October 2006

A day of strong winds that started in the W and finished from the NW reaching force 6 + with frequent squally showers making birding difficult.

With plenty of sea-watching done highlights were few and far between with 14 Red-throated Diver, 178 Gannet, 2 Shag, 18 Whooper Swan S, 89 Pink-footed Geese S, 23 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 5 Arctic Skua S, 4 Bonxie S, 13 Little Gull N, 280 Kittiwake and a Little Auk N.

. Other birds of note were a Jack Snipe (Canal Scrape), the Kingfisher (Canal Scrape), 2 Swallow S, 1 House Martin S, 14 Fieldfare, 37 Redwing, 1 Chiffchaff, 524 Starling including 4 in and 140 S, 37 Goldfinch, 2 Siskin S and the Snow Bunting on the Beach by the Warren. North of the area in Easington a late record of a winter plumage Whinchat got some excitement going on a rather quiet day. The only migrant moth trapped today was a Dark Sword-grass.

On the whole an interesting day after a poor start with full cloud cover and showers clearing giving plenty of sunshine in a strengthening SW wind reaching force 5 by the evening. Birds seen on the move were 3 Great Crested Grebe S, 49 Gannet, 210 Pink-footed Geese S, 141 Wigeon S, 26 Teal S plus 2 N, 3 Pintail S, 161 Common Scoter S plus 78 N, 19 Goldeneye, (12 S), 4 Merlin S, 32 Lapwing in, 48 Knot S, 259 Dunlin S, 2 Jack Snipe in, 3 Snipe in, 2 Woodcock in, 2 Little Auk N plus 1 in with a flock of Starlings, 8 Skylark in, 2 Swallow S, 9 Alba Wagtail S, 49 Blackbird in, 72 Fieldfare in, 174 Redwing in, 1600 Starling in, 11 Goldfinch S, 3 Siskin & 2 Yellowhammer S.

Other birds of note were 2 Water Rail, a Jack Snipe (Warren), the Little Owl at the Point, 2 Swallow and 2 House Martin (Triangle), 3 Stonechat, 72 Blackbird, 19 Fieldfare, 13 Song Thrush, 160 Redwing, 5 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 12 Brambling, 4 Redpoll and a single Snow Bunting (Clubley’s). The only migrant moths caught today were 2 Rush Veneer.

Very little activity apart from Whooper Swans and Pink-footed Geese on the move. Winds were light, starting NW and ending up east by the evening. Birds moving south were; 28 Whooper Swan, 1600 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Mallard, 1 Goldeneye north, 9 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 alba Wagtail, 5 Jackdaw, 56 Rook, 62 Tree Sparrow, 45 Greenfinch, 22 Goldfinch.

Grounded birds were; the Little Owl still at the Point, a Short-eared Owl in the Triangle, 3 Stonechat, 68 Blackbird, 11 Fieldfare, 15 Song Thrush, 56 Redwing, 7 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 14 Goldcrest, 50 Tree Sparrow, 28 Chaffinch, 15 Brambling, 17 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 5 Linnet, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Snow Bunting.

Seabirds seen included, 6 Red-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 4 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 1 Arctic Skua, 12 Kittiwake, 1 Razorbill, 1 Little Auk over the Humber. 2 Clouded Yellows were seen and immigrant moths caught were 2 Silver Y and 1 Rush Veneer.

A poor day with only a few migrants around and most activity was over the sea or north of the observatory recording area. Birds making their way south were; 1 Grey Heron, 9 Whooper Swan, 29 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Brent Geese in, 12 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 12 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Eider, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 28 Common Scoter, 11 Goldeneye + 3 N, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Hen Harrier, 14 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 18 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 21 Greenfinch, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Linnet, 6 Twite, 5 Redpoll.

Seabirds included; 6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 11 Gannet, 1 Shag, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 3 Little Gull, 1 Lesser B.B.Gull, 2 Guillemot. Grounded birds were; an asio sp., 1 Skylark, 1 Rock Pipit, 5 Stonechat, 80 Blackbird, 11 Fieldfare, 14 Song Thrush, 66 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, 9 Chaffinch, 6 Brambling.

At Beacon Ponds were 2 Shore Lark, 14 Twite and a Snow Bunting.

A trickle of birds moving south during the morning in fresh south-westerly winds, but few grounded birds. The highlight of the day went to four lucky observers who saw the two adult Red-breasted Geese that had been present in Lincolnshire for the past two weeks. They flew south past the Narrows at 08.25 and continued towards Lincolnshire. This is only the second record of this species for Spurn.

