Brent Geese and Fulmars at Rottingdean

These are a few shots taken at Rottingdean cliffs this morning. The weather was threatening – but never delivering – some sunshine, so the light was imperfect. There are still some fulmars nesting in the cliffs. I’ve not been there frequently enough to judge whether the small numbers are a real reduction on previous years as the time of day and weather (and sea) can make a difference to how many hug the cliffs.

fulmar
Fulmar nesting at Rottingdean Cliffs, East Sussex
fulmar and jackdaws
Fulmar with two jackdaws in the background. Jackdaws are possibly the most dominant cliff dwellers.
fulmar
Fulmar in flight

The tide was out so I kept my eye open for waders (we see lots of oystercatchers along the coast). I was out of luck with them, but a very distant flock caught my eye as it skimmed the sea between Brighton Marina and Saltdean. I think these are Brent Geese. They are winter visitors and probably just beginning their summer migration away from the UK.

Brent geese
Flock of Brent Geese off the coastline at Rottingdean, East Sussex

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.

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This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Darko

    5 Apr 2018

    I googled Brent geese and it says they are visiting BC coast during summer and stay year round in Vancouver area and southern Vancouver island, but I don’t recall seeing any ever since I came to Canada.

    1. Words

      12 Apr 2018

      Hi Darko, Brent are not as common here as Canadian geese. I guess that is probably the same in Canada! I don’t see them too often as they are wintering birds and disappear during the summer.

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