Turtle Dove
We left Bempton under blue sky and sunshine, something we had not seen for several days, with persistent rain dominating. It was not to last though, arriving at the Mill Inn, Harwood Dale in a heavy downpour! The rain did not, however, deter our target bird, the Turtle Dove. We ordered coffee, delivered in cups and saucers on a matching tray, which we drank in the car listening to the quintessential sound of summer, rain on the roof and the purring of Turtle Doves! In all, four Turtle Doves were seen (first year tick of the evening).
Leaving the Mill, we headed into Harwood Dale Forest with a small group organised by Yorkshire Coast Nature (LINK) to look for Nightjars and Woodcocks. Both were seen as darkness fell, making another two year ticks! Tree Pipits were also seen with other common woodland birds.
At dusk, I couldn't resist taking this sunset
As darkness fell several Nightjars were seen in flight and their churrrrring call was heard all around us. A Nightjar was seen to fly close by us and settle in an area of darkness with no contrast. Hearing its call, I aimed my camera at the bushes and hoped for the best (I could not see the bird!). Under the circumstances, I was quite pleased with the following record images ( the ISO was 6400, I couldn't remember how to extend it further!).
No comments:
Post a Comment