St Aidens

We didn’t expect quite such a hot sunny day for our visit to St Aidens RSPB Reserve near Leeds.
19C which felt much warmer in the sunshine.
When we looked at the forecast it said cloudy.

We were very pleased to hear a bittern booming, and managed to see one of the tiny black necked grebes. Unfortunately I didn’t manage any photos as the reeds got in the way. I was much more fortunate last year on the 13th April. ( see blip)

We had a very enjoyable 4mile walk. The noise from the large nesting colony of black headed gulls was deafening when we passed the islands.
The gorse looked spectacular, and I found a few delicate white snakes head fritillary.

We finished with a picnic overlooking the reserve.

Finished off the day back home sat in the garden with a glass of wine, and a pizza delivered by our local village pizza takeaway.

Great start to the Easter Holls.

Extra is a collage of a few extra photos.
Not sure what bird is missing an egg, but we found in lying on the path.