 0600-1300.

Another great day of vis-mig movement overland  and also Terns and Gulls heading out east, while yet again fantastic numbers of migrants were in the area, which included our first Hobby of the spring heading south and a Little Tern on Beacon ponds. Final totals were 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little-ringed Plover, a Long-eared Owl in Easington, 1 Short-eared Owl, Cuckoo at Sammy’s,the 2 Shorelark still wandering the area, 20 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 2 Grasshopper Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 20 Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Whitethroat, 1 Firecrest, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Common Redstart, 28 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail, the female Blue-headed Wagtail,  2 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 1 Brambling.

On the move today 3 Grey Heron, 3 Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, 4 Common Buzzard, 1 Lapwing, 1 Stock Dove, 14 Wood Pigeon, 12 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 321 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 1 Skylark, 42 Sand Martin, 40 Swallow, 5 Flava Wagtail, 5 Alba Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 77 Linnet, 33 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Yellowhammer and 3 Reed Bunting.

Heading out east were, 133 Arctic Tern, 26 Little Gull, 8 Common Gull and 33 Black-headed Gull.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 34 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 13 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 21 Teal, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank and 47 Avocet with 4 Grey Partridge at Sammy’s.

Ringing:  1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Robin.

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Sunday, 21 April 2019

A nice sunny warm day, hot out of the wind with a F3 ENE wind.

Watches: 0540-1920.

Yet another good day of movement and arrivals

Fantastic numbers of migrants remain, while increases for others, the first welcome Cuckoo of the spring was at Sammy’s, while also recorded were 2 Common Sandpiper, the 2 Shorelark mobile about the area, 32 Willow Warbler, 18 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, 19 Blackcap, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroat, 5 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 25 Song Thrush, 2 Redstart, 32 Wheatear, 21 Yellow Wagtail, female Blue-headed wagtail at Sammy’s, 3 White Wagtail, 19 Pied Wagtail, Tree Pipit at Sammy’s and a Brambling.

Very little seen over the sea with only, 5 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 17 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 9 Cormorant, 2 Sandwich Tern and 636 Black-headed Gull, while heading out east were 95 Curlew, 20 Arctic Tern and 4 Arctic Skua.

On the move overland were, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Buzzard, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Wood Pigeon, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 24 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 2 Skylark, 96 Sand Martin, 96 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 6 Flava sp, 2 White Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 17 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 11 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 89 Linnet, 3 Redpoll, 39 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

Other bits of interest were 10 Gadwall, 12 Wigeon, 2 Pintail 35 Teal, 2 Lapwing on Long bank and a brilliant count of 47 Avocet on Kilnsea wetlands with 180 Brent Geese on the Humber.

Ringing: 1 Grasshopper Warbler.

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Saturday, 20 April 2019

Warm and sunny with light F1-2 ENE wind.

Migration Watches: 0600-1815.

A great day of Raptor movement, surprisingly with very little wind, whilst a nice array of migrants was present.

Some great totals of migrants were seen today, including the first Grasshopper Warbler of the year along the canal plus 5 Common Tern on Beacon ponds, 1 Little-ringed Plover Holderness field, 2 Woodcock, a Long-eared Owl in Easington, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Shorelark at Beacon ponds, 15 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 5 Sedge Warbler, 15 Blackcap, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Firecrest (Easington and Sammy's), 14 Goldcrest, 75 Starling, 2 Ring Ouzel at Sammy's, 3 Redwing, 22 Song Thrush, 3 Black Redstart, 3 Common Redstart, a nice count of 56 Wheatear, 27 Yellow Wagtail, 6 White Wagtail, 9 Pied Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, a Water Pipit and 4 Brambling.

On the move today 5 Sparrowhawk, 4 Marsh Harrier, 2 Red Kite, 5 Common Buzzard, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 9 Stock Dove, 13 Wood Pigeon, 19 Jackdaw, 33 Rook, 39 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 87 Sand Martin, 89 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, 59 Linnet, 15 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 1 Corn Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer and 3 Reed Bunting.

Heading out east were, 165 Curlew, 4 Sandwich Tern, 52 Arctic Tern, 2 Arctic Skua, 54 Herring Gull and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Ringing:  5 Blackcap, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Robin, 1 Greenfinch.

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Friday, 19 April 2019

A nice sunny warm day with a F2 NE wind.

Watches: 0600-1300, 1600-1900.

The day of the Charity bike ride, meant there were a few less birders on the ground, but a fun time was again had by all while raising money.

