After travelling across the Humber Bridge in fairly rainy conditions early a.m.,i arrived at a still drizzly Forge Valley feeding station and had a quick look to see what was visiting the feeders.After at least 30 minutes i had seen a pair of Great-spotted Woodpeckers,2 Jay,2 Marsh Tit and a Nuthatch amongst the more regular species,so pretty good i thought.At last it had finally stopped raining and i drove around to my next stop,Hilla Green.
I have been visiting this cracking little area in Troutsdale Valley for about 15 odd years and it is never a disappointment.Today, highlights consisted of a pair of Dipper which gave some lovely views as they went about the business of collecting food for their brood,a single Spotted Flycatcher,a regular species here in the summer months and a female Mandarin seen with 4 small ducklings,which certainly had the awww factor.
After enjoying Hilla and Troutsdale it was onto the main event and the raptor viewpoint at Wykeham Forest.
On arrival and as i was getting my gear together,2 Crossbill passed overhead,the first of at least 12 birds seen during the visit,a nice start,but expected here at this time of year.
The first Goshawk wasn't long in appearing,a big sub-adult female and showed at mid-distance as it powered along the valley,these birds are just the ultimate predator and just amazing to watch.It was followed by at least another 8 birds including a stunning female close to the viewpoint and a displaying male,with his roller coasting display flight,fantastic viewing.
Buzzards were also a feature of the visit with at least 10 different birds including several hunting/hovering birds looking like giant Kestrels as they hung in the blustery wind.
As time wore on and late morning approached,a pair of Honey Buzzard appeared from behind me and headed out over the valley,giving some stonking views through the scope,both intermediate birds,the male absolutely stunning with his grey head,pale eye and lovely subtle light barring on the underparts,what a cracking species these are.Lets hope they settle down and successfully raise some young.
Not long afterwards an Osprey was a total surprise,as it flew past at fairly close range, heading in a south westerly direction,becoming my 11th species of raptor i have now seen from this watchpoint and just goes to show what can turn up unexpected.
The rest of the visit consisted of 1 more sighting of a Gos and several more Common Buzzard sightings before i decided to call it a day.
Another visit to Forge Valley before heading home,to look for Beautiful Demoiselles,only saw 1 being seen before it clouded over and began to rain.But i did witness an interesting piece of behaviour,as i saw a Jay catch and pluck a juvenile Blue Tit,the first time i have seen a Jay predate another species of bird.It may seem cruel,but these birds have chicks to feed as well and is all part of the circle of life in the natural world.
Another brilliant visit to this area was enjoyed today and i looked forward to visiting again in the not too distant future.
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| Big Skies & What A Vista From The Raptor Viewpoint At Wykeham. |
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