The RSPB: Reserves & events Reserves & events Baron's Haugh A real gem for wildlife and for visitors too. Spend time in one of the four hides, looking out at the ducks and swans on the haugh, or take a walk through the woods. If you’re lucky you may even see a kingfisher or an otter on the river. Most paths are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but may be muddy in bad weather and are steep in places. Wheelchair visitors, please call in advance for advice. More... Bempton Cliffs A family favourite, and easily the best place in England to see, hear and smell seabirds! Home to more than 250,000 birds (from April to August) make the cliffs seem alive - with adults bringing food to their nests, or young chicks making their first faltering flights. More... Berney Marshes and Breydon Water Experience the spectacle of the tens of thousands of wintering ducks, geese and swans that visit the estuary and surrounding grazing marshes.

In spring, the marshes are filled with the atmospheric calls of lapwings and redshanks, all breeding on one of the UK's largest expanses of wet grassland. More... Birsay Moors If you enjoy the solemn grandeur of moorland landscape, the Orkney moors can be a wonderful place to visit, full of wild and windswept beauty. Come during the summer to see hen harriers, short-eared owls and elegant Arctic skuas nesting. More... Blacktoft Sands Come to Blacktoft Sands throughout the year and see how many of our 270 species of birds you can see! The tidal reedbed is the largest in England and is important for its breeding bearded tits, bitterns and marsh harriers. More... Blean Woods This is a wonderful place for quiet walks in beautiful ancient woodland. There are five trails of up to eight miles long that meander through the woods. In summer, look out for damselflies, dragonflies and butterflies, including the rare heath fritillary butterfly. As dusk falls, you may see nightjars gliding on silent wings, and hear their churring call. More...

RSPB Bempton Cliffs | Nature Reserve | Bridlington|East Yorkshire RSPB Bempton Cliffs VAQAS, REYTA WINNER, VISITENGLAND VAQAS Grandstand viewpoint at RSPB Bempton Cliffs Six cliff-top viewpoints get visitors close to the sights, sounds and smells of the nesting seabirds and give spectacular views along the coast. Three viewpoints are fully wheelchair accessible. Reviews: Details One of the UK’s top wildlife spectacles and the most accessible seabird colony in the UK. Over a quarter-of-a-million seabirds swooping, soaring and screeching around towering chalk cliffs. Between March and October, you can see puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, herring gulls, fulmars and shags here as well as the largest seabird in the UK, the majestic gannet. The 25,000 strong gannet colony here is the largest on the UK mainland. Six, safe viewpoints perch on the cliff tops and give incredible views of the nesting birds and along the impressive coastline. Viewpoint volunteers are on hand to help identify the different species and point out the action.

The Seabird Centre is the gateway to ‘seabird city’. Inside you can find out about the wildlife that makes its home on the cliffs, discover more about our amazing seabirds, delve into the history and heritage of the cliffs, get stuck into nature-themed arts and crafts and pick up everything you need for a picnic. There’s also a well-stocked shop to browse around. Surrounded by trees, a quiet bird feeding garden is a short walk away and is a peaceful place to view farmland and migrant visitors. A nature trail winds its way around the reserve and Discover backpacks can be hired to help youngsters identify the wildlife they might spot as they explore. Binoculars can also be hired (recommended). For the less mobile, three viewpoints are fully wheelchair accessible and are connected by a hard-surfaced wheelchair friendly path that forms a circular route starting and finishing at the seabird centre. HD CCTV beams images from the cliffs directly to big screens in the seabird centre. Events and activities take place all year round. From photography workshops to guided walks and seabird cruises, there’s always something interesting happening. But if you prefer do your own thing, simply wander along the cliff top paths and take in the views.

During the winter months, the quiet cliffs are the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs. Take a stroll along the dramatic cliff tops then warm up in the Seabird Centre with a steaming bowl of soup. Bempton Cliffs Bempton Cliffs The Traitor Bempton Cliffs The cliffs rise even higher out of the sea at nearby Bempton, which is the site of the famous RSPB Bird Sanctuary. An awe-inspiring sight, the sheer cliffs are home to many species. In particular, during the season puffins may be seen in large numbers, in addition to the thousands of other nesting birds who make this the largest such colony in England. Constant pounding by the North Sea has eroded the soft chalk, creating many unusual formations, secret caves (a past haven for smugglers), and secluded bays and inlets, including the picturesque North Landing where the old Flamborough Lifeboat was housed at the top of steep slipway.

