Another visit to Bempton Cliffs
I'm back from another visit to Bempton Cliffs where I put on a little workshop to help raise funds. This time we were made little hedgehogs and there were some real corkers!
Of course, I can't have a trip to Bempton and not get out on the cliffs. I was particularly excited to see how the Gannet chicks (otherwise known as "Gugas") had been getting on.
There was floof a-plenty, lots of flapping and preening going on and as always they were a pleasure to see.
This chick showing off how big a fish he can fit in his mouth. Gannet by name...
I really enjoy how the fluff is being shed by this little chick - like an avian poodle.
Gannetry - life on the edge.
Some of the Gannets had been marked with blue dots and red tags to help identify them for research purposes. Their little chicks not so little anymore as their white fluff gives way to the dark plumage.
They don't stay little for long, so it's best to get those snuggles in while you can.
Soon they'll be spreading their wings and soaring over the water. The chicks will fledge after about 3 months of being fed by both parents, who form a bond that lasts for life. They reaffirm their bonds by clicking their beaks together, head shaking and preening and generally being all romantic and tender with each other. Aww.
The previous year's Gannets have a black and white "Piano Key" type plumage.
This Gannet flew past with their wings outstretched, showing off their incredible wingspan which can be upto 180cm! I'm shorter than that! 
Sometimes, you just need to scratch that itch, even if you are mid-flight.
Of course, it wasn't ALL about the Gannets at Bempton Cliffs
There are plenty of other birds to see. Another favourite at Bempton is the Kittiwake. Their chicks had certainly grown since I last saw them.
Their youngsters are really striking with their graphical black and white plumage. Beautiful Gulls who spend most of their lives out at sea.
You get chance to see birds at angles you normally wouldn't. I'm used to the sweet little Jackdaws in the garden and fields around the studio, so seeing them out of context by the sea is a lovely change.
The same can be said for our pigeon friends - look at that beautiful plumage and intense eye. Seeing things from a different perspective does the world a world of good.