It was another day of brilliant movement of Curlew heading out east, while those out in the field saw some decent numbers of migrants, especially in the Sammy’s area.

The numbers of migrants are slowly increasing as are the returning breeders, 50 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 12 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 5 Blackcap 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 18 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 17 Pied Wagtail, the first Tree Pipit of the spring at Sammy’s, summer plumage Water Pipit on Clubley’s, 1 Siskin and a Brambling.

Very little seen over the sea with only, 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Gadwall, 1 Red-breasted Merganser,  1 Fulmar, 14 Cormorant, while heading out east a fantastic 376 Curlew, 10 Arctic Tern and 367 Black-headed Gull.

On the move overland were, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hen Harrier, 3 Common Buzzard, 6 Lapwing, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Stock Dove, 8 Wood Pigeon, 10 Magpie, 32 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 20 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 3 Skylark, 108 Sand Martin, 102 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Tree Sparrow, 3 Flava sp, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipit, 52 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 56 Linnet and 2 Siskin.

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Thursday, 18 April 2019

A nice sunny warm day, hot out of the wind with a F3 ENE wind.

Watches: 0550-1300.

Good numbers of migrants continue to be recorded, while another good movement of Curlew out east. Totals for today were, a Woodcock, 30 Sand Martin, 20 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 2 Firecrest, 9 Goldcrest, 4 Ring Ouzel, 7 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 19 Song Thrush, 2 Redstart, 20 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail and 4 Brambling.

Heading out east today were 2 Cormorant, 175 Curlew, 4 Arctic Tern, 103 Black-headed Gull and 69 Common Gull.

The pace of overland movement is slowly picking up despite the ‘wrong wind direction’, and recorded today were, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Sandpiper, 13 Wood Pigeon, 3 Magpie, 20 Jackdaw, 36 Rook, 16 Carrion Crow, 1 Hooded Crow, 38 Sand Martin, 98 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Flava sp, 3 Alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 19 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Brambling, 70 Linnet and 28 Goldfinch.

Other bits of interest were 10 Gadwall, 74 Wigeon, 4 Pintail 76 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Lapwing on Long bank and 43 Avocet on Kilnsea wetlands with the Black Brant again on the Humber.

Ringing: 3 Blackcap, 1 Firecrest, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Robin, 1 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 17 April 2019

A sunny warm pleasant day with a F3 NE wind.

Watches: 0900-1030.

A fantastic day with spring finally arriving, bringing a decent arrival of migrants, the first good passage of Curlew and Arctic Tern out east and a few good birds thrown in too, made it one of those days to remember.

Firsts for the year today were 2 Great-white Egret (one on Beacon ponds and another flew south), a nice male Pied Flycatcher on Beacon lane and 2 Common Whitethroat (singles at Chalk bank and Beacon lane). Fantastic totals of migrants were also present today, the 2 Garganey on Holderness field, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper on Canal scrape, 2 Sand Martin, 20 Swallow, 11 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, a Firecrest on Beacon Lane, 18 Goldcrest, 5 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Common Redstart, 8 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling and 2 Siskin. 

While no extensive counts were made, there was a bit of interesting movement of birds heading out east, a male Hen Harrier, 4 Lapwing, 1 Whimbrel, 262 Curlew, 27 Black-headed Gull, 37 Common Gull, 114 Arctic Tern and 2 Arctic Skua, while heading south, 8 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Diver, 10 Cormorant, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Greenshank, 12 Wood Pigeon, 4 Magpie, 4 Jackdaw, 12 Rook, 21 Carrion Crow, 2 Hooded Crow, 5 Sand Martin, 16 Swallow, 7 Starling, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Flava wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 12 Meadow Pipit, 1 Water Pipit, 13 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 19 Linnet, 17 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin, 1 Yellowhammer and 4 Reed Bunting.

Other bits of interest were a Canada Goose, the Black Brant on the Humber, 4 Pintail among the usual Duck flock on Kilnsea wetlands and 2 Water Rail Canal scrape.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Tree Sparrow, 4 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff,  Goldcrest, 5 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Greenficnch, 1 Meadow Pipit. 

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Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Overcast but bright and warmer than of late with a F3 E wind.

Watches: 0700-0835.

The highlight of the day was a superb BLACK KITE found over Kilnsea then following a tractor at Sammy's, after which it drifted off NW towards Skeffling. The 2 Garganey remained on Holderness field, the Black Brant on Kilnsea wetlands and the Hooded Crow at Sammy's.

