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.

Wednesday, 29 September 2021

Aspects of Bridlington Harbour & Bay - 29th September 2021

 


Two walks around Bridlington Harbour this morning, each in different light conditions.





Bridlington North Side


All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.

Bridlington Harbour Birds - 29th September 2021

 

Turnstone

Another wander around Bridlington Harbour in search of birds and, as always, hoping for a rarity to turn up, but, of course, they never do! The Kittiwakes on the fish dock have cleared out with only two being seen this morning. No sign of any Redshanks, probably due to the tide, I think they may be on the walls close to the Spa. The Auks (Razorbills and Guillemots) also seem to have reduced with only one Guillemot seen off the harbour entrance.

Guillemot



Dunlin



The Purple Sandpipers took some finding again! (Two with Turnstone).



Great Black Backed Gull with snack


And a ubiquitous Mallard!


One day I will find something special!

All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.


Tuesday, 28 September 2021

Sunrise Walk to Bempton Cliffs (3) Glass Ball Photography - 28th September 2021

 

It was a good decision to carry my glass ball on my sunrise walk this morning, enabling me to capture the sunrise with a little artistic polish! I hope that you enjoy!











All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4 (and glass ball!).

Sunrise Walk to Bempton Cliffs (2) Glorious Gannets - 28th September 2021

 

Gannets in golden light

My walk to the cliffs this morning was primarily to capture the sunrise (subject of another blog page). As the sun rose, a golden light was shed on to the cliffs and my attention was drawn to some of the Gannets on Staple Newk.






Gannets do enjoy a good squabble!




All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.

Sunrise Walk to Bempton Cliffs - 28th September 2021

 

The weather looked good this morning, so it was up early for a sunrise walk on the cliffs. As I walked up Cliff Lane, Bempton, it certainly looked promising and when I arrived I was certainly not disappointed! My only regret was not putting on another clothing layer to combat the autumnal blow!

I was not the first on the cliffs!

I decided to head for New Roll Up viewpoint in order to incorporate Staple Newk in my images



I then walked down to Staple Newk viewpoint, which for the first time in ages, was devoid of any humans! (The Black Browed Albatross has not been showing!).



As the sun started to brighten, I headed back towards New Roll Up

And one final image


All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.


Sunday, 26 September 2021

RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Glorious Gannets - 26th September 2021

 


A mild but bleak start to my day volunteering at Bempton Cliffs with a sea fret engulfing the cliffs! It was slow to clear through the morning, but eventually blue sky and sunshine appeared. Not a lot of change on the cliffs and reserve land. Migrants are slow to appear, Gannets dominate the cliffs, still with Gugas to service, Fulmars, Shags and a few skeins of Pink Footed Geese. On the sea a few Guillemots can be seen and a few Kittiwakes fly through. Unfortunately, the Black Browed Albatross has not been seen for c4days - will it return?

There are still Gannet Gugas being serviced on the cliffs. Some still have a few weeks before they fledge

While others are ready to fledge

Gannet Life




Gannets in Flight










All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4. Some affected by atmospheric conditions, others by my incompetence! 😇