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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Wednesday, 15 April 2020

A nice increase in migrant numbers around the area with now 2 Garganey, a female joining the drake, plus a Little-ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 4 Snipe, 4 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 10 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest, 3 Ring Ouzel, 3 Song Thrush, a Redstart, 8 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a White wagtail and 51 Meadow Pipit.

It was a better day for movement  with maybe the same? Jay touring the area, a Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, a Mediterranean Gull, 15 Jackdaw, 7 Rook, 48 Carrion Crow, a Hooded Crow, 6 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, a Coal Tit, 5 Flava Wagtail, 12 Chaffinch, 179 Linnet, 2 Siskin and 86 Goldfinch with a respectable 143 Curlew out east.

Yet again the Black Brant was still present with 350 Brent Geese and 1 Pale-bellied Brent plus 32 Greylag Geese, 2 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Canada Geese. The Kilnsea wetlands area also held a dwindling duck population consisting of 2 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 25 Wigeon, 23 Mallard, 36 Teal, 2 Little Grebe along with 2 Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier and 20 Avocet. 

Ringing: 4 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Robin, 1 Wheatear.

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Tuesday, 14 April 2020

The day was quieter overall, but decent numbers of migrants remain with a Jay maybe the highlight of the day, while also seen were the drake Garganey, 4 Whimbrel, a Snipe, 7 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 11 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, a Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap, a Ring Ouzel, 1 Song Thrush, a Redstart, 5 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail, a White Wagtail, 80 Meadow Pipit and a Brambling.

Little on the move in the conditions with only 2 Cormorant, a Lesser Black-backed Gull, 11 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 52 Carrion Crow, a Greenfinch, 39 Linnet and a Siskin with 32 Curlew out east.

Otherwise the Black Brant remained with 300 Brent Geese, a Whooper Swan and 1 Pink-footed Goose, while a Little Owl, Barn Owl, Marsh Harrier and Peregrine hunted the area.

Ringing: 6 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackbird, 1 Wheatear, 1 Brambling, 5 Goldfinch. 

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Monday, 13 April 2020

The drake Garganey remained along with 1 Whooper Swan, a Black Brant, 230 Brent Geese, 1 Pale-bellied Brent and a Pink-footed Goose, but no sign of the Bewick's Swan. 

Migrants were still about including 6 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, a Ring Ouzel, 2 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 1 Redstart, 4 Yellow Wagtail, a White Wagtail, 11 Pied Wagtail and 45 Meadow Pipit and a Water Rail which had a lucky escape from the jaws of a Cat.

Very little on the move with an Eider, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Diver, a Great Northern Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 7 unseasonal Sooty Shearwater, 6 Gannet, 11 Auk sp and a Guillemot.

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Sunday, 12 April 2020

The network of birders gardens continue to be fruitful for migrants along with daily execise walks for our 'large' resident birding community. Today it was apparent a few migrants were about with a singing Willow Tit the highlight, being the first April record since 1980. Other totals were the drake Garganey, a Little-ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, Short-eared Owl, 40 Sand Martin, 22 Swallow, a House Martin, 30 Willow Warbler, 29 Chiffchaff, 30 Blackcap (15 trapped Kew), a Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Redstart, 24 Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Siskin.

On the move today were a Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, 14 Curlew (13 out east), a Hooded Crow, 15 Rook, 28 Carrion Crow, 2 Flava Wagtail, 1 Alba Wagtail, 6 Chaffinch, 67 Linnet, 18 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin and 2 Yellowhammer.

Ringing: 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Wren, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 15 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 1 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Great Sotted Woodpecker, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Siskin, 12 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Saturday, 11 April 2020

It was a good day for birds on the move the highlight being 2 Serin flying south, a bit of a spurn speciality on the east coast while the morning also had 25 Magpie, 31 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 78 Carrion Crow, 4 Skylark, 38 Sand Martin, 40 Swallow, 7 Flava Wagtail, a White Wagtail, 13 Alba Wagtail, 12 Meadow Pipit, 12 Chaffinch, a Brambling, 570 Linnet, 298 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin, a Yellowhammer and 4 Reed Bunting while 106 Curlew 'bubbled' their way out east.

