Everything one could wish for, blue skies and sea, a pleasant breeze and no sea fret!

Kittiwake. Photo: Marg Smith.

The Gannets were skimming over our heads; the Fulmars – far fewer in number – flew by on stiff wings using the thermals; the Kittiwakes sat on their nests calling to each other in their onomatopoeic voice. At the base of the cliffs were the nesting Guillemots, and near the top the Razorbills. A few young were visible but the report was that generally everything was a week late. A delightful sight, however, was a Herring Gull feeding three large chicks! A few Puffins were found flying back and forth. Feral Pigeons collected in groups on the grassy banks. The only raptor we saw was a Kestrel being chased by a crow.

Herring Gull chicks. Photo: Marg Smith.

Many Tree Sparrows were seen around the Visitors Centre, with Whitethroat and Linnet seen and heard in the hedgerow on the way to the Cliffs. We later spotted a bird on a hedge and another birder confirmed it was a Lesser Whitethroat. Meadow Pipits and Skylarks were heard singing; a Reed Bunting flew past, as did a Swallow.

A wonderful day only slightly marred for some by a burst water main causing significant hold-up going through Ilkley as the A59 was closed once again due to landslip.

Josephine Drake

The post Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve appeared first on Upper Wharfedale Field Society.

On getting out of our cars on the moor top we were immediately treated to excellent views of a Short-eared Owl.  It obliged by circling around so that its beautiful wing patterns were highly visible.  Kestrel, Buzzard, Red Kites, and Cuckoo also showed themselves within the next few minutes; the Cuckoo surveying us from several vantage points, whilst Red Kites made appearances throughout the morning.  The sounds of Curlews, Lapwings and Willow Warblers accompanied us as we enjoyed watching Red Grouse, Pheasant, Greylag Goose and Mallard, all with chicks.  At the weir we had sightings of Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and Dipper, but our delight knew no bounds when we came upon a Ring Ouzel collecting food from the grass a few metres from us, and then more views of it and its mate while we had lunch basking in pleasantly warm sunshine.  Several Mistle Thrushes, too, were about.  In all we saw 30 species.

Clare Dunn

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