Gannets
A misty start this morning on the cliffs, burning off to sunny intervals and blue sky! However, the spring like appearance was deceiving as a moderate, cold south westerly wind did its best to challenge. Definitely a day for sensible folk to keep moving, so I chose to remain on Bartlett Nab viewpoint!
Early on, a few Guillemots were seen on the cliffs, with some in flight but about two hundred in rafts on the sea. Scanning the rafts revealed about twenty Razorbills (my first of the year) but these birds slowly drifted out to sea, but a few remained in flight close by the cliffs. One lucky volunteer observed a fly by Puffin!
Gannet and Fulmar numbers appeared down, with few on the cliffs and most in flight. Six Red Throated Divers were seen between Bartlett Nab and Grandstand viewpoints and three Shelduck flew towards Flamborough. The Shags are getting their breeding crests and Cormorants are sporting their breeding white bellies. During the afternoon, at least six Kittiwakes flew towards Flamorough, again my first for the year.
Todays sightings were as follows:
Gannets usually give a warning of their intention to move / fly by "sky pointing"
It is always interesting to observe this as it usually gives an opportunity to photograph their "Geronimo" launch!
A few Gannets were carrying "gifts for their beloved" which once graciously received will become part of the nest
Similar to the Gannet numbers, Fulmar numbers also appeared down but those present allowed "birds in flight" practice!
A couple of Guillemots rested briefly near Bartlett Nab
Keep 'em peeled!
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