Evening Coastal Nature Walk

Trips far afield are not necessary to enjoy nature, and this evening’s meander around the area of Hartley and surrounds is proof of that.  On reflection I feel had I the need to introduce an individual to the rewards of showing an interest in Natural History, this evening would have been a perfect beginning.  There was just sufficient entomological, mammalian, avian and botanical interest so as not to blow the mind with numbers and confusion, yet sufficient to allow real interest, excitement, and time to watch, study and take in the surrounding flora and fauna in a relaxing manner.  Very often less is more when it comes to studying nature.  The North Sea appeared flat and still, the air pellucid, the temperature controlled by cooling sea air, and there was a feeling of peace and calm.

Fulmars

We initially walked a little way north to see the Fulmars and ended up spending a relaxing time in the company of these wonderfully evolved long distance travelling seabirds.  They obviously felt very safe on the cliff and were not at all phased by our proximity.  As well as the birds close by us on the cliff we watched as numbers of other Fulmars flew on straight and stiff wings above the edge of the cliff.  The pinkness of the Thrift was already fading, but it still formed a carpet in places forward of a background of rock, sea and sky.

On the way to the Fulmar site a pair of mating Seven Spot Ladybirds, a Soldier Beetle and a large patch of I think Common Fumitory had been found.  As we turned to walk southwards a Carpet Moth, that give no sign of moving, was an ideal subject for photography.  The colour of the ladybirds was striking and of course a warning to possible predators of the poisons these insects contain.  The ladybirds can release foul tasting fluids from their legs.  A voracious eater of aphids, this species of Ladybird, our most common, has been imported on occasions into the USA to act as on insectivore on valuable crops.  Each wing casing, the elytra, has three spots and another spot which overlaps both casings.  This is one of the larger ladybirds and it can travel 1,000 metres in search of food and suitable habitat.  It may surprise some folk that there are 47 different species of Ladybird in the UK and Ireland.

Mating Seven Spot Ladybirds

Soldier Beetle

Silver-ground Carpet Moth

I remembered that whilst living his latter years in an asylum John Clare wrote many poems including (not one of his best) Clock-a-Clay, an alternative name for Ladybird.  This stems from an old Northamptonshire belief that you can tell time from the number of taps on the ground it takes to make a ladybird flyaway.

As we checked out plants along the cliff and grassland we also watched seven Bottled Nosed Dolphins  on the flat calm sea as they travelled north in two groupings.  The conditions were ideal for watching, and this was one of the highlights of the evening.  Birds were never forgotten and perhaps the finest bird sighting of the evening was three Manx Shearwaters skirting the water as they flew south.  Other seabirds seen included small flocks of calling Oystercatcher, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Puffins, Guillemots, Common Scoter and a raft of Eider Ducks.

I never tire of the view towards St Mary’s Island and this evening showed it at its best, with the lighthouse reflected across the water and large ships in the background making towards the entrance of the River Tyne.

As we passed by one of the mounds we bumped into Ray, who it turned out was not only a regular reader of this blog but also, almost a neighbour of mine, living on the same estate.  Having had a long chat, we said our farewells and I said I would give him a mention and so I keep my word.  As we chatted we watched a Common Whitethroat displaying, and later found out the pair had young and we eventually saw the entire family.  This pair was of one of two or three in the immediate area.  Reed Bunting, Skylark and Meadow Pipit were among other species seen and heard.   

By now the evening atmosphere was one of tranquillity and stillness which clearly encourage a buck and doe Roe Deer to feel relaxed out in the exposed field.  Both seemed in peak condition which was reflected in the condition of their colourful coat.  By the way the buck was scent tasting and approaching a none too keen doe, it appeared that the doe was in heat.  It is not often one can watch Roe Deer so well.  We agreed whilst watching these small deer that there is a tendency to imagine them larger than in fact they are.

Common (??) Fumitory

Three plants that in particular caught the attention were Common Fumitory (or was it Common-ramping Fumitory), White Campion and Sea Plantain.  The former plant took my interest because I had recently wondered why I had never seen fumitories.  The latter plant, and plantains in general, are easy to pass by, but I do find them incredibly attractive plants.  Sea Plantain is adapted to stand up to harsh coastal conditions and can survive short periods under water.  The taproot extends deep into the ground acting as an anchor and the narrow slightly waxy leaves can survive the constant sea spray.  The White Campion's  calyx is formed by fused sepals.

Sea Plantain

White Campion

As we made off towards home, the calm evening was still warm and bright.  The journey was broken by a stop to listen for Quail.  None were heard on this occasion, but what a wonderful evening it had been.