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!
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