Thursday, 31 December 2020

Birding review of 2020.

Well where do we start with this one? The first year of a new decade (depending on what rules you follow), will maybe turn into a year which many observers locally forget. Rarities aside it was awesome for arrivals in spring and autumn and hopefully that is what we can take from it as we move into the new year. Happy Birding in 2021 everyone!!

The year has been far from a classic, but we are obviously in strange times and with few observers about in the spring and summer and during some of the autumn, maybe a lack of firepower on the finding front played its part. The year had no standout ‘biggies’, but with plenty of overall good birds, including some a few years ago, that would be the highlight of that year. Times move on of course and maybe the fine overall total of 8+ Greenish Warbler (minimum of 5 in the late spring) were the years highlight? The list of good birds was still quite impressive with the 4th Eastern Subalpine Warbler (a female trapped and confirmed by DNA), the 4th Roller gracing the area, a nice grip back for the new birders who live nearby, the 6-7th Cattle Egret, which included our first flock of 3, our 8th Western Bonelli’s Warbler showed well in Easington, the 9th Humes Leaf Warbler, Glossy Ibis and White-winged Black Tern and the 9-12th Blyth’s Reed Warbler, which included 2 singing birds in the spring, our 11th Black Kite, the 12-14th Red-flanked Bluetail, (9 in the last 5 years), while our 17th Siberian Stonechat a rather smart obvious bird, may yet just become another sp with no DNA obtained.

For local listers playing catchup the year had the 9th Green Woodpecker and 9-10th Raven, the 11th White Stork, albeit a wanderer from the Knepp introduction plus the 14th Mandarin.

A very impressive list of other good birds seen during the year, included several not recorded for a few years starting with a Great Shearwater, 3 Cory’s Shearwater, 15 Great White Egret (though some remained in semi residence), a Smew, 1 Montagu’s Harrier, a Honey Buzzard, female Red-footed Falcon, a Dotterel, 1 Temminck’s Stint, 3 Pectoral Sandpiper, a Red-necked Phalarope, 2 Common Crane, a Corncrake, 5 Bee-eater, 2 Golden Oriole, 5 Red-rumped Swallow, 2 Short-toed Lark, 2 Red-throated Pipit (inc a nice red throated bird), 2 Richard’s Pipit (inc a spring bird), a Grey-headed Wagtail, 5+ Cetti’s Warbler, 10 Barred Warbler, 16 Icterine Warbler, 6 Dusky Warbler, 2 Raddes Warbler, 3 Pallas’s Warbler, 5 Red-breasted Flycatcher, 20+ Red-backed Shrike, 7 Wryneck, 4 Rose-coloured Starling, 2 Bluethroat, a Nightingale, 3 Serin, 2 Rosefinch, good numbers of Hawfinch, 2 Ortolans and 6 Little Bunting. (All sightings and totals need to be ratified and accepted).

The year was better for overland visible migration and the seawatchers, had a record count for Manx Shearwaters in the spring and on several days for Long-tailed Skuas in the autumn. The year saw some of the best numbers of northbound spring migrants for several years and fantastic arrivals of common and scarce migrants in August, including some big days of crowd-pleasing Pied Flycatchers. The autumn also saw brilliant numbers of scarcer waders, particularly Little Stints, Curlew Sandpipers and Wood Sandpipers, a record count of 377 Mediterranean Gulls, fantastic arrivals of Russian White-fronted Geese at both ends of the year, while a repeat performance for adult Long-tailed skua with 2 spring sightings over the Humber. More of course to come in the report.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 31 December 2020

Blue skies with ground frost all day.  Watches: 0740-0945.

Sightings from today included 5 Snow Bunting at the breach, a surprise Red Kite which went west along the Humber and continued good numbers of Thrushes with 130 Fieldfare in the Triangle, 27 Redwing, a Song Thrush and 34 Redwing with a Woodcock at Sammies.. 

Totals from KIlnsea wetlands included 212 Greylag Geese, 12 Mute Swan, 711 Wigeon, 48 Mallard, 143 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 16 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier and 50 Black-tailed Godwit.

The day aslo saw a small bit of movement with 70 Pink-footed Geese south, 12 Wigeon, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Gannet and 3 Kittiwake.

Ringing: 2 Fieldfare.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 30 December 2020

Overcast with some sunny spells and a cold moderate north westerly.  Watches: 0715-1030.

Over the sea it was quiet, but there was a little bit of movement with 10 Wigeon, 50 Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 10 Red-throated Diver, a Razorbill amd 7 Auk sp.

Otherwise it was pretty much the same with good numbers of the usual Wildfowl on Kilnsea wetlands plus a Pale-bellied Brent, 2 Goldeneye, 53 Black-tailed Godwit, 19 Mediterranean Gull and the Greenshank, while in the area Thrushes still seem to be arriving with 117 Blackbird, 13 Song Thrush and 8 Redwing counted.

Ringing: 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 29 December 2020

Sunny spells with heavy rain and a cool strong northerly.  Watches: 0745-1315.

Sunny spells with heavy rain and a cool strong northerly. It was a day for movement throught the area, 500 Pink-footed Geese heading northwest up the Humber reflected bigger numbers inland recently. Over the sea 87 Wigeon, a Pintail, 3 Teal, 3 Eider, 64 Common Scoiter, 53 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 7 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake, a Medietrranean Gull, 4 Guillemot, 3 Razorbil and 20 Auk sp.

There are still plenty of Thrushes in the area with 75 Blackbird in Easington alone and 70 Fieldfare on Humberside lane while other notable sightings included a Short-eared Owl at Sammies, 183 Greylag Geese at Kilnsea wetlands and 9 Little Egret among all th usual birds.

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Monday, 28 December 2020

A calm sunny day, clouded over with rain by mid afternoon. Watches: 0745-1050.

There was no sign of the Black Brant today, but there was still 2 Pale-bellied Brent about with the 432 Brent Geese, the 2 Hooded Crow again at Sammies and over the sea a 1cy Iceland Gull flew north. Also over the sea were 3 Wigeon, 3 Eider, 174 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 50 Red-throated Diver, 3 Cormorant and 3 Guillemot.

Cold weather building on the continent seems to be bringing a few Thrushes to the east coast with small increases involving 60 Blackbird, a Redwing, 160 Fieldfare and a Song Thrush plus a Woodcock at Sammies and 2 Short-eared Owl in the area.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 27 December 2020

A sunny day with a strong but decreasing south westerly. Watches: 0800-1000.

The day followed that of the previous few with pretty much the same species present, but there are now 2 Hooded Crow at Sammies and the Goose flock comprised of the Black Brant (plus 2 Hybrid adults), 767 Dark-bellied Brents, 5 Pale-bellied Brent, 192 Greylags, a Pink-footed Goose and 7 White-fronted Geese. The nearby area of Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds had 10 Mute Swan, 5 Shoveler, 650 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 9 Little Egret, 44 Black-tailed Godwit, 150 Redshank, a Greenshank and 2 Short-eared Owl.

The highlight of the seawatch was a juvenile Glaucous Gull heading south with a Great Northern Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe and a Common Buzzard of note also on the move.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 26 December 2020

A grey overcast day wiith an increasingly stormy wind. Watches: 0750-1015.

There was little on the move over the sea and most of the days sightings were concentrated in the Long bank area. The best being the Hooded Crow still at Sammies and the Black Brant again along with 7 Pale-bellied Brent among 550 Brent Geese  and the 2 Hybrid Black Brant x Brents. Also present were 181 Greylag Geese and a Pink-footed Goose plus 550 Wigeon, a Marsh Harrier and 18 Mediterranean Gull. 

The best of the other sightings were 2 Woodcock (1 in/off the sea), a Blackcap and 2 Stonechat.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 25 December 2020

Early morning snow gave way to a bright sunny day butcold in the moderate northerly.  Watches: 0750-0930.

Christmas day and snow! The weather improved and gave those present plenty to look at with a Hooded Crow at Sammies by the carpark, a nice group of 6 White-fronted Geese which appeared to fly off south and the Black Brant still among 480 Dark-bellied Brent on Easington straight. Present in the Kilnseawetlands area were 595 Wigeon, 8 Shoveler, 109 Teal, 7 Little Egret (including a colour ringed bird.), a Marsh Harrier, 39 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.

The sea had a few bits to offer but overall was quiet with 2 Pintail, 2 Teal, 3 Eider, 3 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver and a Gannet.

Other sightings were a Blackcap at Kew, a Chiffchaff in Kilnsea and 3 Stonechat.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap.

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Thursday, 24 December 2020

A horrible day with rain and hail in a strong NE wind, the only respite being occasional sunny spells in the afternoon.  Watches: 0745-1000.

It was yet another day to not venture far from a hide or the car. Sightings today followed that, with an Iceland Gull which flew north early morning past the seawatch hut and a Glaucous Gull at Kilnsea wetlands which eventually flew off south west over the Humber. The relative comfort of the seawatch hut also produced 3 Shelduck, 6 Wigeon, a Mallard, 8 Teal, 53 Common Scoter, 40 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 3 Fulmar, 25 Gannet, 52 Kittiwake, 56 Common Gull, 3 Great Skua, 10 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, a Puffin and 90 Auk sp.

The kilnsea wetlands area had the Black Brant with 480 Brent Geese, a Goldeneye, a female Common Scoter, 14 Little Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, 180 Curlew and 47 Black-tailed Godwit among all the usual wildfowl. 

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 23 December 2020

A cool cloudy day with an increasing F4-6 north easterly. Watches: 0745-1200.

Action today was again from the sanctuary of hides or the car. The Black Brant was again on show along Easington straight with 250 Brent Geese and at least one adult hybrid and nearby 6 Whooper Swan were on Beacon ponds. Also in this area 567 Wigeon, 60 Teal and 47 Black-tailed Godwit. 

Over the sea there was a bit of movement with 28 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, a Mallard, 3 Velvet Scoter, 24 Common Scoter, 7 Goldeneye, a Fulmar, 47 Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, a Kittiwake, 12 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 5 Auk sp. 

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 22 December 2020

A sunny start clouding over with a F3 westerly.  Watches: 0745-1030.

It was a nice day with some good movement over the sea and the eventual appearance of the adult Black Brant (with maybe some new hybrid juveniles) which had been near Skeffling recently. It brought along the 2 Black Brant x Brent which had accompanied it along with a Pale-bellied Brent. The KIlnsea wetlands area also holding 653 Wigeon, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite which went south, 33 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Short-eared Owl, while nearby 31 Mediterranean Gull on Humberside lane, a flock of 182 Fieldfare were in Easington and 700 Wood Pigeon wandered the area.

The seawatchers saw a bit of late movement involving 27 Whooper Swan, 74 Pink-footed Geese, a Teal, 72 Common Scoter, a Great Northern Diver at the Point, 5 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 2 Little Gull, 59 Common Gull, 6 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and 5 Auk sp.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Monday, 21 December 2020

A grim rainy day with a moderate south-easterly. Watches: 0745-1015, 1145-1245.

The poor weather saw much of todays action curtailed to birding from the hides of KIlnsea wetlands and the seawatch hide. The sewatchers were rewarded with an adult Iceland Gull heading south along with more modest totals of 2 Pintail, 3 Teal, 64 Common Scoter, 41 Red-throated Diver, 5 Knot, 66 Guillemot and a Razorbill.

The best of the other sightings were 557 Wigeon, a Goldeneye, 49 Black-tailed Godwit, the wintering Greenshank, a Short-eared Owl on Clubleys, 1 Chiffchaff and a Stonechat.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Sunday, 20 December 2020

Blue skies and sun with a F4-5 SW wind.  Watches: 0745-1015.

There was a small bit of movement over the sea with 3 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Wigeon, an Eider, 23 Common Scoter, 5 Goldeneye, 119 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 3 Gannet, a Cormrorant, 56 Common Gull and 20 Auk sp.

The only other notable sightings were at Kilnsea wetlands with 565 Wigeon, 11 Soveler, 19 Little Grebe, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 120 Redshank and a Marsh Harrier.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 19 December 2020

Overasyt with some early morning rain and the odd sunny spell and a F4-5 southerly.  Watches: 0740-1130.

There was sonme half movement over the sea with a Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, an Eider, 5 Velvet Scoter, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Great Northern Diver, 87 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 3 Knot, a Dunlin, 13 Kittiwake, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 16 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 8 Auk sp.

The best of the other sightings were the drake Scaup at Kilnsea wetlands,  wintering Greenshank at Beacon ponds and 18 Mediterranean Gull at Kilnsea wetlands while in Easington a splendid male Golden Pheasant of no doubt dubious origin graced one birders garden.

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Friday, 18 December 2020

A grey overcast day with rain on and off and a moderate southerly.  Watches: 0745-1200.

A bit of movement saw some nice highlights for the day with 15 Barnacle Geese continuing the recent small influx, a Long-tailed Duck,  a fantastic 8 Great Northen Diver and a Velvet Scoter. Other bits of note were a Pink-footed Goose, 12 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 33 Common Scoter, 91 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Fulmar, 6 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake, a Puffin, 105 Guillemot, 12 Razorbill and 48 Auk sp.

In the Kilnsea wetlands area noteworthy sifghtings were 13 Shoveler, 2 Little Egret, 200 Lapwing, 29 Black-tailed Godwit, 280 Redshank, a Greenshank and 18 Mediterranean Gull.

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Thursday, 17 December 2020

A bright sunny day with a F3-4 south westerly.  Watches: 0735-1035.

The day began with an unexpected Garden Warbler trapped in a net at Kew. There were few other migrants to back up a recent arrival bar a Chiffchaff, 28 Blackbird at Sammies, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Stonechat and a Snow Bunting at Sammies.

There was a bit of movement over the sea the best being 4 Great Northern Diver, 111 Red-throated Diver, 87 Pink-footed Geese, a Goosander and 2 Eider among the usuals.

The best of the other sightings were 68 Pink-footed Geese at Sammies, the drake Scaup at Kilnsea wetlands, a Short-eared Owl and 23 Mediterranean Gull.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

A grey day with rain showers throughout and a F5 SSE wind.  Watches: 0745-1135, 1220-1510.

It was another day of Goose excitement, a nice flock of 29 Barnacle Geese heading south, while 15 White-fronted Geese were at Sammies, (presumably the 10 joined by the 5 that seemingly flew west the previous day) and locally 61 Greylag Geese were on Kilnsea wetlands. This area also held the drake Scaup, 419 Wigeon, 98 Teal, the 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goldeneye, 4 Little Egret, a Greenshank and 28 Mediterranean Gull.

The sea provided the other action for the day with 4 Brent Geese, 6 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 2 Eider, 105 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 57 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, 2 Dunlin, a Snipe, 115 Guillemot, 19 Razorbill and 47 Auk sp.

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Tuesday, 15 December 2020

A glorious sunny day with a F3 W wind..Watches: 0730-0945.

A good day to be out and about saw 15 White-fronted Geese recorded today, the usual 10 by Sammies and 5 in/off and west up the Humber. A nice ghostly grey male Hen Harrier graced the area as it continued south plus a flock of 10 Snow Bunting put in a brief appearance at Easington lagoon. The usual drake Scaup and 2 Red-breasted Merganser were all still in place along with 590 Wigeon and 89 Teal.

The sea remained stubbornly quiet again with a Shelduck, 4 Wigeon, a Pochard, 1 Eider, 34 Common Scoter, 73 Red-throated Diver, a Gannet and 3 Auk sp.

Other sightings included a Woodcock at the Obs, 15 Mediterranean Gull on the Humber, a Chiffchaff in Easington and 50 Tree Sparrow at Sammies.

Ringing: 1 Yellowhammer.

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Monday, 14 December 2020

A fine sunny day with a F4 W wind.  Watches: 0730-1015, 1100-1200.

It was almost a carbon copy of the previous day with the 10 White-fronted Geese still present along with the drake Scaup and 2 Red-breasted Merganser plus a Marsh Harrier, 19 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank. Another White-fronted Goose dropped into Kilnsea wetlands with the Greylags.

The sea while similarly quiet still had a Little Auk, 17 Eider, 8 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, a Little Gull, 24 Guillemot, a Razorbill and 75 Auk sp to offer.

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Sunday, 13 December 2020

A horrible wet day with a F5 S wind.  Watches: 0750-1020.

Most of todays action was concentrated in the Kilnsea wetlands to Sammies area where there are now 10 White-fronted Geese present and 250 Pink-footed Geese flew west up the Humber. There was no sign of the female, but the drake Scaup remained along with the 2 Red-breasted Merganser plus 530 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 15 Little Grebe, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank and 5 Mediterranean Gull. 

Quiet again over the sea with just 5 Wigeon, 3 Mallard, 37 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 3 Gannet and a Razorbill. The only other noteworthy sightings for the day were a Chiffchaff by the sewage works and 2 Stonechat at the gas terminal.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 12 December 2020

A cool, damp, foggy, overcast day with a F2-3 Wwind.  Watches: 0745-1000.

A day dominated by Geese in the area with a Tundra Bean Goose west over Kilnsea wetlands, 8 White-fronted Geese at Sammies and 1850 Pink-footed Geese blogging. The Wildfowl theme continued with the 2 Red-breasted Merganser still present on Kilnsea wetlands and now 2 Scaup, with a female joining the male and a Tufted Duck on Beacon ponds plus all the usual residents. Nearby 24 Mediterranean Gull were at Sammies.

Passerine highlight were the Black Redstart remaining on its favoured muck heap and a Snow Bunting at Easington lagoon, while 90 Blackbird were a good December total.

Over the sea it was quiet with 2 Great Skua the stand out sighting.

Ringing: 3 Blackbird, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 2 Linnet, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Friday, 11 December 2020

A damp grey day with rain and a F3 SE wind. Watches: 0730-1030.

Not  alot to report overall though the Black Redstart was still on it's favoured muckheap and the 3 Snow Bunting seen again when they flew north over Easington. 

The best of the other sightings were the drake Scaup and 2 Red-breasted Merganser still on KIlnsea wetlands along with 180 Lapwing and 4 Mediteranean Gull. 

Ringing: 2 Blackbird

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Sunny spells in the morning, clouding over with a coll F3-4 S wind.  Watches: 0720-1115.

The day saw an increase in movement over the sea which was rewarded with a nice flock of 7 Velvet Scoter south at 10:30 (previously seen at Long nab at 08:23 and Flamborough 09:05). The morning also saw 9 Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 17 Teal, a Pochard, 3 Eider, 94 Common Scoter, 16 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Great Skua.

Other sightings were a Snow Bunting by the Gas terminal, 13 Whooper Swan again on Kilnsea wetlands along with a Pale-bellied Brent among 310 Brent Geese, while also present were the Scaup and 2 Red-breasted Merganser. There were still around 20 Mediterranean Gull at Sammies and 1300 Oystercathcer on the Humber. 

Nearby but just outside the area an adult Black Brant at Skeffling, probably the returning bird along with some of its hybrid offspring plus 3 Pale-bellied Brent.

Ringing: 3 Blackbird.

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Wednesday, 09 December 2020

A foogy damp day with a F2 W wind.  Watches: 1250-1450.

It was a day for birds moving dominated by 1850 Pinlk-footed Geese south or south west, while also noted were 162 Wigeon, 11 Mallard, 3 Teal, 3 Goldeneye and 2 Gannet.

The birds of the day were 3 Snow Bunting at Beacon ponds, while yet again there were some late migrants about with 3 Woodcock, 80 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Stonechat, and a Siskin.

Other sightings during the day were the drake Scaup plus 2 Pintail, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goosander, 22 Little Grebe, a Marsh Harrier and the 2cy Capsian Gull mostly in the Kilnsea wetlands area

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 14 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer.

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Tuesday, 08 December 2020

A cold misty morning soon became a day of sunny spells with a F3 S wind. Watches: 0745-0945.

Overall a quiet day with not a lot happening, a Red Kite heading south a nice surprise, along with 3 Whooper Swan west past Sammies and 155 Pink-footed Geese on the move. 

The best of the other sightings today were the usual drake Scaup, the 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 720 Brent Geese on Kilnsea wetlands and 29 Mediterranean Gull at Sammies.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Monday, 07 December 2020

After a foggy start it remained damp with a cool f4-5 W wind. 

A bit of a quiet day overall with the drake Scaup, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and a Pochard were still on Kilnsea wetlands, along with 2 Whooper Swan, 660 Wigeon,, 3 Little Egret and 60 Black-tailed Godwit with 23 Mediterranean Gull at Sammies.

Other sightings included 46 Pink-footed Geese over Easington towards the Humber, 7 Grey Partirdge, 30 Yellowhammer and a Kingfisher at Sammies and a Stonechat at the Gas Terminal.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird.

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Sunday, 06 December 2020

A clear sunny day with a light SW wind.  Watches: 0730-1000.

There were still some decent numbers of Thrushes in the area but the best sightings were a showy Snow Bunting by the Gas terminal along with one of the Black Redstart remaining. Totals for the day were a Short-eared Owl, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Fieldfare, 80 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 6 Stonechat, 4 Grey Wagtail and a Siskin.

There was no sign of the White-fronts, but the 2 Barnacle Geese remained, with 3 Pochard new in, joining the 2 Red-breasted Merganser and the drake Scaup.  Nearby 350 Lapwing and 25 Pintail were at Sammies.

The best of the sea were 21 Common Scoter, 56 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver and a Great Skua.

Ringing: 7 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Yellowhammer.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Saturday, 05 December 2020

Overcast with sunny spells and showers and a F4-5 ESE -F NW wind.  Watches: 0730-1110.

A small increase in migrants mainly Thrushes also saw 2 Black Redstart appear in the area plus a Woodcock, a Long-eared Owl at Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Short-eared Owl, a Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, a Fieldfare, 120 Blackbird, 16 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Stonechat and 1 Rock Pipit.

Otherwise it was much the same as previous days with the 4 White-fronted Geese and 2 Barnacle Geese present along with 13 Whooper Swan and 2 Red-breasted Merganser among the usual Wildfowl. The same area also holding 12 Little Grebe, 80 Lapwing, a Greenshank and 124 Black-tailed Godwit. 

The sea had some bits and pieces to offer the best being a Great Northen Diver, 42 Kittiwake and a Great Skua.

Ringing: 10 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 House Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Friday, 04 December 2020

Rain all day with the odd sunny spells and a chilly F4-5 N wind.  Watches: 0730-1300. 

The theme of the previous few days continued yet again with the 4 White-fronted Geese and 2 Barnacle Geese rermained in residence wtih the 2cy Caspian Gull appearing on Kilnsea wetlands. All the usual Wildfowl were present in good numbers plus the drake Scaup and 2 Red-breasted Merganser alomng with 150 Lapwing, 154 Black-tailed Godwit, 124 Curlew, 2 Greenshank and 7 Mediterranean Gull.

The sea was much improved overall with a Velvet Scoter the pick of the sightings, along with 9 Teal, 4 Eider, a Tufted Duck, 92 Common Scoter, 28 Red-throated Diver, 7 Gannet, 4 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and 4 Auk sp.

Other sightings included a Short-eared Owl at Beacon ponds and 2 Stonechat in Easington.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Thursday, 03 December 2020

Rain on and off with a F3-4 W wind. Watches: 0730-1000.

The day continued on the recent theme with KIlnsea wetlaands and Wildfowl dominating. The 4 White-fronted Geese and 2 Barnacle Geese were still present along with 19 Whooper Swan, 15 Shoveler, 604 Wigeon, a Pintail, 106 Teal, the drake Scaup, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 108 Black-tailed Godwit and a Caspian Gull. 

Little moving over the sea, the best being 2 Shelduck and 9 Common Scoter.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Wednesday, 02 December 2020

A grey murky day with occasional rain and a F3 W Wind. Watches: 0730-0915.

The majority of todays sightings were from the Kilnsea wetlands area with the 4 White-fronted Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 17 Whooper Swan and the drake Scaup all still present along with a Pintail, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Little Grebe, 89 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank and 5 Mediterranean Gull among all the usuual Wildfowl. Nearby at Easington lagoon a Black Redstart was the pick of any lingering migrants.

A few bits over the sea,  the highlight a southbound Little Auk, but little else though 182 Cormorant on the sea was a brilliant count.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird, 2 House Sparrow.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.

Tuesday, 01 December 2020

A sunny start with occasional showere and a F3-4 NW wind.  Watches: 0730-1015.

With an nationwide influx underway it was nice to get 4 White-fronted Geese arrive on Kilnsea wetlands and later in fields by Driftwood along with 2 Barnacle Geese joining the 110 Greylag and 300 Brent Geese already present. The immediate area remained good with 13 Whooper Swan, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and the drake Scaup still present along with 2 Capian Gull and 134 Black-tailed Godwit.

The sea was quite interesting again with a Sooty Shearwater heading north and 2 Great Northern Diver south plus 12 Eider, 32 Common Scoter, 29 Red-throated Diver, 20 Gannet, 47 Kittiwake, 2 Great Skua, 4 Guillemot and 20 Auk sp.

Still some Thrushes hanging about, 75 Blackbird, 22 Redwing, 14 Fieldfare and 2 Song Thrush soon to be in a berry hedge near you along with 2 Stonechat and 6 Siskin 

Ringing: 32 Blackbird, 3 House Sparrow, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting

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Monday, 30 November 2020

Grey and murky all day with showers on and off and a F4-5 W wind. Watches: 0730-1000, 1255-1520.

There was a further clearout of Thrushes from the area with just a few remaining, but some movement again over the sea to keep the interest going. The sea had a Pink-footed Goose, 24 Shelduck, 75 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 14 Eider, 8 Common Scoter, 2 Goosander, 47 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet, 46 Lapwing, a Knot, a Glaucous/iceland Gull flew north but too distant, 6 Guillemot,a Razorbill and 3 Auk sp.

Migrant wise there were 6 Woodcock (2 in/off), a Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 6 Redwing, 80 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush and 4 Stonechat.

Good totals of Wildfowl remain on Kilnsea wetlands with 2 Whooper Swan, 550 Wigeon, 140 Teal, 13 Shoveler, a Pintail, a nice drake Scaup, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goosander, 97 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank and 8 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 8 Blackbird, 

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Sunday, 29 November 2020

A grey murky foggy day with a F2 SW wind.  Watches: 0730-1015.

There was a bit lof a clearout of migrants overnight, but with some new arrivals incrases for others in the morning. Totals today were a minimum of a Jack Snipe, 20 Woodcock (always easy too overcount), a Long-eared Owl at Sammies, 1 Short-eared Owl, 6 Chiffchaff, a Goldcrest, 360+ Blackbird, 26 Fieldfare, 62 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 4 Stonechat, a Siskin and a Lapland Bunting.

There was again some decent movement over the sea involving 8 Brent Geese, 4 Shelduck, 11 Shoveler, 52 Wigeon, 256 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 18 Eider, 15 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver,2 Gannet, and 10 Oystercatcher.

Other sghtings as usual icluded the usual 13 Whooper Swan, both Red-breasted Merganser, 180 Lapwing, 78 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank and a good total of 29 Mediterranean Gull, while there were still 126 Cormorant at the Point.

Ringing: 28 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 House Sparrow.

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Saturday, 28 November 2020

A still calm murky day with some light rain.  Watches: 0730-1030.

It was another good day for migrants in the area and over the sea there was some decent movement, a south bound redhead Smew the highlight in a small Teal flock, while also moving were a Pintail, 10 Shoveler, 7 Mallard, 34 Wigeon, 225 Teal, a Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, a Scaup, 32 Eider, 94 Common Scoter, 29 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 3 Gannet, 2 Knot, 55 Common Gull, 89 Herring Gull, a Great Skua and 3 Auk sp.

Migrant numbers increased again with good numbers of Thrushes dominating with a minimum 10 Woodcock, 4 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 819 Blackbird, 14 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat, 28 Starling in/off, a Rock Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit and 2 Brambling.

Other sightings included the 13 Whooper Swan on Kilnsea wetlands and 2 Red-breasted Merganser among the usual Wildfowl plus 64 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Marsh Harrier.

Ringing: 132 Blackbird, 5 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 House Sparrow.

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Friday, 27 November 2020

A frosty start soon became a still sunny fine day.  Watches: 0715-1000.

It was a good day of arrivals mainly involving Thrushes, the best though a surprise late RADDES WARBLER on Vicars lane and easily the latest by a large margin. (The previous latest was the 7th Nov 2008 nearby to this sighting). There were also some good totals so late in the autumn with 11 Woodcock, 3 Snipe, 4 Skylark, a Blackcap, 12 Starling in/off, 34 Fieldfare, 517 Blackbird, 40 Redwing, 8 Song Thrush, 5 Stonechat, a Brambling, 9 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting and a Lapland Bunting.

There was a bit of movement over both land and sea, the highlight being a Tundra Bean Goose which headed west. Other sightings were 46 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Shoveler, 29 Teal, 68 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Goldeneye, 64 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Gannet and a Great Skua plus a fantastic count of 216 Coromorant at the Point.

Other sightings included 2 Pale-bellied Brent with 782 Brent Geese, 13 Whooper Swan at Sammies, an increase to 904 Wigeon and 154 Teal on Kilnsea wetlands along with 59 Black-tailed Godwit. A good count was also made of 6000 Golden Plover and 160 Lapwing at Sammies.

The nice sunny weather also encouraged a Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell onto the wing.

Ringing: 1 Woodcock, 63 Blackbird, 10 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Brambling, 1 Yellowhammer.

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Thursday, 26 November 2020

A bright start became murky and grey with a F3 W wind.  Watches: 0720-1000.

A small increase in the previous days migrant numbers was evident in the area and with Scandinavia freezing over coupled with some east in the wind further arrivals of Thrushes could be on the cards. Totals today were 10 Woodcock, 3 Meadow Pipit, a Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 15 Starling in/off, 45 Blackbird, 15 Fieldfare, 19 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat, a Bullfinch, 6 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting.

The kilnsea wetlands area continues to be good for birding particularly Wildfowl with 771 Brent Geese, a Pale-bellied Brent, 18 Whooper Swan, 18 Shoveler, 708 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 100 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goldeneye, 1 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 63 Black-tailed Godwit and 5 Mediterranean Gull.

The sea did have a few bits, but it was much 18 Greylag Geese, 49 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Teal, an Eider, 28 Common Scoter, 84 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, a Gannet and 2 Cormorant.

Ringing: 1 Water Rail, 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Redwing, 7 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 6 House Sparrow, 4 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Wednesday, 25 November 2020

Rain to start, remaining cloudy with a F3 SW wind,  Watches: 0730-0930.

There was a bit of an increase in migrant numbers with 2 Woodcock, 2 Starling in/off, 3 Goldcrest, 101 Blackbird, 16 Fieldfare, 31 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtail and a Snow Bunting.

The best of the other sightings were in the KIlnsea wetlands area as usual with a Pale-bellied Brent, 11 Whooper Swan, 723 Wigeon, 54 Black-tailed Godwit and 5 Mediterranean Gull with 2 Goosander south down the Humber.

Ringing: 1 Redwing, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 24 November 2020

Cloudy with sunny spells and a F4 SW wind.  Watches: 0730-0930.

The best of todays action centred around Kilnsea wetlands, where some good totals were to be had with 2 Pale-bellied Brent among the 630 Brent Geese, 120 Greylag Geese, 9 Whooper Swan, 13 Shoveler, 645 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goldeneye, 9 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, a Common Buzzard, 2 Water Rail, 51 Lapwing, 41 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, 1 Woodcock, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Short-eared Owl and a Merlin.

there was some movement over the sea which saw 27 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Pintail, 4 Eider, 16 Common Scoter, 22 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Gannet and 9 Auk sp, with a Woodcock in/off.

Ringing: 1 Fieldfare, 1 Blackbird, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Monday, 23 November 2020

A mild day with sunny spells and a F3-4 SW wind.  Watches: 0715-1000.

