Using the combination of two tried and tested scientific theories (one being who dares wins and the other being third time lucky), I had a trip up to Bempton earlier this week to see if I could see the Black-Browed Albatross.

Some of the photos and accounts have been stunning and to think that this is a rare bird in the northern hemisphere and when they are seen it is usually at a distance at sea, this one is very tempting.

I arrived at around 6.15pm and it was a very pleasant evening with plenty of common sea-birds on view (thousands in fact!)

At first there was no sign of the BBA so it was just a case of enjoying the scenery and the sounds of thousands of seabirds flying in an out of their cliff side perches. It’s quite a spectacle.

Rumours of the bird being sat on the water a long way out gave some hope and it was’t long before it was sighted-the tiniest of dots on the sea. It seemed quite content and I thought it was going to stay on the sea until it got dark, however it took flight and made its way towards us.

It headed inshore and snaked in and out of view as it went behind cliff headlands.

There was a running commentary as it got closer and it was quite exciting. It carried on past Staple Newk and continued towards us eventually going underneath the cliffs and out of view.

It circled round and came back into the bay and after 10 minutes or so took up its favourite position on the cliff in readiness to roost.

Not quite the views some have had but very nice all the same. Great to have seen a Black Browed Albatross off the east Yorkshire Coast.

I went again this morning but unfortunately theer was no sign (it had been seen before I arrived. Somewhat surreal having to use the overflow car park at 6.30 in the morning!

I spent the morning photographing puffins which was a absolute delight.

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