Black Metal and Birding

Strange title so here’s a quick explanation: I visited Scarborough, North Yorkshire, for a two-day music festival at the Spa, the music in question being an extreme form of heavy metal, called ‘black metal’ which I am a big fan of. Once the festival was over, I drove down to stay in Bridlington and visit the nearby seabird colonies at Bempton Cliffs, an RSPB reserve, and Flamborough cliffs, part owned by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

A few photos from the event, the main reason I was up north (all questionable - i.e. crap - iPhone pictures):

Scarborough has a large population of Black-legged Kittiwakes who, despite the best efforts of the local council, have made their homes in the middle of the town. Bridges, buildings and street lights all have kittiwake perches and nests.

They're far more common in Yorkshire than down on the south coast where I live and they were nice to see. Down here, they only nest on the cliffs, rather than town centre buildings.