Gannets on Staple Newk
It is always a good feeling to leave my house in Bempton and head towards RSPB Bempton Cliffs in glorious sunshine and frost on the ground. It is even better to spot two Grey Partridge in the fields adjoining the reserve on Cliff Lane!
Before the visitor centre was open, I had a quick walk around Grandstand and Bartlett Nab viewpoints to get a feel of the day ahead. I couldn't resist attempting an image on the sun rising over the reserve.
It is always a good omen when you can see Scarborough Castle from the viewpoints!
Many Gannets were in flight around the cliffs and three were on the ledges. At our staff briefing before opening for visitors it was mentioned that c20 Gannets had been seen on Staple Newk yesterday so this was my first point of call! I was not disappointed with a count of c110 visible Gannets! Spring can only be "around the corner"!
It is a great feeling to encounter Gannets on the cliffs and even better to witness their activities of meeting and greeting, bringing gifts to their beloved partner and showing aggression to neighbours.
Glorious Gannets
Today there were no Guillemots on the cliffs but small groups headed north along the coast, on the sea there were c25 Red Throated Divers, three Short Eared Owls quartered the fields around the visitor centre during the afternoon and the feeding station attracted two Siskin. The male Stonechat today favoured the cliff fences.
Stonechat
Todays Sightings