RSPB Bempton Cliffs - 27th August 2017

OL Blue Eyes!

A taste of summer greeted us on the cliffs this morning with blue skies, warm sunshine, light wind and a gradual build up of variable cloud cover. It was great to be outside! Unfortunately for me, I could only spend the morning on the cliffs today. Today was also a "Bioblitz" day, where every creature that moved (or otherwise) was recorded - I'm sure the results we be exciting!

Walking down to the cliff viewpoints hundreds of Goldfinches sparkled in the sunshine as they obtained seeds from the grassland plants. Swallows along the cliff top rested on the fences with many juveniles swelling the numbers.

The cliffs echoed with the sound of the Gannets and their Gugas, with Fulmars, Herring Gulls and Shags still present, but Kittiwake numbers have reduced again. On the sea, several Bonxies (Great Skuas) scavenged on dead birds.

Gannets are still collecting vegetation as a gift for their beloved that will be graciously received before finding its way into the nest.

Very occasionally, you can get very up close and personal with the seabirds. Today, a stranded Gannet just over the fence from the coastal path was unable to get back onto the cliff due to thick vegetation. Unsure if it was injured, I called for assistance from colleagues. When I approached the Gannet, it refused to move, but when the team arrived, it thought better of a large box and blanket and ploughed its way through the vegetation and took flight without issues!

Up close and personal!

Locking Bills!

But Mum, its the fashion, all my friends dress like this!

Gannet with soon to fledge Guga

Should I stay or should I go?

Juvenile Fulmar thriving well

I have great respect for the sea and for those who work closely with it. I have utmost respect for the volunteer lifeboat crews who are always ready and willing to respond to life & death incidents. To achieve this, training is essential and lifeboat crews are regularly seen below the cliffs. Here the Filey lifeboat (RNLI Keep Fit Association) undertakes training.

Follow that Gannet!