Late Summer on Bempton Cliffs - 26th August 2018

Lunch is about to be served!

A generally overcast day with a challenging, cool blow and the constant threat of rain which held off until about 1230hrs. Lucky for me, I finished today at 1300hrs when the rain became heavy and persistent! The Gannets are now the largest group of birds in size, number and sound on the cliffs, supported by Fulmars, Herring Gulls and Shags!

Todays Sightings (as at 1230hrs)

As stated, the dominant birds on the cliffs are now the Gannets and no one can fail to be impressed with their characteristics and grace in flight and on the ledges while caring for their young known as Gugas. Often questions are raised about the immature Gannets in flight around the cliffs and on the cliffs where they form "clubs". The confusion is that immature Gannets have dark areas on their wings. It takes five years to mature from the very "black" Gannet fledging to the white adult birds. Generally, the darker a Gannet is, the younger it is. They will moult away black feathers with each feather moult. The following images might help!

Year 2 Gannet

Year 3 Gannet

Year 4 Gannet

Gannet life - part of the colony

Lessons and assistance in personal hygiene!

This Guga is begging one of its parents for food

Success and dinner is served!

The bringing of a gift which will eventually supplement the nest

Portrait images of Gannets cannot be resisted!

Fulmars are also supporting their young, this one is lucky enough to be protected within a tunnel of rock

The adult Fulmars impress in flight

Shags can be difficult birds to see and photograph at Bempton, usually because they prefer the rocks and caves at the base of the 400ft cliffs. Imagine my surprise at Bartlett Nab viewpoint when these Shags were seen high on the cliffs at a level with some of the Gannets!

It's not all seabirds! Talking with some visitors at Mozey Downgate viewpoint, this obliging Wheatear alighted on the barrier fence, totally oblivious of the people nearby!

Outside of the visitor centre welcome area, Swallows have fledged from their nest as a second brood. These fledglings may have regretted this move as they grouped together only a meter from the nest! The "cute" factor!