Trip reports
Fieldtrip - Bassenthwaite
Osprey - John Busby RSPB resources
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Upon arrival at the car park in Dodd Wood there was a scramble for waterproofs as a heavy shower dumped itself on us. This was to be the weather feature of the day, a mixture of showers and sunshine. Listen carefully and a Chiffchaff could be heard calling along with Blackbird and Song Thrush. Now that everyone was togged out in waterproofs the sun got out.
We set out up a steep path through Dodd Wood heading for the first Osprey viewing point overlooking Bassenthwaite lake where the male fishes, supplying food for the chicks which we knew were in the nest looked after by the female. On the way through the woodland path, which followed the course of Skill Beck, Wren and Great Tit were seen and heard. Having donned oxygen to cope with the steep path we arrived at the lower view point where a feeding station was set up. We saw a number of smaller birds here, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Siskin and the larger Jay. Also at the feeding station was a Red Squirrel whilst in the background were the majestic Mute Swans on Bassenthwaite lake. Circling high above were Buzzard. Osprey, however, none.
Daunted none, we pressed on up the path of a much kinder gradient. On the way Jackdaw and Robin were seen but undoubtedly the star of this stretch of the path was a Willow Warbler singing his heart out in concert and not a ticket required. Buzzards were again seen and a bird flying fast. Could it be a Peregrine? It may have been until joined by numerous others. Fast Crows was the consensus of opinion. To be fair they were a long way off! As we continued on, a Blackcap could be heard singing.
At last we reached the view point overlooking the nest. The climb was more than worthwhile. A female Osprey perched in regal splendour to the right of the large nest at the very top of a tree affording a good clear view. Two chicks could be seen bobbing about on the nest. What a treat. Now a well deserved lunch.
Most members had just about completed lunch when down came the rain again. Never mind the rain, here comes the male to the nest with a fish. In he came to the nest and landed dropping the fish to the female. After a moment's rest he took up sentry duty on the same perch as the female had occupied when we first arrived. The female began feeding the chicks. A Buzzard came too close, possibly looking for a meal of Osprey chick. Not to be. The male Osprey was out and at him. Quite a dog fight which the Osprey won on this occasion. I was told by RSPB volunteers that a common way the Osprey sees off unwanted guests is to fly high and, rather like a Zero fighter, come out of the sun from above, striking hard. Whilst all this excitement was going on a Sparrowhawk flew through the middle of it all.
Time to go down the hill. On the way down two Buzzards were seen facing into the wind, keeping station, hanging on the breeze. Not a flap of the wings, just hanging there like a kite without a string. Remarkable for such a big bird. Two of the members took a different route down and heard Tawny Owl screeching as if being mobbed by other birds.
We got back on the bus and travelled to Whinlatter Forest. At the visitor centre, pictures were being transmitted live of the Osprey nest we had just seen. Several members decided to try our luck looking for Crossbills. Mistle Thrush seen clearly at the top of a large Larch tree. Rump end of a Roe Deer seen disappearing into the dense trees. Swallows flying over Alpacas but Crossbills, you guessed it, none. Other members saw Bullfinch, Treecreeper, Greylag Geese, House Martin, Woodpigeon, Swift, Canada Geese, Pheasant, Oystercatcher and Grey Heron.
The only thing black about this day was the rabbit at the start. An excellent day thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Malcolm Drummond
BIRD LIST
Mute Swan
Greylag Geese
Canada Geese
Grey Heron
Oystercatcher
Lapwing
Osprey
Common Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Pheasant
Tawny Owl (H)
Wood Pigeon
Swift
Swallow
House Martin
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Mistle Thrush
Wren
Robin
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Blue Tit
Treecreeper
Magpie
Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
Jay
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Siskin
Bullfinch 37 Species
Other
Black Rabbit
Red Squirrel
Roe Deer