View allAll Photos Tagged DerwentEdge
A pop-up image of a male Red Grouse encountered on Derwent Moors recently. Unfortunately, the relative abundance of this species on some local moors is almost certainly at the expense of greater biodiversity, with the heather being subjected to a regular burning cycle and, presumably, a variety of techniques employed to control predators and other species considered undesirable to those that enjoy shooting grouse or making money from others that do. Hopefully one day we'll be able to enjoy seeing this species in the knowledge that it is only a small component part of a far more biodiverse upland habitat.
At this time of year there are always a few Wheatears on the local moors as they pass through on their way north to breed. This fine-looking male Wheatear was quite content for me to photograph it from close quarters yesterday evening, as it searched for small insects in patches of grass on the moorland edge (and as I lay flat on the wet grass and the sheep poo!) It was late in the evening and the Wheatear was mostly in shade, but its head caught the last light as it turned briefly towards the sun.
An image of a female Wheatear, taken yesterday evening, with the bird catching the last of the hazy light before the sun went below the nearby hills.
Not a very-detailed image of this Curlew. I decided to go for a rim-lighting effect because the sun was on the 'wrong' side of the subject. This was taken on moorland near Derwent Edge in Derbyshire. The fire--damaged heather that the Curlew is standing amongst gives away the fact that this area of moorland is, unfortunately, managed for grouse shooting.
A grouse pop-up image from a couple of weeks ago when the heather on the local moors was still in full bloom.
I encountered this Kestrel whilst walking on the moors this morning. By staying low and moving slowly, I was able to get close enough for this image.
It was another crisp morning yesterday. Before heading up onto the moors behind Derwent Edge, I took a quick trip to the far side of Ladybower Reservoir from where I took this image.
An image from a visit to Derwent Edge on the last day in August. The distinctive tor to the left of the frame is known as the Salt Cellar.
Derwent Moors, Derbyshire. Some experimentation in post-processing to accentuate the shadows and highlights.
I never see Wheatears on the moors around Sheffield in mid-summer but they pass through in good numbers in spring and late summer. This individual, which looked like it had fledged this year, was one of a few along Derwent Edge yesterday.
Grindle Barns above Ladybower Reservoir. The one on the right has been converted into a shelter for passing walkers.
A species that always looks at home amongst the heather. I found this male of the species by a small moorland pool on the moorland of the Upper Derwent Valley in Derbyshire. There were a few other Black Darters around the pool, including one female that was ovipositing around its peaty edges. All the time there was a Common Hawker patrolling the pool, chasing off any Black Darter that came into its orbit. It even harassed one into falling into the pool where it quickly became waterlogged.
The Salt Cellar
On the beautiful peaks of Derwent. An amazing end at sunset with just a 2 minute burst of light across the landscape capturing the heather in transition from Summer to Autumn.
The Hurkling Stones at sunrise on Derwent Edge. A very wild morning, the stones provided little protection from the winds.
Not that bloody Salt Cellar again? Yes! Sorry 😁 I loved these water worn gritstone bowls, which added a bit of pepper to go with my salt (cellar)! The light was pretty fab too.
Late sunshine backlighting what I believe to be one of summits of Crook Hill, Derbyshire. The sunlit slopes beyond are the sides of Edale. Image taken from Derwent Edge.
A stitch of three images taken from Derwent Edge looking across the Northern Arm of Ladybower Reservoir towards Edale and the plateau of Kinder Scout
I tried to get both the bird and Derwent Edge's Wheel Stones rock outcrop in the frame to show the rugged nature of the upland environment that these summer visitors breed in. It's easier said than done because Ring Ouzels rarely tolerate a close approach and the angles have to be just right. This was as good as I managed.
The Salt Cellar, Derwent Edge, Peak District, UK
© 2022 Paul Newcombe. Don't use without permission
I didn't intend to photograph the Salt Cellar this morning. But after my sunrise shoot I carried on along the path.
The light was too harsh initially but as the cloud built behind I think it worked out quite well.
Then a hasty retreat as the midges swarmed.
The magnificent Salt Cellar Boulder stands on Derwent Edge, high above Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District, Derbyshire.