A quick update with news that there is now a large group of about 80 Brambling at Dove Stone. Over the last few weeks the numbers have been increasing and they were largely around the memorial woodland and Chew Brook. This group seen today was at Ashway Gap where there are some mature beech trees which the Brambling will be feeding from.
Other recent sightings include a Peregrine today at Dove Stone rocks, Dipper from Ashway Gap, Golden Plover and Mountain hare up on the tops and a Short Eared Owl on the moors over Chew. Short Eared Owl brings our 2013 Dove Stone reserve Birdlist up to 72. Short Eared Owl is perhaps a bird I would have expected to add to our list a little sooner than now, and there are still a few other birds that we've yet to add. So,coming soon a look at the ones that got away this year ( will Crossbill be amongst them ? ) plus a review of the years highlights as well as more sightings from the trail...