Peak District

A long weekend in the Peak District was planned with the aim of seeking out the 'wandering' Bearded Vulture that had been covering a large area of the high peak for a few weeks.  Unsurprisingly it proved to be another slightly disappointing no show for a species that had evidently relocated further north within the National Park.  There is continuing uncertainty as to the origins of the bird and its associated credentials but it appears likely that it may be accepted as Britain's first wild individual.

The consolation was that the Peak District is an area of truly outstanding scenery.  Decamping at the brilliant Yorkshire Inn Hotel a short walk from Ladybower Reservoir with eyes set to the sky, it provided an opportunity to explore the local escarpments for the bearded wonder.

The reservoir itself is an impressive engineering feat providing fresh water across the East Midlands aided by dams, pumphouses and two large iconic plugholes featured heavily in portraits of the area.

Although not guaranteed, the area in which the Beardie had settled was around Cutthroat Bridge where a large busy car park accommodated a good number of hopeful birders.  Many of these had camped out along the ridge just above the car park but we decided to go for a hike up towards Derwent Edge.

The views over the reservoir and adjacent valleys and ridges were a sight to behold.  The walk was not particularly challenging allowing opportunities to scan across the skyline in the hope that a large raptor might appear.

Under moody grey skies and a stiff breeze, the path meandered up to the trig point.

A Red Grouse was particularly wary amongst the heather.

Other birding highlights were a Hobby flying through the valley and six Curlew.

Hopefully my luck will change soon.