The rather dismal, rainy start to Sunday September 16th culminated in a glorious evening while we were walking the area round Gorple reservoir. We were treated to the sight of Short-eared owls (we counted four in total), which circled above fields of hares (at least 6!), rabbits, pheasant and grouse. Driving back along Edge Lane, we were lucky enough to see a flock of perhaps 20 Twite which landed briefly on a disused Delph. More about that later from Steve Blacksmith. For me, the joint highlights were the hares - I have never seen so many all in one go! - and the sight of those magnificent owls, their wings flashing a pure, bright white in the afternoon sun.
Lovely description Annie; I love hares.
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DeleteThank you Philip! I love hares too - magical creatures.
DeleteThe Twite landed on the rocks above May's country shop on Edge Lane, Colden. Anyone with a long lens would have got a good picture as their warm brown breasts glowed in the low sun.
ReplyDeleteThey were pecking at the seeding weeds on the rocks, and there is an area of disturbed soil just at the side of the old quarry which has plenty of other annual weeds.
As it was we only had compact cameras with us and couldn't get a good shot. Through my 30x scope I couldn't see any colour rings. None of them yet showed their yellow winter beak colour.
It was at 6.30pm. There's a good lay-bye conveniently in the best spot.
Quite a trip out Annie - some great wildlife and to find some Twite nowadays is extra special.
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