Black Grouse Meet March 2013 (1 Viewer)

[Richard G]

Not wishing to put the mockers on things but a Raven wouldn't go amiss.

I am sure when we were in Hawes a few weeks ago we had a pair of Raven fly over when we were walking the dog on the moors. If I've looked at the right area on Google maps where the meet is would be close to where we were.

Anyone up for a detour for small red furry nut-eating mammals on the day??

Richard

 

[Keith Dickinson]

Bump

Right amended lists

Meet 1 on the 17th March
Me
Ken
Graham
Mark
Richard G

Meet 2 on the 24th March
Rob (trystan)
Paul (doc)
Andy K

Anyone else interested on either day. Let me know and I'll add you to the appropriate list.

 

[northernloon]

I am sure when we were in Hawes a few weeks ago we had a pair of Raven fly over when we were walking the dog on the moors. If I've looked at the right area on Google maps where the meet is would be close to where we were.

Anyone up for a detour for small red furry nut-eating mammals on the day??

Richard

Despite spending three consecutive summers doing woodland survey in the Dales I never saw a red squiggle. Freeholders Wood at Aysgarth Falls always looked promising but to no avail. It is however a brilliant place for Spring plants.

After the morning event I was thinking along the lines of Nosterfield on the way back. There's also a site just north of Masham, Mar Field, that I'd like to have a look at. I haven't been there in over a decade but even back then when it was still an active gravel pit it was a bird magnet (relatively speaking). AFAIK it is now a reserve but information is hard to come by. It might be a bit early for LRP but Wheatear is a distinct possibility.

 

[Richard G]

Ken,

The village I'm thinking of is pretty much a guarantee of red squiggles (it's where my pictures on Flickr were Taken) as the villagers put hazelnuts out for them.

Richard

 

[northernloon]

Veering wildly off Topic, "Nuts, all hazelnuts, and we cover them in chocolate." Bill Oddie

 

[DOC REED]

Veering wildly off Topic, "Nuts, all hazelnuts, and we cover them in chocolate." Bill Oddie

Ken,I thought I was losing 'it'......but then you saved me!!o

 

[AndyK]

I was hoping for a Raven too, but thats gone and done it! Can somebody please PM me a map or some details of where to go for the Black Grouse as i've no idea presently! Look forward to seeing your days report and hopefully we can go one better

 

[Trystan]

Usually travel to Anglesey for Ravens, some Yorkshire ones would be nice. I think wheatear is likely by the end of march and we may even get lucky with ring ouzel.

I can probably find the place as I went a couple of years ago but I'm not the best to give directions.

 

[AndyK]

Usually travel to Anglesey for Ravens, some Yorkshire ones would be nice. I think wheatear is likely by the end of march and we may even get lucky with ring ouzel.

I can probably find the place as I went a couple of years ago but I'm not the best to give directions.

dont tempt fate, rouzel would be 2 lifers for the day! (assuming black grouse show that is!)

 

[Richard G]

dont tempt fate, rouzel would be 2 lifers for the day! (assuming black grouse show that is!)

Same for me as well!!!

 

[northernloon]

Shaw Farm, view the rough pasture to the west of the farm. We've had Rouzel in the fields and listen out for Raven.

And don't forget the Stang for Gos, view from the clear-fell just across the county boundary. A bit further down is a small car park that is good for Crossbills. They come down to drink from the puddles (if there are any). It's easy to miss the small turn in on the left so take it slowly.

 

[AndyK]

Shaw Farm, view the rough pasture to the west of the farm. We've had Rouzel in the fields and listen out for Raven.

And don't forget the Stang for Gos, view from the clear-fell just across the county boundary. A bit further down is a small car park that is good for Crossbills. They come down to drink from the puddles (if there are any).

Thanks Ken thats great. Goshawk would be another lifer, perhaps I shouldnt go im going to jinx everything!

Edit: is the Gos viewpoint the circular parking area right where the road drops off the edge of the world?

Edit 2 nevermind i've sussed it now, cheers

 

[Trystan]

dont tempt fate, rouzel would be 2 lifers for the day! (assuming black grouse show that is!)

Well why not, it was 2 lifers for me last time, after the grouse, I did a loop round the dales and came down to pendle hill for dotterel.

 

[AndyK]

Well why not, it was 2 lifers for me last time, after the grouse, I did a loop round the dales and came down to pendle hill for dotterel.

Is 3 asking too much?!

 

[northernloon]

is the Gos viewpoint the circular parking area right where the road drops off the edge of the world?

Edit 2 nevermind i've sussed it now, cheers

My memory of where to park up is a bit vague, roughly here.

It's more a question of parking up and scanning over the forest.

 

[Richard G]

Just had another look at the maps - the village I was thinking of is actually nearer to Hawes so probably not worth making the detour.

Based on the species currently being touted this meet is going to be a lifer-fest for me - currently up to 5 based on what's been discussed!!

Richard

 

[AndyK]

Just had another look at the maps - the village I was thinking of is actually nearer to Hawes so probably not worth making the detour.

Based on the species currently being touted this meet is going to be a lifer-fest for me - currently up to 5 based on what's been discussed!!

Richard

That would be good, lets see who can dip the most!!

 

[northernloon]

I'm trying to get in touch with a former colleague to ascertain whether there are still any BK (Black Grouse) in West Stonesdale and maybe get some gen about the relocation project. I only mention this as it raises the possibility of a circular trip via Tan Hill, The Buttertubs and Hawes.

And fyi there are two great places for Rouzel in Swaledale although both involve a fair bit of walking. IMO the bestest place is Swinner Gill. If you are feeling particularly energetic it can be combined in a circular walk over Kisdon Hill.

The other is Gunnerside Gill. Park in the village and head north. I seem to remember that there are numerous places to learn about the history of mining in the area.

In either place the stony Blackbird-like calls and song echo off the rocky surrounds of former lead mines. Although I've only ever been for work purposes the memory remains vivid.

It might not be feasible for the BK meet but it's worth bearing in mind for a day out.

 

[AndyK]

I'm trying to get in touch with a former colleague to ascertain whether there are still any BK in West Stonesdale and maybe get some gen about the relocation project. I only mention this as it raises the possibility of a circular trip via Tan Hill, The Buttertubs and Hawes.

And fyi there are two great places for Rouzel in Swaledale although both involve a fair bit of walking. IMO the bestest place is Swinner Gill. If you are feeling particularly energetic it can be combined in a circular walk over Kisdon Hill.

The other is Gunnerside Gill. Park in the village and head north. I seem to remember that there are numerous places to learn about the history of mining in the area.

In either place the stony Blackbird-like calls and song echo off the rocky surrounds of former lead mines. Although I've only ever been for work purposes the memory remains vivid.

It might not be feasible for the BK meet but it's worth bearing in mind for a day out.

im confused... BK??

 

[northernloon]

Previous post edited for clarification. BK = Black Grouse. No idea why it isn't BG. Pesky BTO codes. And Black Guillemot is TY btw, Shetlander term for Tystie.