Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Monday, 2 July 2018

Midsummer on Bempton Cliffs - 1st July 2018

Grasshopper Warbler

Wow! What a day! The weather was fantastic with blue sky, wall to wall sunshine and a light breeze. The birds were showing well with many chicks now easily viewable, including, on occasions the Puffling in the Puffin nest near Grandstand viewpoint. But it was not the birds that wowed visitors at Bempton today, it was ME, in my shorts and T-shirt, leaving them in awe having seen my legs!

So, what was about today? Todays sightings:


Please remember that the sightings board is made up from sightings from varied sources - staff, volunteers and visitors. Nature is nature and there can never be a guarantee that the birds will be showing at all times.

Much to the delight of some visitors, a Grasshopper Warbler reeled out its song in the hedgerow next to the path leading down to Grandstand viewpoint. This now uncommon bird also showed well (with patience). Unfortunately for me, it showed well with the sun at its back, but I'm happy with my images!

Grasshopper Warbler




Nearby, a male Reed Bunting also called


Together with Whitethroats, Linnets, Tree Sparrows, Goldfinches and Skylarks.

Puffins can be hard to spot at this time of year with one adult in the nest with its Puffling and the other hunting sand eels / small fish. With patience, they can be seen well


Even though some can be shy


And some quite showy and ready to show off their new bonnet!


Many people only have eyes for the Puffins, but the other seabirds are just as attractive in their own right!

Kittiwake



Guillemots



Gannet


And Razorbill


And finally, action is not just confined to the cliffs! The Filey lifeboats were under the cliffs on a training exercise - full respect to these guys and gals!





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