The temperature is rising at last! It has been up to 4 degrees C at Bempton today and sunny (even got to put my cool shades on). Most of the guillemots that had come back to the reserve in the past few days - to drop off their christmas cards - have now left the cliffs and headed back out to sea. There must of been over 5,000 birds, an incredible sight and sound for this time of the year. The fulmars however are back, with large numbers seen from all the view points. Migrant birds are still dropping in as well and up to 22 woodcock have been reported on the reserve over the last couple of days. A small flock of lapland buntings even made an appearance on Thursday, flying low along the cliff path near Staple Newk.
Sightings at the bird feeding station have been amazing too, with up to 30+ brambling, 40+ greenfinch, 20+ goldfinch and a fat sparrowhawk all present over the last few days.
I had the pleasure recently of watching one of our resident peregine falcons hunting along the cliffs. Later that day I found fresh remains of an unlucky woodcock on the cliff path. Even though we are all sick to death of the snow it is still worth taking a trip out to RSPB Bempton Cliffs at this time of year. The scenery in these snowy conditions is just awesome and to watch the hugh waves crashing against the cliffs is just jaw dropping.
The Visitor Centre will be open this weekend so please pop in and say hello. Don't forget to do your christmas shopping and make sure you top up on bird food to help your garden birds survive through these very cold winter months. The road up to the reserve and the car park are a little icey so please take care on your approach.
Bempton Cliffs is the only mainland breeding seabird colony in the UK - once visited never forgotten.