Sightings

Saturday, 30 September 2023

A nice sunny day with a light westerly.  A moulting adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER was a good find in a Golden Plover flock on the Humber off the Warren by Colin Bushell (after finding a Pacific in July) showing well between here and the riverside. The drake American Wigeon was again in the ponds area where there was also a Garganey, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Curlew Sandpipers and a 1cy Yellow-legged Gull. 

There was some decent vismig with both Sparrowhawk and Marsh Harrier, a Short-eared Owl in/off, 2 Kestrels, 80 Skylarks, 21 Swallows, 40 Tree Sparrows, 5 Dunnocks, 4 Grey Wagtails, 10 Alba Wagtails, 835 Grey Wagtails, a Tree Pipit, 3 Rock Pipits, 67 Chaffinches, a Bullfinch, 378 Linnets, 55 Lesser Redpolls, 627 Goldfnches, 40 Siskins, 5 Yellowhammers and 42 Reed Buntings.

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Friday, 29 September 2023

A sunny day with a F4 westerly.  There was little change overall the American Wigeon present yet again along with 20 Shovelers, 55 Pintails, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 50 Mediterranean Gulls, a Spoonbill, 55 Little Egrets, a Great White Egret, 4 Short-eared Owls and a Merlin. 

Migrants were thin on the ground the best being a Jack Snipe on canal scrape, 9 Chiffchaffs, 8 Blackcaps, 8 Goldcrests, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and 4 Wheatears.

Movement was quieter but 1000 Pink-footed Geese flew south while other noteable species were a Velvet Scoter, single Arctic Skua, a Hobby and 8 Redpolls. 

Ringing: Sparrowhawk 1, Tree Sparrow 2, Goldcrest 1, Blackcap 2, Blackbird 1, Chaffinch 2, Lesser Redpoll 5. 14/7

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Thursday, 28 September 2023

A cloudy day  with a blustery F6 south westerly. The eclipse drake Ameriacn Wigeon continued its stay in the ponds area along with 20 Pintail, 8 Avocets, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 400 Redshank, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshanks, 32 Mediterranean Gulls, a Caspian Gull, 2 Spoonbills and 24 Little Egrets. 

There was some good Wildfowl movement over the sea but overland movement was limited to mainly jjust Hirundines with 3 Sand Martins, 189 Swallows and 1275 House Martins plus 3 Swifts, 80 Meadow Pipits, 4 Rock Pipits, 30 Linnets and 46 Siskins. Over the sea 6 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 16 Shovelers, 1025 Wigeon, 29 Pintails, 1009 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 2 Velvet Scoters, 197 Common scoters, 10 Little Gulls, 56 Common Terns, a Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas and 118 Red-throated Divers. 

Ringing: Chiffchaff 1, Garden Warbler 1, Great Tit 1, Siskin 1, Lesser Redpoll 1. 5/5

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Wednesday, 27 September 2023

Sunny again with some cloud and a F3 southerly. Watches: 06:20-14:30.  There was a noticeable increase in Wildfowl in the ponds area along with some very good movement offshore. The eclipse drake American Wigeon was again the pick of the birds present but good counts of 51 Shoveler, 219 Wigeon, 66 Mallard and  512 Teal. Also here a Little Stint, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Little Gulls, 2 Spoonbills, a Great White Egret and 48 Little Egrets. 

Over the sea 13 Shoveler, 497 Wigeon, 13 Pintails, 1562 Teal, an Eider, 183 Common Scoters, 13 Arctic Skuas , a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 83 Red-throated Divers and 3 Manx Shearwaters. Full counts on Trektellen. Overland there were again some decent passage with 8 Jackdaws, 4 Rooks, 8 Sand Martins, 75 Swallows, 15 Tree Sparrows, 5 Grey Wagtails, 3045 Meadow Pipits, a Rock Pipits, 89 Chaffinches, 25 Greenfinches, 492 Linnets, 91 Redpolls, 243 Goldfinches, 150 Siskins, a Lapland Bunting, 4 Yellowhammers and 97 Reed Buntings. 

