Thursday 23rd October 2014

Migration watch; 07.25 - 12.45hrs.

The highlight of the day relates to some very late news from the 17th October when a RADDE'S WARBLER was photographed on Castle Hill, only Scarborough's second record, no doubt it would have proved popular if it's identity had been recognised sooner.

On the move (south unless stated) were 14 Red-throated Diver north, 6 Gannet + 95 north, 3 Cormorant + 3 north, 1 Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose + 20 north, 2 Common Buzzard north, 1 Merlin north, 1 Snipe, 6 Curlew north, 138 Little Gull north, 20 Black-headed Gull + 11 north, 19 Common Gull, 54 Kittiwake north, 7 Arctic Tern north, 2 Auk sp + 826 north, 43 Skylark, 7 Meadow Pipit, 23 Rock Pipit, 3 Alba, 1 Blackbird, 3 Starling, 4 Tree Sparrow, 1 Chaffinch and 14 Linnet.
Elsewhere 6 Whooper Swan were still near the Flask Inn, the 3 Scaup were still present on the Mere, a record 74 Mandarin (50+) drakes were on Hackness Lake along with 6 Teal and 3 Tufted Duck.
At Wykeham South Lake there were 47 Pink-footed Geese, an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Scalby Mills and the probabl blythi Lesser Whitethroat was in Crook Ness.

Radde's Warbler, Castle Hill, 17th October - Dave Mansell

 

Wednesday 22nd October 2014

Migration watch; 07.25 - 11.20hrs.
A good day at Long Nab, past there (south unless stated) were 1 Great Northern Diver, 4 Manx Shearwater north, 68 Gannet + 11 north, 4 Cormorant, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Pomarine Skua, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 9 Great Skua, 4 Little Gull north, 24 Common Gull, 35 Herring Gull, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 29 Kittiwake + 8 north, 19 Auk sp + 6 north, 1 Asio sp in off (probably a Long-eared), 3 Skylark and 6 Rock Pipit.
Elsewhere 6 Whooper Swan, a Shoveler and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull were on Wykeham South Lake, a Little Egret, 65 Wigeon, 2 Snipe and 160 Starling were on Potter Brompton Carr (no general access), 18 Teal and a Shoveler were on Johnson's Marsh, a Little Grebe, 1 Gadwall, 34 Tufted Duck, 3 Scaup, 36 Moorhen, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Siskin were at the Mere, 20 Purple Sandpiper were roosting in the Harbour, the Stonechat was still present along Marine Drive, the probable blythi Lesser Whitethroat, and a Blackcap were in Crook Ness and a Snow Bunting was at Ravenscar.

Tuesday 21st October 2014

Migration watch; 08.20 - 11.10hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 98 Gannet + 5 north, 3 Little Gull + 16 north, 28 Black-headed Gull, 34 Common Gull, 41 Herring Gull, 6 Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Kittiwake, 1 Arctic Tern, 12 Auk sp + 4 north, 1 Skylark and 2 Rock Pipit.
Elsewhere at Wykeham South Lake there were 4 Whooper Swan, 5 Egyptian Geese and 2 Pochard, 7 Purple Sandpiper and 5 Redshank were roosting in the Harbour, an Arctic Tern and 3 Grey Wagtail were in Cornelian Bay and 3 Twite were at Long Nab.

Monday 20th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.20 - 12.05hrs.
An interesting day at Long Nab produced the following; (south unless stated) 12 Red-throated Diver + 9 north, 43 Gannet + 1 north, 3 Cormorant + 1 north, 3 Teal, 1 Eider north, 4 Common Scoter + 4 north, 265 Little Gull + 18 north, 284 Black-headed Gull + 3 north, 126 Common Gull, 322 Herring Gull, 55 Great Black-backed Gull, 13 Kittiwake, 8 Auk sp + 17 north, 8 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit, 36 Rock Pipit, 3 Alba, 5 Starling, 10 Tree Sparrow, 6 Goldfinch, 47 Linnet and 21 Twite.
Elsewhere a Great Grey Shrike was by the Roadside near Spikers Farm before flying west towards at Yedmandale Farm at 08.30hrs.
Four Whooper Swan, 244 Greylag Geese and a Pink-footed Goose were at Wykeham South Lake, 7 Whooper wan were near the Flash Inn and 2 were at Harwood Dale Lake, 40 Lapwing and a Fieldfare were on Potter Brompton Carr (no general access) and a Chiffchaff was in north Bay.

