The Humorous Tale of Photographing Guillemots at Bempton Cliffs: A First-Timer’s Guide.
In the glistening sunlight, where the North Sea waves crash relentlessly against the towering chalk cliffs of Bempton, resides the comical symphony of Guillemots during the breeding season. Being a first-time photographer at this magnificent location, I armed myself with anticipation and sunscreen, considering the rather un-British pleasant weather we were having.
They were there in their thousands, squawking, pecking, preening – a vast community of birds with personalities as colourful as their surroundings. As I tried to capture the perfect shot, the Guillemots dived in and out of focus, like tiny feathered comedians playing a prank on the newbie.
As my shutter clicked away, a young Guillemot, who I fondly named ‘Ernest’, after its earnest endeavour to stand out, became the star of my escapade. Ernest, with his wide-eyed curiosity, continually photo-bombed my shots, always popping up right when the frame seemed perfect. The heart-warming shenanigans of this avian jester created a symphony of joy that resonates in every image I captured that day.
5 Interesting FAQ:
- What time of year can you see Guillemots at Bempton Cliffs? From April to August, Bempton Cliffs is a hotbed of Guillemot activity, with the height of the breeding season falling in June.
- Why do Guillemots lay their eggs on cliff ledges? Guillemots have a unique egg shape to prevent them from rolling off the cliff ledges. Their eggs are pear-shaped, which causes them to spin in a circle when disturbed.
- What’s the average lifespan of a Guillemot? A Guillemot can live up to 20 years. However, their life expectancy can vary depending on food availability and threats from predators.
- Do Guillemots mate for life? Yes, Guillemots usually form monogamous pairs and mate for life. They also return to the same breeding grounds year after year.
- What is the best way to differentiate between Guillemots and Razorbills? Guillemots have a ‘bridled’ variety with a white ring around the eye and stripe behind it, which Razorbills lack. Guillemots’ bills are thinner compared to Razorbills’ stout, deeper bills.
5 Tips on Photographing Guillemots at Bempton Cliffs:
- Steady Your Gear: Use a tripod to stabilize your camera, especially when shooting with a heavy telephoto lens.
- Use the Right Settings: Aim for a fast shutter speed to capture the quick movement of these lively birds. A good starting point could be 1/1000th of a second.
- Play with Depth of Field: Adjust your aperture to manipulate your depth of field. A wider aperture (smaller f-number) will isolate the bird against a soft, blurred background.
- Master the Art of Patience: Wildlife photography requires a good deal of patience. Take your time to observe their behaviour and wait for the perfect shot.
- Respect the Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from the Guillemots. It’s essential to respect their space and not cause any disturbance.
So, there you have it, my first attempt at capturing the comedic, chaotic beauty of Guillemots at Bempton Cliffs. Remember, every adventure brings new learning, new stories, and perhaps, a new feathered friend named Ernest.
Until the next escapade, keep exploring, keep laughing, and most importantly, keep capturing those fleeting moments that nature so generously offers us.