Ringing: Great Tit 2, Blue Tit, Tree Sparrow 2, House Sparrow 1, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 1, Robin 3, Chaffinch 1, Lesser Redpoll 23. 35/9 

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Tuesday, 26 September 2023

A sunny day with scattered cloud and a F3 south westerly. Watches: 06:15-10:15, 13:00-14:00.  The drake American Wigeon was still present in a busy Kilnsea wetlands and beacon ponds area among 454 Greylag Geese, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 20 Shoveler, 120 Wigeon, 54 Pintail, 250 Teal, 19 Little Grebes, 8 Avocets, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff, 2 Little Stints, 380 Redshaks, 2 Greenshanks, a Caspian Gull, single Great White Egret and 2 Spoonbills. 

There was some fantastic southerly movement for the 'vismiggers' with some good totals racked up. The best of the day were the 4255 Meadow Pipits and 1505 Linnets the day also seeing 10 Stock Doves, 15 Jackdaws, 33 Skylarks, 26 Sand Martins, 312 Swallows, 620 House Martins, 3 Grey Wagtails, 28 Lesser Redpolls, 345 Goldfinches, 58 Siskins, 12 Yellowhammers and 88 Reed Buntings. 

A good scatter of migrants 2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Willow Warblers, 13 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 12 Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher, 22 Robins, 3 Stonechats, a Wheatear and 27 Pied Wagtails. 

Ringing: Blackcap 5, Great Tit 1, Dunnock 1, Robin 1, Goldcrest 2, Lesser Redpoll 6. 16/6.

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Monday, 25 September 2023

A nice sunny day again with a F4 south westerly. Watches: 06:15-10:15, 13:00-15:00, 17:00-18:00. The American Wigeon remained in the ponds area among 200 Wigeon. The ponds area also attracted 4 Avocets, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, single Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Little Stints, a Common Sanpiper, single Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshanks, 2 Spoonbills, a Great White Egret and 30 Little Egrets. 

Some good movement for the vismiggers had totals of 15 Pintail, 215 Teal, 2 Common Swifts, 69 Red-throated Divers, 17 Skylarks, 34 Sand Martins, 144 Swallows, 128 House Martins, 17 Tree Sparrows, 2 Grey Wagtails, 668 Meadow Pipits, 15 Greenfinches, 524 Linnets, 11 Redpolls, 25 Goldfinch, 94 Siskins, a Yellowhammer and 18 Reed Buntings. 

Other sighings included 2120 Shelducks on the Humber and 50 Lesser Redpolls in church field. 

Ringing: Chiffchaff 1, Wren 1, Robin 1, Lesser Redpoll 16, Dunnock 4, Blackbird 1. 24/6

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Sunday, 24 September 2023

The day of strong winds saw some movement of Wildfowl over the sea but it was rather difficult looking for migrants. The day still came up trumps with our 2nd record of AMERICAN WIGEON, an eclipse drake on Kilnsea wetlands which moved onto beacon ponds. The same area also had a Great White Egret, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshanks, 3 Little Stints and good numbers of Wildfowl. 

It was a quieter day for vismig the best being 8 Pintails, 205 Teal, 5 Arctic Skuas, 40 Sand Martins, 87 Swallows and 122 House Martins. Full counts on Trektellen. 

Ringing: Blackcap 2

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Saturday, 23 September 2023

A mixture of cloude and sunny spells with a light F2 north westerly. Watches: 06:15-12:00, 16:15-18:00.  The day had a strange mix of species considering the light winds highlights of a Leach's Petrel over the sea and 2 Ravens which u-turned and headed toards Easington while another change in local birding saw a record 8 Cetti's Warbler recorded. 

There were no real big numbers but a good selection of speceis on the move with 218 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Eider, a Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Gulls, 194 Sandwich Terns, a Little Tern, 300 Common Terns, 2 Great Skuas, 2 Arctic Skuas, 198 Red-throated Divers, 3 Sooty Shearwaters, 5 Manx Shearwaters, a Short-eared Owl in/off, 5 Sand Martins, 96 Swallows, 2 Grey Wagtails, 220 Meadow Pipits and 4 Siskins. Full counts on Trektellen.

