Hello!
A few weeks ago, Becky and I were lucky enough to be invited along on one of the Puffin and Gannet Cruises run by the RSPB, and I thought I’d write a post telling you about our mini adventure.
After working up at the centre for the morning, we drove into Bridlington and made our way down to the harbour, quite enjoying feeling like tourists for a change. We’d been advised to wear as many layers as physically possible, so we must have made quite a sight walking along the sea front in glorious sunshine wearing woolly hats, gloves and waterproofs. Keeping with the whole tourist theme we considered grabbing some fish and chips on the way, but sensibly decided to go for a healthy option. Lemon and strawberry ice cream counts as fruit, right?
On board the Yorkshire Belle, we made a beeline for the prime viewing location, up at the front on the left hand side. With binoculars cleaned and adjusted, waterproofs at maximum effect and bobble hat securely in position, I was ready to go. As we left the harbour, Keith began by telling us the route we would be taking, and about the birds we were likely to spot. The sea was lovely and calm and the sun was shining, all the way up to Flamborough Head, when the waves did begin to pick up a little. Though to be honest, it really did add to the dramatic effect of sailing around the headland and seeing all 400ft of white chalk cliffs suddenly appear towering above the sea. Standing at the bow of the boat with the wind in my hair, I will admit to having a bit of a Jack Sparrow/master of the sea moment. But the illusion was slightly ruined by suddenly getting drenched by sea spray and having to sit back down to frantically clean my glasses. The sea can indeed be a cruel mistress.
As we came around the headland, waving to the people at the lighthouse, the sea calmed down once more and we sailed right up to the cliffs, stopping off at different points to get a good close up look at some of the birds nesting there. Seeing the cliffs from this totally different perspective really gives a feel for the sheer scale of this amazing site, and the number of birds that make their home here. There are some stunning rock formations along the cliffs, again only visible from the water, and the brilliant RSPB volunteers were always on hand to explain how they had all formed.
We had birds flying all around the boat, mainly kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills, and the odd gannet soaring low overhead, making that 6ft wing span much easier to believe in. One of my personal highlights was watching the guillemots frantically splashing about in the waves in their less than graceful attempts to take off from the water. I was also pretty chuffed at getting to see the shags nesting at the very bottom of the cliffs, having never really seen them from the viewpoints.
As we turned around to head back to the harbour, stopping off at a few more points near the cliffs along the way, we finally got our first views of puffins! Easily spotted on the water thanks to their bright orange bills, they comically splashed away from the boat as we came near. You wonder how something so small manages to survive, just bobbing up and down far out to sea for the majority of its life. After all the excitement of the puffins, it was time for a sit down and a hot chocolate from the bar as we sailed back into Bridlington harbour.
I had such a fantastic day, and I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone who wants to get a truly unique perspective of this very special place.
The cruises run until mid-July and booking is essential. Click here for all the details
Laura