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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