The following information is reproduced from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' web-site: "With over three miles of sheer cliffs, rising to 400 feet/122 m, Bempton is the best place in England to see breeding seabirds (over 200,000). Five safe viewing points give spectacular close-up views of puffins, gannets, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars between April and mid-August. At other times there are migrating birds to be seen and possibly seals and porpoises. The shop has an extensive range of RSPB goods and books." The Reserve is open at all times, while the Visitor centre is open from 10 am to 5 pm March to November, and 9.30 am to 4 pm December to February (Closed 24 December to 3 January). As the range of our activities is so diverse, we have a number of different websites. The main Flamborough Manor site, which is where you are now, focuses primarily on accommodation (bed & breakfast) but has brief details of all our other activities.

To allow for more information to be presented on these other activities, we have other self- contained web-sites and some of the links you will encounter while browsing these pages will take you to these separate sites. To return to this site, simply go to the LINKS page, which is common to all our sites. Shown at right is an old photograph of "climmers" at Bempton Cliffs. Used as a method of supplementing incomes, "climming" involved lowering men over the edge of the cliffs to collect eggs from nesting sea birds. With virtually no safety equipment (a cap stuffed with straw as some protection against falling rocks from above), three- to four-hundred eggs could be collected in a day. Guillemot eggs, which are large for the size of bird, were particularly sought after. Despite the danger, few accidents were recorded. The practice declined after the Second World War but continued until 1954 when it was finally made illegal. The climmer shown is wearing his Gansey as added protection against the elements.

For more information on Ganseys, please visit our sister site: Views of Flamborough Head Bempton Cliffs and the Bird Reserve : The hard chalk cliffs at Bempton rise are relatively resistant to erosion and offer lots of sheltered headlands and crevices for nesting birds. The cliffs run about 6 miles (10 km) from Flamborough Head north towards Filey and are over 100 metres (330 ft) high at points. There are good walkways along the top of the cliffs and several well fenced and protected observation points. Most times there will be helpful bird watchers with a range of scopes and binoculars on hand. Gannets Bempton Cliffs is home to the only mainland breeding colony of gannets in England. The birds arrive at the colony from January and leave in August and September. Kittiwakes Numerically the most common bird, around 10% of the United Kingdom population of kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) nest here. Puffins The Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) at Bempton Cliffs tend to nest in rock crevices, whereas burrows are used at most U.K. sites.

The Bempton puffins mostly fly 25 miles (40 km) east to the Dogger Bank to feed. Flamborough Bird Observatory Flamborough Bird Observatory, one of 19 similar watch-points across Britain & Ireland, is a bird migration and population monitoring station on Yorkshire’s east coast. Situated on an eight mile-long chalk headland jutting out into the North Sea, like-minded volunteers have worked over the last 40 years to record both migrant and local breeding birds. Ringing takes place on both the outer head and at Buckton; with the aim being to increase the knowledge of the movement of migrants to and from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia. The conservation importance of Flamborough Head is recognized by two European designations; it is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its breeding seabirds and is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its chalk reef and caves. However, Flamborough is surely most renowned for its seabirds, with the high chalk cliffs on its northern edge (including Bempton Cliffs RSPB) famed for its breeding Gannets, Guillemot and Razorbill populations, and huge Kittiwake colony.

Sea-watching on the outer head has proved that Flamborough is one of the very best places to observe such passage in the North Sea. In autumn, winds from a northerly quarter can induce movements of several hundred Sooty Shearwaters daily, as well as occasional double-figure counts of Long- tailed Skuas, and no fewer than eleven Feas’s-type Petrels. Vying with its seabirds, Flamborough is increasingly cementing a reputation for being one of the premier mainland sites for far-eastern passerines, once the preserve of Shetland. In little more than a decade, the headland has attracted the UK’s first ever Taiga Flycatcher, two Brown Flycatchers, and two Brown Shrikes, whilst an Eastern Olivaceous Warbler was appreciated by hundreds of visiting birders in 2010. In some years, the total of Pallas’s Warblers can approach double-figures, whilst Yellow-browed Warblers are occasionally present in such numbers daily. Over the last decade, members of the observatory have worked with landowners and the local council to open up a series of permissive access routes across the headland.

Why not join this enthusiastic observatory team and help contribute to the growing knowledge of how birds migrate through this breath-taking landscape. Sailing under Bempton Cliffs in a Yorkshire One-Design (YOD) on a summer's day The images below, showing the distinctive rock formations, were all taken from “The Yorkshire Belle” which sails on a regular basis during the season from Bridlington Harbour Bempton Cliffs, looking towards Filey Bay The Manor House, Flamborough, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire.

