Bakewell Bird Study Group visit to Bempton Cliffs – Saturday 1 June 2024, 11.00 to 15.15

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