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.

Use the archive navigation to see more sightings.