Sightings

Spurn Bird Observatory Sightings August 2023

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Summary of latest sightings

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Thursday, 31 August 2023

A cloudless pleasant sunny day and light north westerly winds. Watches: 06:00-10:00, 17:45-19:30.  A small arrival of migrants brought our second Barred Warbler of the autumn to the middle camp area which moved quickly to chalk bank. Other totals were 5 Short-eared Owls, 32 Willow Warblers, 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 9 Reed Warblers, 4 Garden Warblers, 11 Lesser Whitethroats, 39 Whitethroats, a Goldcrest, 3 Song Thrushes, a Redwing, 4 Spotted Fycatchers, 5 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Redstarts, 3 Whinchats, 19 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Grey Wagtails and a Crossbill

The day saw some southerly movement with 370 Meadow Pipits the beginnings of some hopefully big movments on the coming weeks the day also had a Marsh Harrier, 5 Common Buzzards, 10 Blue Tits, 15 Sand Martins, 144 Swallows, 36 House Martins, 84 Tree Spparrows, 12 Flava Wagtails, 2 Tree Pipits and 10 Siskins. Over the sea the best were a Sooty Shearwater, 5 Manx Shearwaters, 118 Teal and 6 Arctic Skuas.

On the ponds area the Garganey, 4 Pintails, 4 Little-ringed Plovers, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 9 Ruff, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 819 Redshanks, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 5 Greenshanks, a Caspian Gull and a Black Tern were the standouts among all the usuals. 

Ringing: Swallow 2, Willow Warbler 6, Chiffchaff 2, Whitethroat 5, Reed Warbler 2, Sedge Warbler 4, Grasshopper Warbler 1, Blue Tit 1, Reed Bunting 2, Tree Sparrow 10, House Sparrow 2, Linnet 1, Starling 1, Goldfinch 10, Great Tit 1, Dunnock 4, Robin 7, Wren 1, Great Tit 3, Blackbird 4. 75/20

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Tuesday, 29 August 2023

A cloudy day with a F3 south westerly. Watches: 05:45-09:45, 18:00-19:15. A noticeable increase in Waders in the ponds area brought a nice selection also with 15 Curlew Sandpipers (all juveniles), 2 Little Stints and an adult Spotted Redshank among the throng of other species such as 5 Avocets, 6 Little-ringed Plovers, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Ruff, single Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 500 Redshanks, a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 2 Spoonbills, now 3 Garganey, 6 Pintails, 5 Wigeon and 126 Teal. 

It was generally quiet for any movement though an Osprey, 274 Swallows, 32 Flava Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail headed south.

Typically for the time of year even when the weather isnt prefect there always seems to be some new grounded migrants about today recording a Cuckoo, 12 Willow Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Garden Warblers, a Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Whinchats and 6 Wheataers. 

Just outside the area a juvenile Red-backed Shrike was north of the gas terminal. 

Ringing: Woodpigeon 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Willow Warbler 2, Swallow 5, Garden Warbler 2, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 1, Blue Tit 1, Blackbird 1, Robin 1. 16/10 

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Monday, 28 August 2023

A nice sunny day with light winds. Watches: 05:30-11:00, 18:00-19:00.  The Wood Warbler was again in the Observatory garden area while migrant number were much the same with 33 Willow Warblers, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts and a Whinchat the more noteable sightings.

Kilnsea wetalnds now has 2 Garganey along with the 2 Spoonbills, 4 Pontails, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint and a single Wood Sandpiper. 

The day saw a Wood Sandpiper, 3 Black Terns, a Great Skua, single Hobby, another 1149 Swallows, 48 Sand Martins, 61 House Martins, 164 Tree Sparrows and 24 Flava Wagtails fly south.

