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.

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Bempton Circular Walk - 5th March 2019

Gannet Life

A late for me start this morning, embarking on the Bempton circular walk at 1145hrs. Buckton pond held a drake Teal with two females but little else. Hoddy Cows Lane was also quiet with a few Yellowhammers on the hedges but a large flock near the spring and towards Buckton Cliffs. Very flighty and not allowing images. Also of note were about twenty Skylarks and a couple of Corn Buntings. Arriving at the cliffs it was soon clear that no Auks were present and no rafts on the sea. Again Gannets and Fulmars were in good number, with Shag and Herring Gulls. The "tethered" Guillemot (trapped by line from a Gannets nest) that I noticed on Sunday is still alive - just. Such a sad situation, well beyond rescue.

Gannet Life (Staple Newk)








Gannets will use a wide variety of materials for their nests, much of which is discarded man made items. Is it any wonder that birds become entangled and destine themselves to a slow death? The nature of shear cliffs make any rescues extremely dangerous.



Herring Gulls (Marmite Gulls!)




It's tough being a Herring Gull!




Walking back to the visitor centre, one of the Barn Owls entertained, quartering the fields and at one point had a fierce altercation with a male Kestrel! All to distant for usable images!

No comments:

Post a Comment