A Booming day at Old Moor

This morning after the human rush hour, I went over to RSPB Old Moor to investigate this magnificent habit during the spring period.

First of all, lunch! As it was a Sunday, we had first pickings from the specials board, and being noon, the cafe was reasonably quiet before the stampede of hungry visitors.

It was delicious!

After a large lunch and a large scone (with jam and cream of course!), washed down with a large cup of tea, we ventured to the first hide. The first hide was next to the buzzing garden.

Here, we saw a multitude of wildlife, from bumblebees to a flock of bull finches.

I must say, it was magical; an area made by man, dedicated to wildlife.

Moving on towards the next hide, which overlooks the main reed beds, was a peaceful landscape.

But the hides and the viewing screens at that end of the reserve were not of interest. the walk back to the visitor centre revealed so much more!

Whilst in the first hide, we saw a Bittern. Yes, we saw it being mobbed by black headed gulls! We saw it a second time flying in the opposite direction just before we moved on.

On the path parallel to the Hare field, either the same Bittern or a second individual, flew right over us! It was INCREDIBLE!

To relieve my excitement just a little bit, I had a go at the leap frog!

At the family hide are some fantastic views. Just like the sky tower at Leighton moss, you can see the majority of the reserve from that one hide.

There was a family of Canada geese too. The goslings are hiding in the long grass unfortunately but they were yellow!

Just before leaving, we saw the Bittern for a fourth time!

At the other end of the reserve, were some very active hides.
Buzzing with life...

and thriving with young!

As it had already gone 5, we were into the 'out of hours' time of the day. Heading back to the car around 7, we gave ourselves plenty of time to have a cup of tea before the reserve closed at 8.

As there was no one around, I went through a grass hopper tunnel!

What a day!

My new friend

This morning, I made a new friend...

Meet... I'm not sure... A cardinal spider? Female house spider?!
I need to do some research I think!
But it was a BRUTE!

Winning flowers and Eric Morecambe

Off to Preston I went once again for a ceilidh dance with a few friends on Friday evening!

After a few dances was a good long interval, we needed it!

Fanning just wasn't enough!
With our tickets, we were ready for the raffle...

Amazingly, we won some very groovy looking plants!

Our winning ticket was 769!
What a lucky ticket!

It was great to go dancing again. A fantastic way to unwind and relieve stress!

After a very late night, a long lie in and a leisurely start to the day, a friend and I headed out towards RSPB Leighton Moss for an evening in the wild!

Fortunately for us, the reserve has after hours opening so we were still able to enjoy the wonders of the wildlife available. Of which included a mother stoat running into the wall where we suspects her nest was.

To start this early evening visit, was a trip to the hides at the salt marshes.

And yes, there is a hide dedicated to Eric Morecambe!
Unfortunately, the banks which held the essential water in, were damaged so there was no life currently at this hide.

A humongous change from the last time we were here!
(30/10/16)

The previous hide was more promising but still a little depleted of life.

Were we visiting too late in the day or was the lack of the second salt water marsh affecting this habitat?

Back on the main reserve, we had a good wander round and investigated more of the hides.
Including the sky tower which overlooks the whole reserve and again, the lack of rain has really transformed this wonderful habitat.

(29/10/16)

What a difference!

Bluebell carpets

Today I went to Grassington and Grasswoods.
It was a lovely sunny day and I'm glad I managed to go because my friend and I were welcomed with the bluest of Bluebell carpets!

But first, lunch!

A massive vegetarian burger at the Retreat tea rooms.
It was delicious! And very filling!

After a small shop round Grassington village, we ventured on towards Grasswoods.
At first, the Bluebells were far and wide...

Then they became a bit more dense in amongst the trees...

Up close, the flowers are beautiful. All varying in shades of blue and purple.

All of a sudden, the woodland floor was thick with blue. It was hard to make out individual flowers!

Blue surrounded us and we were engulfed in a thick blanket the further we walked into the wood.

To top off such a fantastic day, was the finding a Tawny owl chick being carefully watched by its mother.

We weren't sure on the gender, but as it was surrounded by bluebells, we named her Bluebell.

A windy Filey

What a beautiful sunny day I had in Filey yesterday!

Even if it was chilly from the north easterly wind coming in off of the sea, it was still lovely to be by the sea once again.

Once arriving in Filey and having a quick look in the wonderful gift shops on the cobble landing, I ventured into town to discover something new.

Besides the numerous amounts of gift shops selling the typical combination of a bucket and spade, I did find a small independent butcher.

Not only were cold meats being sold, but local eggs, preserves and jams, honey, cakes, biscuits and lastly pork pies and scotch eggs.

Having difficulty deciding what I fancied for lunch, I went with a homemade pork pie, scotch egg and a small selection of cakes to share with my friend I was enjoying the day with.

Sitting high up on the beach front, I enjoyed my lunch (the scotch egg was delicious!), had a cup of tea and enjoyed the spectacular views of the bay.

After lunch, we went for a walk along the beach. What is the point going to the seaside if you are not going to walk along the beach?!

Reaching the rock pools at one end of the brig, we spotted lots of fossils in the rock.

Some looked new like this shell...

And others were fascinating, like this cast of crustaceans burrow.

I wonder if there is a fossil crustacean in there...

Working our way to the top of the cliff, we discovered a couple of ditches, where a 'look out' building once stood.

It was quite a large ditch!

After having a much needed cup of tea, enjoying the views of course...

We went back into town for a chip butty, it was a very welcome meal to end our day at the beach!