Bempton Cliffs

I always look forward to a visit to RSPB Bempton, on the East Yorkshire coast. It's a chance to get up close to our sea birds in their nesting habitat, and not looking at some floating dots in the distance. It's even better when the weather is good, and it was another hot one. The birds didn't disappoint either, with hundreds and thousands of Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Puffins all within touching distance as they went about their business of raising their young on the cliffs. The sights, sounds and smells are a real privilege to witness. I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in wildlife and even those who don't.

You can see highlights of my trip here:

Fulmar

Gannet

Kittiwake

Puffins

Razorbills

Happy Holidays.

Merry Christmas to you all, and thank you for visiting my page in the last year. It's great to know that people like to connect with my blog and leave comments. They are all read, and it means an awful lot to me. I am aiming to get out a lot more in 2026, so I hope I can bring you more regular posts than in 2025. I am also looking to do something exciting next year, that will involve video as well as pictures. So please stay tuned for updates as I have them.

As it is pretty cold here at the moment, I've chosen to add some pictures of warmer times for my last post of the year. These pictures were taken at RSPB Bempton Cliffs back in May, when I was walking about in shorts and a t-shirt. How I long for these warmer days, and some quality birds. 

Puffin

Gannet

Puffins & Razorbills - Bempton Cliffs

The East coast of Yorkshire is a lovely place, and at this time of year its cliffs are jam packed with breeding sea birds. Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Fulmars fill the air, sea and land. The sight, sounds and smells are a joy to behold. I recommend a visit to anyone who can get across there at this time of year. I've been many times and it never fails to produce.

There were not too many Puffins around this year. Maybe avian flu has had an impact or the long term problem of food shortage is taking it's toll. Not being very big birds, it was a case of scanning for those orange feet and the famous bill. They just put a big smile on my face when I see them.

Puffin

Good numbers of Razorbills were lovely to see. Quite often when I see these birds they are floating a long way out at sea, or whizzing past at speed, so it was nice to see them at close quarters on the rocks.

Razorbill

This one made sure the Pigeon knew he wasn't happy with him flying past.

The Atlantic Puffin

I spent a weekend in Northumberland with my Dad back in the summer, with the Farne Islands the main focus. Puffins in particular were the real focus, as my Dad had always wanted to see one, and what better place to see them in their thousands than these islands off the north east coast. It wasn't exactly wall to wall sunshine, and it was pretty gloomy on the day we took the boat out to the islands, so the pictures are not the best, but this little sea bird lights up any occasion. 

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Last month I made a visit to Bempton cliffs with a couple of my birding friends. We were hoping to see the Black-browed Albatross that had been in the around for a couple of a few weeks. Unfortunately on the morning we went, it had decided to go AWOL, and wasn't seen at all that day. It has since returned, but is very hit and miss. I'm hoping to see it one day, but will leave it for a while just at the moment.

Meanwhile, there was plenty to see on the rocks and sea below. Gannets galore, plus the usual Guillemots, Razzorbills and Kittiwakes. It was a hot day, which was a bonus, as the near 3 hour journey would have been really miserable in the rain. Just a reminder that not every twitch is successful, but I guess that's part of the fun.

Not an Albatross, but part of the same family, a Fulmar in flight and good light.

Gannets were plentiful.

Ever wondered what a sleeping Guillemot looks like? 👇

Kittiwakes were noisy on the cliffs.

There were not too many Puffins left.

 

Farne Island Puffins

A long overdue post from me on my Farne Island trip. I was holding back some Puffin shots until I'd looked at them all, but I still haven't found the time, so I could wait no more. Here are just a few from my visit back in June.

Such a charismatic bird, full of charm and wonder. I could watch them all day, and I did pretty much.
I won't say too much more, but let the pictures do the talking for me. (Definitely more pictures in the near future of these wonderful birds)