Sunday afternoon gave us spectacular views of Dove Stone's Peregrines. At the moment it appears that the young birds aren't hunting for themselves. We were able to watch the two adult birds flying with two of the young birds in pursuit of the prey that they held in their talons. Each time one of the young birds got close to one of their parents the adult bird would up a gear and fly out of reach. Probably what's happening here is that the adult birds are encouraging the young birds to improve their hunting skills and in doing so giving us those fantasitc wheeling, synchronised displays again ! It's no surprise there was quite a crowd gathered down at Ashway Gap to watch.
Also this weekend we continued our increasingly popular accompanied walks with sightings of Treecreeper, Reed Bunting, Nuthatch and both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Also spotted on the walk was the large caterpillar of the Oak Egger moth whose main foodplants, contrary to its name, are heather and bilberry. Seen sprinting across the Chew Road on this walk too was a Green Tiger beetle. The Green Tiger beetle is one of the fastest running of British insects. Covering up to sixty centimetres a second when chasing other insects this could be perhaps the Peregrine of the beetle world ?!
If you're interested in coming along to one of our walks then the next one is this Sunday 18th July. Meet at 10am at the main car park for a three to four hour walk up to one of the highest points at Dove Stone which offers great views over the surrounding area. There'll also be the opportunity to drop down to Ashway Gap to take in views of the Peregrines. Don't forget walking boots and waterproofs. If you have binoculars then bring them along although there will be some pairs available to use on the day.
Elsewhere around Dove Stone this week recent sightings have included Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Chiffchaff , Curlew, Dipper and Mistle Thrush. Also seen in the fields next to the main car park was a Brown Hare.
More soon . . .