Birding Discovery Day - Autumn Moorland Special 2020

Birding Discovery Day - Autumn Moorland Special 2020

The South Yorkshire moors form the eastern edge of the famous High Peak National Park. Their ornithological surprises are many and the autumn is a wonderful time to visit and appreciate both the resident and migrant birdlife that the Dark Peak has to offer. These specially designed birdwatching walks are intended to provide you with an insight into what can be discovered in just a day on these wild and brooding moors.

The Red Grouse is of course an abundant species here but you may also be surprised to know that the Mountain Hare can also be regularly encountered on the heather slopes. We shall of course keep an eye out for this rather attractive and smaller cousin of the more familiar Brown Hare.

The hillsides here in Autumn are covered in fruiting bilberry whilst the cloughs hold rangy rowans drooping with the weight of their berry crops. The Ring Ouzels that breed here linger on to feed on this natural bounty before departing to their wintering grounds in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Other key species here include the Stonechat which breeds here whilst Crossbill and Siskins frequent the pine woods of the lower slopes. On higher ground there is always the chance of encountering both Peregrine  and Merlin or even a Short -eared Owl. Whilst this is an important staging area in Autumn for migrating Hen and Marsh Harriers dispersing to wintering grounds further south.

In addition as it is autumn and in the height of the bird migration season we shall use our knowledge of the prevailing weather conditions to 

identify opportunities to witness the passage of migrating birds. This usually involves large movements of continental thrushes and finches as well as the birds of prey that follow them on their journey. In fact the art of studying the visible migration of these birds was pioneered on these very peaks. John has also found the odd Snow Bunting here to on past visits. Please note: transport is not provided on this day tour. All sites will be in close proximity to the meeting point to be arranged.

Meeting place: Langsett Village in North Yorkshire. Full directions given on booking

What Can You Expect on one of our Birding Discovery Days 2020:

• Small group with plenty of opportunities to interact with your guide
• Professional and local expert guides with a lifetime of birding knowledge in Yorkshire
• A fun day packed with exciting locations, tuition, opportunities for photography and of course great birds!
• A free Yorkshire Wildlife Checklist