YO15 1PD Telephone: 01262 850943 [International: +44 1262 850943] E-mail: gm@flamboroughmanor.co.uk Web-site design & content Copyright © 2017 Geoffrey Miller The Manor House Accommodation, Books, Traditional Knitwear & Hand-Knitted Ganseys, Breton shirts Lesley Berry and Geoffrey Miller The Manor House Flamborough Bridlington East Riding of Yorkshire YO15 1PD United Kingdom Telephone: 01262 850943 (Mobile 07718 415234) International: +44 1262 850943 E-mail: gm@flamboroughmanor.co.uk 2017 Puffin/Shearwater/Skua cruise timetables All cruises take place aboard the Yorkshire Belle, which leaves from the North Pier at Bridlington Harbour. The cost of tickets is : to be determined Booking essential From the RSPB web-site: "Join us on the 'Yorkshire Belle' for a spectacular cruise this summer!

From May onwards, the cliffs of Bempton and Flamborough become a little crowded with over 200,000 seabirds setting up home. Watch gannets flying overhead, coming inshore to feed their young. The gannets are joined by thousands of other seabirds, including kittiwakes, razorbills and the colourful puffin. As well as flying overhead, you will see the birds plunging head first into the sea around you, as the boat stirs up some tasty treats. On the three-hour round trip from Bridlington Harbour, ideal for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts, you'll visit the spectacular chalk cliffs at Flamborough Head. Just be sure you make an early reservation for your ringside seat to our noisy seabird city." For further details or to book a cruise please telephone RSPB Bempton Cliffs on 01262 422211 or e-mail bempton.cruises@rspb.co.uk. RSPB 2017 Cruise Timetables Links Bempton Cliffs The cliffs rise even higher out of the sea at nearby Bempton, which is the site of the famous RSPB Bird Sanctuary.

An awe-inspiring sight, the sheer cliffs are home to many species. In particular, during the season puffins may be seen in large numbers, in addition to the thousands of other nesting birds who make this the largest such colony in England. Constant pounding by the North Sea has eroded the soft chalk, creating many unusual formations, secret caves (a past haven for smugglers), and secluded bays and inlets, including the picturesque North Landing where the old Flamborough Lifeboat was housed at the top of steep slipway. The following information is reproduced from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' web-site: "With over three miles of sheer cliffs, rising to 400 feet/122 m, Bempton is the best place in England to see breeding seabirds (over 200,000). Five safe viewing points give spectacular close-up views of puffins, gannets, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars between April and mid-August. At other times there are migrating birds to be seen and possibly seals and porpoises.

The shop has an extensive range of RSPB goods and books." The Reserve is open at all times, while the Visitor centre is open from 10 am to 5 pm March to November, and 9.30 am to 4 pm December to February (Closed 24 December to 3 January). Shown above is an old photograph of "climmers" at Bempton Cliffs. Used as a method of supplementing incomes, "climming" involved lowering men over the edge of the cliffs to collect eggs from nesting sea birds. With virtually no safety equipment (a cap stuffed with straw as some protection against falling rocks from above), three- to four- hundred eggs could be collected in a day. Guillemot eggs, which are large for the size of bird, were particularly sought after. Despite the danger, few accidents were recorded. The practice declined after the Second World War but continued until 1954 when it was finally made illegal. The climmer shown is wearing his Gansey as added protection against the elements.

For more information on Ganseys, please visit our sister site: This is the mobile variant of our web-site, specially designed for viewing on smartphones, but lacking some of the more detailed information available on our full-size site.. Views of Flamborough Head Flamborough Bird Observatory Flamborough Bird Observatory, one of 19 similar watch-points across Britain & Ireland, is a bird migration and population monitoring station on Yorkshire’s east coast. Situated on an eight mile-long chalk headland jutting out into the North Sea, like-minded volunteers have worked over the last 40 years to record both migrant and local breeding birds. Ringing takes place on both the outer head and at Buckton; with the aim being to increase the knowledge of the movement of migrants to and from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia. The conservation importance of Flamborough Head is recognized by two European designations; it is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its breeding seabirds and is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its chalk reef and caves.

However, Flamborough is surely most renowned for its seabirds, with the high chalk cliffs on its northern edge (including Bempton Cliffs RSPB) famed for its breeding Gannets, Guillemot and Razorbill populations, and huge Kittiwake colony. Sea-watching on the outer head has proved that Flamborough is one of the very best places to observe such passage in the North Sea. In autumn, winds from a northerly quarter can induce movements of several hundred Sooty Shearwaters daily, as well as occasional double-figure counts of Long- tailed Skuas, and no fewer than eleven Feas’s-type Petrels. Vying with its seabirds, Flamborough is increasingly cementing a reputation for being one of the premier mainland sites for far-eastern passerines, once the preserve of Shetland. In little more than a decade, the headland has attracted the UK’s first ever Taiga Flycatcher, two Brown Flycatchers, and two Brown Shrikes, whilst an Eastern Olivaceous Warbler was appreciated by hundreds of visiting birders in 2010.

