FOREST OF BOWLAND

John Williams · Status: Offline

RE: FOREST OF BOWLAND

John Williams · Status: Offline

Late Posting from yesterday afternoon 30/07/24.

Stocks Reservoir

Reservoir : 1 Little Egret, 11 Cormorants, 4 Grey Herons, 1 Oystercatcher,

2adult +1 juvenile Great Crested Grebes and around 100 Lapwings.

Also 20+ juvenile Lesser Black Backed Gulls, seemingly still with their parents.

They appeared to be local breeders, perhaps from the colony at Abbeystead ?.

Woodland: A flock of small birds roving through the largely birch woodlands

was made up mostly of Long Tailed Tits, but also contained 4 Goldcrests, 1 Chiffchaff

and 1 Coal Tit.

Despite scanning a huge area of woodland, moorland and sheep pasture

surrounding the reservoir not a single raptor could be found, which

seemed very odd?.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Drove through the area, late afternoon, on the way back from Leighton Moss.

Bowland Knotts : Drove over the fells south of Higher Bentham on the road to Gisburn Forest and Stocks Reservoir. Two Raven, two Golden Plover, several Meadow Pipit and Skylark.

Moor Piece : Three Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Langden Valley 12.00-18.00

1f Marsh Harrier flew into the valley from the West, she then circled and climbed on thermals before heading off North.

Around 12 Swallows, 5 House Martins and a few pipits opted to mob the harrier as she circled.

A Hobby flew across the valley heading South, and in doing so attracted the wrath of a Kestrel.

2m+1f Kestrels were seen, with the males having a quite prolonged aerial fight at one point.

A flock of 18 Meadow Pipits were seen near the water works, plus a few others being noted along the valley.

At least 12 Stonechats were also seen, most being family groups.

A Raven was heard but not seen, in fact no corvids or Buzzards were seen throughout the valley.

A covey of 30+ Red Legged Partridges were seen at one point, and gave the impression that they had just been released.

John Williams · Status: Offline

12.00-16.00

Stocks Reservoir looked to be only around 50% full, with the island in the centre, no longer being an island.

Stocks Reservoir : 1 Osprey (Seen to dive into the water and catch a fish, which looked like a herring sized trout).

Also 5 Red Breasted Mergansers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe,

1 female Sparrowhawk, a very nervous flock of 60+ Lapwings, 2 flocks of Barnacle Geese (4+60, which were seen to

fly in from the North), 2 Ravens and 1 Curlew. Large numbers of hirundines were seen above the reservoir, including at

least 15 Sand Martins.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Langden Valley 10.00-16.30

Walked from the water works to just beyond the castle, outward via the high path and returned by the lower one.

1 Cuckoo, 1 Dipper, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Peregrine, 1 Tree Pipit, 1m+1f Red-Breasted Merganser, 1 Raven,

1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Stonechats, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard and 2 Red-Legged Partridges.

Ring Ouzel heard calling near the castle, but stayed hidden from view.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Langden Valley

2 pairs of Oystercatchers by Langden Brook (A further 2 pairs were by the river in Whitewell).

1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 female Stonechat and 4 Wrens.

As usual lots of Mallards were along Langden Brook, but no sign of Dipper, or of any Grey Wagtails yet.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Stocks Reservoir 11.30-15.30

Reservoir : A group of 64 Barnacle Geese, 1m Goldeneye, 8 adult Great Black Backed Gulls, 2m+2f Pintails, 48 Wigeon,

8 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 7m+1f Pochards, 24 Tufted Ducks and 3 Great Crested Grebes.

Gisburn Forest : 4 Ravens (2 calling and doing in flight display), 1 Buzzard, a flock of 6 Coal Tits and 2 Goldcrests.

The Barnacle Geese were swimming close together and every time a Canada Goose approached the group they noticeably packed

together even tighter. The Great Blacked Backed Gulls were all on the island and a pair were seen displaying.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Stocks Reservoir (Eastern side bordering Gisburn Forest) 12.00-15.30

The water level on the reservoir was very low, with the bay in front of the hides little more than a shallow stream.

