A very happy birthday to a dear companion, Rich Baines. He turned the big Six Oh earlier in the month. An Ely contingent headed to the North York Moors to join the celebrations. We stayed in the picture perfect hamlet of Hawnby on the edge of the Moors where we were indulged in great food, company and lodgings at The Owl. The morning after the night before, fuelled on a full english, we headed out in a convoy to a lovely stretch of woodland where both Redstart and Pied Flycatcher sang. The Yorkie contingent had to split early but Ben, Rich and I continued on to drink in the wonderful Firetails and Flycatchers (including a very confiding Spotted) on further territories.
The sky was leaden and threatened thunder, lightning and downpours throughout and when the rain did start falling we headed back towards Hawnby Hill. On the moorland edge we got out of the car to be greeted by a skittering of light across the clouds and an almighty crack of thunder that took not only Rich and I by surprise, but half a dozen Curlew and some Lapwing too. The waders took to low, slow flight over the moor as their nerves settled, and we took to the car as a deluge ensued.
The storm passed quickly and as we rounded the base of Hawnby Hill the sun broke the clouds and suddenly conditions appeared good to go hunting for butterflies. Serenaded by Tree Pipits we found a handful of feisty Duke of Burgundy and a couple of Dingy Skippers, and the rate of Painted Ladies passing by became notable. This continued through to the weekend where indications were that an early Painted Lady summer was upon us.
Our mid-week sojourn to the Moors was wonderful, big thanks to Jo and Rich for organising and inviting us, and to Rich for sharing his lovely pics.
