randombirder

A couple of days in the Peak District to end off the year.  Driving up on the 30th arriving into the National Park, and setting off from the White Lodge Car Park for a river walk through Deepdale. The weather was a bit dreary but the steady flow of the river and the rolling hills made for a pleasant walk to the quaint village of Ashford-in-the-water.  Along the way, two Dipper were incongruously inactive by the river margins. The next day was a real treat with a trek up Mam Tor and the Ridge. The circular walk starts and finishes in Castleton with great views over the peaks from the trig point and the 'ridgeway'.  The wind was literally breathtaking, surging through the valley and over the tops, punching its weight into our bodies as we clumsily made our way along the beaten track.  A great experience.

Took a couple of attempts to see the Red-breasted Merganser at Denham Quarry but car parking charges aside, it's a great site. The first attempt was on a gloomy day, where the sawbill had re-located further down the Colne Valley. Today, the weather was much more favourable, perfect in fact.  A crisp cold morning, subdued winter light and no wind.  Present here were eight Goosander made up of four drakes and four females.  The Merg was in full flirt mode taking its fancy to one of the female Goosander. Also on site were a Kingfisher , three Common Gull , Treecreeper , 42 Common Pochard , Common Buzzard , and a Red Kite .