Filey Brigg and Bempton Cliffs June 16th, 2021

I first went to Bempton when I was in my early teens and was overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and smells. It was my first view of birds such as Gannets and Puffins. I should have visited last year but Covid 19 put paid to that idea, so the excitement was building as we drove across from Kirkbymoorside. As it is so close by, we stopped at Filey Brigg which is a great site especially for passage migrants, but quiet at this time of year. However a first sight of Gannets, Auks and Shag.

Shag

Guillemots and Razorbills passing the Brigg

Not much in the way of Waders apart from a pair of Ringed Plovers.

Back in the car park a Kestrel was patrolling the top of the cliff.

At Bempton it was a busy day with perfect weather. Around the Visitor Centre there is a colony of Tree Sparrows which are always a joy to see.

Kittiwakes were calling their name and they must be one of our smartest looking Gulls. Packed on the cliffs and flying past.

Another favourite bird of mine was evident gracefully flying past with those stiff wings - Fulmars! Subtle colours, but what a beautiful bird.

Looking down from the cliffs there were literally thousands of Auks on the sea and the majority of these were Guillemots. It was quite difficult getting flight shots of all of the Auk species, but I did manage some.

Razorbills are a similar size to Guillemots, but with a smart black and White plumage and can often be found near the top of the cliffs.

Puffins are also at Bempton but there are certainly better places to see them and photograph them. Often fairly distant on the cliffs and tricky getting flight shots.

A truly fantastic place and I certainly won't be waiting another 40+ years before paying another visit!
You may be wondering at the lack of Gannet pictures? They will be having a blog post all to themselves very shortly.