I had the car for the day so decided to take in the GG Shrike At Stanhope while a possible W-t Eagle just down the road at Bollinhope and although a week earlier than usual continue on to Teesdale. I didn't get down there untill after 1 but it was the highlight of the day. There's a minur road runs off the main one to Cow Green Reservoir that has breeding waders all around you. Using the car as a mobile hide you aren't disturbing them and the sights but to be honest the sounds, i find are better. I had 3 male Black Grouse out there and some waders but it's still a little early. Plenty M & F Black Grouse around Langdon Beck but obviously not liekking at that time of day. A fabuous place to visit, as you well know. Cheers Brian.
As youn know they are in decline, like so many species, and confined to specific areas. You'll have to leave your owls and come up to the North Pennines. The sight and in particular sounds of the Lek are breathtaking. It makes the hairs on the neck stand up. Thank you for the kind comment Paul.
Great picture John. Carole and I went there yesterday morning, managed to drag her out of bed for a full day out. Got there at 6.15, it was really cloudy and misty but we watched them lekking through the scope and bins. There was at least 27 Males and 3 Females. Then we took a ride round our normal route. We even went for a little walk on the Moor House NNR but only managed about half way to the farm before we had to turn back but you are 100% right about the sounds, they are amazing at that time of the morning. I shot some normal naff video but just listen to the background noises when I manage to sort it out and publish
I didn't get there until after lunch as i spent time with GGS at Stanhope and had a half hearted attempt at seeing WTE. I'll have to get down early in the next couple of weeks for the Lek. Good numbers of BG John. I had 4 females at one stage but impossible to say how many males as they were dotted around. Ill tell y what i did see. Two large flocks of Fieldfare (with a few Redwing chucked in) One flock at Langdon & the other north of Derwent Res not far from BG site there. I had only seen a handful ALL WINTER. Look forward to the vid when it goes on general release.
Great image John. I can't believe it is almost a year since we bumped into you down there watching the lek.
ReplyDeleteI had the car for the day so decided to take in the GG Shrike At Stanhope while a possible W-t Eagle just down the road at Bollinhope and although a week earlier than usual continue on to Teesdale. I didn't get down there untill after 1 but it was the highlight of the day. There's a minur road runs off the main one to Cow Green Reservoir that has breeding waders all around you. Using the car as a mobile hide you aren't disturbing them and the sights but to be honest the sounds, i find are better. I had 3 male Black Grouse out there and some waders but it's still a little early. Plenty M & F Black Grouse around Langdon Beck but obviously not liekking at that time of day. A fabuous place to visit, as you well know. Cheers Brian.
ReplyDeleteWonderful image John, have never seen one!
ReplyDeleteWonderful image John, have never seen one!
ReplyDeleteAs youn know they are in decline, like so many species, and confined to specific areas. You'll have to leave your owls and come up to the North Pennines. The sight and in particular sounds of the Lek are breathtaking. It makes the hairs on the neck stand up.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind comment Paul.
Great picture John. Carole and I went there yesterday morning, managed to drag her out of bed for a full day out. Got there at 6.15, it was really cloudy and misty but we watched them lekking through the scope and bins. There was at least 27 Males and 3 Females. Then we took a ride round our normal route. We even went for a little walk on the Moor House NNR but only managed about half way to the farm before we had to turn back but you are 100% right about the sounds, they are amazing at that time of the morning. I shot some normal naff video but just listen to the background noises when I manage to sort it out and publish
ReplyDeleteJohn
I didn't get there until after lunch as i spent time with GGS at Stanhope and had a half hearted attempt at seeing WTE. I'll have to get down early in the next couple of weeks for the Lek.
ReplyDeleteGood numbers of BG John. I had 4 females at one stage but impossible to say how many males as they were dotted around. Ill tell y what i did see. Two large flocks of Fieldfare (with a few Redwing chucked in) One flock at Langdon & the other north of Derwent Res not far from BG site there. I had only seen a handful ALL WINTER.
Look forward to the vid when it goes on general release.