28th June 2017

The weather was horrific, whilst the birding was brilliant! Very strong northerly winds, driving, heavy rain throughout and temperatures that ‘peaked’ at 11 degrees C.

However, a Black-browed Albatross sat on Bempton Cliffs RSPB meant those able to witness this unique occurrence hardly noticed the inclement weather. Initially seen flying around Staple Newk at 1225hrs, the bird drifted off to the north. However, it was eventually relocated on the sea again off Staple Newk, before flying back to the cliff top and landing amongst the Gannets. On view for over 30 minutes, it was spooked by an aggressive Gannet and looked like it was flying back out to sea. However, it  then turned back towards the colony, before drifting slowly north-west near to the base of the cliffs and disappearing out of view at c.1500hrs.

Considerably more mundane, a seawatch from South Landing yielded 190 Common Scoters, four Manx Shearwaters and a Bonxie flying north, with an Arctic Skua also offshore. Another Bonxie flew north at Bempton Cliffs.

Black-browed Albatross, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Dave Aitken
Black-browed Albatross, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Dave Aitken
Black-browed Albatross, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Mark Pearson
Black-browed Albatross, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, by Mark Pearson
Black-browed Albatross, Bempton Cliffs, by Tony Dixon
Black-browed Albatross, Bempton Cliffs, by Tony Dixon