Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough South Landing

After the recent Padley Gorge trip, another little birding escapade was arranged mostly by John and Diane.

Another weekend affair, but once more, I was available only on the Sunday June 11^th… although I once again sacrificed an F1 Grand Prix to attend!

Teenage Daughter decided she wanted to join us, not least so that everyone would know who had posted “that” photo, but after explaining that the photo-glory would be fleeting and then followed by a day’s boring birding, she said she still wanted to come anyway.

However, as she is just about as allergic to early mornings as I, we decided it would be better if she stopped the Saturday night, which would give us a fighting chance of leaving early enough on the Sunday morning to make the 9.00 am start time.

It also meant we could have some quality time together on Saturday evening. We were together, both doing something we wanted to do… me watching the World Cup, whilst she read Artemis Fowl. Yey!!! (I think is the phrase these days.)

Anyway, I gathered together all accoutrements on Saturday, so we could just shower and leave at 7.30 Sunday morning.

Which we did.

I even felt moved to make the point that I was going somewhere with a woman, and we had left at the scheduled time!

Then we went back because “someone” had forgotten to pick up our breakfast croissants. It might’ve been Zanna.

So we set off again, nine minutes late (if anyone’s counting) and made our way to Bempton, waking up on the journey.

On our arrival, nine minutes late, I might add, we met up with Diane and husband Keith, Corrina, Pete, Alan, and Max. Shortly thereafter arrived Cherrypie with various family… the small one of which would require a “beach” fix later in the day, and so Cherry only stayed for the Bempton Cliffs leg, as did Max and Alan.

Unfortunately, John couldn’t make it. Anna and Mike (I think… I really ought to pay attention!) joined us about an hour later, and I think that was everyone.

Immediately on our arrival, we picked up the Jackdaws and Tree Sparrows in and around the car park.

We then walked down to the cliffs, adding Pheasant along the way.

The cliffs gave us the usual spectacle for this time of year, and it is great for a bit of in your face birding that will impress even non-birders. Gannets were soaring, as were the odd Herring Gull and Fulmar. Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Guillemots and everyone’s favourite, Puffins were also in the air, and of course they were all represented nesting on the cliffs, with the local fairly pure Columba livia (Feral Pigeons) thrown in for good measure.

We took time to take in the sights, which included one pair of Fulmars with their egg in full, but protected, view. Clearly it was too hot for direct brooding.

Also, we managed to find one Bridled Guillemot amongst the unbridled horde.

The fields along the cliff edge yielded little today, other than Swallows and Meadow Pipits, and a flock of Starlings, but the cliffs more than made up for that.

We made our way back to the car park, and after a slightly disorganised interlude – during which Pete, whilst hunting down Alan, picked up a couple of Sand Martins – most of us made our way on to the South Landing.

A further pitstop was made at the café, after which we took the road down to the landing.

The water was being used by jetskiers and the beach was busy, so we didn’t pick up any shore birds, although Corinna saw some juvenile gulls out at sea, which (correct me if I’m wrong) were decided as Herring Gulls.

Amongst the shrubbery Pete picked out a Whitethroat and a Linnet, and we soon added Pied Wagtail.

A short steep stepped climb up the other side of the ravine was immediately rewarded with cracking views of a gorgeous Yellowhammer.

We then took the walk back through the woods returning to the car park.

At various points along the way, we were able to add Blackbird, Wren, Chaffinch, Skylark and Greenfinch, followed by Woodpigeon, House Martin, Dunnock, Goldfinch and Swift.

But perhaps the highlight, particularly for Anna, was a Great Spotted Woodpecker, which we heard drumming, and which Keith managed to track down giving us all, fairly decent views.

We were now back at the car park and mulling over our options (which mostly involved ice cream and/or tea and coffee) when Pete managed to put birds to calls twice, giving us superb views of Willow Warbler and Song Thrush – in the case of the warbler, Corinna scoped it up brilliantly, and we could enjoy another Linnet in the same field of view.

Zanna who had noticed a female Pheasant earlier, managed to pick up the day’s only Magpie, and a Carrion Crow gave a brief flypast.

Well, ice creams, drinks and conversations complete, it was time for me and Teenage Daughter to depart, via Bridlington and some chips.

We took a brief walk on the beachfront, and watched the Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, before finally making our way back home.

One noteworthy addition on our journey home was a superb Sparrowhawk, which briefly flew alongside us.

Anyway, in all, I reckon we got 33 species that we all saw, not counting Pete’s Martins and our additions on the way home.

Zanna said she had a great day, and I certainly did, and so big thanks to everyone who came along. Hopefully see you all around!