Bempton Cliffs - 10th March 2019

Kittiwake

The weather forecast did not bode well for today! A dull cloudy start deteriorated mid morning into light rain, becoming heavier and very wintry by lunchtime. The westerly winds were strong and bone chilling, ultimately resulting in another short day on the viewpoints.

I always think the day will produce some good birds when some decent sightings occur without leaving the car park! The pale Barn Owl was quartering the adjacent fields, giving some good photographic opportunities, albeit at a high ISO.

In the same field, the regular three Roe Deer paused

Down on the cliffs, all of the "Bempton 8" were present (Gannet, Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Shag, Herring Gull, Fulmar and Puffin)! And in good numbers! However, the Puffins were on the sea within the rafts of Auks, but at least three made it to the cliffs early afternoon. Seeing them is difficult as they remain distant and at this time of year cannot be regarded as a "given".

So what were todays sightings?

Kittiwakes have been seen in rafts on the sea over the last few weeks, but today many had arrived at their nests on the ledges, with many more on the sea and in flight.

Razorbills

Guillemots

With Bridled

Gannets

I try to highlight concerns over the danger of discarded man made debris and articles picked up by wildlife in all innocence that can (and does) lead to death or injury. Today, one of the young breeding pair of Gannets below Bartlett Nab viewpoint became entwined in rope making up part of its nest. Luckily, the Gannet was able to free itself, but...…………………………………………………..

And finally, one of the distant Puffins that made it onto the cliffs