Geltsdale Reserve, 4th May

While up in Cumbria  for a day I thought I'd pop into Geltsdale, having never been there before. I didn't have time to go round the wooded part of the reserve, but went around both sides of the tarn. Although the wind was vicious the sun more or less made up for it. Loads of Meadow Pipits in the grass, while the singing  Skylarks created their usual magical atmosphere. 

There were a good number of Lapwings and Canada Geese, plus a few Curlews. I'm not entirely sure what the three Oystercatchers were doing on the tarn, but they seemed quite happy. A single male Goosander was patrolling the water. Walking towards the village at the far end of the reserve I nearly had a heart attack when two Red Grouse exploded from under my feet. A couple of Swallows suggested that summer (or at least spring) might be on the way - eventually.

Didn't have any luck getting decent bird photos, but since it's also lambing time, here's one of the cute little things and mum.

"Let loose the Kraken!"