With the current outbreak of the Corona Virus,we took all necessary precautions while out,staying well clear of anyone else and also covering our faces for protection which did get some funny looks unfortunately,but best to be safe than sorry.
The following sightings are what we encountered along with a selection of photos of the stunning scenery and wildlife.
White Lodge Car Park - Monsal Head(Monsal Dale)
This is usually the most productive area on our visit here and today,some superb early spring sightings were observed.
Bird sightings included 7 Raven,involving a chasing group of 4 birds,great to watch and hear that fantastic 'Cronking' call echoing around the valley,the resident pair of Dippers at their usual nest site,6 Chiffchaff,Grey Wagtail and 3 Mandarin Duck(2 drakes and 1 female).
A few early spring wildflowers included Greater Celandines,Dog's Mercury,Wood Anemone,Coltsfoot,Butterbur & Marsh Marigold.I also managed to find a new personal species,Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage.I have probably seen this species before,but i'm still a relative beginner when it comes to wild flowers.
A surprise sighting was a Pipistrelle Bat hunting in woodland near to the start of the walk and gave some superb views as it caught several Midges.
Monsal Head - Upper/Cressbrook Dale
Bird sighting's in this area included another Chiffie,3 Grey Wagtail(including a prospecting pair at Cressbrook Mill) and unbelievably another Pip which we saw being caught by a male Kestrel,after a few attempts by the 'Bat Hawk'.This section of the walk is the most stunning scenery wise and certainly made up for the lack of wildlife sightings.
Miller's Dale
The best sightings in this area,again featured our avian friends and included another 2 Raven,Chiffie and a Grey Wagtail.
So what a fantastic day today,visiting this beautiful area and looks like it will be some time before we are visiting again.I hope all my readers stay safe and please take care.
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| The Entrance To Monsal Dale. |
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| The River Wye. |
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| Stonefly Sp. Nemoura cinerea,Monsal Dale. |
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| Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage,Monsal Dale. |
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| Hazel Catkins,Monsal Dale. |
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| Fungi sp.,King Alfred's Cakes,Monsal Dale. |
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| The Crystal Clear Water Of The River Wye,Monsal Dale. |
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| Ravens,Monsal Dale. |
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| Barren Strawberry,Monsal dale. |
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| Hillside Scenery,Upper Dale. |
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| Mrs R,With Cressbrook Mill In The Background. |
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| Cressbrook Dale. |
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| Cressbrook Dale. |
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| Litton Mill. |
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| Cressbrook Dale. |
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| The Iconic Monsal Head Viaduct. |
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