En-route to RSPB Leighton Moss this morning, we stopped briefly at Sizergh Castle in the hope of seeing a Hawfinch. On arrival, there were already several Hawfinch feeding in the castle grounds. While it was fantastic to see Hawfinch, a bird I had not seen previously, alas it was still fairly dark and all of my pics were shot at ISO3200, so not great quality.
Hawfinch:
From Sizergh Castle, we drove to RSPB Leighton Moss at Carnforth.
During our visit, I spotted fifteen bird species not as yet on my 2022 year list. While it was again fantastic to hear the booming sound of Bittern, alas we did not spot one of these very elusive birds. We also heard but failed to see a Cetti's Warbler.
I have included below a small selection of pics taken.
Marsh Tit:
Nuthatch:
Marsh Harrier:
Shoveller:
Pintail:
Mediterranean Gulls:
Avocet:
On our return from RSPB Leighton Moss, we took a small detour to ascend Grayrigg Forest.
Hill: Grayrigg Forest
Date: Sunday 20th March 2022
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 5km, Ascent: 230m
Time: 1Hr 25Mins
Route:
During the ascent we followed the fenceline up the slopes of Grayrigg Pike. Instead of following the fenceline we should have followed the track up the grassy slopes.
Following the fenceline up the lower slopes of Grayrigg Forest:
Once onto the track, progress up the hill became a bit more pleasant underfoot.
Following the track uphill:
Grayrigg Pike:
Grayrigg Forest provides good views across to the Howgills, a range of hills I ascended several years ago.
The Howgills from Grayrigg Pike:
It also provides a somewhat less appealing view down to the M6.
Looking down to the M6:
From Grayrigg Pike we progressed towards Grayrigg Forest passing through a gap in the wall en-route.
Through the gap in the wall:
Before long we arrived at the summit stopping briefly to take a few photographs before returning back to the car.
At the summit of Grayrigg Forest:
At the summit of Grayrigg Forest:
Definitely not the most exciting hill in Cumbria but good to tick-off another Sub2000ft Marilyn.