Some decent movement over the sea with 102 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Whooper Swan, 3 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 58 Common Scoter, 3 Goosander, a Goldeneye, 20 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Northern Diver, 5 Gannet, 18 Herring Gull, a Guillemot, 1 Razorbill and 21 Auk sp, while overland a late Swallow, 1 Skylark, 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Alba Wagtail, 6 Chaffinch, 34 Goldfinch, a Siskin, 3 Reed Bunting and 3 Yellowhammer.

Other sightings included the presumed hybrid Black Brant x Brent along with 606 Brent Geese and 2 Pale-bellied on Easington striaght, 5 Whooper Swan on Kilnsea wetlands plus 2 Red-breasted Merganser, a Goosander and 2 Goldeneye, with a few migrants about in the area including a Woodcock, 1 Blackcap, 3 Stonechat, a Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Yellowhammer, 2 Reed Bunting.

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Sunday, 22 November 2020

Frost Start was soon and a fine sunny day with a F4 SW wind.  Watches: 0730-1005.

In general not a lot was happening today with less over the sea, but moving were 60 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Whooper Swan, 5 Shelduck, a Teal, 27 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Goldneye, 1 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 25 Gannet, a Great Skua and 23 Auk sp, while overland 2 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Goldfinch and a Lapland Bunting.

There is still a scattering of migarnts about with a Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 32 Blackbird, 11 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Stonechat, 3 Brambling and 5 Snow Bunting at Easington lagoon.

Other sightings included 9 Whooper Swan on Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Goldeneye, a Marsh Harrier, 39 Black-tailed Godwit and a Greenshank.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 8 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Brambling, 2 Chaffinch, 5 House Sparrow, 2 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 21 November 2020

A grey day, milder with sunny spells, heavy rain late afternoon and a F4-5 SW wind.  Watches: 0720-0930.

There were a few highlights during the day with a lovely Iceland Gull on Kiknsea wetlands taking top billing, with 2 Little Auk on the Humber and 8 Barnacle Geese flying north and 12 Whooper Swan still gracing the area. The Kilnsea wetlands area again dominated sightings with 632 Wigeon, 141 Teal, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Goldeneye, 12 Little Grebe, 35 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank.

It was a little quiter over the sea today with 28 Pink-footed Geese, 19 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 3 Gannet, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Dunlin, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 77 Auk sp.

Other sightings included 3 Woodcock (2 in/off), a Marsh Harrier south, 2 Barmbling in Easington and 3 Crossbill north over Churchfield.

Ringing: 3 Mallard, 6 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 20 November 2020

A cold grey day with a F3-4 SW wind.  Watches: 0715-1115.

Birds on the move over land and sea were the flavour of the day, while a few migrants were arriving in/off. The sea had 70 Pink-footed Geese, a Whooper Swan, 1 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 9 Teal, 2 Eider, 76 Common Scoter, 9 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, a Sooty Shearwater, 14 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 49 Gannet, 154 Herring Gull, 4 Guillemot and 39 Auk sp while overland 2 Alba Wagtail, a Brambling, 15 Chaffinch, 18 Linnet, 71 Goldfinch, 27 Siskin and a Reed Bunting.

Despite the wind direction there were a few grounded migrants and birds were arriving off the sea. Totals today were 17 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, a Blackcap, 181 Blackbird, 109 Fieldfare, 61 Redwing, 9 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 8 Lesser Redpoll and a Snow Bunting.

Other sightings were a Pale-bellied Brent with 350 Brent Geese, 17 Whooper Swan, 34 Shoveler, a Pintail, 1 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 18 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 22 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank and 6 Mediterranean Gull all in the Kilnsea wetlands area.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 5 Lesser Redpoll.

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Thursday, 19 November 2020

Mainly cloudy with showers a nd a F2-3 SW wind, frost by late evening.  Watches: 0715-1230.

Not much change and the sea dominated the sightings today with a Pomarine Skua, 1 Sooty Shearwater, a Manx Shearwater, 2 Velvet Scoter and 3 Great Northern Diver the highlights along with 15 Whooper Swan, 3 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 2 Eider, 81 Common Scoter, 76 Red-throated Diver, 58 Gannet, 218 Kittiwake, 26 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Great Skua, 47 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and 389 Auk sp, while overland a Red Kite and Hen Harrier wandered the area and a Lapland Bunting u-turned.

Other sightings were 11 Whooper Swan on Easington striaght, the Scaup on Kilnsea wetlands and the Snow Bunting still at Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Knot, 16 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 2 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 2 House Sparrow, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 3 Lesser Redpoll.

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Wednesday, 18 November 2020

A grey day with showers and an increasing F4-6 SW wind.  Watches:0700-0935.

The day pretty much mirrored the previous few days with some movement and some typical late autunmn species. The Dusky Warbler continued with its mini residency at Chalk bank where 11 Snow Bunting were present before flying south. A late Swallow was at Easington lagoon with the single Snow Bunting still nearby on Beacon ponds. The same area still had 23 Whooper Swan, a Scaup, the female Red-breasted Merganser. a Greenshank, 2 Ruff and 3 Mediterranean Gull.

On the move were 25 Whooper Swan, 25 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Wigeon, 16 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Gannet, 12 Cormorant plus 38 at the Point, 18 Lapwing, 396 Black-headed Gull, 12 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Guillemot, a Razorbill and 32 Auk sp, while overland 7 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Linnet and 2 Lapland Bunting.

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

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Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Generally overcast with some sunlate eafternoon and a F5-3 SW wind.  Watches: 0700-1115, 1300-1400.

It was a day of movement over sea and land. Moving were a Tundra Bean Goose, 222 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Bewick's Swan, 5 Whooper Swan, 4 Wigeon, a Teal, 76 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 45 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Northern Diver, 11 Gannet, 12 Cormorant, a Snipe in/off, a late Sandwich Tern, 3 Guillemot, a Marsh Harrier, 13 Skylark, 29 Starling, 3 Meadow Pipit, 15 Chaffinch, 2 Barmbling, a Crossbill, 19 Linnet, 37 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 6 Lapland Bunting and a Reed Bunting.

Other sightings were 20 Whooper Swan, a Scaup, 2 Ruff and 41 Black-tailed Godwit at Kilnsea wetlands, 2 Greenshank on the Humber and a Snow Bunting still on the embankments at Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 House Sparrow.

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Monday, 16 November 2020

Overcast with sunny spells and a F5 SW wind.  Watches: 0700-1145, 1430-1500.

A decent day with some movement and a few bits to keep the interest going as we head into 'winter'. The Dusky Warbler made it to its 9th day at Chalk bank, while 2 Bewick's Swans conituned to linger with the impressive flock of 45 Whooper Swan (most years small numbers linger in the general area). Small numbers of migrants are still lingering in the area with 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Stonechat, a Brambling a 1 Snow Bunting.

The best of todays birds on the move were a Great White Egret south among a decentish movement overall involving a ringtail Hen Harrier in/off, 1 Woodcock in/off, a Skylark, 2 Starling in/off, 3 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 16 Chaffinch, 27 Lesser Redpoll, 64 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin and 2 Snow Bunting in/off, while over the sea, 3 Pale-bellied Brent, 214 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Whooper Swan, 5 Shelduck, 17 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 5 Eider, a Velvet Scoter, 39 Common Scoter, 4 Goosander, 31 Red-throated Diver, the wintering Black-throated Diver again, 1 Great Northern Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 5 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 3 Little Gull, a Mediterranean Gull, 2 Guillemot, a Razorbill and 17 Auk sp.

Other bits of interest included the Scaup on Kilnsea wetlands with a Red-breasted Merganser on Beacon ponds where a Greenshank and a Ruff remained.

Ringing: 6 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 House Sparrow, 7 Goldfinch, 15 Lesser Redpoll.

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Sunday, 15 November 2020

Heavy morning rain, patchy in afternnon and a F5-6 SW wind.  Watches: 0700-1150.

Not a great day to be aout and about and better spent birding from the car or a hide, The 3 Bewick's Swans were still mingling with 40 Whooper Swan on Kilnsea wetlands with the same area holding 16 Shoveler, 610 Wigeon, 25 Mallard, 117 Teal, a Scaup, 1 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Meragnser, 18 Little Grebe, 28 Lapwing, 169 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 420 Redshank, 6 Mediterranean Gull and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull and the Snow Bunting still around Beacon ponds.

Other sightings were pretty much limited to that moving over the sea with a Pink-footed Goose, 7 Teal, 10 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 15 Red-throated Diver, 18 Gannet, a Knot, 4 Dunlin, a Little Gull, 13 Guillemot and 82 Auk sp.

Ringing: 3 Blackbird.

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Friday, 13 November 2020

Bright and sunny all day with a F5 SW wind.  Watches: 0700-1130, 1415-1500.

Yet again there were a few bits of interest during the day. Highlights included 2 Tundra Bean Geese in/off and south over Easington, the 3 Bewick's Swans still at Sammy's with the Whooper Swan flock. Passerine wise a Woodlark was at the Narrows and may have continued south, the Dusky Warbler still at Chalk bank and a Yellow-browed Warbler in the Kew area. There were few other migrants to be seen with only 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 3 Stonechat and a Brambling.

Movement was just about limited to the sea with 16 Whooper Swan, a Shelduck, 21 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 4 Eider, 24 Common Scoter, 27 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Northern Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Knot, 6 Little Gull, 11 Guillemot, a Razorbill and 25 Auk sp.

Ringing: 6 Blackbird, 2 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 12 November 2020

Early morning rain gave way to a nice sunny day, but with a chilly F4-5 W wind.  Watches: 0700-0930, 1300-1530.

Little change on previous days with still some good birds remaining and some late migrants still moving through. The Dusky Warbler remained at Chalk bank while a Woodlark flew south over the gate, a late Wheatear at Easington gas terminal with further sightings of 2 Woodcock, a Short-eared Owl, 8 Chiifchaff, a Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 75 Blackbird, 7 Stonechat, a Brambling,2 Lesser Redpoll and a Siskin. 

The 3 Bewick's Swans remained at Sammys along with 35 Whooper Swan and 306 Pink-footed Geese, while nearby at Kilnsea wetlands a Pale-bellied Brent with 300 Brent Geese, 763 Wigeon, 172 Teal, the Scaup, 2 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 21 Little Grebe, 20 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff.

Overt the sea 22 Whooper Swan, 12 Eider, 58 Red-throated Diver, 23 Gannet, a Shag, 4 Little Gull, 39 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 35 Auk sp.

Ringing: 8 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 House Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 11 November 2020

Cloudy day with a cold F4-5 SW wind.  Watches: 0700-0915, 1330-1530.

There were still 2 Dusky Warbler to be seen (Chalk bank and Corner field) while there were a scatter of migarnts still about the best being a Long-eared Owl on Beacon lane, a Swallow at the Point, 2 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 60 Blackbird, 60 Fieldfare, 43 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Stonechat, 3 Grey Wagtail, 5 Brambling and 2 Lesser Redpoll.

The 3 Bewick's Swans were still present at Sammy's along with 37 Whooper Swan and 23 Pink-footed Geese. Neaby in the Kilnsea wetlands area some good totals of Wildfowl are still in reisdence with 458 Brent Geese inc 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 25 Shoveler, 662 Wigeon, 139 Teal, the Scaup, 3 Goldeneye, 47 Lapwing, 25 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Greenshank. 

A bit of movement over the sea 18 Pink-fotted Geese, 6 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 6 Eider, 56 Common Scoter, a Goldneye, 28 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northen Diver,  17 Gannet, 2 Little Gull, a Kittiwake, 9 Guiilemot and 4 Razorbill.

Ringing: 10 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 1 Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll.

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Tuesday, 10 November 2020

A misty morning clearing by mid afternoon with a F2 W-F3 SE wind.  Watches: 0700-0930.

Late on in the day at least 3 Bewick's Swan were discovered in a flock of 48 Whooper Swan at Sammy's. Hopefully they will still be present in the morning. There were again fewer migrants about with 2 Woodcock, a late Willow Warbler in Sykes field, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Dusky Warbler at Chalk bank, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler in Sykes field, 6 Goldcrest, 9 Stonechat, 2 Black Redstart, 85 Blackbird, 21 Fieldfare, 26 Redwing, 3 Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

Ringing: 24 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 2 House Sparrow, 2 Tree Sparrow, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Monday, 09 November 2020

A misty damp grey day with a F2 E wind.   Watches: 0700-1130, 1345-1505.

A bit of a clear out from the previous day, but still good numbers of migrants with 16 Woodcock, 5 Snipe, a Woodlark at Sammy's which then flew off north, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Dusky Warbler ( chalk bank and bluebell), a Barred Warbler at the Point, 2 Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler at Sykes field, 2 Firecrest, 12 Goldcrest, 280 Blackbird, 670 Fieldfare, 450 Redwing, 17 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 9 Stonechat, 3 Grey Wagtail, a Rock Pipit, 2 Barmbling, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin, a Snow Bunting and 2 Lapland Bunting around the Riverside.

The sea was busy early morning with 7 Brent Geese, 193 Pink-footed Geese, 17 Shelduck, 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1289 Wigeon, 26 Mallard, 9 Pintail, 706 Teal, 4 Eider, 191 Common Scoter, 18 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 3 Gannet, 32 Lapwing, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and a Purple Sandpiper.

Other bits included a Tundra Bean Goose around Sammy's along with 40 Whooper Swan.

Ringing: 2 Kestrel, 39 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing, 6 Starling, 2 Robin, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch.

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Sunday, 08 November 2020

A murky mistty start with sunny periods and a F3 E wind.   Watches; 0730-0930.

A small arrival of migrants brought a crazy mini fall of 4 DUSKY WARBLER (Driftwood, Sykes field, Chalk bank, Beacon lane) to the area. The day also brought a good arrival of migrants with 20 Woodccok, 12 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 2 Firecrest, 14 Goldcrest, 900 Blackbird, 320 Fieldfare, 230 Redwing, a Ring Ouzel, 7 Song Thrush, 7 Rock Pipit, 4 Black Redstart, 10 Stonechat, 2 Brambling and Lapland Bunting over Sammy's.

Some good movement over the sea with 2 Shelduck, 3 Shoveler, 16 Pintail, 94 Wigeon, 52 Teal, 2 Pochard, 17 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Little Gull.

Ringing: 82 Blackbird, 14 Redwing, 1 Starling, 1 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 1 chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch.

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Saturday, 07 November 2020

The east in the wind seems to be having the desired effect and while not many common migrants a few good birds are turning up. The best being a HUMES WARBLER in the Crown carpark area which was in the company of 2 of the 3 Yellow-browed Warbler seen. A Black Redstart was at the Point, a late Willow Warbler at the Warren, Firecrest in the Churchyard and 5 Snow Bunting at Beacon ponds with a few Woodcock about too..

Over the sea a Great Northern Diver and Scaup flew past the sewatch hut.

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Friday, 06 November 2020

A generally calm sunny day with a F2 ESE by late afternoon.

Watches: 0700-1100.

The day saw the wind go into the east, so some hope of arrivals in the next few days. Today on the otherhabd saw some movement over sea and land with some decent Wildfowl totals in particular with a Tundra Bean Goose north-west towards Sammys, 280 Pink-footed Geese, 93 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 22 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, 2 Goldeneye, a Goosander, 18 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 33 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake, a Great Skua and 4 Guillemot while overland 9 Stock Dove, 13 Jackdaw, 30 Rook, 14 Skylark, 8 Starling, 4 Alba Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 13 Goldfinch, a Snow Bunting, 1 Lapland Bunting and 3 Yellowhammer.

The 28 Whooper Swan were still at Sammys with 12 Pintail, while nearby om Kilnsea wetlands were 40 Shoveler, 377 Wigeon, a Scaup, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, a Greenshank and 3 Mediterranean Gull, with 2 Peregrine and 3 Merlin hunting the area.

A few migrants about, but less Thrushes overall, 5 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 70 Blackbird, 10 Fieldfare, 16 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 8 Stonechat and a Brambling.

Ringing: 5 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 2 Stonechat, 1 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blackcap, 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Thursday, 05 November 2020

A day of sunny spells with a F3-4.

Watches: 0645-1030, 1250-1600.

A much better day overall with some good movement, mainly Geese and arrivals of migrants which may bode well for the wind swinging into the east in the next few days. There were some decent migrant totals for the day, 6 Woodcock, 2 Snipe, a Short-eared Owl, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, an 'eastern' Lesser Whitethroat along Beacon lane, 1 Goldcrest, 1100 Starling in/off, 81 Blackbird, 430 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 12 Stonechat, a Water Pipit at Beacon ponds, 4 Brambling, a Crossbill in/off and 4 Snow Bunting at Beacon ponds.

On the move were 1266 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 5 Velvet Scoter, 100 Common Scoter, an Eider, 7 Goldeneye, a Red-breasted Merganser, 42 Red-throated Diver, 67 Gannet, a Shag, 1 Cormorant, a Glaucous Gull, 13 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 62 Auk sp while overland a Marsh Harrier, a Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch, 2 Bullfinch, a Twite, 20 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

Other bits of interrest included 3 Egyptian Geese which dropped into Kilnsea wetlands, where the Scaup is still present and 28 Whooper Swan at Sammy's.

Ringing: 7 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Stonechat, 1 Robin, 2 Wren, 3 Blackcap, 7 Tree Sparrow, 2 House Sparrow, 2 Yellowhammer, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Goldfinch, 1 Bullfinch, 16 Lesser Redpoll.

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Wednesday, 04 November 2020

Chilly with blue skies all day and a F4 W wind.

Watches: 0700-1000, 1400-1440.

A nice surprise today came in the form of an 'EASTERN' STONECHAT presumed 'Maurus' seen well and photographed along Humberside lane, but no samples were obtained. Other migrants included 2 Woodcock, a House Martin, 5 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Easington sewage works, 40 Starling in/off, 50 Blackbird, 20 Fieldfare, 28 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 10 Stonechat, a Cetti's Warbler trapped at Kew, 1Chaffinch, a Brambling, 3 Twite at Easington lagoon, 4 Lesser Redpoll, a Siskin and 5 Snow Bunting.

There were some decent movement over the sea with a big push of 1554 Pink-footed Geese along with 34 Wigeon, 6 Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 23 Gannet, a Kittiwake, 7 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 29 Auk sp. 

Other sightings included 48 Whooper Swan at Sammy's and the Scaup still on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Mallard, 40 Knot, 18 Redshank, 1 Merlin, 6 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 1 Stonechat, 1 Robin, 2 Wren, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blue Tit, 4 Tree Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow, 3 Chaffinch, 4 Goldfinch, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 03 November 2020

Showers in ther morning gave way to afternoon sunny periods with a F3-5 W wind.

Watches: 0700-0900.

While not much was happening overall there were a few nice surprises, a flock of 64 Whooper Swan hanging about on Beacon ponds/Kilnsea wetlands are always nice. The same area also holding 49 Greylag Geese, 22 Shoveler, a Pintail, 355 Wigeon, 110 Teal, the Scaup, 11 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 400 Redshank and 2 Mediterranean Gull.

Migrant wise a late Willow Warbler was on Peter lane, Easington, with also a House Martin, 5 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff at Easington sewage works, 5 Goldcrest, 35 Blackbird, 55 Fieldfare, 7 Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtail, a Brambling, 50 Chaffinch, 5 Bullfinch, 80 Lesser Redpoll, 13 Siskin and a Crossbill.

What movement there was today was mainly limited to the sea with 101 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Whooper Swan, 4 Wigeon, a Teal, 34 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 42 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northen Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 35 Herring Gull and 4 Auk sp, with just a Marsh Harrier and 2 Common Buzzard overland.

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Monday, 02 November 2020

Rain throughout the day with some sunny spells and a F6-7 WSW wind. 

Watches: 0700-1030, 1400-1530.

Its was a good day for movement over land with some decent totals comprising of a Great White Egret, 5 Rook, 181 Skylark, 3 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 70 Tree Sparrow,an Alba Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 8 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 1 Twite, 68 Lesser Redpoll, 26 Goldfinch and 13 Siskin, while the sea was maybe a little unexpectedly good with 3 Brent Geese, 611 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Whooper Swan, 46 Wigeon, a Pintail, 43 Teal, 39 Common Scoter, 8 Eider, 26 Red-throated Diver, 6 Great Northen Diver, a Black-throated Diver on the sea, a Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, a Cormorant, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 3 Kittiwake, 39 Little Gull, 227 Commonn Gull, 2 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 37 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill and 113 Auk sp.

There were a few migrants about among small numbers of Thrushes inclding a Mealy Redpoll trapped at Kew, 1 Woodcock, 3 House Martin and 3 Blackcap.

Other sightings included the Scaup still present on Kilnsea wetlands, 27 Whooper Swan at Sammys point, 8 Grey Partidge in north field and a great coiunt of 39 Shoveler on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 29 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 2 Tree Sparrow. 

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Sunday, 01 November 2020

Sunny spells and rain showers with a blowy F6 SW wind.

Watches: 0700-1030.

It was typical fair for the time of year, especially with the windy conditions. A Yellow-browed Warbler at Kew hinted at some new arrivals as did an increase in Thrushes with 45 Blackbird, 120 Fieldfare, 85 Redwing, and 2 Song Thrush plus a Woodcock, 2 Chiffchaff, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 3 Chaffinch, a Brambling and 30 Lesser Redpoll.

Not much on the move overland despite favourable winds, but maybe the rain was too much, 6 Skylark, 2 Swallow and 7 Goldfinch were the best, but over the sea it was better with 3 Shoveler, 19 Teal, 20 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 18 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 130 Gannet, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Great Skua, 3 Guillemot, a Razorbill and 13 Auk sp. 

The usual good birding was available at Kilnsea wetlands with yet again some good birds and totals, the best being a Scaup and 26 Whooper Swan (moving as far as Green lane) in the area along with 16 Shoveler, 456 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 120 Teal, 3 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff and a Merlin.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Goldfinch, 24 Lesser Redpoll.

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Friday, 30 October 2020

A grey day with some sunny spells and a F5-3 SW wind.

Watches: 0700-1000.

There was some vismig today, but nowhere near the  movement of the last few days, though some good birds thrown in, 368 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Whooper Swan, a Great White Egret, 3 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 2 Rock Pipit, 4 Bullfinch, 6 Twite, 40 Redpoll, while quiet over the sea, 300 Common Scoter, an Eider, 29 Red-throated Diver, 9 Cormorant, 8 Gannet and 24 Auk sp.

It was typical late autumn fair migrant wise as some continue to trickle in with a Short-eared Owl, 5 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff (Warren and Easington sewage works), 24 Goldcrest, a Firecrest still on Beacon lane, 30 Blackbird, 70 Fieldfare, 80 Redwing, 19 Stonechat and 29 Meadow Pipit.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had a  noticeable increase on Wildfowl numbers for some species with now 45 Whooper Swan and 37 Shoveler along with a Pintail, 25 Teal, 760 Wigeon, 7 Little Egret, 14 Little Grebe, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, 730 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 25 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch.

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Thursday, 29 October 2020

Rain showers throughout with a F5 SW wind.

Watches: 0645-0930.

There was some decent overland movement again today with a nice varied species list too, 4 Wood Pigeon, a Stock Dove, 4 Skylark, a Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, 75 Meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit, 1 Brambling, 11 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Twite, 43 Linnet, 90 Redpoll, 157 Goldfinch, 66 Siskin and 3 Reed Bunting, while quiet over the sea, 7 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 60 Red-throated Diver, 5 Cormorant, 11 Gannet, 3 Guillemot and 12 Auk sp.

Very few migrants continue to hang about, with just 5 Chiffchaff, 5 Goldcrest, 50 Blackbird, 13 Stonechat, a Brambling and 4 Crossbill.

The Kilnsea wetlands area as usual produced some good birding with a 1cy Caspian Gull and a nice flock of 26 Whooper Swan the highlight along with a Pintail, 350 Teal, 752 Wigeon, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Ruff, 550 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank.

Ringing: 3 Goldcrest, 1 Wren, 81 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Twite, 2 Reed Bunting.

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Wednesday, 28 October 2020

Sunny spells throughout with a chilly F5-6 SW wind.

Watches: 0645-1010.

Overall it was a much quieter day with only a trickle of movement overland and a few bits seen arriving off the sea. Moving today were 4 Stock Dove, 2 Short-eared Owl in/off, 7 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 46 Skylark, a House Sparrow, 30 Tree Sparrow, 25 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 9 Chaffinch. a Brambling, 2 Greenfinch, 6 Lesser Redpoll, 124 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin, 2 Yellowhammer and 3 Reed bunting, while over the sea 4 Brent Geese, 80 Pink-footed Geese, 9 Whooper Swan, 3 Wigeon, 2 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, 10 Gannet, a Cormorant, 15 Black-headed Gull, 6 Guillemot and 46 Auk sp.

A flock of 90 Brent Geese along Beacon lane contained a Black Brant lookalike, originally reported as one, but on closer inspection appears to be a hybrid bird, with grey upperpars and messy flanks. The same flock also contained the leucistic bird. Nearby a flock of 28 Whooper Swan were on Kilnsea wetlands with also 400 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 150 Teal, 3 Little Egret, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank and both Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier hunting the area.

Few migrants to report though, a Siberian Chiffchaff was at Easington sewage works, the Firecrest still along Beacon lane and a Long-eared Owl in North field. Other migrants reported were 4 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 4 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, 3 Stonechat, a Brambling, 17 Lesser Redpoll and 8 Siskin.

Ringing: 17 Lesser Redpoll.

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Tuesday, 27 October 2020

Sunny spells then rain from late morning with a F5 SSW wind.

Watvhes: 0645-1130, 1300-1430.

It was another good day for southerly movement dominated by overland Passerine visible migration. Todays action had a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 60 Jackdaw, 50 Rook, 11 Skylark, 4 Swallow, a late Sand Martin, 19 Starling, 3 Mistle Thrush, 8 House Sparrow, 160 Tree Sparrow, a Dunnock, 6 Alba Wagtail, 235 Meadow Pipit, 21 Rock Pipit, 285 Chaffinch, 17 Brambling, 4 Greenfinch, 56 Twite, 232 Linnet, 60 Lesser Redpoll, 9 Crossbill, 479 Goldfinch, 252 Siskin, 6 Yellowhammer and 38 Reed Bunting. The best of the sea saw another 47 Whooper Swan (10 NW) along with 2 Teal, 8 Eider, 6 Common Scoter, 24 Red-throated Diver, a Gtreat Crested Grebe, 77 Gannet, 167 Black-headed Gull and 25 Auk sp.

There was a small increase in migrant numbers the best being 2 Long-eared Owl and a Firecrest on Beacon lane plus 2 Woodcock, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 18 Goldcrest, 60 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 5 Stonechat, a Wheatear and a Bullfinch.

Ringing: 3 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Tree Sparrow, 4 Linnet, 51 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Twite, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Yellowhammer, 4 Reed Bunting.

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Monday, 26 October 2020

Sunny spells with occasional showers and a F5 SW wind.

Watches: 0645-1000, 1100-1130.

There was some good movement today over both land and sea with a SHORT-TOED LARK the days highlight briefly at the lighthouse, flying off south and not refound. Other bits moving were more obliging with a  Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 52 Skylark, a Swallow, 18 Starling, 160 Tree Sparrow, 5 Rock Pipit, 7 Brambling, 28 Chaffinch, 35 Twite, 176 Linnet, 27 Redpoll, 9 Crossbill, 62 Goldfinch, 59 Siskin and 7 Reed Bunting.

The sea continued the Wildfowl theme of the last few days with 220 Pink-footed Geese, 7 Whooper Swan, 23 Shelduck, 6 Pintail, a Velvet Scoter, 16 Common Scoter, 3 Goosander, 29 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Gannet and 29 Auk sp.

A few migrants continue to hang on though in very small numbers, 4 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 9 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, 13 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 9 Stonechat, 4 Rock Pipit, a Crossbill and a nice flock of 23 Twite lingering at Beacon ponds.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 10 Whooper Swan, 4 Pntail, 520 Wigeon, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, a Spotted Redshank and a Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Blackcap, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 23 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Twite, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Chaffinch.

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Sunday, 25 October 2020

A bright start with a Bklustery F5 SW wind.

Watches: 0630-1130.

The better conditions were decent for movement in general and saw more movement overland with 69 Skylark, a Swallow, 9 Tree Sparrow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipit, 20 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 141 Linnet, 20 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Crossbill, 312 Goldfinch, 77 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting, while over the sea 400 Pink-footed Geese, 21 Whooper Swan, 13 Common Scoter, 4 Velvet Scoter, 10 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 67 Gannet, a Great Skua, 23 Guillemot, 3 Razorbill and 112 Auk sp.

A Firecrest in the Churchyard was the Passerine highlight among just a Short-eared Owl, 2 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest and 4 Stonechat.

Other sightings included the 12 Whooper Swan on Easington straight, 148 Brent Geese, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Ruff on Kilnsea wetlands, an Avocet at Chalk bank and 8 Grey Partridge.

Ringing: 3 Redwing, 2 Blackbird, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll.

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Saturday, 24 October 2020

Overcast with occasional heavy rain and sunny spells.

Watches; 0730-1015.

Not ideal conditions as the month seems to be peetering out without any potential further arrivals, but a bit more movement saw  50 Pink-footed Geese, 42 Whooper Swan, a Tufted Duck, 11 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Red-thrroated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, maybe the resident Black-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 1 Shag, 33 Gannet, a Grey Phalarope close inshore, 8 Knot, 2 Little Gull, 30 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill and 13 Auk sp. Overland movement was light with 200 Starling, an Alba Wagtail, 4 Twite, 47 Linnet, a Redpoll and 58 Goldfinch.

Other sightings were 12 Whooper Swan, 498 Wigeon, 232 Teal, 3 Pintail, a Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier and a Ruff all in the Kilnsea wetlands area anfd just outside the area the Great Grey Shrike remains at Skeffling along with some good birding in that general area..

Ringing: 1 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing.

Migrant numbers are very low, maybe with some birds struggling in each day. Totals today were a Woodcock, 1 Swallow, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, 20 Blackbird, 5 Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Stonechat and 3 Rock Pipit.

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Friday, 23 October 2020

A generally wet day, sunny by the evening and a F4 W wind.

Wztches: 0720-1130.

Continuing the previous days theme with decent movement across a wide range of species making for a pleasant day despite the rain with 525 Pink-footed Geese, 98 Whooper Swan, 2 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 8 Red-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 114 Gannet, 12 Cormorant, 3 Great Skua, 72 Wood Pigeon, 4 Rook, 238 Skylark, 20 Swallow, 50 Tree Sparrow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 10 Alba Wagtail, 397 Meadow Pipit, 7 Rock Pipit, 43 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 3 Greenfinch, 5 Twite, 205 Linnet, 127 Lesser Redpoll, 186 Goldfinch, 420 Siskin, 4 Lapland Bunting, 5 Yellowhammer and 64 Reed Bunting.

Migrant numbers were pretty much the same from the previous day, but some arrivals of Thrushes were evident. Totals day were a late Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffhchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 45 Goldcrest, 5000 Starling, 48 Blackbird, 39 Fieldfare, 86 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 13 Stonechat, 2 Barmbling and a Mealy Redpoll.

Other bits of note were 138 Brent Geese (4 juvs) plus 2 apparent Black BrantxBrent hybrids.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Siskin, 93 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 4 Yellowhammer.

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Thursday, 22 October 2020

Sunny spells with a blustery F5-6 SW wind.

Watches: 0715-1020.

It was a fantastic morning for birds on the movemainly overland which saw 68 Wood Pigeon, a Stock Dove, 271 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 3 Grey Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 102 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit, 22 Chaffinch, 41 Greenfinch, 9 Twite, 195 Linnet, 3 Crossbill, 105 Lesser Redpoll, 929 Goldfinch, 140 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting and 26 Reed Bunting. while the sea on the other hand produced just 81 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 23 Gannet and 30 Black-headed Gull. 

