Arnside Knott

Within striking distance of the Lake District and some wonderful south Cumbrian nature reserves, and close to Leighton Moss and Silverdale, it's hard to imagine a more perfect place for a naturalist, Arnside Knott has some excellent wildlife and some spectacular views.


Teesdale Violet Viola rupestris at one of only four locations at which it occurs in the UK. Watch this space, I'm hoping to get up to Teesdale soon to see a few more. Interestingly, in Teesdale this violet is actually blue.


Southern Wood Ants Formica rufa.


Rare Spring Sedge Carex ericetorum.


Blue Moor Grass Sesleria caerulea. In Britain this species occurs mainly in a band from Cumbria to the Yorkshire Dales.


Morecambe Bay from Arnside Knott

Old Coach Road

Wheatear 7
Corn Bunting 1
Curlew 2

Catchdale Moss, Green Lane

Yellow Wagtail 1 stunning male on ploughed field. First of the year.

Eccleston Mere

Whitethroat 1 singing. First of the year.
Willow Warbler 2 singing
Chiffchaff 2 singing
Blackcap 2 singing
Lesser Redpoll 2
Mute Swan 2 ads

No hirundines and no Tufted Ducks!

Dunsop Valley, Bowland

So after a week in the metropolis of New York, it was back to the rolling countryside of the UK, and what a struggle it proved to be! It was a very pleasant walk, if slightly chilly, but the birding was so difficult compared to New York.

This place is one of the best in the UK for raptor watching, yet we walked for about 8 miles and the best we could muster was 4 Buzzards and 2 Kestrels. A Common Sandpiper was a welcome sight, my first this year, and Dippers are always good to see.

Oh well, back to reality.......


Brennand in the Dunsop Valley

Eccleston Mere

Sand Martin 70
Swallow 20
Chiffchaff 3 singing
Willow Warbler 2 singing
Blackcap 4 singing
Lesser Redpoll 3
Mute Swan 2 ads
Tufted Duck 18
Kingfisher 1
Buzzard 1

Eccleston Mere

Yellowhammer 1 (my first at the mere since 2006!)
Lesser Redpoll 2
Willow Warbler 2 singing
Chiffchaff 3 singing
Blackcap 3 singing
Sand Martin 1
Mute Swan 2 ads