Sunday 19th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.20 - 10.50hrs.
Another interesting day for passage produced the following; (south unless stated) 2 Red-throated Diver + 1 north, 1 Diver sp, 7 Gannet + 6 north, 8 Whooper Swan, 14 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Greylag Geese north, 5 Mallard, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 13 Little Gull, 171 Black-headed Gull, 145 Common Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 422 Herring Gull, 117 Great Black-backed Gull, 12 Auk sp + 11 north, 13 Skylark, 2 Swallow, 12 Meadow Pipit, 10 Rock Pipit, 2 Alba Wagtail, 1 Blackbird, 10 Starling in off and west, 36 Tree Sparrow, 7 Chaffinch, 6 Goldfinch, 30 Linnet and 1 Twite.
The only other reports were of a Shoveler on Johnson's Marsh and a Yellow-browed Warbler with a Tit flock just to the north of the Hayburn Wyke Pub.

Saturday 18th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.50 - 10.45hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Diver sp, 304 Gannet + 46 north, 1 Cormorant north, 1 Teal, 3 Common Scoter + 7 north, 1 Goldeneye, 40 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 1 Arctic Skua, 47 Little Gull, 40 Black-headed Gull, 18 Common Gull, 22 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Kittiwake, 1 Arctic Tern, 4 Song Thrush in off, 6 Redwing in off, 9 Starling in off and west and 3 Twite.
Elsewhere a Whopper Swan, 2 Egyptian Geese, 160 Teal, 38 Wigeon, 140 Lapwing and 110 Starling were in Potter Brompton Carr (no general access) and a Jack Snipe and 19 Snipe were along Taylor Way.

Friday 17th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.09 - 09.35hrs and 17.00 - 17.45hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Red-throated Diver, 4 Cormorant north, 12 Wigeon, 2 Eider, 4 Common Scoter north, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 18 Black-headed Gull, 9 Common Gull, 4 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 6 Rock Pipit, 7 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 22 Rook, 29 Starling, 1 Tree Sparrow, 5 Chaffinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Siskin, 19 Linnet and 1 Reed Bunting.
Migrants seen between Ravenscar and South Cliff were 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Song Thrush, 309 Redwing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 Ravenscar, 1 Long Nab), 48 Goldcrest and 1 Brambling.
Elsewhere a Little Grebe, 6 Teal were on Scalby Lodge Pond, 122 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills, 42 Oystercatcher and 12 Redshank were in Jackson's Bay and 2 Tawny Owl were on Castle Hill.

Thursday 16th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.30 - 11.45hrs and 16.55 - 17.40hrs.
On the move (north unless stated) 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar south, 147 Gannet + 58 south, 6 Wigeon + 9 south, 1 Teal + 2 south, 77 Common Scoter, 2 Curlew, 5 Little Gull south, 2 Common Gull south and 4 Kittiwake.
Grounded migrants seen between Hood Lane and South Cliff were 2 Woodcock (1 Long Nab, 1 Castle Hill), 1 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 6 Grey Wagtail, 1 Dunnock, 39 Robin, 1 Stonechat, 452 Redwing, 59 Song Thrush, 11 Fieldfare, 68 Blackbird, 7 Ring Ouzel (1 Hood Lane, 1 Long Nab, 5 Castle Hill), 11 Blackcap, 1 possible blythi Lesser Whitethroat (Long Nab), 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler (king street), 106 Goldcrest, 12 Long-tailed Tit (Castle), 40 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, 3 Siskin and 1 Twite (Castle).
A good flock of 80 Goldfinch were in Rowan Close.

Wednesday 15th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.45 - 12.20hrs.
Another good day with plenty of new arrivals to search through although passage was a little quiet.
On the move (south unless stated) were 5 Cormorant north, 80 Pink-footed Geese + 3 north, 32 Kittiwake north, 8 Skylark, 4 Rock Pipit, 1 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting.
Migrants seen between Long Nab and South Cliff were 2 Snipe, 1 Short-eared Owl (Castle Hill), 18 Skylark, 57 Robin, 8 Meadow Pipit, 11 Rock Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Stonechat, 1 Whinchat (Long Nab), 48 Blackbird, 9 Song Thrush, 39 Redwing, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (Long Nab), 11 Blackcap, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (Long Nab), 5 Chiffchaff, 135 Goldcrest, 12 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Great Grey Shrike (Long Nab), 1 Jay, 16 Chaffinch, 5 Brambling, 1 Lapland Bunting (Long Nab) and 14 Reed Bunting.
A female Hen Harrier was seen at Flixton Carr.

