Bempton Cliffs - 20th January 2019

Fulmar

While walking Symphony before heading to the cliffs, the sky was clear and a frost promised a great day. I took the decision to head up early and capture the sunrise over Staple Newk. Good plan, but thwarted by thickening cloud!

However, while waiting for the sun, I was entertained by two Barn Owls quartering the fields at the back of New Roll Up. My images did not do the Owls justice with the poor light and ISO 6400 so they had to be deleted! Such a shame! The direct path to the cliffs had a pair of Stonechats, a pair of Reed Buntings and c9 Yellowhammers flying in.

Guttural growling on the cliffs indicated another Guillemot day with thousands on the cliffs, in flight and on the sea. Most of the birds were in summer plumage with a few winter plumaged birds on the sea. Sadly, I couldn't locate any "Bridled" Guillemots.

Fulmar numbers appear to have increased with c100 birds noted. A good number were on the cliff ledges with others challenging my photographic skills in flight!

A few Gannets normally return to their nests on the cliffs by the end of January with others arriving as the year progresses. None on the cliffs yet, but an increase in numbers in the vicinity (c70+) is a good sign!

So, what other birds are on the reserve at the moment? Here are today's sightings:

Many visitors at New Roll Up viewpoint mistake these boilers as rocks!

Back in February 1923, the Radium, a 3,254ton Italian steamer bound for Venice from Newcastle (it was carrying coal), ran aground in dense fog and gale force winds. The coastguard responded to the distress signals and rescued the captain and seventeen crew before the ship broke up. All that remains now are the ships boilers and part of what is believed to be part of the propulsion mechanism.

Sadly, the two ships cats, Lilly and Bobby, perished before they could be rescued. 

So, next time you are at New Roll Up viewpoint at low tide, see if you can spot the remains of the ship - the boilers are still quite riveting! And if you happen to be nearby on a dark night, listen out for the sorrowful calls of the two cats above the noise of the waves...……………!

And finally,

"Bempton" (named as such by me!) is looking well as "guardian of the cliffs)! But have you seen him? Next time you are on the cliffs why not try and find him? Here's a clue...…….!