Bempton Cliffs Meet

Boddie · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 02:36 PM

As some of you may know I like puffins. But I am not sure I have ever seen one. I think I saw one when I was a child, in Fife. Is that possible? It was inland and flying low, but I was very young. Anyway I digress.

I fancy a meet at Bempton, when the puffins will be there. So can anyone suggest a time window when this would be practical so that I may set in motion a date, or dates to choose from.

Thanks

Ollie · #2 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

As some of you may know I like puffins. But I am not sure I have ever seen one. I think I saw one when I was a child, in Fife. Is that possible? It was inland and flying low, but I was very young. Anyway I digress.

I fancy a meet at Bempton, when the puffins will be there. So can anyone suggest a time window when this would be practical so that I may set in motion a date, or dates to choose from.

Thanks

The Puffins are usually back at Bempton by mid April and leave again mid August but this can vary by a week or two either side.

I would definitely be up for this one.
Roger

Elizabeth B · #3 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

I fancy a meet at Bempton, when the puffins will be there. So can anyone suggest a time window when this would be practical so that I may set in motion a date, or dates to choose from.

Thanks

We were at Bempton on 26th and 27th June 2005, but only saw 2 or 3 puffins. We were told that after years of campaigning by the RSPB, a ban on sand eel fishing had just recently come into force, so there is hope that puffin numbers might be increasing now. Before Bempton we had been to the Farne Islands - and that was wonderful for puffins and many other birds.

Photos here: Trip to Farne Islands - June 2005

mrs fish · #4 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 03:39 PM

Concerning the sand eels, is the ban on them permanately throughout the year?
I ask because I used to buy them to feed my fish and then the fishing tackle shop that sold them didn't have any more until last week when they had a new batch in, I said "haven't they been banned?" and the man said "only certain times of the year"

I was pleased that they were banned even though they are my fishes fav food but they are such an important food for a variety of sea life and birds.

I wonder what we fish them for, could it be cat food?

eeyore · #5 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 03:54 PM

i'm definitely in for this one , again so long as we have picked the date before the end of feb i can plan my summer workload round it.

Talking of puffins I'm going to organise a welsh islands meet , just need to check a few prices then i'll put athread up - you can never have too many puffins

Elizabeth B · #6 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs fish

Concerning the sand eels, is the ban on them permanately throughout the year?

I wonder what we fish them for, could it be cat food?

I can't answer your first question - but we were told that the sand eels are scooped up in enormous quantities - to make agricultural fertiliser!!!

Amber · #7 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 08:15 PM

After last year, would suggest Bempton for the Gannets and Razorbills, but walk about 4 miles south towards the lighthouse for the puffins - they are rather elusive at Bempton, and the crowds can be a bit much.

We're heading to South Stack with the local RSPB group in June - hope to get better puffin sightings there.

glsammy · #8 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 10:13 PM

Bempton was awesome last year, we did get Puffins, but not close up. This shot was from Flamborough Head, just down the coast a few miles, and just about the best shot I got.
I'll certainly be going back again this year. June was when we went, I think it was only the second WAB meet.

Amber · #9 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 10:39 PM

Flamborough - that's it - last Sunday in June Graham - I recall you avoided Carl and I

glsammy · #10 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber

Flamborough - that's it - last Sunday in June Graham - I recall you avoided Carl and I

Yep, that was me being ill! I had to go home early, felt rotten with a sore throat, headache, sweating, not too good that day!

Nick Robinson · #11 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 08:06 AM

No ban this year - as yet!!!

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | North Sea cod fishing ban urged

nightshade · #12 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 09:16 AM

If the dates are right I will give it a go,its either there or Whitby(which we like very much)

Pete · #13 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 09:34 AM

the meet last year was June 11th

there were certainly more puffins at Flamborough Head but they were at Bempton and some good photo ops were available.

Amber · #14 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 09:43 AM

I'm sure it was the end of June - our RSPB group always goes out on last Sunday of every month.

Pink Hippo · #15 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007, 05:24 PM

Bempton Cliffs is one of my fave viewing spots for seabirds .. it is so impressive and the gannets are fabulous

I have been in May and June and found there to be quite a few puffins nesting, though none close to the paths - you can look at the cliff for ages til you spot the orange feet and realise theres a clown faced puffin attached

PMG · #16 (**permalink**) 13-11-2007, 03:51 PM

This is only a suggestion - and not a hi-jack of the thread - but anyone really wanting puffins then the Farne Islands has to be the place......... I know it would take a lot more organisation and booking and money and travelling but its the bees knees

We went a couple of years ago as part of another website visit - and it was fantastic - so good we booked in again the day after and went out twice!

Tis only a thought and maybe something to be aimed at eventually - even if only once in a lifetime - its more than worth it to sit next to puffins and have them fly in and out - parting your hair while they do it

Pauline