Lake District

Just back from a weeks birding in South Lakes (3 lifers for the week) but wanted to put people on to a fab bit of woodland I have had so much success with finding woodland migrants.  Its White Moss Common from the car park there.  It lies between Rydal and Grasmere and is off the main road.  Within 20 metres either side of the foot bridge that crosses the River Rothay I had Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, Garden Warbler and Wood Warbler plus the usual other woodland birds including Marsh Tit, Blackcap and Grey Wagtail.  The short walk out onto fells holds pipts and I heard a Cuckoo and there is Green Woodpecker in the woods too.

As ever with these things pick your times, I went twice and early-ish morning (before 11) and late afternoon (4pm) it has fewer people around so the birds are more forthcoming and there are 3 or four of each species in this small expanse.  Here's a few pictures.

I also got decent views of an Osprey and Red Kite at Esthwaite Water.  Two pair of Osprey are breeding there and use the lake to feed, although I didnt see that, I did get far better views of one perching on last years nest than I would have done at Bassenthwaite.  When the eggs have hatched and the adults are feeding regularly just sit outside at the cafe and you should see something.  Its the Esthwaite Water fishing place just out of the village.

I came across this Tawny Owl just perching.  I believe it may have been hunting as the previous night it had rained right through.

Finally a distant shot of a Marsh Harrier carrying food at Leighton Moss unfortunately the pass to the female couldn't be seen.