Marmite Gulls,Glorious Gannets, Sorrow, Harrassment and a Tragedy on Bempton Cliffs! - 3rd March 2019

Gannet

Todays weather forecast was not good with heavy rain due after lunch. The morning was not too bad, dry but overcast with a moderate and cool south west wind. True to form, the rain arrived about 1200 so I decided to call it a day! It was rather quiet bird wise with all of the Auks choosing to return to the North Sea. Gannets remained with Fulmars, Shags and Herring Gulls Only two Guillemots were seen and one Razorbill. One of the Barn Owls was visible early on.

So what was about today?

A promise broken! Early morning from Bartlett Nab.

Now, with a rather intriguing blog title, all will be revealed as you read on!

I often refer to Herring Gulls as "Marmite Gulls" - you either love them or hate them! I love them!

Most peoples experience of Herring Gulls is at seaside resorts where they show no fear in attempting to steal food out of the hand! However, these extremely intelligent Gulls are red listed due to recent declines in numbers. I can't help but wonder if Herring Gulls will at some point be split into urban and rural.

Glorious Gannets - there is no other description of the UK's largest sea bird!

Did you know that Gannets do not have brood patches? They incubate their single egg by cupping their large, thick veined feet over it!

"One for Sorrow" is the start of a well known rhyme related to Magpies. At least this one was photographed against a brief period of blue sky!

Harassment! I felt for this Seal when it surfaced with a large fish! Immediately it was harassed by Gulls and a few Gannets. Luckily for the Seal, it retained its meal!

And finally, tragedy. Although a Guillemot and Razorbill had been seen in flight, none had been seen on the ledges. Then one of our new volunteers spotted one on the cliffs. It didn't look right so I got the scope and had a closer look. It was desperately trying to fly from the ledge but was tethered by its leg by probable fishing line which was part of a Gannets nest. The line looked tight and the tragedy is that this Guillemot would never escape and was doomed to starve and a prolonged death. So sad.