As it was a beautifully clear day and the sun was shining, Bev and I decided to have a drive out to the highpoint of Titterstone Clee Hill in Shropshire. Titterstone is about 20 miles away but on a clear day it affords great views across to the Welsh mountains. The drive out there is also very pleasant.
Before heading up to the summit we checked out Catherton Common on the lower slopes. It was pretty much devoid of birds except a ♀ Reed Bunting perched on the Gorse and a single Kestrel.
Next we checked out the viewpoint next to the quarry pool. Again it was birdless but the warmer weather had brought out 2 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.
On the wires along the lane up to the summit carpark were a handful of Meadow Pipits and a single Linnet. Just prior to the summit a ♂ and ♀ Stonechat were showing on the Gorse.
We then walked around the hill a wee way and sat and enjoyed the views. With such conditions and the time of year I was hoping for a passing Hen Harrier, Merlin or Red Kite. This never happened but there were a few raptors showing, the highlight being a rather stunning Peregrine that went through. Also noted were 4 Common Buzzard and a Kestrel. As ever with Titterstone the Ravens were very much in evidence. At one point we had 14 Ravens up kronking away and entertaining us with their acrobatic displays.
All in all it was a very enjoyable day out rounded off by a bag of chips from the Chippy at Clee Hill village...it doesn't get much better!
♀ Stonechat - 6th March 2012
♂ Stonechat - 6th March 2012
I`d love to see Ravens again, Jason. Been quite a few years since i`ve seen any.
ReplyDeleteNice sighting,especially getting a pair ..my last Stonechat was 12th Feb last year, so I would like another sooner rather than later, and preferably a male, ideally a pair !
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it doesn't get much bette Jason, what a very nice day it sounded. How lovely to get the Stonechats, I confess I have never seen one.
ReplyDeleteNice to see both sexes, Stonechat. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds a perfect day Jason with great weather, scenery and species seen.
ReplyDeleteRe-visiting the scene of the crime eh? Any Marsh Tits about?
ReplyDeleteLaurie -
Dean - I am suprised about Raven, do you not get them it South Yorkshire then mate?
ReplyDeleteMark - We will arrange a trip up Clee in April if you fancy it mate. I dont mind driving. There is a good chance of passage Ring Ouzel then too
Jan - It was really plaesant thanks. Up until 3 years ago I had 2 pairs of Stonechat overwintering on my patch. The harsh winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 really knocked there numbers. I havent even had a passage one at Shenstone for 2 years. This recent mild winter however should help numbers recover
Bob - I was pleased to see both. Cheers mate
Pam - It was a lovely day. The views were astounding.
Laurie - Ssssh don't mention the 'M' word!
Thats what I want here Jase, a nice pair of Stonechats :-)
ReplyDelete