Other sightings included 47 Pintails, a Spoonbill and Spotted Redshank on Kilnsea wetlands, 3 Little Stints and a Curlew Sandpiper on beacon ponds and a Purple Sandpiper at Sandy beaches.

Grounded migrants were a bit more noticeable with 27 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats, 16 Goldcrests, a Fieldfare, single Redstart, 2 Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail, 2 Rock Pipits and 35 Lesser Redpolls. 

Ringing: Sparrowhawk 1, Tree Sparrow 2, Chiffchaff 3, Goldcrest 4, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackcap 1, Robin 1, Chaffinch 1, Goldfinch 1, Lesser Redpoll 30. 45/10

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Friday, 22 September 2023

A ncie sunny day with light north westerlies.  Watch times: 06:15-17:00.  The Lapland Bunting was still present on clubleys (but no sign of the Little Bunting or Red-flanked Bluetail) and a scatter of migrant remained with 4 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, a Sedge Warbler, 8 Blackcaps, a Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroats, 13 Goldcrests, 17 Robins, a Pied Flycatcher, 3 Redstarts, 4 Stonechats, 6 Wheataers, a Rock Pipit and 7 Lesser Redpolls.

The day saw a decent movement with 912 Pink-footed Geese and 11 Curlew Sandpipers heading south plus a Marsh Harrier, 3 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 11 Rooks, 5 Sand Martins, 8 House Martins, 56 Swallows, 4 Grey Wagtails, aTree Pipit, 2340 Meadow Pipits, 35 Chaffinch, 14 Greenfinch, 387 Linnets, 10 Lesser Redpolls, 26 Siskins, a Yellowhammer and 15 Reed Buntings. 

The ponds area had 4 Little Stints, a Spotted Redshank, 700 Redshank and 2 Spoonbills. On the Humber a Purple Sandpiper at Sammys and a Pale-bellied Brent and 2 Brent Geese at chalk bank. 

Ringing: Chiffchaff 5, Willow Warbler 2, Goldcrest 4, Cetti's Warbler 1, Blackcap 7, Dunnock 8, Robin 1, House Sparrow 1, Tree Sparrow 3, Meadow Pipit 13, Chaffinch 2, Lesser Redpoll 6, Reed Bunting 3, Blue Tit 1. 59/13

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Thursday, 21 September 2023

Blue skies and a moderate south westerly. Watch times: 06:30-13:00, 16:00-17:30.  There was an increase in migrant numbers depsite a lack of easterlies which brought a Little Bunting to the cliff top on clubleys joining the showy Lapland Bunting. The bright RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL continued to perform on and off at  Sammys and the 2 Yellow-browed Warblers (Point, Sammys) still present too. Other totals included 5 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, a Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats, 8 Goldcrests, a Mistle Thrush, 25 Robins, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 5 Redstarts, 2 Whinchat, 4 Stonechats, 24 Wheatears, 37 Pied Wagtails and 6 Rock Pipits.

The vismiggers had a good day with a final total of 13,265 Meadow Pipits heading south with other totals of 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Kestrels, 13 Skylarks, 15 Sand Martins, 63 Swallows, 4 House Martins, a Flava Wagtail, 7 Grey Wagtails, 9 Alba Wagtails, 16 Chaffinch, 533 Linnets, 12 Lesser Redpolls, a Yellowhammer and 40 Reed Buntings. 

Ringing: Barn Owl 3 (P), Tree Sparrow 2, Chiffchaff 2, Goldcrest 2, Blackcap 2, Dunnock 3, Robin 2, Meadow Pipit 9, Chaffinch 3, Lesser Redpoll 7, Redstart 1. 36/11Ringing: Barn Owl 3 (P), Tree Sparrow 2, Chiffchaff 2, Goldcrest 2, Blackcap 2, Dunnock 3, Robin 2, Meadow Pipit 9, Chaffinch 3, Lesser Redpoll 7, Redstart 1. 36/11

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Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Cludy all day with occasional rain and the continued blustery F7 south westerly.  Watch times: 06:15-10:00, 14:45-16:45.  The RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL continued its elusive stay having not been seen the previous day and the Lapland Bunting was still on the clifftop on clubleys while yet a few migrants were located in the blustery conditions with a Blackcap, single Goldcrest, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts and 3 Wheatears. 

