Migration obsessed birder, ornithologist, ringer and nocmigger on the Yorkshire coast (mostly Bempton Cliffs). Studied Ecology at UoL🌱
Also play Trombone.
Perfect timing as I arrived at Bempton this morning just minutes after @BirderRich found the Red-flanked Bluetail! Then saw his next find, a Dusky Warbler on cliff top!! Sharp guy! Some good padders to on back of a jam-packed cascade of migrants yesterday!
Sedge Warbler we ringed at Belvide Reservoir #Staffs on 14 August 2024 was found predated in Eleanora's Falcon nest in Canary Islands on 20 September, 2759km away & 37 days later. The Falcons delay breeding to coincide with autumn migration of passerines @_BTO@WestMidBirdClub
Some migration magic this evening off @FlamboroughBird! A Wheatear powered south, low over the waves through drizzle, and a Blackap circled the boat in near darkness before continuing SW across Bridlington Bay. Small numbers of waders also moved through the fog.
A lovely evening on Filey Brigg, in very blustery conditions. Waders, 102 Common Tern, 83 Sandwich, a few Arctics and a Black Tern passed by, along with a Caspian Gull, 2 YL Gull and a Little Egret in off. A freshly arrived Willow Warbler was on Carr Naze. https://t.co/oH3AQ0iqzQ
Morning rain produced the first proper autumn arrival @Bempton_Cliffs, headlined by 2 Pied Flycatcher and a Reed Warbler. Other totals include 3 Sedge Warbler, 6 Willow Warbler and 9 Whitethroat. Movement included 22 Golden Plover, 18 Snipe and 2 Med Gulls #Autumn
The only complex life we know to exist ANYWHERE in the universe.
Being obliterated so that shareholders can amass imaginary wealth.
It’s as heartbreaking as it is shameful.
Five fresh, lemony Willow Warblers dropped into @Bempton_Cliffs this evening. Always an early autumn highlight for me, and hopefully there'll be some larger arrivals over the next month!
The seas around @Bempton_Cliffs and @FlamboroughBird are full of juvenile Kittiwakes at the moment, with more fledging every day. Have to be one of the best looking gull plumages!
Had an amazing evening watching Nightjars in Wykeham Forest last night. Thankfully the weather has improved for them after a cold, wet start to the breeding season, and it was good to see a fledged juvenile. It won't be long until they start think about to heading south!
A hot day @Bempton_Cliffs resulted in an emergence of flying-ants, attracting large numbers of gulls including two Med Gulls. Also a few waders, 2 Marsh Harrier, the first 'autumn' Willow Warbler, fledged Kittiwakes, Minke Whale and an increase in insects (at last).
It won't be long until they leave us for another winter, but there were Puffins everywhere @Bempton_Cliffs this evening. Large rafts on the sea presumably involving some non-breeders / prospecting immature birds.
Lots of Puffins on the sea around @FlamboroughBird and @Bempton_Cliffs, including a few immature birds with ill-defined bill grooves. Also my first two 'jumplings' making their first swim out to sea!
It's not just about birds @Bempton_Cliffs! Some fantastic Hare activity inland of the reserve today. A few birds were moving, including 353 Swift and 81 House Martin.
The highlight of a rainy afternoon @Bempton_Cliffs was a very showy, freshly arrived Spotted Flycatcher. Otherwise it was fairly quiet, though small numbers of House Martin and Swift moved ahead of the thunderstorms.
Migration has slowed during the recent strong northernlies, though it does allow for a bit of Puffin appreciation. A Manx Shearwater passing offshore was my first here this year.
Cracking day around @Bempton_Cliffs, the highlights being Ortolan Bunting and a #patchGold Nightjar this evening! Also a supporting cast of 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and a trickle of hirundines and Swifts.