That is RSPB Bempton Cliffs and it’s one in all my favorite locations to go to. Right here, I can watch gannets vie for the perfect nest websites, razorbills lay eggs on precarious cliff faces and kittiwakes’ welcome tiny fluffy chicks. I’ll be following the wildlife by the altering seasons and assembly up with the RSPB to see how they monitor their progress right here.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
That is RSPB Bempton Cliffs and it’s one in all my favorite locations to go to. It’s situated on the Yorkshire coast and is a famend seabird haven. Spectacular chalk cliffs home 1000’s of nesting seabirds, together with puffins, guillemots, gannets, and razorbills.
Spring
Spring has arrived, and with that, the seabirds are again. It’s generally known as ‘seabird metropolis’ and it’s the most important mainland sea chook colony within the UK. Round half one million birds collect right here between March and October to breed and nest on these towering chalk cliffs. And that is my favorite a part of the reserve, Staple Newk. It’s a spectacular chalk arch jutting out into the ocean. I can spend hours right here watching the seabirds all swirling round in nice lots. And it’s the perfect place to observe the gannets.
Gannets
Gannets have a particular courtship ritual, tapping their payments collectively and preening. They mate for all times and return to the identical nest website every year to resume their bond. However area is at a premium right here which generally causes battle. Very often the females are guarding the nest and the males are accumulating nesting materials with some cheekily stealing from unguarded nests.
Razorbills
Additionally on the ledges are razorbills, with their distinctive black and white plumage and thick black beak. This can be a courting pair in what’s generally known as the ‘ecstatic’ pose, the place one chook raises its beak, whereas its mate preens its throat. These birds are monogamous, pairing up with the identical associate for all times. Razorbills lay a single egg annually, typically proper on the cliff edge.
Puffins
With the solar taking place, I get a glimpse of one of many birds this space is known for – puffins. I’ve bought some puffins flying now! Have a look at that, they’re simply landed proper on the sting of the cliff. Have a look at them, so inquisitive, I simply love puffins.
Assembly Poppy from the RSPB
It’s mid-June and the breeding season is in full swing. I’m right here to fulfill Poppy from the RSPB learn how they monitor the birds right here. Poppy and the group report new eggs and chicks on the nests to examine productiveness charges. The knowledge gathered by Poppy and the RSPB group helps them perceive any adjustments within the inhabitants. However fortunately every particular person solely has a small space of cliff to review.
Guillemot Chicks
I spot a guillemot with a little bit chick beneath it. It’s a really precarious little life for these chicks dwelling on these little rock ledges. This chick will stick with its mum till it’s about 3 weeks previous when it can leap from the cliffs into the water.