I had a day off work today with the sole intention of catching a lifer before it carried on it's migration north. An early start was required to get to Pendle in Lancashire before rush hour and to give me as much time as possible to see this bird before the forecast heavy rain showers. With the help of a kind walker, I got onto the trail, but it was pretty tough and took me almost an hour from car to summit. Cloud covered the hill tops but I was going to see this bird if it was here. Very quickly I spotted a pair of Dotterel. My target bird, and they were stunning. It felt like Christmas, because I really thought I'd missed them.
I spent more than an hour with these birds observing and generally feeling delighted. It was difficult to leave them. A superb day, and one I won't forget.
The summit I needed to get to is currently in the clouds. Eeek.
The Summit, just to prove I made it.
By the time I came down the cloud had gone.
The male in this species is not as colourful as the female. (Clearly something went wrong there)
The stunningly colourful female.
Congratulations on getting to the top. I just don't know how you manage to get such superb photos despite the cloud and mist.
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous views and shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of a beautiful bird. And so exciting to get a lifer.
ReplyDeleteWonderful landscape and photos of the birds, you are lucky to see them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a awesome bird, the Dotterel, great that you made it to the summit in time.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots and birds.
A handsome bird, and congratulations on your lifer. Yesterday I had my chance for one as a Fork-tailed Flycatcher appeared only five miles away. Other duties delayed me and I looked for it in the rain this morning, to no avail.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on on your lifer. So glad you were able to see them after your hike to the summit. They are gorgeous birds. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!! Boom & Gary.
ReplyDeleteVery nice lifer and worth the extra amount of effort:)
ReplyDeleteWell done and, yes, for the female to be more distinctive in the bird world .. is different :D)
ReplyDeleteWell done on getting to the top and then finding and taking these superb shots of it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a lifer and making it to the top! Well done.
ReplyDeletewhat a header !!wow !!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your lifer. Beautiful scenery and bird. The female Dotterel is quite lovely. Happy Critter Day!
ReplyDeleteCongrats and thanks for sharing the awesome views and bird.
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Wonderful Pictures of the birds! #cameracritters
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my goodness! the countryside is as beautiful as the birds - and the FENCES! :)
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of the bird....nature took a whole different course with the female being more 'colorful'...but heck, they're BOTH very handsome birds. What a wonderful photo op!! And loved you taking us to the summit!
ReplyDeleteWonderful views and photos !
ReplyDeleteCongrats on reaching the summit- and this bird is beautiful- nice shots.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a Dotterel so this was a treat. Isn't life grand when you hope for something and it all works out? I could feel your happiness!
ReplyDeleteIt's always so exciting to see a lifer, and a dream come true to get photos. Handsome birds Adam, beautifully photographed.
ReplyDeleteStunning landscape and beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Congrats on finding the bird.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful views. Congratulations on the lifer.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping back to say, thank you for sharing your post with Saturday's Critters.. Have a happy day!
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