'Special moment' - First puffin returns to Bempton Cliffs on Yorkshire coast

As ever, the return of the colourful and much-loved bird is great news for those who travel to the Yorkshire coast every year to catch a glimpse of them.

Their welfare will be closely monitored by the nature reserve conservationists as the seabird breeding season begins.

Seen touching down on the chalky Yorkshire cliffs, the return of the first puffin is always a welcome sight.

The birds are faithful to their safe cliff nest sites, so each puffin will be heading straight back to the same site year after year to breed.

Puffins are unmistakable birds with their black back and white underparts, distinctive black head with large pale cheeks and their tall, flattened, bright, multi-coloured bill.

Its comical appearance is heightened by its triangular red and black eye-markings and bright orange legs and has earned it the monikers ‘Sea Parrot’ and ‘Clown of the Sea’.

Poppy Rummery, RSPB Visitor Experience Manager, said: “It’s always a special moment when our first puffin returns to Bempton — they bring so much joy and energy back to the cliffs and visitors absolutely love seeing them up close.

“While we’ve sadly seen recent ‘seabird wrecks’ along our coastline, events like this remind us just how important places like Bempton are.

“By protecting their nesting sites and improving the health of our seas, we can give them the best possible chance to recover and thrive. That’s why conservation action now is so crucial. Every positive step helps build stronger, more resilient seabird populations for the future.”

The RSPB is launching its ‘save our seabirds’ campaign on April 14, wh

Dave O’Hara, Senior Reserve Manager, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, said: “I love this time of year. As the sun rises over our rugged coastline, I’m lucky enough to spot the silhouettes of Puffins arriving home to nest. It’s a joy to hear the gasps of delight from school children, walkers and keen bird watchers.

“These birds have faced real challenges in recent years, but there is hope. Thanks to conservation efforts — including our successful campaigning to end industrial Sandeel fishing, thus protecting their food sources — we now have an opportunity to turn the tide.

“Campaigns like Save Our Seabirds are about making sure future generations can experience this incredible spectacle for decades to come.”