Whinchat male. Eastern Moors, Peak District, Derbyshire. DSC_9291.jpg
Always one of the highlights of the summer months to see these beautiful migrant chats. UK Whinchat numbers have fallen steadily since the late-1990s, likely due to habitat degradation. This species is on the UK Red List.
I haven't been able to get out much in the last 3 months, but I woke up early feeling OK on this day and decided to finally head out into the Peak in search of Redstarts and Whinchat.
My initial stop at Padley Gorge and the neighbouring moorland proved fruitless and I'd never seen the place so devoid of birds, so I embarked up a tour of locations for Whinchat. After failing to connect at two sites where I have seen or heard of their presence previously, I finally found a pair at my final location, where after a little patient waiting and stalking I managed to get some shots. The local moorland Red Deer stags also put in a visit. Redstarts will have to wait for another day.
Thank you for your faves and comments. All much appreciated.
Whinchat male. Eastern Moors, Peak District, Derbyshire. DSC_9291.jpg
Always one of the highlights of the summer months to see these beautiful migrant chats. UK Whinchat numbers have fallen steadily since the late-1990s, likely due to habitat degradation. This species is on the UK Red List.
I haven't been able to get out much in the last 3 months, but I woke up early feeling OK on this day and decided to finally head out into the Peak in search of Redstarts and Whinchat.
My initial stop at Padley Gorge and the neighbouring moorland proved fruitless and I'd never seen the place so devoid of birds, so I embarked up a tour of locations for Whinchat. After failing to connect at two sites where I have seen or heard of their presence previously, I finally found a pair at my final location, where after a little patient waiting and stalking I managed to get some shots. The local moorland Red Deer stags also put in a visit. Redstarts will have to wait for another day.
Thank you for your faves and comments. All much appreciated.