Bempton Cliffs - 19th August 2018

Gannet

The weather forecast stated that it would rain all morning so it is a good job that forecasts are usually wrong for the cliffs and although overcast, the sun broke through giving a warm pleasant day! On the cliffs many of the seabirds have now gone back out to sea or have reduced in numbers. The Auks (Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills) have now all gone and the Kittiwakes are very much reduced in numbers. Gannets are now the dominant birds nurturing their young (Gugas) which are now noticeably gaining their dark feathers. Fulmars can be seen in flight around the cliffs with some young visible on the cliff face. The Shags are still being seen on the rocks below Bartlett Nab and some Herring Gulls are still being pestered for food by well developed juveniles.

Todays sightings:

The main theme on the cliffs now is the Gannets and visitors are being encouraged to become involved CLICK HERE The visitor centre is being transformed with Gannets made from reused milk containers! Yours could be here too!

As stated above, the giant Gannets are now the most numerous and obvious birds on the cliffs

Squabbles are many!

Family Life

The Gannets can still be seen gathering "gifts" for their beloved. These "gifts" are graciously received and usually supplement the nest.

This WAS a Kittiwakes nest!

Others prefer fresher vegetation!

The cliffs are quieter now that the Kittiwakes are beginning to move on. Although some adults are still present, most are now juveniles (Tarrocks).

Fulmars are also still present with a few juveniles visible at nest sites. Most Fulmars are seen in flight although numbers vary on a daily basis.