A quick update from Dove Stone with recent sightings. Starting up at Binn Green the feeding station has had good numbers of Siskins. As well as our regular Coal, Blue and Great Tit and Goldfinches there has been Lesser Redpoll. Also around at Binn Green look out for Great Spotted Woodpeckers as well as Treecreeper. Looking over to Alderman's Brow there have been recent sightings of Raven ( also heard cronking from elsewhere around Dove Stone ), seen flying over towards Dove Stone rocks. Also around Alderman's Brow there have been sightings from Binn Green of two Kestrels.
Over on Yeoman Hey there's been a Cormorant whilst Peregrine have been seen in various locations around the estate.. Nuthatch have been seen on the feeders by the main car park and around the main trail there have been sightings of Stonechat, which still remains the latest addition to the Dove Stone bird list 2013 with our total currently standing at 32. Roll on spring !
On the non-bird front, there have been a couple of sightings of Mountain Hare - not quite as easy to see with the snow now ! And if you're heading up the Chew track there are some great icicle formations to look out for - particularly at the old, small quarry about two-thirds of the way up and on the other side of Chew Brook. Worth having a look up at Birchen Clough at the end of Greenfield res. too. When the snow passes the snow melt will again bring up the levels of Chew Brook which will be quite exciting.
It's the Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend, of course, so if you're up at Dove Stone why not stop and take part in our very own Big Dove Stone Birdwatch. Join us at Binn Green car park ( currently closed to cars due to the snow but accessible on foot ) anytime between 12 and 2pm or at the RSPB information point at the main car park where we'll be recording all the birds seen during this time. Also happening this weekend is a chance to have a go at some tree planting - just follow the signs from Chew Brook or ask for directions from our information point at the main car park.
More soon...