Summary
It was a long-overdue visit to this amazing “Seabird City”, otherwise known as RPSB Bempton Cliffs. It was 7 years since our previous visit. Even though it was busy in terms of people, the sheer numbers of sea birds seen far out-numbered the human visitors. The sight and sound (and even smell!) of thousands of birds in flight or sitting in close company on the cliff top, on cliff ledges, or on exposed rocks was an unforgettable experience.
Jackdaws were particularly showing off by the Visitor Centre; they are not everyone’s favourite but very handsome when seen close up. Tree sparrows were also nearby, perching in the trees by the Centre, with some making use of the nest boxes mounted on the building.
An Arctic Tern was spotted early on although not seen subsequently but it was the Gannets that kept our attention the longest. One group of them was collecting grass at the top of the cliff as nest material. It was hard to imagine how they managed to weave that into their nests as the breeze was so strong but they were very persistent in the activity. They were just feet away as they swept in, often hanging almost stationery in the air for a few seconds, facing into the wind, before dropping down to perch or pick up more grass.
Puffins, Razor Bills and Guillemots were also very active; the Kittiwakes a little less so. We probably missed a few “land” species by sticking to the coastal path but the temptation to look seaward was too great.
Finally a shout out to Michael, our very helpful driver from Slacks, who got us safely there and back.
Members participating: 10 (+ 7 guests)
Bird list (21 species seen and/or heard)
Fulmar |
Puffin |
Whitethroat |
Gannet |
Rock Dove |
Magpie |
Arctic Skua |
Feral Pigeon |
Jackdaw |
Herring Gull |
Wood Pigeon |
Carrion Crow |
Kittiwake |
Skylark |
Tree Sparrow |
Guillemot |
Swallow |
Goldfinch |
Razorbill |
Sedge Warbler |
Linnet |
“Seabird City” – Martyn Grandy
Members and guests at Bempton Cliffs – Eden Edwards
Jackdaw – Chris Byrne
Tree Sparrow – Martyn Grandy
Gannet – Martyn Grandy
Gannet on nest – Chris Byrne
Razorbills with Puffin – Chris Byrne
Puffin – Martyn Grandy
Herring Gull – Martyn Grandy
Kittiwake – Martyn Grandy
Guillemot – Chris Byrne
Rock Doves – Chris Byrne
Razorbills – Martyn Grandy