Friday had Mr. Cheviot and i heading northwards out of Bellingham on our weekly walk. We covered 15.9km. with a total ascent of 351metres. Having left Bellingham we quickly picked up the Pennine Way and followed this for the rest of the outward journey. To the left Hareshaw Burn and on our right Highstead Hill and then Callerhues Crag.
On the birding front it was relatively quiet. As you would expect, loads of Meadow Pipits lifted and we pleasingly had quite a few Skylarks. Pied Wagtails made appearances twice, a large rookery in the wooded area close to Hareshaw House and a very late showing by a small flock of Lapwings was about it. A lack of Curlews today was a surprise after the numbers we have had over the last few weeks.
No Adder sightings again but we had a few fleeting views of Common Lizards underfoot, mainly in and around the heather, until the guy pictured was spotted by Jeff just before he stood on the tread of the stile right next to the B6320. Obviously basking in the changeable conditions and grabbing what heat that was being given out by the sun when it penetrated the clouds.
That Lizard is stunning!
ReplyDeleteThey are superb creatures Dick and quite accomodating at times. It was on the other side of the stile so i couldn't get shots from another angle.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day John. Having enlarged the pic of the Lizard I have to agree that it is a stunner. Last time I saw one it scarpered so quickly I didn't have time to have a good look. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteStunning photo. I had one of these fellas at Havannah NR in April. It ran over my foot!
ReplyDeleteIf you catch then sunning themselves Brian they usually just lie there. I love their "fingers and toes".
ReplyDeletePraise indeed from your good self Tim. It was actually taken on my Canon compact.......i've stopped carting my SLR around if i'm walking over 8 miles.
ReplyDeleteLovely pic of the Common Lizard Johnny, Linda
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda on your kind comment.
ReplyDeleteYou were so close you could almost have popped in for coffee! The Common Lizard picture is really good, Johnny. Must pop along and see if the Lizard frequents that spot - I pass it on the way to the Co-op.
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