with a scarcity f r o m O c t o b e r to January or February, and a virtual absence in N o v e m b e r (Figs. 5a-c). In June and July the small numbers seen regularly included several individuals behaving as if prospecting the earthy cliffs for nest sites. Their to and fro fly-pasts were not counted. Most other Fulmars at this season were perhaps c o m m u t i n g to and f r o m the small breeding colony at Bawdsey, 30 miles to the south, w h e r e up to 24 birds were reported to be present f r o m January to July in 1994. Fulmars flew predominantly (90%) north throughout the year (Fig. 5b). During the spring movements, which peaked between mid-April and late May, 9 4 % flew north. T h e strongest m o v e m e n t s then were during N - N E winds and included a notable 4 1 2 north in 8.5 hours on April 16th 1996, following several days of fresh/strong N - N E winds, and 123 north in 3.25 hours on May 20th 1994. Most birds moved within 2 hours of sunrise, 213 in the first hour or so on the former date. Blue-phase Fulmars were observed on May 5th 1994 when a group of three flew south close inshore, constituting only the third county record. This northern form occurs almost annually, and in any month, off the north Norfolk coast and at times in large numbers off Flamborough Head. Fig. 5a. Fulmar, 1994-96 number
month ^1994
1995
1996
Fig. 5b. Fulmar, 1994-96
22