Hello again, time for some updates on what is going on at Bempton Cliffs.
We recently took part in the 13th National Whale and Dolphin Watch, organised by the ‘Seawatch’ organisation. This is an event, which went on all around the UK. We were on the cliffs at Bempton (Bartlett Nab viewpoint), from the 27th August and until Sunday 3rd August. The last 2 days were the most successful and some harbour porpoises were spotted throughout both days. Typical, I was on the cliff for most of the week and the porpoises appeared when I wasn’t there! The results have been sent to Seawatch and will appear on their website.
We have also started the ‘Big Birds and Minibeasts’ program, which run on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can have a guided tour on one of those days at 11am or 2pm. You could also guide yourself, using the map and answer the trail questions (you can do this on other days as well). There are Arts and Crafts activities for the kids (and adults, if they like). Look for pictures on facebook (thanks Maria) and listen out for the ad on Yorkshire Coast radio. You can also see some really interesting creatures in the marquee - toads, moths and a bat were on display last week.
Toads collected from Amphibian fencing buckets (photo - Bill McCarthy)
Last week we released a couple of Kittiwakes, from Bartlett Nab.
"Go little kittiwakes, go" (photo - Bill McCarthy)
"Not sure if I want to go yet!" (photo - Bill McCarthy)
Puffins? Well there are still a few bobbing around on the sea, but very difficult to see any on the cliffs now. Keep watching those kittiwakes and gannets with their chicks.
Other things spotted over the last week –
A heron (mobbed by gulls) out over the sea, many common scoter, marsh harrier, black-tailed godwit, whimbrel, peregrine falcons and a lot of oystercatchers on various days.
Bye for now.