Say it with flowers …..

Today’s quest is for puffins, and having seen so few yesterday (I saw two, G didn’t see any) we decide to try the cliffs  around Thornwick Bay where we’d seen some on our last visit. Sadly, we’re unsuccessful, and speaking to local photographers it seems they’re either late arriving or their numbers are really down. Still, the coastal walk is glorious - warm, sunny weather, stunning scenery and the constant song of skylarks. 

I decide I want to return to Bempton; after all, one visit really isn’t enough. And what a wonderful afternoon it is. Having got a fair number of gannet shots yesterday (about 750 - though many end up in the bin) and having decided the puffin shots of yesterday will have to do, I relax into a mindful meditative walk along the cliffs, stopping to watch the birds here and there, and taking a few shots as I go along. 

Groups of people on the headland viewing platforms quiz wardens about puffin sightings. There is one, apparently, visible through the warden’s scope, and there are excited cries as tiny flapping razor bills are mistaken for flying puffins, but after close-up puffin experiences in Orkney and Shetland I’d really rather concentrate on the other birds - particularly the gannets. 

I watch them flying skilfully back and forth, beautifully lit in the afternoon light. There are a few juveniles, including one magnificent four year old with his characteristic piano keyboard markings stretched out over his long wings. Couples embrace tenderly on rocky platforms, stretching high to touch beaks, or gently entwining their necks. Such handsome couples. 

I’m hoping for some ‘clifftop gardening’ when the gannets fly up to gather vegetation, which apparently, like seaweed, can be given as a gift within the mating ritual. I’d seen none of this yesterday,  but today I’m thrilled to witness gannets ‘picking’ there bouquets amidst the red campion that’s blooming everywhere  along the cliffs. It’s no surprise that it’s my main today. 

Many thanks for your kind response to yesterday’s gannet set. There’s another set today - largely gannets, but with razorbills, guillemots, a very shouty kittiwake and yesterday’s puffin!