Another excellent morning for visible migration, with Hunmanby Gap once again rewarding dedicated efforts and Gristhorpe Bay beginning to yield interesting results and records. Bird of the day was an adult female Montagu’s Harrier which drifted north inland at the Gap shortly before 0700hrs (KC, NC), reappearing a full 45 minutes later pursued by crows and heading inland from Gristhorpe Bay (MJP). The Gap also logged a male Ring Ouzel, another Hooded Crow and two Whimbrels, and both sites recorded continuingly strong totals of Linnets, Meadow Pipits and Goldfinches.
Grasshopper Warbler at the Tip yesterday (Ian Robinson)
Wheatears were incoming and moving through quickly, with four through G. Bay and two the Gap, a smattering of hirundines were northbound at both and two Corn Buntings were southbound at the Gap, while acredula-type Willow Warblers were prevalent with two heading north at G. Bay (pausing briefly on the cliff fence), one at East Lea (where there was also a Common Whitethroat) and they were described as the dominant form during this morning’s ringing session in Top Scrub (per DL).