Barden Moor 17 May 2019

Twelve of us set off from Black Park on a dry, but cold, windy day.  Two Kestrels were soon spotted, and a Buzzard and Red Kite later.  Sounds of Mistle Thrush, Curlew, Lapwing, Willow Warbler, Goldfinch, Wren, Skylark, and Cuckoo entertained us, but no sighting of Cuckoo this year.  Stock Dove was seen near the farm, Common Sandpiper at the upper reservoir, and two Grey Partridges flitted across the path, but few birds were at the weir because the water level in the reservoir was so high.  However, the sight of two special birds was in store.  First, we had excellent views of a pair of Ring Ouzels taking food into a nest, and then we came upon a male Whinchat sitting out proudly on some heather, a bird much less frequently seen on the moor these days.  It was a delight, also, to see on the heather dozens of Green Hairstreak butterflies.  Watching Lapwing and Red Grouse chicks came at the end of an enjoyable day.  30 species.

Leader : Clare Dunn

Photos : Ian Hughes