An organised meet up with Tim at a favourite destination in North Yorkshire today, saw us visiting the beautiful area of Troutsdale Valley.
After setting off in pretty dire conditions with fairly heavy rain and then arriving at Hilla Green in the same conditions, we stuck around until the rain finally looked like it was stopping.
We got our gear together and after watching the pair of nesting Dippers we began our walk along the valley.
It wasn't long before we were watching our first Goshawks, as 3 males were chasing each other over the forest adjacent to Hilla giving us our first proper views of the day, after a brief sighting when i was sat in the car earlier.
The cloudy conditions eventually began to break as we walked, and then the most unexpected sighting of the day was seen as 2 Hawfinches flew past us along the valley chasing each other. These are the first sightings for us both here and were an unexpected bonus making the sticking it out in the rain even more sweet.
The scenery really is stunning along the valley and it really makes for a great setting to enjoy the hobby.
As we stopped for a drink, I'm sure i had heard a Raven call and then a few minutes later 2 flew past us east along the valley. Its always a good day when i see a Raven, i absolutely love them.
More Goshawk sightings ensued, with several birds giving cracking views, with soaring and displaying Buzzards also putting on a great show, it is certainly birding heaven here!.
As we wandered back to Hilla, a hunting Barn Owl gave some lovely views and a pair of Mandarins and at least 52 Common Frogs showed around the small ox-bow beside the River Derwent. The latter, along with spring sunshine, gave the end to the day a proper spring feel, what a brilliant day out.
The following are my favourite photos from the day.
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