Bempton Cliffs

[munchycarrot]

We're taking the plunge & trecking up to Bempton on saturday/sunday.

Has anyone got any good tips for this time of year, which bits to concentrate on etc. Can't wait... really looking forward to getting a good view of the Gannets, anything else will be a bonus

[aquila 1]

Hi I think you will be a bit late for bempton, as all the birds will have gone, your best bet would be flamborough north or filey brigg. best regards mac

[munchycarrot]

Hi Mac...Even the gannets ? I get the impression from the RSPB site that they are still there

What sort of thing will we find at flamborough & filey

Thanks

ps. there are a few pics on Flickr from the end of Sept last year so was going on that too

[alanjns]

Hi Stef,

Gannets spend their lives out over the open sea, only coming in land to form colonies in the breeding season. They begin to leave the colonies in August/September. There may be one or two stragglers around, but not really worth making a long trip for - unless you are determined

Best bet would be April/May/June/July next year.

[munchycarrot]

Hmmm.... we are camping in the area and the site we're on has a direct path to the cliff tops. Sounds kinda exciting but now i'm scratching my head

[alanjns]

There will still be plenty to see. I lifted this:

What to see throughout the Year:

January/February- White-winged Gulls, Divers, Red-necked Grebe, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting
March- Beginning of migration. Black Redstart, Firecrest, Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel Sandwich Tern
April- Main arrival of summer visitors. Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whinchat
May- Expect to see, Icterine and Marsh Warbler, Red- backed Shrike, Bluethroat
June- Breeding seabirds
July- Beginning of autumn passage, both passerines and seabirds, Storm Petrel ringing
August- Skuas, Sooty and other Shearwaters, Barred Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Pied Flycatcher
September/October- Main migration on both land and sea. Large falls of passerines possible. Main migration ringing time.
November- Little Auk and late seabirds. Dusky and Pallas's Warbler possible.
December- Divers and Grebes, Shorelark and Twite

From this website: Birdwatching at RSPB Bempton Cliffs

[alanjns]

And then there is this: Skua & Shearwater Cruise - RSPB Bempton Cliffs Reserve - Visit East Yorkshire - E&A Details

[munchycarrot]

Thanks very much Alan, much appreciate the info. Will have a good read and pop back with more questions no doubt

Have you ever been to Spurn Head? Don't want much do i?

[alanjns]

Sorry - I've never been. I've never been to Bempton either, but it is on my list for the end of may next year, along with many, many other sites I'm desperate to visit. Oh how I wish I'd learnt to drive

Feel free to ask all the questions you want - we are after all, ''The Friendly Forum''

[munchycarrot]

hehe ok