Brilliant Bempton

The RSPB reserve of Bempton Cliffs is a wonderful place to visit with some amazing birds and wonderful scenery. I visited today with Jayne, my brother, my nephew and my niece and managed to see 6 new "year ticks" as well as getting a few lovely photos with my brother's camera.

Bempton Cliffs

First bird of the day was Tree Sparrow with several pairs on the feeding station and nest building around the Visitors' Centre.

Tree Sparrow

Walking down from the centre we were surrounded by the sound of singing Skylarks and Meadow Pipits, while several Linnets were flitting about and landing on the gorse bushes. As we arrived at the cliffs we heard the distinctive call of the Kittiwakes and saw our first Gannets of the day floating past.

Kittiwake

Gannets on Staple Newk

These species were quickly followed by Fulmar, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, a pair of fly-by Cormorants, a couple of fishing Shags and a Peregrine Falcon, which spooked everything!

Fulmar

Out on the sea and clinging to the cliff faces were hundreds of Guillemots and Razorbills and just 1 Puffin, which I spotted in the 'scope, but couldn't find again for my nephew and niece!

Razorbill

Guillemot

After three hours at Bempton we drove down to Bridlington for a bag of chips, a spot of sunbathing and two more bird species: Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper- very nice!

The Year List has moved on by 6 more species:

109 – Gannet

110 – Kittiwake

111 – Fulmar

112 – Guillemot

113 – Razorbill

114 – Puffin