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, 19 July 2021

RSPB Bempton Cliffs (Some of the Birds) - 18th July 2021

 

Gannet Guga

A very warm and sunny day with a pleasant breeze cooling slightly. All of the breeding seabirds are still present, although many Razorbills and Guillemots have left, some chicks "jumplings" can still be seen but they will depart very soon. The Barn Owls are still hunting in order to service their youngsters, which can be seen peeking out of their owl box home. The Black Browed Albatross had been missing for c48hrs, however, just before lunchtime, it reappeared just above our heads on Bartlett Nab! The BBA did three encores around Grandstand and Bartlett Nab viewpoints, much to the delight of the visitors present, most of whom had come to see Puffins! A lot of visitors went home very happy!! Unfortunately, I didn't get any images as I was doing my duty as a volunteer and doing my best to get as many onto the BBA as I could. After its flypasts, the BBA became more elusive and distant on the sea off Staple Newk.

Puffins





There are still some Razorbill and Guillemot "Jumplings" on the cliff. Here a parent bird brought in a fish but did not offer it up for the jumpling. Eventually, it dropped the fish onto the ledge, where it probably fried in the hot sun! I wonder if the parent bird was trying to tempt the jumpling off the cliff and onto the sea?



Razorbill and Guillemot Squabble


Kittiwake 



Gannets


Visitors often tell us of "dead" Guga's (Gannet chicks) on the cliffs! I'm sure they love "teasing", one in its "dead" pose!


I'm sure it must be very hot and smelly at the nest site!


This Gannet is loyally incubating an infertile egg, shared with its partner. Sad to see.


This Gannet laid its egg at the same time as the Gannet above, look at the difference


Something to "Crow" about


And finally, a Linnet




All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.


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