Saturday, April 03, 2010

Into the Stoat Zone

The first foray into the Stoat Zone above Dean Head/Scammonden brought forth......a Weasel. ND and myself were just about to leave after seeing not a lot when Ian Lomas and Tina turned up and convinced us to give it a second go. After some persuasive calling, the little fella popped his head above the parapet and came to see what all the noise was. Sorted!
And on the bird front.....Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven, Skylark, 2 x Lapwing, a flock of c. 35 Golden Plover, a few Curlew, Goldeneye and plenty of Mippits.

4 comments:

Chris Elliott said...

I've seen Stoat twice up above Scammonden in the last 4 months. Saw what looked like a hunt up there a month or so ago (complete with saboteurs). Hope they weren't killing the Stoats?? Also saw a Weasel in Stainland Dean today and two Roe Deer.

In terms of birds seen today in Stainland Dean, GSW, first Chiff Chaff of the year, Dipper calling on Black Brook, plenty of Goldfinch and Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Coal tit and regulars.

Steve Cummings said...

Could you elucidate a bit on the "hunt"?
I have seen Beagling carried out at Walshaw in which a scent trail is laid for the hounds to follow. This is done instead of setting them after Hares which is now illegal.On that occasion a hare broke cover but managed to escaped from the hounds.

Chris Elliott said...

No, sorry, I can't provide much more information on the hunt. I only saw it briefly as I passed in my car. Obviously they were on foot, which is how I gather hunting is done around these parts. Saw some people dressed up in hunting gear and a group of student types lined up along the top of Goat Hill Moor who I assumed were saboteurs.

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