Ringing: Sparrowhawk 1, Sand Martin 28, Swallow 50, House Martin 2, Tree Sparrow 47, House Sparrow 1, Willow Warbler 5, Blackcap 1, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackbird 1, Robin 1, Greenfinch 1, Linnet 1, Goldfinch 2. 144/16 

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Sunday, 27 August 2023

Watches: 06:00-11:00. What was presumably was the same Wood Warbler (last seen Wednesday) was elusive in the Obs to crown area with a male Crossbill showing well nearby in churchfield. Further grounded migrants included a juvenile Cuckoo, 19 Willow Warblers, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, a Whinchat, 3 Stonechats and a Wheatear.

The best of the vismig today were 3153 Swalows heading south but also included 3 Swifts, a Wood Sandpiper, 7 Black Terns, 2 Shags, 81 Sand Martins, 137 House Martins, 49 Tree Sparrows, 12 House Sparrows, 36 Flava Wagtails, 15 Meadow Pipits, 4 Crossbills and 4 Siskins. Full counts on Trektellen. 

The ponds area had the Garganey, 4 Pintails, 100 Teal, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 9 Ruff, 423 Redshanks, a Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 43 Mediterranean Gulls, a Caspian Gull, 21 Little Egrets and 2 Spoonbills the juvenile food begging from the adult!

In the moth traps a very fresh Clifton Nonpareil and the first Cypress Pug for Spurn.

Ringing: Willow Warbler 2, Whitethroat 4. 6/2
 

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Saturday, 26 August 2023

Heavy thundery showers in the afternoon and a light south eaterly. Watches:  06:00-10:48, 18:15-20:30.  There was a decent selection of grounded migrants still present around the area, 6 Short-eared Owls, 20 Willow Warbelrs, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstarts, 4 Whinchats and 3 Wheatears.

It was a quiet day for much of any movement 15 Black Terns, a Great Skua, 10 Arctic Skuas, 34 Sand Martins, 257 Swallows, 96 Tree Sparrows, 3 Crossbills and 15 Reed Buntings were the most noteable. Full count on Trektellen. 

It was much the same in the ponds area the Garganey, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 20 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, single Wood Sandpiper, 27 Mediterranean Gullls, a Caspian Gull and Great White Egret all present.

Ringing: Willow Warbler 2, Robin 1, Blackbird 1. 4/4.

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Friday, 25 August 2023

A sunny day with the odd cloudy spell and a light westerly. Watches: 0600-1100, 1815-1915. The turnover of Waders in the ponds area turned up trumps when a Pectoral Sandpiper appeared on Kilnsea wetlands and wandered between here and beacon ponds. The ponds area also held 101 Teal, 12 Little Grebes, 5 Avocets, 4 Little-ringed Plovers, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 130 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper, 150 Redshanks, 3 Greenshank, 5 Little Gulls, a Great White Egret and a Short-eared Owl. 

There were just small numbers of grounded migrants well scattered with a Cuckoo, 27 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, single Whinchat, 3 Wheatears, 2 Tree Pipts and 2 Crossbill which flew north. 

The best of the vismig saw 684 Swallows, 27 Sand Martins, 49 House Martins, 133 Tree Sparrows, 44 House Sparrows, 22 Flava Wagtailsand 24 Linnets fly south with 2 Black Terns and a Roseate Tern among the roost movement. Full counts on Trektellen.

Ringing: Willow Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Wren 1, Robin 1. 4/4.

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Thursday, 24 August 2023

Another cloudy day and a light south easterly. Watches: 0530-1030, 1830-2000. Some good totals were returned around the area today and while not record counts made for good reading with 157 Mediterranean Gulls and 3000 Golden Plovers on the Humber, 111 Little Egrets on Kilnsea wetlands along with 9 Little-ringed Plovers and 6 Curlew Sandpipers. Aslo around here were a Garganey, 4 Pintails, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Ruff, 3 Little Stints, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Green Sandpipers, 250 Redshanks, 8 Greenshanks, a Caspian Gull and a Great White Egret.

A scatter of grounded migrants included 22 Willow Warblers, 18 Reed Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, 36 Whitethroats, a Spotted Flycathcer, 4 Pied Flycatchers, 5 Whinchats, 5 Wheatears and a Tree Pipit. 