In some years, the total of Pallas’s Warblers can approach double-figures, whilst Yellow-browed Warblers are occasionally present in such numbers daily. Over the last decade, members of the observatory have worked with landowners and the local council to open up a series of permissive access routes across the headland. Why not join this enthusiastic observatory team and help contribute to the growing knowledge of how birds migrate through this breath-taking landscape. The images below, showing the distinctive rock formations, were all taken from “The Yorkshire Belle” which sails on a regular basis during the season from Bridlington Harbour The Manor House, Flamborough, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire.

YO15 1PD Telephone: 01262 850943 [International: +44 1262 850943] E-mail: gm@flamboroughmanor.co.uk Web-site design & content Copyright © 2017 Geoffrey Miller The Manor House Accommodation, Books, Traditional Knitwear & Hand-Knitted Ganseys, Breton shirts Lesley Berry and Geoffrey Miller The Manor House Flamborough Bridlington East Riding of Yorkshire YO15 1PD United Kingdom Telephone: 01262 850943 (Mobile 07718 415234) International: +44 1262 850943 E-mail: gm@flamboroughmanor.co.uk The Manor House Flamborough Bridlington East Riding of Yorkshire Telephone 01262 850943 2017 Puffin/Shearwater/Skua cruise timetables All cruises take place aboard the Yorkshire Belle, which leaves from the North Pier at Bridlington Harbour.

Booking essential From the RSPB web-site: "Join us on the 'Yorkshire Belle' for a spectacular cruise this summer! From May onwards, the cliffs of Bempton and Flamborough become a little crowded with over 200,000 seabirds setting up home. Watch gannets flying overhead, coming inshore to feed their young. The gannets are joined by thousands of other seabirds, including kittiwakes, razorbills and the colourful puffin. As well as flying overhead, you will see the birds plunging head first into the sea around you, as the boat stirs up some tasty treats. On the three-hour round trip from Bridlington Harbour, ideal for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts, you'll visit the spectacular chalk cliffs at Flamborough Head. Just be sure you make an early reservation for your ringside seat to our noisy seabird city." For further details or to book a cruise please telephone RSPB Bempton Cliffs on 01262 422211 or e-mail bempton.cruises@rspb.co.uk.

Rockville Farm Cottages - Out and About | Beautiful self catering holiday cottages in Bempton East Yorkshire Tariff & contact Out and about in the local area. . . . Situated 1 mile away is the famous RSPB Reserve at Bempton Cliffs where you can take in the magnificent views across to Flamborough Head and Filey Bay whilst experiencing the many rare seabirds nesting on the Cliffs. The area boasts many gems such as the wonderful beaches of Bridlington,Filey and Scarborough whilst Flamborough is a delight with its rugged caves, coves and smuggling history.The recent filming of the New Dads Army film was centred around Bridlington's Old Town as Walmington on Sea with Bempton and Flamborough's North Landing providing a spectacular backdrop. The East Yorkshire Coast and Wolds is an ideal location for exploring the area either on foot or by bicycle. In 2015 the annual Tour de Yorkshire set off from Bridlington, passing by Sewerby and Bempton (and our cottages and tearoom!). Alongside the Coast, East Yorkshire has a wonderful range of Historic Houses and gardens.

Nearby are Burton Agnes Hall, Burton Constable Hall, Sledmere House and Sewerby Hall which because of its fabulous views over Bridlington Bay has been voted as a top picnic area. Another award winning place to enjoy is the Spa Theatre in Bridlington which hosts a very popular range of entertainment. We are ideally situated just north of Bridlington. The cottages have ample off road parking with the village post office shop and pub a pleasant stroll away. Rockville Farm Cottages, 19 Main Street, Buckton, Bempton, YO15 1HU Tel 01262 850296 Mobile 07719 705113 BBC - North Yorkshire Uncovered - A walk along the cliffs near Flamborough A walk along the cliffs near Flamborough This is a walk for keen birdwatchers If you're one for bird spotting then this walk along the cliffs at Flamborough is definately for you. And those less inclined to look out for Oyster catchers can just enjoy the view.

