A whale of time at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
An unusual visitor was recently spotted off the East Yorkshire Coast – a humpback whale.
Bempton resident and RSPB volunteer Richard Ball enjoyed the welcome surprise while conducting one of his regular shorewatch surveys.
The whale drifted by the RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve, attracting a crowd of gannets as it slowly headed south towards Bridlington.
Along with the huge seabird city, there are regular cetacean sightings at the reserve, including dolphins and porpoises.
One way to see the thousands of birds at Bempton Cliffs, and perhaps a dolphin, is to take a seabird cruise.
Around half a million seabirds gather at the site between March and August to raise a family. There are 20 different RSPB Puffin and Gannet Seabird Cruises during the season; there’s Puffin and Diving Gannet Cruises starting from Wednesday, July 15 (four dates); Puffin and Diving Gannet Cruises from Wednesday, August 5 (four dates); and three Pelagic Seabird Cruises (from Wednesday, September 2).
People will get the chance to see gannets; razorbills; kittiwakes; guillemots; and puffins as they live life on the edge.
A spokesperson from RSPB Bempton Cliffs said: “Bridlington is next to one of the jewels in Britain’s landscape crown, that crown is there all year but, in the spring, and summer it is transformed into a wildlife spectacle that matches any other – and on board the Yorkshire Belle that spectacle is even more impressive.
“Up in the wheelhouse is an RSPB ‘guide’ who will be relaying tales from the cliffs, and volunteers on board who will help make sure you see the best of the wildlife.
“We never fill the boat, so you have space to move and get good views.
“The RSPB Cruises book up quickly and bring people to the area from far and wide. RSPB Bempton is one of the many drivers for tourism in the area all year but during cruise season it is particularly noticeable with visits from abroad as well as across the UK.
“You’ll have a three-hour journey of discovery as clouds of seabirds swoop, soar and circle above and around the boat."
The cruises are suitable for adults and families! Go to rspb.org.uk/bemptoncliffs to find out more details about the cruises.