Ringing: Sand Martin 12, Swallow 61, House Martin 1, House Sparrow 1, Willow Warbler 3, Whitethroat 4, Reed Warbler 4, Sedge Warbler 3, Robin 2, Goldfinch 4, Reed Bunting 1. 96/11.

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Wednesday, 23 August 2023

A change in the weather to a cloudy day but continuing with a F3 south westerly.  Watches: 05:30-10:00, 17:30-20:00.  A KENTISH PLOVER was reward for Colin Bushell checking the rising tide on the Humber on a daily basis but once the flock flew off too roost it was not relocated. Counts of other Wader species remained much the same but 2721 Golden Plovers were counted on the Humber.

There was an increase in grounded migrants bringing a Wood Warbler, 82 Willow Warblers, 44 Whitethroats, a Goldcrest, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Pied Flycatchers, 2 Redstarts, 5 Whinchats, 10 Wheatears and a Tree Pipit. 

Another Osprey flew south in the morning along with 54 Swifts, 66 Sand Martins, 540 Swallows, 198 House Martins, 40 Tree Sparrows and 50 Flava Wagtails. Beacon ponds had 2 adult Roseate Terns during the day maybe one of these south in the evening roost movement with 4 Black Terns lingering offshore. 

Ringing: Woodpigeon 1, Great Tit 1, Willow Warbler 9, Whitethroat 5, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Sedge Warbler 5, Reed Warbler 4, Blackbird 1, Wren 3, Dunnock 1. 31/10

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Tuesday, 22 August 2023

A nice warm sunny day with a F4 south westerly.  Watches: 06:00-10:00, 17:00-20:50.  Grounded migrants were still featuring well the Icterine Warbler still in church field with common migrants well scattered but included 10 Pied Flycacatchers, 4 Spotted Flycatchers, 19 Willow Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers, 2 Redstarts, single Whinchat, 89 Yellow Wagtails and a Tree Pipit. 

There was some vismig througfhout the day albeit no big counts till the evening roost, noteable sightings of 3 Pintails, 26 Swifts, 62 Whimbrels, 74 Knot, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Ospreys, a Marsh Harrier, 53 Sand Martins, 474 Swallows and 25 Flava Wagtails. The evening Tern roost had a Roseate Tern, 20 Black Terns, 3092 Common Terns, 9 Arctic Terns and 186 Sandwich Terns.

The ponds area continues its good run, 4 Little-ringed Plovers, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 13 Ruff, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 4 Little Stints, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper, 300 Redshanks, 8 Greenshanks, 20 Mediterranean Gulls, a Caspian Gull, single Great White Egret and 55 Little Egrets.

Ringing: Dunlin 1, Swallow 11, Sand Martin 7, Willow Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 1, Dunnock 1, House Sparrow 1, Reed Bunting 3. 28/8 

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Monday, 21 August 2023

A nice warm and sunny day with a F3 south westerly. Watches: 05:45-09:45, 17:00-20:30.  Despite a clear out of migrants an Icterine Warbler at Kew was maybe new or an unseen lingerer and a juvenile Red-backed Shrike was at Easington lagoon but there was an increase to 83 Willow Warblers plus a Spotted Flycatcher, 8 Pied Flycatchers, 5 Redstarts, 5 Whinchats, 2 Wheatear, 23 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Tree Pipits.

A busy ponds area held a record count of 407 Greylag Geese plus 130 Teal, 485 Ringed Plovers, 7 Little-ringed Plovers, 12 Ruff, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 6 Little Stints, 2 Commpn Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper, 9 Greenshanks, a Great White Egret and 78 Little Egrets.

Ringing: Turnstone 1, Willow Warbler 13, Whitethroat 2, Sedge Warbler 4, Reed Warbler 3, Wren 2, Blackbird 1, Song Thrush 1 (P) 

 

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Sunday, 20 August 2023

A warm and sunny day with a F2 south westerly.  Seemingly a big clear out of migrants but new in a Barred Warbler was in Easington at Hill rise and the juvenile Red-backed Shrike of the previous days scarcities still present. 