WATCH and LISTEN Find out about great outdoor events across North Yorkshire Discuss your favourite walks on our Message Board Other walks in North Yorkshire: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. FACTS Safety tip from the Scarborough and District Search and Rescue Team. It is essential for both the success and safety of the walk that an up-to-date weather forecast is obtained before setting out. PRINT THIS PAGE View a printable version of this page. A walk along the top of the cliffs at Flamborough Head is a birdspotters paradise. The countryside is alive with the cries and songs of a wide variety of birdlife. They include Oyster catchers, gulls, Eider Ducks, Cormorants and wagtails, as well as blackbirds, swallows, robins, kestrels and wrens. Thats to name just a few. In a good days outing you could probably spot about 60 different species. And all in a seven mile circular walk beginning from the car park at Danes Dyke near the village of Marton just outside of Bridlington.

Listen to Trevor Charlton and Mike Kemp on the walk Trevor Charlton is the site manager for the RSPB at Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve. This walk doesnt include Bempton as we turned around at Flamborough Head. But you can carry on a while further to take in Bempton and the amazing sight of thousands of seabirds, including puffins, nesting on the cliff face. Trevor has been bird watching for nearly 35 years and he can simply hear a bird call to know its name. This walk, on a clear day, enjoys breathtaking views for miles along the coast. And on a very good day Im told you can see the Humber Bridge. The walk skirts the edge of the cliffs all the way to Flamborough Head and the lighthouse. But at a place called South Landing you can visit a wooded area inside which is a bird feeding station built by youngsters with the Phoenix Group of the RSPB. As we looked through a slit cut out in one of the screens we caught sight of a male and female yellowhammer, similar in look to canaries, searching for seeds.

A few miles along the coast is Flamborough Head with its magnificent stacks and white chalk-faced cliffs, and its the highlight of the walk. Trevor describes the view from its point as the best on the planet. It's also a Mecca for birdwatchers anxious to catch sight of a rare bird blown on to shore. Its here you turn back towards Danes Dyke walking through Flamborough Village. Perhaps, though, the best way to end the walk is simply to retrace your steps along the cliff-edge, especially if you want to catch sight or hear the songs of the many wonderful birds that make the coast their home. Flamborough Head, Yorkshire | Countryfile.com Walks Flamborough Head, Yorkshire One of the most spectacular chalk cliffs in Britain, Flamborough Head offers visitors dramatic cliff top walks, spectacular sea views and close-ups of puffins and other nesting seabirds 11th June 2014 Walks The name Flamborough is thought to come from ‘Flaneberg’, possibly from the Saxon word flaen meaning an arrow – which when you look at the area on a map it certainly resembles.

It is a promontory of eight miles on the Yorkshire coast and Britain’s only northern chalk sea cliff. It is famous as a nesting site for thousands of seabirds and, as the most easterly headland in Yorkshire, it is a great spot to see migrating birds too. Flamborough Head is a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), protected for its wildlife and its geology – the spectacular cliffs are formed from chalk deposited 70-90 million years ago. In August 2006, a lightning bolt hit one of the cliffs and sent 100 tonnes of rock crashing into the sea. Crystal clear water As soon as you start to explore this bracing and exposed chalk headland you can see that it’s special. Flamborough Head is home to one of the most important seabird colonies in the whole of Europe and in summer, tens of thousands of birds come here to breed, filling the skies with an epic sight and sound. But look to the ground and you’ll discover the chalk grassland is rich with flowers that attract many species of butterflies and uncommon moths.

The beach at North Landing has some of the best rockpooling around, with crabs, starfish and marine molluscs to be discovered by young explorers. In fact, the area is a European Marine Site (EMS), because the seas around the headland are crystal clear, with distinctive reef and cave habitats, and rich in marine life. Great for birding The Nature Reserve at Flamborough has three distinct habitat areas each with its own character and resident bird life. On the 100-foot-high sheer cliffs, seabirds nest precariously – take binoculars and you’ll see fulmars, herring gulls, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes. In the grassland fields inland, nesting skylarks and meadow pipits can be seen in large numbers, thanks to improvements to the habitat. Among the gorse scrub in the Holmes section of the cliffs, you may see yellowhammers. If you’d like to see puffins, the RPSB reserve at Bempton Cliffs on the north of the headland is the place to head for.

A different way to get close to Flamborough Head’s bird life is to book a place on an RPSB-organised Gannet and Puffin Cruise. These three-hour round trips run from Bridlington Harbour and have commentators from the RSPB’s East Yorkshire Local Group. In autumn, the birding focus switches to migration, when all four of the piratical skua family can be seen around the coast, as well as more common seabirds, grebes, wildfowl and divers. There’s even the possibility of seeing the short-eared owl in the cliff top fields. The wooded areas around the steep sided valley of Holmes Gut attract migrating thrushes, finches and warblers. This bird activity is made all the more dramatic as Flamborough is recognised as one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the British Isles – and the birds are often almost engulfed by the mighty North Sea as it crashes into the chalk cliffs. Over the years, close to 200 vessels have met untimely ends on this coastline.

