Grasshopper Warbler

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.

Grasshopper Warbler

Dark Green Fritillary

Small Skipper

Red Kite

Stonechat

Grasshopper Warbler

I stopped recently at RSPB Geltsdale, which is in Cumbria, up near Carlisle. I have been a couple of times in the past and it is somewhere I like to stop off when in the area. It is a very nice peaceful place with rolling hills and meadows. Curlews, Willow Warblers and Sedge Warblers could all be heard as I got out of the car. Then there was the unmistakeable song of the Grasshopper Warbler. As it's name suggests, it mimics the sound of a grasshopper. It sounded close. Using the few trees nearby, I skirted round and found it on a fence post singing it's head off.  

My best ever views of this bird. Usually it is to be found (or heard) from within tall grass or bushes.

Grasshopper Warbler

I've not come across a Grasshopper Warbler for a few years now. Mainly due to me not visiting a very good site where they are guaranteed. So it was a really nice surprise when I heard one reeling on the Wirral a week or so ago.

A very secretive bird, they don't make it easy for you to see them, and it's usually just their song that you take with you as a memory.
A little different on this day, as this particular bird showed itself a few times in a bush. These pictures make it look like it was just sitting there and close up, but it really wasn't. It barely stopped flitting and these were a good distance away. Thank goodness for the long lens.