Over the sea a juvenile Sabines Gull flew south early morning with a Black Tern and Common Swift both south the other noteable birds on the move. 

Ringing: Blackcap 1, Song Thrush 1, Woodpigeon 1. 3/3

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Tuesday, 19 September 2023

A cloudy day with rain and a blustery F7 south westerly. Watch times: 06:15-10:15, 16:00, 17:00.  The windy weather saw few venturing out with little chance of finding much though a few migrants were still seen including the Lapland Bunting on clubleys plus Hobby, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, a Stonechat and 4 Wheatears.

An Osprey heading south was the best of birds on the move while the ponds area had some good totals with 70 Wigeon, 35 Pintail, 350 Teal, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 8 Greenshanks, a Little Stint and single Spoonbill. 

Ringing: Dunlin 4, Ringed Plover 4, Pied Flycatcher 1. 3/9

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Monday, 18 September 2023

A cloudy murky day with rain on and off and a blustery F6 south westerly.  Watches: 06:15-10:00, 13:00-18:15.  There were more Robins about but generally a clearout from the previous day though thankfully the RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL continued too show on and off all day while a Lapland Bunting was new in by the Obs, there are now 2 Yellow-browed Warblers (point and Sammys) while yet again the Jack Snipe on canal scrape, Turtle Dove along peter lane and the Barred Warbler by the Obs garage were all still present. Migrant totals included a Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Goldcrests, 2 Redwings, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 42 Robins, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, 4 Stonechats and 6 Wheatears. 

A juvenile Sabines Gull flew over Sammys towards beacon ponds but sea birds were not high on the agenda today though 2 Long-tailed Skuas flew north plus a Sooty Shearwater, single Great Skua and 11 Arctic Skuas.

Kilnsea wetlands in particular was busy with 90 Wigeon, 440 Teal, 14 Pintails, 41 Shovelers, 4 Avocets, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 11 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, 700 Redshanks, 2 Spotted Redshanks and 8 Greenshank.

Ringing: Meadow Pipit 3, Goldcrest 1, Blackcap 2, Robin 1. 7/4

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Sunday, 17 September 2023

A sunny start too the day clouding over late afternoon with a F4 easterly. Watches: 0600-1200, 1630-1800.  It was a great day all round having a first been very quiet in the morning for migrants, a small arrival in the afternoon was more about quality than quantity of common migrants. The pick of those was a fine RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL at Sammys in the 3rd paddock typically elusive it still gave some decent views while the day also offered up a Yellow-browed Warbler at the point, 3 Red-breasted Flycatchers (Kilnsea, peter lane, vicars lane) and 3 Barred Warblers (point, canal hedge, lingering Kilnsea bird) along with the lingering Jack Snipe on Canal scrape and the Turtle Dove on peter lane. Migrant counts included 6 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 9 Goldcrests, 4 Song Thrush, a Redwing, single Spotted Flycatcher, 37 Robins, 7 Pied Flycatchers, 6 Redstarts, 5 Stonechats, 5 Wheatears, 7 Yellow Wagtsil, a Lesser Redpoll and 5 Crossbills. 

The sea was quite busy too with several good birds incuding 2 Leach's Petrels, a Storm Petrel, 23 Sooty Shearwaters, 17 Manx Shearwaters, a Large Shearwater sp, a Sabines Gull, 56 Pink-footed Geese, 84 Wigeon, 3 Pintails, a Velvet Scoter, 263 Common Scoters, 49 Red-throated Divers, a Purple Sandpiper, 148 Kittiwakes, a Caspian Gull, single Great Skua, 18 Arctic Skuas, 238 Gannets and 8 Fulmars.

