Sunday 10 June 2007

Caerlaverock, Haweswater & Forest of Bowland

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!!! What a dip!! With heavy fog taking ages to clear in the morning, we had an inkling that the White-tailed Plover had departed over night. No sign from 4am to about half 10, we decided to head south to Haweswater.

Here, the male Golden Eagle sat in a favourable tree from the RSPB watchpoint. Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Goosander also. In the surrounding area - we discovered a Pied Flycatcher nest, with Dippers nearby.

Male Pied Flycatcher feeding young at the nest (c) Ashley Howe

Losing complete hope of the Plover being relocated or found, we moved further south to the Forest of Bowland. Another long walk from Dunsop Bridge got us the 5 Eagle Owls; 2 adults, 3 juveniles. The female ripping a Red-legged Partridge to pieces, shame it wasn't a dog - would have made it far more amusing. As well as, as many as 3 Short-eared Owls, 2 'ringtail' Hen Harriers and Dipper again.

All five Eagle Owls. The 3 juveniles (top), the male hiding (2nd) and the female (bottom) tucking into a red-legged partridge. Impressive birds. (c) Ashley Howe

2 comments:

Unknown said...

why are there no comments on what must be some of the most amazing sites on the internet. golden everthings and booted stuff?? am really hoping to get good bird score when visiting new forest with very old uncle, i want him to see all the plants and birds that i know sites for as i don't really think he's poached as many animals as apear in his yarns. Would you be able to help me spot goshawk and honey buzzard amongst many other of the special dragonflies???? Andrew

Unknown said...

andrew.sinden@gmail.com