Great Grey Shrike, Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw

 

Tuesday 14th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.15 - 18.00hrs.
Finally a few migrants arrived and the sea was a little busier.
Migrants between Long Nab and Castle Hill were 1 Kestrel, 4 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe (Long Nab), 1 Long-eared Owl (Crook Ness), 8 Rock Pipit, 46 Robin, 1 Wheatear (Long Nab), 1 Stonechat, 60 Blackbird, 38 Song Thrush, 109 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare (Castle), 1 Ring Ouzel (Castle Hill), 11 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 145 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest (Crook Ness), 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher (Long Nab), 30 Starling, 15 Chaffinch, 12 Brambling, 1 Redpoll sp, Lapland Bunting (Long Nab) and 4 Reed Bunting.
On the move (north unless stated) were 8 Red-throated Diver + 15 south, 7 Fulmar, 15 Sooty Shearwater, 69 Manx Shearwater, 503 Gannet + 129 south, 2 Cormorant south, 1 Shag south, 90 Pink-footed Geese3 Dark-bellied Brent Geese south, 3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese + 3 south, 2 Shelduck, 165 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 47 Teal + 5 south, 1 Pintail, 1 Tufted Duck, 30 Eider + 5 south, 91 Common Scoter, 4 Velvet Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Golden Plover south, 2 Curlew + 14 south, 3 Pomarine Skua + 3 south, 1 Arctic Skua south, 8 Great Skua + 10 south, 103 Little Gull + 1 south, 3 Black-headed Gull + 2 south, 105 Kittiwake, 3 Sandwich Tern, 2 Arctic Tern, 276 Auk sp + 3 south and 1 Puffin.
In the Harbour there were 7 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Guillemot.

Long-eared Owl, Crook Ness - Chris Bradshaw

 

Monday 13th October 2014

Migration watch; 08.00 - 15.30hrs and 17.00 - 18.00hrs.
A disappointing day over the land given the conditions but the sea did produce some interest including an addition to the year list.
On the move (north unless stated) were 8 Red-throated Diver + 16 south, 1 Great Northern Diver south, 1 Fulmar, 2 Sooty Shearwater, 7 Manx Shearwater + 6 south, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 144 Gannet + 488 south, 1 Cormorant + 7 south, 1 Shag south, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20 Wigeon, 1 Teal + 2 south, 1 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 98 Common Scoter + 4 south, 1 Ringed Plover, 4 Pomarine Skua south, 2 Arctic Skua + 2 south, 30 Great Skua + 5 south, 24 Little Gull, 22 Black-headed Gull south, 16 Common Gull south, 150 Kittiwake + 2 south, 2 Auk sp and 1 Puffin.
Migrants seen between Long Nab and Castle Hill were 2 Skylark, 9 Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 1 Dunnock, 17 Robin, 9 Song Thrush, 6 Redwing, 18 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, 4 Starling and 3 Brambling.
On the sea off Long Nab were 2 Little Auk which became the 230th species for the year.

Sunday 12th October 2014

Migration watch; 08.45 - 13.00hrs and 15.30 - 17.00hrs.
A quiet day for passage but migrants began to arrive during the afternoon.
On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Cormorant north, 504 Pink-footed Geese, 43 Greylag Geese, 7 Teal, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Curlew and 8 Meadow Pipit.
Migrants in the Long Nab area were 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Snipe, 1 Long-eared Owl (remarkably the first of the year as no breeding birds were located, taking the year list to 229), 32 Skylark, 40 Meadow Pipit, 25 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 1 Stonechat and 12 Reed Bunting.
Elsewhere 4 Puffin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Song Thrush, 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest were in the Cornelian Bay area and at Ravenscar were single Snipe, Stonechat and Wheatear, 10 Song Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 2 Brambling, 5 Siskin and a Willow Tit.

Saturday 11th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.25 - 09.50hrs and 10.45 - 12.30hrs.
Another fantastic day for passage with the following; (south unless stated) 4 Red-throated Diver, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Whooper Swan, 990 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Teal north, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Golden Plover north, 1 Lapwing in off and west, 1 Jack Snipe in off and south, 7 Snipe in off and south, 1 Curlew north, 69 Wood Pigeon, 212 Skylark, 4 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 33 Meadow Pipit + 2 north, 4 Rock Pipit + 1 north, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba, 4 Blackbird, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Magpie, 10 Rook, 19 Starling, 60 Tree Sparrow, 58 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch + 2 north, 35 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 211 Linnet + 7 north, 1 Lapland Bunting, 6 Yellowhammer and 3 Reed Bunting.
Migrants seen between Ravenscar and Castle Hill were 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 35 Robin, 1 Whinchat, 2 Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 2 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest, 4 Jay, 6 Reed Bunting.

