Bill Rubbing

Fabulous to see the gannet courtship display  on the stunning cliff edges of Bempton this afternoon. 

Large with a 6 foot wingspan,  elegant and I think quite magnificent they act out their elaborate courtship display by sky pointing and bill rubbing. The males were working hard bringing in nesting material of grasses, leaves and seaweed all hoping to impress the females. 

They seldom go to shore except for this breeding season and 1000's of birds were here screeching and wheeling round in the blustery wind. There were kittiwakes, puffins and fulmars in profusion all competing for space on the cliff face to nest.