15 Comments
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Tamsin Meaney's avatar

Lovely

Burhinus's avatar

Enjoyed the outing Gem as always. The Moors do look great at the moment ( if they are not black!)

So pleased you managed to not only see lots but also get some shots of the grouse.

Lewis Holmes's avatar

Lovely

Angie Dawn's avatar

Lovely photos Gem. I used to spend a lot of time walking in the Yorkshire Moors, and always loved heather time the most (I think this is the Moors and not the Dales?}. I was never lucky enough to see a grouse though!

Gem at Birdfolk's avatar

I thought it was the moors, but my maps app says Dales! It’s just north of Embsay/Skipton. I didn’t realise the heather would be in bloom, it was such a lovely surprise - and the grouse! My dad said he didn’t always spot them there, and we would be lucky to see them at a distance - I was so pleased!

Angie Dawn's avatar

Ah - that is definitely the Dales. With all the heather it looked more like the Moors!

So glad you had such a great walk :-)

Poppy @ The Wild Path's avatar

Such a lovely read Gem, and a beautiful wander amongst the bright heather ❤️ I’ve never explored the northern moors or seen a Grouse - your photos really show how lovely their feathers really are ☺️

It's been such an excellent year for butterfly variety. We’ve also spotted a couple of Clouded Yellows over the past few weeks - the first I’ve sighted in many years. We were treated to closest views of one last week as it came to rest for the evening on a low growing flower. It was a wonderful chance to really appreciate their beautiful colouring and patterns, as they usually fly by so quickly ❤️

Gem at Birdfolk's avatar

I spent a long time chasing one around Clophill nature reserve - that was my first one! Such beautiful little things. It’s no coincidence that my first year of being much more interested in butterflies is this year - they are everywhere!

Poppy @ The Wild Path's avatar

Butterflies are a fantastic thing to get into as they provide so much interest at a time of year when birds become a little scarcer and more timid ☺️ This year is definitely a perfect season to really get to know the beautiful butterflies to be found in the UK as there's been such a lot about ❤️

What's been your favourite butterfly spot of the year so far?

Peter Richardson's avatar

Your photos are fabulous, I especially love that Kestrel picture.

I've seen grouse in the Yorkshire moors. My parents live in the Nid valley and my dad volunteers with the Wildlife Trust up there and he's taken me to all sorts of places the names of which I've forgotten.

Gem at Birdfolk's avatar

It’s such a magical place. I felt like all my stress melted away as soon as I arrived - and what a wonderful place to volunteer!

Fiona Macleod-Chiarini's avatar

This sounds just lovely. And it’s somehow comforting that even people that do know what they’re looking at or for still sometimes struggle to get the binoculars/camera/app out in time! I really enjoy your walks and your writing, thank you for sharing.

Linda Clark's avatar

Its been a great year for clouded yellows in the North West this year. They’ve been spotted in Cheshire, on the Lancashire Coast and even in Greater Manchester. Very unusual this far north.

Bird Observer's avatar

I love that scenery and it’s special bird community. Always a pleasure to be there. :)

Gem at Birdfolk's avatar

I am already planning my next trip. It feels like the weight of the world is lifted when you look at those hillside scenes