Friday 10th October 2014

Another quieter day, on Castle Hill were 3 Yellow-browed Warbler, a Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff and 10 Goldcrest were at Ravenscar and 12 Grey Heron, 4 Wigeon and 2 Teal were on Johnson's Marsh. Moving south over Town were 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Alba and 1 Linnet.

Thursday 9th October 2014

Migration watch; 11.00 - 12.10hrs.
A quieter day, on the move (south unless stated) were 7 Red-throated Diver, 17 Pink-footed Geese, 3 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Tern north and 6 Swallow.
Elsewhere 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest were on Castle Hill, a Brent Goose and 137 Wigeon were at Scalby Mills, a Grey Plover and a Greenshank were in Jackson's Bay, a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was off Long Nab and 300 Linnet were at Cromer Point with 35 at Scalby Lodge.

Wednesday 8th October 2014

Migration Watch; 07.30 - 11.20hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 1 Cormorant, 2 Wigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk north, 2 Golden Plover north, 29 Skylark, 1 House Martin, 18 Meadow Pipit, 2 Rock Pipit, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Alba, 6 Starling, 8 Tree Sparrow, 9 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 7 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin, 17 Linnet and 4 Reed Bunting.
Migrants continued to arrive with the following recorded between Long Nab and Cornelian Bay were 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (South Cliff), 1 Whinchat (Long Nab), 8 Blackbird, 28 Song Thrush, 3 Redwing, 1 Ring Ouzel (Holbeck), 1 Garden Warbler (Castle Hill), 2 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 Long Nab, 1 Scalby Beck, 4 Castle Hill, 1 Cornelian Ravine), 25 Goldcrest and 1 Twite (first of the year).
Elsewhere 13 Grey Heron were on Johnson's Marsh, a Goldeneye and 3 Ringed Plover were at Wykeham South Lake and a Greenshank was in Jackson's Bay.

Tuesday 7th October 2014

Migration watches; 07.15 - 12.35hrs and 17.05 - 18.3hrs.
Another good day for passage produced (south unless stated) 11 Red-throated Diver + 4 north, 1 Manx Shearwater, 3 Cormorant north, 11 Grey Heron, 67 Dark-bellied Brent Goose + 22 north, 678 Wigeon + 68 north, 314 Teal + 23 north, 6 Mallard + 8 north, 4 Pintail, 31 Common Scoter + 5 north, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Golden Plover + 2 north, 2 Grey Plover, 4 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Curlew, 2 Greenshank, 2 Great Skua, 35 Little Gull, 7193 Black-headed Gull, 82 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull north, 3 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 2 Skylark + 3 in, 3 Swallow, 31 Meadow Pipit, 5 Rock Pipit, 3 Alba, 22 Carrion Crow, 5 Starling, 3 Greenfinch, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Siskin, 21 Linnet and 5 Reed Bunting.

Migrants in the Long Nab area were 2 Woodcock, 15 Skylark, 13 Robin, 9 Blackbird, 96 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and 1 Brambling.
Elsewhere 62 Wigeon, 82 Teal, 2 Pintail, 3 Pochard, 2 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin were at Wykeham South Lake, 7 Wigeon, 8 Teal and a Kingfisher were at Potter Brompton Carr (no general access) and at Scalby Mills there were 132 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 600+ Black-headed Gull and 50 Common Gull.

Monday 6th October 2014

Migration watch; 07.55 - 12.15hrs and 15.55 - 18.00hrs.
A good day for passage over the sea produced the following; (north unless stated) 6 Red-throated Diver south, 3 Manx Shearwater + 1 south, 389 Gannet + 169 south, 2 Cormorant + 5 south, 52 Dark-bellied Bent Geese + 68 south, 118 Wigeon + 358 south, 3 Teal + 103 south, 2 Mallard south, 10 Pintail + 9 south, 1 Tufted Duck south, 46 Common Scoter + 14 south, 1 Oystercatcher south, 9 Knot south, 20 Dunlin south, 1 Pomarine Skua, 11 Arctic Skua, 4 Great Skua + 1 south, 87 Little Gull + 107 south, 4 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 12 Kittiwake, 3 Common Tern, 122 Auk sp + 25 south and 28 Linnet south.
Elsewhere the first Snow Bunting of the year came in off the sea at Marine Drive.

