On arrival at the viewpoint it was negative, but the spectacle of Gannets, Kittiwakes and Auks made up for it whilst we waited. Then the call went up, the albatross had sneaked back in and was sat with the Gannets. Good scope views, it also stood out from distance even with the eye. What a fabulous bird.
Over the next 20 minutes the albatross took off, flew around and then re-landed. Wonderful to watch in flight. It's next flight though took the albatross on a prolonged flight out to sea, eventually lost as it landed on a bright, sunlit sea. We counted ourselves lucky as it was not seen again for the rest of the day!
We weren't due at Hornsea till 11am so we spent the next hour exploring this fabulous reserve. Dozens of auks on the sea included numerous Puffin, with the occasional adult still appearing on the cliffs with some nests still active.
The Gannets were the real stars though, with so much behaviour to watch and take in.
An occasional scope out to sea meant Fulmar also seen, and a group of 6 Common Scoter as well. Later in the day a Hobby blasted through at Mappleton, scattering the hirundines above the cliffs there.
Our second day meant a morning at Flamborough Head itself, and an exploration of the geology at Selwicks Bay. Both Common and Grey Seal showed well, and a couple of Porpoise further out. A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull showed well briefly, and a Greenshank was a surprise in-off the sea. House Martin were nesting in the chalk with chicks fledging as we watched.
An excellent couple of days in East Yorkshire and very blessed to have seen the magnificent Black-browed Albatross.
