If you're thinking coming to Dove Stone anytime soon here's what's been seen recently. Wheatears have now returned - have a look for them around hillsides up from Chew Brook onwards. In the same area look out for Stonechat and Reed Buntings. Along the way there's lots of Willow Warblers to be heard. I was watching a Willow Warbler yesterday and the light was catching it in such a way that it appeared quite a bright colour for a bird that has quite pale colouring really.
Walking alongside the Life-for-a-Life woods look out for regulars such as Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wrens, Mistle Thrush, Coal, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits of course as well as Goldfinch and Greenfinch and Siskins. No signs of Blackcap or Whitethroat yet - will update when we have news. Around some of Dove Stone's other woodlands look out for Treecreepers too. Out on the reservoirs Oystercatchers can be seen as well as Cormorant and plenty of Black Headed Gulls. Currently we're on the look out for the return of Common Sandpiper. Around the water channels alongside the reservoirs look out for Grey Wagtail and Dipper, also to be seen around Chew Brook.
Elsewhere around Dove Stone there's Curlew around as well as recent sightings of Crossbill. Red Grouse are showing well up on the moor tops. Watch out for the males with their fantastic red eye brows. Plenty of Meadow Pippits around too. Ravens are also to be seen and Peregrines are around as well.
Spring is a great time of year. Lots of lambs out at Dove Stone so a quick mention that if you are out and about at Dove Stone with your dog please give a thought to Dove Stone's tenant farmers and keep your dog on a lead at all times around the estate's livestock - particularly around pregnant ewes and those with lambs.
More soon...