Making the Most of Moorlands: Update

Close Encounters Sessions - 11th July 2017

Had a great day on the moor with Freya, Ruby and Jake on the 11th, looking for "Close Encounters" with the local wildlife. We started off by meeting a young Wood Mouse (named 'Wiggly-Bob by the girls) then caught some Minnows in the Esk before heading up to the Laverock Hide for some "Close Encounters of the Bird Kind". We met Cat up there who was busy ringing birds the feeding station and we watched as she processed Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Sparrow and Siskin among others.

After lunch we checked out the pond at the hide and encountered Palmate Newts and tadpoles before meeting slow worms and toads under the reptile refuges. We also saw four different types of butterfly - Ringlet (which Freya caught and released without harm), Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. On the way back we caught Grasshoppers and found a caterpillar (which will be ID'd soon). All in all a fantastic day with some fantastic song people!! - Rick and John

Ruby and a palmate newt

The girls get to grips with a grasshopper

'Wiggly-Bob'

A close encounter with a slug!

Jake, Ruby and Freya