Trip reports
Trip to Long Mynd
Lonspout Waterfall Long Mynd - MH
Sunday, 14 June 2009
On our arrival at Carding Mill Valley, the 38 travellers split up into smaller groups and went off, following the various way-marked footpaths.
The first, and most numerous birds seen were the House Martins which nest in the eaves of the many houses within the valley entrance. With-in a few yards the first of many observations of Painted Lady butterflies was seen and as we went further up the Long Mynd, more were seen. Also observed were many Ravens, including juveniles.
As our group went on, we veered left up a narrow clough, and we were buzzed by 2 Willow warblers. They passed our heads by inches (I think we all ducked down actually). I don't know who was most surprised, them or us.
As we climbed upwards, all eyes were looking for the areas most sought after bird, the Ring Ouzel. As we walked up and past Long Spout Waterfall, Meadow Pipit and Skylarks were plentiful. We also saw a single Tree Pipit, but no Ring Ouzel. It seems that this bird has not bred in the area since 2003. Global warming, who knows? Judging by the number of butterflies and daytime moths flying about, it seems the caterpillars are pupating earlier, so, no caterpillars for the adult birds to feed to the chicks.
Of the butterflies seen, besides the Painted Ladies, many of the White Butterflies were seen, as well as the Small Heath, and Gatekeeper both residents of un-improved grassland. Lots of moths were also observed, but sadly our moth expert was not with our group. Lots of Banded Demoiselle were also seen in the watercourses.
Our walk took us up to Pole Bank (516 metres above sea level) and the sun was still hot. Along the way we observed a Buzzard, hovering just like a Kestrel, on the edge of the escarpment, taking advantage of the updrafts ( this is the only place we have observed this behaviour). As we came to Pole Bank , we went to the toposcope and tried to make out what we were looking at. It is not so easy to understand as the toposcope in Bradgate Park. We continued our walk on to Ashes Hollow, where a Peregrine Falcon had been reported, but sadly it was not seen. A few stray feathers on an exposed rocky outcrop, however, were observed.
We retraced our steps and took a precarious descent down towards the reservoir. On the way, continuing our butterfly observations, a Small Copper and a Green Veined White was seen. The reservoir was soon reached and we were treated to the sight of Pied and Grey Wagtails.
We eventually arrived back at Carding Mill Valley and refreshment was taken at the
National Trust tearoom. The tea here can be recommended.
To finish off the last hour of our stay, we walked up to Rectory Woods. A Jay was heard calling, but not seen. No new sightings of birds were made. A stop at a small pool saw lots of Trout, and we wondered how they had got there.. We concluded that they were introduced for aesthetic reasons. People like to see fish and Trout are very obliging in letting everyone know they are there. Sadly, no Grey Herons were seen by us, taking advantage of this bounty.
In all 43 birds were seen by all the groups during the day.
The highlights for one group was a sighting of a female Hen Harrier quartering a hillside for prey. They also recorded a Merlin and a Cuckoo. Somehow, our groups sighting of a Whitethroat seemed to be insignificant.
The return journey provided us with a fantastic view of the Bruntingthorpe Vulcan
and a pair of Jet Provosts, which had been displaying at R.A.F. Cosford Air Day.
The weather for the day was fantastic, the birds seen as always , unforgettable.
Sadly, we wonder if we will ever see a Ring Ouzel in one of the most wild and wonderful landscapes that England excels in.
MH