After a rather slow start it proved a productive walk in the end from Brookhouse and back.
Highlights included:
Juv Marsh Harrier being mobbed by a Buzzard heading NE over Whit Moor at 11:10.
A total of 12 Stonechat counted. 8 on fenceline by the cattle grid on border of Caton & Whit Moor. Other 4 on walls along bridleway over Caton Moor. A mixture of juvs and adults.
A bigger surprise were 3 Whinchats on the same fence line. They were all very flighty unlike the Stonechats and soon flew into the Juncus and Thistle patches. My first sighting at Caton Moor. Juv/female types.
Quite a surprise were no Wheatears on the whole walk. Few Mipits about and two Skylarks flushed.
24 Red Admirals counted all hill topping heading S. Just a single Painted Lady with them.
An Elephant Hawkmoth larvae was rescued from Littledale Road.
4lb of Blackberries collected on the way back rounded off an excellent morning!
Regards
Steve
