So I've finally got the 800 odd pics sorted into postable sizes, deep breath, here we go... The forecast was super, dry, mainly sunny, not much breeze (but who knows at the top of a cliff!!) and so we set off after checking in on mother-in-law.. Coming out of the visitor entrance I spotted some Swallows fizzing about, and then I saw a couple of chaps pointing cameras above the door...
Don't eat my head!
Is that it?....go and get more!
I've probably done less cropping of photo's on this visit than any other post I've done, a lot of things were spectacularly close!
Me me me meeeeeeeeee
My first Tree Sparrow
My first look over the cliff edge
My first half decent Gannet pic
A phalanx of Greylags, headed south
A Kestrel enjoying the up draft
And deploying its go go gadget extendable wings!
A number of Gannets through the day flew by with beakfuls of weed
There were a few signs up explaining some bits and bobs, including the aging of Gannets and the black on their backs, I think this one works out at 2-3 years old
If you do go (Hazel, I'm looking at you...get it higher up your list, it's fab!!) don't forget to look inland as well as out to sea... Possibly a Silver Ground Carpet Moth
A sweet delicate little Kittiwake
This shows how packed the cliff faces are, if I'd used my smaller lens it would have extended practically all the way to sea level
My usual sighting of a Fulmar... on its way away somewhere lol
The only gulls I noticed were Herring... not Black Headed of Black Backed like we get down here in numbers
Inland again, and a distant Reed Bunting sat atop a stalk of grass
These Fulmar must have arrived to nest first...they've got a lovely soft grassy carpet!!
And the full house of Bempton best seabird bits, Gannet, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot
A Painted Lady (80% sure) flew by, and a Red Admiral landed in camera range
And another Tree Sparrow showed how unconcerned by people he was (there were 100's of people by the way, but it didn't feel crowded)
Someone must have watched Beetlegeuce recently, copying the scary face they pulled... just needed the eyeballs to pop out of the mouth lol
They are so majestic!
There were fewer Puffins (that I noticed) than I expected, perhaps they've all stayed north in the Farnes?
Upstairs/Downstairs?
So sweet
One of Mr Packham's favourites, I believe
I've got my eye on you lot!!
We decided to head back to the cafe for a cuppa and sandwich before heading northerly, and on the way I clicked a Razorbill pair
And waaaaaaaaaay off over the field, a Barn Owl caught something
After a reviving brew, Mrs PB phoned to check in with mum, and as I loitered outside the Swallows were still whizzing about
Back to the cliff, and even the Kittiwakes were feeling the heat!
I said to Mrs PB I was disappointed with the Razorbill and Guillemot photo's I'd taken, but when I got home, I realised I managed to catch both, with lunch!
A pair of serene looking Herring Gulls, like butter wouldn't melt
And a pair of Puffins, looking for a nap
Not sure if the Jackdaw was trying to keep balance, or mantling some tasty morsel... I'm going for the balance option, coz he REALLY doesn't want to step back!!
A Small Tortoiseshell appeared on the cliff side of the path
And the Guillemot just below wishes he'd nested earlier...if only I could reach the next floor
Landward side again, and a Corn Bunting landed on the fencepost
I cut back right, through the "wilderness" bit, as Mrs PB headed back more directly to the car, and in a flash this chap was there and gone... stoat?
Up a tree to the right...I'm still not sure what... I've lightened the image, and I'm thinking linnet/redpoll/twite type thing?
A little further along, Whitethroat?
There's a little pool, top left corner of the wilderness field, and a few Damsels were about, I think most likely Azure
Another Whitethroat made itself known
And finally, a Tree Sparrow, completely oblivious to me, took a dust bath!
An absolutely fabulous day concluded in fine style, well worth the two hour drive each way.
Thanks for reading, as always, any ID help/ corrections welcomed.
Stay Safe All
Wow!
A fabulous selection of photos PB, and a damned good day out.
I'm with Hazel on your stweasel, plus i think stoats tend to have a lighter coat, but I'm also very likely to be wrong. Nonetheless, a brilliant photo.
Top of the list has to be the swallows, closely followed by the puffins. From what you say, the swallows were as near to head height as the swallows at Baddesley are. Sadly for the puffins, I'm hearing similar tales, not as many as expected, and it is a known fact, they are in decline and I understand the big problem is sandeels, which is a staple part of their diet.
Someone I know was at South Stack recently and said the puffins were not to be seen, though i do know there has been a couple of pairs seen there.
Not good for the wee birds...
As for the gannets, they just have that wow factor.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Wendy S said:Puffins are not all that easy to see at Bempton even when they are present, we only saw two on the cliffs on our last visit. When we take people to see Puffins we usually go just down the road to Flamborough North Landing where you usually see them from the beach. Not in big numbers but enough to satisfy curious non birding friends. From report we have seen and heard Coquet Island has good numbers of Puffins this year
You just reminded me, I've not looked at the puffin nest webcam on Coquet Island (the link HERE for those who want to view), for a couple of days, and just checked, they have a puffling.
For those going to South Stack, the best views are down the steps to the lighthouse, at least halfway if not further down, but not to forget the climb back up!
Wendy S said:We were looking over Coquet Island yesterday but we left it too late to book a sailing around the island. The Terns from the island were coming to Hauxley nature reserve to preen and clean up in fresh water
That's a shame.
Could you not book online the day before, or even a phone booking?
That way you could choose your time and no rush to make too early a start.
Lot to learn
Wendy S said:It's phone only Mike, cash only too, the problem was we were only up in Northumberland for 4 days so bit pushed. Puffin Cruises sail from Amble and only normally operate one boat, usually a vintage ex lifeboat. There is not the same choice as for the Farnes
It just goes to show there are still a great many places that do not use the internet, for whatever reasons.