Around Scarborough - 28th January 2020

Kingfisher Open Air Theatre

It was predicted to be a pleasant but cold morning so we headed out to Scalby Mills for a walk and hopefully find a few year ticks. It was indeed a bright morning, birds were present, year ticks were found in Kingfisher, Water Rail, Curlew and Mistle Thrush, but the photography was mediocre crap! The tide was still high at Scalby Mills so Wigeon were game for the camera!

Walking round to the Open Air Theatre (OAT), we stood on the causeway and had fleeting views of two Water Rails as they flew from under the walkway into the reeds. The other side of the OAT, near the water chute, the water had been drained. A Kingfisher sat on the protective tyres, feeding well in what was a puddle!

Hmmmm! Design fault?

A single Redshank was also present

The walk back to Scalby Mills produced Curlews as the tide was on its way out but no more new birds.

Leaving Scalby Mills, the weather was started to dull up and we needed groceries, so decided to head for Morrisons, via Seamer Road. Of course, we were on the look out for Waxwings but after several slow drives around the retail park, none were found. Workmen were repairing the security lighting at the back of Dunelm, next to the berry tree! I was surprised when a Mistle Thrush appeared briefly before being flushed.

Bempton Cliffs - 26th January 2020

Gannet

Today started dull with drizzle but improved throughout the morning until lunchtime when rain light but persistent rain returned. A moderate south west wind did its best to annoy! Still, I managed to cover the whole reserve which was rather quiet. Best spot of the day was the first Gannet of the year on the cliff just beyond Jubilee Corner viewpoint!

So what was seen today?

Gannets normally start returning to the ledges towards the end of January. They have been seen in flight in increasing numbers over the last few weeks but today, just north of Jubilee Corner viewpoint, the first Gannet was spotted! Only c27000 more to arrive!!

Other Gannets are coming in much closer to the ledges

Fulmar numbers are fluctuating at the moment, sometimes well over 100 birds and then just a couple. Fantastic birds to capture in flight, despite the difficulties of a grey bird competing with grey sky and grey sea!

Herring Gulls are beginning to take up their stations on the cliffs, these are at Bartlett Nab

There is quite a bit of non-wildlife interest on and around the cliffs that many visitors miss completely. Below New Rollup viewpoint is the wreck of the Radium. A 3,254 ton Italian steamer came to grief on rocks while transporting coal from Newcastle to Venice in February 1923. Luckily, all seventeen crew were rescued by the coastguard but the two ships cats did not survive. Listen out for their sorrowful calls on a still dark night!

All that is left of the Radium are its boilers (often mistaken for rocks)

And part of the ships propulsion system

Another overlooked feature is Bempton, guardian of the cliffs (named by me). I cannot find out any information regarding this interesting rock. Is it natural or was it put there? Bempton continues his / her vigil over the cliffs! Bempton can be seen between Bartlett Nab and Nettletrip camera, but you need to look carefully!

There is always something to see at Bempton Cliffs, so,

Keep 'em peeled

and lets us know what you see!

Bempton Cliffs - 19th January 2020

Short-eared Owl

What a fantabulous weekend weather wise, with sunshine and a light north west wind! Such a healthy change from the dull, grey, wet days of late. I arrived early to capture the sunrise on camera and my efforts can be seen at the end of this blog post. Two bird species wowed today - thousands of Guillemots on the ledges and the late afternoon appearance of two Short-eared Owls! Fulmar numbers appeared to be lower than of late and although groups of Gannets were seen in flight, none have yet arrived on their nest sites. Wont be long now though!

Todays Sightings

I'm going to start this blog post with two birds that appeared late afternoon - Short-eared Owls. These Owls hunted the fields either side of the visitor centre, interacted and wowed those present.

The most numerous bird on the reserve today was undoubtedly the Guillemot. Probably in excess of 8000 birds on cliff, sea and in flight. Nobody really knows the reason that Guillemots return to the cliffs on occasions during the winter months. One theory is that it is moult related? If you know the real reasons, I would be delighted to learn!

Some of the masses!

A comparison of Common Guillemot (top) and Bridled Guillemot (second). Approximately 2% of Bempton's Guillemot population are Bridled (caused by pigmentation).

Over zealous allopreening!

Squabbles and fights are regular, once the birds have locked in combat, they can spiral off the cliff into the sea, continuing the fight as they fall!

Tried to capture some of the Guillemots in flight, more practice needed!

The Reserve has at least one pair of Kestrels. I have been trying to capture one in its typical hover, but without success. Today I got close, but not close enough!

Gannets are being seen in flight past the cliffs, with numbers increasing steadily. None have made landfall yet, but it wont be long!

Fulmars seemed to be fewer today

Herring Gulls at Bartlett Nab

Bempton Cliffs Sunrise

It is always sad when talking to visitors when they say "there's not much about"! I think, that for winter, we are doing really well!

Remember, "Keep 'em peeled!