Umbrellas UpThe 23rd July 2013 - an auspicious day. While the nation was keenly awaiting the first sighting of the new royal arrival, the Prince of Cambridge, the Bees bunch were;- prodding flowers, writing notes, netting moths and photographing butterflies in their nirvana - the treasure house of Ellerburn Bank YWT reserve nr Pickering on the edge of the North York Moors. 75 species of flower, 9 butterflies, 8 moths and a variety of birds were identified on this day out. The day started with a clap of thunder and a torrential downpour of rain. One member divulged that she thought the trip might be cancelled. Cancelled, no way, we don't cancel except in the most extreme circumstances! Our journey was completed in fine conditions but concious of a possible downpour later, following lunch, we walked hastily through Dalby Forest to Ellerburn Bank. Although the orchids - Common Spotted, Fly and Bee orchid were well past their best the limestone sward was outstandingly beautiful. Lady's Bedstraw, Field Scabious, Dropwort, Marjoram, Knapweed, Thyme, Eyebright, Wild Strawberry, Common Rock Rose, Salad Burnet provided a wonderful palate of colours. There were some special plants- Woolly Thistle, Saw-wort, Carline Thistle, Centaury, Wild Mignonette to name but a few.
Marbled White On Field ScabiousAlthough cloudy but nevertheless warm we were delighted to see a full array of butterflies more especially the super active black and white Marbled White butterfly. There were plenty of Ringlets, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper and Small Heath butterflies. Common Blue, Green Veined White, Red Admiral and Dark Green Fritillary butterflies were also spotted. The moths identified by John were Six-spot Burnet moth, Silver Y, Shaded Broad-bar, Barred Straw, Diamond-back Moth, Agapeta zoegana, Agriphila straminella, Ypsolopha parenthesella, Eucosma cana and Eucosma hohenwartiana.
Dark Green Fritillary
Bird species included House Martins,Swift, Swallow, Common Gull, Black-headed Gulls, Whitethroat, Blackcap, a flock of Linnets, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Carrion crow, Blackbird, Wood pigeons, Dunnock and Red Kite. Sue picked up a defaecating frog (correction a frog that weed on her); a Slow-worm was uncovered but no Adders.
The slower walk back to the minibus allowed Alice and Joan time to identify flowers and ferns of the acid woodland. We had escaped the showers and proceeded to enjoy our visit to the impressive eco-friendly visitors centre. Our meal at the Black Bull at Escrick was enjoyable and we returned to Bradford in good time. A long day out but with some good memories.
Margaret