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Fog causes thousands of birds to mass at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Last modified: 24 October 2012
Redwings are descending en-masse at RSPB Bempton Cliffs to feed.
For most people, a foggy day is bad news... For visitors to RSPB Bempton Cliffs, it brings the possibility of a thrilling discovery.
In the last few days, the reserve has been flooded with migrating birds, blown here by north easterly winds. And the thick fog and rain along the coast has persuaded them to stick around for a while.
“There are birds in their thousands, on the cliffs, in the surrounding fields, hedgerows and along the length of the Yorkshire Coast,” said Ian Kendall, who manages the nature reserve between Bridlington and Filey.
“The birds left Scandinavia in glorious sunshine but as they crossed the North Sea, they flew into this horrible fog and rain, so they stopped off at the first bit of land they have come across.
“Luckily for us, that’s Bempton Cliffs, where the birds are now feeding and getting their energy back. The place is literally dripping with them at the moment”.
Goldcrests, the UK’s smallest bird, weighing no more than a £1 coin, have arrived in huge numbers, along with song thrushes, fieldfares, redwings, blackbirds, robins and black redstarts which have stopped off at the reserve on their way south to warmer climes.
“Hopefully, the birds will be able to find sufficient insects and worms to replenish their fat reserves in order to continue their migration ahead of the Arctic winds due this weekend,” he added.
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