I had the most lovely day out ever yesterday (what a different sort of a day to today) - beautiful sunshine, beautiful views and beautiful birds to look at.
Instead of spending the whole day at Bempton my friend and I decided to walk across the cliffs to Flamborough - 3 1/4 miles to Flamborough North Landing and then another 1 3/4 to Flamborough Head where the lighthouse is, but it was really beautiful - we took so long admiring the views, having a picnic an taking photographs that we didn't get there until 4.30 pm - just in time for coffee and a scone (of course!) and ended up getting a taxi back to Bempton.
Apart from the birds, the cliff tops were a riot of colour with the butterflies, insects, wild flowers, grasses etc - just gorgeous. Anyway, I thought I'd share a few photos of the day because I could well recommend it if anyone is going to that area.
Starting at Bempton visitor centre, the roof was full of tree sparrows and swallows:
As soon as we got to the first viewing point a kind RSPB volunteer asked us if we would like to see a puffin through his telescope! We thought that might be it for the day, but there were to be others later on!
I took so many photos (over 300) that I'm trying to be a bit selective, so I'll miss out the photos of gannet rock and onto the linnets which were very plentiful on the fields and pathway.
Fabulous views along the way - this is the view we had whilst eating our picnic.
We arrived at Thornwick Bay (there's a cafe there for a coffee stop it you want one, and plenty of picnic tables overlooking the bay.
Next up, Flamborough North landing - such a picturesque place.
From here, we rejoined the coastal path and set off towards Flamborough Head - we hadn't gone too far before these lovely chaps on the cliffs - there were actually quite a lot of them flying around and perching on various cliff edges - most of them were out of camera range but managed to get quite a few shots like this - we were thrilled!!
Along to the next inlet where there were quite a few shags around.
And I'll finish with a good old jackdaw! I've got lots more of the gannets etc at Bempton, but perhaps another thread!
See my Flickr photos here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115745582@N04/
Sounds like a good trip CB - lovely pics & quite envious!! My one & only trip to Scarborough about 25 odd years ago, well before I was into birding, was the most miserable experience with rain for six & a half days out of seven with chill sea breezes was enough to put me off for life.......& then I read your thread?!! And a local friend of mine (non-birder) tells me that, while staying in Yorkshire a couple of weeks go, just 'happened' to go to RSPB Bempton & saw Puffins etc - sounds as if I'm missing something really good!!!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Worra great walk & fabulous pictures.Have only managed to get to Filey this year. :-( Looking forward to your pictures of gannets,CB.