The snow covered fells make for good bird watching at the moment with black grouse in particular being highly visible. A group of 10 males is regularly seen around the Stagsike Trail, car park and visitor centre and another 19 males over in the Gelt Valley. Birds of prey are frequently seen hunting during the short daylight hours. Again, from the Stagsike Trail hen harrier, peregrine falcon, barn owl and short eared owl have all been viewed this week. On the Eastern side of the reserve a rough legged buzzard was spotted by a local resident and volunteer. Other winter visitors include waxwings and jack snipe. No sign of smew on the tarn yet but I guess we’ll have a visit when the ice breaks.