Something to Crow Puffin about!
The cliffs didn't call me this morning - they positively shouted at me! The weather was fantastic, the birds were fantastic, the visitors were fantastic, the whole reserve oozed "fantastic"! March is not yet out but the famous "Bempton 8" breeding birds (Puffin; Guillemot; Razorbill; Fulmar; Gannet; Kittiwake; Herring Gull and Shag) were all showing very well in the warm sunshine! Add to that "bonuses" such as a 1st winter Glaucous Gull (making two tours of the reserve), two Short-eared Owls; two White Wagtails and regular Peregrine sightings!
Todays Sightings:
Seeing Puffins on the cliffs is always a pleasure but seeing them collecting materials for their nests, deep in the chalk is a pure delight!
Puffins being Puffins!
Guillemots are monomorphic in that they show little or no differences between sexes. The bridled Guillemot is however, a mutant, which apparently depends on a single gene difference and is distinguished by a white circle around the eye continuing backwards as a line towards the region of the nape. c2% of Guillemots at Bempton are bridled!
Bridled Guillemot (left) with Common Guillemot
This Bridled Guillemot is a male!
So, how do I know this bird is a male? Simple..........................!
And the rest of the Bempton 8 breeding specialists..............
Common Guillemots
Razorbills
Kittiwake
Gannet
Fulmar
Herring Gull
Shag (perhaps the most difficult to see as they breed in the caves 400feet below the cliffs but can be seen on the water or low flying over the waves)!
Will you be able to spot the Bempton 8? Please let us know.
As from Saturday 1st April, the reserve will be opening at 0830hrs until 1700hrs, giving an extra hour of enjoyment!
You certainly had a lovely day out Kevin, your photo are very good. I like them all but if I had to choose it would be the Puffins. Now I wonder, how did you know that was the male bird!!!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I've wanted to visit for a while but it's a long way for me. Until then, your photos are the next best thing - keep it up, please!
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Nige Flickr
Hi Catlady, thank you for your comment. I have to agree with you about the Puffins! As for the male Guillemot............!
Hi Nigel, thank you for your comment. Hopefully you will be able to fit a visit in soon.