Simply the Best!

I'm talking about the Cross of Greet and surrounding area where I spent a serious seven hours today including a visit to a woodland I had to apply for permission to enter......amazing stuff!

I left the car at the top cattle grid at precisely 9 o'clock and proceeded on a birding day to remember and on which I was more than a little rewarded for my efforts, the only negative about which was, during the seven hours here I found just 2 Stonechat, a male and female a mile apart and both OOA. This - along with the disappointment last Thursday at Newby Moor - is something of a worry both locations being well established as Stonechat strongholds, but the jury is out on this one for the time being and there ends the first lesson.

I found an impressive 10 Whinchat here today, including five in the LDBWS recording area, the other five were seen during a skirt along the lower slopes of Bloe Greet where I had excellent views of a male Hen Harrier over the ridge, 2 Peregrine Falcon, and 2 Raven. A Cuckoo called just once and I counted at least 28 Meadow Pipit, 4 Wheatear, and a Mistle Thrush. By Cross of Greet Bridge I saw 2 Sand Martin and 2 Grey Wagtail. In the woodland which I visited on the way home and is probably the best and most attractive one I ever entered particularly as the Bluebell's are at their best right now, I had more excellent views, this time of Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, a pair of Redstart at a nest site, and heard Tawny Owl and Great - spotted Woodpecker. 

I'd like to express my gratitude to the landowner for granting me the permit to enter this piece of prime woodland, a picture of which is attached to this post. I saw a least 8 Painted Lady on the day, and if you're reading this BR it was a pleasure to see you today.