We explored the maritime heath for flowering plants, finding Grass of Parnassus and Scottish Primrose without too much trouble. However, try as we might, we couldn't locate a Frog Orchid. Whilst Our Lass was photographing graffiti on a door lintel of the Broch of Borwick, I had a very brief view of a Ruby-tailed Wasp
Broch of Borwick |
Spot the Sea Milkwort |
Here it is! |
Later, the County Flora Recorder saw the photo and informed me that this was Marshall's Eyebright, an endemic species to Scotland.
We stopped for lunch beside a long geo, and watched Fulmars cavorting on the strong breeze, Arctic Skuas upsetting Herring Gulls and Tysties sitting about making thin, shrill piping sounds. When I had finished my sandwiches, I went to photograph a pair of Tysties and suffered another photo-bombing.
Then there was more Eyebright research, but I have not ID'd this one yet (or been told what it is, which is more likelier).
We lingered awhile by a small colony of Guillemots, watching the adults going to and fro between the sea and the cliff ledges. It is not every seabird colony where the action takes place at eye level (not a musical reference, but no-one is going to believe me).
On the return journey, we found a swathe of Ragged Robin in a wet flush. Here's Our Lass showing some solidarity with their pinkness.
And no trip to Yesnaby at this time of year would be complete without a gratuitous Scottish Primrose photograph.
2 comments:
A fine set... And I had not heard of a Scottish Primrose. I always enjoy the chance to watch Tysties.
Hello Caroline, and Welcome! The Scottish Primrose is a diminutive wee thing, mainly limited to maritime heath habitats in the north of Scotland. It can be exceedingly difficult to spot! Yes, Tysties are a joy to watch, especially with their'dancing' displays in Spring.
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