Up in the ponds area a Garganey, Wood Sandpiper, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 6 Little Stints, Black Tern and Great White Egret.

The 2nd record of Wasp Spider was a good find in the sheep field.

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Saturday, 19 August 2023

A nice warm sunny day with a breezt F4 south westerly. Watches: 06:00-20:15.  It was a great day all round for grounded migrants, visible migration over land and sea and the ponds area was bustling. The highlight was a totaly uncharacteristic showy Cory's Shearwater on the Humber where it stayed for an hour then headed out to sea over KIlnsea! The sea had some fantastic totals of birds heading south with 31 Shoveler, 3 Pintails, 676 Teal, 8 Tufted Ducks, 260 Oysetrcatchers, 124 Whimbrels, 39 Bar-tailed Godwits, 35 Turnstones, 69 Knot, 13 Ruff, 25 Sanderlings, a Common Sandpiper, 312 Little Gulls, a juvenile Caspian Gull, 14 Arctic Skuas and just 2 Manx Shearwaters. The evening roost movement had 36 Black Terns, 171 Sandwich Terns, 3 Little Terns, 2216 Common Terns and 16 Arctic Terns. Overland 345 Swifts, an Osprey and Sparrowhawk were the most noteable. Full counts on Trektellen.

There didnt seem to be any new arrivals but still plenty remaining from the previous day the Wryneck around canal hedge, juvenile Red-backed Shrike in the triangle and 3 Icterine Warblers (potato fields, canal hedge, chapel cottage) plus 22 Willow Warblers, 5 Garden Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 29 Pied Flycatchers, 7 Redstarts, 10 Whinchats, 9 Wheatears and 18 Yellow Wagtails. 

The ponda area had 221 Greylag Geese, 312 Teal, 3 Little-ringed Plovers, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Ruff, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 5 Little Stints, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 19 Greenshanks, 10 Little Terns, a Great White Egret, 63 Little Egrets and a Short-eared Owl. 

Ringing: Willow Warbler 1, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 2, House Sparrow 1 (P), Pied Flycatcher 1. 6/5

 

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Friday, 18 August 2023

Cloudy with occasional drizzle and a F4 easterly.  The autumn finally began with good totals of 'drift' common migrants and several scarcities thrown in with highlights of a Red-backed Shrike along the canal, 4+ Icterine Warblers (Wire dump, 2 Warren, Chapel cottage with maybe the same later at Sammys), 2 Wrynecks (visitor centre and Sammys), 22 Willow Warblers, 4 Garden Warblers, 44 Whitethroats, 2 Song Thrush, a Spotted Flycatcher, 39 Pied Flycatchers, 9 Redstarts, 13 Whinchats, 3 Stonechats, 12 Wheatears, 18 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Tree Pipits and a juvenile Crossbill

The highlight over the sea was a Cory's Shearwater close in heading south, 4 Sooty Shearwaters and 25 Arctic Skuas.

There were also increases in some Waders numbers on Kilnsea wetlands, 19 Ruff the stand out total plus 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Stints, 15 Common Sandpipers and a Wood Sandpiper.

Ringing: Sparrowhawk 1, Garden Warbler 2, Willow Warbler 2, Icterine Warbler 2, Wren 2, Blackbird 1, House Sparrow 4, Whitethroat 3, Swallow 1, Pied Flycatcher 2. 20/10

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Thursday, 17 August 2023

A warm and sunny day with a coolish F4 easterly. Watches: 05:30-06:30, 10:30-11:30, 16:00-20:15.  The easterly wind brought about a small arrival of drift migrants scattered around the area with 3 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Whinchat, 4 Wheatears, 10 Willow Warblers and 4 Crossbills

Overall the sea was quiet again but had a few highlights, another 402 Oystercatchers flew south, single Ruff, juvenile Caspian Gull, 2 Great Skua, 15 Arctic Skua, 17 Fulmars, 10 Manx Shearwaters and 196 Gannets witha Roseate Tern in the evening roost movement.