Few birds were on the water, fewer still on the main island. Most of the waterfowl were gathered on the exposed banking.

104 Greylag Geese, 24 Cormorants, 3 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 30 Teal and 80 Mallards.

A flock of 40 Linnets were seen flying along the edge of the reservoir. 14 Coal Tits moved through the conifers by the reservoir.

In Gisburn Forest 4 Goldcrests were noted amongst a small flock of Chaffinches, whilst a pair of Ravens soared above a large cleared area.

John Watson · Status: Offline

Forgot to post this:
Saturday (17th) Tower Lodge - Pied Flycatcher on territory both sides of the buildings

(In the past, have had Spotted Flycatcher & Redstart at this spot too)

Craig Higson · Status: Offline

A visit to the area on Friday 16th was very worthwhile. Highlights were undoubtedly the Hen Harriers which put on a great show. A couple of Ring Ouzels were also singing from various song posts. Common Sandpiper and Dipper on the river were nice to see.

No sign of any other migrants just yet though.

Ian McKerchar · Status: Offline

Originally posted today by Alan Prosser:

Quick tour of Bowland area yesterday and a short walk at Dunsop Bridge. Great to find a pair of Spotted Flycatchers at the edge of the forest next to the childrens playground.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Mini tour of the area, yesterday, in warm and pleasant weather. First birding outside of the Northwich area since lockdown.

Moore Piece :- Viewed from the road that runs through the reserve. A fungus has taken hold that kills trees and shrubs and much felling and scrub clearance has taken place. Initially, two to three Pied Flycatcher were heard singing but were to far into the woodland to be seen. On the second stretch, an adult bird was seen feeding a juvenile and then an adult was seen entering a nest box with food. So around six seen/heard in total.

River Hodder :- Walked from the Higher Hodder Bridge for a mile then reversed our steps. Dipper, Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Sparrowhawk, Redstart. The Redstart was heard off to the right once you emerge from the trees and the landscape opens up. Ive been walking this stretch of the river since the mid 70s and its always been a reliable spot.

Cow Ark :- Single track road with passing places cuts through delightful countryside and, if youre heading for Stocks Res, cuts out the corner of Whitewell and Dunsop Bridge. A pair of Redstart were seen at the start of the road.

Stocks Reservoir :- Oystercatcher, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Cormorant, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser. Water levels low and most of the inlet area was dry. Two Garden Warbler near the car park area amongst other usual warblers.

Champion Moor :- Nothing much seen other than a few Lapwing and Skylark as the flooded field spot had completely dried out.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Stocks Reservoir (Eastern side bordering Gisburn Forest) 12.00-16.00

32 Oystercatchers, 23 Cormorants, 10 Great Black Backed Gulls and a single Lapwing were on the main island.

Large numbers of gulls were settling in the roost on and around the island as I was leaving at 4pm.

7 Lesser Redpolls were on alders along Hole House Lane.

3f Goldeneyes, 1m Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Tufted Ducks, 15 Wigeon, 45 Greylag Geese and 1 Grey Heron were on the reservoir

in front of the hides. A Great Spotted Woodpecker visited the feeders, a female Kestrel hovered above a cleared area in the forest

whilst a couple of Ravens patrolled overhead. A steady procession of Chaffinches visited the bird table, which is something I noticed on

previous visits too, but I have not yet found any Bramblings amongst them. Along the edge of Gisburn Forest, Chaffinches and Coal Tits

are usually seen in profusion.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Stocks Reservoir 11.00-15.00

The main feature was the tremendous number of Mallard on the reservoir, there are some large

shooting estates nearby so I was tempted to think that many of the ducks were releases. I have

previously seen the stream that runs through the nearby Langden Valley absolutely packed with Mallard

as that is part of a large game shooting estate, but the vast majority of those were drakes,

whereas the flocks on Stocks Reservoir today contained a lot of females too, and many already seem to be

already paired with a mate. Until I found 7 Wigeon on the main island, I thought that the Mallard were going

to be the only dabblers seen today. It seems odd that no Teal or Shoveler could be found here, I have previously

not had a problem finding them on the reservoir.

