Early Spring on Bempton Cliffs - 11th March 2018

Kittiwake

A beautiful early spring day on the cliffs more than made up for the atrocious weather that affected most of the country over the last week courtesy of the "Beast of the East" and "Pest from the West". It was the sort of day that recharged the batteries and hopefully is the start of better weather to come. Arriving at the viewpoints, it was clear that the sight and sounds were coming from the Gannets and Fulmars. No Auks were present but rafts of Razorbills and Guillemots were on the sea. Listening carefully, over the sound of the waves hitting the base of the cliffs was a sound not heard since last years breeding season - "kitt-eee-waake". Yes, hundreds of Kittiwakes were on the sea, gradually moving closer, with a few actually returning to their nests.

Kittiwake

The Kittiwake is unfortunately a red listed bird due to its declining population and is a high conservation concern. It is thought that the Kittiwake is the most numerous gull in the world, but the British population has declined by 50% in the last 25years. The British population is c370,000 pairs with c 51,535 pairs ( c3% of the UK breeding population) (2017) at Bempton / Flamborough. These delicate birds will have returned from there wintering grounds around Newfoundland and south west Greenland. The state of the colony reflects the health of the North Sea - Kittiwakes are surface feeders, reliant on sand eels and other small fish which depend on a healthy ocean. Healthy oceans produce phytoplankton which is eaten by zooplankton which the small fish feed on.

So, what else is about? Todays sightings:

Eventually, after scanning the sea and seabird rafts, late afternoon, a single Puffin was located. My first of the year but needing scope to see! It was enjoyed by a handful of visitors who were on the viewpoint at the time.

Gannets are still increasing in numbers within the colony.

Bringing in nesting material

Gannets are amber listed which means a moderate conservation concern. The British population is c220,000 pairs (60% of the European population). The Bempton / Flamborough population is c13,392 (2017) which accounts for c3% of the British population and it is increasing!

The Herring Gull

I often refer to the Herring Gull as the "Marmite Gull" - you either love them or hate them! I love them and their intelligence and feisty mannerisms never fail to impress. People eating fish and chips in the local towns probably would hate them! However, this charismatic gull is red listed with a conservation status similar to the loved Puffins! The British population is currently c130,000 pairs, with a Bempton population of c466 pairs (2017). The British population has recently declined by c50%, a figure mirrored at Bempton.

Overall, the seabird population at Bempton / Flamborough is now nearly 500,000! A true seabird city!