Glorious Glossop

 The combination of good weather and the Easter break were enough to dissuade my brother David and I from making the trip to the east coast, neither of us could face the prospect of sitting in the all too likely traffic jams! Instead we headed north to Glossop in the Peak District where we were able to draw on the local knowledge of former Corby resident Mr John Barn. Our targets before we set off were Dipper and Red Grouse and I'm glad to say that we were not to be disappointed!

Dipper and Song Thrush

Our first stop was within easy walking distance of John's home, apparently a pair of Dippers were favouring this stretch of stream and had been showing well. Luckily for us one of the birds was performing and we were even treated to the odd burst of song. I always enjoy seeing this charismatic species so it was a more than satisfying way of kicking things off. From here it was a short car journey to some local moorland where there was a possibility of encountering grouse.

Wheatear and Ring Ouzel

Our walk took us through sheep farming country where the closely cropped sward and stone walls looked ideal for Wheatears. Appearances in this instance were not deceptive and we saw about half a dozen males in the general area. To a soundtrack of bubbling Curlew calls we pressed on stopping to enjoy two Ring Ouzels that John picked out. While the birds were rather distant and feeding in the shadow of one of the dry stone walls we had good views through the scope. Just a little further on our guide found the first of several Red Grouse on the surrounding moorland and we could hear the occasional call too. One bird was found perching on a nearby wall and treated us to some good views. Although there were no other birds to report I did see a Green-veined White which paused long enough to let me get some shots.

Red Grouse and Grey Wagtail

Our final stop of the birding day was at Crowden where a full car park suggested that things would be busy. At least half a dozen Willow Warblers were heard or seen while a pair of Grey Wagtails brightened up a stretch of stream. By now John had family commitments to take care of and so David and I content with our day's lot bid him adieu and headed for home.

Green-veined White.