Hornsea Wildlife and Walks: The Road Less Traveled

Monday, 9 December 2024

The Road Less Traveled

You can find little gems where ever you go if you look hard enough. Down a quiet, small ginnel in Hornsea town centre I found such a gem.

Ivy-leaved Toadflax

This lovely little plant that grows on old walls throughout Britain isn't a native species. It was introduced in 1640 from the Mediterranean area and became popular as a rockery plant, soon escaping into the wild.

The flock of Barnacle Geese that arrive each year to spend winter with us are now firmly established in my daily search pattern when I walk the south side Mere footpaths. They move around the fields so you never know where they will be from day to day.

Barnacle Geese with St Nicholas church as a backdrop

Barnacle Geese this morning

We started with 38 when they arrived and we've seen up to 61 at times, but yesterday and today they were down to 37.

I spent a while down at the sea front yesterday and today as the strong winds in the wake of Storm Darragh were north easterlies. Hoping for a sight of Little Auk I set up my scope in the open window of the car in the "Wave Watcher's" car park yesterday morning and settled down - but not for long. The strong wind buffeted the car so much it was almost bouncing on its suspension and I couldn't keep the scope steady. I tried with the bins but again, the movement of the car was too much, so I gave up, took the car home and went for a walk (without the scope).

This morning was a little calmer so I went to the small shelter on the sea front and settled down there. I didn't have to wait long for the first Little Auks to come along. The light wasn't good but you work with what you're given 😊

This and all above - Little Auks flying North off Hornsea

I walked south along the promenade towards home and stopped at one of the gates down to the beach, waiting and hoping a few more auks would fly along - and they did so I got even better views.