It was also another great day for migrants with our first 3 Sedge Warbler and 2 Common Redstart of the spring plus totals of 4 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 9 Blackcap, 4 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing, a Song Thrush, 25 Wheatear, 4 Yellow Wagtail and a Brambling.

The Bewick's Swan remained with 3 Whooper Swan and a Pink-footed Goose on Kilnsea wetands where there was aslo a drake Garganey, 49 Shelduck, 22 Wigeon, 60 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Egret, 29 Avocet and a Kittiwake with a Short-eared Owl at Sammies.

Ringing: 1 Wood Pigeon, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Great Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 10 April 2020

Not much moving, but still a few migrants about and maybe a bit of an increase, while the Bewick's Swan remained with 2 Whooper Swan new in. The Kilnsea wetlands area also held 56 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 36 Wigeon, 18 Mallard, 49 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Little-ringed Plover and a Merlin.

The highlight of the day was the first Whinchat of the spring, a nice male in an Easington birders arden with also 6 Sand Martin, 3 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest, 12 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, a Stonechat, 9 Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 34 Meadow Pipit and a Brambling.

The only birds of note on the move were 3 Lapwing, 7 Swallow, 248 Linnet and 112 Goldfinch.

Ringing: 6 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Blackbird, 1 Dunnock, 1 Wheatear, 1 Robin, 5 Goldfinch, 1 Tree Sparrow. 

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Thursday, 09 April 2020

Migrants yet again dominated the day despite the lack of overall coverage. Our first Whitethroat of the spring was well recieved while a Mealy Redpoll was trapped at Kew and will soon be heading back across the north sea. Also today 10 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 2 Willow Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 11 Blackcap (10 trapped Kew), a Goldcrest, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Fieldfare, 15 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, a Yellow Wagtail, 52 Meadow Pipit and a Brambling.

Poor movment today with just 2 Cormorant, a Red Kite, 6 Jackdaw, 4 Rook, 8 Carrion Crow and a Swallow.

The kilnsea wetlands area held 100 Brent Geese, 53 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 60 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, a Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harrier and 20 Avocet.

Ringing: 10 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Tit, 1 Blackbird, 2 Redwing, 1 Wren, 1 Dunnock, 1 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Mealy Redpoll.

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Wednesday, 08 April 2020

Good numbers of migrants continue to be reported with the first Green Sandpiper of the year, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Coal Tit, 9 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 15 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, a Goldcrest, 4 Fieldfare, 5 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, a Black Redstart, 14 Wheatear, a Yellow Wagtail, 60 Meadow Pipit and a Brambling. One only wonders the numbers of migrants about if observers could get out looking properly.

On the move today were a Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Goosander (after pausing at Kilnsea wetlands), a Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard, a Little-ringed Plover, 1 Whimbrel, a Curlew, 6 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 65 Carrion Crow, a Hooded Crow, 1 Sand Martin, a Swallow, 2 Chaffinch, 4 Linnet and 4 Goldfinch.

The Bewick's Swan remained on KIlnsea wetlands, but no sign of the Whoopers, while the Pink-footed Goose was still in the triangle and a Ring-necked Parakeet wandered the area.

Ringing: 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 3 Blackcap, 3 Wren, 2 Great Tit, 2 Tree Sparrow, 10 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting. 

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Tuesday, 07 April 2020

A good day again for migrants in the area with 4 Whimbrel, 2 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow, 5 Willow Warbler, 16 Chiffchaff, 14 Blackcap (10 trapped Kew), a Firecrest, 4 Goldcrest, 15 Blackbird, 9 Fieldfare, 156 Redwing which flew off NE at dusk, 10 Song Thrush, 2 Wheatear and a White Wagtail.

More of a trickle of movement today with 2 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 2 Teal, 2 Cormorant, a Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 5 Whimbrel, 32 Black-headed Gull, 5 Little Gull, 3 Magpie, 6 Jackdaw, 3 Rook, 27 Carrion Crow, 3 Sand Martin, 4 Swallow, 4 Alba Wagtail, 7 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 88 Linnet and 38 Goldfinch.

