Sundays are very special for me - it's the day I volunteer at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and I feel blessed to have such a beautiful wild place on my doorstep. When I arrived this morning, the Sun was just breaking over the rolling hills highlighting a golden vista and the making of a pleasant December day.
Passing the remains of RAF Bempton on my way to Jubilee Corner Viewpoint, the light over the old buildings gave a dramatic aura and creating a rather eerie atmosphere!
Fulmars are beginning to increase in numbers with around one hundred birds on the cliffs, sea and in flight, making the cliffs feel less naked than they have over the last month.
It is always a pleasure to meet our visitors out on the reserve to talk about what is about, admire with them the beauty of the cliffs, offer information about where the summers breeders are at the moment and to inform of future plans for the reserve. Work at the moment involves the rebuilding of Staple Newk Viewpoint which is progressing well and we are all looking forward to it's completion, overlooking the Gannets on the rock.
Staple Newk
Birds and wildlife being seen on the cliffs, on the sea and around the grasslands are Short Eared Owl, Kestrel, Peregrine, Fulmar, Shag, Tree Sparrow, Barn Owl, Rock and Meadow Pipits, Stonechat, Red Throated Diver and Harbour Porpoise. Small numbers of Gannets can be seen out at sea and we expect these numbers to increase in the New Year.
Stonechat (male)
Looking out to sea, various shipping can be seen, but today, of interest, was the armed HMC Vigilant operating as border control vessel.
Many visitors enjoy short walks around the reserve on the all weather, all access paths, but others take full advantage of a bracing walk, visiting all six viewpoints. At the end of an invigorating stroll, it is nice to relax in the warmth of the homely sea bird centre, chatting to the friendly staff, enjoy a warm drink and a snack, perusing the well stocked shop and learning about the interesting events provided by the RSPB.