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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Thursday, 11 April 2019

Clear sunny spells with a cool F3 NE wind.

Watches: 0645-0920.

The cool weather continues with pretty much the same trickle of migrants going through, though the 2 Garganey are still present along with 2 Sand Martin, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap 5 Goldcrest, 2 Black Redstart, 1 Wheatear and a Brambling.

A bit of movement mainly over the sea, 3 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler, 22 Teal, 4 Eider, 5 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Gannet, 1 Cormorant, a Red Kite, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew out east, 20 Black-headed Gull, 4 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow and 3 Meadow Pipit.

Other bits of interest were 2 Canada Geese, 16 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, 78 Teal, a Goosander and 27 Avocet on Kilnsea wetlands and 220 Brent Geese on the Humber.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 1 Tree Sparrow, 5 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 10 April 2019

A nice sunny day, warm out of the F3-4 NE wind.

Watches: 0620-1030.

The first Common Sandpiper of the spring was on the Humber off the Warren, while the pair of Garganey remained on Holderness fields, but can be elusive. Migrant totals were, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 2 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail and 2 Brambling.

Movement over land and sea was steady, 1 Shelduck, 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Teal, 17 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, 12 Cormorant, 1 Sandwich Tern, 3 Auk sp, 3 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 23 Carrion Crow, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipit, 4 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 22 Linnet, 7 Goldfinch and 2 Yellowhammer.

Other bits of interest were 125 Brent Geese, 23 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a female Tufted Duck on the Humber and 24 Avocet on Kilnsea wetlands. An unusual sight involved a huge female Peregrine chasing a Chaffinch over the Humber, which managed to elude its chaser.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Brambling.

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Tuesday, 09 April 2019

Sunny all day, but chilly in the 4 NE wind.

Watches: 0645-1045.

The continued cold easterly wind continues to make birding difficult and even hampering the usual arrivals of migrants. Saying that 2 Garganey on Holderness field were a nice addition for the spring. Migrant totals were as follows, 6 Sand Martin on Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Water Rail, 1 Swallow, 12 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail,19 Pied Wagtail, 2 Brambling, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Siskin.

A bit better over the sea today with 4 Eider, 8 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar, 7 Manx Shearwater, 6 Gannet, 10 Cormorant, 1 Kittiwake, 3 Little Gull out east, 46 Herring Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 3 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill and 6 Auk sp, while overland 2 Common Buzzard (one of which a very pale bird), 10 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 22 Meadow Pipit north-west and 2 Corn Bunting.

Other sightings mainly at Kilnsea Wetlands included 59 Brent Goose, 3 Canada Geese, 11 Gadwall, 18 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander, 7 Little Egret, 30 Avocet, 114 Curlew, Greenshank and the usual Hooded Crow at Sammy's,

Ringing: 2 House Sparrow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 5 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 08 April 2019

Watches; 0650-1000.

A huge find today in a Spurn context with an adult GOSHAWK which lingered in the Kilnsea to Easington area, followed wherever it went by an appreciative Carrion Crow fan club. This is probably the first multi observed bird here, and was obviously well recieved by the local listers, but there can be few birds on the Spurn list which divide opinion as much as this species with the last of the claimed (and accepted) 11 records, being in 2008. 

A decent scattering of migrants remain in the area, 2 Jack Snipe,  6 Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl,  2 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 12 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 7 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 7 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtail, 1 Brambling, 1 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Siskin.

Yet again little on the move but a Red Kite was decent, while the sea pnly had ones and twos of the rxpected species.

Other bits of intersst were 3 Canada Geese on Holderness field, the wintering Greenshank still about, the Hooded Crow at Sammy's and 2 Peregrine.

Ringing: 2 Robin, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Blackcap, 1 Siskin, 1 Greenfinch.

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Sunday, 07 April 2019

Grey and damp, with showers and a F3 NE wind.

Watches: 0710-0940.

A small influx of Thrushes to the Point brought our first spring Ring Ouzel along with 3 Song Thrush, 2 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing plus a scattering of migrants to the area, 2 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 15 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap 2 Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Pied Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 1 Brambling and 4 Siskin.

Other bits of interest were 100+ Common Scoter on the Humber, 23 Avocet and Greenshank on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Chaffinch.

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Saturday, 06 April 2019

Cool and overcast with drizzle with a F3 NE wind.

Migration Watches: 0620-1200.

Vis-migging was typically quiet, with the adverse wind direction, but still a nice male Hen Harrier flew south, then east out to sea, with also a Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Jackdaw, 25 Rook, 51 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 48 Starling, 3 House Sparrow, 1 White Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit, 6 Linnet and 6 Goldfinch.

