Red kite in dronfield. Never seen one even in the peak before. This one was circling over the fields near my house.
I probably see more red kites than kestrels and buzzards whenever I drive north of Leeds, but have probably seen less than 5 in more than 20 years in the peak.
I think that's because the Harewood estate lead the charge on the reintroduction programme. According to my grandfather Kites were colloquially called sh*te hawk, as they would eat anything including the excrement thrown onto the streets from bedpans.
Not sure this is quite the right place , but was at moat butress last night and was treated to a very very low fly by from two Apache Gunship Helicopters. Litterally just above the butress. Reckon if you were on the path that runs over the top of the crag, you'd have been in danger of being chopped by the blades.. probably an exageration, but thats how it felt, it was nuts.Came over the top of the crag, and then banked hard right and dissapeared around the corner. Anyone else see them about, wondering if they went all the way up the river, past Raven Tor and Cheedale?
Just saw a little egret in the Chew Valley, between Mossley and Greenfield. I knew they were expanding northwards and have seen them by the coast on the Wirral but definitely did not expect to see one on the edge of the Peak!
Nice! The Wirral, and Parkgate / Burton Mere in particular almost guarantee all egret species these days and Spoonbills were a regular feature in 2022. Parkgate is such a good spot for Marsh Harriers, rarer though regular Hen Harriers, Short Eared Owls, Barnies and Merlin. Very lucky to have it half an hour away!
Quote from: JamieG on January 11, 2023, 03:12:23 pmJust saw a little egret in the Chew Valley, between Mossley and Greenfield. I knew they were expanding northwards and have seen them by the coast on the Wirral but definitely did not expect to see one on the edge of the Peak!Nice! See them quite regularly on the Aire near Skipton, not sure if I keep seeing the same ones or if there’s a few, looks like RSPB need to update their map! https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/little-egret/