RSPB Bempton Cliffs

About RSPB Bempton Cliffs

RSPB Bempton Cliffs is on the East Yorkshire coast near Bridlington. There is plenty of parking, but on busy days in summer space is limited. There is a welcome centre, café, toilets and shop. There is an entry charge for non-members. During the summer breeding season this is an outstanding location for guillemots, razorbills and gannets. Puffins are there, but harder to spot.

This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA)

Kestrel

kestrel hovering

Kestrel (DSCF4289c)

This was the last bird I photographed on our week at Bempton in May 2026. I spotted the kestrel hovering close to the cliffs as were making our way back to the car.

 

Technical

  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm 150-600
  • 1/1000 sec at f/8
  • ISO 500

Guillemot

guillemot diving

Guillemot (DSCF1579c)

Guillemots dive fast and with no warning. They are very difficult to capture, so I was delighted with all the shots I did achieve. I've picked this one for the background of the sea with the white smudges which are birds on the surface.

Technical

  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm 150-600
  • 1/4000 sec at f/7.1
  • ISO 5000

Razorbill

razorbill

Razorbill (DSCF2835c)

This is another bird that dives very quickly into the ocean and is difficult to photograph in flight. I had several successful flight shots. However, I  quite like this picture of two razorbills looking back at the camera shortly after mating on the cliff edge.

Technical

  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm 150-600
  • 1/4000 sec at f/8
  • ISO 2000

Gannet

gannet

Gannet (DSCF0573c)

Gannets appear to fly so effortlessly through the air, even in windy weather. Watching them land on the clifftop in strong winds, I marvelled at their delicate ability to control their flight.

Technical

  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm 150-600
  • 1/4000 sec at f/7.1 (-1)
  • ISO 640