A scatter of migrants remain around the area including 2 Short-eared Owl, 7 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 28 Goldcrest, 41 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 38 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Stonechat, 4 Brambling, 7 Bullfinch and 8 Twite by Easington lagoon.

Other sightings diuring the day saw a Great White Egret wander the area and roosting at Kew, 10 Whooper Swan remaining around the Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area, which also had a Great Crested Grebe, aTufted Duck, a Ruff, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Marsh Harrier.

The Great Grey Shrike was still by Skeffling pumphouse.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 29 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 8 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 21 October 2020

Overcast and damp all day with a F2 SE-F3-4 W wind.

Watches: 0705-0915.

The weather conditions did not lend themselves to finding new migrants, but those reamaining included the Cetti's Warbler along the canal and the Firecrest in the Churchyard plus 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Swallow, 2 House Martin. a Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 54 Goldcrest, 114 Blackbird, 9 Fieldfare, 103 Redwing, 14 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 8 Bullfinch, 23 Twite at Chalk bank, 53 Lesser Redpoll, 70 Siskin and a Lapland Bunting.

There was very little on the move today, most of which was oveer the sea with 110 Pink-footed Geese, 16 Teal, 18 common Scoter, 7 Goosander, 9 Red-throated Diverr, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Gannet and a Shag, while overland 7 Swallow, a House Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail and 3 Redpoll.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 10 Whoopwr Swan, 12 Shoveler, 304 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 400 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Ruff, 700 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank, 4 Greenshank and a Merlin. 

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 10 Blackbird, 9 Redwing, 19 Lesser Redpoll.

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Tuesday, 20 October 2020

Overcast with rain soon gave way to warm sunny conditions with a F4 S wind.

Watches: 0700-0915.

There were few migrants still about with just a few Thrushes arriving and moving off NW. Totals today included 4 Swallow, a Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, a Firecrest trapped at Kew, 46 Goldcrest, 75 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 90 Redwing, 55 Song Thrush, 16 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 3 Redpoll and a Siskin.

Movement today was virtually non-existent with just 4 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver and 3 Gannet, with 41 Skylark and a Crossbill overland.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had 10 Whooper Swan, 13 Pintail, 400 Teal, 260 Wigeon, 45 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ruff, a late Curlew Sandpiper, 745 Redshank, a Greenshank and 12 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 4 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 2 Robin, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Tree Sparrow, 3 Lesser Redpoll.

The Great Grey Shrike remains at Skeffling.

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Monday, 19 October 2020

A chilly bright day with a F4-5 S wind. 

Watches: 0700-0900.

A much quieter day overall and very little movement south as was maybe expected and most observers left to check out the Shrike in West Yorkshire. A Short-toed Lark was the best of the day, reported flying south over Corner field, but no notes were recieved. Migrant totals were well down on previous days with just a Jack Snipe, Hen Harrier at Chalk bank, 30 Swallow, 5 House Martin, a Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 47 Goldcrest, 35 Blackbird, 90 Fieldfare, 73 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 21 Robin, a Black Redstart, 5 Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, 4 Barmbling, a Mealy Redpoll, 14 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Crossbill.

Moving today were 224 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Shelduck, 8 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 61 Common Scoter, a Goldeneye, 9 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 6 Gannet, a Sandwich Tern, 1 Great Skua,, 16 Auk sp, 8 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 27 Meadow Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 11 Alba Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, 8 Greenfinch, 10 Twite, 31 Linnet, 44 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin and a Reed Bunitng.

Other sightings were mainly centred around the Kilnsea wwtland area with 10 Whooper Swan, 5 Pintail, 378 Wigeon, 328 Teal, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 770 Redshank, 3 Greenshank and 22 Mediterranean Gull. 

Ringiing: 5 Blackbird, 3 Redwing, 1 Wren, 7 Goldcrest, 6 Tree Sparrow, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 2 Goldfinch, 7 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 18 October 2020

There was an almost complete clearout of migrants today with just the Barred Warbler in Easington cemetery remaining of the more unusual species, though 2 Hawfinch Easington-KIlnsea and 5 Bearded Tit were new along the canal. A Firecrest was at Rose cottage and the Cetti's Warbler still along the canal with furhter totals of a Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, a Common Sandpiper, 35 Chiffchaff, 4 Siberian Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, 17 Blackcap, a late Garden Warbler, 90 Goldcrest, 80 Blackbird, 30 Fieldfare, 175 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Black Redstart, 20 Stonechat, 18 Brambling, 4 Bullfinch, 150 Redpoll, a Mealy Redpoll, 4 Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting.

On the move today were a Great White Egret, 20 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Barnacle Geese, 20 Redd-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzard, 10 Jackdaw, 50 Skylark, 16 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 9 Alba Wagtail, 43 Meadow Pipit, 31 Rock Pipit, 23 Greenfinch, 48 Linnet, 33 Redpoll, 61 Goldfinch, 21 Siskin, 9 Yellowhammer and 17 Red Bunting.

Other sightings included 10 Whooper Swan at Sammy's, 290 Black-tailed Godwit on Kilnsdea wetlands, 5 Ruff and 10 Mediterranean Gull. 

Just outside the area a Great Grey Shrike performed at Skeffling.

Ringing: 1 Fieldfare, 16 Blackbird, 6 Redwing, 1 Stonechat, 7 Robin, 3 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff,13 Goldcrest,  2 Blue Tit, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 114 Lesser Redpoll, 17 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting.

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Saturday, 17 October 2020

Some early morning rain seemed to have a decent effect dropping in good numbers of Thrsuhes to the area and with them some good birds too. The 3rd or 4th Red-flanked Bluetail this autumn was elusive in the Rose cottage to Churchfield area, where it was trapped in the evening, while a Dusky Warbler at Sammy's was maybe even more hard to pin down, a Pallas's Warbler was trapped at the Warren and a Barred Warbler at Easington cemetery. Other bits of interst were supplied by 2 Siberian Chiffchaff at the Point, 2 Firecrest (canal and churchyard) and at least 6 Yellow-browed Warbler with 2 Little Auk over the sea.

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Friday, 16 October 2020

A cloudy overcast day with a F4 NE wind. 

Watches: 0650-1100, 1300-1400.

With the wind in an ideal position there was high hopes for the day, but the good birds generally eluded the area. The Richard's Pipit was seen by the lighthouse while migarnts were in good numbers with 14 Woodcock, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Willow Warbler, 22 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 Blackcap, a Firecrest, 160 Goldcrest, 2500 Starling, a Ring Ouzel, 170 Blackbird, 20 Fieldfare, 23 Song Thrush, 500 Redwing, 25 Robin, 2 Black Redstart, 9 Stonechat, 20 Brambling, 40 Lesser Redpoll and 7 Crossbill.

Maybe the highlight of the day were 2 Tundra Bean Geese north over the Warren a d the day in general saw quite a bit of movement with 344 Pink-footed Geese, 19 Wigeon, a Pintail, 16 Teal, 40 Eider, 439 Common Scoter, 5 Goldeneye, 47 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 31 Gannet, a Shag, 4 Kittiwake, 27 Little Gull, 4 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, an Arctic Skua, 2 Little Auk and 29 Auk sp, while it was predictably quieter overland with 7 Skylark, 11 Swallow, a Rock Pipit and 2 Lapland Bunting.

Other sightings were 10 Whooper Swan at Sammy's, a Hen Harrier along Peter lane with Kilnsea wetlands ahving a Purple Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank.

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Thursday, 15 October 2020

There was maybe less about, but some good birds are still about to be found. An OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT showed well in the Obs garden, a Bluethroat at Sammy's carpark, a Pallas's Warbler at the Point, Richard's Pipit which moved from the narrows to the Sheepfield, Siberian Chiffchaff at Chalk bank to middle camp, Firecrest at canal scrape and a Tundra Bean Goose flew south.

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Wednesday, 14 October 2020

A  generally sunny day with rain mid afternoon, but a cool F4 E wind.

Watches: 0655-0930.

The calmer day with sunshine brought migrants into the open, including some good birds with a PALLAS'S WARBLER at Chalk bank which moved to Middle camp, a RADDES WARBLER trapped  in Churchfield after being glimpsed in the Churchyard and a Richard's Pipit south over Easington boatyard. Further migrant totals came in the form of 7 Woodcock, a Jack Snipe, 1 Long-eared Owl, 4 Short-eared Owl, 16 Chiffchaff, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 42 Blackcap, 430 Goldcrest, 47 Wren, 4 Ring Ouzel, 520 Blackbird, 90 Fieldfare, 2555 Redwing, a Mistle Thrush, 118 Robin, 3 Black Redstart, 4 Redstart, 14 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, a Tree Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 84 Brambling, a Twite, 7 Siskin and a Snow Bunting.

There was a bit of movement over the sea with 6 Barnacle Geese, 75 Wigeon, 3 Mallard, 52 Teal, 7 Eider, 4 Velvet Scoter, 38 Common Scoter, 3 Goosander, 12 Red-throated Diver, 159 Gannet, a Shag, 20 Little Gull, a Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, 106 Auk sp and 8 Guillemot while overland just 15 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 31 Skylark, 8 Swallow and a Grey Wagtail.

Other sightings included a Pale-bellied Brent with 160 Brent Geese on the HUmber, 10 Whooper Swan at Sammy's, 2 Purple Sandpiper off the Crown, 1200 Teal and 18 Pintail on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 61 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 67 Blackbird, 1 Redstart, 22 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 2 Wren, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 11 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 147 Goldcrest, 6 Brambling, 3 Siskin, 3 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 

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Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Overcast with sunny spells and afternoon rain with a chilly F4-2 NE wind.

Watches: 0700-0945. 1040-1245.

The wind and eventual rain dropped in some good totals of migrant, mainly Thrushes which moved on quickly, but an overall increase in grounded migrants was evident with 6 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 7 Short-eared Owl, a Long-eared Owl, 6 Coal Tit in/off, 3 Swallow, 22 Chiffchaff, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 22 Blackcap, an Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 23 Goldcrest, 27 Wren, 60 Starling in, 5 Ring Ouzel, 330 Blackbird, 1200 Fieldfare, 3656 Redwing, 23 Song Thrush, 23 Robin, 2 Redstart, 19 Stonechat, 6 Rock Pipit, 3 Bullfinch, a Twite, 19 Redpoll, 4 Siskin and 7 Brambling.

Movement today was light, but overall some good totals with a Marsh Harrier, 5 Rook, 37 Skylark, 7 Swallow while over the sea had 750 Pink-footed Geese, 48 Barnacle Geese, 4 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 137 Teal, 9 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Red-throated Diver, 20 Little Gull, 2 Pomarine Skua, a Puffin, 3 Razorbill, 6 Guillemot and 54 Auk sp.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had an overnight decline in Wildfowl and no sign of the Garganey, but present in the area were the Great White Egret, 11 Whooper Swan, 1000 Pink-footed Geese, 36 Pintail, 300 Teal, 466 Wigeon, 15 Little Grebe, 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ruff, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 57 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 45 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 3 Robin, 2 Wren, 2 Dunnock, 3 Great Tit, 4 Coal Tit, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 14 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 16 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Reed Bunting.

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Monday, 12 October 2020

Mainly overcast with the odd sunny spell, rain from mid afternoon and a F4 WNW wind.

Watches: 0700-1030, 1330-1515.

The winds are predicted to go into the east in the next few day, but while we wait for that there are still birds trickling in from Scandinavia with 3 Jack Snipe, a Woodcock, 1 Short-eared Owl, 10 Swallow, a House Martin, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 2 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 13 Goldcrest, 133 Starling in, 160 Blackbird, 360 Fieldfare, 900 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redstart, 5 Stonechat, 5 Rock Pipit and 12 Brambling.

Movement today was light, but overall some good totals with a Grey Heron, 2 Rook, 16 Skylark, 7 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 28 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greenfinch, 265 Linnet, 128 Lesser Redpoll, 16 Crossbill, 620 Goldfinch, 14 Siskin and 38 Reed Bunting. The sea had 5 Barnacle Geese, 35 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 95 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 11 Red-throated Diver, a wandering Great Northern Diver, 447 Gannet, 5 Shag, a Puffin and 66 Auk sp.

The Kilnsea wetlands area had some fantastic totals of Wildfowl yet again and continues to be an amazing spectacle when a Peregrine goes through looking for an easy meal. The mobile Great White Egret put in a few appearances, 1243 Pink-footed Geese wandered the local area, a late Garganey was a surprise, 27 Pintail, 1900 Teal, 540 Wigeon, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank and 5 Snipe. Also of note today were 3 Purple Sandpiper at the Narrows with 157 Brent Geese onm the Humber/

Ringing: 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Dunnock, 2 Wren, 1 Robin, 2 Redwing, 18 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Great Tit, 10 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 101 Lesser Redpoll, 19 Goldfinch, 21 Reed Bunting.

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Sunday, 11 October 2020

Sunny spells and rain with a F2-3 NW cold wind.

Watches: 0650-1050, 1100-1700.

There were still a few migrants as fresh arrivals boosted numbers, but it seems with the decent weather Thrushes were going over at height and out of sight, with big numbers sen inland. The  highlight was a Common Rosefinch at the Point, with further totals of a Long-eared Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 20 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 6 Starling in, 348 Blackbird, 8 Fieldfare, 240 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, 2 Redstart, a Yellow Wagtail, 2 Lapland Bunting, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Crossbill and 16 Brambling.

The first bit of movement over the sea with 5 Whooper Swan, a Wigeon, 65 Teal, an Eider, 26 Common Scoter, 39 Red-throated Diver, the Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver, 6 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3201 Gannet, a Shag, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 4 Little Gull, 3 Sandwich tern, 13 Great Skua, 3 Pomarine Skua and 4 Arctic Skua.

The Kilnsea wetlands produced 12 Whooper Swan, 105 Pink-footed Geese, 32 Pintail, 1500 Teal, a surprise late Garganey, redhead Goosander, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Ruff, 4 Greenshank, with the Great White Egret on canal scrape.

Ringing: 6 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Wren, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 37 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 36 Lesser Redpoll.

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Saturday, 10 October 2020

F4 WNW wind with some showers in the afternoon with sunny spells.

Watches: 07:00-10:00, 16:45-17:15.

A steady day with a few birds around and a small arrival of Redwing but otherwise generally quiet. Highlights from grounded migrants were a Turtle Dove seen briefly along Peter Lane, the Barred Warbler again in Listening Dish hedge, ranging down towards the back of Westmere Farm (no access unless staying there), 1 Yellow-browed Warbler  in Easington Cemetry and a blythi-type Lesser Whitethroat behind Westmere Farm. Otherwise migrant totals were, 1 Jack Snipe at Chalk Bank, 4 Snipe, 2 Short-eared Owl (Easington Straight and Easington Playing Fields), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 22 Skylark, 6 Long-tailed Tit down to Kilnsea, 34 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Firecrest at Kilnsea Church, 45 Goldcrest, 800 Starling, 17 Blackbird, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Ring Ouzel mobile between Church Field and Sammy's Point, 6 Song Thrush, 70 Redwing, 13 Robin, 4 Redstart, 9 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 40 Meadow Pipit, 6 Brambling, 1 Hawfinch in the hedge behind Rose Cottage, 2 Bullfinch,60 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Lapland Bunting in Clubley's Field.

Over the sea passage was light but included, 170 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Eider, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Red-throated Diver, the presumed lingering Black-throated Diver again flew south, 335 Gannet, 1 Shag, 22 Black-headed Gull, 2 Little Gull, 1 Med Gull, 1 Sandwich Tern, 5 Great Skua, 3 Pomarine Skua, 14 Guillemot, 47 Razorbill and 60 auk sp. 

Passage over land was light, sa and consisted of 30 Rook, 2 Skylark, 7 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 329 Redwing NW, 36 S, 1 Mistle Thrush, 17 Tree Sparrow, 9 alba Wagtail, 179 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 5 Chaffinch, 69 Linnet, 14 Lesser Redpoll, 422 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 15 Reed Bunting.

Other bits seen included a Spoonbill seen flying north up the Humber, 90 Pink-footed Geese along Easington Straight, 11 Whooper Swan along Green Lane, 5 Shoveler, 100 Wigeon, 82 Pintail on the Humber, 400 Teal, 15 Little Grebe, 1 Great White Egret on Canal Scrape, 3 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Water Rail on Canal Scrape, 22 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, 1 Curlew Sandpiper on Kilnsea Wetlands, 20 Med Gull and 1 Peregrine 

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 10 Goldcrest, 6 Tree Sparrow, 3 Redwing, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 41 Lesser Redpoll.

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Friday, 09 October 2020

There were still a few migrants about which included the Red-breasted Flycatcher at terminal wood, the Barred Warbler in the listening dish hedge and a Hawfinch by Rose cottage. Addiotional sightings were Siberian Lesser Whitethroat along the canal, 14 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 16  Goldcrest, 1000 Starling, 2 Ring Ouzel, a Mistle Thrush, 13 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 4 Redstart, a Whinchat, 15 Stonechat and 5 Brambling.

Some decent movement overland included a fantastic total of 67 Crossbill plus 14 Carrion Crow, 7 Great Tit, 140 Skylark, 31 Swallow, 43 House Martin, 20 House Sparrow, 214 Tree Sparrow, 5 Dunnock, 13 Alba Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 336 Meadow Pipit, 11 Rock Pipit, 34 Chaffinch, 11 Greenfinch, 698 Linnet, 90 Lesser Redpoll, 1500 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer and 43 Reed Bunting.

There was the usual good species array on Kilnsea wetlands including 2 Whooper Swan, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 43 Pintail, 1150 Teal, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Ruff, a Spotted Redshank and 53 Mediterrnaean Gull, with the Great White Egret on canal scrape.

Ringing: 1 Gtreat Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 4 Robin, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Tree Sparrow, 2 Goldfinch, 54 Lesser Redpoll.

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Thursday, 08 October 2020

There was a decline in migrant numbers though the overall totals were still decent with a 3 Short-eared Owl, a Jack Snipe, Woodcock in, 67 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 18 Blackcap, a Firecrest, 43 Goldcrest, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Fieldfare, 115 Redwing, 41 Song Thrush, a Spotted Flycatcher, 40 Robin, a Redstart, 22 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Roock Pipit, a Tree Pipit, 3 Barmbling, 3 Hawfinch, 60 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Crossbill and 3 Siskin.

Kilnsea wetlands had some impressive increases in Wildfowl numbers with 79 Pintail and 1620 Teal the highlight along with 156 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Whooper Swan, 9 Shoveler, 22 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and 90 Mediterranean Gull. Ther Great White Egret remained in the area and 65 Brent Geese were on the Humber.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 9 Goldcrest, 2 Wren, 2 Robin, 1 Goldfinch, 29 Lesser Redpoll.

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Wednesday, 07 October 2020

While not as busy as the previous day there was still plenty going on around the area. The juvenile Dotterel was found sitting on the beach off Easington lagoon showing very close. The Barred Warbler remained in the Listening dish hedge anmd the Siberian Lesser Whitethroat along the Canal. Additinal migrannt totals were 2 Jack Snipe, 4 Short-eared Owl, 2 Swift, 75 Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, 21 Blackcap, 89 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, 3 Fieldfare, 224 Redwing, 26 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, 62 Stonechat, 6 Wheatear, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Barmbling and a mobile Hawfinch.

There was some good movement again today, but nowhere near the level as the previous day. Totals today were 3 Swift, 143 Skylark, 13 Swallow, 49 House Martin, 6 Alba Wagtail, 235 Meadow Pipit, 13 Rock Pipit, 9 Chaffinch, 17 Greenfinch, 205 Linnet, 28 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Crossbill, 195 Goldfinch, 39 Ssikin, and 9 Reed Bunting, while the best of the sea were 350 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Whooper Swan, 2 Manx Shearwater and an Arctic Skua.

Kilnsea wetlands remained busy with the wandering Great White Egret, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 1 Spotted Redshank and 50 Mediterranean Gull, while 8 Greenshank were on canal scrape.

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Tuesday, 06 October 2020

A fantastic day with afternoon arrivals, Wildfowl and Passerines on the move south and migrants still aplenty. There was maybe the best vismig of the autumn for the counters with a varied species list with 5 Brent Geese, 565 Pink-footed Geese, 58 Pintail, 21 Whooper Swan, 2 Shoveler, 273 Wigeon, 112 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, a Swift, a ringtail Hen Harrier in/off. a Common Buzzard, 5 Kestrel, a Hobby, 11 Jackdaw, 41 Rook,,665 Skylark, 51 Swallow, 51 House Martin, 33 House Sparrow, 408 Tree Sparrow, 7 Dunnock, 4 Grey Wagtail, 27 Alba wagtail, 1600 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 94 Rock Pipit, 94 Chaffinch, 10 Brambling, 14 Greenfinch, 1608 Linnet, 50 Lesser Redpoll, 1425 Goldfinch, 120 Siskin, 3 Yellowhammer and 122 Reed Bunting.

There was a fantastic late arrival of mainly Thrushes just ahead of some heavy rain with 2755 Redwing, 4 Ring Ouzel and 4 Fieldfare, while also today a Little Bunting on Peter lane, 3 Firecrest in the area, the Red-breasted Flycatcher at Terminal wood, Barred Warbler in the Listening dish hedge and the Siberian Lesser Whitethroat along the Canal plus further totals of 5 Jack Snipe, 2 Swift, a Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 6 Willow Warbler, 104 Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 58 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat inc an eastern brd on Beacon lane, a Whitethroat, 81 Goldcrest, 23 Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher,  95 Robin, 28 Redstart, a Black Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 57 Stonechat, 13 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, 35 Brambling and a Crossbill.

Some good totals of Wildfowl remain on Kilnsea wetlands among other species which included a fantastic juvenile Dotterel which showed well, 41 Pintail, 950 Wigeon, 550 Teal, a Great White Egret, 17 Little Egret, a Little-ringed Plover, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Little Stint, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Marsh Harrier and 176 Mediterranean Gull. 

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Monday, 05 October 2020

Watches: 0645-1130. 

Seemingly a bit of a clearout, but maybe some new arrivals too, the best being a late Common Nightingale around the Bluebell, while an interesting looking Stonechat reported as eastern, is maybe just a nice male Rubicola. The Red-breasted Flycatcher was again at the Terminal Wood and the Barred Warbler remained elusive in the Listening dish hedge, while maybe the rarest bird today was a Green Woodpecker in Easington. Further migrant sightings included 2 Long-eared Owl, 4 Short-eared Owl, 4 Jack Snipe, 4 Wheatear, 24 Redstart, 2 Black Redstart, 42 Stonechat, 4 Whinchat, 2 Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, the Cetti’s Warbler still by the football pitch in  Easington, 66 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat plus 2 ‘eastern’ birds, 3 Whitethroat, 6 Willow Warbler, 206 Chiffchaff, 8 Yellow-browed Warbler, 80 Goldcrest, 3 Firecrest, 140 Redwing, 95 Song Thrush, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Tree Pipit, a Water Pipit at the Borrow pit, 37 Brambling, 3 Hawfinch, 6 Bullfinch, 115 Lesser Redpoll 5 Crossbill and 25 Siskin.

There was decent overland movement which involved 6 Magpie, 35 Rook, 137 Skylark, a Shorelark, 48 Swallow, 11 House Martin, 15 House Sparrow, 233 Tree Sparrow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 117 Meadow Pipit, 56 Rock Pipit, 15 Chaffinch, 224 Linnet, 5 Greenfinch, 211 Redpoll, 275 Goldfinch, 81 Siskin, 2 Lapland Bunting, 2 Yellowhammer and 61 Reed Bunting.

Ringing: 1 Stock Dove, 1 Rock Pipit, 4 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wheatear, 9 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Garden Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaff,  7 Goldcrest, 2 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 86 Lesser Redpoll, 1 House Sparrow, 20 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 04 October 2020

Another great day with a fantastic array of species around the area highlighted with an eventual showy WESTERN BONELL'S WARBLER on Vicars lane, Easington, an OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT at Sammys Point, the Red-flanked Bluetail still at Cliffe farm, a Bluethroat at the Point, Red-breasted Flycatcher at Terminal Wood, a late Icterine Warbler at Sammys with the Wood Warber nearby, Firecrest around the Crown area, Cetti's Warbler at Easington sewage works, Siberian Lesser Whitethroat trapped at Kew, 2 Hawfinch and a Long-eared Owl with good numbers of common migarnts again.

Ringing: 9 Redwing, 16 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird, 3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 16 Dunnock, 1 Starling, 75 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 1 Red-flanked Bluetail, 1 Redstart, 27 Blackcap, 1 Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 24 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 22 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 13 Brambling, 3 Linnet, 1 Siskin. (229 of 22sp)

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Saturday, 03 October 2020

It was a great day with birds arriving as the day wore on, so areas which had been previously checked suddenly had fresh birds in. The best of the days offerings were 2 RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL with a showy bird in Cliffe farm and another less so at Sammy's. There were also a flighty vocal Red-throated Pipit at the Point, a Little Bunting at the Gas terminal, a Serin at the narrows, a Red-breasted Flycatcher between Sykes field and Rose cottage, at least 1+ Hawfinch wandering the area, a Firecrest, 'Blythi Lesser Whitethroat with at least 4 other eastern types, a Long-eared Owl, with conservative counts of 260 Chiffchaff, 11 Yellow-browed Warbler, 139 Blackcap, 940 Song Thrush, 376 Robin and 61 Redstart. Full totals to come. 

Ringing: 1 Long-eared Owl, 4 Redwing, 15 Song Thrush, 2 Blackbird, 39 Robin, 5 Redstart, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 1 Garden Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Chiffchaff, 39 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Goldfinch. (140 of 17sp).

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Friday, 02 October 2020

The report of a Great Snipe at the Point turned out to be a bit of an oddball Common Snipe and re-identified from photos. It was another good morning of Wildfowl movement over the sea which saw 12 Brent Geese, 2 Shoveler, 18 Pintail, 623 Wigeon, 700 Teal, 50 Common Scoter and 2 Red-breasted Merganser all head south, while aslo moving were a Black-throated Diver (which has been around for a while), 15 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 5 Grey Heron in/off, 157 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Great Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 15 Guillemto, 3 Razorbill and 216 Auk sp.

With the wind predicted to go east, there was still a bit of an arrival to the area. The usual Barred Warbler remained in the Listening dish hedge, while the first Siberian Chiffchaff of the autumn was at Pancho pond. Totals for today were 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 14 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 38 Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, 32 Redwing, 32 Song Thrush, 30 Robin, a Pied Flycatcher, a Black Redstart, 3 Redstart, 30 Stonechat, 6 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 15 Chaffinch, 21 Brambling and 2 Snow Bunting, while 2 Crossbill and 5 Lapland Bunting went south.

Ringing: 2 Redwing, 3 Blackbird, 6 Song Thrush, 1 Wren, 5 Robin, 6 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Linnet, 1 Brambling, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll.

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Thursday, 01 October 2020

The highlight today was a flyover Buff-breasted Sandpiper seen by two visiting birders (pending acceptance) which appeared to land in fields just west of KIlnsea wetlands, but could not be found again, It was a great day for Wildfowl movement over the sea with some nice totals involved, 4 Brent Geese, 83 Pink-footed Geese, a Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 601 Wigeon. 5 Mallard, 44 Pintail, 962 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, 84 Common Scoter, a Long-tailed Duck, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 65 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 14 Grey Heron in/off, 105 Ga nnet, 3 Sandwich Tern, a Great Skua, 1 Pomarine Skua and an Arctic Skua.

There was amybe a slight increase in migrant numbers with 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Short-eared Owl, 4 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, the Barred Warbler in the Listening dish hedge, an eastern Lesser Whitethroat, a Firecrest, 22 Goldcrest, 6 Redwing, 42 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 2 Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 15 Stonechat, 6 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Brambling.

A Great White Egret came south over the Gas terminal and spent the day on Beacon ponds with the same general area also having 4 Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, 5 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank, 2 Marsh Harrier and 20 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 3 Song Thrush, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Goldcrest, 13 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Tree Sparrow. 

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Wednesday, 30 September 2020

It was adifficult day to be out birding with a cold F4-5 southerly with rain, but before it set in there was some decent movement the best being 39 Crossbill, 2 Marsh Harrier, 23 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 25 Skylark, 51 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 68 Tree Sparrow, a Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 197 Meadow Pipit, 18 Chaffinch, 47 Greenfinch, 620 Linnet, 56 Lesser Redpoll, 314 Goldfinch, 102 Siskin and 32 Reed Bunting.

Despite the weather there were a few migrants still on offer with a Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, 21 Stonechat, a Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail and a Snow Bunting.

Ringing: 1 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 22 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 29 September 2020

There was an almost complete clearout of migarnts and no sign of most of the good birds, though the Barred Warbler remained in the Lisening dish hedge and 14 Yellow-browed Warbler were still about. Additonal totals were a Jack Snipe, 1 Willow Warbler, 32 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 13 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, an eastern Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 53 Goldcrest, a Fieldfare, 11  Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, a Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 8 Robin, a Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 38 Stonechat, 10 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 100 Meadow Pipit, a Brambling, 265 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Crossbill, 22 Siskin and 2 Lapland Bunting. 

On the move today were a Marsh Harrier, 18 Rook, 7 Jackdaw, 2 Coal Tit, 89 Skylark, 10 Sand Martin, 13 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Grey Wagtail, 390 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit and 48 Goldfinch with a Pale-bellied Brent north over the sea the highlight.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 14 Pintail, 10 Common Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, a Little-ringed Plover, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 1 Little Stint, 4 Greenshank and 60 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, 1 Great Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 4 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 7 Goldcrest, 8 House Sparrow, 37 Tree Sparrow, 136 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting.

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Monday, 28 September 2020

The weather today is much calmer and with it the good birds keep coming. Today our first September RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL appeared at Chalk bank, with 2 Barred Warbler a new bird in Churchfield and the other still present in the Listening dish hedge. The Red-throated Pipit is also still present at the Warren (with a Little Bunting reported at Sammys by the carpark, but few details have appeared). The first Cetti's Warbler of the autumn is along the Canal and at least 28 Yellow-browed Warbler are present plus 9 Willow Warbler, 35 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 15 Blackcap, an 'eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 70 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ozel, a Fieldfare, 13 Song Thrush, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, 30 Robin, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Redstart, a Whinchat, 51 Stonechat, 15 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit, 8 Rock Pipit, 240 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Bambling, 14 Crossbill, 3 Lapland Bunting and a Snow Bunting.

A Great White Egret is again present in the Long bank area, while further sightings in this area included 24 Pintail, .300 Teal, 17 Little Grebe, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff and 5 Greenshank with 2 Purple Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper at the Narrows. There was a bit of movement today with 15 Rook, 94 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 19 Swallow, 2 House Martin, a Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 690 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 30 Chaffinch, 180 Linnet and 32 Siskin. The best of the sea were 408 Pink-footed Geese, 63 Teal, 122 Common Scoter, 4 Goosander, a Sooty Shearwater and a Great Skua.

A Vagrant Empreror Dragonfly is by the breach.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Song Thrush, 3 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 2 Wren, 6 Dunnock, 8 Robin, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Barred Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whtethroat, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler, 22 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 18 Tree Sparrow, 162 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch,  4 Chaffinch, 1 Reed Bunting. (266 of 24 sp).

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Sunday, 27 September 2020

The wind remained strong enough for the seawatchers, even though there was much lesss to show for their effortts, but it also allowed observers to get out looking for migrants as it reduced in strength. Sightings today included the Red-throated Pipit seen a few times at the Warren and a juvenile Hawfinch trapped at Kew, along with 5 Short-eared Owl, 2 Jack Snipe, a Hobby, 7 Swallow, 10 Chiffchaff, 9 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 32 Goldcrest, 2 Fieldfare, 100 Redwing, 36 Song Thrush, a Pied Flycatcher, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 21 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, 3 Rock Pipit, 8 Brambling, a Bullfinch, 1 Yellowhammer and a Lapland Bunting.

