Bempton Circular Walk at Sunrise - 31st July 2020

Puffin 

A very early start this morning to achieve several aims - to capture the sunrise and the "golden hour"; to avoid the crowds and as it is forecast to be very hot and sunny, to return home comfortable! I have to say it was a grand morning walk (just over 4miles) and it felt good to be out! More so, that I achieved my aims and collected a little bonus along the way (clue above)!

I wasn't sure what the sunrise would be like, but I knew it would occur c0515hrs . The following images were taken from Cliff Lane, Bempton and from Bempton Cliffs.

The "golden hour" follows sunrise and can give the cliffs and birds a warm, golden hue.

The Auks, Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills have certainly thinned out, with a few Guillemots and Puffins still on the cliffs. The main birds are now Gannets, Kittiwakes, Herring Gulls and Fulmars. Of note, one of the local Barn Owls was hunting and between Hoddy Cows Lane and Buckton Hall, a Marsh Harrier hunted.

I mentioned above that I was rewarded with a little bonus. This bonus was my first Puffin of the year with a beak full of Sand Eels, destined for a Puffling that will be fledging soon. Most of the remaining Auks will depart the cliffs within the next two weeks.

Gannet Life

A small group of Guillemots

Yellowhammer

Reed Bunting

Filey Dams - 30th July 2020

Grey Heron with Breakfast!

In an attempt to return to "normality", (whatever that is now?), I suggested a visit to Filey Dams. A change of scenery was desperately needed and the Dams fitted the bill! The last time I was in a hide was on 18th February 2020 (at Filey Dams), so an early morning visit was planned to avoid any crowds. The weather forecast was due to be good so of course, it was raining, very dull and cold! Where is this promised heat wave? Very quiet at the Dams, both human and wildlife but year ticks of Dabchick and Reed Warbler were had. The only waders were three Dunlin and a couple of flyover Lapwings. Light conditions were challenging as can be seen by the following images!

Dunlin

Grey Heron

Measuring up!

Breakfast of Roach!

Dabchick

Bempton Cliffs - 28th July 2020

"Feed me, Mum!"

After yesterdays rather inclement (rain+++) weather, it was good to see some sunshine, although a strong south westerly wind ensured that temperatures were kept down. (0530 - 0730hrs). Very noticeable on the cliffs are the gaps left by the Guillemots and Razorbills that have been departing over the last few weeks. I didn't see any Razorbills or Puffins, but some Guillemots remain. Interestingly, some still have chicks, Jumplings), very late this year.

Guillemots with Jumplings

Todays photo blog is almost entirely made up of "new life" and I was really pleased to spot this Fulmar chick

Kittiwakes

Gannets

Herring Gull

Horace and Hilda Herring Gull arrive to enjoy their holiday from the town

Oooh! Horace, just smell the daisy and the fresh Bempton air

Hilda, have you farted?

No, Horace, it'll be the Gannets!

Sorry! I'll get me coat! Here are some views!