Bempton Cliffs - 2nd July 2020

Marsh Harrier

To avoid a soaking, I didn't go for a long walk until the afternoon, which although dull and cloudy, remained dry. I have to say that this walk took me outside of my current comfort zone. Since lockdown in March, I have walked my patch early in the morning avoiding people. Today, I knew it would be busy but I needed to see how busy. There was a lot of traffic moving up Cliff Lane and the car park was busy. I walked down to Grandstand viewpoint which seemed to have the fewest number of visitors on it, but only stayed for a few minutes! The reserve is too busy and therefore too risky for me, so it will be back to early morning visits again. This also means that my work as a viewpoint volunteer will be delayed, certainly for several months. 😭😭

At the top of Cliff Lane I was treated to a hunting Marsh Harrier...

On Grandstand viewpoint, there is a visible Puffin tunnel, where a pair have raised their Puffling! One of the parents flew directly into the tunnel with sand eels, before both parents spent some time outside. The Puffling which is grey in colour could be seen moving about in the back of the tunnel and may soon be inquisitive enough to venture out into the tunnel entrance to view its world!...

And finally, a random Tree Sparrow with lunch!...

OMG! As I write this, a report is coming in of a Black Browed Albatross heading north past the cliffs!!!!

And I missed the bird by minutes!