Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve, June 2024

On the Monday I left Scarborough for the East Riding and the seabird cities of Bempton and Flamborough. 

Bempton is a popular spot because it's easy to see the nesting auks and other seabirds on the cliffs there. They have a shop, cafe and toilets, as well as car parking; however, it does feel rather curated, with an RSPB volunteer on every lookout point ready to show puffins to their adoring public (the puffins' adoring public, not the RSPB volunteers').

The cliffs were crammed with seabirds, as well as feral pigeons and Jackdaws. It's very much a precarious existence, certainly for any eggs and chicks, as the nests are made on even the smallest space available. Competition for space is fierce and intruders are summarily sent packing. The razorbills and guillemots definitely don't like each other.

The sound and smell of thousands of seabirds is indescribable, so I won't bother with that but the smell, while strong, is not unpleasant although you wouldn't want it in your house. 

A Barn Owl was seen hunting in the fields near the overspill car park and this isn't unusual during the breeding season when they need to hunt as often as it takes, which includes daylight (except in bad weather).

Bempton is a great place to see these birds without having to take a boat trip. It was busy and the lookout points felt a bit crowded at times, as there were so many people - a surprise on a normal Monday during term time - and a bit curated. Flamborough Head North Landing the following day was better, with fewer people, no fences and no 'curation'. That said, it's well worth a visit if you're in the area and want to see seabirds on their nesting grounds - and I renewed my lapsed RSPB membership at the same time.