RSPB Bempton Cliffs

 

Kestrel

A fantastic day on Bempton Cliffs with warm sunshine, blue sky and light blow! Guess who was overdressed for the occasion? Correct! Shorts and t-shirt would've been most appropriate (in April!). The reserve was very busy with many visitors. Unfortunately, as seems far too common these days, some "photographers" took it upon themselves to cross fences onto private land to get the "perfect" images and others decided to "hog" the best viewpoint positions. This behaviour is not acceptable anywhere.

Bird wise, the cliffs were quiet of Auks. All three (Puffin, Guillemot and Razorbill) were seen at times on the cliffs, but most rafted on the sea. Gannets, Herring Gulls, Fulmars and Kittiwakes were more obliging and several Shags graced the sea below the cliffs. Some lucky people got to see a male Redstart, Yellow Wagtails and a few Warblers. The Peregrines toured the cliffs causing the Kittiwakes to leave the ledges on numerous occasions. Two Short-eared Owls and one Barn Owl hunted well.

One of the saddest sights on the cliffs are forlorn teenagers, mainly boys, making their boredom so obvious, sitting on seats, heads bowed, hoodies up, engrossed in mobile phone technology. They seem to be pleading "why have I been brought here"! I cannot help a wry smile when I see them!

Barn Owl

Spot the Short-eared Owl!

Kestrel

Kittiwake

Fulmar

Gannets

Gannet mating is usually a violent occasion!

Seabirds

Tree Sparrows

Meadow Pipit

Red Campion

All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 mk4.