Over the sea a trickle of birds, 5 Greylag Geese, 7 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 5 Gannet, 1 Shag, 5 Cormorant, Mediterranean Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Razorbill and 2 Auk sp.

 The first 2 Yellow Wagtail of the spring were seen on Kilnsea wetlands, with a Jack Snipe nearby on Beacon Ponds, with other migrant totals of 3 Sand Martin, 14 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 1 Black Redstart, 3 White Wagtail, 31 Pied Wagtail and 2 Siskin.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 50 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 99 Wigeon, 45 Teal, 13 Gadwall, 1 Goosander, 28 Avocet and a Greenshank.

Ringing:  1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 05 April 2019

A chilly but sunny day with a F4 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0620-1030, 1125-1245.

The first Common Tern of the spring flew south out of the Humber in the morning, but otherwise the sea was quiet, while overland movement produced, 1 Stock Dove, 10 Wood Pigeon, 16 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 5 Carrion Crow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 14 Meadow Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 18 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch and 2 Yellowhammer.

Similar totals for migrants over the past few days, with the Hooded Crow remaining at Sammy’s, 14 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Black Redstart, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, 12 Pied Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch and 2 Brambling.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held a Pale-bellied Brent, 47 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 88 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 9 Gadwall and a Greenshank.

Ringing:  2 Blackcap, 1 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 04 April 2019

A cloudy day with some drizzle, remaining cool in the F4 SE wind.

Watches: 0620-1030, 1220-1330.

A steady day of movement over land and sea, but with the added highlight of a superb Common Crane which flew south giving fantastic views. While also on the move were 10 Mute Swan, 2 Eider, 33 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, 11 Cormorant, 1 Sandwich Tern, 8 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow, 1 Alba Wagtail, 2 White Wagtail, 22 Meadow Pipit, 1 Greenfinch, 36 Linnet and 2 Yellowhammer.

Migrants seen today were a Black Redstart, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail and a nice male Brambling.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 03 April 2019

Chilly with drizzle late afternoon in the F2 ESE wind.

Migration Watches: 0650-1050, 1205-1250.

There was virtually no movement over land or sea and the steady, but unremarkable arrival of spring migrants continues. It did bring our first House Martin of the spring over Canal scrape with also 1 Swallow, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 140 Starling, 3 Redwing, 3 Wheatear, 3 White Wagtail, 14 Pied Wagtail and 2 Brambling.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 42 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 84 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 13 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 22 Avocet, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank in the Kilnsea wetlands area with the  Hooded Crow again at Sammy’s after its fly about the previous day.

Ringing:  3 Blackbird, 3 Robin, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch.

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Tuesday, 02 April 2019

Still and overcast, but again chilly in the F3 W-N-W wind.

Migration Watches: 0700-1030.

Little change overall , but a nice Hawfinch graced the Kew area, moving up to Easington, with other migrant totals being 1 Jack Snipe and 2 Snipe on Beacon ponds, 3 Sand Martin Canal on Kilnsea wetlands, 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, 2 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 13 Pied Wagtail and 1 Siskin.

Overland it was quiet for movement with 4 Magpie, 7 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 1 Hooded Crow, 45 Carrion Crow, 5 Meadow Pipit and 1 Chaffinch, while it was similar over the sea with just 4 Shelduck, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 4 Oystercatcher and 3 Curlew.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had its usual haul of birds, 55 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 106 Wigeon, 55 Teal, 12 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 18 Avocet, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Greenshank in the Kilnsea wetlands area. 

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Monday, 01 April 2019

A nice sunny day, but with a chilly F2 SE wind.

Migration Watches: 0640-1130.

Maybe a day with some promise failed to deliver, with the reality being few new migrants were seen with only, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Black Redstart at the Point, 3 Wheatear, 6 White Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtail, 1 Rock Pipit and 1 Siskin.

It was not the best wind direction for vis-migging with only  5 Stock Dove, 3 Jackdaw, 12 Rook, 11 Carrion Crow, 1 Swallow, 4 White Wagtail, 8 Alba Wagtail, 7 Meadow Pipit, 4 Greenfinch, 17 Linnet, 37 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 5 Reed Bunting being seen.

Over the sea it was generally quiet, 3 Wigeon, 1 Eider, 69 Common Scoter, 29 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 4 Cormorant and 8 Auk sp.

Other sightings from today were 260 Brent Geese, 49 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 87 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 73 Teal, 15 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank in the Kilnsea wetlands area and the  Hooded Crow still at Sammy’s.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 1 Blackbird, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Siskin, 3 Goldfinch.

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