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.

Monday, 15 July 2019

Bempton Cliffs - 14th July 2019



Gannet

Well, it may be midsummer, but today on the cliff edge had an "arctic" feel with a moderate north, north westerly blow! The car park area was much warmer and many visitors arrived on the viewpoints ill prepared and soon departed to the visitor centre for a warm drink. Indeed, I returned mid morning in order to get a warm coat and if I'd got my woolly hat and gloves, they would've been put to good use! That's Bempton!

The breeding season is coming to an end for the Auks, although a few "jumplings" can still be seen on the ledges and will no doubt be gone within forty-eight hours. Indeed, gaps are beginning to appear which only last week were full of birds.

So what were we seeing today?


The nature trail and dell areas were very quiet with only the Tree Sparrow colony being obvious. In the car park, this delightful Song Thrush was singing loudly, breaking the silence!


Today was a "Puffintastic" day! We had so many, on the sea, in flight and on the ledges. Everyone had a "wow" experience and no one went away disappointed!


Using a 400mm prime lens, I could only get eight of fourteen Puffins in this image!


The three amigos!




And now, the "cute" factor!

Kittiwake



Razorbill



Herring Gull (well I think it's cute!)


Gannet


Today's "elusive" birds were Shag (I didn't get one at all!) and Fulmar


I'm not sure what this Guillemot is thinking - it arrived on the ledge with a substantial fish, whereby it stood for nearly an hour! Now, during the breeding season it could have been a "love" fish for it's partner, or food for it's young. However, neither were present. After about an hour, a nearby Guillemot challenged and tried to obtain the fish. There was then a scuffle, but the bird held its fish and eventually devoured it!



The "new kids on the block" are still controlling their new "home"! Let's hope they breed next year.


I started with a Gannet portrait and I'll finish with a Gannet portrait!


Remember, keep 'em peeled!

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