create account

A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog by dannewton

View this thread on: hive.blogpeakd.comecency.com
· @dannewton ·
$20.59
A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog
*Its been awhile since my last post, and for good reason... I have been on holiday! We spent the last few days up near the Lake District. It is a beautiful location, and we walked miles and miles and took hundreds of photos. We arrived back home earlier today, and after sorting out clothes to be washed and putting all the stuff away (there really was a lot of stuff considering we were only away for 3 days), I have run out of time to start sifting through photos.*

So instead, I am going to write about a day trip we took last week up to [Bempton Cliffs](https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bempton-cliffs/), an RSPB Reserve located on the Yorkshire Coast.


![bempton cliffs blog-3.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/243qMbV1YAPi8qA8eBPkXxEw1hXr3h8es4cZfyte4hpFjnmijdgMSJi1q3HEtkGZ848hn.jpg)

The reserve is located right on the cliff edge, and is a great place to watch seabirds nesting on the side of the cliffs. There are lots of different species ranging from Gulls to Razorbills, and Guillemots to Gannets. 

I had been looking forward to this day out for a few weeks now, and with the covid restrictions easing we were able to go with my parents which was flippin lovely if I'm honest. I had been checking the weather forecast for a few days, and it looked to be nice and bright and sunny.

Perfect!...

Or it should have been at least. 

![bempton cliffs blog-4.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/2458bBoLZDqAR5bNdftxZpygzEWHZ4txsy22zomZURyQo9MQ5Q9V8N5uiCZjaj14QPLTJ.jpg)

We arrived at 9AM sharp to be greeted with a wall of fog. 

This wasn't just a bit misty, it was very foggy indeed. Quickly checking the weather app on my phone confirmed a bit of mist which was predicted to lift around lunchtime.

![bempton cliffs blog-2.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23vsYuWuoYYESgJffoQzKRqqHFts5gCkbh9ky2Q6w9XwhZh6C7gU41973SD4cpcyHJXzh.jpg)

All we could do was wait and cross our fingers for conditions to improve. The fog might create nice atmposperic landscape pictures, but for clear shots of birds... its not ideal.


![bempton cliffs blog-12.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23uaPqLiAYLbqKiEVDVnvQVNSNVcrLZNGvQVAD9ogjtY65hNHhvyWMVhR6aqZbbZuuoXL.jpg)



![bempton cliffs blog-5.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/245HuqHgEnF5oAjBkopm1x5YnXMwwkc3gDFyRiZSrjwWStikFmyvburEXrtRoYPmdZuFj.jpg)

The pretty red flowers belong to Red Campion - *Silene dioica*

![bempton cliffs blog-11.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23yTmdT1MabY7VS2yZaxzPUWG6Lq3oJ6tZnGHQtNDon3Qa56h1V2vLV1dHX982b22WXHi.jpg)

Here was one of the birds we saw, a Tree Sparrow ([Passer montanus](https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/tree-sparrow/))

![bempton cliffs blog-18.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23vsLSpRKwx8jrVMtXAW7Cdsi2Ejk6XKaQ9ChD977eh8vA42J8ayNFHm2cvBLruymTUUg.jpg)

Another foggy shot. Here the fog has lifted slightly, showing a selection of Gulls nesting on the side of the cliff. It would be a fantastic photo oportunity if there was no fog in the way.

In the image below there are some Gannets apparently...

![bempton cliffs blog-7.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23uQvjbsDwPz8i7xwdm67rsaPnDteBpGoYBgzicMLPCFuRsNrsocvu6FqYXDCpuKe3uMk.jpg)

This image shows the problem. Fog (and mist) is caused by water droplets in the air. It is this that creates these fuzzy washed-out images. And there is nothing I can do solve the problem. If its really bright sunshine I can adjust my settings on my camera. If it is dull and cloudy, again I can change the settings, and even use a tripod to help in low light.

Here in the midst of fog, there is nothing I can do, except wait.

And wait some more.

Eventually by 2pm (five hours after we had arrived), the fog started to lift in places. Depending on where we stood and the direction we looked, I was able to get some better pictures:


![bempton cliffs blog-31.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23vsQjzesafU79EcqWS4D4Ga48QqT6ojDwysREEAeEEaLi6PoH5YSsSFSqPowFB2o1229.jpg)
Razorbill

![bempton cliffs blog-15.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23tSUJfoqkgBwk15QtdCn1tuLJjRiKe7DuY9rXzsUirxcQxeUbsKg7ZxM3MfhdR6smGNw.jpg)
The Gull here is called a Kittiwake

![bempton cliffs blog-14.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23u62hiG3UQNxC8qMnBkt2aPWMoAuuYagzPP23Jii7ncdWy5rMdKareuNn32kHVF5XgcV.jpg)
Some more Razorbills, a nesting pair perhaps?

