Hardcastle Crags

Woodlands at both sides of the river were checked this morning from the crags car park as far as Blake Dean on the right of the river and back down along the other side.

I checked all the known haunts for the following targets species but drew blanks on Spotted & Pied Flycatchers/Wood Warbler/Redstart/Tree Pipit. I am sure Spotted Fly will be about but if they were they were being very elusive. Worrying times locally for these 5 species!

Not much success for a hard mornings slog but some rewards with 2+ Cuckoo, c10 Blackcap, 2 Chiff-chaff. 3 different Great-spotted Woodpeckers with chicks, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Nuthatch (FY), 1 Sparrowhawk and several Treecreepers and Goldcrests singing and 3 pairs of Grey Wagtails. Also a first for me for the crags pr Tufted Duck. 1 Tawny Owl raiding a Blackbirds nest!