Menoturals; Extra Plus

This is the second part of a two-part Nature Friday/Final Friday Feature post. Click back to yesterday to see the first part.

While the infrastructure and habitation history of St Cyrus NNR are interesting, the main reason for visiting is to enjoy the wildlife and natural environment.

You saw some of the sandy beach in yesterday's post, but before reaching the beach, one must first cross through a lot of reedy, boggy land. This arises from what was once the bed of River North Esk. Silting and shifting sands redirected the mouth of the river, and this lovely bug and bird-attracting grassland has flourished. Although it was October when I made this visit, we were having a balmy and bright period of weather, and I was joined by Robins and Red Admiral butterflies, as well as wasps and bees!

When wandering over the grass-bound dunes, one must be watchful of where one's feet are placed...

...but it pays to also keep one's eyes forward and around, as well as skywards...

This reserve truly is a haven. It's impossible to convey the number of Pink-footed geese I observed flying into the basin for their winter refuge. Skein after skein for days on end... you'll see film footage in a couple of Saturdays from now. It is a place to which I will return often. 

Now for the 'plus' bits. I mentioned yesterday about the litter-picking equipment they have on hand here. It's good to note that they are regularly made use of, and St Cyrus NNR is, therefore, relatively free of the sort of litter that has become something of a blight in other parts. It's a source of continual despair to me that so many folk are shameless in dropping anything and everything wherever they are. I do add the caveat that on occasion, the litter results from birds raiding bins and/or wind has managed to lift stiff up and out. However, I've said it before, and I say again, I have witnessed, with my own eyes, the dumping behaviour of thoughtlessness and laziness. Anyway, I carry my own picker-uppers to do my bit wherever I park. Here at Inveruglas, for example:

When I was at the Hutch a fortnight back, imagine my surprise to spot this in the middle of the day—yes, that's a Red Deer doe strutting her stuff up the street!

I had to move fast to get even this shot, so it's far from fancy, but it's worth recording, I think. Now, to complete the post today, I have another from my summer floral collection for Rosy as thanks for hosting Nature Friday. Have a warm and huggy weekend, everyone!