Wheatear
Early autumn coolness was the order of today on the cliffs with a moderate northerly blow and long sunny intervals and blue sky. The Gannets continue to dominate with many more Gugas (young Gannets) fledging but still many more on the cliffs, some still with several weeks to go. The cool northerly wind was just right for a mesmerising "wow" display of Gannets in the air! They were above you, at eye level, below you and "hanging" in the wind. A photographers delight!
So what did we see today?
Todays Sightings:
My day started walking around the nature trail where these rabbits caught my eye
The lower part of the nature trail showed a distant male Stonechat, several Meadow Pipits and rather tatty Reed Buntings.
Meadow Pipit
Reed Bunting
On the cliff path, I came across this rather splendid and unphased Wheatear
Later in the day, I was stood looking out to see on Staple Newk viewpoint with both of my hands resting on the fence, when in off the sea came a very exhausted and tatty Wheatear! It landed about a foot from my hands, looked at me while I looked at it, where it remained for several minutes! Eventually it flew down to the path and rested. I didn't want to stress the new arrival so I left it in peace so no images.
I decided to try and get some images of the immature Gannets
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
A large number of mature breeding Gannets were observed to be collecting cliff top vegetation and seaweed, to be presented to their partner as a gift. This gift will be graciously received and will eventually be used in their nest. If only human females were as content!
Gannets being Gannets!
Not to be outdone by the Gannets, the Fulmars also performed well!
And a Peregrine catching me unawares and unprepared!
During the morning, the Filey lifeboat (Keep Fit Association) was on exercise below the cliffs
And in the afternoon, a Coastguard aircraft toured the area
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