Thursday 25th September - Sunday 5th October 2014

On the 25th passage at Long Nab included 4 Teal north, 1 Arctic Skua south, 32 Little Gull south + 3 north, 1 Kittiwake south + 14 north and 2 auk sp north.
On the 27th 4 Dunlin, 3 Sanderling and 1 Ringed Plover were in North Bay, a Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper were at Scalby Mills, a Marsh Harrier flew east over Cayton with another seen at Wykeham South Lake where there were also 2 Great Crested Grebe, 200 Greylag Geese, 25 Coot, 15+ Common Buzzard, 2 Redshank and 3 Turnstone.
In Jackson's Bay on 28th were 5 Ringed Plover, 14 Dunlin and 2 Sanderling and 7 Ringed Plover, 16 Redshank and a Greenshank were at Scalby Mills.
A Sedge Warbler at Scalby Lodge Pond was the highlight of the 29th, also 2 Manx Shearwater flew south and 40 Common Scoter flew north off Long Nab.
Wheatears were seen at Scalby Mills on 30th September and in the Harbour on the 2nd October.
On the 3rd 30 Skylark, 10 Tree Sparrow and a Reed Bunting were at Scalby Lodge, 14 Moorhen and 6 Teal were on Johnson's Marsh and 104 Wigeon and 12 Teal were at Scalby Mills.
Highlights south past Long Nab on 4th included 1 Manx Shearwater, 1004 Gannet, 27 Common Scoter, 1 Arctic Skua, 46 Little Gull, 30 Black-headed Gull, 20 Kittiwake and 150 Auk sp.
Passage on the 5th (south unless stated) included 8 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 9 Manx Shearwater + 1 north, 2 Whooper Swan, 7 Teal north, 5 Common Scoter + 45 north and 1 Great Skua. Up to 400 Little Gull were feeding off Long Nab.

Wednesday 24th September 2014

Migration watch; 14.35 - 16. 45 and 18.00 - 19.00hrs.
On the move (north unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver south, 1 Fulmar, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Manx Shearwater, 143 Pink-footed Geese south, 20 Barnacle Geese, 3 Teal + 2 south, 4 Common Scoter, 1 Common Buzzard south, 1 Kestrel south, 2 Oystercatcher south, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 38 Little Gull, 3 Common Gull, 149 Kittiwake + 3 south, 2 Common Tern, 13 Auk sp and 1 Swallow south.
On Castle Hill there were 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Jay and 2 Whinchat, 2 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler and a Marsh Tit were between Holbeck and South Cliff.

Tuesday 23rd September 2014

Migration watch; 07.10 - 10.30hrs and 17.05 - 18.05hrs.
On the move (north unless stated) were 5 Red-throated Diver + 9 south, 13 Fulmar + 5 south, 26 Sooty Shearwater + 5 south, 12 Manx Shearwater + 1 south, 47 Teal, 51 Common Scoter, 1 Redshank, 11 Arctic Skua, 1 Skua sp, 2 Great Skua, 83 Little Gull + 4 south, 4 Common Gull, 5 Black-headed Gull, 554 Kittiwake + 3 south, 5 Sandwich Tern south, 57 Common Tern + 10 south, 18 Arctic Tern + 2 south, 2 Puffin, 1402 Auk sp, 2 Skylark, 44 Meadow Pipit, 4 Grey Wagtail, 1 Alba, 48 Swallow, 2 Magpie and 6 Tree Sparrow
The only migrants reported were 6 Kestrel, 2 Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest on Castle Hill and a Wheatear at Long Nab.

Monday 22nd September 2014

Migration watch; 07.45 - 18.25hrs
Another good day at Long Nab produced the following; (north unless stated) 9 Red-throated Diver + 30 south, 71 Fulmar + 9 south, 16 Sooty Shearwater + 3 south, 75 Manx Shearwater + 2 south, 3 Cormorant south, 1 Shag + 3 south, 2 Little Egret, 25 Pink-footed Geese south, 8 Barnacle Geese + 84 south, 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose south, 31 Wigeon + 8 south, 56 Teal + 15 south, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Scaup south (year tick), 35 Common Scoter + 4 south, 2 Ringed Plover south, 14 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin south,1 Curlew south, 4 Pomarine Skua + 5 south, 30 Arctic Skua + 15 south, 1 juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 2 Great Skua + 7 south, 1003 Little Gull (record count!), 151 Black-headed Gull + 9 south, 126 Common Gull + 1 south, 1011 Kittiwake, 72 Common Tern, 7 Arctic Tern, 45 Auk sp, 29 Swallow south, 4 House Martin south, 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldfinch south and 8 Linnet + 30 south.
On the migrant front a Barred Warbler at Holbeck was the pick of a small bunch, between Cloughton and South Cliff were 7 Kestrel, 1 Tree Pipit, 45 Meadow Pipit, 16 Robin, 2 Redstart, 3 Whinchat, 3 Wheatear, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 19 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (1 Long Nab, 1 Castle) and 15 Goldcrest.
Elsewhere a Red Kite was seen over Seamer Tip at 13.20hrs.

