Common Whitethroat
Another sunny morning with blue sky, making it look very pleasant, but a cooling south east wind challenged. Swift, Swallow and House Martin numbers have increased but only a single Sand Martin. Buckton Cliffs produced a single Wheatear, slightly better views of the single Yellow Wagtail and a Barn Owl hunted around Hoddy Cows Spring. Fewer Corn Buntings were seen or heard (4), Sedge Warblers (3), and Lesser Whitethroat (4). The most common migrant at the moment is the Common Whitethroat.
On the cliffs and sea, the breeding seabirds are all present, but in varying numbers. Fulmars are very low in numbers as are Shags. There is some evidence of Auk egg predation, probably by Herring Gulls or Corvids, but few are being seen on the cliffs. Many of the Auks are adopting "brooding" postures, so I'm sure they are present.
Overall, my gut feeling is that there are fewer seabirds, but it is just that, as no official surveys are taking place. Time will tell!
Slightly better views were had of the male Yellow Wagtail...
Roe Deer are regularly seen (as are Brown Hares)...
Common Whitethroat...
Busy Blackbird...
Dunnock belting out its song...
Had a go at getting a Puffin in flight! ...
At least the Puffins on the ledges are easier to capture, so long as you can spot them! ...
Cloacal kissing is regularly observed, here in Razorbills...
And Kittiwakes...
Gannets preening ...
And allopreening...
And finally, always a pleasure to observe, the Gannets "Geronimo" dive...
Please remember to stay safe and follow all current government Covid-19 instructions.
All of Bempton Cliffs visitor facilities are currently closed.
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