What have you seen

Having walked and climbed in The Lakes all my life I now find the Mungrisdale area one of my favourite places to visit. Also that area north of Skiddaw and Blencathra. I think the reason being is that these are the less visited fells, feel more remote, probably not as rugged as some other Lakeland fells but just as beautiful. This summer we walked in the Glendaraterra valley and the northern fells in the Skiddaw Massif, what stunning views looking across the Greta Valley, up St John’s in the Vale and towards the peaks in the distance. For a couple of periods in my life I lived and worked in this area and hold great affection for it and the people who live there. Well worth a visit.

Not seen but heard this morning, the Deer rut. Beware of the stags at this time of year as they are testosterone mad.

micky, it was the walk up the miners track above Glendaraterrace that we took in the morning before heading around to Mungrisdale. OH has trouble descending these days because of painful knees so we tend to just do the more level walks, however we do see lots of wildlife wherever we go. It's just a matter of keeping one's eyes open.

Beautiful area Nellie. In my early twenties I worked at Fellside in the Calbeck Fells and just for the fun of it we planned a summer walking route and set off  across the Northern Fells to finish at Keswick. The first peak we climbed was Brea Fell. The view from the summit there is, I believe one of the finest in the Northern Fells, with the panorama north taking in the Solway Firth, Scottish Borders and the northern Pennines. Taking in  Great Cockup we made our way onto the head and western flank of the Glendaraterra valley. From there on to Latrigg fell and down into Keswick. Beautiful views.

In winter we also cross country skied amongst the Great Calva , Knott and Meal Fells. Don’t think they get winter weather these days which made it possible then, it seemed to last for weeks. You had to be aware that unseen mine shafts were a danger as they were hidden in snow drifts. Such fun!

3 weeks ago I reported seeing a Green Sandpiper at Burton Mere. We went for a stroll around the place today and it's still there. For a bird that migrates and doesn't tend to stay in one place very long this one, and apparently a second one, seems to have taken the term " Stopover" to a new meaning.

Also managed to see our first Whooper Swans of the winter. Actually had a good view of a Cetti's Warbler as well.

Just 3 dragonflies left.

I’m amazed WN, reports of several migrant species still hanging around. Osprey, a few hirundines and a number of Ring Ouzels this week. Oh and even one or two rarer summer visitors like the Hoopoes linger on. Very few usually seen this late in October.

An interesting couple of days here with around 6 Cattle Egrets on the fields across from the site along with a Grey Heron, and I also spotted a hare hunkering down when it heard me on the road. Then today a Stoat disappeared into the hedgerow as we drove up and within yards a Sparrow  Hawk, which had manage to get a claw entangled in a briar freed itself and nearly hit the car!

Spotted these trees in full autumn colour, a Maple and a Large Leafed Lime.

I came across this note from the Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve FB page, hope it can be accessed, and that it is safe to do so!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/c8ibwf2DWFFJn2iD/

Two sightings today, one spotted in Essex, the other in Buckinghamshire. Could be same bird??

Well the Common Cranes have been on the move towards Spain today huge numbers even came over our way and we have been outside gardening work and did not see one typical, but did see a flock of Redwings going over about 40 altogether.

Saw quite a lot of butterflies out yesterday whilst looking around a local field which I have not been into for a few months great to see as numbers of butterflies have been down in numbers here like the UK.