Bempton Gannets

I had a drive up to Bempton the other morning with the hope of a few shots of gannets and the other seabirds in early morning light, the forecast was for light northerly winds.
Upon arriving, it was cloudy, drizzling and a biting northerly gale! Undeterred, I put an extra couple of layers on and marched off.
Looking out to see, it was obvious that the sun was going to break out at some point and with the wind as it was the gannets were literally flying within feet of the cliff edge, ably supported by fulmars and the odd guillimot hanging in the wind.
What happened for the next hour was amazing, the sun whilst not fully out was obscured by cloud creating a dramatic orange effect and when the gannets flew in the right path it made for a rather pleasing background.
I called in at Flamborough on the way back for another go at the Tawny pipit but it hadn't been seen that morning.
By now the light had gone but I did see quite a few more fulmar, razorbills and 2 puffins.
Not a bad morning really....

Flamborough Tawny Pipit

I thought I would head up to Flamborough again this morning really to target the tawny pipit but also have another crack at the crag martin if it hung around.
I got there as dawn broke a wonderful clear morning quite chilly but very nice all the same.
I headed off towards there area where the pipit was seen yesterday but apart from a couple of hares, a roe deer and common resident birds there was not much happening.
It was at this point that news came out that the crag martin was still around do I began to make my way back to the car.
As it turned out the tawny pipit had relocated north of the golf course so I headed off soon beginning to wish I didn't have so much gear on.
Once there the tawny showed very well and the sun was behind me and the bird was quite close-then news of the crag martin being re-located broke so one birder chose to break rank and consequently flushed it-thanks for that mate.
It did however return and posed quite nicely, there was no further sign of the crag martin whilst I was there.

Crag Martin!!

I thought today was going to be a write off.I started at Spurn at 7.00 on Sammy's Point it was absolutely freezing and no birds.
Then went to the Warren (in the hope that the crag martin might fly by) and it was absolutely freezing and no birds.
I then decided to go for the tawny pipit at Flamborough and it was absolutely freezing and no birds.It was at this point I heard of 2 series at the Warren at Spurn.
I then decided to head for home in the meantime there was an unconfirmed report of the crag martin sighted at Thornwick bay.I decided to ignore it then I got as far as Lissett when another report popped up so I did a U turn and headed back, calling in for more petrol on the way.
When I did get to Thornwick bay the crag martin was performing magnificently down to less than 10ft as it whizzed by impossibly close and impossible to focus on.
Then next 2 and a half hours were spent watching this bird performing first at Thornwick then moving to North Landing.
Pictures below don't tell the full story!