Birds of Bempton and Flamborough Head

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We had wanted to return to Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire since our previous short visit. So a few days in the area seemed a good idea and Bridlington it was! 
We had not had a look at the fishing port of Bridlington, so we were `killing two birds with one stone`, as was often said.
We were booked into the Lobster Pot Inn only about 20 min drive from Bempton Cliffs, and this was our first port of call.
The Bempton Cliffs reserve, on the spectacular Yorkshire coast, is home to one of the UK's top wildlife spectacles. Around half a million seabirds gather here between March and October to raise a family on towering chalk cliffs which overlook the North Sea. Read more at RSPB
The experience is truly awe inspiring at this time of year and we could recommend this as a must if you are in the area. So to a few images of the birds swooping and diving in front of us! 
An adult Gannett



Kittiwake


Juvenile Gannet of between 2 and 3 years old, according to the wing pattern.


Razorbill viewing the scenery or protecting his space more likely!


The iconic Puffin - not so many here as there are of the bigger birds.


Who are you staring at then? - Jackdaw waiting for my sandwich

As we intended to return here the next day and spend more time, we drove a few miles south to another popular and spectacular place - Flamborough Headland.
As well as a great coastline, Flamborough has two lighthouses, one of which is still in use - and a great tea room nearby.


 Flamborough Coastline


The `New` Lighthouse 

A lighthouse was first built on the Flamborough Headland in 1669 but was never lit. The current `new` lighthouse was built in 1806 and acts as a waypoint for deep sea vessels and coastal traffic as well as marking the Flamborough Headland for vessels heading for the ports of Scarborough and Bridlington. 


The old chalk tower is set a short distance back from the sea, the 'new' one is built on the cliff edge. The chalk tower is the only surviving light tower in England. It was designed for a brushwood fire to have been burnt on top, although it is unknown whether or not it was ever lit. The octagonal tower has several windows and a ground floor fireplace so it was possible lived in. I don`t think I would have wanted to be the Keeper. 
It was 130 years before a lighthouse was built on Flamborough. The 'new' lighthouse was built after over 170 ships had been wrecked off the headland in 36 years. In 1925 it was made taller to fit a new 15 foot lens and converted from oil to electricity in 1940. 
It has a range of 24 nautical miles and is one of only 72 lighthouses still in use around Britain's coast today. Now it is fully automated. 


The coast near Flamborough


So, another trip to Bempton, and more bird photos. Just all minding their own business.


I love this bird, the Razorbill.


Kittiwake


Just checking out the burrow after a time at sea.


In love, while the neighbours watch! It was quite touching to see their bonding behaviour.


A study of a Jackdaw - again waiting for lunch.


Juvenile Gannet probably only one year old as he is still mostly black.


Filey Brigg is a long narrow peninsula situated about a mile north of Filey, North Yorkshire.

Its steep cliffs are 15 metres high and consist of a variety of material, from pure sandstone to pure limestone. The landward end of the peninsula of Filey Brigg is known as Carr Naze, whilst the long neck of rock at the seaward end is called the Brigg. 

Close to the cliff edge at Carr Naze (Filey Brigg) at the north-eastern side of Filey and near to the Country Park is the “site of” some faint rectangular earthworks of Filey Roman Signal Station. This was the southernmost signal station of five along the Yorkshire coast, and was in use from roughly 375-410 AD; it was manned by a small garrison of soldiers, with the rocky ‘spittal’ (mooring place) below the cliffs being used as a natural harbour for Roman sailing vessels. Filey’s Roman signal station, along with the four others, would have formed a defense against attacks by sea-borne invaders from across the north sea. The beacon on top of the tower would be lit when invading ships were spotted on the horizon, acting as a warning to the other stations along the coast so that evasive action could be taken. In a recent landslip part of the earthwork (two thirds) at the eastern edge disappeared over the cliff and the rest of the site is in ever constant danger of going the same way.

We walked from the lovely Country Park out along to the end of the Brigg and back to find I had forgotten to pay to park! Oh dear! - that was an expensive (£25) visit.


This way mark grabbed our attention as it is somewhat different. It marks the coastal path - The Cleveland Way.


The Flamborough coast at sunset.


.... and with the tide at a low ebb.
Location: Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1HJ, UK

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