Heading To The CoveA great day out, something for everyone but oh wasn't it cold and threatening rain when we arrived at Malham National Park Centre! We were aware that the peregrines had given birth to 3 chicks. The adults were flying in good weather gathering food for their young. Would we be fortunate enough to see them?
We arrived at the Cove and were greeted by the RSPB warden Jon and his volunteer helper. They encouraged us to use the telescopes to look at a peregrine (male or female not known until flying - the female is larger than the male) perched on the cliff edge away from the nest.
RedstartDonald was anxious to get the walking group going on the planned 4 mile walk which would involve a steep climb up the Cove steps, along the limestone pavement onto the moorland and then a descent to Janet's Foss. A party of 8 started out on the walk however after a steep climb 3 opted to return to the Cove for some birding. The weather was certainly brightening up and the birds were enjoying the sunshine. 
WhinchatThey were singing from the trees and flying around busily, some in pairs. We were fascinated by the redstarts which were all over the Cove; their red breasts and grey backs shone in the sunlight. There were other avian delights - good views of tree creeper, green woodpecker, willow warbler, whinchat, robin, grey wagtail, pied wagtail, jackdaw, wheatear, buzzard as well as peregrine in flight.
The botanists - a party of 5 - seemed to enjoy their exploration of the Cove and grassland. Highlights included meadow saxifrage, false oxlip, mash valerian, common whitlow grass, salad burnet and shining cranesbill. .
False OxlipMary and Alan completed a walk to Janet's Foss and back to Malham.
The walking group returned to Malham before "the strollers". Good views were enjoyed . A dipper was seen at Janet's Foss. 2 butterfly species, a rabbit and a roe deer also were seen on the walk. A stoat crossed Margaret's path while driving to Malham.
A happy united group enjoyed tea and cake at a local Malham tea room at the end of the day.Margaret