I had tried on three occasions over successive weekends in July to see an English Black-browed Albatross, but it kept eluding me. This was partly down to it not being a UK Tick, as I had seen Albert, the Hermaness Black-browed Albatross in late June 81. This was the long stay individual that had turned up for most summers between 1975-95.
The Black-browed Albatross had settled into a routine of being seen virtually every day at Bempton Cliffs in the second half of July, until it was last seen on 7 August. Then on the 13th it was seen again. Having missed it three times, I wasn't in a hurry to rush back to Yorkshire. With news of its present on the 14th & seen sitting on its roost spot that evening, I decided to try again and ensure I was there for first light the next morning. I arrived about 04:45 & quickly walked down to the viewing platform overlooking its roost spot. Finally, in the early dawn mist, I added it to my English List. This is a list I started keeping for a bit of fun, but I'm slowly taking a more seriously now it's getting quite reasonable.
The mist clear & reappeared a few times, before clearing properly.
Finally, about 07:40, it had taken to the air & spent the next half hour flying around the offshore, but it was never particularly close.
I walked back towards the car park & stopped at a closer viewpoint. It was still flying around, but it was closer to the cliffs. It made once close pass, then steadily headed out to sea. That looked like it would be the end of the views for several hours.
I decided I had taken plenty of photos of the other Seabirds at Bempton Cliffs over the three previous visits: so, I headed back to the car park. I had a plan B if I saw the Black-browed Albatross early, which was to head down to Frampton Marsh in Lincs for a Pacific Golden Plover that had been present for the past three weeks.
Frampton Marsh has managed to attract a number of rare Waders over the years, but I had never visited it. So, this would be a good excuse for a look. It has lots of good pools & I was very impressed with the reserve. It's a pity it is the best part of a five hour drive from home.
