For a couple of years, I have been trying to get onto a birdwatching cruise with the RSPB but unfortunately the weather has meant cancellations for both of my previous bookings.
However, this weekend I finally made it!
To be honest, until a couple of years ago, I could never really find any interest in sea birds, but since discovering Bempton RSPB reserve I have found a new fascination for them. Unlike most people though, the puffins are not my favourites.
I absolutely love the Gannets. Their fantastic white plumage, yellow head & blue eye ring - superb birds. To see them clinging to the cliffs or suspending themselves in the wind currents at the tops of the cliffs is amazing. Seeing them from sea level is even better!
Sailing from Bridlington, the cruise went north past Flamborough, and up to the RSPB reserve at Bempton. Almost as soon as we were out of Bridligton harbour we were seeing Cormorants & Shags, drying themselves on buoys. Great birds - almost pterodactyl-like in appearance. From here, the bird sightings just didn't stop. Rafts of Razorbills & Guillemots everywhere, as well as incoming & outgoing groups darting across the surface of the water.
As we passed Flamborough and then on to Bempton, the Gannets became more numerous. Sitting at the bottom of the Bempton cliffs, looking up at thousands of chattering, screaming Gannets, snapping at each other, gliding, soaring, fishing - it was an awesome sight and something I will never forget.
