Common Crane
Waking up to persistent rain this morning, I delayed my exercise walk by a couple of hours until the rain eased. Unfortunately, it remained misty and I had no hopes of decent birding or photographs. How wrong could I be? Okay, the mist meant my images could only be record shots, but the birds were certainly a WOW!
Approaching what we call the potato field at the top of Cliff Lane, Bempton, I became aware of a large bird which I expected to be a Grey Heron. Wrong again! It was a Common Crane - a three year tick and a patch first for me!
Up to four Cranes have been on the east coast area for a few days and yesterday one flew down and landed in afield near Flamborough. I assume this was the Flamborough bird. (The birders in Flamborough had much better views though!
The Crane was being constantly "buzzed" by one of the breeding Lapwings and within minutes it took flight towards Filey.
This certainly improved a poor day!!!
A few moments later, one of the local Barn Owls put in an appearance, which is always nice!
Down on the cliffs, all of the breeding seabirds are in good form, with all present in good numbers. The Gannets are still ragging the cliff top vegetation for "gifts" for their beloved, ultimately increasing the size of the nests. Some went for the colour...
While others just ragged anything...
And the Kittiwakes were not to be outdone...
Puffins can sometimes be very elusive on the cliffs, but today they were showing well and in good numbers...
Immature Gannets (less than five years) are beginning to arrive. This is a group of year four birds...
All visitor facilities at Bempton Cliffs are currently closed.
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