WFV, Thixendale, 12 June 2012
Margaret
Margaret
Stuart.
What 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. Once 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. The 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
Some of the quotes from our group:
"It puts a new dimension on Tuesdays" - Joan
"It's muddy" - Lorna
"Lorna's leap" - John
"If we can do that we can do anything" - Janet
"A day full of twists and turns" - Margaret
"All's well that ends well" - Joan
What have we been upto? We walked in the delightful valley of Sunnydale near East Morton on a cold day in May. The countryside was superb with over 42 flower species identified as well as 32 birds (considering our regular bird recorders weren't present this was an excellent result). However there were one or two obstacles to overcome. The water level was high and produced scenic waterfalls. It also made beck crossing treacherous and difficult. Lorna had the unfortunate experience of slipping on a stone when crossing a beck and getting a soaking which she bravely dismissed. Our return to the minibus was thwarted when we encountered a swollen beck. Martin "the new boy" led us back having found an alternative route. The cattle had also left us the challenge of very muddy paths to negotiate. There was a further twist to the tale when on arriving at East Riddlesden Hall, Maddy announced that she thought she had left her bag containing her most important wordly possessions on our path. (She later remembered that she had transferred these items into her pockets!). Thankfully the day ended with a cuppa in the tea room of East Riddlesden Hall, where we had spent the remainder of the afternoon exploring the gardens, including herb garden, house and riverside walk. 13 peope enjoyed our trip today. There was a wealth of plants to be seen en route. Violets were still in flower as well as woodland species such as wood sorrel. Marsh marigold shone through the wetland area. The patches of giant and field horsetail were extensive.The variety of bird life was impressive ranging from the little wren (seen on the grass at E Riddlesden Hall) to the red kite seen gliding over the moors. Species seen included several mistle thrush, dipper and bullfinch. Chiffchaff and willow warbler had arrived from Africa and were heard as were the distinctive calls of oystercatcher and curlew which were returning to the moors from our estuaries. A toad was seen grabbling with the muddy conditions. An insight into the industrial archaeology of the area was offered by Veronica. This was an enjoyable day out in all respects. It was great to think we could see such varied wildlife a short distance from "home". Thanks go to Joan and Janet.
Margaret
John Gavaghan
Sue
Margaret
Stuart
Margaret