October Sightings Roundup

October started on a high note with 86 Barnacle Geese passing through and a Sooty Shearwater seen over the sea. On land, lingering birds from September included a juvenile Pallid Harrier, an Arctic Warbler in the Canal Bushes, a Firecrest, and a Red-breasted Flycatcher in the Kew to Cliff Farm area. New arrivals at the Point included a Rosefinch and a Richard’s Pipit.

The 2nd brought exceptional birding, aided by a favourable north-easterly breeze. Highlights included a new Arctic Warbler at the Narrows, while the Canal Bushes bird lingered. Notable sightings included a Wryneck at the Lighthouse, a Little Bunting at the Point, and two Red-breasted Flycatchers—one in the Cliff Farm area and a new individual at Greenfield Bungalows, Easington. The Warren area recorded a Dusky Warbler, a Barred Warbler, and a Corncrake. At Kilnsea Wetlands, the American Wigeon reappeared, and a Grey Phalarope made a brief visit to Easington Lagoons. Sea movement featured a Long-tailed Skua and 11 Sooty Shearwaters.

The 3rd was quieter but still rewarding, with an increase in Yellow-browed Warblers and the continued presence of the Arctic and Dusky Warblers. A new Red-breasted Flycatcher was discovered in North Field, and a Garganey joined the American Wigeon on Kilnsea Wetlands.

Fresh arrivals on the 4th included two new Siberian Chiffchaffs, an ‘eastern’ Lesser Whitethroat, and a Richard’s Pipit heading south past the Warren before settling in the Sheep Fields along the peninsula. A Little Bunting was seen along the Canal, while most birds from the previous day remained. The Canal Bushes Arctic Warbler departed after a five-day stay.

On the 5th, a Little Bunting appeared at Sammy’s Point, and a Barred Warbler showed well at Bluebell. The Dusky Warbler at the Warren was trapped and ringed. On the 7th, a Richard’s Pipit was at the southern end of the Gas Terminal, and a Dusky Warbler found at the Point was confirmed as the Warren bird. The Narrows Arctic Warbler, after a two-day absence, reappeared on the 8th.

Northerly winds on the 9th brought a Pomarine Skua and two Black-throated Divers over the sea. On the 10th, a Red-necked Grebe, a Cory’s Shearwater, a Siberian Chiffchaff, and three Ring Ouzels were recorded. Westerly winds on the 11th facilitated strong land passage, with a record-breaking 256 Whooper Swans heading south and nearly 2,000 Redwings arriving off the sea, accompanied by a Hawfinch.

The 12th was quiet, but the 13th saw more movement, with over 6,000 Pink-footed Geese and 63 Whooper Swans heading south. Highlights included two Velvet Scoters at sea, two Yellow-browed Warblers in Easington, a Hawfinch in Kilnsea, and a Snow Bunting on the Breach. On the 14th, 11 Jays were recorded, and a juvenile Rosefinch delighted observers in an Easington garden.

Nearly 7,000 Redwings arrived on the 15th, joined by Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, and six Ring Ouzels. The highlight was a Pallas’s Leaf Warbler at the Lighthouse, found by a visiting young birder. The 16th brought a Radde’s Warbler at the Point and another Pallas’s Leaf Warbler in Kilnsea Churchyard, alongside sightings of a southbound Hawfinch, four Lapland Buntings, and a Woodlark.

Later in the month, an Osprey passed west over the Humber on the 18th. Bearded Tits arrived in Sykes Field, lingering until the 22nd. On the 20th, a Little Auk and 10 Pochard were seen. A Hen Harrier was recorded on the 21st, and two Little Stints were at Beacon Ponds on the 22nd. Relief came on the 23rd when a Red-rumped Swallow flew south past the Warren, adding to the Spurn year list. Other highlights included a Hen Harrier, Siberian Chiffchaffs, a Yellow-browed Warbler, and four Snow Buntings.

The 25th brought an Eastern Lesser Whitethroat, three Yellow-browed Warblers, and four Hawfinches. A surprise sighting of a Ring-necked Parakeet occurred on the 26th as it crossed the peninsula with Jackdaws. On the 27th, 125 Whooper Swans, five Velvet Scoters, nine Twite, two Shore Larks at Easington Lagoons, and a Spotted Flycatcher at the Point were recorded.

Thrush arrivals peaked on the 29th with 400 Fieldfare, 3,400 Redwing, 300 Blackbirds, and a Hawfinch. The 30th brought further thrushes, two Long-tailed Ducks, a Grey Phalarope, and six Great Northern Divers. Another Red-rumped Swallow flew south. The month concluded on the 31st with 20 Twite, five Snow Buntings, and two Velvet Scoters.