The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was still on Kilnsea wetlands along with 5 Avocets, a Little-ringed Plover, 18 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, 2 Little Stints, 2 Greenshanks and a Spoonbill.

Ringing: Sparrowhawk 1, Great Tit 2, Wren 1, Robin 5, Goldfinch 1, Willow Warbler 1, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 1, Blackcap 2, Cetti's Warbler 1, Dunnock 2. 18/11

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Saturday, 16 September 2023

The highlight of the day for those that heard and saw the 1st UPLAND SANDPIPER for Yorkshire as it flew south finally heading out over the Humber from the Warren was a bolt out of the blue, but a bitter pill for those seawatching who were unaware it was just behind them. (Recording of the Sandpiper below giving the so called 'Quail' call). It was a double American Wader day with the juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper still on Kilnsea wetlands keeping company with 6 Curlew Sandpiper and 2 Little Stints while also here 84 Wigeon, 6 Pintails, 352 Teal, 4 Avocets, a Little-ringed Plover, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Ruff, 650 Redshnaks, a Spotted Redshank, 8 Greeshanks, a Spoonbill and 70 Little Egrets. 

The same? elusive Barred Warbler put in another appearance this time in the Obs garden but gave some good views, while the Turtle Dove on peter lane and the Jack Snipe on Canal scrape were both still present if elusive at times also. Othe migrants were thin on the ground with just 2 Willow Warblers, 4 Blackcaps, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 10 Whitethroats, 6 Goldcrests, 3 Song Thrush, 4 Whinchats, 4 Stonechats, 2 Wheatears, 3 Rock Pipits and 3 Siskins. 

The sea chipped in with a few bits including a Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skuas, 27 Arctic Skuas, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 3 Manx Shearwaters and a Goosander. 

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Wednesday, 13 September 2023

Blue skies returned while a f3 north easterly contiued. Watches: 06:00-19:00.  The day saw a few new migrants in, an increase in Wader numbers in the ponds area and a return too some decent seawatching. Over the sea the highlights were 2 Leach's Petrels heading north along with a juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 11 Arctic Skuas, 11 Great Skuas, 23 Sooty Shearwaters, 39 Manx Shearwaters, 31 Teal, 592 Kittiwakes, 8 Little Gulls, 603 Common Terns, a Black Tern, 51 Red-throated Divers and 28 Fulmars.

A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was showing well on Kilnsea wetlands where there was also 6 Avocets, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 11 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Ruff, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Little Stints, 2 Common Sandpipers, 600 Redshanks, a Spotted Redshank and 3 Greenshanks, plus 38 Shovelers, 8 Pintail, 264 Teal, 2 Spoonbills and 80 Little Egrets.

Small numbers but increases in some grounded migrants included 2 Hobbies, a Tree Creeper, 6 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Garden Warbler, 5 Goldcrest, a Spotted Flycatcher, 5 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Whinchats, 12 Stonechats, 4 Wheatears, 7 Yellow Wagtails and a Rock Pipit.

Ringing: Blackcap 1, Song Thrush 1, Great Tit 1, Meadow Pipit 5, Goldfinch 2. 10/5

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Tuesday, 12 September 2023

Cloud and wet all day with a F3 north easterly. Watches: 06:00-18:45.  It was a quieter day overall with rain throughout and generally poor visisbility. Those that did wander out were not rewarded with much the sea producing the first 23 Pink-footed Geese of the autumn, 27 Teal, 137 Common Scoter, 86 Oystercatcher, 13 Whimbrel, 19 Knot, 35 Kittiwakes, 4 Little Gulls, 8 Arctic Terns, a LittleTern, 4 Great Skuas, 27 Arctic Skuas, 59 Red-throated Divers, 2 Fulmars, 4 Manx Shearwaters, 331 Gannets and a Shag.

There were still good numbers of Wildfowl in the ponds area including 54 Wigeon, 20 Pintail and 206 Teal, while still a few Waders again with 2 Avocets, a Little-ringed Plover, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 9 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 500 Redshanks, 2 Spotted Redshanks and 2 Greenshanks. Also here a Spoonbill, 50 Little Egrets and a Black Tern.