Over the sea there was a definite decline in numbers, but still some good birds on offer with 2 Barnacle Geese, 669 Pink-footed Geese, 17 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 38 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 12 Sooty Shearwater, 13 Manx Shearwater, 152 Gannet, 2 Shag, 2 Purple Sandpiper, 1+ Grey Phalarope, 4 Kittiwake, 5 Little Gull, 9 Guillemot, 11 Razorbill,  and 549 Auk sp.

On Kilnsea wetlands 33 Pintail, 357 Teal, 10 Shoveler, a Great White Egret over north-west, a Little-ringed Plover, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ruff, a Little Stint and 10 Mediterranean Gull with a Purple Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank on the HUmber.

Ringing: 3 Redwing, 1 Robin, 1  Blaccap, 1 Great Tit, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Hawfinch.

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Saturday, 26 September 2020

A slight reduction in the wind, better visibility and observers gave the sea another go, which was maybe better than the previous day, while others were out searching for migrants, after birds were seen arriving in/off from their sea crossing. Sadly for some they did not make it, illustrated by a Goldcrest snatched by a Merlin as it crossed the last few waves before land fall. .

The highlight of the day was a 'red throated', RED-THROATED PIPIT just north of the Warren in the saltmarsh, which gave some decent flight views and was heard to call repeatedly. The day also produced a Common Rosefinch by the Warren trap which soon flew off north, 3 Jack Snipe, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Goldcrest, 24 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 1 Spotted Flycathcer, a Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, a Stonechat, 8 Wheatear, a Grey Wagtail, 8 Rock Pipit, 2 Brambling, 90 Lesser Redpoll and a Snow Bunting.

The sea had more 'commoner' to fill in the gaps, but maybe also due to the much increased visibilty. Moving today were 81 Barnacle Geese, 29 Pale-bellied Brent, 52 Pink-footed Geese, a Whooper Swan  (first of the autumn), 27 Wigeon, a Pintail, 59 Teal, 23 Eider, 30 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 145 Red-throated Diver, a Storm Petrel (which narrowly avoided becoming Peregrine lunch), a 'blue'Fulmar, 59 Sooty Shearwater, 15 Manx Shearwater, 3 Grey Heron, 173 Gannet, a Shag, 2 Oystercatcher, a Grey Phalarope, 26 Kittiwake, 7 Little Gull, a juvenile Sabines Gull, 2 Common Tern, 7 Sandwich Tern, 38 Great Skua, 3 Pomarine Skua, 21 Arctic Skua, 3 Long-tailed Skua, 16 Guillemot, 116 Razorbill, a Puffin and 11 Auk sp.

Ringing: 1 Mute Swan, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldcrest, 27 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Siskin.

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Friday, 25 September 2020

Watches: 0645-1850.

The sea dominated the proceedings today as a strong F7-8 NNW battered the coast and the seawtch hut the place to be though saying that it was suprisingly quiet for the commoner species. The totals would probably be much higher, but for the sea shrouded in mist and rain showers much of the time and visibilty only a few hundred metres. Totals were 24 Pink-footed Geese, 19 Teal, 3 Scaup, 20 Common Scoter, 7 Red-throated Diver, 11 Fulmar, 52 Sooty Shearwater, 8 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet, a Snipe in, a Grey Phalarope, 1 Common Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern, 61 Little Gull, 75 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, 163 Arctic Skua, 3 Guillemot, 7 Razorbill and 3 Auk. 

The only other spot to offer some respite from the conditons were the hides at Kilnsea wetlands with 25 Pintail, 142 Teal, a Marsh Harrier, a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Little Stint, 4 Greenshank and a Caspian Gull.

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Thursday, 24 September 2020

Both the Little Bunting and Barred Warbler remained in the Listening dish hedge adjacent to Kilnsea wetlands with 2 Yellow-browed Warbler in Easington with also 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, a Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 7 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, a Brambling and 15 Lesser Redpoll.

It was a good day for movement over land and sea with 1830 Pink-footed Geese, a Pintail, 1 Wigeon, a Tufted Duck, an Eider, 10 Common Scoter, 239 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwtater, 18 Cormorant, 3 Kittiwake, 14 Little Gull, 13 Sandwich Tern, 133 Great Skua, 7 Arctic Skua, 50 Guillemot, 7 Razorbill and 115 Auk sp. 143 Red-throated Diver all south while overland a Hobby, 11 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, a Rock Pipit, 1205 Meadow Pipit, a Lapland Bunting, the first Snow Bunitng of the autumn, 5 Goldfinch and 230 Siskin.

The best of the Kilnsea wetlands area were 2 Caspian Gull, 5 Short-eared Owl, 16 Pintail, 50 Wigeon, 126 Teal, a Little-ringed Plover, a Curlew Sandpiper and 6 Greenshank.

Rining: 2 Blackcap, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 14 Meadow Pipit, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 1 Siskin, 17 Lesser Redpoll.

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Wednesday, 23 September 2020

The Little Bunting conitued its mini stay in the Listening dish hedge with the Barred Warbler for company, while a scatter of migrants remain including 2 Jack Snipe in the Canal area, a Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Goldcrest, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 6 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, a Brambling and 14 Lesser Redpoll. 

A Great White Egret present around the area eventually left south in a day when little was on the move, the best being a Pochard and 16 Siskin.

Kilnsea wetlands had 9 Pintail, a Little-ringed Plover, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 2 Little Stint, 300 Redshank, 6 Greenshank and 60 Mediterranean Gull.

Overnight an L-album Wainscott was trapped in Easington. Only maybe the 2nd for Spurn and Yorkshire.

Ringing: 3 Blackcap, 1 Robin, 1 Linnet.

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Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Watches: 0630-1115. 

The Little Bunting and Barred Warbler were both still elusive in the Listening dish hedge among declining numbers of migrants which included a Jack Snipe, 7 Wheatear, 3 Redstart, 4 Stonechat, a Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, a 'frosty' Treecreeper at the Point, 3 Song Thrush, 3 Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Lapland Bunting.

The vismiggers had a good day (but another poor one for Hirundines) with a Red Kite, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Common Buzzard, 2 Swift, 5 Jackdaw, 8 Skylark, a Sand Martin, 43 Swallow, 9 Tree Sparrow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 9 Grey Wagtail, 7 Alba Wagtail, 2132 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 2 Chaffinch, 71 Linnet, 40 Redpoll, 43 Goldfinch, 49 Siskin, 3 Lapland Bunting, a Corn Bunting and 24 Reed Bunting, while over the sea just 8 Brent Geese, 2 Teal and 2 Little Gull.

Kilnsea wetlands among all the usual species had 17 Pintail, 78 Wigeon, 114 Teal, a Little-ringed Plover, 2 Little Stint and a Spotted Redshank.

Ringing: 2 Blackbird, 1 Redstart, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 6 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 36 Meadow Pipit, 1 Goldfinch, 8 Lesser Redpoll, 14 Tree Sparrow, 15 Reed Bunting

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Monday, 21 September 2020

Watches: 0615-1200.

The day got off to a good start with the second BLYTH'S REED WARBLER trapped at Kew in the last few days (the 4th this year after 2 in spring), while the Little Bunting was showing again in the Listening dish hedge, a Hawfinch in Little hedge, 8 Yellow-browed Warbler in the area and 2 Wood Warbler in Kilnsea. A Barred Warbler initially by Westmere farm moved to the Listening dish hedge, while further migrant totals involved 20 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 6 Reed Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 44 Goldcrest, 2 Redwing, 9 Song Thrush, 6 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 19 Stonechat, 5 Wheatear, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Tree Pipit, 3 Brambling, a Mealy Redpoll, 25 Lesser Redpoll and 3 Lapland Bunting.

A Great White Egret paid a brief visit to Beacon ponds then flew off south, while also moving were a Marsh Harrier, 4 Jackdaw, 24 Swallow, 4 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 8 Alba Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 161 Linnet, 10 Redpoll, 12 Siskin and 15 Reed Bunting. 

Kilnsea wetlands held its usual good numbers of birds and well worth a visit if your in the area. Todays offerings were 13 Pintail, 142 Teal, 76 Wigeon, 15 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 19 Black-tailed Godwit,49 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stint, 900 Redshank, 10 Greenshank and 2 Caspian Gull.  

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Sunday, 20 September 2020

Watches: 0600-1300.

Like the previous day there were a few bits of interest, but it was by no means an easy day to be out birding and you had to work for your birds. Maybe the highlight of the day were the 377 Mediterranean Gull on the Humber, a Spurn and Yorkshire record, but this will no doubt be broken again as they continue to increase as a breeder. The best of the Passerine action was a Little Bunting late afternoon in the listening dish hedge, while a young female Hawfinch trapped at Kew gave some close scrutiny in the hand. There were a few extra birds about with at least 6 Yellow-browed Warbler in the area, the Firecrest and Wood Warbler in the Crown area, with 3 Ring Ouzel over, Lapland Buntings still at Beacon ponds and north over the Warren and  2 Jack Snipe. Migrant totals were 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, a Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroat, 21 Goldcrest, 6 Redwing, 19 Song Thrush, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 30 Robin, 10 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 20 Stonechat, 8 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipit, 3 Brambling and 25 Lesser Redpoll.

There was a trickle of overland movement despite unfavourable winds with a Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 285 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, a Dunnock, 10 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 74 Linnet, 6 Redpoll and 4 Reed Bunting. Over the sea 66 Wigeon, 102 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 115 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 7 Fulmar, a Manx Shearwater, 13 Kittiwake, a GreatSkua, 8 Arctic Skua and 14 Auk sp.

Kilnsea wetlands held its usual mix of Waders, Gulls and Ducks, again with some good birds on offer with 2 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Pintail, an Avocet, 1 Little-ringed Plover, a Ruff, 1 Little Stint, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank and a juvenile Caspian Gull among the commoner species.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 3 Blackbird, 2 Redstart, 5 Robin, 3 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Siskin, 1 Greenfinch, 24 Lesser Redpoll,  1 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 19 September 2020

There was a bit of a clearout of birds today, but still some good bits to be had if you were lucky. A new unringed Little Bunting was in Canal hedge, a Jack Snipe on canal scrape, the Barred Warbler at the Warren, the Wood Warbler and Firecrest in the Churchyard, Yellow-browed Warbler at Sammy's, 2 Hawfinch at Driftwood and a Lapland Bunting. Other migant totals were 5 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap,  a Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, 12 Goldcrest, 5 Song Thrush, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 25 Robin, 10 Redstart, 4 Whinchat, 14 Stonechat, 7 Wheatear, 3 Brambling, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin.

In the afternoon the Pectoral Sandpiper re-appeared on Kilnsea wetlands,. along with a Ruff, 2 Little Stint, a Wood Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 10 Greenshank, 13 Pintail, 128 Teal, 

Over the sea there were 1+ Cory's Shearwaters blogging about and eventually back north (probably same as the previous days bird), along with 5 Eider, 142 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 180 Red-throated Diver, 7 Fulmar, 3 Manx Shearwtaer, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 237 Gannet, 20 Kittiwake, 22 Sandwich Tern, 9 Great Skua, 21 Arctic Skua, a Long-tailed Skua and 7 Razorbill.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 4 Robin, 1 Great Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Friday, 18 September 2020

It 's been another good day so far with a BLYTH'S REED WARBLER trapped and ringed in Churchfield, 1+ Ortolan Bunting (Point, Sammys), a Little Bunting trapped in Sykes field, Firecrest in crown carpark, Woodlark over Easington with a Hawfinch nearby, a Wood Warbler in Kilnsea, 4 Lapland Bunting and 2 Mealy Redpoll. The usual Barred Warbler remained at the Warren, while further migrant totals came in the form of 8 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Whitethroat, 11 Goldcrest, 4 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 10 Pied Flycatcher, 10 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 12 Stonechat, 12 Wheatear, 3 Tree Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 3 Brambling and 2 Mealy Redpoll.

The best of the sea saw a Cory's Shearwaters fly north, while also moving were 17 Wigeon, 39 Teal, 18 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 139 Red-throated Diver, 4 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 109 Gannet, 6 Kittiwake, 5 Great Skua, 4 Arctic Skua, 1 Puffin with a Sabines Gull over the Humber.

The Kilnsea wetlands area still recieved some good attention with 2 Little Stint, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, juvenile Caspain Gull and ajuvenile Hobby.

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Thursday, 17 September 2020

Sightings today have been varied and well scattered and included a Corncrake at the Point, 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, (2 Point area, 1 Sykes field, 1 Sammys), a Wryneck at Sammys, the Rose-coloured Starling, possibly 6 Hawfinch, 2 Firecrest, a Wood Warbler and Mealy Redpoll at Chalk bank and the Barred Warbler at the Warren. Migrant totals increased nicely too with a Cuckoo, 21 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaff, 12 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, 8 Redwing, 12 Song Thrush, a Spotted Flycatcher, 17 Pied Flycatcher, 21 Robin, 12 Redstart, 5 Whinchat, 19 Stonechat, 4 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail (inc an Intersting Thunbergi type at Sammys), 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Tree Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit, 6 Brambling, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Lapland Bunting.

Overhead a nice dark juvenile Honey Buzzard through Sammys with 10 Common Buzzard also in the area, while over the sea a Long-tailed Skua, 19 Great Skua, 18 Arctic Skua, a Black-throated Diver, 229 Red-throated Diver, 20 Manx Shearwater, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 18 Fulmar, 562 Gannet, 11 Wigeon,  88 Teal, a Red-breasted Merganser, 188 Common Scoter, a Velvet Scoter, 77 Kittiwake, 17 Sandwich Tern, 45 Auk sp and 3 Puffin.

A Vagrant Emperor dragonfly was at the Point, continuing the recent good run of this highly migratory species.

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Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Watches: 0645-1045, 1300-1830. 

A nice mix of species  during the day with a Glossy Ibis which landed on the Humber, before flying east out to sea and a Cattle Egret which flew west past Sammy's then south over the Humber, were the best of the vismigging today which aslo had 2 Red Kite and a Grey Wagtail.

In the bushes the first and very welcome Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn was the highlight which included a Hawfinch at the Potato fields, the Rosy Starling wandering the area with also the Barred Warbler remaining at the Warren plus 8 Wheatear, 2 Redstart, 2 Stonechat, a Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 4 Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Lesser Redpoll.

Over the sea a nice adult Sabines Gull lingering offshore was the best of the action over a busy sea, with a Brent Geese, 16 Wigeon, 169 Teal, 178 Common Scoter, a Black-throated Diver, 162 Red-throated Diver, 12 Sooty Shearwater, 44 Manx Shearwater, 11 Fulmar, 502 Gannet, a Shag, 131 Oystercatcher, a Purple Sandpiper, 179 Kittiwake, 33 Little Gull, 46 Sandwich Tern, 8 Great Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 29 Arctic Skua, 3 Long-tailed Skua, 92 Auk sp and 11 Puffin. 

Kilnsea wetlands had 5 Pintail, a Little-ringed Plover, a Curlew Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Wood Sandpiper and a 3cy Caspian Gull.

Ringing: 1 Knot, 1 Dunlin, 9 Redshank, 1 Wood Pigeon, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Robin, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Song Thrush.

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Tuesday, 15 September 2020

A change in the weather brought a small arrival to the area with a probable Arctic Warbler very elusive in Kilnsea, our earliest Little Bunting at Sammy's, a Firecrest to the Point and juvenile Rose-coloured Starling wandering the area, the long staying Barred Warbler still at the Warren and a Lapland Bunting was at Beacon ponds. Other migarnts involved were 2 Short-eared Owl, 20 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 4 Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, a Goldcrest, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 19 Pied Flycatcher, 9 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat and 2 Grey Wagtail. 

The sea showed some interest with a Storm Petrel north past the seawatch hut the highlight among a Shelduck, 63 Teal, 67 Common Scoter, 74 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 13 Kittiwake, 6 Little Gull, 37 Sandwich Tern, a Pomarine Skua, 4 Arctic Skua and 2 Puffin.

As usual the Kilnsea wetlands area held a fantastic array of species including 9 Pintail, 22 Little Egret, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Stint, 1 Wood Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 50 Mediterranean Gull and a Little Tern.

Ringing: 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Tit, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting.

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Monday, 14 September 2020

Watches: 0615-0945.

There was some good overland passage which saw another 2763 Meadow Pipit on the move along with a Common Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Jackdaw, 18 Carrion Crow, 4 Skylark, 120 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 20 House Sparrow, 16 Tree Sparrow, 8 Flava Wagtail, 6 Grey Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail, 6 Greenfinch, 173 Linnet, 12 Redpoll, 24 Goldfinch, 97 Siskin, a Lapland Bunting and 2 Yellowhammer. Over the sea were 120 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Pintail, 10 Teal, 18 Common Scoter, 39 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater, 115 Gannet, 2 Kittiwake and 3 Arctic Skua.

The Barred Warbler remained at the Warren along with a good scatter of other migrants including a Hobby, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, a Mistle Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 14 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail and a Lapland Bunting still frequenting Beacon ponds.

Kilnsea wetlands was again alive with birds the best being 14 Pintail, 13 Shoveler, a Great Crested Grebe, 14 Little Egret, 16 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Stint, a Wood Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank and 5 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Barn Owl, 8 Dunnock, 3 Robin, 1 Wren, 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Blackcap, 4 Great Tit, 27 Tree Sparrow, 1 House Sparrow, 6 Reed Bunting, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Lesser Redpoll. (69 of 13 sp)

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Sunday, 13 September 2020

Watches: 0615-1130. 

The Barred Warbler remained at the Warren, retaining its top billing Passerine wise, but with little competition from the 5 Wheatear, a Stonechat, 3 Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and 6 Yellow Wagtail.

There was no sign of the Pec Sand today or any Curlew Sandpipers, but there was still a nice array of species on offer with 8 Pintail, 8 Shoveler, 54 Teal, 60 Wigeon, a Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little-ringed Plover, a Little Stint, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and the 4cy Caspian Gull.

The vismiggers had their first quieter morning for a while but still had 2 Osprey, one of which carried a satellite tag, a Snipe in/off, 84 Swallow, 272 Meadow Pipit, 2 House Sparrow, a Redpoll, 93 Siskin, 98 Linnet, 6 Goldfinch and 2 Crossbill. Over the sea just 31 Common Scoter, 19 Red-throated Diver, 106 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, a Shag and 1 Whimbrel.

Ringing: 1 Song Thrush, 1 Robin, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 12 September 2020

Watches: 0630-1130. 

The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper remained on Kilnsea wetlands along with a juvenile Spoonbill. Also present were 8 Pintail, an Avocet, 1 Little-ringed Plover, a Little Stint, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 435 Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 5 Greenshank and 138 Mediterranean Gull. 

The vismiggers had another steady morning with 2 Swift, 5 Carrion Crow, 15 Rook, 3 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin, 59 Swallow, 26 House Martin, 5 Starling, 1549 Meadow Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 13 Flava Wagtail, 8 Alba Wagtail, 37 Tree Sparrow, 2 Chaffinch, 22 Siskin, 10 Lesser Redpoll, a Crossbill and 21 Reed Bunting. Over the sea were a Brent Geese, 3 Shelduck, 10 Teal, 23 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver, a Black-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 106 Gannet, 4 Shag, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Whimbrel, 4 Sanderling and 4 Great Skua.

The Barred Warbler remained at the Warren with a few other migrants scattered around the area, 4 Wheatear, 3 Stonechat, a Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, a Pied Flycatcher, 3 Yellow Wagtail and the first Lapland Bunting of the autumn around Beacon Ponds, showing well at times.

Our 2nd record of Willow Emerald was at Kew following so quickly on from the first.

Ringing: 1 Song Thrush, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Wren, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Linnet, 32 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 11 September 2020

Watches: 0625-1103, 1800-1900. 

There was another decent Meadow Pipit count along with the best count for several years of Curlew Sandpiper with Kilnsea wetlands domainating procedures. A sniff of easterly for next week gives hope for a few arrivlas and maybe the first Yellow-browed Warbler? The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper remained on Kilnsea wetlands along with a juvenile Spoonbill along with most of the recent everpresnts, 10 Pintail, 11 Shoveler, 90 Teal, 60 Wigeon, 1 Little-ringed Plover, a Little Stint, 16 Curlew Sandpiper, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Snipe, 5 Greenshank, 4cy Caspian Gull and 109 Mediterranean Gull, with a nice count of 1282 Shelduck on the Humber

The vismiggers had another steady morning with 3 Swift, 5 Carrion Crow, 10 Sand Martin, 122 Swallow, 407 House Martin, 5 Starling, 7627 Meadow Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, 93 Siskin, 26 Linnet, 24 Goldfinch and 3 Reed Bunting. Over the sea were a Pink-footed Geese, 13 Shelduck, 5 Pintail, 108 Teal, 67 Common Scoter, 30 Red-throated Diver, 161 Gannet, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Arctic Skua and a Puffin.

The first Jack Snipe of the autumn was at Easington sewage works, and the Barred Warbler still at the Warren, but overall little else with just 4 Wheatear, a Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher and 5 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing: 1 Goldcrest, 7 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 10 September 2020

Watches: 06130-1030. 

The bird of the day was a flighty Ortolan Bunting in Clubleys, which possibly flew off south. Nearby the Barred Warbler remained with a small selection of migrants still present which included 3 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher, 400 Meadow Pipit and 3 Yellow Wagtail.

The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper remained on Kilnsea wetlands along with 11 Little Grebe, 8 Little Egret, a Spoonbill, 8 Pintail, a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Little Stint, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 250 Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank, 61 Mediterranean Gull and a new juvenile Caspian Gull. Elsewhere 5000 Golden Plover and 720 Sanderling were on the Humber.

The vismiggers had a chance to recharge their batteries with a quiter more relaxed morning, 2 Rook, 6 Jackdaw, 20 Swallow, 14 House Martin, 560 Meadow Pipit, 5 Alba Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Flava Wagtail, 16 Redpoll, 19 Siskin, 19 Goldfinch and 5 Reed Bunting. Over the sea were it was another quiet one, 12 Pink-footed Geese, 6 Wigeon, 43 Teal, a Red-breasted Merganser, 25 Common Scoter, 30 Red-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, 111 Gannet, 11 Cormorant, 7 Oystercatcher, 14 Ringed Plover, a Puffin and 1 Arctic Skua.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Magpie, 1 Wren, 5 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 54 Meadow Pipit, 2 Great Tit, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Linnet, 11 Tree Sparrow, 6 Reed Bunting.

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Wednesday, 09 September 2020

Watches: 0630-1015, 1745-1900. 

A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands continued the good run and was either the 4th or 5th this autumn. Also present were 10 Pintail, 66 Wigeon, 3 Little Stint, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 360 Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank, 2 Caspian Gull and 100 Mediterranean Gull. 

It was another good morning of overland movement with 6 Little Egret, Swift, 42 Carrion Crow, 2 Jackdaw, 2 Stock Dove, 34 Sand Martin, 354 Swallow, another 2189 Meadow Pipit (with 24,695 south since the 30th August), a Tree Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 13 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 120 Tree Sparrow, 13 Goldfinch, 16 Siskin, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Reed Bunting. The sea had the usual species, 10 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 8 Common Scoter, 25 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 56 Gannet, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank and 8 Great Skua.

The Barred Warbler remained at the Warren, while there was seemingly a small arrival of common migrants, 23 Wheatear, 6 Whinchat, 6 Whitethroat, 12 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 7 Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Yellow Wagtail.

The 1st and much anticipated Willow Emerald for the area was in Canal hedge.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 3 Robin, 9 Meadow Pipit, 1 Chaffinch, 63 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 08 September 2020

Watches: 0615-0930, 1745-1945.

The best of todays action was to be had on Kilnsea wetlands where a nice selection of species remain on show including the usual 3 Spoonbill along with a Great Crested Grebe, 11 Pintail, 56 Wigeon, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Little Stint, 5 Curlew Sandpiper, an Avocet, 11 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank and 7 Common Buzzard.. 

The Barred Warbler was still at the Warren and the Redwing in Churchfield along with a scatter of migrants including a Wheatear, 3 Whinchat, a Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest.

There was another decent movement of 2233 Meadow Pipit, though no counts after 0930 were made. The morning also saw 8 Rook, 40 Sand Martin, 171 Swallow, 22 House Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 84 Linnet, 5 Redpoll, 43 Siskin, a Croossbill and a Corn Bunting. The sea contiued its quiet theme with just 5 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 23 Common Scoter, 13 Red-throated Diver, 3 Fulmar, a Shag and an Arctic Skua being the best.

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Monday, 07 September 2020

Watches: 0615-1000, 1730-1930. 

The Nightjar was seen again in Churchfield early morning and what was assumed to be the same Barred Warbler was at the Warren plus a Redwing in Churchfield, a Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 7 Whitethroat, 9 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest and a Spotted Flycatcher.

A much quieter vismig day, mainly due to the poor conditions with just 56 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 401 Meadow Pipit and 2 Grey Wagtail. The sea was slightly better with 48 Pink-footed Geese, a Teal, 7 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 4 Sooty Shearwater, 6 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 8 Oystercatcher, 2 Sanderling, 6 Great Skua and 5 Arctic Skua.

The usual 3 Spoonbill were still on Kilnsea wetlands along with 12 Pintail, 47 Wigeon, a Little-ringed Plover, 2 Little Stint, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 28 Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 250 Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank and a Little Gull. 

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Great Tit, 1 Dunnock, 9 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 06 September 2020

Watches: 0630-1200, 1715-1900.

There were a few autumn highlights for the day with the first Lapland Bunting and 96 Pink-footed Geese flying south and a Nightjar in Sykes field which then flew up Beacon lane.

In addition to the above there was again some decent movement, with an Osprey, 3 Swift, 19 Swallow, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 3675 Meadow Pipit, 2 Tree Pipit, 15 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll.

Kilnsea wetlands held 2 Spoonbill, 13 Little Egret, 8 Little Grebe, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Stint, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 9 Greenshank, a 4cy Caspian Gull and a Little Gull.

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Saturday, 05 September 2020

Watches: 0600-1130, 1730-1830. 

It was another decent morning, though far fewer Hirundines in a relatively poor year so far. Moving were 6 Swift, 19 Sand Martin, 223 Swallow, 28 House Martin, 3 Rook, 5971 Meadow Pipit, 6 Tree Pipit, 23 Flava Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 98 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll, with another 5 Short-eared Owl in/off, but again little over the sea, 15 Teal, 14 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, maybe the same Black-throated Diver again, 60 Gannet, 11 Cormorant, an Oystercatcher, 46 Ringed Plover, 15 Knot, 35 Dunlin, 4 Sanderling, 17 Redshank.

There were 2 Barred Warbler today, singles on Beacon lane and another at the Potato fields, while a small arrival of probably British migrnys included 27 Wheatear, 18 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 21 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher, 6 Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Crossbill.

Kilnsea wetlands remained on top form with 2 Caspian Gull (inc a new ringed bird), the 3 Spoonbill, 11 Pintail, 98 Mallard, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Little Stint, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 450 Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper and 11 Greenshank. 

Ringing: 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Dunnock, 9 Meadow Pipit, 21 Tree Sparrow.

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Friday, 04 September 2020

Watches: 0530-1130, 1730-1830. 

It was a very good morning for overland vismigging 2 Osprey, 21 Swift, 40 Sand Martin, 1403 Swallow, 611 House Martin, 16 Rook, 5381 Meadow Pipit, 13 Tree Pipit, 9 Grey Wagtail, 9 Alba Wagtail, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 31 Linnet, 110 Siskin, 6 Reed Bunting and a Corn Bunting, but very quiet over the sea with just 6 Gadwall, 14 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Knot, 3 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone, a Puffin and 1 Razorbill.

A Barred Warbler at the Warren briefly, moved south quickly through the bushes and not seen again, the 26 Wheatear were the exception to the decreases in migrant numbers with just 3 Whitethroat, 12 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, a Pied Flycatcher and 3 Lesser Redpoll.

Kilnsea wetlands as usual never seems to disappoint with a juvenile Caspian Gull, the 3 Spoonbill, 13 Pintail, 40 Wigeon, 89 Teal, a Great White Egret, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, a Ruff, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 13 Greenshank, 2 Little Tern and 2 Short-eared Owl with the Purple Sandpiper still by the Gas terminal. 

Ringing: 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipit, 19 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 03 September 2020

Watches: 0630-0900, 1045-1900. 

A complete change to the previous day with less on the move, 3 Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Buzzard, 7 Swift, 29 Sand Martin, 448 Swallow, 122 House Martin, 16 Meadow Pipit, 8 Chaffinch and 3 Siskin, while a Short-eared Owl arrived in/off, while the sea had a great movement of Wildfowl with, 6 Shelduck, a Shoveler, 216 Wigeon, 477 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 21 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Whimbrel, 82 Knot, 9 Sanderling and 16 Dunlin.

The showy Wryneck remained around Canal scrape, but few other migrants were seen with just 5 Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Pied Flycatcher, a Redstart and 3 Wheatear.

Sightings from Kilnsea wetlands showed a significant increase in Wildfowl numbers, which had been reflected over the sea. Ttals were  2 Caspian Gull, the 3 Spoonbill, 10 Pintail, 50 Wigeon, 2 Garganey, 414 Teal, an Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Little Stint, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 764 Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper and 5 Greenshank, with a Purple Sandpiper by the Gas Terminal.. 

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Dunnock, 3 Tree Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 02 September 2020

Watches: 0630-0930, 1730-1945. 

It was another good morning for the vismiggers, with a late flurry of Swift and an increase in Hirundine numbers as you would expect at this time of year. There were also increases in Wildfowl numbers over the sea and on Kilnsea wetlands. First up though there were still 2 Wryneck (Sammy’s, Canal scrape) and a Barred Warbler (Warren) present along with 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, 11 Willow Warbler, 5 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart, 11 Whinchat, a Stonechat, 3 Wheatear and a Crossbill.

While not a big diversity of species, there was a decent movement with 178 Swift, 46 Sand Martin, 1782 Swallow, 43 House Martin, 9 Rook, 28 Flava Wagtail, 5 Alba Wagtail, 502 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 26 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting.

Some good movement over the sea with 4 Shoveler, 32 Wigeon, 351 Teal, a Tufted Duck, the Black-throated Diver again, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Cormorant, 21 Gannet, 3 Oystercatcher, a Grey Plover, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Black-tailed godwit, 5 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 4 Knot, a Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, a Great Skua and a Pomarine Skua.

Sightings from Kilnsea wetlands area produced the 3 Spoonbill, 10 Pintail, 47 Wigeon, 107 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Little Stint, a Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 732 Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Common Sandpiper, 11 Greenshank and the 4cy Caspian Gull.  

Ringing: 9 Meadow Pipit, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Redstart, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 5 Linnet.

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Tuesday, 01 September 2020

Watches: 0550-1315, 1745-1930. 

Good numbers of migrants remain on show, with all the species you generally associate with early September and we hopefully will not have long to wait for further arrivals. There was a great count for us of 3 Kingfisher plus 3 Short-eared Owl, 2 Wryneck (Point, Canal scrape), 2 Barred Warbler (Warren, Easington), 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 28 Whitethroat, 5 Garden Warbler, 22 Willow Warbler, 9 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 18 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear and 2 Siskin.

The first decent day of the autumn for Hirundine passage along with more Meadow Pipits, made it a good start to the month for the vismiggers, 21 Sand Martin, 750 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 28 Flava Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 1388 Meadow Pipit, a Siskin and 3 Reed Bunting.

With the wind in the south east there was little on the move, but for some decentish Duck totals, 36 Wigeon, 34 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 65 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 11 Cormorant, a Sooty Shearwater, 29 Gannet, 11 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, a Whimbrel, a Sanderling, 37 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 4 Kittiwake and an Arctic Skua.

