Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Monday, 10 May 2021

RSPB Bempton Cliffs - 9th May 2021

 

Smooth Newt

A wet start to the day but improving with sunny periods and very mild temperatures. The mild temperatures brought out hordes of harmless, but annoying St. Marks flies, not to everyone's taste, occasionally, literally!

On the reserve, some great birds, with all the breeding seabirds present. Puffins, however, chose to be very elusive, as did the Fulmars. Highlight of the day, for me, was standing adjacent to the grass Coultas field, watching c7 Wheatears and a male Ring Ousel, when a stonking male Redstart briefly showed in the hedge line! House Martins also appeared. Gannet, Guillemot and Razorbill eggs are now being seen with evidence of predation on the Herring Gulls breakfast table, close to Bartlett Nab. An egg has also been seen in the Puffin tunnel near Grandstand viewpoint. Barn Owls continue to be seen and spring migrant Warblers are increasing in numbers. A Spotted Flycatcher was also seen at the start of the nature trail.

Some of the eggs

Predated Guillemot egg on the Herring Gulls breakfast table

Gannet egg

Razorbill egg

Guillemot egg

In the nature trail pond

Smooth (Common) Newt



Water Boatman


Record shot of the Spotted Flycatcher


The Puffins were very elusive but occasionally showed!




Kittiwakes






Fulmar



Razorbill



Gannets

Year 3 Imm

Year 2 Imm




Kittiwake with Guillemot


General Images





Images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.

Although there are estimated to be c500,000 seabirds at Bempton Cliffs, some such as Puffins can be elusive and hard to spot. Volunteers are not allowed to share telescopes or binoculars, so to get the best out of your day, please bring your own. We will do our best to get you onto the birds.

Car park numbers are still limited to avoid overcrowding. Please park sensibly and legally.

 


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