![bempton cliffs blog-16.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23wgMybwFSwBd1Mj3rep27vx7tYX5CHaurVHBgrb8E5AQZM682xdzQuDhpFGXQtnaHhag.jpg)

A lone solitary Puffin, with those bright colours on its bill it is a iconic and easily recognised species. This was the only individual I saw on this day, and the Weather Gods decided I wasn't to get a decent picture of this one

Finally at the far end of the reserve, I was able to get a better picture of the Gannets. They are one of the largest species of seabird we have here in the UK, and they were an impressive sight in flight (when I could see them in between the fog patches!)


![bempton cliffs blog-25.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23tbnXjNBADutVyPdGBnk46Q1CLxG9wCDh4JuF3UvedePD1dKxi3Rqdmfn94AFmWej2A8.jpg)

![bempton cliffs blog-10.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23xKvAa8L2eNBmrzMvQcm4NxA9iQbi7gSJXh2VW3KBD7XX2cX4wA5To1yPYiDxESEKcQL.jpg)

![bempton cliffs blog-29.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23tGy49c31nPrpEsZ8PVaomLKNx816ibQoJjwoSzMz9dV6d68dj4wHYyFvGB1h1xpLoxp.jpg)

![bempton cliffs blog-34.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23uFPUDyQWtYxY4pF34FEb29Xe983vGZBy86pjqHzrjhALHur9jH4jrG2EddjoToAB1Xx.jpg)

I'm pretty sure this was a nesting pair, they spent nearly 20 minutes matching each others head movements as part of bonding or courtship rituals. Lovely to see, even if they were a bit far away.

![bempton cliffs blog-9.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23tSRwpxBpeihRkx21arw77i1wikmbygj6KD4w2WWVKtEEzy1uLfJxh6UTQAQs74XCE3e.jpg)

Here is one of the Gannets inflight, showing off an impressive wingspan. Even with a bit of editing, you can see a bit of haziness in the picture due to the effect of the fog.

At about 3:30pm, the fog started to roll in from the sea and become thicker again, so we took the hint and went home.


In conclusion, Bempton Cliffs is a fantastic reserve, and there was a lot of cool stuff going on, but if you plan on going then I recommend picking a day with no fog!


*Now with that done I can move on to tackle the 800+ images I took while on holiday, and hopefully I'll be able to share some of those with you in a few days*



*All names confirmed and checked via the [RSPB Website](https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/)*


<center>![Hiveblog divider.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/lVz8TBh1-Hiveblog20divider.png)</center>

<center>Thank you for reading, I hope you found it interesting.
<br> 

If you have any thoughts or opinions on this article then I'd love to see your comments. 
And if you really like the content then maybe you would like to upvote or re-hive it.</center>

<center>![logofooter.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/W0ArX3ZU-logofooter.JPG)</center>


<center>All Photos taken by @dannewton unless otherwise stated. 
Check out my [website](https://dannewtonphotography.myportfolio.com/) for more of my work.</center>

[500px](https://500px.com/p/dan_newton?view=photos) - [Redbubble](https://www.redbubble.com/people/dan-newton/shop?asc=u)

