Trip reports
Seabirds galore
Sunday, 8 June 2008
There are some days when watching birds is as much about a beautiful setting and a large volume of a few species as it is about the highest total possible. Sure, on a gorgeous June day 100 species would certainly have been achievable, as opposed to our seemingly paltry 47 species at Bempton Cliffs, but perhaps the enjoyment levels would be the same.
The sunshine did not stop all day and the biggest challenge was often where to look on the cliffs and the sea, or providing yet another grateful member of the public with a telescope view of a Puffin! Indeed, Puffins were one of the star birds of the day, along with the breeding Gannets, Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Guillemots and Fulmars. Each new of the cliffs gave the opportunity to see nests and youngsters, marvel at how the birds keep perched on a huge, vertical cliff, and, of course, struggle with the inescapable smell of fish!
With the sea on one side it is easy to forget Bempton's fields behind you. This is an outstanding site for Corn Bunting, and although some members of the group did get tantalising views, the species remained frustratingly elusive and was one of the few disappointments of the day. Yet this blow was softened by the fact that the Meadow Pipits and Skylarks never stopped singing, while Reed Buntings, Goldfinches, Whitethroats, Linnets and Sedge Warblers put in regular appearances. We were able to enjoy some of the countryside's most famous birdsong to the left and a mass of seabirds on the right: quite a combination!
There were even moments when it was possible to forget the Citril Finch on Fair Isle, but today was not about rarities or totals. It was a chance to enjoy a sadly rare glorious day in a beautiful reserve, with some of the country's most famous and popular birds in abundance. And sometimes bird watching can be at its best when it is like that.
NOTE added 3rd July: see following link http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=1368