I'm so fortunate to live close to some fantastic bird habitats. One of those habitats is upland moors. Go at the wrong time of year, and you'd wonder if you're the only one alive up here, as it can be very desolate and the weather unforgiving. The wind howls through at speed and the icy chill can be felt no matter how many layers you have on. Fast forward to Spring, and it's still not particularly warm, but signs of life come from all angles. The Curlew can be heard bubbling, the Red Grouse pop their heads up and the Meadow Pipits are like swarms of flys as they are absolutely everywhere. Throw into the mix returning Wheatears, Golden Plover and if you're very lucky the Ring Ouzel, then it's a very special place to be.
Every year I make numerous visits hoping to see the Ring Ouzel return. I saw none last year, and was beginning to wonder if disturbance by many more walkers since Covid lockdown had pushed them on to other parts. Thankfully this year I have seen them on a few occasions and in song too. I hope this means that last year was just a blip.
The female, which is brown and the bib not so crisp white as the male.
Meadow Pipit
The Ring Ouzel is a cool looking bird. Love the pretty Wheatear and Meadow Pipit. Wonderful photos and sightings. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird and how thrilling to see it this year. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing your English birds that are so different from ours.
ReplyDeleteHello. There are also a small number of Ring ouzel nests in Finnish Lapland. It is a beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteGreat sightings! First and the fourth pics are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteIr does sound like a very special place in spring, and your photos ore really nice.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Thank you so much for sharing your bird finds at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2022/05/try-some-yummy-pretzel-rolls.html
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