Bempton Bird Pics

by Charlotte
(Website Editor)

The RSPB reserve at Bempton, near Bridlington is a great place to watch sea birds.

We had a lovely visit there, but timed it not so well (middle of Winter) and didn't see nearly so many fantastic birds as this.

Chris kindly shares his wonderful bird photos, taken at Bempton Cliffs...

Gorgeous gannets, cute Kittiwakes and proud Puffins - absolutely fabulous!

Thanks very much, Chris, for sharing...

And now for the photos...

Enjoy!

Gannets and Puffins at Bempton Cliffs

by Chris Shiels
(Ramsbottom, Bury . Lancs)

On a windy day at Bempton Cliffs, the birds were all flying higher than usual and consequently the Puffins were easier to see, though fast to capture.

I got many photos on that day June 5th 2011 and these are just a selection...

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Comments
By Charlotte

20 June 2011

Wow Chris - your photos are fantastic! Well captured, and absolutely stunning!

It looks like that puffin was headed straight for you!

And I love the effects of the ruffled feathers.

I know puffins are the popular bird, but the gannets are very nice looking too, actually, aren't they?

We've been meaning to get to Bempton to look at the puffins - it looks like now's the right time of year!

Thank you so much for sharing your gannet and puffin pics, Chris - they're very special - great shots!

More about Bempton Cliffs, here...

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Comment
By Ella Hunter from Bury

20 June 2011

Wow!

Good picture grandad you dont usually get pictures of puffins flying

well done

thanks

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Comment
by Charlotte

21 June 2011

Also check out the bird colony cruises (boat trips) by the Yorkshire Belle, based in Bridlington.

They'll take you to Bempton and/or a place called 'Braille Newk' known as the 'Home of the Seabirds' - looks a great trip - especially for someone who loves birds and wildlife.

More details here...

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Kittiwake and Gannets at Bempton Cliffs

by Chris Shiels
(Ramsbottom. Lancs)

June is a great time to capture these birds nesting and feeding their young.

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Comments
By Charlotte

Aw Chris - you've done it again - some fab photos - and they really do have the 'aww' factor too...

Those little chicks are so cute - and it's amazing that the Kittiwakes build their nests on the sheer cliffs like that - so precarious for the little ones.

And great that we, the public, get a chance to see them at Bempton!

Loving your gannet pics too - can't decide if I like the resting one, or the action one best - they're both great!

Amazing patterns on the wings of the young one - is that because it's young? Still developing it's adult plumage?

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely photos - the fruits of your labour from a clearly very enjoyable trip to Bempton.

So nice to be able to enjoy it too from the comfort of our own armchairs - although I'm sure nothing beats seeing it in person!

Hope we can get there soon to take a look!

Thanks for sharing - well done - beautiful pics!

Best wishes

Charlotte

Comment
by Chris Shiels

22 June 2011

Hi Charlotte,

Thanks for your comments. I believe that the plumage as shown on the juvenile gannet can take 3 or more years to develop into the brilliant white of the adult.

As well as watching them close up at Bempton I was able to see them `dive bombing` out off Filey Brigg while feeding off a shoal of fish....unfortunately I didn`t have the big lens with me.....!

A good spot for watching passing gannets and other nesting birds nevertheless.

Chris

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Comment
By Charlotte

23 June 2011

Thanks Chris

Oh wow - that must have been a great sight - and you have the memories of it, at least, if not the photos!

Thanks for sharing.

Charlotte :o)

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