The ponds was busy again especially at high tide with 4 Avocets, 6 Little-ringed Plovers, 7 Ruff, 789 Dunlin, 4 Little Stints, 3 Snipe, 2000 Redshanks, 9 Common Sandpipers, 4 Green Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper, a Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Little Gulls, a Yellow-legged Gull and a Great White Egret with a Curlew Sandpiper on the Humber.

Ringing: Willow Warbler 2, Wren 3, Robin 1, Pied Flycatcher 1. 7/4

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Wednesday, 16 August 2023

A nice sunny warm day a light westerly turned into a F3 easterly. 0600-1930.  A Cory's Shearwater lingering offshore in a feeding flock was the highlght of the seawatch which in reality was very poor with just 5 Manx Shearwaters, 8 Fulmars, 147 Gannets and a Shag of note though 540 Oystercatchers heading south was a great count along with 48 Knot and 15 Whimbrel.

Grounded migrants were still featuring heavily 65 Willow Warblers the peak count along with a Garden Warbler, 50 Whitethroats, single Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whinchats and 11 Yellow Wagtails. 

There was a good count of 1089 Golden Plovers on the Humber where a Curlew Sandpiper was off the Warren. The ponds area had the Great White Egret, the family party of Little-ringed Plovers and 15 Little Terns.

Ringing: Sand Martin 2, Willow Warbler 13, Garden Warbler 1, Blackcap 1, Whitethroat 5, Reed Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Robin 2, Reed Bunting 2, Dunnock 1, Blue Tit 1, Blackbird 1. 31/12

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Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Blue Skies and warm sunshine with a F3 westerly to a F2 easterly. Watches: 06:00-10:00, 17:00-21:00.  A lsight change in the weather saw less movement over the sea though a good total of 457 Oystercatchers flew south plus 50 Teal, 14 Ringed Plovers, 84 Knot, 38 Sanderling, 28 Redshanks, 2875 Kittiwakes, a Puffin, 13 Manx Shearwaters and a Sooty Shearwater. Overland 4 Tree Pipts heading south was the msot noteable.

A good selection of Waders was up in the ponds area with 3 Avocets, 4 Little-ringed Plovers, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff, 2 Curlew Sandpipers including the first juvenile, 2 Little Stints, a Wood Sandpiper, single Green Sandpiper, 5 Greenshanks, 11 Little Terns and the Great White Egret. On the Humber a Roseate Tern was off the Warren.

Ringing: Swallow 1, Willow Warbler 11, Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 1, Blackbird 1. 15/5

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Monday, 14 August 2023

Another day of sunny spells and cloud with a F5 southerly.  Watches: 0600-2100.  The day 2 Great White Egret in the area, the usual bird on the ponds with anohter which headed off south. The ponds area also held a Roseate Tern, 20 Little Terns, the family party of Little-ringed Plovers, single Wood Sandpiper and 75 Little Egrets.

The vismiggers had some brilliant totals of Waders heading south with peaks of 149 Ringed Plovers, 201 Turnstones, 543 Knot, 424 Sanderlings, 53 Redshanks and 61 Dunlin along with 98 Oystercatchers, 3 Grey Plovers, 29 Whimbrel, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper.  The evening Tern roost movement had Black Tern and 2997 Common Terns and a Corn Bunting was the best of any overland movement.

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Sunday, 13 August 2023

Cloudy with sunny spells and a moderate south westerly. Watches: 0500-2045.  The evening Tern roost saw a further increase in birds going to roost with 4233 Common Terns, 57 Arctic Terns, 100 Sandwich Terns and a Black Tern. During the day there was also some movement mainly over the sea involving 192 Oysetrcatcher, 3 Grey Plover, 52 Ringed Plover, 91 Whimbrel, 47 Turnstones, 191 Knot, 2 Ruff, 52 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 17 Redshanks, a Greenshank while overalnd the most noteable were a Marsh Harrier, single Buzzard and a Hobby. 

The Great White Egret continued its residency in the ponds area, 10 Little Terns were still in the colony and both Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Ruff and juvenile Little Sint were present along with the family party of Little-ringed Plovers.