The resident 3 Spoonbill were on Kilnsea wetlands and the Bittern again showed on and off, even flying as far south as Chalk bank! While further sightings included a Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Little Stint, a Ruff, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and 4 Greenshank. 872 Shelduck were on the Humber.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 35 Meadow Pipit, 1 Barred Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 3 Great Tit, 3 Dunnock, 1 Linnet, 1 Greenfinch, 1 House Sparrow, 7 Tree Sparrow.

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Monday, 31 August 2020

Watches: 0620-1400, 1730-2000. 

It was a good day for overland movemnet with the big first push of Meadow Pipit and despite a bit of a clearout of migrants, it was still good day, though seemingly some new ones arrived. Totals today included a Long-eared Owl, 2 Short-eared Owl, 2 Wryneck including the very showy bird at Canal scrape, a Barred Warbler in Easington, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 39 Whitethroat, 5 Garden Warbler, 33 Willow Warbler, 14 Pied Flycatcher, a Treecreeper, 2 Redstart, 12 Whinchat, 8 Wheatear, a Stonechat and 2 Siskin.

Moving were the ‘Knepp’ White Stork which eventually flew south over the Humber towards Lincolnshire, a Grey Phalarope over the Humber, 3 Marsh Harrier, a Buzzard, 1 Little-ringed Plover, a Ruff, 90 Starling, 7 Flava Wagtail, 19 Grey Wagtail, 2380 Meadow Pipit, 8 Tree Pipit, 126 Linnet, 19 Siskin, 2 Reed Bunting and 90 Tree Sparrow, while it was predictably quiet over the sea with 6 Wigeon, 7 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 19 Common Scoter, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Red-throated Diver, a very close in Black-throated Diver, 85 Gannet, 143 Oystercatcher, a Little Gull, 8 Kittiwake, 2 Great Skua and a Pomarine Skua.

There are still 3 Spoonbill on Kilnsea wetlands and the Bittern seen again at the south end of Beacon ponds plus 3 Ruff, 283 Curlew, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper and 5 Greenshank.

Ringing: 1 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Whinchat, 32 Meadow Pipit, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warbler, 1 Great Tit, 1 Dunnock, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 1 Greenfinch, 4 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 30 August 2020

A bit of a calmer day and migrants began to appear from the cover of bushes and sit out in the largely sunny day. There were 2 Red-backed Shrike (inc an adult male) in the Triangle and 3+ Wryneck with a Barred Warbler at the Warren, a Long-eared Owl in Easington and an Icterine Warbler trapped at Kew, which showed later behind the Crown and Anchor (apparently with some confusion for some with a Willow Warbler in the same spot too!). Migrants were well represented with 39 Willow Warbler, 25 Whitethroat, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Sedge Warbler, 8 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 12 Pied Flycatcher, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Redstart, 7 Whinchat, a Stonechat and 2 Tree Pipit.

Over the sea a Leach's Petrel was distant in the evening, a Black-throated Diver flew north and 3 Pale-bellied Brent, likewise, while also moving were 13 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 3 Eider, 150 Common Scoter, 9 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 28 Sooty Shearwater, 13 Manx Shearwater, 10 Fulmar, 172 Gannet, 120 Oystercatcher, 3 Sanderling, a Purple Sandpiper, 6 Snipe in, 58 Little Gull, 24 Kittiwake, a Razorbill, 1 Puffin, 18 Auk sp, 4 Guillemot, 7 Arctic Skua, 3 Long-tailed Skua (including a nice bird out over the Triangle), 2 Great Skua and 5 Skua sp. 

The first push of around 559 Meadow Pipit today along with 2 Marsh Harrier, a Sparrowhawk and Kedstrel both in/off, 3 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 37 Linnet, 43 Siskin and a Redpoll.

Kilnsea wetlands had 3 Spoonbill, with 2 Wood Sandpiper and a Spotted Redshank wandering between here and Canal scrape and 2 Caspian Gulls, a Green Sandpiper, 5 Greenshank, 1 Ruff and 69 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 1 Wryneck, 3 Willow Warbler, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Icterine Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 1 Great Tit, 8 Meadow Pipit.

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Saturday, 29 August 2020

Watches: 0530-1845. 

It was a rather strange all day seawatching session with a F7 N wind battering the coast with frequent lengthy rain squalls, and while some good birds were to be seen there were distinct lack of Auks , Gannets and Kittiwakes, so there were long periods with little happening. Saying that the first Great Shearwater since May 2013 flew north at 11am, landing on the sea several times, being lost when a sudden heavy squall made visibility impossible for an hour. Probably the same bird flew north at Flamborough at 5pm. There was also a record count of 37 Long-tailed Skua (all southbound) plus 43 Arctic Skua and 27 Great Skua (with 26 Skua sp which were probably Arctics), 14 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 14 Wigeon, 97 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 13 Common Scoter, 94 Fulmar, 3 Red-throated Diver, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 4 Manx Shearwater, 24 Gannet, an Osprey south overhead, 40 Oystercatcher, 17 Golden Plover in, a Purple Sandpiper, 2 Knot in, a Whimbrel in, 3 Snipe in, 140 Little Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 2 Black Tern and 4 Roseate Tern.

For those who wandered out in the terrible conditions there was some reward with 3 Wryneck found (Point, Warren, Sunnycliffe), the Icterine Warbler in canal hedge and the juvenile Red-backed Shrike still in the triangle, 7 Willow Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, a Tree Pipit, 2 Whinchat, a Stonechat and 2 Siskin.

There are now 3 Spoonbill on Kilnsea wetlands (with an adult joining the 2 immatures), 16 Wigeon, 60 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 7 Ruff, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Greenshank and 35 Mediterranean Gull.

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Friday, 28 August 2020

Watches: 0600-1200, 1400-1700, 1730-1915. 

The sea was productive again with good numbers of Skua and Wildfowl. The best of today being another 2 Long-tailed Skua, and 6 Pomarine Skua, with also 42 Arctic Skua, 15 Great Skua, 2 Brent Geese, 3 Shoveler, a Gadwall, 146 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 86 Common Scoter, 58 Fulmar, 3 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 111 Gannet, 37 Oystercatcher, 2 Common Sandpiper, 28 Little Gull and 6 Kittiwake.

A Pectoral Sandpiper at the breach was assumed to be the absent Kilnsea wetlands bird? Where the 2 Spoonbill remained along with, 11 Wigeon, 114 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 8 Ruff, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 100 Redshank, 2 Wood Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank and 90+ Mediterranean Gull.

Migrants present were an Icterine Warbler in Little hedge, the Red-backed Shrike again in the triangle, 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Willow Warbler and 3 Pied Flycatcher.

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Pied Flycatcher

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Thursday, 27 August 2020

Watches: 0615-0830, 1700-1900.  

Yet again the sea was becalmed after a good day with little much of anything seen, the best being 2 Pomarine Skua, 3 Arctic Skua, 23 Teal, 2 Common Scoter, 9 Fulmar, 61 Gannet, a Shag, 52 Oystercatcher, 4 Knot, 4 Redshank and 4 Kittiwake.

The Bittern was seen again in the Long bank/ Sammies area, while nearby on Kilnsea wetlands there were still 2 Spoonbill with 3 Caspian Gull (juvenile, 2cy and 4cy birds), 3 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 260 Redshank, 5 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper and 90+ Mediterranean Gull.

Migrants present were a juvenile Red-backed Shrike still along the Canal, 6 Willow Warbler, 2 Whinchat and a Stonechat.

Ringing: 2 Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Robin, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Linnet.

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Wednesday, 26 August 2020

Watches: 0630-1500, 1700-2000.

It was a great day for the seawatchers, though surprisingly few Gannet and Kittiwake were involved, but a record 23 Long-tailed Skua were counted along with 55 Great Skua, 8 Pomarine Skua, 56 Arctic Skua, 10 Skua, 33 Teal, 4 Pintail, 17 Common Scoter, 74 Fulmar, 60 Manx shearwater, 191 Gannet, 86 Oystercatcher, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 6 Curlew, 5 Knot, 3 Dunlin, 9 Sanderling, a Redshank, 3 Turnstone, 1 Little Gull and 24 Kittiwake. The evening Tern roost was decent with 12 Sandwich Tern, 8790 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 3 Black Tern.

On Kilnsea wetlands the usual 2 Spoonbill and 4cy Caspian Gull were still present along with 5 Wigeon, 88 Teal, 4 Ruff, 5 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 4 Green Sandpiper (triangle), 2 Little Gull and 96 Mediterranean Gull.

Migrants still present included a Cuckoo, 1 Red-backed Shrike, 5 Willow Warbler, a Redstart, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat and a Tree Pipit. Fingers crossed for some more over the weekend. Also today a Short-eared Owl in off and 11 Swift south.

Ringing: 2 Stock Dove pulli, 1 Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Wren.

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Tuesday, 25 August 2020

Watches: 0620-0915, 1230-1445, 1745-2030.

While not exactly riveting over the sea, a surprise movement of Skuas blown into the Humber, by the strong SSE wind and rain, resulted in birds exiting over the triangle and Easington back towards the sea. It could be interesting tomorrow. The totals today saw 19 Long-tailed Skua, 8 Great Skua and 7 Arctic Skua head out, while also moving 13 Teal, 4 Pintail, 20 Common Scoter, 39 Fulmar, 13 Gannet, 8 Oystercatcher, 6 Grey Plover, 13 Knot, a Purple Sandpiper, 4 Dunlin, 5 Redshank, 5 Turnstone, 3 Little Gull and 3 Kittiwake. The evening Tern roost was surprisingly quite good with 149 Sandwich Tern, 6798 Common Tern, 51 Arctic Tern, a Black Tern, 1 Roseate Tern and 2 Little Tern.

The Kilnsea wetlands hide also offered some respite from the weather, with some stunning views of the Waders and an increase in Wildfowl numbers. The usual 2 Spoonbill were still present along with 5 Wigeon, 385 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 8 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper and 33 Mediterranean Gull.

Overland 14 Swift had no choice but to brave the conditions, while 5 Willow Warbler and 8 Yellow Wagtail were recorded by those brave enough to venture out.

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Monday, 24 August 2020

Watches: 0615-0930, 1745-2000.

Normally the sight of a White Stork would be the highlight of the day, but while always impressive to see, the fact it originated from an introduction programme, maybe took the gloss off a little?

Yesterdays big arrival became todays big clear out with just 1 Red-backed Shrike in the Triangle, 14 Willow Warbler, a Garden Warbler, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart, 5 Whinchat and 3 Wheatear.

Kilnsea wetlands held one of the Caspian Gulls (4cy bird) and the usual 2 Spoonbill along with 2 Wigeon, 1 Great Crested Grebe, a Little-ringed Plover, 4 Avocet, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, a Little Stint, 6 Curlew Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 4 Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank and 15 Mediterranean Gull. Canal scrape held a Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper and 17 Green Sandpiper, while at the breach a Purple Sandpiper was present.

The sea had 11 Teal, a Common Scoter, 4 Fulmar, a Red-throated Diver, 134 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwater, 41 Oystercatcher, 10 Grey Plover, 7 Knot, 2 Dunlin, a Redshank, 28 Kittiwake, 9 Great Skua, 14 Arctic Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, a Little Gull and 18 Kittiwake with the evening Tern roost movement picked up a little more with 56 Sandwich Tern, 4092 Common Tern, 14 Arctic Tern and 3 Black Tern. Overland movement saw 3 Grey Heron, 25 Swift, 25 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin, 43 Swallow, a Tree Pipit, 39 Flava Wagtail and a Siskin head south.

Ringing: 2 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Robin.

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Sunday, 23 August 2020

Watches: 0545-0830, 1750-2030.

There was a fantastic ‘arrival’ of presumed British born migrants making their way south, stopping off to fuel up, but of course some continental migrants could be involved. There were 3 Red-backed Shrike in the Triangle, 12 Short-eared Owl (7 in/off), a Cuckoo, 192 Willow Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 60 Whitethroat, 11 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Pied Flycatcher, a male Black Redstart, 10 Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 37 Whinchat, 22 Wheatear, 10 Yellow wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll.

Kilnsea wetlands seemed to be overflowing with birds especially at high tide attracting the attentions of the local Peregrine and Merlin, but the awesome spectacle keeps on giving with the Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Caspian Gull and the 2 Spoonbill still performing plus 2 Wigeon, 53 Teal, a Pintail, 1 Great Crested Grebe, a Little-ringed Plover, 4 Avocet, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Stint, 7 Curlew Sandpiper, 8 Ruff, 4 Snipe, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank, 17 Mediterranean Gull and 822 Black-headed Gull.

The sea had 2 Teal, 2 Pintail, a Fulmar, 45 Gannet, 14 Cormorant, 82 Oystercatcher,7 Grey Plover, 9 Knot, 40 Dunlin and a Great Skua and 18 Kittiwake with the evening Tern roost movement picked up a little more with 112 Sandwich Tern, 7028 Common Tern, 6 Arctic Tern, 2 Black and 1 Little Tern.

Overland vis-migging while steady produced an Osprey, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 56 Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin, 11 Swallow, 2 Tree Pipit, 48 Flava Wagtail.

Ringing: 36 Willow Warbler, 12 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Pied Flycatcher.

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Saturday, 22 August 2020

Watches: 0545-1020, 1800-2000.

It was a nice varied day with most areas covered , but few migrants remained from the arrival last week. Movement over sea and land has intensified, but maybe Kilnsea wetlands still had the edge with 2 Spoonbill and 2 Caspian Gull along with a Pintail, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Little Stint, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Ruff, a Wood Sandpiper and 1 Common Sandpiper among large numbers of commoner species.

Migrant numbers were much reduced with 1+ Red-backed Shrike still in the Triangle, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 Pied Flycatcher, 10 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

The sea had 48 Shelduck, 5 Teal, 3 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater, a Storm Petrel, 138 Gannet, 16 Cormorant, 196 Oystercatcher, 3 Grey Plover, 29 Ringed Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 14 Redshank, 111 Knot, 30 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Snipe, 7 Turnstone, 1 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 2 Long-tailed Skua and 14 Little Gull, while the Tern roost movement had 221 Sandwich Tern, 2068 Common Tern, 16 Arctic Tern, 2 Black and 2 Little Tern.

Overland an Osprey, 2 Hobby, 68 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 42 Swallow, a Tree Pipit, 4 Meadow Pipit, 211 Flava Wagtail, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 Corn Bunting and a Crossbill all headed south

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 1 Pied Flycatcher.

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Friday, 21 August 2020

Watches: 0615-0930, 1745-2030.

A Grey Phalarope flying south down the Humber was maybe the bird of the day being the 3rd record for August with previous records in 2011 and 2012..

Kilnsea wetlands remained the place to go with the Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Caspian Gull, the 2 Spoonbill all still present along with a Pintail, 2 Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plover, a Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper.

The sea had 38 Shelduck, a Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 25 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 95 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 33 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 24 Knot, 16 Sanderling, 46 Dunlin, 5 Arctic Skua, 2 Long-tailed Skua, juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 6 Kittiwake with the evening Tern roost movement had 182 Sandwich Tern, adult Roseate Tern, 4065 Common Tern, 30 Arctic Tern, 5 Black and 2 Little Tern.

Overland vis-migging produced very little with just 52 Swift, 14 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin, 48 Swallow, 4 Flava Wagtail, while the only bits of note migrant wise were 8 Willow Warbler, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear and 15 Yellow wagtail.

Ringing: 1 Greenfinch.

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Thursday, 20 August 2020

Watches: 0615-0845, 1630-2000.

Kilnsea wetlands again came to the fore with another Pectoral Sandpiper briefly before flying south and returning in the evening, a juvenile Caspian Gull, juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, the 2 Spoonbill with a 6 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 116 Teal, a Pintail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, a Little Stint, 2 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 10 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 10 Greenshank and 4 Mediterranean Gull.

There was still an Icterine Warbler at the Point plus 2 Red-backed Shrike and a Barred Warbler in the Triangle, 11 Lesser Whitethroat, 16 Willow Warbler, a Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 9 Pied Flycatcher, 25 Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

The sea had some interesting Wader movements among the usual fare, 2 Shelduck, 49 Teal, 32 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-throated Diver, a Sooty Shearwater, 332 Gannet, 63 Oystercatcher, 73 Grey Plover, 85 Ringed Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 97 Knot, 33 Dunlin and a Turnstone, while the Tern roost movement had 3373 Common Tern, 12 Arctic Tern, 2 Black and 2 Little Tern, while overland just 6 Swift, 12 Sand Martin and 35 Swallow.

Ringing: 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher.

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Wednesday, 19 August 2020

Watches: 0600-0945, 1745-1905.

With the change in the weather and no new arrivals to bolster numbers the number of migrant declined, though some of the good birds remained. A small influx of Duck and Waders onto Kilnsea wetlands took a bit of the focus away from the bushes. The Greenish Warbler remained at the Point, while aslo recorded during the day were 2 Red-backed Shrike, 2 Barred Warbler, 40 Whitethroat, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 52 Willow Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 13 Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Redstart, 10 Whinchat, 7 Wheatear, a Tree Pipit and 25 Yellow Wagtail.

The sea was good again with 54 Teal, 12 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 1 Fulmar, a Manx Shearwater, 209 Gannet, 44 Oystercatcher, 20 Ringed Plover, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel, 60 Knot, 6 Sanderling, 23 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 3 Turnstone, a Long-tailed Skua and 3 Arctic Skua , while the Tern roost movement among the usuals had 4 Black Tern and 8 Little Tern. Overland 17 Meadow Pipit, 43 Flava Wagtail, a Swift, 16 Sand Martin, 181 Swallow and 2 Crossbill.

The 2 Spoonbill remained on Kilnsea wetlands with a 6 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 50 Teal, a Pintail, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, a Little Stint, 4 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper and 4 Greenshank.

Ringing: 5 Meadow Pipit, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 1 House Martin, 12 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 7 Reed Warbler, 3 Robin, 1 Linnet, 1 House Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 18 August 2020

Watches: 0535-0730, 1500-2030.

There were further declines in migrant numbers, but there were still plenty about to keep the interest going with the Greenish Warbler at the Point, 2 Red-backed Shrike in Sykes field, 1 Icterine Warbler in the Churchyard, a Barred Warbler in Sykes field, a Cuckoo, 25 Whitethroat, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 56 Willow Warbler, 4 Garden Warbler, 22 Pied Flycatcher, 15 Whinchat, 10 Wheatear and 25 Yellow Wagtail.

The sea produced another Long-tailed Skua, a Shoveler, 18 Teal, 7 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 2 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, a Shag, 2 Red-throated Diver, 122 Gannet, 173 Oystercatcher, 34 Grey Plover, 21 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 12 Curlew, 68 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 4 Redshank, 5 Turnstone, 5 Kittiwake, 3 Arctic Skua and 1 Great Skua, while the Tern roost movement had 220 Sandwich, 1921 Common, 23 Arctic, 4 Black and a Roseate Tern. Overland a Ruff, 1 Marsh Harrier, 17 Meadow Pipit, 43 Flava Wagtail, 5 Sand Martin and 65 Swallow.

The 2 Spoonbill were still on Kilnsea wetlands with a Pintail, 40 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, an Avocet, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe, a Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper.

Ringing:  4 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 2 Meadow Pipit, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Swallow, 1 Red-backed Shrike, 15 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Monday, 17 August 2020

Watches: 0610-0900, 1700-2015.

It was another great day looking for migrants in the area and while some decreased in number the calmer weather brought more into the open. The 2 Greenish Warbler were still present again, plus 4 Red-backed Shrike, 4 Icterine Warbler, 4 Barred Warbler (3 together by Rose cottage at one point), a Cuckoo by the lighthouse, 73 Whitethroat, 17 Lesser Whitethroat, 31 Willow Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 2 Redstart, 59 Pied Flycatcher, 25 Whinchat, a Stonechat, 11 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipit and 3 Crossbill. A Curlew Sandpiper was at the Point.

The sea was good again with 2 Pomarine Skua, 3 Gadwall, 97 Teal, 44 Common Scoter, a Goosander, 6 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Red-throated Diver, 284 Gannet, 48 Oystercatcher, a Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, 9 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 12 Kittiwake, a Little Gull, 9 Arctic Skua and 4 Great Skua, while the Tern roost movement had 1506 Common, 8 Arctic, 4 Black and a Roseate Tern. Overland a Great White Egret, 2 Ruff, 4 Green Sandpiper, a Hobby, 1 Marsh Harrier, 27 Flava Wagtail and 3 Swift went south.

The 2 Spoonbill remained on Kilnsea wetlands with 3 Common Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank.

Ringing:  3 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 14 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Red-backed Shrike, 2 Whinchat, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Sunday, 16 August 2020

Anohter brilliant day over with more arrivals of migarnts and a decent mornings action over the sea. The highlights were 2 Greenish Warbler elusive at Chalk bank and the Point, the species of the day with 142 Pied Flycatcher, 5 Icterine Warbler (1 Warren, between Chalk bank and the Point), 4+ Red-backed Shrike and the Barred Warbler plus 1 Hobby, a Cuckoo, 19 Reed Warbler, 32 Willow Warbler,  5 Garden Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit, 5 Redstart, 14 Wheatear, 31 Whinchat, a Stonechat and 25 Yellow Wagtail. 

The sea had 86 Teal, a Pochard, 185 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 7 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwater, a Balearic Shearwater, 269 Gannet, 32 Oystercatcher, a Knot, 2 Sanderling, 60 Golden Plover, 22 Redshank, 5 Turnstone, 4 Greenshank, 126 Kittiwake, 2 Little Gull, 4 Great Skua, a Pomarine Skua, 13 Arctic Skua, 5 Long-tailed Skua and a Black Tern.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held the 2 Spoonbill, 5 Little Grebe, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Snipe, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Ruff, 4 Greenshank, 6 Mediterranean Gull and 2 Short-eared Owl.

Ringing: 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 20 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Wood Pigeon, 2 Wren, 2 Linnet, 3 House Sparrow. 

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Saturday, 15 August 2020

The sea received some long periods of attention with some strange movements for the time of year. The 14 juvenile Long-tailed Skua logged during the day were very early in the autumn for this age but, were a nice distraction anyway with 2 Pomarine Skua and a Sabines Gull adding to the excitement Also seen were 18 Teal, 42 Common Scoter, 15 Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver, 534 Gannet, 91 Oystercatcher, 3 Knot, 3 Sanderling, a Green Sandpiper, 448 Kittiwake, 9 Little Gull, 5 Black Tern, 34 Arctic Skua and 6 Great Skua.

There were 4 Red-backed Shrike (3 by Rose cottage, 1 gas terminal), 2 Icterine Warbler (a new unringed bird at the Warren), a Hobby chasing hirundines, juvenile Cuckoo by the lighthouse, 9 Willow Warbler, 6 Garden Warbler, 2 Redstart, 12 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Whinchat, a Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipit and a Crossbill.

There were 2 Spoonbill on Kilnsea wetlands with a Wigeon, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper and 37 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing:  2 Willow Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Tree Sparrow, 1 Linnet, 1 Greenfinch.

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Friday, 14 August 2020

Watches: 0630-0900, 1230-1950.

The 3 Red-backed Shrike and Hawfinch remained showing well, but other migrant numbers were well down on previous days with just 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Redstart, 9 Pied Flycatcher, a Whinchat, 1 Tree Pipit, 25 Yellow Wagtail and a Siskin.

The sea started to show some life, having some movement of Skuas with a Bonxie and 44 Arctic Skuas plus a Sabines Gull, 22 Common Scoter, 9 Fulmar, 7 Manx Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 185 Gannet, 100 Oystercatcher, a Knot, a 1 Snipe,   Kittiwake and 10 Little Gullwith the evening Tern roost having just 4 Black Tern, 652 Common Tern, 5 Arctic and 280 Sandwich Tern.

There were 2 Spoonbill on Kilnsea wetlands with 9 Wigeon, 7 Teal, a Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper,.

Ringing:  1 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Redstart.

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Thursday, 13 August 2020

The first Barred Warbler of the autumn was in the hedge between Sykes field and Rose cottage, where 3 Red-backed Shrike posed together. A nice Hawfinch showed well on Beacon lane, but there was only 1 Icterine Warbler seen today lingering at the Warren, while a Wood Warbler was at Sammies. Other migrant totals included 21 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Redstart, 12 Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear and 6 Whinchat.

There was still 1 Spoonbill about on Kilnsea wetlands with 9 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 8 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Snipe, 3 Greenshank and 2 Black Tern.

Ringing:  1 Stock Dove, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Dunlin.

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Wednesday, 12 August 2020

Migration watches: 0630-0915, 1800-1930.

The brilliant period of birding continues with a nice bright ROLLER along Easington straight, giving good if slightly distant views, flying off north-west after a few hours and not relocated. (This is our 4th record, all in the last 13 years, with previous records in July 2007, September 2010 and the famous bird in May 2012 which relocated further up the coast showing well to a stream of birders). The Collared Flycatcher was present early morning, though generally elusive. There were also some great totals of migrants to get stuck into with 6 Icterine Warbler, 2 Wood Warbler and 3 Red-backed Shrike, plus 28 Willow Warbler, 8 Garden Warbler, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 73 Whitethroat, 2 Redstart, 33 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Wheatear, 25 Whinchat, a Stonechat and 12 Yellow Wagtail.

The Pectoral Sandpiper spent the day on Kilnsea wetlands with 2 Little Stint, 5 Common Sandpiper, 5 Green Sandpiper and 5 Greenshank.

An Osprey was the best of birds on the move along with 9 Teal, 71 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 159 Gannet, a Great Crested Grebe, 63 Oystercatcher, 9 Whimbrel and 2 Arctic Skua.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Pied Flycathcer, 4 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 2 Linnet.

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Tuesday, 11 August 2020

Highlight's from the area to day included the Collared Flycatcher still present, the first Wryneck of the year near the riding school, 3 Icterine Warbler, 6 Red-backed Shrike, a Wood Warbler along with 95 Pied Flycatcher, 13 Willow Warbler, 72 Whitethroat, 9 Garden Warbler, 5 Redstart, 4 Wheatear, a Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, a Tree Pipit and 12 Yellow Wagtail.

The Pectoral Sandpiper and 2 Spoonbill were still present on Kilnsea wetlands and a Roseate Tern flew south in the evening.

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Monday, 10 August 2020

It was one of those crazy days at Spurn which had a bit of everything thrown in! The easterly wind most definitely had its effect bringing common migrants, rarities and scarcities to the area, among the semi resident good birds and general good feeling at Spurn. The big highlight was a young female COLLARED FLYCATCHER extracted from a net at the Warren, where it showed on and off through the day. (check out the news page on the home scren). A nice moulting adult WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN at Beacon ponds continues the relative good recent run for this species, while a Greenish Warbler by the VTS tower at the Point was the 6th this year! It didn’t end there, with 2 juvenile Red-backed Shrike in the triangle, at least 5 Icterine Warbler in the area and a Wood Warbler trapped at Kew. There were fantastic numbers of migrants about with a Hobby, 22 Willow Warbler, 11 Reed Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 70 Whitethroat, 42 Pied Flycatcher, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, a Stonechat, 10 Whinchat, a Redwing, 2 Tree Pipit and a Crossbill. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area continued its fantastic birding with the Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Little Stint, 1 Great White Egret, a Bittern and 2 Spoonbill still all showing plus a Roseate Tern, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Common Sandpiper, 6 Green Sandpiper, 8 Greenshank and a Snipe. 

 Lastly 2 Cory's Shearwater flew north over the sea, but overall again had little coverage with migrants dominating, though moving also were 18 Teal, 14 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 8 Fulmar, 3 Manx Shearwater, 565 Gannet, 99 Oystercatcher, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, 16 Sanderling, 4 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Arctic skua, a Pomarine Skua and 11 Kittiwake.

Ringing: 1 Collared Flycatcher, 10 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Robin, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Icterine Warbler, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Dunnock, 2 Wren, 2 Linnet,.

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Sunday, 09 August 2020

Migration watches: 0600-1045, 1800-1900.

The smidge of east in the air was enough to bring a small arrival of Passerine interest to the area, with the sea understandably received less coverage. An Icterine Warbler and a Common Rosefinch were the highlights, but some decent totals including, 25 Willow Warbler, 3 Garden Warbler, 9 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Redstart, 3 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Wheatear, 4 Whinchat, a Stonechat and a Crossbill were recorded.

A new Pectoral Sandpiper spent the day on Kilnsea wetlands, after a visit to the Humber inbetween, with 2 Spoonbill new in from the west. The Great White Egret was still pressnt, along with 3 Lapwing, a Little-ringed Plover, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, a Ruff, 4 Snipe, 1200 Dunlin, 2 Little Stint, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper and 5 Mediterranean Gull.

There was a good movement of Waders over the sea, but with birds arriving in the bushes it didn’t receive as much attention as normal 66 Teal, 201 Common Scoter, 526 Gannet, 3 Manx Shearwater, 5 Fulmar, 474 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, a Whimbrel, 37 Knot, 7 Sanderling, 21 Dunlin, a Greenshank, 5 Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper, 5 Snipe, 3 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua and 18 Kittiwake.

Ringing:  1 Wood Pigeon, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Saturday, 08 August 2020

Migration watches: 0615-0845.

The Great White Egret remained faithful to the Kilnsea wetlands area, along with 199 Greylag Geese, 148 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 24 Little Egret, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Green Sandpiper and 10 Mediterranean Gull.

After the first the previous day there were 5 Pied Flycatcher today, with also 16 Willow Warbler, a Redstart, 3 Whinchat and 10 Yellow Wagtail.

Over the sea 23 Teal, an Eider, 175 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 596 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwater, 4 Fulmar, 39 Oystercatcher, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Sanderling, 22 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 3 Arctic Skua and 34 Kittiwake.

Ringing:  1 Willow Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackbird, 1 Robin, 4 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Friday, 07 August 2020

Migration watches: 0600-0930, 1800-2030.

A Spoonbill was new in today on Kilnsea wetlands, while the Great White Egret remained along with 4 Caspian Gull. The area also held 43 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 21 Little Egret, an Avocet, 4 Lapwing, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 5000 Dunlin, a Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 88 Little Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gull and 31 Mediterranean Gull.

The first Pied Flycatcher of the autumn was in Easington, while further grounded migrant counts involved 30 Willow Warbler, 42 Whitethroat, 13 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whinchat and 8 Yellow Wagtail.

Another day of Waders trickling south along with a few Hirundines. Over the sea 9 Teal, 119 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 334 Gannet, 4 Fulmar, 47 Oystercatcher, a Golden Plover, 43 Whimbrel, 11 Knot, 19 Sanderling, 16 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 20 Black-headed Gull, 9 Little Gull and 51 Kittiwake, while overland a Marsh Harrier, 7 Swift, 109 Sand Martin, 78 Swallow, 4 Tree Sparrow, 2 Tree Pipit and 13 Flava Wagtail.

The evening Tern roost had 84 Sandwich Tern, 1487 Common Tern and 196 Arctic Tern

Ringing:  13 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wren.

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Thursday, 06 August 2020

Migration watches: 0600-0900, 1800-2045.

Having had a possible flying south a few days ago, what was maybe the same Cory’s Shearwater flew north past Beacon ponds. while also moving during the day were 14 Teal, 3 Velvet Scoter, 36 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 300 Gannet, a Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 23 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Plover, 6 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 33 Knot, 68 Sanderling, 122 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 3 Turnstone, 129 Black-headed Gull, 1 Arctic Skua and 41 Kittiwake, while overland a Marsh Harrier, 207 Sand Martin and 10 Flava Wagtail. The evening Tern roost had 220 Sandwich Tern, 14 Little Tern, 882 Common Tern and 110 Arctic Tern

The Great White Egret plus 25 Teal, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 5 Greenshank, 6 Snipe, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper, juvenile Caspian Gull,  2700 Black-headed Gull and the first big count of 98 Mediterranean Gull.

With winds of a more easterly nature predicted in the next few days, hopefully some drift migrants will be on offer, but in the meantime there were a few more in the area with 44 Willow Warbler, 20 Whitethroat, 22 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Wheatear, 3 Whinchat and 12 Yellow Wagtail.

