Sorted out a trip up to a friends near Carlisle who is avid about Wildlife and dabbles in a bit of Birding.
Set off from good ole' Rowlands Gill and not 2 mins down the down the icy road, did I find 2 cars, both crashed separately and must of just happened. Didn't know whether this was a sign to turn round but I soldiered on and soon arrived at Castle Carrock, home of Ewan Miles. A new blogger himself and does a good read when he gets round to updating it! Also had a Sparrowhawk over before setting off for our days birding.
So we headed off down to Port Carlisle as the Tide was out and looking good for the Long-billed Dowitcher which has been there for around 2 months now. A short 15 min drive and we arrived at said location and got ready for a bitterly cold walk along to the port. Before we set off we had a faff about walking over solid ice to see if we could crack it, it cracked.
After walking west along the path we met another birder who I think was Craig Shaw. He was on the bird and it was close in providing great views in the overcast weather. Was a great bird to see and I managed to get a photo with Ewan's camera.
Long-billed Dowitcher, Port Carlisle, 27/12/2009We watched the bird for another 25 minutes or so when a bloody dog walker flushed the bird and it decided to move further away.
On the walk back to the car a Peregrine Falcon flew over heading west.
Next stop of the day was to head over to Talkin Tarn, where a Long-tailed Duck has took up residency for the past few weeks. so a short walk around the Tarn was in order. Scanned around but with no luck. There were plenty Goosander, Tufted Duck, Few Goldeneye and the hybrid mallards being fed by the passers by. On the walk round we heard a Kingfisher but never seen it.
A good first day with a new Lifer in the bag Long-billed Dowitcher.
28/12/2009
An early-ish start to the day had us walking down to Castle Carrock Reservoir. As we set off we had 2 Ravens overhead calling. A great bird in my eyes and a fantastic call always makes it rank highly on my list of favourite birds.
Not even 2 mins into our walk and a flash of white behind the trees revealed a Male day hunting Barn Owl, times must be tough in this cold winter weather.
At the Reservoir there was not much of note as the whole body of water was frozen except from a small patch, where Mallards were preening themselves. Also, a few Black Headed Gulls were flying about the place making little noise which is always surprising.
Castle Carrock Reservoir dam wall
On the way back Ewan took a photo of a Sessile Oak which is said to be 800 Years old, have a look for yourself, it has great character.
On the walk back to the car a Peregrine Falcon flew over heading west.
Next stop of the day was to head over to Talkin Tarn, where a Long-tailed Duck has took up residency for the past few weeks. so a short walk around the Tarn was in order. Scanned around but with no luck. There were plenty Goosander, Tufted Duck, Few Goldeneye and the hybrid mallards being fed by the passers by. On the walk round we heard a Kingfisher but never seen it.
A good first day with a new Lifer in the bag Long-billed Dowitcher.
28/12/2009
An early-ish start to the day had us walking down to Castle Carrock Reservoir. As we set off we had 2 Ravens overhead calling. A great bird in my eyes and a fantastic call always makes it rank highly on my list of favourite birds.
Not even 2 mins into our walk and a flash of white behind the trees revealed a Male day hunting Barn Owl, times must be tough in this cold winter weather.
At the Reservoir there was not much of note as the whole body of water was frozen except from a small patch, where Mallards were preening themselves. Also, a few Black Headed Gulls were flying about the place making little noise which is always surprising.
Castle Carrock Reservoir dam wallOn the way back Ewan took a photo of a Sessile Oak which is said to be 800 Years old, have a look for yourself, it has great character.
800 Year Old Sessile OakA careful walk back up to Ewan's was next and after a quick pit stop we headed East up the Geltsdale Valley. Nothing much was seen apart from around 5+ Roe Deer. The scenery up on Geltsdale is fantastic and a blog of geltsdale area can be found here.
Half way up the valley we stopped off for a snack, Penguin bars, and had a right laugh at the stupid jokes on each one! We are experts at the answers to the jokes now!
Moving on to near the top of the Valley we got a few snapshots of the deep snow against the moonlit background.
Moonlit photo of Snow formation at the top of Geltsdale
Half way up the valley we stopped off for a snack, Penguin bars, and had a right laugh at the stupid jokes on each one! We are experts at the answers to the jokes now!
Moving on to near the top of the Valley we got a few snapshots of the deep snow against the moonlit background.
Moonlit photo of Snow formation at the top of GeltsdaleA walk back to the Miles residence was a quiet in terms of wildlife but eventful in Ewan falling over a few times to provide me with a laugh.
Back at the warm cottage, was a lovely spread on the table for us two to plough through and a a short time after I headed off home.
Thanks for reading.
Back at the warm cottage, was a lovely spread on the table for us two to plough through and a a short time after I headed off home.
Thanks for reading.
A Splendid read old chap! highly enjoyable! keep up the good work
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