Ships weren’t completely safe along these shores until 1806, when the present lighthouse was built by a local Bridlington builder to the design of architect Samuel Wyatt. It was first lit on 1 December 1806, and the current light warns shipping 24 miles out to sea of the dangerous lands nearby. There are guided tours of the lighthouse on certain dates. While exploring it on a clear day, you’ll get spectacular views of Bridlington, Filey and far out into the North Sea. Useful Information HOW TO GET THERE Flamborough is four miles northeast of Bridlington along the B1255 then the B1259, which leads to Flamborough Head pay-and-display car park. The 510 bus from Bridlington stops at Flamborough village, a 1.2 mile walk to the Head. More direct services run in the summer months. EAT Flamborough village has a range of places to eat, one of the best being The Seabirds Inn, which has an open fire.

The Seabirds Inn Tower Street, Flamborough, North Yorkshire YO15 1PD 01262 850242 England East Yorkshire - Bird Watching,Resources for Bird Watching by the Fat Birder Fatbirder - linking birders worldwide... Wildlife Travellers see our sister site: WAND England East Yorkshire Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis &#169David Mason Website East Yorkshire offers some of the best birding in the UK! Its coastal sites include seabird colonies on cliffs, estuarine marshes and reedbeds and superb migration hotspots. It has a considerable reputation as a great county for sea-watching, rare migrants at the coast and has some excellent inland sites too. Nesting auks, Gannet, Kittiwake and Fulmar can be seen at Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head, while the Humber Estuary is of international significance as a Ramsar site and is designated as a Special Protection Area for the large flocks of overwintering, migratory and breeding waders. Sites such as Patrington Haven Paull Holme Strays and Blacktoft Sands RSPB are all worth a visit.

Marsh Harrier, Bittern and Avocet breed. East Yorkshire boasts two Bird Observatories, at Spurn and Flamborough, and the variety of rare and scarce migrants that have been recorded is legendary. Inland sites of significant interest include Allerthorpe Common YWT, the Lower Derwent Valley NNR, North Cave Wetlands YWT, and Tophill Low NR. Moreover, it is one of the best places to try a pelagic in the autumn for skuas and shearwaters. It has beautiful scenery too as well as interesting towns and terrific beer! This page is sponsored by...Rudstone Walk Top Sites Satellite View North of Flamborough, these high chalk cliffs hold nationally important breeding seabird colonies, for which April-July visits are best. Up to 75,000 Kittiwakes provide a spectacular backdrop for large numbers of Common Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins, as well as one of the only Gannet colonies in mainland Britain.

Blacktoft Sands This nationally important reed bed is the best site in the region for Marsh Harrier and Bearded Tit, and the carefully managed water levels on different pools make this an excellent site for passage waders as well as breeding Avocet. Flamborough Head This headland near Bridlington can produce outstanding sea watching from the point in autumn and winter, with good falls of migrants regular at South Landing and Danes Dyke. Hornsea Mere This large freshwater lake close to the sea proves very attractive for divers, grebes, sea ducks and terns, and is the prime Yorkshire site for Little Gulls which peak in August. Raptors and waders often pass through in migration. Spurn Point Satellite View The unusual geography of this peninsula acts to funnel migrants from the coast onto the point. Active migration over the narrows can be spectacular, and the list of rarities seen in the dunes on the point and in the surrounding bushes is impressive. Sea watching can also be productive, and waders and wildfowl use the sands of the Humber shore.

Contributor Sunny Bank, Church Lane, Flamborough, YO15 1PG 01262 851677 1 Priory Road, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0EG 07778 559763 Fatbirder's very own checklists are now available through WebBirder Useful Reading Bird Watching in East Yorkshire, the Humber and Teesmouth Stephen C Elliott 120 pages, 26 col plates, line illus. Hutton Press 1989 ISBN: 0907033792 Birds of the Hull Area R K Broughton Kingston Press ?9.99p ISBN: 1902039149 Birds on the Spurn Peninsula Chislett & Ainsworth 1996. (Price ?17.50p) ISBN: 0952026872 Rare and Scarce Birds in Yorkshire Andrew Wilson & Russell Slack The Birds of Spurn: a comprehensive checklist M.G. Neal. 1996.

