May on the moor

May is proving to be a fantastic month on the moor, the weather is little unpredictable with rain showers never far away. The harriers are keeping us on our toes, some are settled but new birds keep appearing. Harrier, Merlin and Short eared Owls views have been fantastic, the high vole numbers this year mean the raptors are making the most of this food source.. fingers crossed the vole numbers stay high and we have a bumper year of young harriers, short eared owl and merlin.

 We have been enjoying some incredible views of Short Eared Owls - hunting, displaying and involved in territorial disputes..

Short Eared Owl (John Wright)

SEO (John Wright)

SEO (John Wright)

SEO (John Wright)



 

Male/Cock Red Grouse



Female/Hen Red Grouse

Whether it is a Hen Harrier, an Adder or a Red Grouse a first sighting is always special, especially when a pair pose so nicely for us to compare. The group of works experience students that joined me on the moor this morning saw not only Red Grouse but hen Harrier, Merlin, Buzzard, Curlew, Lapwing, Wheatear and Whinchat.. not bad for a first moorland visit.

 

Whinchat (Laurie Campbell)

Wheatear (Laurie Campbell)