Yellowhammer (Chris Piper)
This was our first venture into Yorkshire in the summer and it did not disappoint! Our trip was packed with great Reserves, stunning scenery, hidden valleys and quiet country roads, friendly people and welcoming hotels, but best of all it was stacked with some of nature’s real delights…….
Male Marsh Harrier (Chris Piper)
Marbled White on Common Spotted Orchid (Chris Piper)
A major highlight was without any doubt the stunning Bempton Cliffs. At this time of year the cliffs are completely magical, thousands of birds as far as the eye can see out to sea and along the cliffs, simply breathtaking and we lingered here for an afternoon just soaking it all up. We had a great list of birds including Nightjar and Honey Buzzard in North Yorkshire and Spoonbill and Little Owl in East Yorkshire, but the wild flowers and butterflies were what really stole the show, they were simply sublime and with some real rarities such as Thistle Broom too.
Common Blues (Chris Piper)
This felt like a relaxed birdwatching holiday that took me right back to my own childhood, of discovering secret corners filled with wildlife and wandering along flower-strewn footpaths surrounded by the sound of Whitethroats, Yellow Hammers, Linnets and buzzing insects and always the anticipation of coming across something unexpected.
Northern Marsh Orchid (Chris Piper)