9th July 2018

Cetacean sightings have been the main story of the last few days, with the first two Minke Whales of the season north of the Brigg yesterday (8th) evening, when at least two White-beaked Dolphins were also present (from a group which were previously in the Scarborough area).

Today, at least five White-beaked Dolphins were patrolling the sea to the north east of the Brigg for much of the afternoon, and a single Minke was distantly to the north; three Harbour Porpoises off the Brigg and six Grey Seals on it completed the site sea mammal list for the day. A Common Sandpiper was also on the Brigg.

Also moving at sea were an adult Mediterranean Gull and two Arctic Skuas south, and 17 Manxies and a Red-throated Diver north. A just fledged Grasshopper Warbler at the Tip was rare confirmation of this species breeding in our area. At the Dams, a male Ruff and a Little Egret were new in alongside 10 Teal, four Grey Herons and a Wigeon, with  Greenshank and a Dunlin there on 7th. Two Tree Pipits, a Yellow Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail went south at the Gap, where a Marbled White and two Hummingbird Hawkmoths were present yesterday and nine Crossbills went south. 

Storm-petrel trapping on the Brigg after dark produced a control (’67’) last night and two new birds the night before.