Also on the reservoir today were 2f Goldeneyes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 28 Cormorants, 3m+1f Pochard,

4 Greylag Geese and 15 Tufted Ducks. 3 Buzzards, 5 Ravens and 1 Kestrel flew over. 2 Lesser Redpolls, 10 Siskins

and a single Goldcrest were amongst the small garden birds seen around the largely birch woodland.

A flock of 12 Blackbirds (10m+2f) were feasting on haws from a couple of bushes by the roadside.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Another mini tour of the area today in fairly warm and pleasant weather.

Moor Piece :- Again only viewed from the road that runs through this reserve but, amongst more commoner birds, found a singing Male Pied Flycatcher and a male Redstart, also in song.

Upland area near Slaidburn :- Three mile walk on the fells. Not too much about but had Red Grouse, Wheatear, Raven, Cuckoo, Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Snipe.

Stocks Reservoir Inlet, then Stocks Res Island :- Not quite as much activity as on my last visit. Black-tailed Godwit, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Teal, Oystercatcher, Canada Goose and Greylag Goose.

Two more Redstart were heard near Slaidburn Village and a Dipper was seen on the River Hodder.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Mini tour of the area today in sunnyish but cool and blustery conditions.

Moor Piece :- A few days too early for any Pied Flycatcher that werent yet in. Just a few Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap about.

Langden Valley :- Walked to the Castle and back. The valley was acting as a wind tunnel and blowing a hooley. No self respecting Ring Ouzel would be seen perched up in this wind, so we dipped and had to make do with Dipper and Grey Wagtail on Langden Brook with House Martin (3), Meadow Pipit, Stonechat (3) and Reed Bunting also present.

Stocks Reservoir Inlet :- Red-breasted Merganser (2), Goldeneye (2), Whooper Swan (1), Teal, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Dunlin (1), Common Sandpiper (2), Black-tailed Godwit (1), Little Ringed Plover (5), Redshank (c.6), Snipe (1), Grey Wagtail (1), Swallow, Sand Martin.

Champion Moor :- Golden Plover (c.75), Curlew, Oystercatcher, Lapwing. The flooded field spot has held Wood Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper in the past.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Langden Valley 10.30-17.00

2m+1f Ring Ouzels, 2 Wheatears, 2m+1f Stonechats, 1 White Wagtail, 3 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 2 Kestrels,

4m Reed Buntings and 2 Oystercatchers.

-- Edited by John Williams on Wednesday 10th of April 2019 10:49:17 PM

John Williams · Status: Offline

Langden Valley 11.00-16.00

2 Kestrels. 1f Stonechat, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Red Grouse, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Pied Wagtails and lots of Meadow Pipits.

John Williams · Status: Offline

Hill Walk from Cross of Greet Bridge :

1 Peregrine, 1 Wheatear, 1m Stonechat, 20 Red Grouse, 10 Meadow Pipits, 10 Swallows and 1 Grey Heron.

Keith Williams · Status: Offline

Pallid Harrier still present and still sky dancing this afternoon.
Also seen of note, on the way up and down
Ring Ouzel
Common Sandpiper
Pied Flycatcher
Dipper
Numerous Grey Wagtails
Cuckoo heard only, possibly 2.

Mark Burgess · Status: Offline

Early evening visit 17.30 - 18.15 Pallid Harrier still present and showing exceptionally well sky dancing and trilling overhead also seen nest building and perched on fence posts for long periods preening,
Nice view of a singing Common Redstart on the journey back
Also 3 singing male Cuckoo

Phonescoped record shots attached

Rob Smith · Status: Offline

Pallid harrier still showing well in between short periods of absence. Noted today sky dancing, trilling & on one occasion at distance, feeding on something it caught.

A beautiful bird and well worth the hike!

