Small Blue

An away day for a Butterfly is just one of the best things and I have done this far too infrequently. It has been a few years since we made the short jump over the border to Lamberton and Burnmouth so.. a day off work, met Stewart at Alnwick and off we headed. 
A breezy day but not so bad that it was no good checking out Butterflies, stopped off at Cocklawburn for a brief wander and tea then on our way north, Burnmouth first.

The strip of coast between Lamberton and Burnmouth in this area is wild and exposed. Towering cliffs and rocky shore lines.

Smugglers Bothy

Common Rock Rose

A short and pleasant walk down the steep hillside at Burnmouth. We had Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher, a few butterflies, Whites, Wall, Peacock and a lovely male Orange Tip. 
I've been trying to get some decent photographs of Orange Tip this spring so when this one settled on Daisy flowers it was time to stalk and have a go.

Orange Tip

Back south to Lamberton, parked up in a reserve car park just a kilometer or two north of the border and followed the narrow path north along a narrow strip of land between the main east coast railway line and the cliff edge. I think this is the longest narrowest reserve I've ever visited. 
Gorse bushes were in full flower, hardly an space without vivid yellow and the sweet coconut smell absolutely filled the air, especially when the sun shone.

We reached the site where Small Blues could be seen after about 30 minutes or so and spent our time sitting and wandering, looking for our quarry.

Wall and Small Heath were seen and eventually Small Blue. 
Fabulous little butterflies, no bigger than a thumb nail, fast flying enough to be really difficult to follow once spotted. At least one individual settled for long enough to allow for some attempted photography.

Small Blue

Habitat

Kidney Vetch

Common Dog Violet

On our way back along the cliff top to the car we watched a Peregrine patrolling the cliff tops. 

Well what a little trip that was, there is just simply nothing, nothing at all.... like a butterfly day.