Ringing:  28 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 4 Wren, 5 Goldfinch. (62 of 19sp).

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Wednesday, 05 August 2020

Migration watches: 0620-1000, 1715-2000.

There was no sign of any Wood Warbler today, with a decline in migrant numbers overall, 1 Garden Warbler, 11 Willow Warbler, a Whinchat, 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Redpoll were maybe a bit of a disappointing return.

The Great White Egret and at least 2 Caspian Gulls were on Kilnsea wetlands plus 48 Teal, a Garganey, 3 Pochard, a Little-ringed Plover, 4 Avocet, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 3 Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 4 Curlew Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Little Gull and 7 Mediterranean Gull.

The evening Tern roost picked up the pace having 337 Sandwich Tern, 2927 Common Tern and 67 Arctic Tern, while also moving during the day were 5 Teal, 23 Common Scoter, 5 Eider, a Red-throated Diver, 300 Gannet, 3 Fulmar, 41 Manx Shearwater, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Grey Plover, 6 Ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 33 Knot, 68 Sanderling, 461 Dunlin, 71 Redshank, 54 Turnstone, 40 Black-headed Gull, a Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua and 293 Kittiwake. Overland just 252 Swift, 3 Sand Martin and 3 Flava Wagtail.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler.

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Tuesday, 04 August 2020

Migration watches: 0555-1000, 1650-2200.

The pace of autumn migration is beginning to quicken and it won’t be long before the first Pied Flycatchers and the like are regular mentions. Today another 2 Wood Warbler were seen, with a single trapped at Kew and one on Vicars lane, while other migrant totals were 31 Willow Warbler, a Wheatear, 3 Whinchat and 2 Tree Pipit. There was a fantastic record count of 4 Caspian Gulls on Kilnsea wetlands plus the Great White Egret, 2 Teal, 3 Pochard, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 38 Black-tailed Godwit, 180 Curlew, a Ruff, 5 Greenshank, 386 Redshank, 4 Snipe, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 70 Sandwich Tern, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Little Gull and 8 Mediterranean Gull.

On the move today for the vis-miggers were 20 Teal, 28 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 340 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwater, 43 Oystercatcher, 34 Grey Plover, 28 Whimbrel, 34 Knot, 11 Sanderling, 79 Dunlin, 30 Redshank, 7 Turnstone, 40 Black-headed Gull, 2 Arctic Skua and 152 Kittiwake, while overland a 1006 Swift, 43 Sand Martin, 17 Swallow and 3 Flava Wagtail. The evening Tern roost proved quieter, but still had 156 Sandwich Tern, 372 Common Tern and 10 Arctic Tern.

Ringing: 1 Cuckoo, 6 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 8 Willow Warbler, 1 Wood Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 House Sparrow. (25 of 11 species).

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Monday, 03 August 2020

Migration watches: 0540-1000, 1900-2130.

A fantastic day all round saw 2 Wood Warbler recorded along with a Garden Warbler, 28 Willow Warbler, a Tree Pipit and a Lesser Redpoll. The Great White Egret and 2 Caspian Gulls (both juveniles) kept up their appearances on Kilnsea wetlands plus a Teal, 3 Pochard, 21 Little Egret, 5 Little Grebe, 11 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Greenshank, 236 Redshank, 2000 Dunlin, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 60 Sandwich Tern and 4 Mediterranean Gull.

The evening Tern roost movement began in earnest and hopefully another good autumn will grace the area. Tonight’s offerings were 34 Sandwich Tern, 715 Common Tern, 152 Arctic Tern, a Black Tern and a Roseate Tern.

Highlight of the sea watch in general were 8 Pomarine Skua heading south 4 Shelduck, 6 Teal, an Eider, 71 Common Scoter, 426 Gannet, 3 Fulmar, 28 Manx Shearwater, 101 Oystercatcher, 15 Whimbrel, a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 82 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 1 Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Arctci Skua, 68 Black-headed Gull and 23 Kittiwake, while overland a Red Kite, 1 Marsh Harrier, 70 Swallow and 30 Starling.

Ringing: 20 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 14 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Wren, 2 Goldfinch, 6 Tree Sparrow. (65 of 11 species).

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Sunday, 02 August 2020

Migration watches: 0610-1030, 1430-1730, 1830-2000.

Overnight there was a clearout of Duck and Waders from Kilnsea wetlands and considerably less moving over the sea, while it picked up overland.

One of the Great White Egret was still pressnt along with 3 Caspian Gulls (all juveniles) and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull plus a Wigeon, 20 Teal, 4 Pochard, 18 Little Egret, 5 Little Grebe, a Little-ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Greenshank, 250 Redshank, 2000 Dunlin, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Snipe, 70 Sandwich Tern and 5 Mediterranean Gull.. Otherwise migrants were represented by a Short-eared Owl, 1 Cuckoo and 26 Willow Warbler.

Movement was much reduced over the sea with just 6 Teal, an Eider, 10 Common Scoter, 98 Gannet, 47 Oystercatcher, 43 Whimbrel, 4 Grey Plover, a Curlew, 1 Knot, 5 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 6 Black-headed Gull and 37 Kittiwake, while overland a Red Kite, 3 Marsh Harrier, 32 Swift, 70 Sand Martin and 273 Swallow.

Ringing: 9 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 19 Willow Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Goldfinch, 5 House Sparrow, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 01 August 2020

Migration watches: 0620-0935, 1745-2145.

The first Red-necked Phalarope for a few years graced Kilnsea wetlands throughtout the day, along with the 2 Great White Egret and 2 Caspian Gulls (both juvenile) plus 2 Wigeon, 142 Teal, 4 Pochard, 8 Little Egret, 6 Little Grebe, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Greenshank, 250 Redshank, 1700 Dunlin, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Snipe, 30 Sandwich Tern and 10 Mediterranean Gull.

A Wood Warbler in Churchfield was the best Passerine migrant, but there were also a Short-eared Owl, 1 Cuckoo, 32 Whitethroat, 14 Willow Warbler, 2 Stonechat and a Redpoll.

Moving were 112 Teal, 2 Velvet Scoter, 832 Common Scoter, 3 Grey Heron, 333 Gannet, 21 Manx Shearwater, 3 Fulmar, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Red Kite, 131 Oystercatcher, 70 Whimbrel, a Golden Plover, 1 Curlew, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 11 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 7 Snipe, a Greenshank, 2 Redshank, 10 Green Sandpiper, 2 Turnstone. 58 Little Gull, 141 Black-headed Gull and 180 Kittiwake.

Ringing: 1 Wood Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Swallow, 1 Wren, 1 Linnet.

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Friday, 31 July 2020

Migration watches: 0620-0935, 1745-2145.

It was aday that saw some good Whimbrel movement, but not much else, but of course Kilnsea wetlands keeps on saving the day. Whatever did we do before it was created?

The 2 Great White Egret were still in the Kilnsea wetlands area, while presumably the same Pectoral Sandpiper reappeared, then feeding on the Humber off Chalky point. There were yet again 3 Caspian Gulls (2 juvenile, 4cy bird) and 2 juvenile Yellow-legged Gull with the Bittern flighty around the area. This area also had 4 Little Grebe, 19 Little Egret, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 389 Redshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Snipe, 165 Sandwich Tern and 7 Mediterranean Gull.

Moving were 15 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, an Eider, 64 Common Scoter, 148 Gannet, 7 Manx Shearwater, 4 Fulmar, 23 Cormorant, 67 Oystercatcher, 110 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Knot, 2 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 5 Green Sandpiper, 9 Turnstone and 4 Kittiwake.

Ringing: 4 Willow Warbler, 9 Whitethroat, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blackbird. 1 Wren, 1 Linnet.

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Wednesday, 29 July 2020

Migration watches: 0615-0930.

There was a nice small arrival of typical departing migrants involving a Cuckoo, 33 Willow Warbler, a Garden Warbler and 2 Tree Pipit. THe next few weeks should see increases, especially when there is a bit of easterly in the wind.

The 2 Great White Egret were still in the Kilnsea wetlands area along with an impressive 3 Caspian Gulls (2 juvenile, 4cy bird) and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. This area also had 2 Wigeon, 6 Little Grebe, an Avocet, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Whimbrel, 1800 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 5 Greenshank, 70 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 9 Mediterranean Gull, a Merlin and a Short-eared Owl.

Moving were 37 Common Scoter, 850 Gannet, 9 Manx Shearwater, 5 Fulmar, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 62 Oystercatcher, a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, a Knot, 5 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 5 Turnstone, 2 Arctic Skua and 32 Kittiwake, while overland just 14 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 6 Flava Wagtail, 12 Alba Wagtail, 5 Crossbill and a Redpoll.

Ringing: 1 Dunlin, 13 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Yellowhammer.

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Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Migration watches: 0610-1015.

Kilnsea wetlands is sseing a nice turnover of species, with big Gulls coming in to bath, giving observers a good chance to catch up with some of the more unusual species. Today saw a Great White Egret (maybe a new bird?) and the immature Spoonbill remain along with sightings of a juvenile Caspian Gull and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. This Kilnsea wetlands and Beacon ponds area also had 25 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 17 Little Egret, 6 Little Grebe, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 2 Greenshank and 2 Mediterranean Gull.

Moving were 5 Teal, 119 Common Scoter, 72 Gannet, 2 Manx Shearwater, 2 Fulmar, 6 Oystercatcher, a Grey Plover, 3 Curlew, 6 Whimbrel, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, 6 Sanderling, 27 Dunlin, 14 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 12 Turnstone and a Kittiwake, while overland 301 Swift, 23 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow and 5 Flava Wagtail.

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

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Monday, 27 July 2020

Migration watches: 0500-1030.

The Pectoral Sandpiper was yet again still present, as were the 2 Great White Egret and the immature Spoonbill plus a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Caspian Gull (adult, 3cy, 2cy) and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. The putative Baltic Gull was still present early morning, maybe flying south past the sea watch hut not long after, while the Bittern showed occasionally throughout the day in flight. This area also had 2 Brent Geese, 36 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 10 Little Egret, 6 Little Grebe, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 54 Black-tailed Godwit, 4000 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 4 Greenshank, 2 Little Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gull.

Moving were a Wigeon,  8 Teal, 6 Common Scoter, 370 Gannet, 50 Oystercatcher, a Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Curlew, 4 Whimbrel, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 21 Knot, 29 Sanderling, 57 Dunlin, 25 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 25 Turnstone and 23 Kittiwake, while overland 3423 Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 21 Swallow and a House Martin.

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Sunday, 26 July 2020

Migration watches: 0530-1100.

It was another good varied day with decent movement, while yet again the birding around KIlnsea wetlands dominated the headlines. The Pectoral Sandpiper remained showing well, along with the 2 Great White Egret (plus another flew west), but were joined by an immature Spoonbill, adult Roseate Tern, 4 Wood Sandpiper, a juvenile Caspian Gull and 1 Yellow-legged Gull. There was also a particularly good candidate near adult Baltic Gull on show, which seemed to tick all the right boxes, and late in the evening a Bittern put on a flyby landing in Long bank ditch. This area also had 2 Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 12 Little Egret, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 54 Black-tailed Godwit, 3500 Dunlin, 50 Knot, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 11 Mediterranean Gull and a Short-eared Owl.

Moving were a Shoveler, a Wigeon, 7 Common Scoter, a Tufted Duck, 1 Great White Egret, 28 Gannet, 2 Oystercatcher, 36 Golden Plover, 2 Curlew, 14 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 197 Dunlin, 38 Sanderling, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 26 Redshank, 11 Turnstone, while overland 166 Swift, 166 Sand Martin, 164 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 10 Alba Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail and 1 Crossbill.

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Saturday, 25 July 2020

Migration watches: 0630-1045, 1700-1820.

The Pectoral Sandpiper and the 2 Great White Egret remained in the Beacon ponds and Kilnsea wetlands area, where an adult Spoonbill spent some time, then flew south. This area also had a Pochard, 3700 Dunlin, 100 Knot, 200 Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank, 120 Sandwich Tern and 2 Arctic Tern.

It was another decent day for movment particularly Waders with 2 Shoveler, a Wigeon, 44 Teal, 130 Common Scoter, a Tufted Duck, 1 Red-throated Diver, 46 Gannet, 94 Oystercatcher, 12 Grey Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 14 Curlew, 99 Whimbrel, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 18 Knot, 6 Dunlin, 38 Sanderling, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Redshank, 11 Turnstone, while overland a Grey Heron, 138 Swift, 103 Sand Martin, 76 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail and 3 Siskin.

Ringing: 2 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Greenfinch.

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Friday, 24 July 2020

Migration watches: 0500-1100.

The Pectoral Sandpiper reappeared today and along with the 2 Great White Egret remained in the Beacon ponds and Kilnsea wetlands area. Present here also were 12 Little Egret, 6500 Dunlin, 72 Knot, 520 Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and 3 Greenshank. Hunting the area were a Peregrine, 1 Hobby, a Marsh Harrier and a Short-eared Owl.

It was a quieter day for birds on the move the best being 9 Teal, 59 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 135 Gannet, 96 Oystercatcher, a Red Kite, 3 Whimbrel, 6 Knot, 19 Dunlin, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Redshank, 5 Turnstone and an Arctic Skua, while overland a Red Kite, 28 Swift, 31 Sand Martin, 36 Swallow, 1 Tree Pipit and a Crossbill.

Ringing: 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Great Tit, 1 Robin, 1 Dunnock.

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Thursday, 23 July 2020

Migration watches: 0430-1200, 1630-1900.

It was yet another varied day with some nice movement over land and sea, and yet more increases for Wader numbers. Despite just about being expected on a regular basis now it was still nice to have 2 Great White Egret hanging about on Beacon ponds and Kilnsea wetlands, where a nice black Spotted Redshank was also present along with the adult Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Avocet, 15 Whimbrel, 150 Curlew, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 8000 Dunlin, 72 Knot, 640 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank and 3 Little Gull. The Passerine of the day was a nice Wood Warbler along Beacon lane.

Moving were a Pochard, 118 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 393 Gannet, 45 Oystercatcher, a Red Kite, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 9 Whimbrel, 3 Snipe, 35 Knot, 24 Sanderling, 53 Dunlin, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 12 Redshank, 10 Turnstone, a Green Sandpiper, 6 Kittiwake and an  Arctic Skua, while overland a Hobby, a grreat count of 8456 Swift (of which 3000 then lingered to feed), 85 Sand Martin, 128 Swallow, 6 Flava Wagtail, 17 Alba Wagtail, 16 Meadow Pipit and a Siskin.

Ringing: 22 Swallow, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Wren, 1 Greenfinch.

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Wednesday, 22 July 2020

Migration watches: 0450-1030.

A bit of early ‘autumn’ action on all fronts today, movement over land and sea, grounded Waders and a scatter of Passerines made for a good day. A rather nice male Pectoral Sandpiper on Kilnsea wetlands stole the show, where a dapper adult Curlew Sandpiper performed along with a Spoonbill which flew north-west, 12 Little Egret, 21 Black-tailed Godwit, 150 Knot, 300 Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank and 13 Little Gull.

Moving were 10 Shelduck, 23 Teal, 50 Common Scoter, a Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret,  45 Gannet, 45 Oystercatcher, 7 Ringed Plover, 3 Curlew, 6 Whimbrel, 4 Turnstone, 142 Sanderling, 279 Dunlin, 13 Redshank, 16 Kittiwake, 5 Black-headed Gull and an 24 Sandwich Tern, while overland a Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby, 9 Swift, 26 Sand Martin, 51 Swallow and 3 Siskin.

Ringing: 1 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin, 3 Reed Warbler, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Linnet, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Watches: 0615-0730.

Polite reminder for all visitors: the Little Tern colony at Beacon Ponds is extremely vulnerable to disturbance. STAY WELL AWAY from the fenced area of beach, which is clearly signposted, and respect the wardens on duty. Up to 90 birds are present in the colony and can be viewed well from the flood bank.

There was a bit more Wader movement today which saw 77 Oystercatcher, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Golden Plover, a Sanderling, 12 Dunlin, 3 Curlew, an apparent ‘dark rumped’ Whimbrel in/off and 3 Redshank head south along with 6 Teal, a Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 94 Gannet, while overland a juvenile Marsh Harrier, 21 Swift, 99 Swallow, 57 Sand Martin, 5 Flava Wagtail, an Alba Wagtail and the first 8 Tree Sparrow.

The Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area held 4 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 18 Little Egret, 4000 Dunlin, 450 Knot, 600 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank, 2 Yellow-legged Gull and 6 Mediterranean Gull. Migrants today included a Redstart and 2 Lesser Redpoll at the Warren, a juvenile Cuckoo and 5 Willow Warbler.

Ringing: 2 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 5 Sedge Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 2 Linnet.

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Monday, 20 July 2020

Watches: 0430-0930, 1330-1500.

Late evening the Cattle Egret re-appeared when it was seen dropping into Well field.

Moving were 4 Teal, 2 Eider, 62 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 117 Gannet, a Cormorant, 10 Oystercatcher, 6 Whimbrel, 21 Turnstone, 24 Sanderling, 113 Dunlin, 20 Knot, 8 Redshank, 14 Black-headed Gull and an Arctic Skua, while overland a Hobby, 12 Swift, 13 Martin, 9 Swallow, 2 Alba Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit and a Crossbill plus 2 Tree Pipit were still at the Warren.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 128 Greylag Geese, 6 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 27 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 12 Little Egret, a Little-ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3000 Dunlin, 289 Knot, 367 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 Little Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull and 16 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 5 Swallow pulli, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blue Tit.

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Sunday, 19 July 2020

Watches: 0610-0930.

Early morning a CATTLE EGRET was picked up flying south at the Warren, fortunately returning back north to spend the day between the Triangle and Beacon Ponds, flying off north late evening. Presumably one of the birds from a few days ago? Today there was a juvenile Wheatear at the breach and 2 Tree Pipit at the Warren.

In complete contrast to the previous day vismig Wader fest, very little were on the move with 14 Shelduck, 3 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, 1 Whimbrel, 70 Black-headed Gull, 9 Kittiwake, 3 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, a Grey Wagtail and a Crossbill. 

The usual good birding at Kilnsea wetlands held 9 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 12 Little Egret, a juvenile Marsh Harrier, 6 Avocet, 29 Black-tailed Godwit, 300 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank, 160 Little Gull, 6 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gull and a Cuckoo with 2500 Dunlin on the Humber.

Ringing: 2 Stock Dove pulli, 2 Wren, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler.

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Saturday, 18 July 2020

Watches: 0450-1930.

Polite reminder for all visitors: the Little Tern colony at Beacon Ponds is extremely vulnerable to disturbance. STAY WELL AWAY from the fenced area of beach, which is clearly signposted, and respect the wardens on duty. Up to 110 birds are present in the colony and can be viewed well from the flood bank.

It was a brilliant day for Wader movement, along with dedicated observer coverage, birds heading south and arriving in/off made for a nice spectacle. The highlight of the movement saw a record count of 335 Black-tailed Godwit, along with 36 Oystercatcher, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Golden Plover, 502 Knot, 58 Turnstone, 330 Sanderling, 823 Dunlin, 3 Curlew, 18 Whimbrel and 253 Redshank plus 66 Shelduck, 27 Teal, 3 Eider, 121 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, 33 Cormorant, 909 Black-headed Gull, 495 Little Gull (though in realty it was hard to get a true grasp on the number involved), 2 Arctic Tern and a Great Skua, while overland 1815 Swift,  90 Swallow, 53 Sand Martin, 50 Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail and 3 Crossbill.

The Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area held 3 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 39 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 2 Little Grebe, 18 Little Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 129 Black-tailed Godwit, 62 Curlew, 280 Redshank, a Wood Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Greenshank, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 300 Black-headed Gull and 16 Mediterranean Gull. Migrants today included 2 Tree Pipit along the Canal and 2 Willow Warbler in Churchfield.

Ringing: 1 Stock Dove pulli, 6 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Linnet.

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Friday, 17 July 2020

The highlight today was the observatories 2nd record of NORFOLK HAWKER, (Green-eyed Hawker) found in the Churchfield heligoland trap. The first was also found in a Heligoland trap at the Warren.

There were some early returning migrants in the area today with two firsts of the autumn, with a Tree Pipit at the Warren and a Garden Warbler in Churchfield, along with 2 Willow warbler and 3 Siskin. Staying on Passerines, 250 Swallow and 550 Starling roosted along the Canal.

On the move were 6 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 1 Eider, 185 Common Scoter, 2 Red-thoated Diver, a Shag, 5 Golden Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin, 4 Redshank and a Greenshank, while overland 48 Swift, 93 Sand Martin, 228 Swallow, 2 Grey Wagtail, 5 Alba Wagtail, 11 Flava Wagtail and 5 Siskin.

The number of Waders on the Humber and Kilnsea wetlands, continue to fluctuate as birds arrive, feed and move on. Todays totals were as follows with 2 Little-ringed Plover, 56 Golden Plover, 75 Bar-tailed Godwit, 111 Curlew, 5 Whimbrel, 74 Knot, 1200 Dunlin, 310 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper and 11 Greenshank. Also wandering between these areas were 184 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 21 Little Egret, 98 Little Gull, 100 Sandwich Tern, 4 Mediterranean Gull and a Yellow-legged Gull.

Ringing: 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 11 Swallow, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 3 Wren, 1 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Thursday, 16 July 2020

Watches: 0600-0930.

Polite reminder for all visitors: the Little Tern colony at Beacon Ponds is extremely vulnerable to disturbance. STAY WELL AWAY from the fenced area of beach which is clearly signposted, and respect the wardens on duty. Up to 110 birds are present in the colony and can be viewed well from the flood bank. Today 5 well grown chicks were colour ringed on the left leg with a yellow darvic, with the letter U and a number. Please report any sightings of these. Thank you.

Moving today were 131 Common Scoter, 7 Teal, a Great Crested Grebe, 291 Gannet, 4 Oystercatcher, a Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 143 Kittiwake and 11 Auk sp, while overland only 3 Swift, 10 Swallow, a Sand Martin and 1 Siskin.

The Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area held 3 Wigeon, 3 Little Grebe, 14 Little Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 310 Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 172 Sandwich Tern, 3 Common Tern and 6 Mediterranean Gull. There were also 2 Crossbill in the area today and 2 juvenile Willow Warbler in Churchfield.

Ringing: 2 Oystercatcher pulli, 4 Ringed Plover pulli, 18 Little Tern Pulli, 1 Swallow, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Warbler, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Linnet.

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Wednesday, 15 July 2020

0500-0830, 1300-1600.

With only 5 previous records all being singles that have never really lingered, it was nice to have a flock of 3 CATTLE EGRET in/off, then continuing north-west. Despite all the likely spots being checked it looks like they just kept going. Also moving today were a Teal, 74 Common Scoter, a Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Fulmar, 9 Gannet, 20 Oystercatcher, 14 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Kittiwake, 2623 Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 34 Swallow, 75 Starling and a juvenile Crossbill.

There were good numbers of Waders on the Humber and Kilnsea wetlands, 100 Oystercatcher, a Little-ringed Plover, 110 Golden Plover, 7 Sanderling, 40 Knot, 6 Whimbrel, 130 Curlew, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 71 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Turnstone, 2500 Dunlin, 200 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper and a Greenshank. The KIlnsea wetlands area also held 10 Teal, 16 Little Egret, 7 Little Gull, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 500 Black-headed Gull, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 91 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern, 112 Little Tern and a Little Owl. 

Ringing: 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Dunnock, 1 Wren, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Linnet.

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Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Watches: 0540-0940.

Moving were 4 Shelduck, 52 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 159 Gannet, 2 Fulmar, 1 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 22 Kittiwake, a Great Skua, 3 Razorbill, a Guillemot, 6 Puffin and 11 Auk sp, while overland  2500-3000 Swift, 90 Swallow, 40 Starling and 10 Crossbill.

The Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area held 8 Teal, 2 Pochard, 10 Little Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 1900 Dunlin, 50 Knot, 230 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, 10 Mediterranean Gull and the Short-eared Owl again, with 2 Water Rail and 2 Willow Warbler also in the area.

Nearby, but outside the recording area a Temmiinck's Stint was at Welwick.

Ringing: 1 Wren.

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Monday, 13 July 2020

Watches: 0530-1030.

There were slight increases in Wader passage, and some decent movement overland.

Moving were 166 Common Scoter, 3 Great Crested Grebe, a Red-throated Diver, 31 Gannet, 3 Golden Plover, 12 Sanderling, 36 Dunlin, 2 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Little Gull, while overland a Hobby, 1766 Swift, 92 Sand Martin, 31 Swallow, 14 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 1 Siskin and a Crossbill.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 8 Teal, 13 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, a Little-ringed Plover, 600 Dunlin, 20 Knot, 360 Redshank, a Greenshank, a Little Gull, 6 Mediterranean Gull and a Short-eared Owl, with a Jay in the triangle.

Ringing: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock. 1 Linnet

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Sunday, 12 July 2020

Watches: 0625-0930.

Very little on the move today, but Kilnsea wetlands remains the go to place.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 4 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 13 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 380 Dunlin, 230 Redshank, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 7 Mediterranean Gull.

Moving were 34 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater and 31 Gannet, while overland 7 Swift, 6 Sand Martin and an Alba Wagtail.

An Otter was seen in the area today and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in Easington.

Ringing: 3 Ringed Plover pulli, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 5 Dunnock.

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Saturday, 11 July 2020

Watches: 0400-0945.

It was a quieter day for movement, but good increases of Waders, especially at the high tide roost at Kilnsea wetlands.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held a Tufted Duck, 5 Teal, 10 Grey Heron, 3 Little-ringed Plover, a Little Stint,  Whimbrel, 850 Dunlin, 284 Redshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 266 Black-headed Gull and a Mediterranean Gull, with 105 Golden Plover on the Humber. The juvenile Cuckoo was still wandering the area.

Moving were 66 Shelduck, 39 Common Scoter, 6 Redshank and a Great Skua, while overland 40 Swift, 12 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow and 5 Siskin.

There were good numbers of Butterfly on the wing, 160+ Meadow Brown the best count.

Ringing: 3 Sparrowhawk pulli, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Greenfinch.

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Friday, 10 July 2020

Watches: 0615-1000.

The mid-summer ‘lull’ remained quite interesting with some movement and decent numbers of Waders.

Moving were 3 Teal, 4 Eider, 150 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 6 Manx Shearwater, 127 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 4 Oystercatcher, 5 Whimbrel, 6 Knot, 3 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 157 Kittiwake, 68 Sandwich Tern and 32 Auk sp, while overland 11 Swift, 6 Sand Martin and a Siskin.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held a Tufted Duck, 11 Little Egret, a Little-ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 385 Dunlin, 110 Redshank, a Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Gull, juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 6 Mediterranean Gull, with 14 Golden Plover and 85 Shelduck on the Humber. The juvenile Cuckoo was still wandering the area as was a Hobby.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 1 Great Tit.

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Thursday, 09 July 2020

Watches: 0600-0945, 1300-1500.

Not much change overall, though a juvenile Crossbill turned up in a net at Kew and a juvenile Cuckoo spent the day on the Obs garden.

Moving were 11 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 264 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 4 Manx Shearwater, 161 Gannet, 4 Whimbrel, 16 Dunlin, a Little Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 18 Guillemot and 79 Auk sp.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Whimbrel, 30 Knot, 40 Sanderling, 480 Dunlin, 140 Redshank, a Common Sandpiper and 2 Mediterranean Gull, with 14 Golden Plover and 85 Shelduck on the Humber.

Ringing: 1 Swallow, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Crossbill.

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Wednesday, 08 July 2020

Watches: 0605-0945.

It was a bit of a quieter day overall in the easterly wind, which saw some movement over the sea with 78 Common Scoter, a Manx Shearwater, 157 Gannet, a Cormorant, 22 Oystercatcher, a Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, 16 Redshank, 14 Kittiwake, 19 Guillemot and a Great Skua. 

Still decent on KIlnsea wetlands which held 13 Shelduck, a Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 28 Mallard (plus 2 broods), 5 Little Egret, 24 Grey Plover, 4 Sanderling, 200 Dunlin, 128 Redshank, a Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 21 Mediterranean Gull, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and 13 Sandwich Tern with the first arriving juveniles. A juvenile Cuckoo was the best passerine wise in Churchfield.

Ringing: 1 Oystercatcher pulli, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 1 Greenfinch.

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Tuesday, 07 July 2020

Watches: 0430-0945.

The first returning Willow Warbler 'of the autumn' was trapped in Churchfield along with an out of habitat Reed Warbler and a male Redstart was in Northfield.

There were an increase in Wader numbers on the Humber and Kilnsea wetlands, 3 Little-ringed Plover, 22 Golden Plover (20 in), 50 Curlew, 14 Whimbrel, 45 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 342 Dunlin, 120 Redshank,1 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper. The wetlands area also held a Wigeon, 11 Teal,a Tufted Duck, 9 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 2 Common Tern, 21 Little Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull and 2 Yellow-legged Gull (inc first juvenile of the autumn).

Moving today were 47 Shelduck in, 29 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 6 Manx Shearwater, 60 Gannet, 2 Whimbrel, 13 Auk sp, 2 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, a Swallow, 4 Linnet and a Siskin.

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

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Monday, 06 July 2020

Watches: 0540-1040.

It was an interesting day with a small arrival of departing migrants and a continued southerly movement, a nice adult Rose-coloured Starling south with 315 Starling the highlight. Also moving were 25 Shelduck, 17 Common Scoter, an Eider, 6 Manx Shearwater, 8 Gannet, 9 Oystercatcher, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Whimbrel, a Little Gull, 3 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 3 Alba Wagtail and 15 Siskin.

The day saw a ncie array of early departing migrants with a Black Redstart at the Point, an adult Whinchat in Corner field and a Redstart at the Warren, with 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Cuckoo (1 juvenile), 30 Siskin and a Crossbill wandering the area.

The Brent Goose was still present and appears to unfortunately have a broken wing. There were also good numbers of Waders present with 4 Little-ringed Plover, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Curlew, 3 Whimbrel, 125 Dunlin (inc 1st juvemile), 3 Lapwing, 105 Redshank, 1 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper.

Ringing: 1 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Dunnock, 5 Robin pulli.

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Sunday, 05 July 2020

Watches: 0545-1030.

While it seems too early for some to be talking about autumn, for many Waders the summer breeding season is over, with birds heading south or seen to arrive in/off on a daily basis over Beacon ponds or the Warren. Today saw 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Golden Plover, 5 Curlew, 31 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Dunlin, a Little-ringed Plover, 3 Ruff and 11 Redshank on the move and as the month moves on there should be an increase in the pace and diversity. The day also saw moving 46 Shelduck, 12 Gannet, 211 Black-headed Gull, 11 Auk sp, a Stock Dove, 1 Hobby, 241 Swift, 190 Starling, 162 Sand Martin, 6 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Alba Wagtail, 1 Crossbill and 6 Siskin.

The day was also good for grounded Waders on Kilnsea wetlands and the Humber with totals of 165 Curlew, a Whimbrel, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Knot, 74 Dunlin, 161 Redhshank, a Turnstone and 1 Greenshank. Also of note today were a Brent Goose on Beacon ponds, a Peregrine and Hobby hunting the area and 3 Mediterranean Gull on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 3 Swallow pulli, 1 Blackcap.

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Saturday, 04 July 2020

A continued trickle of Wader movement saw 3 Golden Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Knot, 1 Dunlin and 9 Redshank along with 21 Black-headed Gull, 3 Shelduck, 73 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 32 Gannet, a Shag, 1 Cormorant, an Arctic Skua, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill, 15 Auk sp, 6 Puffin, 21 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 120 Starling, 4 Alba Wagtail, 19 Linnet, 4 Goldfinch and 62 Siskin.