Ringing: Sand Martin 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Garden Warbler 1, Blackbird 1. 4/4
 

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Saturday, 12 August 2023

It was a good evening Tern roost which saw 5 Roseate Terns (1 juvenile) head south past the seawtch hut along with 2739 Common Terns, 25 Arctic Terns and an adult Black Tern. A trickle of Waders south during the day with noteable counts of 32 Whimbrels, 10 Turnstones, 32 Knot, 29 Sanderling, 24 Dunlin and 19 Redshanks. Overland movement was good in the morning at least with 792 Swifts, a Marsh Harriers, 185 Sand Martins, 1276 Swallows, 104 House Martins and 9 Yellow Wagtails. Full counts on Trektellen.

On the Humber there was an impressive count of 2540 Golden Plovers off sammys with 2 Curlew Sandpipers off the Warren. On the ponds there were 8 Avocets, 3 Little-ringed Plovers (2 juveniles), 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Ruff, a Little Stint, 3 Greenshanks, 2 Caspain Gulls, 10 Little Terns and the Great White Egret.

Ringing: Willow Warbler 4, Whitethroat 1, Wren 1, Greenfinch 1. 7/4

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Friday, 11 August 2023

Sunny and warm with a F4 south westerly. Watches: 05:15-11:00, 17:30-20:30. The evening Tern roost started with the first decent count seeing 2520 Common Terns head to the north Lincs salt marshes with also 3 Roseate Terns, 6 Arctic Terns, 34 Sandwich Terns and a single Black Tern. The day also saw a trcikle of movement over the sea the best being 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Little-ringed Plover, 25 Knot, 15 Sanderling, 13 Redshanks and 4 Greenshanks while overland it was a bit busier bringing 485 Swifts, 2 Marsh Harriers, 135 Sand Martins, 571 Swallows, 142 House Martins, 16 House Sparrows, 7 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Tree Pipits.

The ponds area was again busy and threw in some good counts notably 114 Little Egrets along with 2 Little-ringed Plovers plus 2 young, 3 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 230 Redshanks, 12 Little Gulls, 35 Arctic Terns and the Great White Egret.

Ringing: Whitethroat 6, Reed Warbler 2, Sedge Warbler 1, Robin 2, Blue Tit 2, Reed Bunting 2. 15/6

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Thursday, 10 August 2023

A sunny and warm day with a F2 south easterly. Watches: 05:30-10:00, 11:15-14:00, 17:30-21:00.  The first Pied Flycatcher of the autumn was on beacon lane part of a small arrival which also brought 5 Whinchats, a Wheatear, 27 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, 26 Yellow Wagtails and 3 Tree Pipits. 

The day again saw some movement over the sea albeit no big numbers, 3 juvenile Caspian Gulls the stand out but also 15 Knot, 30 Sanderling, 33 Redshanks, 73 Little Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 117 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Great Skua, 3 Fulmars, a Sooty Shearwater and 22 Cormorants. Overland just 267 Swallows was the most worthy of mentioning.

The ponds area was graced by 5 Roseate Terns along with 4 Little-ringed Plovers plus 2 chicks, 5 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpipers, 10 Little Terns, the Great White Egret and 2 Short-eared Owls. On the Humber 3 Curlew Sandpipers were off the Warren.

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Wednesday, 09 August 2023

A nice sunny day with a F3 north westerly. Watches: 05:30-10:00, 17:15-20:30.  A decent arrival of grounded migrants around the area with counts of 64 Willow Warblers, a Grasshopper Warbler, single Garden Warbler, 69 Whitethroats, a Treecreeper, 7 Whinchat, a Redstart, 3 Wheatears, 19 Yellow Wagtails and 5 Tree Pipits. 

No big numbers but some decent movement over the sea with a Great Crested Grebe, 22 Oystercatchers, 10 Whimbrel, 10 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin, 175 Redshanks, a Caspian Gull, 2 Fulmars, 3 Sooty Shearwaters and 10 Manx Shearwaters while overland 22 Sand Martins, 384 Swallows, 10 House Martins and 9 Flava Wagtails.

