Trace and myself arrived at the lovely little village of Ilam and eventually found a parking place beside the lovely River Manifold.After a quick cuppa we decided to walk into Dovedale and explore the area.
A few birds were seen as we walked alongside the river and included at least 4 pairs of Grey Wagtail,a single Dipper and overhead a mewing Common Buzzard.There were plenty of people walking in this lovely area no doubt having the same idea as us in getting out into the very welcome sunshine.
The scenery was very easy on the eye,with rocky crags and riverside trees and a few more birds entered the notebook which included several Nuthatches and a couple of 'Pitchooing' Marsh Tit.
After a couple of hours of walking we came across a footpath which said Ilam,so we decided to take this route,it was a tad testing on my knackered knees,but as we reached the top of the hill the scenery was just stunning to say the least with some lovely views of the surrounding valley and countryside.
A distinct 'Cronk cronk' call revealed a Raven on the opposite side of the valley and i watched it with anticipation as it mobbed a Common Buzzard,but it didn't cross to our side and i relaxed the camera again.A further 2 Raven were encountered and as we descended back down to Ilam the distinct call of a Little Owl was heard from some adjacent ivy covered trees.We never did see the Owl,but further on and nearer the village a Chiffchaff called from some waterside trees and a Grey Heron patiently fished from the bankside.
We eventually made it back to the car and quickly scoffed a very welcome,thirst quenching ice-cream and rested our weary legs,but what a brilliant place to visit,one from which we will be certainly visiting again that is for sure!.
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