Grey Granite, Rufus and Dr Anne enjoyed a companionable walk over the Wastart. This was the first time Dr Anne had experienced the Wastart and she was impressed by the range of wildflowers. Both Grey Granite and Dr Anne thought that the heather coming into bloom was a sign that summer has reached it's zenith. They walked through the fields as far as Haven of Braco then along the rocks to the piper's Gwyte (pictured), the Pouk and beyond to the Point of Ironhill, returning along the rocks. The Point is one of Grey Granite's favourite places for birdwatching and the trio were not disappointed seeing several species including cormorants, fulmars, black backed gulls and kittiwakes and a few seals. Grey Granite was particularly pleased to spot a black guillemot swimming in red wellies some distance off shore.Grey Granite has a particular attachment to this beautiful species, to the small colony at Ironhill especially. The roseroot is now in flower on the cliffs of the Lady's Basin.
Close to the Round Brae a snipe crossed the track, the first Grey Granite has seen here, although she is reliably told that they used to be common.
Dr Anne fully appreciated the Wastart. It was a beautiful afternoon. What really struck her was the wide variety of wild flowers compared to the cliffs around Portsoy. Off she went tonight along the East Braes as far as the Wishing Gate for the first time this year. There was purple vetch, red clover and harebells in flower that she did not see at the Wastart. However Greygranite will no doubt know where they are in flower. The other thing, the Wastart seems to be devoid of gorse and whins? Coming along the cliff Dr Anne also saw different kinds of thistles already in bloom.
ReplyDeleteGrey Granite is most intertsted in Dr Anne's observations, There is masses of gorse on the Wastart, a fragrant sea of it between Pitheughie (the ruined mill) and the Tower but it is long past flowering, would have been at its best in May. The stonechats we heard were perched on whins. There is a small patch of whins on the cliff at Haven of Braco. Dr Anne says gorse and whins, on the wastart whins are called gorse, whins or funs. Whins are managed by seasonal burning in some areas of the Wastart (hine o'er). Broom however is breem and the Wastart is devoid of it.There is no significant purple vetch that Grey Granite can think of,there are odd clumps of red clover at the Tower end. This evening the light along the Wastart was amazing and there were about 8 small mackerel boats out in Aberdour Bay.
ReplyDeleteThere were half a dozen boats out in our bay near the codling hole. The sea was very smooth.
ReplyDeleteI went the same walk tonight. Saw ragged robin.
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