The ponds area had the family party of Little-ringed Plovers, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff, a Curlew Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, 783 Redshanks, 15 Greenshanks, 28 Little Terns, 2 Roseate Terns, 560 Common Terns, 10 Arctic Terns, the Great White Egret and 56 Little Egrets.

Ringing: Ringed Plover 1 (P), Sand Martin 6, Swallow 12, Willow Warbler 3, Whitethroat 3, Reed Warbler 1, Treecreeper 1. 27/7

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Tuesday, 08 August 2023

A nice sunny day with a F3 north westerly. Watches:  06:00-10:00, 17:50-19:50.  The Great White Egret was still in the ponds area, where the pair of Little-ringed Plovers continued to nurture both their chicks and still 24 Little Tern present. Also here 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpipers, 579 Redshanks, 10 Little Gulls, 250 Common Terns and 40 Little Egrets.

A small arrival of grounded migrants saw totals of a Cuckoo, 29 Willow Warblers, single Redstart, a Whinchat, 1 Wheatear and a Tree Pipit.

Ringing: Little Ringed Plover 1 (P), Swallow 19, Sand Martin 8, Willow Warbler 10, Whitethroat 4, Reed Warbler 1. 43/6 

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Monday, 07 August 2023

A nice sunny day with a F2-4 north westerly. Watches: 05:20-10:00.  THe best sightings of the day saw 2 Roseate Terns on beacon ponds with Curlew Sandpiper and Great White Egret also present. Also in the area 3 Little-ringed Plovers, single Ruff, 600 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank, 62 Little Terns, 150 Common Terns, 14 Arctic Terns and 63 Little Egrets.

There were slightly more grounded migrants around the best being 34 Willow Warblers, 3 Whinchats, a Wheatear, juvenile Cuckoo, 17 Yellow Wagtails and a Tree Pipit.

The sea continued the theme of little on offer the most noteable sightings 142 Oystercatchers and 140 Common Scoters while overland a Hobby, Marsh Harrier and 48 Swallows headed south.

Ringing: Stock Dove 2 (p), House Martin 1, Willow Warbler 5, Reed Warbler 5, Sedge Warbler 2, Whitethroat 1, Tree Pipit 1, Wren 1. 18/8

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Sunday, 06 August 2023

Sunshine and showers during the day with a strong F5 northerly. Watches: 06:00-10:00, 10:30-12:00, 12:40-14:10.  The sea was again quiet with little on the move but plenty birds lingering offshore in feeding flocks which attracted a Large Shearwater species, probably a Cory's but too distant to be sure. Otherwise a Wood Sandpiper and 4 Green Sandpipers in/off, 12 Manx Shearwater, a Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, a juvenile Caspian Gull in/off, and a Puffin.

Sightings from the ponds area were again varied with a Ruff, single Little Stint, a Spotted Redshank, 16 Greenshanks, a Caspian Gull, juvenile Yellow-legged Gull and the Great White Egret with 2 Curlew Sandpipers on the Humber off the Warren.

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Saturday, 05 August 2023

A cloudy day with the odd sunny spell and a blustery F5 northerly. Watches: 0500-1000.  The sea was again poor considering the wind but a nice Sabines Gull over the Humber headed south east out onto the sea but otherwise it was slim pickings with few highlight. Other counts were 2 Tufted Ducks, 192 Common Scoter, 45 Sanderling, 23 Dunlin, 29 Redshanks, 889 Kittiwakes, 112 Sandwich Terns, 156 Common Terns, 2 Arctic Terns and 12 Manx Shearwaters.

Sightings from the ponds area included a Ruff, 2 Little Stints, a Curlew Sandpiper, 136 Little Terns, a juvenile Caspian Gull, the lingering Great White Egret and 50 Little Egrets. On the Humber there were 976 Golden Plover with 6 Common Sandpipers at Sammys.