It was pretty much as you were in the Long bank area as Duck numbers dropped a little more though the Bewick's Swan and 3 Whooper Swan were stiil present along with 29 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 46 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Grey Partridge, a Marsh Harrier, 1 Greenshank, 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.

Ringing: 19 Redwing, 1 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Starling, 2 Dunnock, 10 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 5 Goldfinch.

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Monday, 06 April 2020

There was an increase in migrant numbers throughout the patchwork of birders gardens in Kilnsea and Easington and around Kew/Sykes field. The day was also much better for southerly movement highlighted by a RED-RUMPED SWALLOW south after starting the day in Scarborough. Ths same movement also brought a Red Kite, a Common Buzzard, 11 Black-headed Gull, 5 Lesser-black backed Gull, 7 Kestrel, 16 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 13 Carrion Crow, 31 Sand Martin, 19 Swallow, 6 House Martin (1st of year), 2 Tree Sparrow, 1 Yellow Wagtail (1st of year), 4 Alba Wagtail, 3 White Wagtail, 33 Chaffinch, a Bullfinch, 5 Greenfinch, 229 Linnet and 5 Goldfinch.

The increase in migrant numbers brought us our first 8 Willow Warbler of the year plus a Little-ringed Plover, 3 Whimbrel, 13 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 2 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, a Fieldfare, 3 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 3 Wheatear, a White Wagtail, 1 Brambling and a Siskin.

The usual Bewick's Swan lingered on with only 3 Whooper Swan, 2 Mediterranean Gull on the Humber and the Pink-footed Goose still in the triangle.

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Blackbird, 1 Redwing, 1 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 6 Goldfinch. 

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Sunday, 05 April 2020

Watches: 0645-0930.

A bit of east in the wind today saw the first movements of terns heading out of the Humber among of few other species. The best being 43 Arctic Tern, 21 Little Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 4 Black-headed Gull and 2 Common Scoter (a flock went SE overnight over the Obs). Moving today in the usual directionof south were 3 Grey Heron, 7 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 2 Swallow, 2 White Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtail, 4 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting.

Decent again for migrants in the area with our first Whimbrel of the spring, a Swallow, 18 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Firecrest, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 11 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Black Redstart, 1 Stonechat, a Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 8 Pied Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll.

The numbers of Duck are declining by the day on Kilnsea wetlands, but the Bewick's Swan and now 6 Whooper Swan remain.

Ringing: 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Great Tit, 1 Tree Sparrow.

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Saturday, 04 April 2020

Watches: 0630-1130.

It was pretty much business as usual though there were maybe a few bits extra on the move today. Both the Bewick's Swan with the 5 Whooper Swans and the Black Brant were still present today, though there were now 4 Pale-bellied Brent present among the 450 Brent Geese. A Hen Harrier was again present in the area.

On the move today were 13 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 3 Cormorant, a Marsh Harrier, 1 Red Kite, a Lapwing, 19 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 25 Carrion Crow, 2 Skylark, 5 Alba Wagtail, 16 Meadow Pipit, 13 Chaffinch, 11 Greenfinch, 5 Goldfinch and a Corn Bunting.

Maybe a small increase in migrant numbers with a Swallow, 10 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, a Firecrest, 4 Blackcap, a Ring Ouzel, 16 Fieldfare, 75 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush, 1 Wheatear and 2 Bullfinch.

Other sightings included a Grey Partridge at Sammies, 22 Avocet on Beacon ponds, a Merlin and Peregrine in the area

Ringing: 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Blackbird, 4 Redwing, 1 Greenfinch, 3 Goldfinch.

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Friday, 03 April 2020

Watches: 0700-0930.

Little change in terms of what was present or grounded migrants, while there was barely a trickle of movement over land and sea.

The Bewicks's Swan with the 5 Whooper Swan were still present, but surely will be leaving within the next few nights? and at least 1 Black Brant and 1 Pale-bellied Brent among 350 Brent Geese. 

