Yellowhammer
Gosh! Can it really be the end of April? Despite the lockdown, time seems to be flying by! Certainly nature is carrying on and the breeding season is in full swing. On the cliffs, all of the seabirds are on station. The numbers of Auks (Puffins, Razorbills and Guillemots) are still very fluid. The Puffins are certainly hard to locate! The Gannets are ragging the vegetation on the cliff tops to be used as a gift for their partner and ultimately to be added into the nest. With the dry weather of recent weeks, it has been hard for the Kittiwakes to find mud for nest lining and repair. Recent light rain has helped a little. Two first time breeding Gannets have taken up residence on the north west side of Bartlett Nab.
Basically, it is business as usual!
Who can resist the sight and sound of the Yellowhammer?
Roe Deer are often seen on the Headland area, running through the fields, but if you look carefully, they are actually training for the animal form of Triple Jump!
Hop
Skip (py)
Jump
Bempton Landscapes
The "humble" Blackbird
Linnet
Meadow Pipit
Today, (29th), I had to multitask! I was on the mobile speaking to the RSPCA in order to facilitate the rescue of a Gannet that become trapped in fishing line. As I was doing this momentous task (for a man!), the Barn Owl appeared! So with phone in one hand talking on speaker, I held the camera with the other and clicked away! Maybe multitasking is a bit ambitious!
So, what about the Gannet? Well, whilst ragging the grass for nesting material, its left leg had become entwined in discarded fishing line and two hooks. The Gannet was desperately trying to fly but was firmly shackled to the cliff, hence the RSPCA.
The RSPCA responded very quickly and the Gannet was freed, checked over and released with no ill effects. Thank you RSPCA! A very positive result in these times of crisis.
Please, please, please stay safe and continue to follow all of the governments current guidelines.