Other sightings today included 6 Crossbill lingering around Kilnsea, while on KIlnsea wetlands area were 6 Gadwall inc a young brood, 9 Teal, a Little-ringed Plover, 104 Curlew, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 300 Dunlin, 50 Redshank, a Greenshank, 6 Little Gull and 7 Mediterranean Gull.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 1 Siskin.

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Friday, 03 July 2020

Watches: 0400-0545, 0615-1115.

There were few observers about today as most understandably left to see an Albatross at Bempton, but for us a female Mandarin south over the Humber was a bit of a surprise, the day also seeing a further pickup in Wader numbers with 10 Shelduck, a Tufted Ducks, 8 Pochard, 11 Eider, 110 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, 23 Gannet, a Golden Plover, 36 Curlew, 7 Whimbrel, 2 Knot, 90 Dunlin, 23 Redshank, a Kittiwake, 45 Little Gull,  280 Swift, 3 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 10 Linnet and 11 Siskin.

The increase in Wader movement also saw in increae for grounded birds with 68 Curlew, 15 Knot, 78 Dunlin, 50 Redshank and a Greenshank.

A freshly emerged Southern Hawker was at Kew and a Hummingbird Hawkmorth in Eassington.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap.

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Thursday, 02 July 2020

Watches: 0400-0900. 

The trickle of Wader movement continues and today saw 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel and 35 Redshank along with 42 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, 13 Gannet, 3 Manx Shearwater, a Kittiwake, an Arctic Tern, 160 Swift and 3 Swallow.

Elsewhere the Kilnsea wetlands area held most of the good birding with 6 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Egret, a Little-ringed Plover, 9 Knot, 2 Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, a Yellow-legged Gull, 34 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 7 Mediterranean Gull. 

Ringing: 2 House Sparrow, 1 Dunnock.

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Wednesday, 01 July 2020

Watches: 0600-0900.

On the move today were 7 Shelduck, 20 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 8 Curlew, 115 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 38 Starling, 3 Alba Wagtail, 2 Linnet and a Siskin.

The best of the rest included a juvenile Crossbill at Driftwood, while in the Kilnsea wetlands area, 11 Teal, 12 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 6 Mediteranean Gull, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Cuckoo and a Hobby.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap.

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Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Watches: 0600-1500.

A huge surprise today with yet another adult Long-tailed Skua flying about and feeding over the Humber mud. Shorter tailed and maybe not a full adult, the second bird in a few days, it flew out to sea not long after.It was another decent day of movement with 85 Common Scoter, 21 Gannet, 4 Manx Shearwater, a Fulmar, 4 Lapwing, 10 Goldene Plover in, 58 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Whimbrel, 4 Ruff in/off, 2 Curlew, 7 Knot, 16 Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, 38 Black-headed Gull, 3 Guillemot, a Puffin, 80 Swift, 140 Starling, 8 Swallow, 3 Alba Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch, a Crossbill, 2 Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

In the KIlnsea wetlands area were 11 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 8 Little Egret, 40 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, 36 Dunlin, 2 Little-ringed Plover, a Little Stint, 2 Common Sandpiper, 37 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 380 Black-headed Gull, 10 Mediterranean Gull, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, 25 Lesser Black-backed Gull, a Cuckoo, 1 Peregrine and a Hobby.

Riniging: 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

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Monday, 29 June 2020

Watches: 0400-1700.

It was another day for the vis-miggers with an increase in Wader numbers on the move, while down the coast in LIncs a record 45,000+ were recorded a more humble 7111 Swift flew south, suggesting a more circular route inland avoiding the bottleneck of Spurn? Also today 2 Gannet, 8 Oystercatcher, 7 Golden Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 26 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, 3 Lapwing, 5 Dunlin, a Redshank, 2 Greenshank, a Puffin, 5 Hobby, 55 Starling, 3 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 2 Linnet, 4 Crossbill and 16 Siskin.

The Kilnsea wetlands/Beacon ponds area held a Brent Goose, 10 Teal, a Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier,157 Oystercatcher, 215 Curlew, 17 Black-tailed Godwit, a Ruff, 8 Mediterranean Gull, 25 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Rining: 1 Dunnock.

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Sunday, 28 June 2020

Watches: 0400-1230, 1345-1745.

The continued strong F5-6 wind from the south west were the perfect conditions for good southerly movement. The only question being, why are sites to the north of us getting so many more Swifts, a species whch Spurn has dominated over the years. Obviously weather conditions will play thier part and overall the recent lack of decent strong south westerlies another, but hopefully its just a wee blip for us! Saying that a fantastic 12,491 Swift flew south, so in reality not too much to grumble about. The day also saw moving, 5 Cormorant, 2 Gannet, 2 Lapwing, 12 Curlew, 3 Whimbrel, a Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Hobby, 2 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 3 Alba Wagtail, a Chaffinch, 25 Linnet, 6 Siskin and 7 Crossbill.

The Kilnsea wetlands area held 5 Wigeon, 10 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, a Ruff, 26 Redshank, 18 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, 5 Mediterranean Gull and a Cuckoo.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock.

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Saturday, 27 June 2020

Watches: 0430-1230, 1430-2200.

The better winds from a more soth westerly direction brought about some decent movement the best being 6314 Swift along with a Tufted Duck, 10 Common Scoter, 2 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwater, a Grey Heron, 1 Golden Plover, 21 Curlew, 21 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Whimbrel, 5 Knot, 3 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Mediterranean Gull, a Hobby, 2 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 77 Starling, 3 Goldfinch, 11 Linnet, 8 Siskin and 4 Crossbill. 

Little else was done in all reality with a Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank and a Peregrine of note and an influx of Large Whites with a few Small Whites.

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Friday, 26 June 2020

Watches: 0710-1400,

Well almost a year to the day (when 2 were seen), a nice adult Long-tailed Skua appeared on the Humber and after a bit of wandering over Kilnsea, headed out to sea. The day also saw a bit of varied movement with 2 Shelduck, 4 Shovelr, 3 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 250 Common Scoter, 3 Eider, a Fulmar, a Great White Egret, 1 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 26 Black-tailed Godwit, a Wood Sandpiper, 297 Swift, 2 Hobby, 11 Swallow, 170 Starling, a Chaffinch, 14 Linnet and 22 Siskin.

Otherwise KIlnsea wetlands area remained a good birding spot holding 6 Wigeon, 8 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 5 Little Egret, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 30 Little Gull, 14 Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull and 3 Common Tern.

Insect wise a Hummingbird Hawkmoth and an Essex Skipper were seen, with the first Gatekeeper on the wing today.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 1 House Sparrow.

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Thursday, 25 June 2020

Watches: 0600-1030.

While many are still talking about a great late spring, it seems that many Ducks and Waders are making the return from breeding already. KIlnsea wetlands had an incrrease to 29 Teal along with 6 Wigeon, 46 Mallard and a Tufted Duck with an unseasonal Goldeneye in/off onto Beacon ponds along with a Snipe, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Green Sandpiper, while on the Humber 23 Curlew gathered. 

A bit of movement today for the vismiggers saw a Great White Egret, 93 Common Scoter, 2 Gannet, 11 Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 211 Swift, 22 Swallow, a House Martin, 305 Starling, a Grey Wagtail, 14 Crossbill, 29 Siskin and 11 Linnet.

Other bits today included 250 Black-headed Gull, 7 Mediterranean Gull, 7 Little Gull and a Hobby mainly around Kilnsea wetlands. 

An Otter was a nice sighting in the area along with 2 Grass Snake, while another Southern Hawker was in the Heligoland trap and the first Small Skipper were on the wing.

Ringing: 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 1 House Sparrow.

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Wednesday, 24 June 2020

Watches: 04000-1030, 1430-1530.

Most of todays action was in the KIlnsea wetlands area with a nice selection of species present including 4 Lapwing, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Knot, a Little Stint, 9 Mediterranean Gull, an adult Little Gull, 6 Sandwich Tern and a Cuckoo.

Like previous days, there is not a lot happening for the vismiggers, but recorded today were 6 Shelduck, 76 Common Scoter, 3 Cormorant, 3 Gannet, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew in, 316 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 16 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 165 Starling, 13 Linnet, 2 Goldfinch and 18 Siskin.

A Southern Hawker and Broad-bodied Chaser were both interesting catches in the Churchfield heligoland trap.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Tree Sparrow pulli, 1 Greenfinch.

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Tuesday, 23 June 2020

There were a few bits of interest so late in the month, an Osprey on the move south, maybe one of a few wanderers in the country at the moment, while 3 imm Spoonbill on Kilnsea wetland are likely the birds wandering from further north. 

Few birds on the move otherwise with 21 Shelduck in, 94 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Curlew in, 46 Black-headed Gull, 220 Swift, 24 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Alba Wagtail, a Coal Tit, 3 Chaffinch, 25 Linnet, 7 Goldfinch and 4 Siskin. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area held a Little Stint, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wigeon, 7 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 10 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 5 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Common Tern and the Australian Shelduck. 

Ringing: 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Swallow pulli.

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Monday, 22 June 2020

Watches: 0510-0945, 1645-1830.

The day began nicely with a Golden Oriole 'singing softly' in the Churchyard then showing on and off mainly in flight between here and Beacon ponds a Crossbill showing nicely at the Warren and 4 Ruddy Shelduck which arrived from the east along with 16 Shelduck. 

Not much on the move today with a Red-throated Diver, 1 Lapwing, 8 Curlew, 17 Black-headed Gull, 2 Hobby, 397 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 205 Starling, 8 Chaffinch, 27 Linnet, 13 Goldfinch and 16 Siskin.

Other sightings mainly around KIlnsea wetlands included an Australian type Shelduck, the adult Spoonbill, 5 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, a Pochard, 6 Little Egret, a Snipe, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Turnstone, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Common Tern, a Cuckoo and a Peregrine with a Jay in the triangle. 

Ringing: 3 Little Owl pulli, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Robin, 1 Blue Tit.

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Sunday, 21 June 2020

Watches: 0400-1700.

The day was dominated again by overland movement which saw a Common Buzzard, 3467 Swift, a Cuckoo, 8 Sand Martin, 28 Swallow, 12 House Martin, an Alba wagtail, 19 Goldfinch, 67 Linnet and 38 Siskin head south, while over the sea a Shoveler, 4 Eider, 62 Common Scoter, 10 Gannet, 4 Whimbrel, 34 Black-headed Gull. The day also saw the first decent return of Waders with 39 Curlew south/in off, though whether this reflects on the breeding season or the usual returning females time will tell. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area held an adult Spoonbill (new bird), a Brent Goose, 6 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 1 Marsh Harrier, a Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Mediterranean Gull, a Yellow-legged Gull and 40 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Ringing: 1 Collared Dove.

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Saturday, 20 June 2020

Watches: 0400-1015, 1330-1530.

The less than ideal conditions still saw a bit of movement south today with 2 Wigeon, 15 Gannet, 27 Common Scoter, 8 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 6 Knot, 28 Black-headed Gull, 702 Swift, 7 Swallow, 2 House Martin, a Grey Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch, 19 Linnet, 8 Crossbill, 15 Goldfinch and 28 Sskin.

The Kiolnsea wetlands area held a bot of interest with 3 Barnacle Geese, a Pale-bellied Brent, 18 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, the Spoonbill, 7 Grey Heron, 7 Little Egret, a Golden Plover, 4 Lapwing, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper, 30 Knot, 250 Black-headed Gull, a Little Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gull, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, 65 Lesser Black-backed Gull, an Arctic Tern and 2 Common Tern. 

Other bits of interest were 2 Cuckoo, a Jay wandering the area and a Little Owl.

Ringing: 2 Great Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Robin pulli.

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Thursday, 18 June 2020

Watches: 0600-1400.

With a bit of a north wind blowing the sea had a bit to offer with a Tufted Duck, 152 Common Scoter, 21 Fulmar, 22 Manx Shearwater, 577 Gannet, 19 Kittiwake, 2 Little Gull, an Arctic Skua, 2 Common Tern, 3 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill and 33 Auk sp while overland 5 Swallow and 15 Swift.

On Kilnsea wetlands the Spoonbill remained along with the 2 Barnacle Geese plus a Brent Goose, 17 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 4 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Little Gull, 50 Lesser Black-backed Gull, an unseasonal Black Tern, a Short-eared Owl and a Hobby hunting the area, while migrants today included a Spotted Flycatcher and 28 Siskin.

Ringing: 1 Blue Tit.

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Wednesday, 17 June 2020

Watches: 0630-1000.

As we begin to slide into the summer, thoughts of Swift movements and early returning Waders begin to take over the birding small talk. Today though a nice Bee-eater flew south calling as it went south, while a Spoonbill dropped onto Kilnsea wetlands where an adult Yellow-legged Gull appeared among 25 Lesser Black-backed Gull where there were also 2 Barnacle Geese, 11 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 8 Grey Heron, 10 Little Egret, a Green Sandpiper, a Little Gull and 1 Mediterranean Gull. 

Few bits on the move saw 300 Common Scoter, 3 Red-theroated Diver, 2 Fulmar, 30 Gannet, a Whimbrel, 11 Sandwich Tern and 32 Auk sp plus 14 Swift, 8 Swallow and 2 Siskin. 

The only migrants of note were a Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Siskin. 

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blackcap, 1 Robin, 1 Siskin, 5 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Tuesday, 16 June 2020

The drake Garganey remained on Kilnsea wetlands, where 2 Barnacle Geese remained along with 3 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 2 Shoveler and a Green Sandpiper.

There were still the odd migrnats about with a Hobby, 1 Cuckoo, a Redwing still at the Point, 1 Reed Warbler ans a Siskin.

Very little moving bar a Whimbrel, 2 Little Gull and 4 Swift.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Great Tit.

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Monday, 15 June 2020

Watches: 0620-1015.

The previous day saw a complete dirth of migrants in the area (unlike further north), with today seeing a drake Garganey on Kilnsea wetlands, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and 5 Siskin for the efforts.

A bit of movement over the sea saw 5 Eider, 177 Common Scoter, a Cormorant, 19 Gannet, 5 Curlew and an Auk sp, while overland 1 Hobby, 15 Swift, a House Martin and 7 Swallow.

Kilnsea wetlands still held 2 Barnacle Geese, 22 Gadwall, 5 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, a Common Sandpiper and a Little Gull.

Ringing: 4 Marsh Harrier pulli, 1 Blackcap, 1 Wren, 1 Great Tit, 2 Dunnock, 1 House Sparrow, 5 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Sunday, 14 June 2020

Overnight there was a complete clearout of migrants at Spurn (and along the east coast) with only 3 Siskin remaining! Otherwise there was little else on offer.

The kilnsea wetlands area held 2 Barnacle Geese, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Mediterranean Gull and a Hobby with 2 Red-legged Partidge at Sammy's. On the HUmber were a Brent Goose, 225 Bar-tailed Godwit and 15 Knot.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wood Pigeon, 2 Blue Tit. 

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Saturday, 13 June 2020

It was yet another fantastic day of birding in the area, while the sunny weather made sure plenty of birds were singing. While there were few common migrants the scarcities more than made up for it. A new showy singing BLYTH'S REED WARBLER in the northeast corner of Kilnsea wetlands stole the show singing differntly to the previous days bird, while 3 GREENISH WARBLER (2 singing at the Point, 1 singing in Terminal wood at the Gas Terminal, see in photos for details of the 5 this spring) vied for equal attention. In the morning a Quail was flushed from Church field, a Hawfinch waa singing in trees by Westmere farm, then flew off north, the male Red-backed Shrike continued its vigil in the triangle by Rose cottage and late evening a Nightjar was churring along the Canal. It was quite decent for common migrants too with a Cuckoo, 1 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff (inc some breeders), 10 Blackcap (inc breeders), 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear and 14 Siskin.

Kilnsea wetlands held 9 Barnacle Geese, 3 Little Gull and 3 Mediterranean Gull, while a Green Sandpiper flew north over Sykes field and a Little Owl in Church field. The Humber had 200 Bar-tailed Godwit and 50 Knot.

Ringing: 2 Wood Pigeon pulli, 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Siskin.

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Friday, 12 June 2020

A wet start to the morning with the day soon springing into life with the finding of a singing BLYTH'S REED WARBLER at Middle Camp, a much hoped for species with a good infux into the country. Nearby a new unringed GREENISH WARBLER (our 3rd this spring!) was found with maybe a second (or the same) bird at the Point about an hour after it was last seen, where a singing Marsh Warbler is also present. A Nightjar was accidentally flushed from Church field, but seen again in the evening on Beacon lane and 2 Red-backed Shrike (male and female) in the triangle. The day also had a few other migrants of note with a Green Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Willow Warbler, 7 Spotted Flycatcher, a Redwing, 1 Wheatear and 4 Siskin.

On the move today were a Red-throated Diver, 4 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 41 Common Scoter, 32 Gannet, 5 Fulmar, 7 Whimbrel, a Manx Shearwater, 1 Kittiwake, an Arctic Skua, 4 Sandwich Tern, 6 Razorbill, a Puffin and 32 Auk sp.

Other bits of note were a Little Gull and adult Yellow-legged Gull on Kilnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Dunnock, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blue Tit pulli, 1 Great Tit.

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Thursday, 11 June 2020

Watches: 0620-1000, 1245-1600.

The GREENISH WARBLER turned up in a net in Churchfield this morning, while the male Red-backed Shrike was again by Rose Cottage with a Mealy Redpoll at Middle Camp, a Spotted Flycatcher at Kew plus 2 Wheatear and 4 Siskin.

 The first returning Green Sandpiper was present on Kilnsea wetlands along with a Little-ringed Plover, 9 Ringed Plover, 9 Grey P;over, 2 Little Egret, 8 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon and 5 Sandwich Tern.

Over the sea were 9 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 109 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 35 Fulmar, 46 Manx Shearwater, 40 Gannet, 11 Kittiwake, 12 Arctic Tern, 16 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, 2 Puffin and 179 Auk sp.

Ringing: 1 Greenish Warbler.

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Wednesday, 10 June 2020

Watches: 0700-0915.

A bit of east in the wind immediately paid off with the discovery of our second GREENISH WARBLER of the spring at the east end of the Canal. The same conditions also borught 3 Red-backed Shrike (1 male and 2 female) to the triangle by Rose Cottage. Typically there were few other migrants with 2 Wheatear, a Reed Warbler and a Whimbrel. 

The sea still had a few bits to offer with 8 Tufted Duck, 606 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater, 41 Gannet, a Kittiwake, 22 Guillemot, 6 Razorbill a Puffin and 42 Auk sp.

Other bits of note were a Brent Goose on the Humber, while on Kilnsea wetlands 2 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 11 Teal and a Greenshank.

Ringing 1 House Sparrow pulli, 1 Robin.

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Tuesday, 09 June 2020

Watches: 0615-1000.

Just about the last of the expected species we generally see in spring left it late with a singing Golden Oriole early morning in the Kilnsea area, which may have flown off north. 

The sea still had a bit of movement after the previous days excitement, but not one Manx Shearwater was seen. Moving today were 115 Common Scoter, 10 Fulmar, 2 Red-throated Diver, 193 Gannet, 193 Kittiwake, 10 Black-headed Gull, 22 Sandwich Tern, 17 Arctic Tern, a Great Skua, 4 Guillemot, 7 Puffin and 197 Auk sp. There were even a few bits moving overland with 16 Swallow, 4 House Martin, an Alba Wagtail and a Chaffinch.

Kilnsea wetland held 9 Barnacle Geese, 3 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 3 Little Egret, 10 Gtrey Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 70 Black-headed Gull and a Mediterranean Gull, 

Ringing: 1 Stock Dove, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Robin, 1 House Sparrow.

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Monday, 08 June 2020

Watches: 0620-1300, 1730-2000.

It was bound to happen after the previous days north westerly and a northward push of birds heading back out the North Sea commenced, well not until 0620 for the Spurn sea watchers! There was a record spring total of 763 Manx Shearwater, (while maybe 1000 would have been achievable if observers had been out from first light!). The day also brought totals of a Red-necked Grebe, 8 Teal, 157 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 109 Fulmar including a Blue phase, 481 Gannet, a Cormorant, 702 Kittiwake, a Little Gull, 18 Sandwich Tern, 9 Arctic Tern, an Arctic Skua, 155 Guillemot, 12 Razorbill, 30 Puffin and 1597 Auk sp.

Few migrants today, but with some easterlies predicted some late driftrs could be on the cards. Today saw 3 Wheatear and 5 Siskin present.

Ringing: 2 Starling, 2 Robin, 1 Greenfinch, 2 Siskin.

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Sunday, 07 June 2020

Watches: 0630-1120, 1645-1715.

The weather was a slight improvement on the previous day, enough that some observers ventured out finding a Rose-coloured Starling (see below for some name variations), which spent the afternoon wandering the area mainly by the YWT visitor centre with around 200 Starling. The day also saw a Great White Egret leisurely make its way south, with only a Hobby and Cuckoo worth mentioning for potential migrants..

The sea improved from the previous day with 48 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 29 Fulmar, 13 Manx Shearwater, 77 Gannet, 3 Kittiwake, 21 Guillemot, 4 Razorbill, a Puffin and 102 Auk sp.

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Saturday, 06 June 2020

Watches: 0630-0930.

The very poor weather with heavy showers and a strong F5+ NW wind, basically led to pretty much an unbirdable day with at least the shelter of Kilnsea wetlands producing a late Wood Sandpiper with also 2 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal, a Lapwing, 26 Knot and a ringed Mediterranean Gull.

The sea was surprisingly poor with only 10 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, a Manx Shearwater, 55 Gannet, 3 Guillemot, a Razorbill and 33 Auk sp, though with continued northerly type winds the sea, may be the place for some unseasonal action.

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Friday, 05 June 2020

Watches: 0630-0945, 1700-2000.

The continued northerly did little to inspire birders into the field, with the sea still maybe the main focal point for some, but even this had fewer birds than yesterday with 21 Common Scoter, 28 Fulmar, a Manx Shearwtaer, a Cormorant, 131 Gannet, 6 Kittiwake, 6 Sandwich Tern, 19 Guillemot, 7 Puffin, 6 Razorbill and 216 Auk sp. The only other bird on the move today was an Egyptian Goose that paused at Beacon ponds then headed south.

Other bits to keep the day ticking over were 8 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon and 6 Teal on KIlnsea wetlands, 2 Golden Plover Holderness field, a Water Rail along the Canal, 1 Greenshank on Beacon ponds and a Barn Owl hunting the area, Migrants are now typically thin on the ground with just a Hobby, 2 Cuckoo, a Spotted Flycatcher and a Siskin seen today.

Ringing: 6 Great Tit pulli.

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Thursday, 04 June 2020

Watches: 0645-1000. 

Just when thoughts of the spring being over are mumbled, a nice male Red-backed Shrike turned up at Potato fields, with also 2 Common Sandpiper, a Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Siskin.

The sea was relatively busy and a few bits of interest with 2 Eider, 30 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 6 Manx Shearwater, 13 Fulmar, 187 Gannet, 9 Kittiwake, 5 Puffin, 8 Guillemot, 12 Razorbill and 254 Auk sp.

A small influx of Duck onto Kilnsea wetlands brought 10 Wigeon and a Teal, with also 5 Little Egret and a Common Tern.

Ringing:1 Starling, 1 Blackbird, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Robin pulli.

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Wednesday, 03 June 2020

Watches: 0620-1015, 1400-1530, 1600-1730.

A return to cool northerly winds, put paid to much happening on any front, though it did bring some movement over the sea with a Teal, 48 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 16 Fulmar, 13 Manx Shearwater, 42 Gannet, 40 Kittiwake, 3 Sandwich Tern, 64 guillemot, 31 Razorbill, 7 Puffin and 231 Auk sp. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area held a Pale-bellied Brent, 6 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 2 Knot, 70 Swift, 100 Sand Martin, 200 House Martin and a Peregrine, while the few migrants seen included 2 Wheatear.

Ringing: 7 Blue Tit pulli.

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Tuesday, 02 June 2020

Watches: 0620-0930.

There were plenty of good birds on offer today, the day starting off with an unseen Bee-eater calling over numerous birders heads as it headed south, a Rosefinch pausing to sing in a Kilnsea garden and a Rose-coloured Starling breifly on the wires at Sykes field with Starlings then it flew off north, while a Turtle Dove toured the Kilnsea area. In the evening a Spoonbill was on KIlnsea wetlands then flew off north west. The day also had a few typically late migrants with a Hobby, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 4 Spotted Flycatcher and a Siskin.

On the move today were 24 Common Scoter, 3 Grey Heron, 36 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 2 Avocet, 5 Kittiwake, 7 Sandwich Tern, 6 Guillemot, a Puffin, a Swift,  Jackdaw, 6 Swallow and 2 Flava Wagtail and a Whimbrel out east.

Other bits of interest in the area included 11 Brent Geese, 4 Grey Partridge, 2 Marsh Harrier, 47 Grey Plover, 170 Herring Gull, 44 Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Little Owl.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Starling, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Pied Wagtail pulli. 

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Monday, 01 June 2020

Watches: 0630-0910.

It was a good start to the month and maybe a bit expected, what with a small influx having taken place, but a nice female RED-FOOTED FALCON was very welcome anyway spending an hour in the area, then headed off high south with a Hobby. Other bits moving today were 36 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Swift, 56 Swalllow, 12 House Martin and 2 Siskin.

Few extra migrants about today with just a Common Sandpiper, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a Siskin, though some good counts of breeders were made with 86 Whitethroat and 14 Lesser Whitethroat.

Ringing: 1 Starling, 10 Great Tit pulli.

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Sunday, 31 May 2020

Watches: 0630-0800.

The good birds keep coming, today being a SUBALPINE WARBLER, presumed Western, extracted from a net at Kew and released in Church field, while the day also had a welcome Turtle Dove,.'purring by the Obs. Further migrants included a male Hen Harrier, hepatic Cuckoo, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 1 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Black Redstart, a Wheatear and 2 Siskin, though a singing Greenshank was the highlight for a few, a song few hear way from Scotland.

Moving today were a Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Gannet, a Fulmar, 2 Swift, a Hobby, 5 Jackdaw, a Sand Martin, 39 Swallow, 6 House Martin and 11 Siskin.

Elsewhere a Barnacle Goose was on KIlnsea wetlands, 11 Brent Geese, a Teal and 3 Wigeon on Kilnsea wetlands and a Kingfisher in Sykes field. 

Other bits of interest were the first Roe Deer fawns of the year,,2 Grass Snake, 2 Hairy Dragonfly and the first Emperor Dragonfly of the year on the wing. 

Ringing: 1 Subalpine Warbler, 4 Great Tit pulli, 7 Blue Tit pulli.

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Saturday, 30 May 2020

Watches: 0645-0745.

It seems like each day produces a good bird, today being a singing Icterine Warbler, which moved from Westmere to the Obs, a Red-backed Shrike at the Point and a late Black Redstart was at Easington gas terminal. In the evening a Spoonbill graced Kilnsea wetlands. There were few other migrants about bar 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler and a Wheatear.

Elsewhere 3 Canada Geese, 8 Brent Geese, 4 male Wigeon and 2 Shoveler on Kilnsea wetlands and a Grey Partridge at Sammy's while a Crimson Rosella addec a splash of colour..

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Swallow, 5 Starling, 3 Blue Tit pulli. 

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Friday, 29 May 2020

Watches: 0620-0900.

Typically for the time of year, an easterly wind, but with blue skies birds tend to arrive, stay for the day and move on or even just fly over. The lastest good bird was only our 4th ever spring record of GREENISH WARBLER, singing along the Canal. Otherwise the same good weather allows birds to fly over, with just a Whimbrel, 1 Little-ringed Plover, 3 Greenshank, 3 Balckcap, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Wheatear and a Siskin.

Moving were 6 Gannet, 18 Swift, a Jay, 40 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 2 Sand Martin and a Chaffinch, while heading out east 16 Brent Geese and a Whimbrel.

Kilnsea wetlands held 3 Canada Geese, 4 Wigeon, a Teal, 1 Marsh Harrier and a Common Tern. 

Ringing: 3 Skylark pulli, 6 Great Tit pulli, 1 Goldfinch pulli.

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Thursday, 28 May 2020

Watches: 0645-0900.

The female Red-backed Shrike remained in the Potato fields with also a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Cuckoo, a Jay, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 16 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap and 3 Spotted Flycatcher, while around 16 Reed Warbler, 13 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler and 70 Whitethroat are on territories.

Poor for birds on the move today with just a Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 6 Cormorant, 2 Swift, 8 Jackdaw, 12 Swallow, 10 House Martin, a Flava Wagtail, 2 Goldfinch and a Siskin.

There were still 94 Brent Geese on the Humber, despite plenty heading off east in the last few days while on KIlnsea wetlands 4 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck and 2 Grey Partridge. 

The first Large Skipper of the year was on the wing and a Grass Snake was at Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Robin, 11 Great Tit pulli, 3 Starling, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Watches: 0645-1015.

The easterly winds immediately paid off, but with typically few other migrants for the time of year and highlighted by 2 Red-backed Shrike, both females at Potato fields and the Triangle and a singing Marsh Warbler, which quickly moved off after the initial sighting at 0650 and not seen or heard after 8am. Otherwise present were a Little-ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern, 1 Cuckoo, 3 Swift, a Jay, 1 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff. 1 Reed Warbler, a late Redwing, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Grey Wagtail and 5 Chaffinch.

The easterly wind prompted some movement out east with 57 Brent Geese, 37 Grey Plover and a Whimbrel, but Passerine wise it was a no show.

Ringing: 2 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 9 Blue Tit pulli.

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Tuesday, 26 May 2020

Watches: 0620-1020

With easterly winds forecast giving some hope, it was another day with few migrants about and a trickle of movement to keep interest going. Moving today were 5 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, a Teal, 26 Common Scoter, an Eider, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 9 Gannet, a Whimbrel, 3 Puffin, 4 Auk sp, 4 Swift, 6 Sand Martin, 54 Swallow, 16 House Martin, a Grey Wagtail, 1 Flava Wagtail, an Alba Wagtail and 12 Chaffinch while heading out east, 36 Brent Geese and 80 Grey Plover.

Migrants seen today included a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Cuckoo, 15 Sand Martin, 30 SWallow, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat and 11 Chaffinch.

Present today were 4 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, a Marsh Harrier, 1 Mediterranean Gull and a Peregrine with an Otter on Beacon ponds.

Ringing: 3 Whitethroat, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Starling, 1 Dunnock pulli, 1 Chaffinch.

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Monday, 25 May 2020

Watches: 0610-1015.

A hot sunny day brought a few migrants into the open with totals being, a Jay, 3 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, a Grasshopper Warbler and 2 Wheatear plus a Common Sandpiper and 2 Greenshank.

Moving today were a Fulmar, 1 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 1 Red-throated Diver, 7 Kittiwake, 3 Sandwich Tern, 8 Razorbill, 14 Jackdaw, 5 Carrion Crow, 2 Sand Martin, 58 Swallow, 8 House Martin, a Grey Wagtail, 30 Chaffinch and 2 Siskin.

Elsewhere the Pale-bellied Brent remained with 50 Brent Geese on Kilnsea wetlands along with 4 Wigeon, 4 Tufted Duck and a Little Gull.

Ringing: 10 Blue Tit pulli, 2 Starling pulli, 3 Tree Sparrow pulli.

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Sunday, 24 May 2020

Watches: 0620-1000.

Similar to the previous day despite less wind and less birds moving with 5 Tufted Duck, 6 Common Scoter, a Manx Shearwater, 25 Gannet, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Oystercatcher, 17 Kittiwake, 3 Puffin, 150 Auk sp, 30 Guillemot,11 Razorbill, 2 Sand Martin, 54 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Goldfinch and 4 Siskin.

Migrant wise just a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Goswit, a Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Swift, a Hobby, 100 Sand Martin, 5 Blackcap, a Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Yellow Wagtail.