Of interest a Minki Whale was seen of Long Nab.

A record shot of some of the Barnacle Geese heading south - Adrian Ewart

 

Sunday 21st September 2014

Migration watches; 06.30 - 13.30hrs and 15.15 - 18.00hrs.
With an improvement in visibility and a change in the winds attention was turned to the sea in the hope of a good seawatch, and what a good seawatch it was with two additions to the year list. The clear highlight was a FEA'S (type) PETREL which flew north past Long Nab only about 5-600 meters offshore from 09.43 - 09.47hrs, after being seen at Flamborough and Filey. This is the first record of Fea's Petrel for Scarborough, the 4th first this year, and took the year list on to a respectable 225.
Also past Long Nab during the day (north unless stated) were 2 Red-throated Diver + 31 south, 57 Fulmar + 1 south, 143 Sooty Shearwater, 77 Manx Shearwater, 760 Gannet, 1 Cormorant + 3 south, 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Wigeon, 1 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 17 Eider south, 14 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 2 Oystercatcher south, 1 Curlew south, 3 juvenile Long-tailed Skua at 10.30, 13.21 and 16.43hrs, 11 Arctic Skua + 5 south, 3 Great Skua + 5 south, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 adult Sabine's Gull seen feeding with Kittiwakes at 15.55hrs before heading north (the 226th species for the year!!), 7 Black-headed Gull + 1 south, 5 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 92 Kittiwake + 5 south, 1 Sandwich Tern, 4 Common Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 1648 Auk sp, 9 Puffin, 1 Rock Pipit south and 1 Grey Wagtail south.
Migrant numbers had again decreased but were also much harder to detect in the strong winds, between Long nab and South Cliff were 6 Kestrel, 7 Wheatear, 5 Whinchat (South Cliff), 1 Redstart, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and 3 Chiffchaff.
Elsewhere an Osprey was seen at Ellerburn Trout Farm, 8 Egyptian Geese, 8 Wigeon, a Shoveler, a Pintail and 2 Mediterranean Gull (1 adult + 1 1st winter) were on Wykeham South Lake where 4 Ringed Plover flew west, 12 Grey Heron, 22 Wigeon, 5 Teal and a Shoveler were on Johnson's Marsh, 59 Oystercatcher, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 5 Redshank were in Jackson's Bay, 2 Dunlin and 5 Sanderling were in North Bay, in the Harbour there were 31 Turnstone, a Ringed Plover and the first two returning Purple Sandpiper of the autumn and 2 Little Gull were seen in Cayton Bay.

Fea's Petrel, Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Fea's Petrel, Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Saturday 20th September 2014

Migration watch; 16.10 - 18.20hrs.
A much quieter day with many migrants having cleared out over night. Seen between Cloughton and Cornelian Bay were 7 Ringed Plover, 6 Kestrel (2 Long Nab, 4 Castle), 9 Skylark, 25 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail (Castle), 18 Robin, 4 Wheatear, 6 Whinchat (2 Long Nab, 4 South Cliff), 3 Redstart (Long Nab, Castle, Cornelian Bay), 8 Song Thrush, 3 Blackbird, 5 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 2 Yellow-browed Warbler (Castle), 10 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest (Castle), 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher (Castle) and 16 Chaffinch.
On the move (south unless stated) were 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar north, 5 Wigeon, 7 Common Scoter, 5 Black-headed Gull north, 1 Common Gull, 1 Kittiwake, 10 Alba, 1 Grey Wagtail and 4 Swallow.
The only other report was of 31 Wigeon and 12 Grey Heron on Johnson's Marsh.