. Other birds on the move included; 12 Whooper Swan, 1 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 33 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Merlin, 14 Wood Pigeon, 4 Skylark, 2 House Martin, 25 Meadow Pipit, 18 Rock Pipit, 2 alba Wagtail, 3 Rook, 6 Starling, 3 Chaffinch, 118 Greenfinch, 167 Goldfinch, 14 Siskin, 60 Linnet, 1 Twite, 24 Redpoll, 3 Reed Bunting.

Grounded birds were; the Little Owl still at the Point, 2 Skylark, 3 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 106 Blackbird, 14 Fieldfare, 38 Song Thrush, 75 Redwing, 9 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 14 Chaffinch, 11 Brambling, 1 Lesser Redpoll. Seabirds seen were; 13 Red-throated Diver, 5 Gannet, 2 Shag, 1 Arctic Skua, 40 Little Gull, 6 Lesser B.B.Gull, 370 Herring Gull, 35 Auk sp., 5 Razorbill. The only bird seen north of the are was a Hen Harrier at Beacon Ponds. A Pearly Underwing was the only moth caught overnight.

A poor day days birding, with very strong south-westerly winds. Migrants were keeping low and most activity was over the sea. Birds moving south included, 10 Whooper Swan, 20 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Brent Geese, 33 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 3 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 1 Scaup, 10 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, 8 Golden Plover, 3 Grey Plover, 20 Knot, 21 Dunlin, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Meadow Pipit, 5 Greenfinch and 121 Starling in off the sea.

Seabirds seen included; 9 Red-throated Diver, 4 Gannet, 2 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 1 skua sp., 1 Pomarine Skua blogging, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 Bonxie, 1 Kittiwake, 450 Auk sp, 6 Guillemot, 2 Razorbill, 12 Little Auk.

Other birds of interest seen were; a Little Owl at the Point, 1 Kingfisher and a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Swallow and 3 House Martin, 2 Stonechat, 1 Ring Ouzel, 115 Blackbird, 48 Fieldfare, 11 Song Thrush, 200 Redwing, 5 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 19 Chaffinch, 21 Brambling. The only immigrant moth caught was a Rusty-dot Pearl.

A fresh S – SE wind with rain from mid-afternoon, a good arrival of thrushes in the afternoon once the rain had pushed the birds down, quite a few birds were seen coming in off the sea, including 2 Woodcock, 8 Skylark, 1 Ring Ouzel, and many thrushes, giving day total of 300 Blackbird, 21 Fieldfare, 11 Song Thrush and 1900 Redwing. Other grounded migrants included; 3 Jack Snipe, 1 Woodcock, 1 Long-eared Owl at the Point, 7 Rock Pipit, a Richard’s Pipit flew south over Kew and into the Triangle, 5 Stonechat, 4 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 19 Goldcrest, 13 Chaffinch, 23 Brambling, 2 Siskin, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Yellowhammer.

Birds moving south were; 5 Whooper Swan, 123 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Brent Geese, 31 Wigeon, 50 Teal, 10 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Scaup, 5 Eider, 44 Common Scoter + 75 north, 3 Velvet Scoter + 1 north, 1 Goldeneye, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Kestrel, 3 Lapwing, 41 Wood Pigeon, 39 Skylark, 84 Meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 13 alba Wagtail, 14 Jackdaw, 13 Rook, 3 House Sparrow, 8 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 230 Greenfinch, 190 Goldfinch, 80 Linnet, 3 Redpoll, 1 Reed Bunting.

Seabirds included 9 Red-throated Diver, a European Storm-petrel, 20 Gannet, 9 Cormorant, 1 Arctic Skua, 3 Auk sp., 25 Little Auk including 1 which hit a car door opposite the Church and still survived. The only migrant moth caught was a Silver Y.

North winds veering west, we expected a few more seabirds, but at last got our first Little Auk of the year bringing the total for the year to 243. Small numbers of birds were seen coming in off the sea and geese were again moving in the afternoon.

Birds on the move included; 15 Red-throated Diver, 804 Pink-footed Geese, 14 Common Scoter, 9 Goosander, 2 Lapwing, 65 Auk sp., 17 Razorbill, 1 Little Auk, 44 Skylark (22 in and 22 south), 14 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 6 alba Wagtail, 13 Jackdaw, 16 Rook, 16 Starling, 11 Greenfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 7 Linnet, 1 Lapland Bunting.

Other birds of note seen included; 1 White-fronted Goose onto the Humber then back north, 1 Peregrine, 2 Water Rail, 80 Little Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 House Martin, 5 Rock Pipit, 1 Black Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 35 Blackbird, 6 Fieldfare, 11 Song Thrush, 31 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 19 Goldcrest, 22 Brambling, 2 Siskin, 2 Redpoll. Immigrant moths were 2 Dark Sword Grass, 1 Pearly Underwing, 1 Silver Y, 1 Rush Veneer.

