Members of Retford and District Photographic Society have recently enjoyed their summer trip to photograph gannets diving for fish off Bempton Cliffs. A forecast of violent thunderstorms and torrential rain almost called it off, but fortunately the storm passed quickly and the only impact was an hour’s delay to the start. Having to get there for 6.30am rather than 5.30am didn’t upset anyone.
The cliffs are an 80-minute boat ride from Bridlington and the group knew they had arrived by the large following of birds, well used to their boat, impatiently gathering in the breakfast queue.
The captain threw fish out and members were treated to the spectacular sight of gannets diving just a couple of metres from the boat. They found it hard to look through the viewfinder rather than gazing in awe at such an unforgettable sight. The group were grateful to Steve Race of Yorkshire Coast Nature, tutor for the morning, who provided technical advice everyone went home with their cameras full of memorable photos. Jane Brownley, the group’s trip organiser, had scored another notable request.
Once back ashore, those who still had an appetite for more gannets set off to watch them from the RSPB reserve on top of Bempton Cliffs. If you would like to be part of a group which offers opportunities like this, there is a warm welcome awaiting you, when the society’s new season begins on Monday 2nd September. Meetings continue weekly on Mondays at 7.30pm until the end of April 2020, at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Babworth Road. Just go along or contact the society via their website so that they can look out for you. For more information see www.retford-photographic.co.uk.