The Kilnsea wetlands area still had 150 BrentGeese along with a Pale-bellied Brent, 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal and 3 Sandwich Tern.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Dumnncok pulli, 1 Robin, 3 Siskin.

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Saturday, 23 May 2020

Watches: 0620-1020, 1515-1615.

The strong F6-7 WSW wind made it difficult looking for migrants, with vismigging being the action focal point with 2 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Fulmar, 3 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 57 Swift, 22 Sand Martin, 171 Swallow, 102 House Martin, 5 Goldfinch and 6 Linnet plus 6 Brent Geese and 8 Arctic Tern out east.

The few migarnts seen included a Garganey, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Hobby, 200 Sand Martin and a Siskin. 

Other birds of note were 100 Brent Geese lingering, a Canada Goose, 4 Wigeon, 2 Teal and a Marsh Harrier.

Ringing: 3 Great Tit pulli

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Friday, 22 May 2020

Watches: 0630-1725.

Not really a day to be out wandering about with the strong blustery wind and early morning rain, but another Red-rumped Swallow appeared today turning back at the Warren and feeding over the Triangle, while the same conditions encouraged good southerly movement with 3 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, a Marsh Harrier, 4 Hobby, 125 Swift, 741 Swallow, 276 House Martin, 6 Sand Martin, a Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 25 Goldfinch, 4 Siskin and a Corn Bunting with 19 Brent Geese out east.

The drake Garganey remained on KIlnsea wetlands, while also today a Little-ringed Plover, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, a Whimbrel, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, a Wheatear and a Yellow Wagtail. 

A Hairy Dragonfly was seen at the Warren.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 3 Starling.

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Thursday, 21 May 2020

Watches: 0620-0920.

Heading towards the end of the month and the country pretty much still in lockdown, the birding is becoming a bit slow as migrants have in the main arrived in their breeding areas. The line between, what is a migrant and what is a breeder, is now becoming slightly blurred. There is still time for some visible migration and with some easterlies the chance for some late spring goodies. In the meantime migrants included 2 drake Garganey, 4 Whimbrel, 3 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, a Arctic Tern, 1 Short-eared Owl, a Jay, 4 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 6 Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 6 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Spotted Flycatcher and a Song Thrush.

Moving today were a Marsh Harrier, 8 Black-headed Gull, 4 Swift, 8 Jackdaw, 4 Carrion Crow, 7 Sand Martin, 168 Swallow, 24 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail and 3 Chaffinch. 

Other sightings included a nice flock of 18 Barnacle Geese sat on the Humber, 2 Pink-fotted Geese, 120 Brent Geese still present, 10 Gadwall (a good bird for Spurn pre Kilnsea wetlands), 5 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, a Golden Plover, 1 Mediterranean Gull and a Peregrine.

Of interest 2 Hairy Dragonfly were on the wing.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Chaffinch.

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Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Watches: 0605-0935.

The hightlight of the day were 2 Bee-eater that flew south over KIlnsea then last seen passing the Warren, while also moving today were 4 Shelduck, 6 Common Scoter, a Fulmar, 5 Auk sp, a Swift, 3 Jackdaw, 5 Carrion Crow, 89 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 2 Flava Wagtail, 9 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch and a Siskin with a Whimbrel and 4 Common Tern out east.

Despite the easterly wind, there were few extra migrants in addition to the apparent breeders on territories with totals of drake Garganey, a Little-ringed Plover, a Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 12 Sedge Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, a Grasshopper Warbler, 1 Redstart, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Wheatear and 1 Yellow Wagtail. 

The Kilnsea wetlands area hled 165 Brent Geese, a Canada Goose with a hybrid, 90 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 3 Little Egret, a Ruff and 1 Greenshank.

The first Painted Lady and Small Heath were on the wiong today.

Ringing: 1 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Dunnock, 1 Linnet, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Tuesday, 19 May 2020

Watches: 0700-1600. 

There was no sign of of the Temmink's Stint today in a hot and sunny day, though migrant wise 2 drake Garganey, a Cuckoo, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail and a Siskin were still about. 

Moving were a Fulmar, 3 Gannet, a Red Kite, 11 Black-headed Gull, 4 Auk sp, 24 Jackdaw, 13 Sand Martin, 384 Swallow, 65 House Martin, 3 Flava Wagtail, 4 Alba Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 5 Linnet, 4 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting.

It is a bit of a surprise to still see 150 Dark-bellied Brent Geese on Kilnsea wetlands, present so late in the spring along with the single Pale-bellied Brent, while the 90 Greylag Geese are more expected. The wetlands also held 2 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 12 Avocet and 5 Little Egret.

Ringing: 1 Starling, 1 Blackcap, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff.

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Monday, 18 May 2020

A few birds of note in the area today with a nice Temminck's Stint on Kilnsea wetlands, a Curlew Sandpiper at Sammy's, 2 drake Garganey, a Hooded Crow south and an Osprey over the area.

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Sunday, 17 May 2020

Watches: 0545-0830, 1045-1300.

A bit of a quieter day though a drake Garganey remained on Kilnsea wetland with migrant totals of 3 Whimbrel, 17 Little Tern, 4 Cuckoo, 4 Swift, a Hobby, 25 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 12 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Whitethroat, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit, though what is a migrant and those staying to breed is becoming a bit blurred. 

Moving today were a Fulmar, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, 3 Gannet, a Little-ringed Plover, 2 Sand Martin, 308 Swallow, 2 House Martin, a Flava Wagtail, 7 Linnet, 7 Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

The Pale-bellied Brent remained along with 150 Brent  and 59 Greylag Geese in the KIlnsea wetlands area, along with 14 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 5 Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Peregrine.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 7 Starling pulli, 2 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Goldfinch pulli.

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Saturday, 16 May 2020

Watches: 0550-0930, 1230-1345.

With a cool, strong NW wind blowing, it was difficult knowing what to do in the conditions, but yet again a few birds of interest were about. What was probably yesterdays Red-rumped Swallow was behind Driftwood for a while, then drifted off north, a Hooded Crow flew south and an interesting 'ringtail' Hen Harrier, gave a few people a scare being quite pale. Otherwise there were few birds on the move with a Hobby, 7 Jackdaw, 7 Carrion Crow, 4 Sand Martin, 124 Swallow, 4 Flava Wagtail and a Siskin.

Migrants present today included a drake Garganey, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 3 Cuckoo, 17 Swift, a Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 11 Whitethroat, a Whinchat, 6 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.

Other birds of note were 192 Brent Geese with a Pale-bellied Brent, 7 Little Egret, 4 Lapwing, 280 Grey Plover and a Little Gull mainly around Kilnsea wetlands.

It was a good day day for Butterflies on the wing when it warmed up, with nice totals of 22 Green Hairastreak and 5 Brown Argus on the wing and the first Hairy Dragonfly of the year in Sykes field.

Ringing: 5 Starling pulli, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin, 1 Chaffinch.

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Friday, 15 May 2020

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Watches: 0630-0930.

Sightings in a cool northerly from today included a surpirise Red-rumped Swallow in Easington, which eventually flew off south and 2 drake Garganey on Kilnsea wetlands. Migrant numbers were still lower in the cooler weather with a Little-ringed Plover, 5 Whimbrel, a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Cuckoo, 60 Sand Martin, 3 Jay, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat, 1 Wheatear and a Siskin.

Very poor for birds on the move today with just 2 Gannet, a Marsh Harrier, 28 Swallow, a Flava Wagtaila and 4 Linnet, with 6 Grey Plover out east.

There were still 155 Brent Geese about with a Pale-bellied Brent, a Tufted Duck and 26 Avocet mainly on KIlnsea wetlands.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Starling pulli..

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Tuesday, 12 May 2020

Watches: 0700-1030.

A slightly better day as the wind dropped off, along with some sunny spells it encouraged more birds into the open, though it was in the evening the best bird of the day flew south with a ringtail Montagu's Harrier. There were also more birds on the move south today including 2 Little Egret, a Marsh Harrier, 1 Ruff, a Jay, 11 Jackdaw, 12 Carrion Crow, 102 Swallow, a Sand Martin, 1 Chaffinch and 6 Goldfinch.

Migrant wise there were a Little-ringed Plover, 5 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 3 Cuckoo, 1 Hobby, 100 Sand Martin, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 16 Sedge Warbler, 9 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 21 Whitethroat, a Song Thrush, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and a Siskin.

There was another increase to 156 Brent Geese along with a Pale-bellied Brent with 7 Little Egret and 2 Grey Partridge in the area.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 11 May 2020

Watches: 0630-1000.

The sea yet again dominated the procedures with the cold northerly putting migrant arrival on hold. Moving were 4 Common Scoter, 17 Fulmar, a Manx Shearwater, 1 Great Northern Diver, 160 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake, 12 Little Gull, 12 Sandwich Tern, 2 Great Skua, 6 Guillemot and 102 Auk sp with 8 Arctic Tern out east.

What migrants there were kept to the sheltered spots with a surprise Woodcock, 1 Cuckoo, a Jay, 1 Willow Warbler, a Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher and 7 Wheatear.

Therre are now 91 Brent Geese present while on the Humber 200 Grey Plover, 7 Whimbrel, 1100 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpiper.

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Sunday, 10 May 2020

Watches: 0615-1000.

The return of strong northerly winds and the focus returned to the sea, but no big numbers with 4 Common Scoter, 12 Fulmar, a Manx Shearwater, 48 Gannet, 14 Kittiwake, 19 Sandwich Tern, an Arctic Skua, 100 Guillemot, 5 Razorbill and 65 Auk sp with 2 Arctic Tern out east.

It was a more difficult day for seeing migrants but still there were 12 Black-tailed Godwit, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 2 Cuckoo, a Hobby, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 2 Blackcap, a Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, a Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, a Wheatear and a Siskin.

Otherwise 74 Brent Geese were still about, along with 7 Wigeon and 5 Teal.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin.

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Saturday, 09 May 2020

Watches: 0630-0930.

A great day brought several highlights to the area starting with a BLACK KITE which slowly made its way south, as did a Bee-eater later on in the day. A superb male Grey-headed Wagtail kept company with a male Blue-headed Wagtail, a bit of a rare double event at Spurn. Other hightlights from the day were a Wood Sandpiper which flew off north-west and a Firecrest. 

Migrant totals during the day were 46 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 3 Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 5 Jay, 40 House Martin, 8 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 29 Whitethroat, a Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, a Fieldfare, 1 Black Redstart, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Whinchat, 10 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail and a late Brambling. 

Despite some good birds heading south it was quiet overall with just a Marsh Harrier, 11 Sandwich Tern, 14 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 16 Carrion Crow, 27 Swallow, a Song Thrush and 3 Flava Wagtail.

Ringing: 3 Stock Dove, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Wheatear, 1 Wood Pigeon.

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Friday, 08 May 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

Watches: 0545-0930.

Another burst of easterly winds brought about a good arrival of migrants, a nice male Red-backed Shrike stealing the limelight, with totals of 18 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 5 Jay, 20 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 14 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 20 Whitethroat, a Song Thrush, 8 Spotted Flycatcher, 8 Whinchat, 27 Wheatear, 9 Yellow Wagtail, a Blue-headed Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and 2 Siskin. 

In a quieter day for vismigging it was nice to have yet another Red-rumped Swallow fly south, along with a Tufted Duck, 4 Marsh Harrier, 2 Swift, 38 Carrion Crow, 10 Sand Martin, 78 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 4 Flava Wagtail and a Siskin.

Other sightings today included 19 Brent Geese, 2 Tufted Duck, 300 Grey plover and 1500 Dunlin.

Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, 1 Robin, 6 Wheatear, 1 Spotted Flycatcher.

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Thursday, 07 May 2020

Watches: 0550-1500.

No sign of the previous days birds, but still good numbers and variety of migrants remain with, the drake Garganey, 13 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 61 Little Tern, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Jay, 30 House Martin, 17 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 28 Whitethroat, a Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Spotted Flycatcher, a Black Redstart, 6 Whinchat, 20 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and a Siskin. 

A good day of movement with the first pulse of Hirundine passage, saw the first Wood Sandpiper of the year fly south plus 2 Gadwall, 10 Common Scoter, 5 Eider, a Marsh Harrier, 1 Swift, 2 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 40 Carrion Crow, 74 Sand Martin, 651 Swallow, 64 House Martin, 6 Flava Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 56 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin and a Corn Bunting.

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Wednesday, 06 May 2020

Watches: 0630-1000.

The easterly wind brought a nice arrival of north bound migrants to the area, which included a female Red-backed Shrike, a rather nice male Blue-headed Wagtail and our first 6 Spotted Flycatcher of the year. The day also saw the drake Garganey, a Little-ringed Plover, 21 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, 25 Little Tern, a Cuckoo, 7 Jay, 30 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 30 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 23 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, 16 Lesser Whitethroat, 50 Whitethroat, a Song Thrush, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 4 Redstart, 7 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail, a Tree Pipit and 3 Siskin.

Few birds on the move today, 3 Eider, a Fulmar, 11 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, a Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 9 Black-headed Gull, 30 Herring Gull, 3 Sandwich Tern, 4 Swift, 11 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 4 Carrion Crow, 4 Sand Martin, 69 Swallow and 4 Goldfinch. with 6 Whimbrel out east.

A Pink-footed Goose was present among 26 Greylag Geese with, 6 Wigeon and 8 Teal remaining in the area.

Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 2 Wheatear, 1 Goldfinch.

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Tuesday, 05 May 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

Watches: 0640-0900.

Yet another topsy turvy day of migration saw a very nice Hawfinch in the Kew area, which ended up in a net, but with maybe fewer birds overall the final days total were, the drake Garganey, a Little-ringed Plover, 17 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 30 Sand Martin, 15 Swallow, 5 Jay, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 15 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 2 Grashopper Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Whitethroat, a Redwing, 1 Pied Flycatcher, a Whinchat and 2 Wheatear.

Moving today in the brisk easterly were 5 Gannet, 5 Cormorant, 35 Herring Gull, 6 Swift, a Sand Martin, 18 Swallow, 3 Carrion Crow, a Flava WAgtail, 3 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting, with 8 Whimbrel trilling their way out east.

A Pale-bellied Brent remained along with 169 Brent Geese and 2 Common Buzzard with a Marsh Harrier.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Hawfinch.

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Monday, 04 May 2020

Watches: 0700-1000.

A welcome small increase in migrants numbers, brought a Wood Warbler, 2 Pied Flycatcher and a Turtle Dove to the area, along with the drake Garganey, a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 24 Whimbrel, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 15 Little Tern, a Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 70 Sand Martin, 40 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 5 Jay, 11 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 18 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 19 Lesser Whitethroat, 38 Whitethroat, 2 Fieldfare, a Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 20 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit and 3 Siskin.

Not a lot on the move, though a Crane headed north, while heading south 12 Common Scoter, 5 Gannet, a Swift, 3 Swallow, 3 Flava Wagtail and 2 Goldfinch.

Otherwise 200 Brent Geese were still present, a Marsh Harrier and Buzzard hunted the area, 2 Grey Partridge were welcome and 60 Carrion Crow marauding the area maybe less so.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Jay, 2 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Wood Warbler, 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Wheatear, 5 Goldfinch pulli.

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Sunday, 03 May 2020

Watches: 0645-0930.

Typical of this time of year, birds arriving the previous day have quickly moved on, with less around in the cool easterly wind. Sightings today included 21 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, a Cuckoo, 1 Short-eared Owl, 32 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 2 Jay, 9 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 15 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 33 Whitethroat, a Goldcrest, 3 Fieldfare, a Mistle Thrush, 3 Song Thrush, 4 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Siskin.

Little evidence of birds on the move with just 5 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 12 Gannet, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Swift, 4 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 4 Jackdaw, 2 Rook and 2 Flava Wagtail.

Other sightings; 100 Brent Geese, a Canada Goose, 9 Wigeon, 7 Teal, a Grey Partridge, 2 Little Egret and a Corn Bunting.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackbird, 1 Wren, 1 Siskin.

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Saturday, 02 May 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

Watches: 0645-1000.

The daily small arrivals of migrants continue, with today seeing our first Wood Warbler and Hobby for the year. Further totals involved a single drake Garganey, 18 Whimbrel, a Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 1 Swift, 50 Sand Martin, 60 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 14 Sedge Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 23 Whitethroat, 5 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 4 Fieldfare, a Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 9 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail, a White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit and 3 Siskin.

Moving today were a Great White Egret, 1 Fulmar, 2 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 2 Marsh Harrier, a Sandwich Tern, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 19 Jackdaw, 11 Rook, 3 Carrion Crow, 3 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail and 8 Goldfinch.

The Black Brant remained along with 330 Brent Geese, a Pale-bellied Brent, 4 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Canada Geese.

Ringing: 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear.

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Friday, 01 May 2020

Watches: 0630-0915.

The ups and downs of migration continue depsite the lockdown, with today adding a surprise Raven, croaking north over Easington. a species which has appeared every few years or so. Maybe a visit from a Chough would be nice? Migrant wise there were 2 drake Garganey, 1 Little-ringed Plover, a Jack Snipe, 24 Whimbrel, a Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Long-eared Owl, 150 Sand Martin, 90 Swallow, 5 House Martin, 4 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, a Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 2 Firecrest, 8 Song Thrush, a Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a Blue-headed Wagtail and a White Wagtail.

On the move were 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Common Scoter, a Red-throated Diver, 6 Gannet, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Little Tern, 19 Auk sp, 3 Sand Martin, 34 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 4 Flava Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail and 8 Goldfinch, while the Black Brant remained among 350 Brent Geese.

Ringing: 3 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Firecrest, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.

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Thursday, 30 April 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

Watches: 0600-0930.

The Richard's Pipit was seen yet again, but no further sightings in the last three days. The 2 immature Spoonbill re-appeared for a while then headed west up the Humber and the 2 drake Garganey remained in the area. Migrant totals from today included a Hen Harrier, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Golden Plover, 10 Whimbrel, a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, a Jack Snipe, 1 Snipe, 3 Greenshank, 3 Little Tern, 200 Sand Martin, 100 Swallow, 10 House Martin, 5 Sedge Warbler, 7 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, a Song Thrush, 10 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtail.

Moving today were 6 Eider, a Marsh Harrier, 3 Curlew out east, 12 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, a Hooded Crow, 9 Sand Martin, 69 Swallow, 7 House Martin, 7 Flava Wagtail and 61 Goldfinch.

On the Humber a Pale-bellied Brent was present among 420 Brent Geese with a Merlin hunting the area. 

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler.

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Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Not a lot happening today, but there were still decent numbers of migrants about and a smidge of movement to keep observers ticking over. The Richard's Pipit put in an appearance again and the 2 drake Garganey remained, while also recorded 6 Whimbrel, a Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, a Short-eared Owl, 1 Jay, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 1 Song Thrush. a Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Siskin. 

Moving today were the 2 Pink-footed Geese which flew off north, a nice drake Long-tailed Duck and 16 Arctic Tern out east, 8 Carrion Crow and 25 Goldfinch south.

The Black Brant was on the Humber with 250 Brent Geese, along with 2 Eider and 5 Common Scoter.

Ringing: 3 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch.

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Tuesday, 28 April 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

Watches: 0650-0745. 

There was a big clear out of migrants, but that didnt stop a suprise spring Richard's Pipit turning up in a Kilnsea garden then touring the area. The day also featured the first Osprey of the spring heading south, with migrant totals including 9 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 4 Little Tern, 60 Sand Martin, 3 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 10 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, a Garden Warbler, 2 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 25 Meadow Pipit.

Other sightings included the 2 Pink-footed Geese and 70 Brent Geese, while on the move a Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, a Litle-ringed Plover and 19 Herring Gull with an Otter the mammal highlight. 

Ringing: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Redwing, 2 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 27 April 2020

Watches: 0650-0900.

It was yet another good day for migrants in the area, with increases in both summer arrivals, migrant and breeders and winter departers, adding some new birds to the year list with 2 Spoonbill, both immatures and a Pied Flycatcher. Further totals for the day were 2 Garganey, 9 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 3 Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 100 Sand Martin, 40 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 2 Jay, 27 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 14 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 21 Lesser Whitethroat, 26 Whitethroat, 24 Blackcap, 2 Garden Warbler, a Goldcrest, 37 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 10 Song Thrush, 3 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 53 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtail, a female Blue-headed Wagtail and 24 Meadow Pipit.

On the move today were a Barnacle Goose, 1 Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 15 Black-tailed Godwit, a Kittiwake, 17 Swallow, 17 Jackdaw, 5 Rook and 3 Flava Wagtail. 

Also today were the 2 Pink-footed Geese, 27 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, 12 Teal (inc nasal saddled bird), 4 Grey Partridge, 3 Little Egret, a Golden Plover, 1 Merlin and a Peregrine.

Ringing: 1 Jay, 12 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 10 Blackcap, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Wheatear, 1 Robin, 1 Redstart, 2 Goldfinch. 

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Sunday, 26 April 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

Watches:0530-1430.

It has probably been mentioned enough times that we all have certain birds we long to see on their return from Africa during the spring, such as the first Cuckoo or Swallow. Our first 2 Turtle Dove of the year, now vie for that accolade, a species that maybe epitomises the ceasless and often senseless destruction that man brings, through shooting, trapping and habitat loss, then it is almost a sense of relief, when the first sighting in any recent year is made. The day was yet again good for migrant numbers with 2 drake Garganey, 12 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern, a Short-eared Owl, 1 Cuckoo, a Hooded Crow, 7 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 6 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 13 Blackcap, the first Garden Warbler of the spring, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Whitethroat, a Whinchat, 9 Wheatear, 14 Yellow Wagtail and a Tree Pipit.

It was also a fantastic day for vis-migging with an Eider, 2 Gannet, 13 Marsh Harrier, 4 Common Buzzard, 51 Black-headed Gull, a Swift, 8 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 30 Carrion Crow, 87 Sand Martin, 212 Swallow, a House Martin, 34 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greenfinch, 162 Linnet, 203 Goldfinch and 6 Siskin.

The Black Brant was still present in the area along with a Pale-bellied Brent, 100 Brent Geese and 2 Pink-footed Geese.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Wheatear, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch.

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Saturday, 25 April 2020

Watches: 0700-0900.

A superb RED-RUMPED SWALLOW lingering around the Obs and in Kilnsea was the highlight of the day when little was on the move. It appears that this is the same bird seen in York during the morning. Migrant numbers remained high with the 2 drake Garganey, 2 Golden Plover, 9 Whimbrel, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 2 Cuckoo, 2 Swift, 20 Sand Martin, 30 Swallow, 7 Willow Warbler, 23 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, a Grasshopper Warbler, 11 Lesser Whitethroat, 17 Whitethroat, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 4 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 13 Song Thrush (plus the first juveniles out in Easington), 8 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtail, a Blue-headed Wagtail and 4 White Wagtail.

Little on the move with just 3 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Diver, 14 Carrion Crow and a Flava Wagtail while heading out east a Hen Harrier. 69 Oystercatcher and 42 Curlew. 

Ringing: 2 Wood Pigeon, 2 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Wheatear, 2 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 24 April 2020

Watches: 0645-0930. 

Migrant number are still pretty impressive, but with no coverage of the peninsula one can only wonder what the numbers would be like otherwise. Sightings today included our first 2 Grasshopper Warbler of the spring plus the 2 drake Garganey, 19 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank, 2 Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 90 Sand Martin, 55 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 8 Sedge Warbler, 12 Lesser Whitethroat, 30 Whitethroat, a Ring Ouzel, 5 Song Thrush, 7 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtail, a Blue-headed Wagtail, 2 Tree Pipit and 40 Meadow Pipit.

There were less birds on the move today with 2 Goosander, a Red-throated Diver, 2 Marsh Harrier out east, a Little Tern, 1 Jay, 7 Jackdaw, 5 Rook, 19 Sand Martin, 18 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 4 Flava Wagtail and a Siskin, with just 5 Arctic Tern out east.

Other decent sightings included a Pale-bellied Brent, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Grey Partridge, a Barn Owl and a Little Owl. 

Ringing: 1 Jay, 1 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch. (16 of 10 species).

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Thursday, 23 April 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

Watches: 0600-0930.

It was yet another good day for migrants in the area and a few firsts for the year was dully added. A Great White Egret showed well in Kilnsea, along with the following totals of migrants, 2 Garganey, a Hen Harrier, 15 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, the first 2 Little Tern to return, a Short-eared Owl, 1 Swift, a Woodlark, 60 Sand Martin, 10 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 6 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, a Goldcrest, 2 Ring Ouzel, 6 Song Thrush, a Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 2 Whinchat, 12 Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wagtail, a Tree Pipit, 32 Meadow Pipit and 2 Siskin. 

It was also a superb day of birds heading out east with a Grey Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 205 Curlew, 103 Bar-tailed Godwit, 21 Black-headed Gull, a Little Gull, 3 Black Tern and 53 Arctic Tern, while heading south, a Grey Heron in/off, 161 Herring Gull, 3 Jay, 30 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 42 Carrion Crow, 4 Sand Martin, 23 Swallow, a Flava Wagtail, 2 Chaffinch amd 10 Goldfinch.

Also today were 150 Brent Geese, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Little Egret, 3 Marsh Harrier and a Corn bunting.

Ringing: 5 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Witethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Dunnock, 3 Wheatear, 6 Robin, 5 Goldfinch.

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Wednesday, 22 April 2020

A small increase in migrant numbers brought a superb Long-eared Owl to the area along with a Hen Harrier, 17 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sandpiper, 8 Snipe, 3 Greenshank, 1 Short-eared Owl, a Cuckoo, 2 Jay, a Woodlark, 10 Sand martin, 20 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 10 Willow Warbler, 25 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 11 Blackcap, 7 Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroat, a Firecrest, 2 Ring Ouzel,, 2 Song Thrush, a Black Redstart, 9 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 20 Meadow Pipit, a Brambling and 1 Siskin, while at least 1 Garganey remained.

It was a great morning for birds heading out east with 48 Curlew, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 156 Arctic Tern and 2 Sandwich Tern, while heading sourth were 6 Cormorant, 239 Herring Gull, 6 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 18 Carrion Crow, 4 Sand Martin, 24 Swallow, a Flava Wagtail, 81 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin and a Reed Bunting.

ringing: 1 Long-eared Owl, 1 Jay, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 lesser Whitethroat, 2 Robin, 5 Goldfinch.

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Tuesday, 21 April 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by local residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

There were now 2 Garganey (both drakes) in the area, along with the usual gathering of Ducks including, the adult Black Brant and 2 Pink-footed Geese. Maybe slightly fewer migrants about, with a Hen Harrier, 1 Whimbrel, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Jack Snipe, 3 Greenshank, 2 Cuckoo, 40 Sand Martin, 90 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 6 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail, a White Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit, a Brambling and 2 Siskin.

Birds on the move today were dominated by those heading out east including 33 Curlew, 3 Little Gull, 13 Arctic Tern and 6 Sandwich Tern, while heading south 9 Gannet, 16 Jackdaw, 19 Carrion Crow, a Rook, 3 Skylark, 4 Sand Martin, 14 Swallow and 14 Goldfinch.

Ringing: 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 20 April 2020

The contiuned easterly airflow, while, maybe too early to bring any decent arrivals, remains good for birds heading out east and today produced 85 Arctic Tern and 24 Kittiwake, though no Waders made the pilgrimage. Grounded migrants, while fewer about today, continued to be the main focus point with the drake Garganey, 6 Whimbrel, Green sandpiper, a Short-eared Owl, 60 Sand Martin, 45 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 9 Blackcap, a Whitethroat, 1 Black Redstart, a Wheatear, 1 Song Thrush, a Wellow Wagtail, 11 Pied Wagtail and a Siskin. Elsewhere the Black Brant remained along with 250 Brent Geese and 2 Pink-footed Geese.

It was predictably quiet for overland movement with just 2 Rook, 2 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 2 Linnet, 11 Goldfinch and 5 Siskin. 

Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackbird, 1 Goldfinch.

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Sunday, 19 April 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately, however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by local residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

A Common Crane was a welcome addition to the lock down list as one ventued south, then headed back north, being seen in Scarborough at dusk. There were also a decent amount of other species on the move today, albeit not in any numbers, including a Common Buzzard, 2 Jackdaw, 2 Magpie, 37 Carrion Crow, 4 Jay, 4 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 2 Flava Sp, 7 Goldfinch and a Siskin, while heading out east 48 Curlew, a Little Gull and 22 Arctic Tern.

There were good numbers of migrants yet again with the usual drake Garganey, a Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank, a Swift, 2 Cuckoo, a Short-eared Owl, 3 Sand Martin, 9 Swallow, 23 Willow Warbler, 20 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, a Goldcrest, 1 Redwing, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Redstart, 6 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Blue-headed Wagtail.

Of note today were 300 Brent Geese, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Tufted Duck, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Fulmar, 700 Oystercatcher, 1000 Grey Plover, 1000 Knot, 500 Dunlin and a Barn Owl. 

Ringing: 3 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet.

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Saturday, 18 April 2020

Pretty much as you were regards migrants with the drake Garganey still present, 8 Whimbrel, a Green Sandpiper, 4 Snipe, a Jack Snipe, 40 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 21 Willow Warbler, 26 Chiffchaff, a Sedge warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 6 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush, a Redstart, 1 Black Redstart, 22 Wheatear, a Stonechat, 3 Wellow Wagtail and 1 Tree Pipit. Heading out east were 27 Curlew, 3 Little Gull and a Sandwich Tern.

The Black Brant remained with the Brent Goose flock and 2 Pink-footed Geese while, the number of Waders slowly increasing on the Humber, prior to departure included 1000 Grey Plover, 6000 Knot and 1300 Dunlin. 

Ringing: 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 1 Redstart, 1 Tree Sparrow, 3 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Friday, 17 April 2020

In line with Government advice about not travelling during the Covid-19 pandemic, we at Spurn Bird Obs have taken the decision not to put news out on sightings immediately however they will be published on the website during the following days. Sightings published are only recorded by local residents from their own gardens and during permitted exercise walks.

A Hoopoe flying south during an exercise walk was a nice record, but not seen from several birders gardens further south. The first 2 Tree Pipit of the spring were welcome today along with the drake Garganey, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, a Jay, 26 Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 12 Willow Warbler, 19 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 2 Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, a Redstart, 2 Black Redstart, 24 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 14 Meadow Pipit.

A bit more movement today saw a Fulmar, 4 Common Scoter, a Grey Heron, 1 Common Buzzard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Carrion Crow, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 2 Flava Wagtail sp, 2 Alba Wagtail, 32 Goldfinch and 64 Linnet head south while heading out east, 2 Whimbrel, 24 Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua. 

The Black Brant remained along with 400 Brent Geese, Pale-bellied Brent and 2 Pink-footed Geese with other random sightings of 2 Grey Partridge and a Marsh Harrier.

Ringing: 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 1 Greenfinch, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Thursday, 16 April 2020

The wind heading into the east for a while should see Terns and small Gulls on the move east out of the Humber and maybe the odd Skua. For today there were increases for some migrants, as breeders move into territories with now at least 9 Whitethroat back singing and displayng and the first Reed Warbler back in Churchfield. The drake Garganey remained plus 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Whimbrel, a Short-eared Owl, 120 Sand Martin, 14 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 16 Blackcap (10 trapped Kew), a Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Song Thrush, a Redwing, 17 Wheatear, 15 Yellow Wagtail, 24 Pied wagtail, a Brambling and a Siskin.

Other sightings included 620 Brent Geese plus a Pale-bellied Brent and 2 Pink-footed Geese in the Long bank area, with 3 Golden Plover, 29 Avocet, 100 Curlew and a Lapwing in the same area while on the move today, 2 Cormorant, 3 Whimbrel, 10 Curlew, 2 Jay, a Jackdaw, 2 Sand Martin, 2 Swallow and 5 Goldfinch.

Ringing: 2 Wood Pigeon, 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 1Redwing, 1 Dunnock, 1 Chaffinch, 13 Goldfinch. 

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