With no real arrivals there was still a wide scatter of migrants around the area with 6 Willow Warblers, 10 Reed Warblers, 7 Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher, 18 Robins, a Redstart, single Whinchat and 3 Wheatears.

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Monday, 11 September 2023

Remaining sunny with clear blue skies but rain in the afternoon and an oincreased F3 south westerly. Watches: 06:00-17:00.  It was another good day of movement over land and sea a Red-rumped Swallow a suprise as it headed south over Kilnsea while a summer plumage Black-throated Diver headed north. Other sightings included a Common Swift, 15 Whimbrels, 117 Knot, a Black Tern, 6 Arctic Skuas, 7 Red-throated Divers, 141 Gannets, 2 Shags, a Great White Egret, 8 Common Buzzards, 21 Sand Martins, 415 Swallows, 95 House Martins, 3 Flava Wagtails, 5 Grey Wagtails, 3047 Meadow Pipits, 42 Linnets, a Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskins and 15 Reed Buntings. 

A busy hightide in the ponds area added too the birds already present and allowed for some good birding with 65 Wigeon, 465 Teal, 16 Pintails, 19 Little Grebes, 3 Avocets, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 2 Ruff, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 640 Dunlin, 3 Little Stints, a Common Sandpiper, 1000 Redshanks, 2 Spotted Redshank, 24 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Spoonbills and 70 Little Egrets. 

Small numbers of migrants remain today seeing 4 Willow Warblers, 5 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Goldcrests, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Whinchats, 4 Stonechats, 3 Wheatears, 10 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Siskins. 

Ringing: Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Goldcrest 1, Blackcap 1, Meadow Pipit 2, Goldfinch 2. 7/5 

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Sunday, 10 September 2023

More blue skies and warm weather with light winds. Watches: 06:00-13:00. The third day of the Migration festival was gain dominated by warm sunny weather but less birds on the move but there were just enough birds too keep eveyone interested. A Corncrake in big hedge was a nice find for one young birder who saw it in flight twice quickly snapping some pics. Elsewhere a Barred Warbler was by rose cottage maybe the bird from chapel cottage? Other sightings included a Hobby, 3 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 7 Whitethroats, 10 Goldcrests, 2 Pied Flycatchers, a Stonechat and 11 Wheatears.

Migration in general was quite slow but some decent totals and species were recorded with 4 Shovelers, 108 Teal, a Common Swift, 109 Knot, a Little Tern, 4 Arctic Skuas, 4 Red-throated Divers, a Fulmar, single Great White Egret, a Sparrowhawk, 4 Marsh Harriers, 3 Rooks, 11 Sand Martins, 272 Swallows, 14 House Martins, 5 Flava Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, an 'Alba' Wagtail, 1265 Meadow Pipits, a Tree Pipit, 5 Greenfinches, 56 Linnets, 3 Siskin and 11 Reed Buntings.

The ponds area as usual was busy producing 15 Shovelers, 20 Wigeons, 4 Pintails, an Avocet, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, singlw Greenshank, 2 Spoonbills, 61 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers and a mobile Merlin with 3 Short-eared Owls delighting observers at Sammys.

Ringing: Willow Warbler 2, Chiffchaff 1, Goldcrest 5, Blackcap 2, Pied Fly 1, Meadow Pipit 14, Robin 1, Goldfinch 1, Greenfinch 1, Great Tit 1, House Sparrow 1. 30/12 

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Saturday, 09 September 2023

Blue skies and wam and muggy with light winds and a continued sea fret. The second day of the Migration festival had some suprisimgly decent southerly movement over land and sea despite the blue skies a lack of wind. The best of the day saw 5 Wigeon, 15 Pintail, 62 Teal, 52 Common Scoter, a Ruff, single Great Skua, 11 Arctic Skuas, a Spoonbill, 1 Marsh Harrier, 44 Sand Martins, 816 Swallows, 76 House Martins, 72 Tree Sparrows, 5 Flava Wagtails, 4 Grey Wagtails, 4262 Meadow Pipits, 66 Linnets, 3 Siskins and 28 Reed Buntings all head south.

