Weather turned out better than expected today as we headed to Derbyshire and the quaint village of Hartington where we took a walk down to the River Dove as far as Biggin Dale turn off, then circular route back to the village again which was around 5 and half plus miles. Long time since we got a decent walk in so bones were complaining and even though we had comfortable walking shoes our toes and feet were grumbling at the end when there is a long walk up a gentle gradient. To be honest there were very few small birds being that in-between season and end of moult and although a passer-by told us they had seen a Dipper we did not see it. We saw and heard more than I managed to photograph; I am struggling a bit with the camera as my eyes have deteriorated despite having had new prescription for glasses a few months ago. It's a bind juggling between glasses, binoculars and then camera viewfinder as often the bird is gone before I can get some sort of lock on the focus and I am having to change to my other eye in the viewfinder which is like asking someone right handed to write with the left !! However, here are a few quick pics. It was good to see a lot of butterflies including pristine Painted Lady, Comma, Small Tortie and a couple of Speckled Woods and quite a few dragonflies - Common Darter methinks. Anyway, here we go...……..
First a quick view of the start of our walk from Hartington village across pasture towards the woodland and River Dove. (taken on old iPhone)
There were a few Common Buzzards in the air and a nice blue sky for much of the time
Eagle-eyed Mike spotted something distant up on a bare twig … Great Spotted Woodpecker (f)
Two Grey Wagtails were seen on the River Dove - reminded me of Wilma as this is also a female.
I tried my best to get Kestrel photos for Wendy but alas they sped off too quickly - not the best but ….
There were lots of butterflies and what I think were Common Darters
There were still pristine looking varieties including this Painted Lady ….
and a hard cropped showing that tongue extracting the nectar !
Lots of sheep grazing by the Dove and along Biggin Dale ….. this one made me laugh as it posed for photos
"Hey Mrs ….. like my new earrings ? "
take a closer look Mrs I have different coloured earrings …..
I told it..... " they look more like Klippits to me which I use to fasten up my sandwiches in polythene bags ! "
Dragonfly who found a tasty meal which I'll show you in 2nd photo Common Darter methinks ?
Small tortie butterfly in pristine condition
couldn't come home without a photo for Paul (MC) !! BDR (Biggin Dale Robin)
and the last stretch of the walk towards Hartington - just over the brow of the constant incline and finally heading downwards
Right, time for a cuppa so will leave it there. Thanks for viewing.