A good morning for passage, with a reasonable selection of wildfowl, raptors, and passerines all on their way south. A few grounded migrants still around. Birds moving south were; 39 Whooper Swan, 850 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese north, 6 Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Eider, 1 Long-tailed Duck south from the ponds across onto the Humber and probably the same bird back north at sea, 12 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Hen Harrier, 6 Sparrowhawk, 8 Kestrel, 4 Merlin, 6 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 390 Black-headed Gull, 5 Lesser B.B.Gull, 987 Herring Gull, 546 Skylark, 12 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 163 Meadow Pipit, 44 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 16 alba Wagtail, 8 Jackdaw, 22 Rook, 560 Starling, 171 Tree Sparrow, 6 Chaffinch, 154 Greenfinch, 345 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 66 Linnet, 13 Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting, 1 Snow Bunting, 12 Reed Bunting.

Other birds of note seen included; 4 Shag, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Bonxie, 2 Sandwich Tern, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 24 Song Thrush, 59 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 13 Chiffchaff, 15 Goldcrest, 1 Brambling. North of the area a Hen Harrier was seen on Beacon Lane and a Richard’s Pipit flew from Beacon Ponds towards Long Bank.

130 Red Admirals south, and immigrant moths were; single Pearly Underwing, Dark Sword-grass, Silver Y, Rush Veneer.

A very blustery morning and hardly any passage or grounded migrants. In the afternoon the wind dropped a little and Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans started moving south, the latter making another new day record, with a total of 110.

Pink-footed Geese totalled 1350. Other birds moving south were; 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Eider, 7 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Hen Harrier, 237 Herring Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 4 Meadow Pipit, 41 Greenfinch, 97 Goldfinch.

Other birds of note included; 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Bonxie, 3 Short-eared Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Rock Pipit, 1 Black Redstart, 5 Stonechat, 11 Song Thrush, 65 Redwing, 3 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 12 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling. Only 7 moths trapped overnight, including 1 Pearly Underwing, 1 Dark Sword-grass, 1 Rush Veneer.

A good morning for passage, with an incredible number of Tree Sparrows, showing they must be doing a little better than we thought or we’re getting migrants for the continent?. Still a few grounded migrants around. Birds on the move south included; 1 Grey Heron, 250 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Brent Geese, 4 Goosander, 1 Merlin, 5 Knot, 4 Common Snipe, 1 Curlew, 15 Lesser B.B.Gull, Herring Gull, 17 Wood Pigeon, 445 Skylark, 28 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 833 Meadow Pipit, 18 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 54 alba Wagtail, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Rook, 2000 Starling, 51 House Sparrow, 620 Tree Sparrow, 20 Chaffinch, 686 Greenfinch, 1164 Goldfinch, 5 Siskin, 203 Linnet, 13 Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting, 12 Reed Bunting.

Grounded birds were; 1 Kingfisher on Canal, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Black Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 26 Song Thrush, 55 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 6 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler at the Crown, 7 Chiffchaff, 24 Goldcrest, 300 Starling, 16 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling. A possible Olive-backed Pipit was heard over the Warren, but not a definite as one pager company have reported.

Birds seen north of the area included; 1 Great Northern Diver on sea off the ponds, a Red breasted Merganser, 3 Jack Snipe and 9 Ruff, 1 Short-eared Owl. Immigrant moths were; 1 Diamond-back Moth, 2 Rusty-dot Pearl, 3 Rush Veneer, 2 Dark Sword-grass, 4 Silver Y and 1 Delicate.

Strong southerly winds and rain all morning, dampened bird activity, although it did brighten up in the afternoon.

Birds of note seen were; 4 Red-throated Diver, 248 Brent Goose +1 pale-bellied, 7 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 1 Peregrine, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 5 Sandwich Tern, 1 Razorbill, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Black Redstart, 2 Stonechat, 28 Song Thrush, 160 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 14 Goldcrest, 27 Chaffinch, 36 Goldfinch, 2 Redpoll. A White-fronted Goose and 10 Ruff were seen at Long Bank.

Migrant moths included; 6 Rush Veneer, 3 Rusty-dot Pearl, 2 Diamond-back Moth, 3 Pearly Underwing, 2 Scarce Bordered Straw, 1 Silver Y.

Rain most of the morning with strong winds made birding difficult with most passerines keeping well into cover, a few birds on the move at sea.

Birds heading south included 4 Red-throated Diver, a Shag N, 102 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Shelduck, 10 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 12 Common Scoter, 2 Ruddy Duck an unusual sighting at sea, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Sanderling and a Sandwich Tern whilst overland 18 Skylark, 9 Greenfinch and 3 Redpoll also went south.