Where to Watch Birds - Yorkshire by John Mather A&C Black, 2009 [3rd Edition] ISBN: 9780713687828 Yorkshire Naturalists Union - Available through their website: Useful Information Yorkshire Ornithological Committee Chairman: Craig Thomas 16 Scarborough Road, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9EF, Tel: 01723 513055 e-mail craigcthomas@yahoo.co.uk Secretary: Protection Liaison Officer: D. J. Simpson, 51 Heather Way, Harrogate, HG3 2SH, Tel: 01423 538645 e-mail: doug@milvus.me.uk YNU Bird Section Secretary; Sue Plaxton sue.plaxton@yahoo.com Guides & Tour Operators Click on WAND for tours, guides, lodges and more… Verdant Wildlife Tour Operator All our tours are on gentle to moderate terrain unless otherwise stated, but we do recommend a basic level of fitness, sturdy footwear and suitable outdoor clothing.

A welcome pack including a tick list and copy of the Birdwatcher's code, lunch and refreshments are included in the price and binoculars can be provided if required. Transport between sites is provided unless otherwise stated… Yorkshire Coast Nature Tour Operator Welcome To Yorkshire Coast Nature Experience the varied and stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire coastline, where inspiring wildlife encounters await between North Yorkshire and the Humber. Our tours and workshops are led by expert and friendly guides eager to help you discover the secrets of Yorkshire’s unique natural history…. Yorkshire Rose Birding Tours Tour Operator This website aims to give you a little background of what the county of Yorkshire has to offer. Yorkshire is arguably the best county in Britain for birds and bird watching. It has England's largest mainland Gannettry, some wonderful habitats that provide homes to some extremely rare and scarce birds. Locally common, they prove to be extremely difficult to see elsewhere in the country. The Corn Bunting and Tree Sparrow for example, in the right location can be easy to find. These and lots of other birds find a suitable home in Yorkshire… Trip Reports CloudBirders was created by a group of Belgian world birding enthusiasts and went live on 21st of March 2013.

They provide a large and growing database of birding trip reports, complemented with extensive search, voting and statistical features. Places to Stay Click on WAND for tours, guides, lodges and more… Bridlington - Rachels Guest House Accommodation Situated on the south-side of Bridlington, our B&B is within easy walking distance of all amenities, including the harbour, theatre (both a short walk to the bottom of our street), south beach, Bridlington Spa Complex (walk down our street & turn right) also Bridlington town centre & Bridlington railway, coach & bus Stations… Brough - Rudstone Walk Accommodation Set in its own 80 acres on the very edge of the Yorkshire Wolds surrounded by green fields and lawns, Rudstone Walk has a wonderful location enjoying spectacular views across the Humber Estuary, Vale of York and Lincolnshire Wolds - you can see York Minster on a clear day!

Just 1 mile from the M62 with easy access to York, Hull, Beverley, Lincoln and all Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire has to offer Rudstone Walk provides a relaxing and peaceful retreat… Fatbirder Recommended Organisations The Ringing Officer for the Group is the registered ringer in charge, and ultimately all responsibility as regards trapping and ringing birds in the area lies with him…. Flamborough Ornithological Group Ornithological records from Flamborough Head in the historic East Riding of Yorkshire in England, date back to the 19th Century. The fascination with the splendid cliffs and their thousands of nesting seabirds is obvious, but the attraction of the head to migrant birds was well known to some of the taxidermists of that time, such as Matthew Bailey. The history of his specimens and associated field observations were summarised in 1872 and 1894, mainly be John Cordeaux. Their intriguing lists inspired much of the endeavour of the earliest FOG members… Hull Valley Wildlife Group Website Welcome to the Hull Valley Wildlife Group web site .

We hope you enjoy your visit and hope it encourages you to become involved in all kinds of activities within our area and perhaps become a member of our group, and to take advantage of the benefits membership will provide… RSPB - East Yorkshire Local Group The website of the East Yorkshire RSPB Members Group. This site contains information about their forthcoming activities and also the latest newsletter and copies of past editions… South Holderness Countryside Society Website The South Holderness Countryside Society was set up in 1983 with the primary aim of 'Making a Better Place for Wildlife'. We own two large award-winning nature reserves, Beacon Lagoons and Hollym Carrs, and have over 100 subscribing members from all walks of life. We have also recently inherited a farmhouse, its outbuildings and approximately two hectares of land in Hollym near Withernsea… York Ornithological Club York Ornithological Club's recording area includes parts of East Yorks Yorkshire Naturalists Union The YNU has four basic aims: To study the wildlife of Yorkshire. To record the results of these studies. To present these studies.

