Bempton Cliffs has been somewhere I've wanted to visit for years so when one of the guides at Minsmere invited Limpy to go up there at the weekend I naturally wanted to go with them - after all it's a mere five hours' drive up the coast from our Felixstowe home! So, on Sunday morning, we were up bright and early (you don't want to know how early) and we had a very pleasant drive up to the East Riding of Yorkshire. It was worth the drive, too.
At Minsmere you can't help but notice the cheeky, in-your-face magpies - here is Bempton's equivalent:
To our very pleasant surprise there were tree sparrows galore:
We then headed to the cliffs to see (and hear!) the seabird population. I couldn't resist sharing this gorgeously coy kittiwake:
The gannets seemed very content with life despite the noise levels (to which they seriously contributed):
They are hard work to catch in flight but I just about managed it here:
Undoubtedly the most colourful bird present was the puffin:
It didn't look remotely fazed at being towered over by the razorbill:
Would these guillemots turn around? Not even for a split second:
Who's that lurking under the left wing?
This pair of fulmars seemed very cosy in their corner:
A lovely herring gull family:
I'm going to hazard a guess that these are rock doves:
We all had a very enjoyable few hours before heading off on our long drive back to Suffolk. I must say it was massively worth the effort of getting up there and I'm really looking forward to returning!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Lindybird said: What a distance for you to go, Clare! Looks worth it, though. Loved your pics - I remember seeing Fulmars on TV, they are amazing birds, especially when they dive, like knives going into the ocean.
What a distance for you to go, Clare! Looks worth it, though. Loved your pics - I remember seeing Fulmars on TV, they are amazing birds, especially when they dive, like knives going into the ocean.
I'm pretty sure I know that Fulmar nest Lindybird, there's been a pair (presumably the same ones) using that cosy little fissure in the cliff for at least the last 3 years.
Great thread Clare, Bempton is somewhere I would love to visit. Some great shots of the seabirds,and nice to see the tree Sparrows-I've never seen one down here. Thanks for sharing your trip
Jayne
See my Flickr photos here.
So pleased you have visited Bempton. I have been a few times and every year want to go back. The clifftop is spectacular, the coastline beautiful, the birds amazing. Walking along the cliff top is superb. As another contributor said Flamborough cliffs are great too, and the walks all along those cliffs are marvellous. Thanks for sharing your pictures. Jill
Jill
Glad you all liked Clare's photos - hope nobody minds if I post a few of mine.
This chick is giving me a look.
Feed me.
Get this plant thing out of my way.
I'm masterful and dominant.
Leave me alone. I'm trying to get some sleep.
There have got to be easier places to get beak to beak.
A little boogie woogie.
I'm watching you.
Bempton was absolutely brilliant but I think we'll do an overnight stay next time.
"Birds are, quite simply, little miracles - and as such they require care and consideration."
Magnus Ullman
My Flickr account is here
Wonderful additions Limpy and very funny captions. Looks like you and Clare had a fabulous day.
Kind regards
Jenny
Great set Limpy - I had to laugh with the sparrow boogie woogie! The Kittiwake chick is so cute!!
My Gallery
"Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way." John Muir
Fantastic photos I must get there soon