As the good weather continues, I found myself once again drawn to one of my favourite areas of the county,the Simonside Hills, having visited this area since the age of 5 or 6 . I won’t reveal when exactly that was !
The G S Woodpecker nest found last week, now saw the noisy young poking heads out of the tree-hole and the parents bringing in good amounts of food. Nearby a Cuckoo called frequently and 2 others answered from woods close by. A 4th bird seen too. A pair Redpolls were feeding a group of fledged young in conifers and several others seen nearby.A Spotted Flycatcher called quietly from within the wood. 3 Redstarts were seen and heard, and on a fell a pair of fledged young Skylarks called for food. At least ten Skylarks were singing.
Raptors seen were Kestrels at 2 sites, Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard.
A few Red Grouse noted in heather and Meadow Pipits in good numbers fed young. No sign of any Wheatears this time. Siskins were noted displaying in the conifers.
On the drive to Simonside,Redstarts were seen/heard at several sites and a pair of Spotted flycatchers were lining their nest with wool at Nunnykirk. Also here were Garden Warbler and 4 Pied flycatchers,Treecreeper,Goldcrest and Green Woodpecker.
A.S. Jack
