Well that might be stretching the imagination a bit with regard to the weather (although, having said that, Sunday was a truly wonderful, sunny winter’s day); but it is certainly true of what is going on out there on the cliff face, with the arrival of more and more gannets every day.
(Great Spotted Woodpecker - RSPB Image)
Since our posting on 5th February, a whole host of additional sightings have been made to whet the appetite of visitors to our spectacular RSPB reserve. So, in addition to those listed previously, the following birds have recently been spotted: a hundred or more pink-footed geese, an eider duck, a common scoter and four early returning guillemots (all on the sea); a great spotted woodpecker, joining (sometimes scattering) other smaller birds on feeders at the feeding station; a busy little pied wagtail, running about daintily in the car park whilst searching for scraps; a kestrel; and a reed bunting. Also identified, in and amongst our gaily chirruping resident tree sparrows, was a house sparrow, possibly checking out how the other half live.
( Kestrel - David Hunt)
A massively enjoyable and regular sighting has also been made of a short-eared owl, out hunting during daylight hours in full view from the reserve’s centre. What a treat it is to see this magnificent bird through binoculars, especially to appreciate its staring yellow eyes surrounded by black patches within a pale face. And as if it was saying that the panto season is still on at Bempton Cliffs, we watched as the owl performed centre stage, occasionally flopping on its prey in the fields, whilst three visitors were concentrating on matters out to sea. “It’s behind you.” should have been the festive call, had we not been engrossed by the main act. There was a happy ending though, as these visitors saw the owl as they returned along the path that lead them back to the centre.
(Short-eared Owl - Steve Race)
Well it’s half-term for many school children, and what better way is there to spend your time than by having a family day at Bempton Cliffs; and, to add to the fun, we have a number of free activities for keen young explorers to enjoy. Firstly, we have Winter Bingo, which involves spotting various birds and other creatures on the feeders and on the cliffs; secondly, we have created a wildlife trail, on which are located a number of creature habitats, the purpose of which is to guess who lives where; and thirdly, if the weather is inclement, there’s some colouring-in to do inside the centre.
Why wait? Just pull on those boots and wellies, and come on over to Bempton Cliffs where there’s lots to both see and do.