Auks at Bempton Cliffs

20th May 2024

Having taken a look at the Fulmar Petrels, Kittiwakes and Gannets now time to turn to the auks of which there are thousands upon thousands at Bempton. First up are the Guillemots, which are slightly sleeker and smaller-billed then their cousin the Razorbill.

 

Here is a good comparison with a Guillemot in front and a Razorbill behind. It is also very noticeable that the Guillemot is actually brown whereas the Razorbill is black, although Guillemots can appear black in certain lights.

Like all auks their flight is direct with rapid wing-beats

And they often splay their legs when turning or coming into land, presumably using them as air brakes.

As stated above Razorbills are a heavier build with a distinctive white band across a thick bill.

Their flight is identical to Guillemots and in flight are best separated by the bill as both can appear black when flying out at sea.

It strikes me that everyone's favourite inland bird is the Kingfisher whereas everyone's favourite sea bird is the Puffin, and you can see why. When God created the Puffin he threw away the rule book giving it bright orange feeet, a Dulux colour chart bill and mascara.

Unfortunately, when I was there all the Puffin flights were low over the sea but I did mange to grab a few shots. Some eye-level shots will have to wait to next year.

Well Bempton Cliffs never disappoints and I am already looking forward to next year when I will have some more opportunities for that perfect shot.