Other notable sightings were 3 Rock Pipit, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Stonechat (Triangle), 2 Ring Ouzel (Wire Dump), a Fieldfare (Wire Dump), 155 Redwing, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (Crown) and 7 Chiffchaff.

With fog not clearing until midday birding was mostly confined to the afternoon. Grounded birds of note included 6 Gadwall on the sea, 5 Snipe, a late Common Sandpiper around the Tank Blocks, a Kingfisher (Canal), 2 Swallow, 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Ring Ouzel, 115 Blackbird, 55 Song Thrush, 153 Redwing, 17 Blackcap, the Yellow-browed Warbler at the Crown, 19 Chiffchaff, 97 Goldcrest, 3 Redpoll, 1 Mealy Redpoll with a Little Bunting found in the Point dunes which was seen down to 6 feet.

Birds heading south included c100 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Pintail, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Swallow, 12 Brambling, and 9 Siskin.

On the butterfly front 13 Red Admirals went south leaving 20 others grounded, migrant moths trapped last night were 9 Diamond-back Moth, 3 Rusty-dot Pearl, 8 Rush Veneer, 2 Scarce-bordered Straw, 1 Delicate, 1 Dark-sword Grass, 1 Pearly Underwing, 1 Silver Y.

With clear skies overnight a lot of birds moved out making it a much quieter day. Blue skies to start with clouding later with some heavy showers in a light force 2-3 SE veering S wind.

Some light southerly passage with 1 Sparrowhawk, 35 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 24 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 2 Alba Wagtail, 13 Jackdaw, 39 Rook, 80 Starling, 59 Greenfinch, 52 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin & 2 Reed Bunting. Grounded birds included a Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, a Long-eared Owl (Warren), a Kingfisher, 3 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 5 Rock Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 68 Robin, 4 Black Redstart, 7 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 1 Ring Ouzel, 162 Redwing, a Reed Warbler, 18 Blackcap, the Yellow-browed Warbler (Crown), 21 Brambling, 4 Siskin and the Lapland Bunting by the Narrows.

Migrant moths increased today with 17 Diamond-back Moth, 15 Rush Veneer, 4 Rusty-dot Pearl, 3 Dark Sword Grass, 1 Pearly Underwing, 5 Silver Y, a Scarce Bordered Straw and 1 Delicate.

A disappointing day considering how many birds were turning up at other sites. There were still plenty of thrushes and an increase in Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests.

Birds of note today were; 380 Brent Geese, a White-fronted Goose flew south, 11 Eider, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Bonxie, 28 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 41 Meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 110 Robin, 8 Black Redstart, 1 Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 9 Ring Ouzel, 3 Fieldfare, 250 Song Thrush, 1500+ Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 22 Blackcap, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (Crown, post 24), 23 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 56 Goldcrest, 2 Bearded Tit on the top canal, 112 Chaffinch, 46 Brambling, 11 Siskin, 4 Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting at post 28.

North of the area was a Yellow-browed Warbler still in Kilnsea, 2 Lapland Bunting and 8 Ruff at Beacon Ponds. Immigrant moths were; 2 Rush Veneer, 1 Pearly Under-wing, 1 Dark Sword-grass, 12 Diamond-back moth, 5 Silver Y, 1 Delicate and 1 Scarce Bordered Straw.

There was no sign of the Olive-backed Pipit or Little Bunting today, but the Richard’s Pipit was seen in the Triangle, the main feature of the day was thrushes, mainly Redwings, 5500 came in and moved off, with very few birds staying for very long. This proved very frustrating when one observer had brief views of a possible Eye-browed Thrush late in the afternoon at post 62, it wasn’t seen again despite extensive searching.

Other migrants noted were; 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Woodcock, 7 Skylark, 1 Tree Pipit, 8 Meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 73 Robin, 4 Black Redstart, 2 Redstart, 4 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 13 Ring Ouzel, 195 Blackbird, 200 Song Thrush, 5500 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Whitethroat, 13 Blackcap, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler + 1 in Kilnsea, 10 Chiffchaff, 40 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Bearded Tit at Canal Scrape, 38 Chaffinch, 3 Siskin, 1 Lapland Bunting at post 28.

A new bird for Spurn was recorded when a drake Mandarin Duck flew over the Point and landed on the beach at the Point, it flew north after about half an hour, allowing several ‘spurn listers’ to add it to their list. There was very little visible migration, just a few finches – 20 Chaffinch, 37 Goldfinch, 42 Siskin, and 2 Redpoll. Other birds of note were; 347 Brent Geese +2 pale-bellied, 2 Pintail, 1 Velvet Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Curlew Sandpiper and a Bonxie.