JOHN TYMON · Status: Online

Another Mooch up the Dunsop Valley today uo to Whitendale to have a final look at the Pallid Harrier,and its changed its habits since I saw it a week ago ,now much more rangy, covering all the nearby valleys and disappearing for long periods, no nest building, just some display, but in the main catching food and eating it,and once I thought it was going to leave as it rose on the thermal's until it was a tiny dot ,through the Binoculars ,well over 1000 feet ,and drifted east but a...n hour later it returned,but seemed more reluctant to come down into the valley bottom, sticking to the high fell ridges.I think personally it will leave in the next few days,on one of the warmer days,so anyone wanting to see it,I would say your times limited, I just have that feeling. Also seen today as well as the normal upland birds was A Pair of Pied Flycatcher, 2 Ring Ouzel,Common Sandpiper,Crossbill,Redstart heard only and a Crackin Slow Worm that was sticking to the warm track so was moved into the grass.

pete berry · Status: Offline

Popped up yesterday to see the Harrier,as everbody else has said,WELL WORTH the effort yomping the 4kms or so to see it.We arrived 5 mins after it had been showing well for 40 mins and had to wait another 90 mins before it returned,but well worth the wait as it showed superbly on and off for at least 15 mins doing everything everyone else has described.It's the first male I've seen in almost 30 years since I saw them in the Negev desert in Israel. Plus a lot of the other species mentioned by previous postings.If you haven't been,then go,it's worth all the effort.

Richard Thew · Status: Offline

I'm not a twitcher by nature as I enjoy all birds both common and rare the same unless it is very local. However, I thought I'd pop up to Dunsop bridge to see what all the fuss was about on the Collins book 3 star rarity (Pallid harrier) since I have already hoped to visit Pendle hill today. But since no dotterels have been reported there I did a detour instead (I wonder how many readers will believe me with that!)

This trip however has extra meaning since I haven't been well overnight, with about 39 species seen and at least 7 others heard only (including a wood warbler) and I still managed somehow to get through the day riding from Clitheroe station. the first highlight came with a pied flycatcher and a redstart seen singing later on near it. Grey wagtails couldn't be missed and i also managed a dipper, common sandpiper, siskin, skylark, redshank and a buzzard.

Oh yeah, not forgetting the rare Pallid harrier and what a beauty he was! He showed exceptionally well and even flying to the slops behind me. Twice he landed on the slops in front posing(though very distant). This is certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity as if he was any further away from home would have made seeing him impossible. I've very rushed jobbed sorting the pictures attached so they may not be as clear as I would normally like.

Many thanks..... (now I will secretly rejoice greatly on my new tick!) biggrin biggrin

Tom Jones · Status: Offline

Well it had to be done, Jim Caulfield and my self made the trip today, up the long and winding road, but was it worth it, by golly yes, we arrived at the place and joined about 15 to 20 other birders including a police man, with handcuffs, but he was there for the same reason as us all, we did not have to wait, there it was in all its glory, well worth the slog up, we had lunch in the sunshine, having the bird in sight all the time, then it was time to make our way down the hill with a spring in our step, well worth a vist....... smile

Tim Wilcox · Status: Offline

Today I made the pilgrimage, and that's how it feels after a 6 mile round trip, to see this magnificent bird. There was an hour's wait for the Pallid Harrier to appear at about 1.50pm and then it just went down on the hillside in the high winds, preening occasionally for over another hour before, in bright light it took full wing and went high against the clouds before swooping back to the moor. As John Tymon says it's a Blue Ribband bird not to be missed and worthy of your aching legs! Although you can take a bike up there all the way and back. I just took bins; no scope; no pictures, you won't need them just a memory of this once in a lifetime great bird

John Rayner · Status: Offline

3rd May.

An early start with the bike packed in the boot found me cycling north of Dunsop Bridge at 06.45. The steady climb was fine and I was congratulating my planning as I overtook a few birders on the 3.5 mile walk in, however, the last bit after the right turn off was steeper and strenuous.

The Pallid Harrier showed frequently at 1-200m as it defended territory in its favourite valley (see photo), seeing off both Buzzard and Kestrel, it also collected large clumps of dried grass then dropped it in various nest sites. Not much sky-dancing today in fairly stiff north easterly but a fine morning out with time to call in Puddleducks tea room for refreshment.

