Bempton Cliffs - 21st July 2020

Kittiwake "Tarrock"

A lovely morning begging an early walk up to the cliffs. An almost autumnal feel with a cool wind, but the sun was shining. I knew Bempton was going to be busy by the number of vehicles passing myself and Symphony as we walked up Cliff Lane. The lane has a 60mph limit on it, but being a single track lane with passing places, the maximum speed limit is to high! I suppose those travelling far to fast are the viewpoint "hoggers" desperate to arrive in their "spot" in order to deny others decent views. Please, slow down on Cliff Lane!

The reserve car park was busy (0600hrs) and a scan of the viewpoints indicated good numbers of people, so I decided to avoid them and take any images from the cliff top paths. I decided to walk along the Headland Way as far as North Dykes, where there was a Puffin sculpture, albeit in a poor condition. It has gone! Has it been stolen? Has it been taken for repair? Has it just degenerated into a pile of rotten wood and decomposed? Does anyone know? I returned by the Metlands grasslands.

One of the local Barn Owls was hunting the fields half way up Cliff Lane. Always a pleasure to see, although this morning, the Barn Owl was quite distant and I was looking into the sun!

Yellowhammers are always a pleasure to see and hear.

The Kittiwake juveniles, often referred to as "Tarrocks" once they fledge and during their first year, are awesome birds to see

And of course, the Gannets, just doing what Gannets do!

A random Reed Bunting

And finally, some early morning views (iPhone7)