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Enjoying birdwatching

Andrew Ditton admits his ignorance of all things feathered has prevented him from visiting RSPB reserves on more than one occasion. To put things right he attended a 90-minute guided walk at Bempton Cliffs where he was dazzled by fascinating facts and entranced by puffins and gannets.

 By Andrew Ditton | 27 Sep 2018

You don’t need to be an expert

I have allowed my ignorance of all things feathered to prevent me from visiting RSPB reserves on more than one occasion. What would be the point in going if I didn’t know what I was looking at? How would I even know the best times of the year to go?

It turns out you only have to look at the RSPB’s website to find:

  • reserves near to where you're staying.
  • a synopsis of what kinds of bird frequent an area.
  • what different times certain birds visit.

Being a complete bird spotting beginner, I did my research and booked myself onto a guided walk at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire

On arrival, I felt slightly nervous about my birding inexperience but soon realised my apprehension was unfounded. Allan, our attentive guide for the 90 minutes, was so friendly and approachable.

We were informed that most people visiting have very little knowledge of birds and the RSPB are there to help, regardless of how much people already know.

At Bempton Cliffs you can even hire a pair of binoculars for the day but Allan took a telescope meaning we enjoyed amazing views of chicks and fledglings as if we were just inches away.

Observing puffins

Our walk took us to five viewing platforms and a ‘seabird research station’ area where only guided tours are allowed.

Puffins are the biggest draw at Bempton and my July visit saw just a few of these gorgeous creatures milling about before taking to the sea.

I was amazed to discover that fully-fledged ‘pufflings’ (baby puffins) stay at sea for three years before returning to land.

Captivating bird behaviour

Hanging on Allan’s every word, I found this voyage of discovery fascinating. I was amazed to learn about:

  • the parenting habits of guillemots and razorbills.
  • how fathers save energy by calling their 18 day old chicks, unfledged, to swim to feeding spots.
  • sea birds mating for life.
  • how parents reunite in exactly the same spot every spring.
  • ‘singles clubs’ where young gannets and widowed older birds congregate to find a mate.

Gannets steal the show

While puffins are the most popular attraction, it is the gannets who provide the entertainment.

I was transfixed as thousands swooped just yards away and an information board helped me identify their different ages. 

I was buzzing and wanted to know and see more.

In the meantime, a decent pair of binoculars will be added to my Christmas list!

Steve Harrison

Where to stay

Stay at the newly-extended Bridlington Club site, just 4 miles from RSPB's Bempton Cliffs.

Find out more

Top Tips for this trip:

  • Parking is free at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and there are no height barriers, (only motorhomes that fit into a regular parking space can be accommodated at busy times).
  • Look on the RSPB’s website to research what birds you are likely to see at your time of visit (rspb.org.uk).
  • For Certificated Locations in East Yorkshire see p495-497 of the Sites Directory.
  • Bempton Cliffs is only around a 20 minutes cycle ride from Bridlington Club site.

About the author

Andrew Ditton (and Dougal)

I have been caravanning since I was knee-high to a jockey wheel, originally in a 1969 Thomson Glenmore, and first joined the Club when I was 17. Nowadays you’ll find me with Dougal, my trusty dog, living the dream in a variety of caravans, van conversions, and motorhomes. We tour the length and breadth of Europe on a year-round basis, but my heart is very much in Scotland and especially the beautiful Western Isles. I love the Outer Hebrides so much, I even learned to speak the Gaelic.

Touring is all about freedom, adventure, discovery, and spontaneity. Club Sites are great when I need to relax in the knowledge that I'm going to have everything I need to hand in order to feel safe and comfortable. However, in the warmer months, my preference is to find a quiet and remote CL where I can get back to basics and back to nature. 

All Club sites in Yorkshire

With its rich historical heritage and outstanding national parks, Yorkshire makes it a great touring destination.

See all Club sites in Yorkshire