Hi all, sorry for not being around recently but on Thursday I left for a few days away in the Yorkshire Dales and am back to work today! Hope everyone had a nice weekend! For anyone interested here is a little rundown of my trip, it was technically just a few days away to relax and do some walking but of course I tried my best to see some wildlife too!
I stayed in Bainbridge in a lovely B & B called "Riverside" and from there explored a number of places. The road from Redmire to Grinton crossing Moorland was a great place to spend a morning as the Red Grouse there are numerous and very used to cars going past and stopping right next to them! I managed to get some great photographs of them in both a snow storm and lovely morning light which was pleasing! Whilst driving I also spotted numerous Golden Plover, some Lapwing and a Curlew. The other "notable" bird was Pheasant of which there were lots of them.
A trip to Malham Cove unfortunately did not result in a Peregrine Falcon but flooded fields on the way allowed for good numbers of Oystercatcher, Greylag Geese and Mallard and a few hovering Kestrels. Unfortunately birds of prey seemed few and far between up there with a single Buzzard being the only other raptor seen in 4 days driving around.
At Malham Jackdaws were busy sorting out territories, Skylarks were already singing in the sheep fields and along one of the fast flowing rivers a pair of Goosander, a Grey Wagtail and a Dipper were seen, really pleased to get the Dipper!
On Sunday I visited a woodland and was treated to amazing views of Red Squirrels, so pleased to see these chaps making a comeback in the Dales and lets hope they continue to spread into what remaining woodland there is. I couldn't help but notice how little wooded areas there are, rolling hills are nice but surely some more woodland is needed for the benefit of all wildlife?!
Waterfalls were in full force and Hardraw Force Waterfall was a particular delight as you have to go through the Green Dragon pub to see it, which means afterwards a pint by the fire is needed! Whilst in that area it was pleasing to see a swathe of hilly moorland being managed as part of a Black Grouse regeneration project, no Grouse of that variety were seen that day but good to know work is being done for them!
Overall I really enjoyed my time in the area, the weather was mixed and the wildlife was nice, I do feel it is an area that needs further exploring and I am sure in Spring a larger variety of birds may have been seen, will have to go back!
... and he brought back biscuits for the office ;)
Sounds like an action packed trip, I would love to see a Dipper and a Red Squirrel of course. Cheers Pat
Pat Adams - Flickr - BLOG
Glad you enjoyed your trip to God's own county Ben,a lot of familiar places you mention in your report.We are only about 40 mins drive from where you were staying overlooking the same river.Surprised you did not get more raptors on your travels.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Thanks Pete, it was very windy and rainy for much of the time so maybe the raptors were keeping low. Thought I may have chance of a Merlin or Hen Harrier, nevertheless and enjoyable first foray into the dales! Would love to come back in Spring when the upland waders are all calling!
The chance of a hen Harrier would be very slim I am afraid as there is a lot of grouse shooting in the area.The roads between Wensleydale and Swaledae can be good for Merlin from early spring until late autumn when their main food source,Meadow Pipits and similar,move down off the hill.
Thanks for the info Pete, appreciate it!
If you are ever coming up this way again Ben let me know I would be happy to p.m.some very interesting sites that I have picked up over the last 50 odd years.
Great report Ben,from a beautiful part of our county.Did you pop outside the B&B to paddle in the "Shortest River in England" ? Mother-in-law had a b&b in Askrigg but I always started walking/birdwatching trips from West Burton (Turner sketched the waterfall),heading high & then back down to Aysgarth Falls.
p.s Put all your knowledge into hardback,Pete and send me the 1st copy...Mates rates. :-)
Been on the "to do" list for some time EB,might get chance now I no longer write the club report.Our first visit to the falls at West Burton when Chris took me for a drive while I was on recovery.Just shows you can spend years in an area and still not see it all.
What a brilliant read! Thanks Ben! Sounds like you had a superb time there. Luckily I've had the pleasure of already seeing some of your photographic delights on Flickr!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr