Saturday, 30 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday, 29 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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Thursday, 28 November 2019

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

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

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

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Wednesday, 27 November 2019

A dark grey washout with rain all day.

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

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Tuesday, 26 November 2019

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

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

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

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Monday, 25 November 2019

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

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

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

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Sunday, 24 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, 23 November 2019

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

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

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

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Friday, 22 November 2019

Watches; 0745-1045.

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

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

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

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Thursday, 21 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday, 20 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, 19 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Monday, 18 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunday, 17 November 2019

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

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

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Saturday, 16 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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Friday, 15 November 2019

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

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

The Black Brant remained on Long bank with family.

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Thursday, 14 November 2019

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

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

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

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

Ringing: 1 Woodcock.

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Wednesday, 13 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Watches: 0730-1045.

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

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

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

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

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

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Monday, 11 November 2019

Watches: 0700-1045.

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

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

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

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

Ringing: 4 Blackbird.

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Sunday, 10 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, 09 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday, 08 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thursday, 07 November 2019

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

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

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

Ringing: 1 Chiffhcaff, 2 Backbird.

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Wednesday, 06 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, 05 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Monday, 04 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunday, 03 November 2019

Watches: 0710-1010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, 02 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 2 Redwing.

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Friday, 01 November 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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