25th May 2014
A new bird for my album!
Barry and I set off fairly early for Lockwood Beck reservoir in hope of seeing the osprey that was frequenting the area. Part way there we diverted off course across country to Nosterfield NR as a broad-billed sandpiper was reported. We had decent views of a fairly distant bird but added a lot of species to our day list. My target of 45 soon looked unambitious!
Back on the road to Guisborough and then Lockwood Beck we stopped when Barry 'Hawkeye' Bishop spotted a little owl at the side of the road. We pulled over, checked in the bins that it was still for sale [it was on a house for sale sign]...
Little Owl
...and then got cameras out, wound windows down, turned Tiggy and drove slowly past the owl.
Little Owl
The owl grew bored of watching us and looked elsewhere.
Little Owl
We drove on to Lockwood Beck. A red grouse was disturbed close by as we looked down on the reservoir from the moorland.
Red Grouse
Red grouse chicks scuttled along in the heather and whin.
Red Grouse chick
Skylarks were singing overhead.
Skylark
The osprey came overhead. Mobbed by a lapwing as it flew away from us.
Osprey
Osprey
Near the roadside curlews were displaying and, no doubt, nesting nearby. A few images follow.
Curlew
Curlew
Curlew
Curlew
Curlew
Curlew
We left the curlews in peace.
Down by the reservoir a pair of grey wagtails were very active.
Grey Wagtail
For the rest of the day see http://barryjohnbishop.blogspot.co.uk/