FIRST FOR YORKSHIRE AT BEMPTON RSPB YORKSHIRE 

 

There are plenty of decent birds on the coast currently following a good spell of easterly winds but without question the pick of bunch is Yorkshire's first ever Pale-legged Leaf Warbler which is currently still present at Bempton RSPB. The bird was first thought to be an Arctic Warbler and had mostly been very elusive but after several days and some very smart work by a determined group of locals a sound recording was obtained which confirmed its true identity as a Pale-legged Leaf Warbler. As Britain's only previous definite record was of one picked up dead on Scilly this was always going to be of huge national interest too and with its true identity only coming to light (or dark!) late on Friday a Saturday of chaos was widely predicted. However, some very good organisation by staff at the reserve ensured that this was not the case and everybody managed to catch up with what was a very mobile bird. As we envisage no issue with the acceptance of this bird we are happy to allow it to be included on your Yorkshire Birding Listers League List with immediate effect and should be inserted between Arctic and Greenish Warbler.

Meanwhile, down the coast at Kilnsea, a very showy Arctic Warbler was enjoyed by many and was also backed up by a superbly obliging Pallid Harrier as well as an American Wigeon. With strong easterly winds and rain as we go to press what might we get next? Watch this space!   

Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, Bempton RSPB, September 2024 - Damian Money

Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, Bempton RSPB, September 2024 - Ian Smith


Below, Arctic Warbler, Kilnsea, October 24 - John Hewitt