A scatter of common migrants kept most people happy with 1 of the 2 Barred Warblers giving good views but the Rosefinch put in another elusive appearance with further sightings of 2 Willow Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 15 Goldcrests, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Whinchats, 3 Wheatears, 6 Yellow Wagtsil, a White Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll. A Cetti's Warbler in sykes field was the background soundtrack to those at the festival HQ.

Up in the ponds area a good selection of species were pressnt including 150 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 2 Pintails, 11 Tufted Ducks, 2 Avocets, 2 Little-ringed Plovers, 15 Bar-tailed Godwits, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Spoonbills, 70 Little Egrets and a Short-eared Owl. 

Ringing: Goldcrest 1, Reed Warbler 1, Tree Sparrow 9, House Sparrow 1, Dunnock 2, Robin 2, Greenfinch 2, Goldfinch 2, Reed Bunting 6, Meadow Pipit 56. 82/10

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Friday, 08 September 2023

Another sunny and foggy day again with light winds. It was the first day of Migfest with hopefully a full on weekend of good birds, decent weather, new friendships and good banter. The day certainly helped the weekend start in style with a extremely showy close inshore GREAT SHEARWATER feeding with Gannets off Sandy beaches caravan site which for all the non sea-watchers present was all too easy! The sea also had a Long-tailed Skua seen on a couple of occasions when it wandered out of the mist.

A Barred Warbler in the garden of Chapel cottage showed quite well while a Nightjar was seen in the evening at Sammys in the 3rd Paddock with Tree Pipit, Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers seen during the day.

The ponds area again had 2 Spoonbill and a Little Stint but once again the mist hampered viewing.

Ringing: Short-eared Owl 1, Sand Martin 21, Swallow 5, Robin 1, Greenfinch 1, Willow Warbler 1. 30/6

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Thursday, 07 September 2023

A sunny day again but hampered by lingering fog all day. Watches: 06:00-08:30, 17:30-18:30.  What was presumably the same Common Rosefinch occasionally singing in the obs garden but did wander the Kilnsea area. Smaller numbers of grounded migrants included an Osprey sat on the VTS tower at the point, a Cuckoo, 4 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, 4 Goldcrests, a Fieldfare, 2 Redstarts, 2 Whinchats, 4 Wheatears, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Grey Wagtails, a Rock Pipit and 4 Tree Pipits. 

The best of the other sightings were in the ponds area with a Pale-bellied Brent, the Garganey, 9 Avocets, 5 Ruff, a Little Stint, 3 Greenshanks and 85 Little Egrets while 2 Spoonbills, 8 Wigeon, 116 Teal and a Ruff flew south..

Ringing: Garden Warbler 1, Dunnock 1, Robin 1, Goldfinch 1. 4/4

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Wednesday, 06 September 2023

A cloudy miserable day fog lingering till early afternoon and light winds. Watches: 05:50-08:00, 17:00-19:30.  The sea brought the first juvenile Long-tailed Skua of the autumn with the sea also having 2 Geat Skua and 5 Arctic Skua but little else.

A scatter of grounded migrants had no surorises but still had a Willow Warbler, 3 Goldcrests, 3 Song Thrushes, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, a Whinchat, 5 Wheatears and 27 Pied Wagtails. 

An early Pale-bellied Brent was on the Humber and the ponds area had 4 Avocets, 2 Ruff, 600 Dunlin, a Little Stint, single Common Sandpiper, 1000 Redshanks, 2 Spoonbills, and 80 Little Egrets.

