Visited the valley today (28/5) at 7.30 a.m. to look for the Grasshopper Warbler - no luck. Went past the location again at 7.45 p.m. (yes, I had been home in the meantime! I believe we should all try to spend at least 1 hour a day - but certainly no more - doing things other than birdwatching!!). No sound of the bird being present. On my return journey at 9.00 p.m. the bird was reeling and after much searching I managed to locate the bird. I had not only the best views I have ever had of this species but also the most prolonged. Brilliant birding - well worth the very wet feet and the considerable risks taken clambering over a moorland wall in almost total darkness! Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
Norfolk to Rochdale for a week-ends birding? - isn't it usually the other way round!!
Still at least 2 Redstarts singing at Raghole Clough in the afternoon (twitched on my old local patch from Norfolk!) and better still, a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling behind Piethorne Plantation in the evening, only the second record for the valley and my first. Also 8+ singing Willow Warblers, 2 singing Reed Buntings and fledgling Grey and Pied wagtails out and about so well worth the drive.