To use the information for wildlife conservation… Yorkshire Red Kites Satellite View Allerthorpe Common is a mosaic of habitat types - dry heath, wet heath, marshy grassland, mire, tall grass, bracken, ponds, broadleaved woodland and scrub, sitting within Forestry Commission coniferous woodland. The site lies on river and lake sands and has historically been an oasis for wildlife. A variety of breeding birds can be seen, including Woodcock, Green Woodpecker and Garden Warbler, plus a range of flora and fauna that includes adders, lizards and dragonflies… Lower Derwent NNR Satellite View The Lower Derwent Valley NNR comprises a series of flood meadows, pastures and woodlands spanning both East and North Yorkshire. Important viewing points in East Yorkshire include Aughton, Bubwith and Ellerton Ings, and East Cottingwith. The site supports a rich breeding bird community with more than 80 species recorded in recent years. Breeding wildfowl are of particular importance, with 13 species found here including Gadwall Garganey and Shoveler. Breeding waders seen in the area include Curlew, Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank.

In winter the grasslands support a herd of Whooper Swan and nationally important numbers of Teal, Wigeon, Pochard and Golden Plover. North Cave Wetlands Satellite View North Cave Wetlands is a true example of a 21st Century nature reserve, developed in the footprint of a large sand and gravel quarry. Shallow gravel islands have been created in three lakes to provide breeding sites for Little Ringed and Ringed plovers, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Common Tern. There is a resident population of Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Shelduck, Shoveler, Great Crested and Little Grebe. In spring and autumn small numbers and migrant wading birds pass through. Reed and Sedge warblers and Reed Buntings are common in and around the reedbed and north side of the nature reserve. RSPB - Bempton Cliffs The place to see, hear and smell thousands of breeding seabirds… RSPB - Blacktoft Sands Satellite View Come along to Blacktoft Sands throughout the year and see how many of our 270 species of birds you can see!

The tidal reedbed is the largest in England and is important for its breeding bearded tits, bitterns and marsh harriers… Spurn National Nature Reserve Satellite View Spurn's location makes it one of the best places on the east coast from which to watch the spring and autumn migrations, and in the winter large numbers of waders and wildfowl gather on the sand and mud of the river Humber. Spurn boasts an impressive list of rarities, which are particularly likely after easterly winds… Tophill Low Nature Reserve REFLECTING ON REGULAR VISITS TO MY OLD BIRDING PATCH AROUND THE VILLAGES OF KELK, LOWTHORPE AND HARPHAM IN EAST YORKSHIRE… Buckton Birder Buckton is a little known migrant hotspot on Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, its my local patch and ringing site… Dartford Waffler Blog I'm originally from Dartford in Kent (UK) and formerly worked as a fingerprint officer, grape picker, English teacher and gardener.

From 1997 to 2004 I lived in Thailand but currently I'm a full time student and part time shelf stacker, living in Beverley, East Yorkshire… East Yorkshire Birding with Flowers A blog describing the visits and showcasing the resultant pictures from wildlife sessions held in east Yorkshire, England, UK… East Yorkshire Ringing Group BLOG Blog The intention of Hull Valley blog is to the promote wildlife interest in the Hull Valley Wildlife Group recording area. The bulk of it will be my observations but I’ll try and include as much other information as I can, including stuff gleaned from the internet and birding information services as well as anything passed on from friends etc. Martin Hodgess Birding Blog BLOG Hello and welcome to my blog. The idea of this is to let people know what I see as I wander around East Yorkshire and further afield. I live in Beverley and can often be found out and about in the field around the county. I am a keen birder amongst other things and I thought it would be fun to share my notes and pictures with people.

Not only will it be birds, there is the intention to include dragonflies, moths, butterflies and fungi amongst other things as time progresses… Q@Spurn Blog Crazy birding blog from the Spurn area - I used to go to Spurn every weekend but when I reached 20 visits got less and less but now the visits are starting to increase and I get there as much as work and family allow. I'm updating the blog retrospectively, I wrote the entries on the day but never had the chance to publish on the internet… Rachel’s Birding Blog Blog My name is Rachel and I have been birdwatching since the late 1980's. I am originally from Norfolk, but now live in East Yorkshire. I have birded in several countries, including France, Spain and Cyprus. I studied at Bishop Burton College and gained in a BSc Hons degree in Countryside Management and Ornithology. My interests cover all wildlife, but mainly birds. I am not a regular birdwatcher but I get out when I can… Wold Ranger The nature and countryside of East Yorkshire… Wold's Birding

Question: What is the name of the RSPB reserve just to the north of Flamborough, famous for its nesting seabirds?
Answer: Bempton Cliffs