Bempton Cliffs - 7th July 2019

Fulmars are fantastic!

A predominantly cloudy day with a few sunny periods and a cool northerly blow. Certainly caught me out having turned up in shorts, luckily I had some long trousers in the car! The reserve seemed quieter today, visitor wise, but all of the breeding seabirds are still with us. Some of the Guillemot and Razorbill chicks (Jumplings) have gone from the ledges with many more ready to take that plunge into the sea. No one wanted to accompany me on the wildlife walk today, so I was able to "wow" visitors on Bartlett Nab and Grandstand viewpoints. They were also "wowed" by the seabirds!

We had a few "senior" moments regarding the sightings board today! One of my colleagues wrote the date as June, which I didn't notice and neither did I notice that figures weren't quoted for the Auks, Fulmars and Kittiwakes! Normal service will be resumed as soon as soon as I've received a good shaking up!

Todays Sightings Board

The nature trail was quiet with only Whitethroats of note

Great Skua's (Bonxie) are beginning to increase in numbers with this one flying passed Grandstand viewpoint

On the cliffs, the breeding seabirds are still in good numbers. The Puffin nest tunnel near Grandstand viewpoint is still "wowing" visitors, especially when the Puffling gets inquisitive to life outside its tunnel and shows well.

And, yes, the adult Puffins showed well again!

Nature can cause much worry and anxiety in our visitors! I was called to what was perceived as a dead Guga (Gannet chick) near Bartlett Nab viewpoint.

Stress, worries and anxiety were allayed a few moments later!

I'm surprised this adult Gannet didn't "gag"!

Just look at that Jaw!

Thankfully, all is well in Gannet world!

I am often asked how to tell the difference between Guillemots and Razorbills. This may help, Guillemot top and Razorbill below.

Kittiwakes are delightful birds

And so are their chicks, known as "Tarrocks" when they fledge

I don't think I'll have a brother or sister! 

Left alone and vulnerable to predation

Razorbills

And with their "jumplings"

and Guillemot for good measure!

My favourite sea bird, the Fulmar

Herring Gull chick

And finally, Jackdaw

Remember, "keep 'em peeled"!