It was a very similar day two years ago, I was standing on the cliffs at Bempton, E. Yorkshire in a gusty wind laden with drizzle and a temperature of barely 13C. That day, I was unsuccessful in seeing my first Black-browed Albatross. Today I joined the throng of birders already present at 5-00 am and the Albatross had not been seen, either on the cliffs, in flight or sitting on the sea. All things it had been seen to do on the previous day. This Black-browed Albatross is thought to have been wandering around the North Sea for a considerable time, possibly several years. It is seen off the coast of Germany for long periods and again off Denmark. A couple of hours passed uneventfully and although this Albatross would put up with any weather thrown at it, the Puffins seemed reluctant to fly and then landing was a problem. The Gannets were having similar difficulties, getting the balance right for landing. Inevitably, there comes a moment when you have to re-assess the situation - has the Albatross gone, flying off in the darkness? Is it tucked away out of sight on a cliff? A mass movement in the crowd on an adjacent watchpoint indicated the Albatross was here and was on the move! My first glimpse of this huge bird was when it flew North, pursued by a Herring Gull. What a wingspan! We were putting up with awful conditions but the Black-browed Albatross cruised past in leisurely fashion. It remained on its course and disappeared from my view at this watchpoint. Returning to the first watchpoint, I was able to spend more time with this magnificent bird as it settled for a short while among the Gannets. The Albatross left the cliff for another fly around and I decided to leave Bempton too, as it wasn't getting any warmer.
Will I see another Black-browed Albatross in my lifetime? I don't know, but I will certainly remember this wonderful part of nature. Comments are closed.
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