There was another increase in migrant numbers as the more generally southerly airflow takes effect over Britain with a summer plumaged Water Pipit on Kilnsea wetlands,a Firecrest at the Obs, Little-ringed Plover and Jack Snipe on Beacon ponds, 12 Whimbrel, 16 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 6 Song Thrush, 17 Wheatear, 2 Black Redstart, Common Redstart at the Point, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, 7 Brambling and 3 Siskin.

On the move were 5 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Black-headed Gull out east, 1 Jackdaw, 11 Carrion Crow, 10 Swallow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Flava sp, 2 Alba sp, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 57 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 28 Linnet, 10 Goldfinch and 2 Siskin.

Other sightings mainly on Kilnsea wetlands area were 40 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 87 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 48 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Goosander, 2 Grey Partridge, 36 Avocet and a Spotted Redshank, with a Short-eared Owl at Sammy' and Peregrine over the Humber.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 2 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 7 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Monday, 15 April 2019

A bright, but cold overcast day with a F3-4 SE wind.

Watches: 0655-0940.

While yet again the conditions were less than spring like, the birding was maybe a bit better today with a nice ringtail Hen Harrier over long bank, firsts for the spring of an Arctic Tern out over the Humber and a Redstart at Canal scrape, among the first 'multiple' arrival of 4 Willow Warbler. There was also a small increase increase in other migrant numbers, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Swallow, 14 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart at the point, 3 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Brambling and 3 Siskin.

The Black Brant was again on Kilnsea wetlands along with 300 Brent Geese and the 2 Garganey still nearby on Holderness field. This general area also held, 39 Shelduck, 4 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, 70 Wigeon, 52 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Goosander, 3 Little Egret, 32 Avocet and a Black-tailed Godwit.

Few birds were on the move, mostly over the sea, 1 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 1 Gannet, 1 Shag, 1 Sand Martin and 3 Meadow Pipit.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Brambling, 1 Siskin.

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Sunday, 14 April 2019

Sunny again, but cold in the F4-5 E wind.

Watches 0700-0945.

Much the same as the previous few days with few migrants about, but an increase to 550 Brent Geese with the Black Brant and Pale-bellied Brent still about wandering from the Humber to Kilnsea wetlands. Present here also were, 48 Shelduck, 5 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 64 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 27 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, a drake Goosander15 Avocet AND 2 White Wagtail with the 2 Garganey on Holderness field. 

Also today were a Pink-footed Goose in the triangle, 159 Grey Plover and a Whimbrel on the Humber, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing and a Brambling in the area.

Ringing: 2 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 13 April 2019

Sunny again, but with a bitter F3-4 ENE wind.

Migration Watches: 0700-0915.

While spring is definitely slow to get going on the east coast, a change in the weather is predicted in the next week or so, which might produce a rush of birds? Today bought our first Whimbrel of the spring, while a nice Hawfinch was on Vicars lane and the 2 Garganey again on Holderness field. The dwindling totals of migrants seen today were, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 100 Starling, 2 Redwing, 6 Pied Wagtail and 1 Brambling.

On the move today only 8 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 8 carrion Crow and 2 Linnet were recorded.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 470 Brent Geese with 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 6 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 4 Pintail and 92 Teal, with 2 Tufted Duck on Canal scrape, a nice total of 611 Oystercatcher on the Humber and 2 Grey Partridge at Sammy’s.

Ringing:  5 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 12 April 2019

Bright and sunny, warm out of the cold F3-4 N wind.

Watches: 0650-1015.

The adverse wind conditions continue as does the cold, but we did welcome our first overdue Firecrest and Willow Warbler of the spring to Kilnsea plus an on cue Lesser Whitethroat, singing near the riding school. Beyond those sightings other migrants were thin on the ground with only 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 2 Wheatear, a White Wagtail and 3 Brambling. The 2 Garganey remained on Holderness field, with a nice Spotted Redshank nearby on Kilnsea wetlands, where a Black Brant was present along with a Pale-bellied Brent and 163 Dark-bellied Brent. Elsewhere the Hooded Crow remained at Sammy's just west of the carpark.

The good numbers of wildfowl continue on Kilnsea wetlands several of which were just flyby visitors a few years ago, 7 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 92 Wigeon, 22 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 72 Teal and 2 Tufted Duck with 2 Goosander nearby on the Humber.

On the move today were 1 Common Scoter, 6 Goosander, 1 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Magpie, 19 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 5 Chaffinch and 1 Linnet.

Ringing: 4 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch.

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