A seabird that is so rare in the Northern Hemisphere there are only thought to be two recent examples recorded in Western Europe, appears to have made its home at Bempton cliffs for the second year running.
The Black-browed Albatross has been spotted and verified twice from the cliffs at Bempton in the last few hours and caused huge excitement amongst birdwatchers and also nature lovers throughout the country.
The brief sightings have tantalised twitchers after the bird made Bempton its summer residence in July 2021 – presumably the same adult as in 2017 and 2020 and last year.
Local nature enthusiast Kevin Groocock who writes for his daily blog and website the Bempton Birder (www.rugbybirder.blogspot.com) was delighted after he captured the Albatross on camera last year
“I was thrilled to finally see and capture some close images of this amazing bird. It’s size just makes you think WOW! It is a magnificent sight as it glides past you at eye level or low over your head. However, seeing an Albatross in the northern hemisphere is tinged with sadness in the knowledge that is a lost bird and may never regain its normal life or habitat in the southern hemisphere.”
The bird was spotted off Staple Newk viewpoint at around midday today (30 March).
