Flamborough with Alexanders in the ForegroundWhat a contrast to last week! As a full minibus set off on our extended day out to Flamborough and Bempton it was very warm and sunny with cloudless blue skies. As we stopped off en route to use the facilities it did feel cooler but still very pleasant and on arrival at our first stop at South Landing, although the skies were still cloudless we were glad we had brought out coats as there was a very strong sea breeze. Margaret and Brian were our leaders for the day and we had a detailed printed itinerary to facilitate the packed programme. At South Landing with its RNLI station we took a walk down to the beach to look out for migratory birds. 
GannetsOnce again our "proper" birders were absent so the "would-be" birders did their best. Our best sighting here was yellowhammers. We then piled back in the bus and headed for our second stop at Flamborough with its chalk cliffs and lighthouse. Some headed down the steep paths to the beach whilst others remained on top. Many of the paths were edged by alexanders. Another short bus ride took us to our lunch stop at North Landing where the path down to the beach passed weathered cobles and several caves could be seen. Kittiwakes were nesting on the cliffs and a pied wagtail was scavenging on the sand and a gannet formation did a fly past. 
BeachcombingThe afternoon was spent at the RSPB reserve at Bempton cliffs, renowned for its seabird colonies including puffins. It was disappointing to find a dearth of puffins but there were plenty of kittiwakes, razorbills, gannets and guillemots. Skylarks were displaying in the fields and linnets and tree sparrows were feeding near the visitor centre. Our bird count for the day was 26. 60 flowering plants were seen including alexanders and kidney vetch and at Bempton the coastal paths were lined with vast swathes of red campion. A caterpillar was found and this has been identified by John as a drinker moth. From Bempton we drove to the Black Bull at Escrick where we enjoyed a lovely meal. We arrived back in Bradford at about 9.15.
Sue