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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