Humber BridgeThis outing was organised by Margaret who had wisely arranged for the group to be led around the site by Angela and Stuart Buckle, who are local botanists, with an extensive knowledge of the local flora. It was largely a repeat of a walk they took us on last year with glorious views of the Humber Bridge and he wide estuary. Several colourful barges and boats, bearing exotic names, were seen plying their trade.
Peppered Moth CaterpillarI always seem to begin my blog by saying how wonderful the weather was;and guess what? It was, although at times perhaps too warm. Few birds were seen as this is not the ideal time of year to spot them though we did see Coots, Lapwings, House Martins, Pied Wagtails and Goldfinches.
Joan and Alice logged 148 flowering plants that included: Sea Aster, Blue-water Speedwell, Lesser Water Parsnip, Blue Cyclamen, Field Madder, Red Bartsia, Borage and Spear-leaved Orache.
We were treated to the sight of many dragon/damselflies;Common blue damsels, Brown and Common Hawkers, Ruddy and Common Darters. One freshly emerged Common Hawker perched in a hawthorn tree at a height where we were able to see it up close and take photographs. A green geometer caterpillar was photo'd and after much research eventually ID'd as a peppered Moth. A Mother of Pearl moth was also seen.
Wall BrownButterflies abounded. We saw a total of 14 species, the star of the day being a solitary Wall Brown, now extinct in much of the south and Midlands and fast disappearing from its traditional Yorkshire haunts. No-one can satisfactorily explain why as its food plant has not diminished. I had not seen one for several years as they seem to have gone form Baildon Bank and Tong Park, my local sites.
The wildlife garden by the reserve entrance proved a delight in our final 15 minutes as alongside the numerous Peacocks we spotted a Red Admiral, then a Brimstone and at the very end a Painted Lady put in an appearance. Our young visitor Eden (Robert's granddaughter) seemed to have enjoyed her trip out with us oldies, despite a grass cut and an insect bite. She particularly loved seeing the damselfly and Peacock that were potted for her to view up close. Many thanks to our driver of the day Sue. John Gavaghan