Another cracking day, with the highlight being an Olive-backed Pipit found at the Warren mid-afternoon, a Little Bunting seen by a few observers at Beacon Ponds was another decent find. There was a good grounding of other migrants, but mainly thrushes. 6 Woodcock, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, the Richard’s Pipit was still in Clubley’s and another was seen north of the area near Sammy’s Point, 13 Rock Pipit, 105 Robin, 1 Redstart, 6 Stonechat, 15 Ring Ouzel, 150 Blackbird, 1 Fieldfare, 140 Song Thrush, 520 Redwing, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 5 Yellow-browed Warbler (2 Point, 2 Crown, 1 Narrows), 9 Chiffchaff, 75 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 44 Chaffinch, 13 Brambling, 1 Siskin, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Yellowhammer.

Birds flying south included; 11 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 1 Mallard, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Lapwing, 33 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 20 Meadow Pipit, 19 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 18 alba Wagtail, 4 Song Thrush, 35 Rook, 21 House Sparrow, 135 Tree Sparrow, 13 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 215 Greenfinch, 163 Goldfinch, 3 Siskin, 15 Linnet, 2 Twite, 15 Redpoll, 28 Reed Bunting.

The only activity over the sea involved 6 Red-throated Diver, 50 Gannet, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Common Tern and 10 Auk sp. North of the area was a Yellow-browed Warbler in Easington and 2 Kingfisher and a Jack Snipe at Beacon Ponds. Moths caught overnight included 2 Delicate, 6 Rush Veneer, 1 Rusty-dot Pearl, 1 Silver Y.

Another good days birding, with again good visible migration of several species. The Red-breasted Flycatcher and 3 Yellow-browed Warbler were still in the Crown/ Kew area, with other singles seen at the Blue Bell and the Point. A Richards Pipit was found in Clubley’s Field in the afternoon and other migrants seen were; a Woodcock in over the Warren, 1 Kingfisher, 15 Rock Pipit, 50 Robin, 5 Stonechat, 2 Ring Ouzel, 61 Blackbird, 89 Song Thrush, 71 Redwing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 24 Goldcrest, 42 Chaffinch, 17 Brambling, 2 Siskin,12 Reed Bunting.

Birds moving south included an adult white morph Snow Goose south with Pink-footed Geese which totalled 158, 13 Eider, 4 Sparrowhawk, 6 Lapwing, 2 Stock Dove, 180 Wood Pigeon, 225 Skylark, 14 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 130 Meadow Pipit, 95 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 28 alba Wagtail, 33 Rook, 5 House Sparrow, 48 Tree Sparrow, 19 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 157 Greenfinch, 1220 Goldfinch, 79 Linnet, 22 Redpoll, 6 Yellowhammer, 53 Reed Bunting.

The only seabirds seen were 3 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Manx Shearwater, 7 Cormorant, 2 Shag, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Little Gull, 4 Sandwich Tern, 10 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 150 Razorbill. Other birds of note were; 1 Gadwall, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Peregrine, 2 Water Rail, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank. Immigrant moths caught included 2 Scarce Bordered Straw, 2 Pearly Underwing, 1 Silver Y, 10 Rush Veneer, 1 Rusty-dot Pearl.

Another good days birding with very good viz mig at the Narrows and still good numbers of grounded migrants around. Birds on there way south were; 150 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 238 Wigeon, 366 Teal, 3 Mallard, 7 Pintail, 37 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 4 Tufted Duck, 10 Scaup, 5 Eider, 51 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Lapwing in off the sea, 380 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 24 Swallow, 9 House Martin, 240 Meadow Pipit, 150 Rock Pipit was a new day record, 3 Grey Wagtail, 13 alba Wagtail, 4 Jackdaw, 25 Rook, 6 Carrion Crow, 8 House Sparrow, 174 Tree Sparrow, 14 Chaffinch, 36 Brambling, 394 Greenfinch, 915 Goldfinch, 35 Siskin, 110 Linnet, 4 Twite, 12 Redpoll, 8 Yellowhammer, 36 Reed Bunting.

Grounded birds were; a Hen Harrier at Wire Dump, a Water Rail at the Point, a Short-eared Owl, 9 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, 76 Robin, 15 Stonechat, 3 Ring Ouzel, 29 Blackbird, 93 Song Thrush, 70 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 6 Blackcap, 3 Yellow-browed Warbler in the Crown/ Church area, 2 Chiffchaff, 41 Goldcrest, the Red-breasted Flycatcher in the Crown/ Kew area, 46 Chaffinch, 39 Brambling, 50 Goldfinch, 40 Reed Bunting.

