Having a chick-tastic time!

Seabird monitoring research residential volunteer here again.

Its absolutely chick-tastic here at Bempton and Flamborough!

For every new species of chick I saw I swiftly changed my mind as to which one I thought was cutest. I have come to terms with the fact they are all equally adorable. However Guillemot chicks (Jumplings) are definitely up there for me. It is all very exciting when the chicks are hatching. However once you see two adult razorbills fighting and their chick get accidentally kicked off the cliff to have the fate of being Herring Gull food. I quickly learnt not to get attached in any way. Although I am still relieved when the chicks I monitor are still there when I return every few days.  

There are plenty of Guillemot chicks bumbling along the cliff faces if you keep an eye out.

Sometimes all I will see is a little leg poking out to the side (as above).

The Kittiwake chicks are just starting to hatch at Bempton. This little one was spotted from the viewpoint Grandstand (above)

I know the Herring Gulls are not everyone's favorite seabird. But they are excellent parents, very protective and these parents don't seem to regurgitate solid chips for their young like the ones on Spring Watch this year.

Above are two photos of the same Razorbill chick nearly 2 weeks later. From looking like a children's toy to a messy mini Razorbill in such a short time frame.

It has been said many times that the Gannet chicks are so ugly that they are cute. I think its more like the story about the ugly duckling. Gannet chicks are easily visible on the reserve. Every time I go back to do my weekly Gannet plot at Jubilee viewpoint I am still surprised at how fast the chicks grow!

Above you can spot a Guillemot incubating its turquoise egg, seemingly watching the Gannet nervously. This is with good reason. The Gannet numbers at Bempton are increasing dramatically, this is great news! But not for a few unlucky Guillemots. I have witnessed a Gannet stroll along a ledge with 3 Guillemots incubating on, and boisterously stroll over and knock them all off. This happened to the Guillemot shown, thankfully it was early enough in the season for the Guillemot to re-lay.

I had a day out on the cliffs recently monitoring where it rained constantly, with decent winds, and even hail all in one day!

I got back to the house sodden and the sun came out to show this beautiful double rainbow.

I have begun counting plots of seabirds now too, so it really is all go here on the seabird research front now!

I'll have another update soon,

Sophia