Friday 19th September 2014

Migration watch; 16.20 - 18.40hrs.
The best day of the week for grounded migrants with an obvious arrival of migrants taking place during the morning, seen between Roger Trod and Cayton Bay were 20 Kestrel (3 Long Nab, 2 Jackson's Bay, 12 Castle, 2 South Cliff, 1 Cornelian), 27 Golden Plover, 1 Grey Plover (Cloughton), 19 Skylark, 2 Rock Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit (South Cliff), 1 White Wagtail, 5 Grey Wagtail, 41 Robin, 6 Redstart (1 Long Nab, 2 Castle, 1 South Cliff, 2 Cayton), 20 Wheatear, 7 Whinchat (3 Long Nab, 4 South Cliff), 2 Stonechat, 10 Song Thrush, 24 Blackbird, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 7 Yellow-browed Warbler (2 Long Nab (1 new), 4 Castle, 2 Cayton), 54 Chiffchaff, 10 Willow Warbler, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest (Castle), 5 Spotted Flycatcher, 6 Red-breasted Flycatcher (3 Long Nab (1 new at Hundale Point), 3 new on Castle), 37 Chaffinch, 24 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin and 2 Reed Bunting.
Passage was a little more evident that it has been over the last week, heading south (unless stated) were Common Buzzard 6 in and west, 1 Common Tern north, 7 Skylark, 32 Swallow, 2 House Martin, 24 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail and 6 Linnet.
Elsewhere an Osprey was seen at Wykeham South Lake, 28 Wigeon and 6 Teal were on Johnson's Marsh, 13 Ringed Plover, 38 Dunlin, 9 Sanderling, 1 Greenshank and 1 Common Sandpiper were in Jackson's Bay, 9 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin and 4 Sanderling were in North Bay and a Ruff was in fields at Lebberston.

A fresh in Yellow-browed Warbler behind the Marine Drive Wall, Castle Hill - Michael McNaghten

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Castle Hill - Michael McNaghten

Kestrel, Jackson's Bay - Michael McNaghten

 

Thursday 18th September 2014

Migration watch; 09.10 - 13.00hrs.
New migrants continued to turn up along the coast although it remained hard work in the fog.
Between Long Nab and Cornelian Bay were 10 Kestrel (Castle), 13 Golden Plover, 2 Snipe, 31 Robin, 1 Redstart (Castle), 4 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat, 14 Song Thrush, 17 Blackbird, 1 siberian type Lesser Whitethroat (Holbeck), 4 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warbler (Scalby Beck), 8 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler (Long Nab), 4 Willow Warbler, 14 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Red-breasted Flycatcher (2 Long Nab plus a new bird at Holbeck), 1 Greenfinch and 6 Siskin.
Elsewhere 16 Wigeon were on Johnson's Marsh a Greenshank was at Scalby Mills and 20 Dunlin, 7 Sanderling, 6 Ringed Plover were in North Bay.
Heading south (unless stated) were 1 Pink-footed Goose, 20 Teal north, 9 Wigeon north, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe and 11 Meadow Pipit.

Wednesday 17th September 2014

Migration watches; 10.30 - 14.15hrs, 15.30 - 16.45hrs and 17.45 - 18.55hrs.
Another good day with another welcome addition to the year list, which now stands at 224.
That addition came in the form of a fine juvenile Dotterel in the field to the north of Crook Ness which remained in the area until dark.
Other grounded migrants between Long Nab and the Spa Gardens were 2 Kestrel, 8 Golden Plover, 30 Meadow Pipit, 4 Redstart, 10 Wheatear, 2 Whinchat (Castle), 24 Robin, 13 Song Thrush, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 10 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler, 6 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest (Castle), 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher (both still in the Long Nab area including the very showy Crook Ness bird) and 19 Chaffinch.
Today was probably the worst day for visibility (at least at times) since the murk hit the coast three days ago so passage was once again almost none excistent.
The following was noted; (south unless stated) 1 Fulmar north, 1 Cormorant, 1 Snipe, 2 Little Gull north, 10 Black-headed Gull north, 2 Common Gull north, 2 Kittiwake north, 5 Sandwich Tern north, 19 Common Tern north, 1 Swallow and 7 Meadow Pipit.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Crook Ness - Dave Mansell

Dotterel, Long Nab - Michael McNaghten

Dotterel, Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw

 

Tuesday 16th September 2014

Migration watch; 06.20 - 11.20hrs and 17.10 - 19.00hrs.
Another good day with a trickle of migrants arriving all day. Highlights were the first Yellow-browed Warbler of the year on Castle Hill during the afternoon and a new day record of 3 Red-breasted Flycatcher, with new birds in Crook Ness and behind the Marine Drive wall as well as the other bird at Long Nab for its 3rd day.
Other migrants seen between Long Nab and the Spa Gardens were 5 Kestrel (Castle), 14 Wheatear, 31 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Whinchat (Castle), 45 Robin, 7 Redstart (Long Nab, 5 Castle, Spa Gardens), 9 Song Thrush, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 11 Goldcrest, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 95 Chaffinch, 1 Brambling and 9 Siskin.
Again the visibility was poor restricting any serious watches. On the move (south unless stated) were 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Fulmar + 8 north, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Teal north, 6 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Common Gull north, 67 Meadow Pipit, 4 Alba, 2 Chaffinch, 9 Linnet and 8 Siskin.
Elsewhere 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and a Sanderling were in North Bay and 10 Dunlin were in Jackson's Bay.