I the dropped into a new reserve to me, Moor Piece, and found the Wood Warbler at the first pull in I came to. (Thanks to Mark Jarrett for posting on this)

Photos of the Harrier were a little distant but the Wood Warbler was far more obliging.

Cheers, John

-- Edited by John Rayner on Thursday 4th of May 2017 12:58:23 PM

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

A great days birding in the Trough of Bowland area, starting with the star bird in Whitendale. The Pallid Harrier was showing well, displaying, sky dancing, sparring with a Buzzard and completing several circuits of the valley. Whilst the bird was always quite distant for decent photos to be had, the views through the bins were superb in the sunny and warm weather. There were also a minimum of three Ring Ouzel at the site and possibly up to five birds. Two or three Buzzards were seen, a Cuckoo heard nearby, several Common Sandpipers noted along with Siskin, a Sedge Warbler, Curlew and Grey & Pied Wagtail.

Next off Stocks Reservoir, a few miles to the north east, mainly to see if any Black Tern were passing through. Just one bird was seen together with around five Common Sandpiper, a pair of Red breasted Merganser, a Sedge Warbler near the picnic area close to the first hide, a few Teal, Sand Martin, Jay, Canada & Greylag Goose.

Finally, a stop at Moor Piece, the Lancs Woodland Trust reserve, north of Bashall Eaves. Nest boxes have been put up to encourage Pied Flycatcher to breed. A pair was seen displaying near one of the boxes. Last year we had four or five birds so I don't think all are yet in. We had a nice bonus of a trilling Wood Warbler where we parked up, together with a parachuting Tree Pipit close to the Pied Flycatcher pair.

After earlier having had a tasty Egg & Bacon toastie at the cafe in Dunsop Village, we then enjoyed a pint in the Red Pump at Bashall Eaves to reflect on a superb day out.

Steven Nelson · Status: Offline

I just had to do it! The male Pallid Harrier eventually showed brilliantly this afternoon after a wait of about 30 mins giving prolonged views including close fly-pasts and spectacular high sky-dancing. It brought a food item in at one point and deposited it in the heather.
An awesome spectacle in a stunning location!

Also:
1 Peregrine
2 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Kestrel
2 Common Sandpiper
3 Oystercatcher
1 Curlew
1 Nuthatch
1 Treecreeper
A few Siskins
2 Blackcap
Red Grouse heard

Craig Higson · Status: Offline

After the great views I had on Saturday I had to go back so, encouraged by the thought of a cake and coffee at puddleducks, I managed to get the Mrs and my daughter to come for a 'dog walk' which just happened to take us up to the Harrier! I didn't stay long this time, perhaps 10 mins or so. Long enough to see it do a bit more sky dancing and to get a few better shots. Just a truly beautiful bird.

Pretty sure I saw Simon Warford on the way back down - if it was you Simon, sorry, couldn't stop.

-- Edited by Craig Higson on Monday 1st of May 2017 08:34:09 PM

Chris Harper · Status: Offline

Couldn't resist a visit to see the Male Pallid Harrier today. The experience is well summed up by John and Rob, but today was special, especially as on arrival at 11.40 it waited nearly an hour to show itself. Superb views were then afforded of this ghostly, almost otherworldly bird for 20 minutes until it again went around the hill. Thrilling experience.

Other birds of note: Common Sandpiper, Raven, 3 Red Grouse, 15+ Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 5 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 16 Meadow Pipit. Someone reported a Pied Flycatcher.

On the way home towards Clitheroe near the run down Moorcock pub, a Tawny Owl flew across the road and perched openly. Nice bonus.

Rob Creek · Status: Offline

Sunday 30th April
Early morning visit with Simon Gough, nice to see John Tymon a bit later on, and Andy Bissitt too!

