Boat trip lets birdwatchers see fledglings’ first flights

BIRDWATCHERS are being invited on a day-long cruise to see scores of migrating seabirds as they head south for the winter.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Aug 2011, 10:58 BST

The RSPB is hosting a three-hour cruise on board the MV Yorkshire Belle on Saturday August 27, which, the organiser says, will offer spectacular views of birds on land and sea.

Sailing from Bridlington Harbour at 9am, the boat will cross Bridlington Bay and pass Flamborough Head before approaching the 400ft high chalk cliffs at Bempton.

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Passengers will be able to see thousands of gannets and their chicks on the cliffs as the young birds get ready to take their maiden flights.

The boat will then head out to sea to see migration in action, with the chance to watch skuas, shearwaters and terns up close as they head towards the southern oceans.

Cruise co-ordinator Kim Smales said: “This is the last chance this season for people to see our glorious gannets from the sea, nesting on the spectacular Bempton Cliffs. They are the most elegant of seabirds, with their six-foot wingspan and smooth, gliding motion as they fly.

“To sail out to sea to enjoy the spectacle of migration in action and see some of the birds up close as they are tempted close to the boat by our tasty, if rather smelly, morsels of food, is a brilliant way to spend part of the bank holiday.”

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The society will run further seabird cruises on selected weekends in September and October.

Tickets cost £18 for adults and £9 for children. Places can be booked by calling Kim Smales on 01262 850959.

Related topics:RSPB