Siskin, Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw

Monday 15th September 2014

Migration watch; 08.10 - 14.10hrs, 15.45 - 17.00hrs and 117.05 - 19.00hrs.
A good day with migrants arriving from late morning onwards, particularly during the last two hours of light.
Grounded between Long Nab and Spa Gardens were 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Tree Pipit (Long Nab), 17 Wheatear (2 Long Nab, 2 North Bay, 12 Castle, 1 Spa Garden), 34 Robin, 4 Redstart, 11 Song Thrush, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 1 Garden Warbler, 13 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler, 19 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest (Long Nab), 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher (Long Nab, Castle Hill), 2 Pied Flycatcher (Long Nab) and 4 Spotted Flycatcher.
Visibility was poor for much of the day but clearer spells did allow for some casual watches. On the move (south unless stated) were 48 Fulmar north, 5 Cormorant north, 2 Pintail north, 12 Wigeon north, 32 Teal north, 54 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Golden Plover + 1 north, 1 Grey Plover, 2Great Skua north, 2 Arctic Skua, 1 juvenile Long-tailed Skua north at 18.48hrs, 2 Common Gull north and 1 Kittiwake north.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw

Redstart, fresh in along the Marine Drive, Castle Hill - Michael McNaghten

 

Sunday 14th September 2014

Migration watch; 06.45 - 11.05hrs and 14.40 - 18.35hrs.
An interesting day with a few good birds and definite signs of things to come over the coming few days!
There was a scattering of migrants seen along the coast, between Ravenscar and South Cliff were 5 Rock Pipit, 50 Meadow Pipit, 20 Pied Wagtail, 9 Wheatear (6 Long Nab, 2 Castle, 1 Holbeck), 31 Robin, 4 Whinchat (Long Nab), 4 Song Thrush, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher (Long Nab), 2 Pied Flycatcher (Long Nab and Castle), 1 Willow Tit (Ravenscar) and 1 Marsh Tit (South Cliff).
It wasn't a bad day for passage either, moving south (unless stated) were 8 Red-throated Diver + 1 north, 7 Fulmar + 143 north, 1 Sooty Shearwater north, 4 Manx Shearwater north, 3 Grey Heron, 24 Wigeon + 50 north, 11 Teal + 36 north, 4 Pintail, 27 Common Scoter + 231 north, 64 Oystercatcher, 3 Golden Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew north, 1 Greenshank north, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Arctic Skua + 6 north, 1 juvenile Long-tailed Skua at 08.56hrs, 11 Black-headed Gull + 68 north, 3 Common Gull north, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull + 1 north, 3 Kittiwake + 41 north, 240 Razorbill north, 5 Auk sp north, 7 Swallow, 30 Meadow Pipit, 1 Flava north, 2 Alba north and 9 Jackdaw north.
Elsewhere 7 Wigeon and 7 Teal were on Johnson's Marsh and 4 Mediterranean Gull were at Holbeck.

Saturday 13th September 2014

Migration watch; 06.20 - 12.25hrs.
On the move (south unless stated) were 6 Red-throated Diver + 1 north, 81 Fulmar north, 2 Cormorant + 5 north, 1 Grey Heron, 22 Wigeon north, 69 Teal north, 1 Mallard north, 99 Common Scoter north, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Curlew, 8 Redshank, 1 Arctic Skua north, 14 Black-headed Gull + 124 north, 1 Common Gull + 3 north, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull north, 2 Kittiwake + 39 north, 4 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern north, 19 Auk sp north, 87 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 148 Meadow Pipit, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Flava, 1 Grey Wagtail + 1 north, 2 Alba, 1 Fieldfare in and west, 5 Chaffinch and 6 Linnet.
Grounded between Newlands Dale and Scalby Beck were 400 Meadow Pipit, 2 Wheatear, 21 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrest and 9 Reed Bunting.
At Scalby Mills there were 6 Wigeon, 17 Teal and a Greenshank and 4 Pochard and a Yellow Wagtail were at Wykeham South Lake.

Meadow Pipit, Long Nab - Chris Bradshaw