Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

AS April gives way to May I always begin to turn my attention to seabirds.

For many years I researched the history and natural history of seabirds, some of which are almost totally isolated from the land.

However much these birds rely on flight or swimming there is one period when they have to return to land and that is to site their nest in order to breed.

The main reason why seabirds nest in huge colonies, usually on islands, is for mutual protection.

But they also do it to be as close to the sea as possible.

This is particularly the case with the gannet, which is the largest of the British seabirds and has a wingspan of around six feet.

There are very few inland records of this bird but there is one lovely story of a gannet driven over the Pennines during a storm in the 1930s. The poor bird died in flight and fell from the sky on to a policeman. He was knocked from his bike and had a bump on his head and a few broken ribs because a plummeting gannet is no lightweight. There are places where gannets can be seen in Britain but all except one are hard to get at.

To get to Grassholme in Wales, Ailsa Craig on the West Coast of Scotland or to the Bass Rock on the East Coast of Scotland planning is needed because you cross to these small islands by boat.

There is only one mainland gannetry and this is at Bempton Cliffs near Flamborough, in Yorkshire.

This site is run by the RSPB and is open all the time free of charge. These cliffs are among the wonders of natural history and are seen at their best during the period May to August.

There are not only gannets but many other seabirds nesting on the cliffs including kittiwakes.

This species gets its name from the strident call kit-e-wake which echoes from the rocks.

Kittiwakes are the most sea-based gulls and are also less aggressive than others in the family.

I know that I always say that you should enjoy natural history from your own back door.

There are times, however, especially in the summer when a bird watching trip to the seaside can be most rewarding.