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!

 

 

 

 

The Farnes - Staple Island

Having had two days at Bempton we journeyed north to our hotel near Alnwick, this was to be our base for another three nights. I have always wanted to visit the Farne Islands, envious of the photographs that other birders have posted and intrigued by how close one can get to the birds without disturbing them. Oh! how I wish it was the same elsewhere.

A month before our visit I had booked an all day birding trip with Billy Shiel's Glad Tidings fleet, so at 0930 I was on Seahouses Pier in good time for the first boat. Unfortunately Iolo Williams, he of Springwatch fame, was making a movie and we were slightly delayed. I was having a deep meaningful conversation with him about the best place to see Eagles in Scotland when my good lady embarrassed me by asking the famous birder to say his well known description of young Puffins - "Pufflings" - he duly obliged.  So I crept on to the boat with a host of other serious birders. The itinerary being two hours on Staple Island then  a cruise around the cliffs to see both birds and seals, followed by two hours on Inner Farne.

Yet again the weather gods conspired against us, the sea was perfectly calm but heavy overcast conditions prevailed to make photography difficult. That said, I would have been happy if I hadn't taken a single photograph such was the quality of bird life on show. Stunning views of the main species that inhabit the islands and all of them in close proximity.

As we landed we were greeted by a welcoming committee of Puffins, all perched just feet away from the path leading up from the jetty. Thanks to Graham, a seasoned Farnes birder, who advised me to wait until everyone had disappeared and then I would have the birds to myself.



Welcome to the Farnes

The sky was a tad overcast....

....but plenty of birds to be seen......

......but a little densely packed.

 

 With the birds so close to each other it was difficult to isolate single birds and even more difficult to get a plain background, so, in the end I gave up and recorded as many birds as I could. These included.....

Puffins....

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

  Guillemots.....

Nesting on the lower ledges has a drawback - poo!

Oddly, a single specimen still in winter plumage

 

 


Plenty of the Bridled form of Guillemot.

The bridle or spectacles give them a less aggressive look.

 Razorbills....

 Shags......

 Kittiwakes.....

....and finally Lesser Black-backed Gulls

Patiently waiting in anticipation of some tasty snacks in the near future.