Norland 23/3/08

Rather bleak on Norland Moor at 7.30 am this morning with not much evidence of any bird life until we had completed half the circuit of the moor. A single Mallard male flying overhead and one Crow was the sum total. At the top end of the moor near the summit marker we came across the first of a few tracks left by Pheasants as they tracked around the moor trying find some food under the 6 inch snow cover. As we set off back down the moor we had a single Sky Lark take off and start singing which cheered up the somewhat dreary winter scene. At the field on the left of the moor we spotted a flock of Pippits trying to find food amongst the snow, this field had been spread with manure during the week so I assume they were trying to find seeds in this. Stonechats were in their usual spot as were a pair of Reed Buntings. A rather depressing winter walk when we had hoped, after spotting the Wheatear the other day,we might have more signs of spring by now :-((