Migrant wise there were 11 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, a Treecreeper, 31 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 55 Meadow Pipit, a Brambling and 2 Siskin.

Moving were a Red-throated Diver, 1 Shag, a Marsh Harrier, 10 Black-headed Gull, a Guillemot, 2 Stock Dove, 10 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 45 Carrion Crow and 12 Fieldfare while heading east were 6 Wigeon and 3 Curlew. Overnight nocmig was relatively quieter with 68 Common Scoter (383 calls) and a few Wigeon, Teal and Redwing.

Otherwise there are now 3 Tufted Duck on Kilnsea wetlands, a Water Rail along the canal, 1 Marsh Harrier in the triangle with 2 Peregrine and a Merlin huntiing the area and a Little Owl calling overnight.

Ringing: 1 Wren, 1 Robin, 3 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 3 Blue Tit, 1 Chaffinch, 3 Goldfinch, 1 House Sparrow.

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Thursday, 02 April 2020

Watches: 0640-1000.

Overnight nocmig recordings showed a busy period of movement again dominated by 34 flocks of Common Scoter, with an estimated 655 individuals giving 2941 calls heading south-east. The evening also produced 49 Wigeon (211 calls), 7 Teal (39 calls) plus Gadwall, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Black-headed Gull plus plenty of Thrush action again

Day time vismig had 3 Common Scoter, 2 Cormorant, a Red Kite, 1 Lapwing, 2 Stock Dove, 24 Jackdaw, 9 Rook, 22 Carrion Crow, 110 Redwing, a House Sparrow, 6 Tree Sparrow, 6 Alba Wagtail, 32 Meadow Pipit, 47 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 7 Greenfinch, 3 Siskin and a Corn Bunting with 9 Curlew and 4 Blackbird out east.

A drop in migrant numbers was evident with only 7 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 6 Goldcrest, 3 Fieldfare, 2 Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush, 1 White Wagtail and a Brambling.

The Bewick's Swan was still lingering with the 5 Whooper Swans in the Kilnsea wetlands and Easington striaght area, with the KW area also having 15 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 120 Wigeon, 30 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 6 Little Egret, a Grey Heron, 32 Avocet and a Peregrine.

Ringing: 7 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Great Tit, 5 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting.

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Wednesday, 01 April 2020

Watches: 0630-1000.

Self isolation around the country has seen more birders outside listening to calls from birds migrating at night and many now investing in recording equipment for this purpose. Nocturnal migration or nocmig for short is beginning to show the extent of how some species are even migrating overland from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. The main species involved are Common Scoter and while only 10 were recorded sat on the sea in the morning, birders keeping in contact tracked a movement east across the country and 12 unseen flocks were recorded overnight over Spurn between the hours of 00:15-05:30. Also recorded were a Coot, 3 calls from Water Rail and a more expected 135 calls from exiting Redwing heading back to the continent.

Back to birding in daylight hours saw the usual Bewick's Swan still lingering with 6 Whooper Swan and still showing little sign of leaving. The 2 Black Brant were still present (inc hybrid family) along with a Pink-footed Goose, 2 Pale-bellied Brent among 300 Brent Geese in the Kilnsea wetlands area along with 15 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 250 Wigeon, 110 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 4 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, a Hen Harrier, 20 avocet and a Greenshank with 2 Peregrine, a Merlin, 1 Little Owl and a Corn Bunting seen nearby during the day.

A small increase in migrant numbers brought another Firecrest to the area plus 13 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 11 Goldcrest, 12 Blackbird, 14 Fieldfare, 23 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, a Black Redstart, 1 Stonechat, 64 Meadow Pipit and a Bullfinch.

On the move today were 2 Red-throated Diver, a Grey Heron, 1 Red Kite, 10 Jackdaw, 8 Rook, 42 Starling, 6 Dunnock, a Grey Wagtail, 6 Alba Wagtail while heading out east were 18 Curlew, 38 Black-headed Gull, 18 Common Gull and 250 Starling.

Ringing: 6 Redwing, 5 Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest, 3 Goldcrest, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 House Sparrow, 

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