At last, a lovely,warm spring morning saw me out early and again at the Blanchland/Derwent area. At the first stop at 7 a.m. 3 Tree Pipits were song flighting,allowing close views. A Hare and a Roe Deer close by too, and sadly road casualties included a Badger, a Fox, a Lapwing and a male Chaffinch! A Cuckoo answered my imitation,and flew closer, Redpolls,Siskins ,Crossbills and Willow Warblers, several singing Mistle and Song Thrushes were among species enjoyed. On the fells, around 25 pairs of Lapwings noted,with much display seen. A few were incubating eggs now. Snipe drummed and called ,at least 14 displaying birds counted. Curlews too were much in evidence,as 14-15 birds displayed. Golden Plover too in good numbers as were Red Grouse. 2 pairs of Swallows were nesting under road culverts here.
As I watched, 4 Ravens flew west over my head. Following them, I saw them split off into 2 pairs, one pair turning n.w and the other s.w. 3 Buzzards circled nearby. Skylark numbers were well down ,with only one singing and another seen on the ground.
Later a bike ride to Holywell, and a drake Garganey on the pond. 3 Lesser Whitethroats and now 14 Whitethroats seen, as numbers gladly continue to grow.
A.S.Jack