<center>![Hiveblog divider.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/lVz8TBh1-Hiveblog20divider.png)</center>
👍  , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 220 others
properties (23)
authordannewton
permlinka-spot-of-birdwatching-frustrated-by-fog
categoryhive-106444
json_metadata{"app":"peakd/2021.06.2","format":"markdown","tags":["amazingnature","teamuk","photofeed","photography"],"users":["dannewton"],"image":["https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/243qMbV1YAPi8qA8eBPkXxEw1hXr3h8es4cZfyte4hpFjnmijdgMSJi1q3HEtkGZ848hn.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/2458bBoLZDqAR5bNdftxZpygzEWHZ4txsy22zomZURyQo9MQ5Q9V8N5uiCZjaj14QPLTJ.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23vsYuWuoYYESgJffoQzKRqqHFts5gCkbh9ky2Q6w9XwhZh6C7gU41973SD4cpcyHJXzh.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23uaPqLiAYLbqKiEVDVnvQVNSNVcrLZNGvQVAD9ogjtY65hNHhvyWMVhR6aqZbbZuuoXL.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/245HuqHgEnF5oAjBkopm1x5YnXMwwkc3gDFyRiZSrjwWStikFmyvburEXrtRoYPmdZuFj.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23yTmdT1MabY7VS2yZaxzPUWG6Lq3oJ6tZnGHQtNDon3Qa56h1V2vLV1dHX982b22WXHi.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23vsLSpRKwx8jrVMtXAW7Cdsi2Ejk6XKaQ9ChD977eh8vA42J8ayNFHm2cvBLruymTUUg.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23uQvjbsDwPz8i7xwdm67rsaPnDteBpGoYBgzicMLPCFuRsNrsocvu6FqYXDCpuKe3uMk.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23vsQjzesafU79EcqWS4D4Ga48QqT6ojDwysREEAeEEaLi6PoH5YSsSFSqPowFB2o1229.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23tSUJfoqkgBwk15QtdCn1tuLJjRiKe7DuY9rXzsUirxcQxeUbsKg7ZxM3MfhdR6smGNw.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23u62hiG3UQNxC8qMnBkt2aPWMoAuuYagzPP23Jii7ncdWy5rMdKareuNn32kHVF5XgcV.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23wgMybwFSwBd1Mj3rep27vx7tYX5CHaurVHBgrb8E5AQZM682xdzQuDhpFGXQtnaHhag.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23tbnXjNBADutVyPdGBnk46Q1CLxG9wCDh4JuF3UvedePD1dKxi3Rqdmfn94AFmWej2A8.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23xKvAa8L2eNBmrzMvQcm4NxA9iQbi7gSJXh2VW3KBD7XX2cX4wA5To1yPYiDxESEKcQL.jpg","https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/dannewton/23tGy49c31nPrpEsZ8PVaomLKNx816ibQoJjwoSzMz9dV6d68dj4wHYyFvGB1h1xpLoxp.jpg"]}
created2021-06-11 23:41:33
last_update2021-06-11 23:41:33
depth0
children6
last_payout2021-06-18 23:41:33
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value10.435 HBD
curator_payout_value10.154 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length7,839
author_reputation158,420,654,191,873
root_title"A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd0
post_id104,277,295
net_rshares35,153,086,504,146
author_curate_reward""
vote details (284)
@ecency ·
Your content has been **voted** as a part of [Encouragement program](https://ecency.com/ecency/@good-karma/encouragement-program-continues-82eafcd10a299). Keep up the good work! <br><br>Use Ecency daily to boost your growth on platform! <br><br><b>Support Ecency</b><br>[Vote for Proposal](https://hivesigner.com/sign/update-proposal-votes?proposal_ids=%5B141%5D&approve=true)<br>[Delegate HP and earn more](https://ecency.com/hive-125125/@ecency/daily-100-curation-rewards)
properties (22)
authorecency
permlinkre-2021612t01817690z
categoryhive-106444
json_metadata{"tags":["ecency"],"app":"ecency/3.0.16-welcome","format":"markdown+html"}
created2021-06-12 00:18:18
last_update2021-06-12 00:18:18
depth1
children0
last_payout2021-06-19 00:18:18
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length474
author_reputation550,724,080,826,892
root_title"A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id104,277,693
net_rshares0
@goldenoakfarm ·
I think you did really well considering all the fog. Lots of good photos!
properties (22)
authorgoldenoakfarm
permlinkre-dannewton-qumsj2
categoryhive-106444
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-106444"],"app":"peakd/2021.06.2"}
created2021-06-13 08:21:00
last_update2021-06-13 08:21:00
depth1
children1
last_payout2021-06-20 08:21:00
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length73
author_reputation369,354,728,594,931
root_title"A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id104,301,359
net_rshares0
@dannewton ·
Thank you, I did the best I could considering the naff conditions, and you could argue that the fog actually helped create some interesting images in its own right...
properties (22)
authordannewton
permlinkre-goldenoakfarm-qur46z
categoryhive-106444
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-106444"],"app":"peakd/2021.06.2"}
created2021-06-15 16:23:33
last_update2021-06-15 16:23:33
depth2
children0
last_payout2021-06-22 16:23:33
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length166
author_reputation158,420,654,191,873
root_title"A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id104,349,458
net_rshares0
@melinda010100 ·
Even with the fog your photos are wonderful! The scenery is amazing and you got some really gorgeous bird photos. Thanks so much for sharing them here at Feathered Friends! 
properties (22)
authormelinda010100
permlinkre-dannewton-2021612t15514571z
categoryhive-106444
json_metadata{"tags":["amazingnature","teamuk","photofeed","photography"],"app":"ecency/3.0.18-mobile","format":"markdown+html"}
created2021-06-12 20:51:45
last_update2021-06-12 20:51:45
depth1
children1
last_payout2021-06-19 20:51:45
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length173
author_reputation776,984,777,123,424
root_title"A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id104,293,904
net_rshares0
@dannewton ·
Thank you, It is a stunning place to visit, it was just frustrating as I knew there was more to see, but the fog had covered up all the interesting stuff. I plan to go back and visit the area soon, so hopefully next time I can do the location justice 🤞
properties (22)
authordannewton
permlinkre-melinda010100-qur4gq
categoryhive-106444
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-106444"],"app":"peakd/2021.06.2"}
created2021-06-15 16:29:15
last_update2021-06-15 16:29:15
depth2
children0
last_payout2021-06-22 16:29:15
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length252
author_reputation158,420,654,191,873
root_title"A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id104,349,576
net_rshares0
@teamuksupport ·
Hi @dannewton, 
 Thank you for participating in the #teamuk curated tag. We have upvoted your quality content. 
 For more information visit our discord https://discord.gg/8CVx2Am
👍  
properties (23)
authorteamuksupport
permlinkre-a-spot-of-birdwatching-frustrated-by-fog-20210611t234432z
categoryhive-106444
json_metadata"{"app": "beem/0.24.20"}"
created2021-06-11 23:44:33
last_update2021-06-11 23:44:33
depth1
children0
last_payout2021-06-18 23:44:33
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length178
author_reputation6,871,532,892,460
root_title"A Spot of Birdwatching - Frustrated by Fog"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id104,277,318
net_rshares6,241,658,536
author_curate_reward""
vote details (1)