For the past few days Bempton Cliffs has had a bit of an unexpected visit from large numbers of guillemots. The birds, who normally call the cliffs home between late March and July, have been perching on the cliff side, swooping over the crashing surf and bobbing about on the sea. The only reasons we can think of for the guillemots' impromptu arrival are bad weather out at sea or poor food supply. We're hoping it's the former at this stage.
Good numbers of fulmars have also been spotted on and near the cliffs and windy conditions are giving them a really good excuse to put on some aerial acrobatic displays. We're not sure how long the birds will stay, so if you get a chance to come down to the reserve then it could be worth coming in the next few days. The visiting seabirds are all easily visible from Grandstand and Bartlett Nab viewpoints, which are both only a short walk from the visitor centre. If you want to check that the guillemots and fulmars haven't flown back out to sea, then call 01262 851179 before you make the journey out.
We've also had a reported sighting of a short-eared owl on the reserve. It was seen last Thursday and we're keeping our eyes peeled in case it has decided to stick around for the winter. If you see it let us know!
Rachael Tulloch (Warden Intern, RSPB Fairburn Ings)
Hi Sunshine-nice to hear from you! It's a little strange to see them back so early and it's interesting that you've seen some razorbills too. Any ideas why they've decided to come back to the cliffs?
hi rachael-sunshine here.have just seen your blog today where yoy mentioned the guillemots were back. on sunday the 14th of november i was at FLAMBOROUGH below the lighthouse and we saw dozens of them . the were also in breeding plumage .also some razorbills the same .... there wre lots of red throated divers flying south.regards