A week away from things was what we needed and the last week has been fantastic, we spent it in a cottage in Burton Fleming near Bridlington with my parents. That area of the country has so much to offer and at less than two hours drive its a place we find ourselves going back to year after year – not least because of Bempton.

The week started with a trip to Darwin Forest and a pleasant walk from the visitors centre, among the more common birds Siskins were moving around the trees and we managed to get good views of this species that the rest of the family hadn’t seen too closely. Jim had recommended a trip to the Raptor Watchpoint at nearby Wykenham but despite the weather I didn’t make it, family having to take precedence. The forest was the closest I got and while there were several Common Buzzards up and around I never got to see a Goshawk.

Whitby was next on the list and what weather we had really showed it in its best light.

We sat on the beach and played in the sand and did some crabbing and took a walk around the town, finally followed by some fish and chips at the Magpie Cafe. Yum. I can recommend this place for what are meant to be the finest fish and chips in the country and I can’t really argue. I’m not sure if the Trunstone’s agree, but they could be seen running around the litter and rubbish at the habourside, almost like pigeons, though in much smaller groups. They offered some good photo opportunities in the fading evening light.

Birdlington too had lots of Turnstone running around, what super little birds they are seen close up.

Bempton we saved for later in the week when the wind was forecast to lighter, and we weren’t disappointing. Normally its blowing a gale on the cliff tops but when we visited it was really calm for a change. The birds are just starting to visit the cliffs and Kittiwakes, Puffin, Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills, as well as the odd Fulmar, my favourite seabird, were all on the cliffs. I spent a while trying to photograph them on the wing from a vantage point and caught what I have to say is probably the best shot I’ve taken of an in flight bird. My only disappointment was the sun blew the highlights on the underneath of the bird and I lost lots of detail – but I recovered it in processing and I’m pleased with the result.

No Short Eared Owl were hunting the fields at Bempton, but Jackdaw, Meadow Pipit, Skylark (in full voice) and Tree Sparrow were all in attendance on the land side of the reserve.

Back at the village I kept an eye out for owls and harriers in the fields surrounding the cottage but to no avail, maybe next year. The night time outings did provide some super views of Venus and Jupiter close by in the night sky.

Of course no visit to this part of the country isn’t complete without a stop by at Flamborough Head, and I got up early for a visit (4.45am is eye wateringly early) but the dawn was worth it and I got the shot I wanted.