Bempton Cliffs RSPB

It was always going to be a long shot to have had 'Albert' the Albatross make an appearance on the rugged cliff-face of Bempton for a third consecutive day but it didn't detract from what was an excellent day at one of our finest RSPB reserves in England.

An early start arriving at Speeton from where the long cliff-top walk starts.

Taking in the views across the bay out to Filey and beyond under a moody grey skies.

The walk from Speeton to Bempton takes around two hours largely spent hugging the cliff-tops providing plenty of opportunities to pick out a wandering seabird.  I didn't encounter a soul for at least an hour.

Commonly seen well out to sea coursing over the waves, the Northern Gannet is a majestic seabird, and observing them at close quarters was an absolute privilege. 

Many were seen collecting nesting material - this one deciding that perhaps one trip was enough.

An unexpected bonus was this Long-eared Owl close to the visitor centre.