Lake District Holiday

I've just come back from a week in the Lake District National Park. It wasn't so much of a birding trip but I still managed to get some done.  On Sunday morning we went to Sizergh Castle hoping to see some Hawfinches. After a fairly long search a pair flew by and landed in a nearby tree. They stayed long enough for decent views before flying away overhead.

On Tuesday we visited Dalton Crags. Unfortunately I couldn't locate the Great Grey Shrike but a few Green Woodpeckers yaffleing in the woods was a pleasant surprise. Later on we headed to the RSPB Leighton Moss reserve. The Highlights included 20 Avocets, several Shoveler and Pintails, a few hundred Black-tailed Godwits, a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Marsh Tits, 3 Ruff and a smart female Marsh Harrier. However the rain came halfway through the visit. I managed to cope with it for two hours but I later retreated to the warm car!

Thursday, our last full day, we climbed Scafell Pike. There were loads of Meadow Pipits displaying on the mountain and 2 Wheatears (a male and female) were foraging by the river in the valley.

Black-tailed Godwits

Red-breasted Merganser

Avocet

Pintail

Goldcrest