Bempton (Yorkshire) 30/06/21

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We left early for Bempton RSPB, arriving at 5 a.m. Weather there was poor, windy and cold, with light rain. 

No sign of the Black-browed Albatross for two hours so briefly walked back to the car. Then we heard it had been seen so promptly returned and over the next two hours enjoyed views of the bird as it flew along the cliff.  Despite the albatross size it was often difficult to pick up amongst a mass of Gannets but on a couple of occasions gave very close views, at one point overhead. The bird eventually settled on the cliff amongst Gannets and was seen well through the 'scope.

Plenty of other seabirds at Bempton of course, especially Guillemots and Kittiwakes, but also reasonable numbers of Puffin.

Near the RSPB centre, there was a good population of Tree Sparrow, with some nesting in the roof of the building.

On the way back opportunity was taken to revisit the Roller in Suffolk, especially as Keith had yet to see it. It was a bit closer this time allowing slightly better pictures to be taken.

Arrived home at 7 p.m. 

Gannet colony with Black-browed Albatross in centre

Black-browed Albatross

Colony of Guillemot and Kittiwake

Kittiwakes

Guillemots with single Puffin bottom left

Good numbers of Tree Sparrow at Bempton

Roller in Suffolk

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