RSPB Bempton Cliffs - 24th September 2017

Red Backed Shrike

A beautiful early autumn day greeted me on the cliffs, blue sky, warm temperatures and a light south easterly breeze which increased throughout the day. So what was about on this lovely day?

Todays Sightings

A lot of interest was being shown away from the cliffs in the dell and on the nature trail where Lesser Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher, Goldcrests, a very elusive Yellow Browed Warbler and the long staying Red Backed Shrike were being enjoyed. On the cliffs, apart from the fantastic vista, thousands of Gannets still abound, some still with young (Guga).

Red Backed Shrike

Pied Flycatcher

Lesser Whitethroat

And, of course, Gannets!

Three Nice Birds! RSPB Bempton Cliffs - 22nd September 2017

Lesser Whitethroat

A very pleasant day with blue skies and sunshine and with a morning of chores completed, I headed up to Bempton to see what was about. I did not venture onto the cliffs but stayed around the visitor centre, nature trail and dell. I was hoping for Yellow Browed Warbler but despite being seen and heard in various locations, they eluded me! I was, however, satisfied to see the Red Backed Shrike, Lesser Whitethroat and Pied Flycatcher.

Lesser Whitethroat in the Dell

The Red Backed Shrike remained loyal to the fragmented hedgerow at the back of the visitor centre near the owl box. However, it remained distant!

While searching for a Yellow Browed Warbler (and not locating one!) this Pied Flycatcher flitted in the bushes at the back of the feeding station on the public footpath.

Not a bad couple of hours!

A Change from Gannets!

Little Stints

Yesterday, two Little Stints were reported from Thornwick Pools, Flamborough but I was otherwise engaged, so decided to give the pools a look this morning. Initially I was concerned as the pool held very little - Moorhens, Mallard, Teal and a Dunlin.

Teal

Dunlin

I decided to move on but as I walked towards the car park, an approaching birder informed me he had just seen two small waders fly low towards the pools. Returning to the hide -YES - Two Little Stints! Unfortunately, they did not stay long and were seen to fly high over the old farmhouse.

Little Stint(s)

Reports were coming in of some good birds in the Dell at Bempton Cliffs - Pied Flycatcher and Lesser Whitethroat and a Red Backed Shrike frequenting the hedge near the Owl box. It would be rude not to head that way! The Pied Flycatcher (my first in Yorkshire and a 3year tick) was showing well, as was the Lesser Whitethroat!

Pied Flycatcher

Lesser Whitethroat

The Red Backed Shrike, however, kept it's distance!

Nice to see but only "record shots"!

Some great birds, and much as I love Gannets, it was nice to have a change!

It was also good to meet up with Nick and Helen (from Rugby) for coffee and a chat as they enjoyed a brief break. Good luck in your future ventures!