A Spectacularly Quiet Day at Bempton Cliffs! 10th December 2017.

Fulmar

With snow being forecast, I had one aim today - photographing Guillemots in the snow! A light flurry of c3 flakes was not what I wanted but the Guillemots were more obliging! First thing there were c400 Guillemots around Grandstand viewpoint, increasing to c1000 on the cliffs, sea and in flight between Grandstand and Bartlett Nab. These numbers decreased to nine on Grandstand and c20 on Bartlett Nab during the afternoon. Fulmars were also in good number with a late afternoon count of c142! These fantastic birds gave aerial displays in the strengthening north easterly blow.

So, what was about today?

Graceful Fulmars

Some of the Guillemots (minus the snow!)

Bridled Guillemot

Comparison of Guillemot and Bridled Guillemot

Some of the gang!

It was a bit of a dull, grey day but these Goldfinches did their best to brighten things up!

Gannets can usually be seen in small numbers at this time of year in flight but will not come back to the cliffs until late January / early February

A year one Gannet was not expected! Probably wishing it was off the west coast of Africa!

Stonechat

Dramatic views towards Flamborough headland

The waves crashing powerfully against the cliffs 400ft below were quite spectacular, the force was so great it was possible to feel them thudding!

Guillemots in the snow will have to wait for another day!