Sunday, 20 April 2025

BIKING BIRDER I June 25th 2010 Hodbarrow RSPB Reserve

 

Hodbarrow RSPB Reserve - 25th June


Early rise, packed and the hunt was on for Bee Orchids, which I eventually found near to the old renovated, thanks to a local Primary School, lighthouse.

Once again, as at Leighton Moss, fifty bird species were seen before breakfast including Eider, Lesser Whitethroat, Stonechat and Sandwich Terns. I also saw a new butterfly for the year, with a number of Graylings seen well amongst the spoil heaps and along the coastal dirt road.

Off to the local library and then a ride to an excellent Roman Bath House at Ravenglass.

Mid-afternoon by now and Wast Water reached. I conned myself into staying at the youth hostel by saying to myself that I would ask about camping but when the receptionist said there was a bed I accepted it quickly.

Talked with a lovely lady, Jayne, who was with a group of 'Fix the Fells' workers and they kindly invited me to their evening BQ. My contribution to their feast was all I had got, a tin of sardines and a pot of cheese spread.

Midges seen off by Avon’s Skin So Soft, three , oops, I mean motorcyclists, here on a holiday from Derby, came over saying they had found a dead bird of prey. It turned out sadly to be an adult Osprey. The lads were Bob, Tony and Roy from Swanwick and they were as gutted as I was by this sad demise. Looking at the bird more closely, I noticed a small patch beneath the auxiliary feathers on the right wing, which was full of maggots. Had it been shot?














































Tickle My Feathers



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