Short-Eared Owl
I arrived at RSPB Bempton Cliffs well before the Seabird Centre opened this morning, in order to have a good look around and report back sightings before our visitors arrived. The light at 0800hrs was perhaps the best the day would offer, with a golden glow. As I walked down the diagonal path towards the cliffs, a Short-eared Owl quartered the field before taking a well earned rest on the bench!
The Gannet numbers on the cliffs are certainly increasing with some still waiting patiently for their partners to return with some already paired and cementing their bond! Gannets, like all of the other seabirds at Bempton, pair for life and despite spending the non-breeding months apart, return to the same nest every year!
A few Razorbills and Guillemots clung to the cliff ledges throughout the day, but the majority formed large rafts on the sea.
Razorbill
Guillemot
I'm sure there was something in the water below Bartlett Nab as both Razorbills and Guillemots faced up to each other in fights lasting several minutes!
Fulmars continue to be very active
Including this "Blue" (dark) Fulmar around Bartlett Nab
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is not just a seabird city! There are many quiet areas including a nature trail and a feeding station. A number of interpretation boards have been erected around the feeding station and adjoining hedgerows drawing attention to a very endearing little bird - the Tree Sparrow.
And finally, Todays Sightings!