A gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition to the Lake District produced quite a few bits and pieces of note, with 2 Hawfinches, Osprey, 4 Wood Warblers, 5 Ring Ouzels (including a family party of a male, female and recently fledged juvenile), 2 Dippers, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, 20+ Grey Wagtails (including a couple of family parties), 30+ Ravens and 50+ Wheatears (including many juveniles) seen during about 80km of walking, all in suitable breeding habitat.
Other wildlife was also in abundance. At least 5 Golden-ringed Dragonflies were seen, a new species for me, while 2 Four-spotted Chasers over 600m above sea-level was more of a surprise. A Large-red Damselfly was also seen.
53 spikes of Heath-spotted Orchid were scattered through the area.
3 Red Squirrels were a joy to watch as they clambered through the oak tress, the first ones I have seen since my Scotland trip last year.
A Welsh Wave moth was a surprise at one of our campsites and a new species for me. Another new moth species for me was far more abundant, with at least 100+ Chimmeny Sweepers noted!
Butterflies were conspicous at times. A new species for me was a Mountain Ringlet just below the summit of Red Pike, although it was quickly blown away! At least 3 Dark-green Fritillaries were seen, as were a good collection of the commoner species, such as Small Heath (pictured below).
The trip did however cost me a British tick in the form of CASPIAN TERN (thanks for the text anyway Joe), which dad saw from the main observatory at Welney WWT before it flew north, although unfortunately I had his camera! However Ray R, who he was with, got some very nice pictures, so please visit his blog
