The bank holiday weekend saw a family-oriented visit back to God's own country (East Yorkshire). That's what they call it up there but parts of it are a very good argument for atheism.
Anyway, on Sunday we made a trip up to Bempton RSPB reserve to have a walk along the cliffs, see the new visitors centre and hopefully show my kids their first Puffin!
We arrived just as the rain stopped and more importantly before the hordes descended. The slopes down to the cliff were absolutely jammed with flowering Red Campion.
I don't remember ever seeing so much in one place. While walking I disturbed several Rivulets Perizoma affinitata, which prefer this as a foodplant (cue crap photo). This was a new species for me. Have had the smaller version in the garden but not knowingly seen this before.
The cliffs looked magnificent. Packed with Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Gannets, a few Razorbills lined the tops. But not a Puffin in sight!
There had been a big emergence of Bibio flies. I guess St Mark's Flies but not sure if there are others possible.
Finally on the return walk, I noticed a Puffin on the cliff top and gave the boys a look much to their relief. Although trying to direct a 4 year old with binoculars is a Herculean task of massive skill....and patience.
At the visitors centre we were greeted by the largest number of Tree Sparrows I've seen in some time.
In the afternoon, a quick visit to Flamborough's North Landing resulted in a bit of guerilla-rockpooling. Highlight was a Butterfish amongst the many crabs and anemones. Main thing was the kids enjoyed it.
All in all a good day out.
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