Kittiwakes, Bombers and Belly Laughs – The Final Day of the Three Amigos Tour

 

Kittiwake

Every trip eventually reaches its final chapter.

Fortunately, our last full day in East Yorkshire turned out to be every bit as enjoyable as the first.

After breakfast on 3rd June, we once again found ourselves heading towards RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

By now, it felt almost like our local patch.

Waiting for an Owl

Conditions were bright but noticeably windier than on previous visits.

The reserve was also quieter, making photography much easier.

Our main objective was simple.

Barn Owl.

The resident bird had appeared briefly on our first evening, and we hoped it might repeat the performance.

Sadly, the owl had other ideas.

Despite waiting patiently, it never showed.

Fortunately, nature always provides alternatives.

A singing Sedge Warbler

A Sedge Warbler delivered a full-volume performance from nearby vegetation and proved far more cooperative than the owl. The Kittiwakes were busy gathering nesting material, whilst Fulmars glided effortlessly along the cliff face.

Fulmar gliding around the cliff edges

Headshot of a Gannet

Razorbill

As always, the Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills continued their endless activity on the cliffs below.

I have never seen so many Kittiwakes, and I was thrilled to get such close views of these pretty seabirds. Like the Gannets, many were gathering nesting material from the clifftops for their nests.

Kittiwake tending its egg.

Plan B

Around midday, the weather began looking increasingly threatening.

Dark clouds gathered.

Rain lurked on the horizon.

We decided to head towards Filey in search of waders around high tide.

The moment we left Bempton, the heavens opened.

After briefly assessing conditions, we collectively decided that getting soaked wasn't part of the plan.

Instead, we implemented one of the great traditions of wildlife photography.

Plan B.

Yorkshire Air Museum

Halifax bomber

Our alternative destination was the Yorkshire Air Museum (YAM) near York.

It proved to be an inspired choice.

Located on a former RAF bomber station, the museum houses an impressive collection of aircraft spanning multiple eras of aviation history.

The undisputed star attraction was the reconstructed Halifax bomber.

Halifax Bomber

Standing beside it, you truly appreciate the sheer scale of these wartime aircraft and the bravery of the crews who flew them.

Other highlights included Buccaneers, Tornados, Lightnings, Dakotas and Mirage aircraft.

Blackburn Buccaneer

English Electric Lightning F6

Even for someone whose primary interests usually involve feathers rather than jet engines, it was fascinating.

By the time we emerged from the exhibition halls, the sunshine had returned.

Perfect timing.

One Last Yorkshire Sunset

Back at the cottage, our final evening arrived far too quickly.

A Chinese takeaway provided the fuel for one last photography session.

The skies remained dramatic, with sunlight battling through layers of cloud and illuminating patches of countryside stretching towards the horizon.

The local hares were once again present in their favourite field.

This time, Paul attempted his own photographic mission, although the fading light proved challenging.

Meanwhile, I launched the drone and concentrated on capturing the atmospheric conditions from above.

For a brief period, the sun broke through and transformed the landscape.

It was the perfect farewell.

The Funniest Moments

No Three Amigos trip would be complete without a few memorable mishaps.

There was Paul's request for help with his "strap-on", which sounded considerably more alarming until he clarified he meant his ankle support.

Then there was my public safety announcement regarding a police officer supposedly hiding beside the road near Thornwick Bay with a speed gun.

The officer later turned out to be a scarecrow wearing a fluorescent jacket and a police-style hat.

I maintain it was highly convincing.

Finally, there was Nicola's camera bag.

To describe it as large would be unfair to large things.

Combined with what appeared to be enough food supplies to survive a minor apocalypse, it occupied approximately half the available space in the vehicle.

Next year, I may need to tow a trailer.

Until Next Time

As our Yorkshire adventure drew to a close, one thing became very clear.

The wildlife had been fantastic.

The scenery had been spectacular.

West End Farm Cottage provided an excellent base (Many Thanks, Jo, for a lovely stay).

Most importantly, the company had been brilliant.

Sometimes the best trips aren't necessarily about rare birds or perfect photographs.

They're about shared experiences, laughter and spending time with good friends.

The Three Amigos certainly achieved all of that.

Until the next adventure.