Ringing: Woodpigeon 2, Sand Martin 9, Swallow 4, Willow Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 1, Dunnock 4, Robin 1, Blackbird 1, Blue Tit 3, Great Tit 2, Wren 1, Greenfinch 1, Goldfinch 2. 33/14 

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Tuesday, 05 September 2023

Another sunny day with light winds. Watches: 05:45-10:00, 18:00-19:45. Some new birds in saw a Barred Warbler in KIlnsea and a Fieldfare near the Warren while low numbers in general of commoner migrants with just 6 Willow Warblers, 3 Goldcrests, a Pied Flycatcher, single Redstart, 2 Whinchats, 16 Wheatears and 5 Yellow Wagtails while 4 Crossbills flew south.

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Monday, 04 September 2023

A beautiful sunny day with light winds unable too shift the sea fret for much of the morning.  The Migration festival is just a few days away and predicted winds from the east may bring a few new grounded migrants to enoy. In the mean time Kilnsea wetlands is still doing its part with the Garganey, 17 Little Grebes, 6 Avocets, 3 Ruff, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper, single Wood Sandpiper, 4 Greenshanks, 119 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Spoonbills and 101 Little Egrets among a whole host of other species.

Juts small numbers of grounded migrants were widely scattered around the area included 4 Short-eared Owls, 6 Willow Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, 5 Goldcrests, a Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 3 Whinchats, a Stonechat, 15 Wheatears, single Tree Pipit and the first Rock Pipit of the autumn. 

There was very little on the move the conditions not condusive for visble migration with 464 Swallows, 26 House Martins, 211 Meadow Pipits, 6 Siskins and 14 Reed Buntings the most noteable.

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Sunday, 03 September 2023

A hot sunny day with light winds from the west. Watches: 0540-1130, 1700-2000.  A good day for the vismiggers with a hint of wind from the south west saw some decent southerly movement of a Grey Heron, 2 Great White Egret (one dropped onto Kilnsea wetlands), 6 Marsh Harriers, 28 Common Buzzards, 63 Sand Martins, 1812 Swallows, 2304 House Martins, 116 Tree Sparrows, 36 Flava Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Alba Wagtails, 923 Meadow Pipits, a Tree Pipit, 13 Greenfinches, 87 Siskins and 14 Reed Buntings.

Clear skies overnight saw a exodus of grounded migrants with 13 Willow Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, 5 Goldcrests, 7 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, a Whinchat and 6 Wheatears remaining from the previous day.

Kilnsea wetlands was again busy in the run up too Migfest with a good selction of species and numbers with the Garganey, 6 Pintail, 8 Avocets, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Stints, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1424 Redshanks, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 11 Greenshanks, 62 Little Egerst and 2 Spoonbills. 

Ringing: Robin 3, Meadow Pipit 22, Reed Bunting 4, Goldfinch 5, Tree Sparrow 10, Swallow 1, Garden Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 2, Whitethroat 1, Goldcrest 1, Redstart 1, Blackbird 1 (P). 52/12

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Saturday, 02 September 2023

A beautiful sunny day with light winds from the east. Watches: 0530-1415.  A small arrival in the afternoon brought a Barred Warbler typically elusive along the canal and a quite vocal juvenile Rosefinch to the Obs garden which after showing for a while flew a short distance but not relocated. Also seen a juvenile Cuckoo, 24 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Garden Warblers, 38 Whitethroats, 2 Redwings, 17 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, 4 Whinchats, 5 Wheatears, a Tree Pipit and 4 Siskins.

An lingering eclipse drake Mandarin was a suprise visitor to Kilnsea wetlands where the Garganey was still present along with 31 Shovelers, 9 Pintails, 110 Teal, a Spoonbill, 4 Avocets, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 14 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint, 5 Common Sandpipers, 562 Redshanks, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 13 Greenshanks, a Hobby and 2 Short-eared Owls. 

Over the sea a standout 49 Arctic Skuas flew south plus 3 Great Skuas, 11 Red-throated Divers, a Shag, 117 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 6 Fulmars, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 391 Sandwich Terns and 254 Common Terns. Overland a Hobby, 3 Marsh Harriers, 21 Common Buzzards, 58 Sand Martins, 346 Swallows, 91 House Martins, 68 Tree Sparrows, 14 Flava Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails and 28 Meadow Pipits all headed south.

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