Yorkshire Nature Triangle Day, 25th May 2011

The triangle day was a joint venture between the RSPB and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to highlight the potential for nature tourism in East Yorkshire.  The trip was featured on BBC's Look North and was attended by local hoteliers and business people as well as those involved in promoting  and protecting East Yorkshire wildlife.  A party of tourism entrepreneurs from Finland also joined the trip, keen to promote tourism and nature tourism links between our two countries.  The highlight of the day was a three hour cruise aboard the Yorkshire Belle to see the birds of Bridlington, Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs at sea level and at much closer quarters than usual.  It was also interesting to see the spectacular geological faults in the cliff face from below and to note how the birds use these natural ledges to nest on.

A seafood lunch prepared by Gerard Baker using local produce was served at Flamborough South Landing followed by a guided nature reserve walk and shore search.  A good day was had by all.

Very good views of everyone's favourites the Puffins from the Yorkshire Belle

Puffin, Guillemots and a Razorbill

Gannets

Shag

Kittiwake

Guillemots



.....and more Guillemots




Puffins



Razorbills

8th May one day course review

The weather which had threatened the worst for Sunday was actually pretty good and very sunny in the afternoon though conditions appeared to be too cool for the Butterflies and Dragonflies.  Everybody managed to get photos of the various waterfowl and also the very obliging Marsh Frogs which have set up shop in front of North Lagoon hide.  I have always heard the "Donald Duck" like cacophony these amphibians create, but this is the first time I have seen the critters close up.  Note the inflated cheek pouches used to create the frog chorus!  We also reviewed images on the computer in the afternoon and looked at techniques to improve colour and contrast.