Birds at sea included; 11 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannet, 2 Shag, 2 Arctic Skua, 4 Sandwich Tern, 51 Common Tern, 36 Auk sp, 10 Razorbill. Immigrant moths were 1 Dark Sword Grass, 6 Pearly Underwing, 2 Silver Y, 1 Rusty-dot Pearl, 8 Rush Veneer, 2 Diamond-back Moth, 1 Scarce Bordered Straw.

At last a decent fall of birds. Birds were evident from just after first light, with a few Bramblings and Redwings, as the day wore on more Thrushes were coming in off the sea , with some going south and some going straight west. Another feature of the day was the large numbers of duck going south at sea.

Migrants included; 62 Lapwing in/off the sea, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl, 38 Skylark south, 1 Shore Lark at the Point car park and 1 south past the sea-watching hut, 38 Swallow south, 5 House Martin, 11 Rock Pipit, 39 Robin, 2 Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 15 Ring Ouzel, 60 Blackbird, 500+ Song Thrush, 610 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Sedge Warbler, 12 Blackcap, 6 Yellow-browed Warbler (3 Crown – Church, 2 Point, 1post 68), 6 Chiffchaff, 13 Goldcrest, 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher in the Crown car park, 90 Chaffinch, 210 Brambling, 10 Siskin, 1 Redpoll.

Birds moving at sea were; 12 Red-throated Diver, 53 Gannet, 56 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 260 Wigeon, 390 Teal, 5 Mallard, 11 Pintail, 15 Shoveler, 32 Pochard, 53 Tufted Duck, 2 Scaup, 8 Eider, 84 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Pomarine Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 2 Bonxie, 5 Little Gull, 1 Guillemot, 1 Razorbill. Migrants moth trapped overnight were; 2 Delicate, 2 Dark Sword Grass, 2 Pearly Underwing, 3 Silver Y, 1 Rusty-dot Pearl, 3 Rush Veneer.

Easterly wind during the night with rain, continuing south-easterly all day with some showers, expectations were high, but it turned out to be a very disappointing day, with hardly any new grounded migrants in. 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Rock Pipit, 31 Robin, 3 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 5 Song Thrush, 21 Redwing, 1 Garden Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 13 Goldcrest, 9 Chaffinch, 1 Siskin and 2 Mealy Redpoll (Point and Middle Camp).

There was only a little southerly movement; 20 Wigeon, 34 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 29 Skylark, 31 Swallow, 31 Meadow Pipit, 8 alba Wagtail, 29 Greenfinch, 135 Goldfinch, 8 Linnet, 2 Redpoll.

While on the sea were; 14 Red-throated Diver, 5 Manx Shearwater, 64 Gannet, 1 Pomarine Skua, 6 Arctic Skua, 7 Bonxie, 14 Sandwich Tern, 12 Common Tern, 3 Arctic Tern, 2 Guillemot, 34 Razorbill, 2 Puffin. Immigrant moths increased with; 1 Delicate, 5 Pearly Underwing, 2 Dark Sword-grass, 5 Silver Y, 8 Rush Veneer, 1 Rusty-dot Pearl.

Continued south-westerlies and yet more Goldfinches south, although there were more late afternoon than in the morning, which was a very unusual occurrence, a total of 1775 flew south. Other birds moving south were also in smaller numbers; 1 Grey Heron in, 1 Whooper Swan, 171 Pink-footed Geese, 16 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Common Snipe, 27 Skylark, 20 Swallow, 25 House Martin, 25 Meadow Pipit, 11 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 14 alba Wagtail, 3 Redwing in/off, 5 Rook, 97 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch, 120 Greenfinch, 13 Siskin, 163 Linnet, 4 Reed Bunting.

Seabirds seen were; 17 Red-throated Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater, 60 Gannet, 1 Shag, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Bonxie, 2 Mediterranean Gull, 500+ Little Gull, 34 Common Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 134 Razorbill.

Other birds of note seen today were; 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 1 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush, 1 Reed Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, a Yellow-browed Warbler at the Blue Bell early morning, 6 Goldcrest. Immigrant moths were; 1 Delicate, 1 Pearly Underwing, 1 Silver Y.

The wind backed south-westerly and Goldfinches and Pink-footed Geese were again on the move with 2400 and 1350 respectively. Other birds on the move were; 21 Wigeon, 3 Common Scoter, 74 Skylark, 40 Swallow, 179 Meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 8 alba Wagtail, 6 Jackdaw, 6 Rook, 34 House Sparrow, 11 Tree Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, 304 Greenfinch, 3 Siskin, 141 Linnet, 5 Redpoll, 8 Reed Bunting.

The only grounded birds seen were; a Short-eared Owl, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Rock Pipit, 3 Stonechat, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, and 11 Goldcrest.

