I had a really nice walk in the Goyt Valley recently, and on a side of the valley that I don't usually visit. It turned out to be a really productive walk, with plenty of birds and butterflies to see. There was a Red Kite over and plenty of Kestrels around. Stonechats were plentiful, with lots of juveniles on the walls and ferns.
I did pick up on a bird that I was not expecting to hear, and that was a Grasshopper Warbler. These birds are not often easy to see, as they like to sing from within the grasses and bushes. This one however, kindly came out to show itself for me, and I was delighted as I'd not seen one all year. I had heard one other, but on that occasion it stayed hidden. These are great looking birds and another of our Summer migrating species. I was really pleased to see this one, and on a lovely sunny day.
There were also some really good looking butterflies around this day, with some Clouded Yellow, and my first ever Dark Green Fritillary. It's a stunning butterfly. (see below)
You can come with me and see my travels here on my YouTube channel.
