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!
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