Seabirds seen included; 12 Red-throated Diver, 1 Manx Shearwater, 111 Gannet, 3 Cormorant, 1 Shag, 5 Arctic Skua, 7 Bonxie, 120 Little Gull, 85 Common Tern. A Yellow-browed Warbler was seen on Green Lane in Easington. The only migrants moths caught were a Pearly Underwing and a Dark Sword-grass.

In comparison to yesterday, another very good day for passage and strong westerly winds didn’t stop the birds moving; with Goldfinch again leading the way, reaching 2580. Pink-footed Geese also did well with 2080, while other birds moving south included; 1 Grey Heron, 1 Greylag Goose, 5 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Common Buzzard U-turned, 2 Kestrel, 5 Golden Plover, 1 Jack Snipe in off, 6 Common Snipe in, 26 Wood Pigeon, 329 Skylark, 21 Swallow, 19 House Martin, 357 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit in, 2 Grey Wagtail, 38 alba Wagtail, 350 Tree Sparrow, 10 Chaffinch, 99 Greenfinch, 11 Siskin, 106 Linnet, 4 Twite in, 32 Redpoll, 1 Snow Bunting and 7 Reed Bunting.

Grounded birds were only few in the strong winds; 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Redstart, 1 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Brambling, 2 Twite on the beach south of Warren.

At sea were 24 Red-throated Diver, 2 Manx Shearwater, 342 Gannet, 4 Arctic Skua, 1 Bonxie, 400 Little Gull, 19 Lesser B.B.Gull, 1000+ Herring Gull south, 60 Great B.B.Gull S, 36 Kittiwake, 4 Common Tern, 188 Auk sp. A Lapland Bunting was seen at Easington Lagoons. There were no migrant moths caught overnight.

A very poor day for passage despite fresh south-westerly winds and clear conditions, the only southerly passage noted was 27 Pink-footed Geese + 7 in, 10 Wigeon in, 3 Grey Plover, 3 Knot, 3 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 17 Meadow Pipit, 4 Rock Pipit, 1 alba Wagtail, 28 Greenfinch, 98 Goldfinch, 98 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Reed Bunting.

The Red-breasted Flycatcher was still present at the Warren, other migrants included a Jack Snipe, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 13 Goldcrest, and 6 Chaffinch.

At sea were 20 Red-throated Diver, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 182 Gannet, 6 Arctic Skua, 2 Bonxie, 2000+ Little Gull, 22 Sandwich Tern, 26 Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern. Immigrant moths were 3 Pearly Underwing, 2 Silver Y and a Dark Swordgrass.

Another good morning for passage, particularly Goldfinch which totalled 2215 south, passage curtailed late morning when rain set in for a big part of the day. Other birds on the move south were; 2 Whooper Swan (first of the year), 305 Pink-footed Geese + 76 north!, 47 Wigeon, 35 Teal, 2 Pintail, 1 Scaup, 16 Eider, a Jack Snipe flew over Wire Dump with a small flock of Goldfinch!!! , 1 Stock Dover, 11 Wood Pigeon, 52 Skylark, 42 Swallow, 40 House Martin, 648 Meadow Pipit, 14 Rock Pipit, 4 alba Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Tree Sparrow, 3 Chaffinch, 164 Greenfinch, 11 Siskin, 228 Linnet, 12 Redpoll, 4 Reed Bunting.

The Red-breasted Flycatcher was still at the Warren, while elsewhere an Avocet was at Chalk Bank and 4 Curlew Sandpipers on the Humber. Other migrants were 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 4 new Blackbird, 21 Redwing, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 14 Goldcrest.

At sea were; 17 Red-throated Diver, 5 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 425 Gannet, 14 Cormorant, 4 Arctic Skua, 7 Bonxie, 7 Sandwich Tern, 98 Common Tern, 9 Arctic Tern, 1 Black Tern, 390 Auk sp, 30 Razorbill, 1 Puffin. Immigrant moths included; 1 Scarce Bordered Straw, 1 Pearly Underwing, 2 Silver Y, 1 Rush Veneer.

A great day for passage, with two species recording there 2nd highest day counts- 4850 Pink-footed Geese flew south in about 40 different skeins, with the largest being 360, and 3865 Goldfinch. Other birds moving south included; 1 Barnacle Goose in with one of the Pink-footed Geese flocks, 73 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 4 Pintail +9 in, 1 Tufted Duck, 6 Eider, 30 Common Scoter, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 6 Kestrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Stock Dove, 145 Wood Pigeon, 186 Skylark, 75 Swallow, 6 House Martin, 525 Meadow Pipit, 34 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 31 alba Wagtail, 7 Dunnock, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Jackdaw, 48 Rook, 7 Carrion Crow, 27 House Sparrow, 113 Tree Sparrow, 6 Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 310 Greenfinch, 16 Siskin, 408 Linnet, 17 Redpoll, 2 Snow Bunting, 7 Reed Bunting.

