Gannets, Kittiwakes and Puffins

A bit of a poor start to our Scottish holiday, driving all the way to the north of Scotland is a bit much for us so we try to break the journey somewhere near to halfway. We decided to stay near Scarborough for a couple of nights giving us another go at the seabirds at RSPB Bempton. As we left the hotel at around 0900, the sky was blue, there was nary a breeze and the sun was bright. By the time we reached Bridlington an easterly breeze had sprung up and was generating a "fret" or "haar" of pea soup density. As we parked, birders were already returning from the cliffs, all seeking alternative venues, as whilst there were many birds to be heard and even smelled - the rank smell of rotting fish is strong at Bempton - there were none to be seen.

We persevered, and rather than photography we engaged in real bird watching, finding Linnets, Tree Sparrows and Corn Buntings in the gloom. Occasionally the mists lifted and we were treated to fine views of the residents. Kittiwakes, Gannets, Razorbills and Guillemots were plentiful. Just a few Puffins to be seen, none close.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had intended to spend the morning at the reserve, have lunch in the fine new restaurant and then spend the afternoon sea watching at Flamborough Head. When we arrived at Flamborough the famous light was hardly visible and views of the spectacular offshore movement of seabirds was not on the cards. We did a tour of the cliffs and found all the usual suspects but in the end it was an overwhelming disappointment.

A bit murky!

So we drove into Scarborough and, after visiting the large Kittiwake colony on Marine Drive, we treated ourselves to a fish and chip supper. There was a large sign in the chippie requesting that the Herring Gulls should not be fed, which I obeyed but as I walked back to the car with two delicious suppers I was nearly mugged by Larus argentatus.

Marine Drive Kittiwakes - having to look up rather than down - makes a change!