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Friday, 04 August 2023

Another cloudy day and the same F4 northerly contiued. Watches: 05:00-06:00, 14:00-15:00.  The sea yet again didnt really deliver with similar species to the previous day but decreased numbers with another Sooty Shearwater, 20 Manx Shearwater, 6 Arctic Skuas, 101 Oystercatchers, 1051 Kittiwakes and 322 Sandwich Terns. Full counts on Trektellen.

The ponds area pulled in several good birds with adult Roseate Tern, 25 Arctic Terns, 116 Little Terns, 2 Little-ringed Plover, a juvenile Little Stint, single Curlew Sandpiper, a Ruff, 1700 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 300 Redshank, 16 Greenshanks and 81 Little Egrets.

The Great White Egret was again on the borrow pit while another arrival saw 44 Willow Warblers recorded.

Ringing: Blue Tit 1, Willow Warbler 8, Reed Warbler 2, Sedge Warbler 1, Whitethroat 2, Treecreeper 1, Blackbird 1, Linnet 1.

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Thursday, 03 August 2023

 A cloudy day  with a F4 northerly. Watches: 05:00-11:30, 13:30-15:15, 16:30-20:00.  The sea was quieter than anticipated but brought the first Sooty Shearwater of the autumn plus 3 Great Skuas, 8 Arctic Skuas, 43 Manx Shearwater, 4 Fulmar, 23 Little Gulls, 1835 Kittiwakes, 6 Eider and 2 Red-breasted Mergansers. Full counts on Trektellen. 

The ponds area held a nice selection of Waders including 2 Little Stints with the first juvenile, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, a Ruff, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers and 19 Greenshanks. The Great White Egret was still in the area mainly at Southfield farm.

Elsewhere there was a slight increase in grounded migrants with 17 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler, 3 Cuckoos including a juvenile being fed in sykes field and a Wheatear.

Ringing: Woodpigeon 1, Willow Warbler 6, Garden Warbler 1, Reed Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Blue Tit 1, Long-tailed Tit 1, Wren 1. 13/8

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Wednesday, 02 August 2023

Cloud and rain thoughtout the day a moderate westerly becoming a F6 northerly late afternoon.  Watches: 05:00-10:00, 16:00-19:45. There were several good sightings around the area a Turtle Dove at churchfield maybe top billing while the Great White Egret was around the borrow pit, the ponds area chipping in with 217 Little Terns, a juvenile Caspian Gull, 2 Little Stints and a Curlew Sandpiper.

Further sightings from the ponds area included single Ruff, 12 Greenshanks, 506 Redshanks, 3 Common Sandpipers, 23 Little Gulls, 40 Mediterranean Gulls and 68 Little Egrets.

There was the daily trickle of Waders over the sea with 33 Oystercatcher, 19 Whimbrel, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 25 Sanderling, 50 Redshanks, a Greenshank, 979 Kittiwakes, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 4 Arctic Skuas and a Puffin. Full counts on Trektellen.

Ringing: Willlow Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 1. 2/2

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Tuesday, 01 August 2023

A cloudy but bright day with the continued F4 westerly. Watches: 05:00:10:00, 13:00-14:00, 17:30-19:30.  The day brought a good arrival of grounded migrants with 35 Willow Warblers, a Redstart, 2 Tree Pipits and single Wheatear.

A Great White Egret was on the borrow pit, the first for quite a while while in the ponds area a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, 15 Common Sandpipers, 4 Green Sandpipers, a Wood Sandpiper, 35 Mediterranean Gulls, 2 Roseate Terns and 48 Little Egrets. 

There was again some limited movement mainly Waders over the sea with 220 Oystercatchers, 12 Grey Plovers, 14 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Turnstones, 31 Knot, 10 Dunlins, a Green Sandpiper and 30 Redshanks. Full counts on Trektellen. 

Elsewhere the first confimed record for Spurn of Lesser Emperor was along beacon lane.

Ringing: Sand Martin 11, Swallow 9, Willow Warbler 5, Whitethroat 1, Blue Tit 1, Robin 1. 28/6 

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