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.

Friday, 29 April 2022

Bempton Cliffs Walk (Some of the Birds) - 29th April 2022

 

Guillemot Or*y! 😇

A pleasant walk to the cliffs this morning, still dull and cloudy but becoming brighter and less cold than of late. Not a lot of change on the ledges, Puffins were tricky to find and the Black Browed Albatross was AWOL! A Great Skua (Bonxie) headed north.

The first eggs are appearing on the cliffs leading to opportunist predation. This Herring Gull grabbed a Guillemot egg, flew to its breakfast table, and devoured it! By the time I arrived, this is all that was left. Luckily, although Guillemots and Razorbills only raise one young, they can lay up to three eggs if predation occurs.

Kittiwake trying to achieve a "Roger Bimbo, WW2" RAF moustache!

Guillemot

Although most seabirds are loyal to their mates, opportunist birds can "jump" in and take advantage! The following image "Guillemot Or*y", shows an opportunist Guillemot engaging in cloacal rubbing (far right bird in group)! 


The "rightful" male soon displaces the opportunist!


And then engages in his rightful cloacal rubbing!


Apparently pleasing his mate!

And a pair of Razorbills not to be outdone by the Guillemots!

A random Yellowhammer

Puffins were hard to find



Gannets


Now, where did I put my......?


Jackdaw


And a random Goldfinch


All images taken handheld with Sony RX10 Mk4.

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