Spring Road Trip ‘22’ - Day 1



 As we set off, it was very noticeable how the change in seasons had coincided with this planned road trip. Summer migrant birds had arrived and were establishing themselves, earlier dormant trees were now sporting their summer canopy and our Hawthorn hedgerows were adorned by May, whilst the verges were sprouting flowering Cow parsley, Red campion whilst the early Oilseed rape fields were getting to the peak of their flowering season. The scene was set!

First venue was Dovedale and a damp start to the three mile hike up the river path to Milldale, finding Spotted flycatchers in the trees just above the Stepping Stones. 


 

As we followed the track, scouring the river for expected Dippers, we came across Grey wagtails and surprisingly,  a pair of   Mandarin ducks. A more unlikely setting for this exotic species of waterfowl I couldn’t imagine but this rapidly spreading species is firmly established now in the U.K. 



I last visited the area in October last year and managed to see ten Dippers along the climb to Milldale and put their absence down to nesting duties. However, I came across Grey wagtails and plenty of Mallards before arriving at Milldale and a welcomed cup of tea, sat beside the river. 



As the return leg to the National Trust car park began. a Mallard mum and her new brood appeared and took my attention and almost missed the cause for the visit.


There in the now blazing sun was a Dipper, classically moving in and out of the river flow, occasionally diving below the surface to collect its food. Then it was gone, probably to a new brood of ‘Diplets’ or a partner. 


Passing the landmarks of  Ilam Rock and Reynards Cove, there were Marsh tits in the trees and Buzzards and Ravens high above the valley. 



Then, after a mile in the descent another Dipper flew over my head and after watching for a while, discovered its nest site and continued to watch it coming and going for several minutes.


Objective achieved, I would have been happy with the trip but then about half a mile from the end of the course, a strange call sounded from the limestone crags above and looked up to see a magnificent Peregrine falcon had perched above with a kill. 

A fine way to end day 1.




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