The Black-browed Albatross at Bempton, Yorkshire.30/6/2021
When I started birdwatching 40 years ago I saw a picture of a Black-browed Albatross sat on a rocky outcrop in the north of the Shetland Isles. Since that moment I have always wanted to see one in the British Isles, with the species being a southern oceans dweller it has been rather difficult! In 2017 one turned up at RSPB Bempton and after a long, wet & miserable evening the wait had to continue. Last year 2020 the same bird turned up at the identical place but I was to rue the chance by not going for the bird for reasons beyond my control. Was there a pattern being developed by this Albatross?
Fast forward to June 28th at about 10-30pm, whilst I slept, Rare Bird Alert posted that a Black-browed Albatross had been seen that very evening at Bempton. Knowing that I had an important meeting to attend at lunch time and that the small matter of England v Germany in the Euro Championship was kicking off at 5pm, I was kind of tied up for the day. At 6-20am the news came out that the bird was still present and entertaining all present, until it drifted out with the tide and flew around Filey Bay. It came back inshore and was seen going to roost. This was surely my chance to see my Dream Bird News that Bob K and his good lady had seen the bird also inspired me to go, even though this species is not that well known for hanging around. A few calls to get a team together resulting in myself, Kevin C, Gary C (of Caspian Gull/Shaw fame) with Mark R at the controls meeting in Milnrow at 5am.
The weather in Milnrow when we left was overcast but as we went over into Yorkshire a small amount of drizzle was encountered. Mark made great time and as we passed over the Yorkshire Wolds the weather became greyer and more rain fell. No news about the bird did not help, would it still be there or are we to be thwarted again? The overflow carpark at Bempton was almost full as we arrived and still no news about the Black-browed Albatross. We had a walk down to one of the northern viewpoints and enjoyed the seabirds in their nesting colonies. I had a walk down to New Roll-up viewpoint and in the distance at Staple Newk viewpoint. I could see two lots of 100+Gannets sat around and lots of birders who seemed to be running, pointing and feverishly looking at something, could it be the Albatross? As I joined the throng I soon saw the bird flying around and giving great opportunitys to photograph it. As this happened all the birders present simultaneously began applauding. This was a real Hairs on the back of your neck moment and in all my long years of birding have never witnessed it before. I can describe the bird as absolutely fantastic to watch as it flew around, as close as 10 yards at one point. It`s sheer size was truly awesome making the Gannets look quite small. I am going to stop now trying to describe the bird, only that it made a lot of birders of my vintage very happy people. Oh forgot about the weather, well to be honest I didnt care! Mark R had us all back in the Milnrow area by 11-30am, thanks again for driving pal.
