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.

Sunday, 25 November 2018

Guillemots Galore on Bempton Cliffs - 25th November 2018



Guillemots in various plumages


The weather forecast was not good and the start to the day was rather inclement - heavy rain, moderate wind and very cool. Thankfully, about 0900 some brightness occurred and continued throughout the morning. Although the rain had stopped, the sky remained grey as did the sea, the cliffs and the birds - a photographers nightmare!

As I sat in the car with rain hammering down, I noticed a small group of Redwings in the grass nearby




When the rain eased and eventually stopped, I headed down to the cliffs. Would they still hold the thousands of Guillemots reported yesterday or would they impress with their unashamed naked beauty? I soon had the answer as I approached with the loud guttural growls of thousands of Guillemots! I would estimate 10,000 Guillemots, on the cliffs, on the sea and in flight!









The Fulmars are also returning to the cliffs, two weeks ago I spotted two but today this had increased to c50, probably more. Trying to get images was a nightmare - grey sky, grey sea, grey birds!



Great Black Backed Gulls were also in good numbers, shear brutes, more than capable of plucking  Little Auks out of the sky and Puffins during the breeding season!


Today's sightings board


And finally, I managed to get out to Filey late afternoon, to touch base with a Black Guillemot off the Brig! No images due to distance but grateful thanks to Mark P for letting me use his scope in order to get a life tick!

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