- Pallid Harrier 1 stunning male
Only ever seen the Welwick / Spurn juvenile. This was a bird of true breathlessness! It showed virtually most of the time we were there, Skydancing, putting the burners on and jetting passed, quartering the moor side, carrying nest material to its favoured spot, and just basically putting on a show that kind of left you in awe and having a moment to take it all in. Simon comically summed it up when he said "Emotional that Rob, the kind of stuff that would make grown men cry"

Other quality birds of note...
- Cuckoo 1
- Ring Ouzel 2
- Wheatear 2
- Red Grouse 4
- Raven 1
- Dipper 1
- Common Sandpiper 3
- Common Crossbill 2
- Siskin 1
- Willow Warbler lots
- Goldcrest 1
- Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
- Common Buzzard 1
- Oystercatcher 6
- Grey Wagtail minimum 6
- Red-legged Partridge 3

What a cracking day and well worth the effort of the 3 mile walk to see the star attraction.

-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 1st of May 2017 07:55:22 AM

JOHN TYMON · Status: Online

Pallid Harrier - Male Whitendale Lancashire .What else could I do today other than go to see the amazing Pallid harrier that has made Lancashire its home . The Walk up to the valley which is about 3 miles from Dunsop bridge ,was pretty tiring due to it being fairly steep,and I don't know how many know ,but I have had bad accidents in the past and have Metal in my Legs ,so long hard walks are not great for me ,but I was determined to get there and it took about an hour ,then I spent the next 4 hours in the company of this wonderful bird.

Today wasn't about the pictures ,they were never going to be great in gale force winds and black cloud and the Harrier firing through faster than any swift . It was seen to be carrying nest material and was dropping it in one spot obviously a nest area it was setting up in case a passing female saw it,you have to feel sorry for it as the chance of a female pallid harrier passing that spot is about as likely as me finding another long tailed skua on the beach at southport on my next visit.

I camped myself out opposite this point and away from the main group,although there was never more than 20 or so people present at one time, not being anti social as I spoke to many ,but just wanted to take in the experience,of a lifetime. Today seeing this bird Sky Dancing and displaying has got to rank up there in my top ten birding moments of all time,and over more than 40 years ive had plenty great birding experiences. I would encourage everyone who class themselves as a birder to go ,soon as you can ,you will not see one like this again in the UK. I saw other birds ,including 2 Ring Ouzel flyovers,Wheatear,Common Sandpipers,Grey Wagtail,and Merlin,but today was about the Pallid Harrier and an experience never to be forgotten.

Picture Pallid Harrier -Male carrying Nest Material

-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Sunday 30th of April 2017 07:44:44 PM

Ian Campbell · Status: Offline

This morning, 8.10-9.00 a.m. stunning views of the Pallid Harrier sky dancing, calling, collecting nest material!, as I was walking back must have passed 50 birders walking to the view point and it's well worth it.
Cheers Ian

Roger Baker 3 · Status: Offline

As Sid said a cracking bird to watch .... it was also noted carrying and dropping bits of nesting material.

Situation to be watched with interest as a presence of Bowland Raptor Field Workers is good .... but a 4x4 full of known keepers happy smiling faces not so good !
Perhaps they had just been up to admire the scenery ??

Nice steady walk up there though with plenty to see .... To add to Sids sightings, roosting Tawny Owl, Sparrowhawk and Stonechat.

Nice to bump into Steve Burke again.

Roger.

Craig Higson · Status: Offline

Decided to go for it mid/late afternoon. Arrived at Dunsop Bridge at 16:45 and then yomped the three miles to the viewing spot. Unbelievably another White-tailed Sea Eagle was also seen about 5/10 mins before I arrived. Thankfully I was more lucky with the Harrier. If you are in two minds about going to see this bird, don't be. Just go. Its stunning. Great views, not too distant and its even been skydancing.

Ian Campbell · Status: Offline

Hoping it's still alive tomorrow !!

sid ashton · Status: Offline

Went up to Dunsop Bridge this morning for a look at the male Pallid Harrier a cracking bird to watch sky dancing over the moors and close-to as it looked for prey. Males are exceptionally rare so it was worth the long walk up the valley. Other species seen:- Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Common Sandpiper, Wood Warbler, Dipper, Merlin, Red Grouse, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Ring Ousel, Raven and several forum members, good to see you folks. All-in-all a good day now that my legs and feet are recovering after the hike!!!

