Hardcastle Crags

Wood Warbler still singing away in the crags car park area despite the downpours and hail storm. Also Pied Flycatcher - male singing in the woodland down the banking from the seat at the brow of the hill. 2 male Redstarts in the area between Gibson Mill and the fork in the track - both singing in different areas at the same time. Tawny Owl roosting in a picea near the fork.

Several Spotted Flycatchers around and 2 pairs of treecreeper towards the top of the valley and also several Goldcrest in full song.

All the old and previously reliable haunts in beech woodland checked for Wood Warbler - but non. No Tree Pipits either in the areas they were not too many years ago, including a check at Blake Dean where there was one last year - but still a chance as the weather was not very favourable!

Peregrine and 2 Ravens high over Blake Dean heading south.

Walshaw (lower area) - 3 Redpoll over towards the plantation, 6 Oystercatchers and a Ring Ouzel calling. Mallard +7 and +3.

On the way back around 160 to 200 Swift over Crimsworth Dean must have found lots of insects in the sheltered valley. Also a male Sparrowhawk with prey. Several Willow warblers and Blackcaps.

Not a bad day considering the weather! No sign of Wheatear or Cuckoo today.