Gannets.

 Our trip north was a birthday treat from Lisa. A bit special as I had never been to Bempton before, although of course, I had heard a lot about the site.

I was a little limited with what I could do as I had damaged the back a few weeks before the trip, and it is taking an age to get totally better, however, with careful gentle walking we made the best of it, and it didn't actually stop us doing anything.

The weather during the trip was a little mixed, but also didn't hold us back at all. The star species at Bempton is probably the Puffin, although these are not as easy to see here as some other sites. The Gannet however, is really easy to see and get reasonably close to. It was great watching them interacting with each other. Also a challenge photographing them as they flew past.

Gannet flying past.

My favourite moment came when a partner flew back to land next to its mate. Lots of pair bonding then took place.

     

A Classic type photo.

The patterns on the top of their wings varied depending on their age. The blacker the top of the wings are the younger they are. It's only when they reach the 5th year when they are fully mature. I did find the younger birds very attractive when they flew past.

This one was probably in it's 4th year.

3rd Year.

These birds were amazing, and were seen close as they collected nesting material. The birds would land on the grassy slopes and pull clumps of grass up before taking the grass back to the nest.

Gannet on grass slope.

This Gannet had possibly suffered from and recovered from Bird Flu, hence the strange eye.

Gannet Grooming.