Bempton Cliffs Sunrise Walk - 30th January 2022

 

A quick walk to the cliffs at sunrise this morning, pleasantly calm and mild and a promise of a sunny day. Interestingly, the light changes dramatically with the sunrise, although the sun was not actually visible until much later, due to thick cloud.

A new, novel experience for me! I could hear bird song!! Due to gradual hearing loss, bird calls and song have long been unheard, but now, I have new hearing aids and the sound is fantastic! I now have to relearn a lot of calls!

Interestingly, House Sparrows have always been a reserve rarity! But now they are appearing in small numbers with the Tree Sparrows. Two female House Sparrows near the welcome hut this morning. The cliffs were quiet with only Fulmars but there is an obvious increase in the number of Gannets flying close in. Soon be time to welcome them back on the ledges.

Back to this mornings walk, the images are in the order of being taken, showing the changes in light.

All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.

Bempton Cliffs Circular Walk (Wildlife) - 27th January 2022

 

Pink Footed Geese (Hoddy Cows Lane)

A bright, cloudy morning with a bracing south westerly blow. I am finding landscape photography more appetising at the moment (see separate blog post), particularly as I am finding it difficult to see any decent birds! My motto of "I see what I see when I see it" is still current, but where are the birds reported by others? Maybe I should get an opticians appointment? So, what did I see? Gannets are flying along the coast in increasing numbers, but none on the ledges yet. Fulmars are also entertaining, in flight and on the ledges. No Auks today.

In the fields at the top of Cliff Lane, c120 Lapwing circled, before landing out of sight

At the other end of my walk, on Hoddy Cows Lane, c50 Pink Footed Geese were in the fields, before taking flight towards Speeton.

Incoming Canada Goose on Buckton Pond

Distant, Hares

One day, I will find something exciting!

All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.

Bempton Cliffs Circular Walk - 27th January 2022

 

A rather bracing walk up to the cliffs and down a rather muddy Hoddy Cows Lane this morning. An increase in cloud shrouded any chance of a spectacular sunrise, so I made do with post-sunrise light. Sadly, on the cliffs, I came across some littering (see end of blog post).

Post-sunrise over RAF Bempton

Sadly, on the cliffs, at the point where bird monitoring takes place (no birds to monitor at this time of year as none on the cliffs), trampled vegetation and discarded litter was seen, over the fence and close to a 400ft drop. Obviously I have no proof of who the culprits were, but this is an area where fishermen cast their lines. For the RSPB to access this area, trained staff and safety harnesses must be worn, so making it difficult to clear. Whoever is responsible has no morals and no interest in the damage done. Serious questions need to be asked by the RSPB and appropriate action taken.

All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.

Aspects of Bridlington Harbour & Bay (Some of the Birds) - 26th January 2022

 

Purple Sandpiper

During my walks around the harbour, I'm always looking for the bird life in the hope of finding something outside of the normal, expected birds. I usually fail! Still, these are the ones that just about remained static enough for my efforts.

Turnstone

Purple Sandpiper

Redshanks

Dunlin

Oystercatcher

Mixed Waders

Mallard

Black Headed Gull

Herring Gull

Great Black Backed Gull

I mused over this one! I cannot see this Herring Gull becoming an "ocean crusader", especially when there are chips about!

All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4 (not necessarily with the correct settings!)😇