Spotted Flycatcher
My call to the cliffs is getting quieter! Particularly now that the Auks (Puffin, Razorbill and Guillemot) have now departed the cliffs to spend the non-breeding season out on the North Sea. A few Kittiwakes remain but their loud calls seem lost on the emptying ledges. Approaching the cliffs this morning only the sound of the Gannets remained. Large areas of the cliffs are looking naked, where only a month ago, the Auks and Kittiwakes were raising their young. So, what is left? Large numbers of Gannets with Gugas (young Gannets) in various stages of development, Fulmars, Shags, Herring Gulls and raptors (Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine). However, anything is possible!
I started my walk this morning in the Dell area and was soon rewarded with Spotted Flycatchers - a total of 5 being seen throughout the day!
The Dell also held Common Whitethroat
and Willow Warblers, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and numerous Finches, so well worth a look! Down on the cliffs, the Gannets impressed, in number, sound and in raising their Gugas which can be easily soon in various stages of development!
You've got a sore throat? Let me have a look!
Aw! Thanks Mum, I love you!
The Gugas take the decision to leave the cliffs. They are larger than their parents and very much heavier. They cannot fly and so glide/flap from the nest down to the water, and at this point they become independent from their parents. They will use their increased body mass to sustain themselves and they will strengthen their wings in order to take their first proper flight.
It is inevitable that there will be some casualties from the cliffs and dead birds will be scavenged by opportunist Gulls! A form of natural re-cycling!
Here, a Great Skua takes charge of a corpse, surrounded by waiting opportunists!
As previously stated, anything can turn up. Here, a Little Egret passes Bartlett Nab at sea level
The Egret was followed by a Bar Tailed Godwit, regretfully, avoiding my camera! Fulmar are quite late breeders on the cliffs, this growing youngster is near Bartlet Nab
The Swallows nesting under the visitor entrance canopy are now on their second brood. There are four chicks but typical of nature, only three showed!
And finally, today's sightings