Trip reports
Sunday 14th June - Upper Teesdale
Peter Grainger - Oystercatchers breed in the dale, they nest among old mining workings.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
After a good start with species such as Bullfinch, Nuthatch and Dipper the birds were slow to show and the final count was lower than anticipated but what we lost in quantity, we made up for in quality. Good showing of a Woodcock and a Common Snipe almost side by side set the scene. Lapwing, Curlew and Redshank were also seen but not as much as expected. Common Sandpipers were also being shy, but were finally seen. As usual not everyone sees everything on these trips but as long as some of the party see the birds it can help to swell the list. For example birds such as Siskin, Redpoll, Garden Warbler and Mistle Thrush proved to be elusive for most.
Willow Warblers were very obliging and the usual birds like Lapwings, Meadow Pipits, Swifts and Swallows kept everyone interested.
After leaving Bowlees, we went up the top of the Dale to Herdship Farm. This is part of the Raby Estate using traditional farming methods with low-intensity grazing by local bred sheep and cattle, minimal chemical use and haymaking and was a new venue for some of the party. The result is a healthy array of birds including Oystercatchers, Common Sandpipers, Wheatears, Lapwings and Common Snipe, a rich collection of wildflowers including Globe Flowers, Buttercups, orchids, Birdseye Primrose were seen.
Sadly, the weather broke with a sharp shower. However, getting wet was worth it when a Black Grouse was spotted walking up a distant hillside.
The rain was settling in as we all arrived back at our cars and it was getting late in the afternoon, so only a few people went on to the Weardale Road to see if there were any Black Grouse at the lek site. Happily, a couple of males were seen even in the rain.
Even though the rain stopped play we had been quite successful and the scenery as we returned was colourful and as splendid as ever.