A few new fresh migrants arrived, with the highlight being the first Red-breasted Flycatcher of the year at the Warren, which was trapped and ringed, other migrants included; 1 Whinchat, 4 Stonechat, 2 Wheatear, 4 Redwing, 3 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 3 Lesser Redpoll.

The sea was overlooked with so much passage happening, but when looked at the following species were seen; 18 Red-throated Diver, 270 Gannet, 7 Cormorant, 7 Shag, 3 Arctic Skua, 4 Bonxie, 500 Little Gull, 44 Sandwich Tern, 250 Razorbill. 2 Clouded Yellow and 78 Red Admiral flew south and moths caught overnight included; 3 Delicate, 8 Pearly Underwing, 1 Silvery Y, 11 Rush Veneer.

Another day of passage being the main highlight in a stiff but decreasing W wind that veered NW by the afternoon, also the first small arrival of Redwing this autumn.

Birds heading south today were 990 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Wigeon, 7 Teal a Velvet Scoter, 47 Skylark, 26 Swallow, 139 Meadow Pipit, 3 Rock Pipit plus 1 in, 11 Rook, 12 House Sparrow, 194 Tree Sparrow, 117 Greenfinch, 586 Goldfinch, 210 Linnet & 13 Redpoll. At sea 33 Red-throated Diver,1 Fulmar N, 4 Manx Shearwater N, 119 Gannet, c2000 Little Gull feeding offshore, 12 Sandwich Tern and plenty of Auk’s blogging around.

Other new arrivals were 2 Merlin, a Short-eared Owl (Point), 4 Stonechat, 13 Redwing (6 Point, 7 Kilnsea Road), a Blackcap (Kew), 2 Chiffchaff, 15 Goldcrest. Migrant moths were better than expected with a Delicate, 2 Dark Sword Grass, 3 Pearly Underwing, 1 Rush Veneer & 3 Silver Y.

A good day for southerly passage in a stiff SW-W wind after the rain had stopped leaving sunny spells. Birds heading south were 223 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Kestrel, 47 Skylark, 136 Swallow, 201 House Martin, 872 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Flava Wagtail, 7 Grey Wagtail, 48 Alba Wagtail, 75 Tree Sparrow, 3 Brambling, 180 Greenfinch, 2437 Goldfinch, 28 Siskin, 732 Linnet and 12 Redpoll.

Whilst at sea 22 Red-throated Diver, a Manx Shearwater blogging, 106 Gannet, 20 Wigeon S, 10 Teal S, 11 Common Scoter S, 1 Red-breasted Merganser S, 4 Arctic Skua, c3000 Little Gull feeding offshore, 22 Sandwich Tern, 38 Common Tern, 315 Razorbill with plenty more Auk’s further out at sea.

Other birds of note were a Greenshank (Humber), a Barn Owl, 3 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, a Mistle Thrush (Warren), single Blackcap & Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest and a Pied Flycatcher (Warren). 39 Red Admiral butterflies were recorded with 23 heading south and the only migrant moth in the traps was a Pearly Underwing.

The highlight of the day was a Pectoral Sandpiper which was first seen flying over Beacon Ponds, but was then later seen over Clubley’s Field and dropping onto the Humber where it was seen briefly before disappearing. Activity over the sea included a minimum of 6,000 Little Gulls feeding offshore for most of the day, also 3100 Auk sp were seen flying south in the morning. Other seabirds included; 32 Red-throated Diver, single Sooty and Manx Shearwaters, 1 Shag, 10 Arctic Skua, 7 Bonxie, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 19 Kittiwake, 31 Sandwich Tern, 165 Common Tern, 128 Razorbill and 5 Puffin.

Passage was much lighter today, with the following birds moving south; 1 Grey Heron + 5 in, 15 Pink-footed Geese, 55 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 112 Common Scoter, 4 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 74 Swallow, 30 House Martin, 243 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 flava Wagtail, 3 Grey Wagtail, 7 alba Wagtail, 2 Tree Sparrow, 64 Greenfinch, 167 Goldfinch, 7 Siskin, 201 Linnet, 2 Redpoll, 1 Lapland Bunting.

Grounded birds were; 4 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat, 3 Wheatear, 7 Song Thrush, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Yellowhammer, 14 Reed Bunting. Moths trapped overnight were 4 Pearly Underwing, 3 Dark Swordgrass, 1 Rush Veneer, 1 Diamondback and a Convolvulus Hawk-moth was found in the caravan site.