Sarfraz Hayat · Status: Offline

Don't forget to take some change too if you have to use the car park. £2.10 for 4- 8 hours. Always handy to have lots of change.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

If anyone is thinking of going, the directions are on the RSPB Skydancer Blog. As Sarfraz says, you must park in Dunsop Village and then walk up Dunsop Valley as far as the split, where you head right (not left towards Brennands Farm) up Whitendale. The advised viewing spot is roughly the same as that for the Eagle Owl, seven or eight years ago. It's not too strenuous a walk and is all on a decent paved road.

Ivan Ellison · Status: Offline

Don't fancy its chances much up there.

Sarfraz Hayat · Status: Offline

Adult Male Pallid Harrier at Whitendale - park at Dunsop Bridge and 3 mile walk with a bit of a climb. What an awesome bird. Thanks to those who found it and let others know!!

John Williams · Status: Offline

Langden Valley

1m Ring Ouzel, 2 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Buzzard, 10 Stonechats, 1 Mistle Thrush and 2 Ravens.

Meadow Pipits and Wrens numerous throughout. Chaffinches and a single Reed Bunting were eating grain from the Pheasant feeders in the game pen.

Pheasants abound in the lower valley, with 8 Red Legged Partridges near the car park.

It is evident that the moor is keenly managed for game, not one crow or magpie seen throughout, the Buzzard and Ravens appeared to have the sense to stay just off site near the road.

(More notes on other wildlife thread).

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

On the southern fringes of Bowland is a Lancashire Wildlife Trust reserve called Moor Piece. It is just north of the village of Bashall Eaves and just off the minor road up to Whitewell. A permit is required to access certain areas but you can park up and view from the public road which cuts through the woodland. The speciality bird here is Pied Flycatcher and many nest boxes have been put up to encourage them to breed. Four male birds were seen with a fifth bird heard singing further in to the woods. Other commoner woodland birds were also seen and a Cuckoo heard.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Started the day off with a twenty minute watch at nearby Alston Wetland just south of Longridge. A pair of Redshank, Oystercatcher and two Little Ringed Plover were of note during our brief stay.

Next up Langden Valley in the heart of the Trough of Bowland. Around four Stonechat were seen en route to Langden Castle. A male Ring Ouzel was seen on a fence post in Black Clough, just past the Castle on the right. Unfortunately it was raining steadily at this point and, although it brightened up later, nothing else of note was added as we retraced our route. I understand that around seven Ring Ouzel were seen high up in upper west Langden Valley (beyond where we got to) a couple of hours after we had left.

We then made our way to Stocks Reservoir where we visited both hides. Seemed a little quiet but we did see Red breasted Merganser, Teal, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Oystercatcher, Swallow and Sand Martin with several Willow Warbler singing from adjacent woodland.

Then on to Champion Moor where nothing really of note was seen other than a male Sparrowhawk, a few Curlew, two Red legged Partridge and Lapwing. Suitable territory for Little Owl and Wheatear but nothing doing.

A half decent day out in mixed weather but beautiful scenery.

Mark Jarrett · Status: Offline

Walk similar to Nick's below, walking up Dunsop Valley from Dunsop Bridge, following the River Dunsop as far as Costy Clough, then returning by the same route. Cloudy, cool and blustery with a bit of drizzle here and there. Amongst others :-

Swallow
House Martin
Swift
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Curlew
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Red Grouse (1)
Pied Wagtail
Grey Wagtail (c.8)
Dipper (1)
Kestrel (1)
Coal Tit
Spotted Flycatcher (1)

Nick Isherwood · Status: Offline

Family outing down Whitendale valley, Dunsop Bridge today. Very windy and quite cold conditions really and consequently bird activity was slightly subdued. However I did manage to see a Spotted Flycatcher by some houses past the play area.

Also several Ravens harassing a Buzzard over the moors, two Grey Wagtails and several Blackcaps. The valley was also teeming with Swallows, House Martins and Swifts.

Jason Dulhanty · Status: Offline

Longridge fell (Jeffrey hill) Noon
Merlin (f)
Curlewx2
Meadow pipitsx6
Cheers Jay
Don't twitch and drive