randombirder

It felt fairly typical arising to misty cool weather conditions, far removed from the sweltering temperatures experienced down south.  With these temperatures, it felt that in no time the clouds would burn away quickly to reveal a warm and sunny day.  So by midday when the conditions hadn't changed, my hopes started to dwindle.  It was particularly cool out there with a stiff breeze tempering spirits. By the time the elusive vulture had been sighted, we had climbed up onto a ridge out of view from the ledge in which the Beardie had alighted.   It wasn't until around 3pm when we arrived at the Woodhead Reservoir car park to finally see this majestic creature soar unerringly over the ridge south of the Crowden.  It was being constantly harassed by a local Raven, the comparison in size indicating what a beast this bird is.  The weather had improved markedly and turned out to be reasonably warm. We watched it soar back and forth, disappearing over the ridge and...

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 ar...

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.